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NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]  
Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block]
During November 2013, the Company formed AXIS Ventures Reinsurance Limited (Ventures Re), a Bermuda domiciled insurer. Ventures Re was formed to write reinsurance on a fully collateralized basis.

In conjunction with the formation of Ventures Re, third party investors purchased $50 million of non-voting redeemable preferred share capital issued by this entity. The preferred shares are redeemable at the sole discretion of Ventures Re's Board of Directors, and are expected to be redeemed on or before July 1, 2016.

Ventures Re is considered to be a variable interest entity. The Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary of Ventures Re as it has the power to direct, and has more than an insignificant economic interest in, the activities of this entity. Following this determination, Ventures Re was consolidated by the Company. Shareholders' equity attributable to Ventures Re's third party investors is recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements as noncontrolling interests.

At December 31, 2013, total assets of Ventures Re were $50 million, consisting of cash and cash equivalents. The assets of Ventures Re can only be used to settle its own liabilities, and there is no recourse to the Company for any liabilities incurred by this entity.