SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY - OPERATIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues
Termination fee received									$ 0	$ 0	$ 280,000
Total revenues									4,591,595	4,005,657	4,130,309
Expenses
Net income (loss)									(368,969)	513,368	641,631
Preferred share dividends									46,810	46,597	40,069
Loss on repurchase of preferred shares									0	1,309	0
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$ (38,081)	$ (467,740)	$ 85,030	$ 5,014	$ 130,912	$ 176,644	$ 119,491	$ 38,417	(415,779)	465,462	601,562
Comprehensive income (loss)									(154,746)	579,992	498,740
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited
Revenues
Net investment income									2,116	656	1
Termination fee received									0	0	280,000
Total revenues									2,116	656	280,001
Expenses
General and administrative expenses									34,933	39,909	8,012
Total expenses									34,933	39,909	8,012
Income (loss) before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries									(32,817)	(39,253)	271,989
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries									(336,152)	552,621	369,642
Net income (loss)									(368,969)	513,368	641,631
Preferred share dividends									46,810	46,597	40,069
Loss on repurchase of preferred shares									0	1,309	0
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders									(415,779)	465,462	601,562
Comprehensive income (loss)									$ (154,746)	$ 579,992	$ 498,740