SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY - BALANCE SHEETS, Additional Information (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Common shares, shares issued (in shares)	176,580	176,580
Common shares, shares outstanding (in shares)	83,161	86,441
Treasury shares (in shares)	93,419	90,139
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Common shares, shares issued (in shares)	176,580	176,580
Common shares, shares outstanding (in shares)	83,161	86,441
Treasury shares (in shares)	93,419	90,139