CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 73,371	$ 202,259	$ 239,197	$ 350,729
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period	(72,041)	120,550	(77,228)	191,933
Adjustment for reclassification of net realized investment gains (losses) and OTTI losses recognized in net income	8,857	(33,929)	53,960	(43,543)
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, net of reclassification adjustment	(63,184)	86,621	(23,268)	148,390
Foreign currency translation adjustment	2,188	3,790	(9,225)	6,449
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(60,996)	90,411	(32,493)	154,839
Comprehensive income	12,375	292,670	206,704	505,568
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	(1,573)	0	(2,795)
Comprehensive income attributable to AXIS Capital	$ 12,375	$ 291,097	$ 206,704	$ 502,773