SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY BALANCE SHEET (DETAILS 2) - shares shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Common shares, shares issued (in shares)	176,580	176,240
Common shares, shares outstanding (in shares)	86,441	96,066
Treasury shares (in shares)	90,139	80,174
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Common shares, shares issued (in shares)	176,580	176,240
Common shares, shares outstanding (in shares)	86,441	96,066
Treasury shares (in shares)	90,139	80,174