CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (Amortized cost 2014: $12,428,133; 2013: $11,987,146)	$ 12,598,897	$ 11,986,327
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (Cost 2014: $614,174; 2013: $566,219)	744,760	701,987
Other investments, at fair value	1,044,492	1,045,810
Short-term investments, at fair value and amortized cost	100,166	46,212
Total investments	14,488,315	13,780,336
Cash and cash equivalents	1,044,026	923,326
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	145,377	64,550
Accrued interest receivable	91,278	97,132
Insurance and reinsurance premium balances receivable	2,422,983	1,688,957
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses	1,954,985	1,929,988
Deferred acquisition costs	623,573	456,122
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	337,608	330,261
Receivable for investments sold	366	1,199
Goodwill and intangible assets	90,025	89,528
Other assets	247,921	273,385
Total assets	21,446,457	19,634,784
Liabilities
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	9,805,988	9,582,140
Unearned premiums	3,411,108	2,683,849
Insurance and reinsurance balances payable	272,062	234,412
Senior notes	1,490,427	995,855
Payable for investments purchased	237,019	21,744
Other liabilities	221,348	248,822
Total liabilities	15,437,952	13,766,822
Shareholders' equity
Preferred shares	627,843	627,843
Common shares (2014: 175,315; 2013: 174,134 shares issued and 2014: 103,906; 2013: 109,485 shares outstanding)	2,189	2,174
Additional paid-in capital	2,261,084	2,240,125
Accumulated other comprehensive income	272,664	117,825
Retained earnings	5,331,199	5,062,706
Treasury shares, at cost (2014: 71,409; 2013: 64,649 shares)	(2,539,269)	(2,232,711)
Total shareholders' equity attributable to AXIS Capital	5,955,710	5,817,962
Noncontrolling interests	52,795	50,000
Total shareholders' equity	6,008,505	5,867,962
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 21,446,457	$ 19,634,784