SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY - OPERATIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenues
Total revenues									$ 5,090,406	$ 4,591,595	$ 4,005,657
Expenses
Net income (loss)									43,021	(368,969)	513,368
Preferred share dividends									42,625	46,810	46,597
Loss on repurchase of preferred shares									0	0	1,309
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$ (198,448)	$ 43,439	$ 92,858	$ 62,546	$ (38,081)	$ (467,740)	$ 85,030	$ 5,014	396	(415,779)	465,462
Comprehensive income (loss)									(158,973)	(154,746)	579,992
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited
Revenues
Net investment income (1)									900	2,116	656
Total revenues									900	2,116	656
Expenses
General and administrative expenses									29,250	34,933	39,909
Total expenses									29,250	34,933	39,909
Income (loss) before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries									(28,350)	(32,817)	(39,253)
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries									71,371	(336,152)	552,621
Net income (loss)									43,021	(368,969)	513,368
Preferred share dividends									42,625	46,810	46,597
Loss on repurchase of preferred shares									0	0	1,309
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders									396	(415,779)	465,462
Comprehensive income (loss)									$ (158,973)	$ (154,746)	$ 579,992