SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY - BALANCE SHEETS, Additional Information (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Common shares, shares issued (in shares)	176,580	176,580
Common shares, shares outstanding (in shares)	83,586	83,161
Treasury shares (in shares)	92,994	93,419
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)	83,586	83,161
Treasury shares (in shares)	92,994	93,419