OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (DETAILS 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Reclassification out of accumulated comprehensive income into net income available to common shareholders [Line Items]
Other realized investment gains	$ 35,166	$ 21,362	$ 46,572	$ 66,738
OTTI losses	(1,905)	(5,127)	(2,690)	(6,025)
Income before income taxes	211,759	79,063	364,354	400,749
Income tax expense	(9,500)	4,662	(13,625)	(5,469)
Net income attributable to AXIS Capital	200,686	83,725	347,934	395,280
Unrealized appreciation on available for sale investments [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification out of accumulated comprehensive income into net income available to common shareholders [Line Items]
Other realized investment gains	42,164	10,824	59,018	48,976
OTTI losses	(1,905)	(5,127)	(2,690)	(6,025)
Income before income taxes	40,259	5,697	56,328	42,951
Income tax expense	(6,330)	(1,631)	(12,785)	(5,037)
Net income attributable to AXIS Capital	$ 33,929	$ 4,066	$ 43,543	$ 37,914