2.2.0.25truefalse04020 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Details)truefalseIn Thousandsfalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $FROM_Jan01_2010_TO_Dec31_2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0EPSDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $FROM_Jan01_2009_TO_Dec31_2009http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170EPSDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$3falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2008_TO_Dec31_2008http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]3false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse1282438900012824389falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1414309300014143093falsetruefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities4false0pre_ShortTermInvestmentsTradingSecuritiesAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantThis item represents short-term investments that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse4939700049397falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse137346000137346falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents short-term investments that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for short-term investments formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earningsNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseShort-term investments, trading securities5false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse10716760001071676falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse795539000795539falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities6false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse111374000111374falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse5624900056249falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets7false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse15429310001542931falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse18302950001830295falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed8false0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosureus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1559976700015599767falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1696252200016962522falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents investment securities as of the balance sheet date which may include marketable securities, derivative financial instruments, and investments accounted for under the equity method.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph a, f, g -Article 7 falsefalseInvestments Fair Value Disclosure9true0us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]10false0us-gaap_FairValueOptionChangesInFairValueGainLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse232384000232384falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse512807000512807falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-297394000-297394falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents, for each line item in the statement of financial position, the amounts of gains and losses from fair value changes included in earnings during the period and in which line in the income statement those gains and losses are reported. This item may also include amounts of gains and losses for other items measured at fair value, but for which the fair value option has not been elected (for instance, items required to be measured at fair value).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph a falsefalseChange in unrealized gain/loss12false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$5falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)13true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]14false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities15false0pre_ShortTermInvestmentsTradingSecuritiesAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantThis item represents short-term investments that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents short-term investments that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for short-term investments formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earningsNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseShort-term investments, trading securities16false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse10282630001028263falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse757436000757436falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities17false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2326200023262falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets18false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed19false0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosureus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse10515250001051525falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse757436000757436falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents investment securities as of the balance sheet date which may include marketable securities, derivative financial instruments, and investments accounted for under the equity method.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph a, f, g -Article 7 falsefalseInvestments Fair Value Disclosure22false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : US Government and agencies [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseUS Government and agencies [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | US Government and agencies [Member]23true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]24false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities25false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed28false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse7falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Non US sovereign government supranational and government related [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_NonUsSovereignGovernmentSupranationalAndGovernmentRelatedMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNon US sovereign government supranational and government related [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_NonUsSovereignGovernmentSupranationalAndGovernmentRelatedMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Non US sovereign government supranational and government related [Member]29true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]30false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities31false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed34false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse8falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Corporate [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseCorporate [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Corporate [Member]35true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]36false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities37false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed40false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse9falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Asset-backed securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseAsset-backed securities [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Asset-backed securities [Member]41true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]42false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities45false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse10falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Mortgage/asset-backed securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseMortgage/asset-backed securities [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Mortgage/asset-backed securities [Member]46true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]47false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed50false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse11falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseResidential mortgage-backed securities [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]51true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]52false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities55false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse12falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Other mortgage-backed securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOther mortgage-backed securities [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Other mortgage-backed securities [Member]56true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]57false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities60false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse13falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Consumer noncyclical [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_ConsumerNoncyclicalMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseConsumer noncyclical [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_ConsumerNoncyclicalMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Consumer noncyclical [Member]61true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]62false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse186016000186016falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities65false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse14falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Technology [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_TechnologyMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseTechnology [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_TechnologyMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Technology [Member]66true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]67false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse119214000119214falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities70false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse15falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Energy [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_EnergyMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseEnergy [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_EnergyMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Energy [Member]71true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]72false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse118372000118372falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities75false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse16falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Finance [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_FinanceMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFinance [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_FinanceMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Finance [Member]76true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]77false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse112309000112309falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities80false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse17falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Communications [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_CommunicationsMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseCommunications [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_CommunicationsMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Communications [Member]81true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]82false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse110982000110982falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities85false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse18falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Industrials [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_IndustrialsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseIndustrials [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_IndustrialsMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Industrials [Member]86true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]87false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse100572000100572falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities90false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse19falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Consumer cyclical [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_ConsumerCyclicalMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseConsumer cyclical [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_ConsumerCyclicalMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Consumer cyclical [Member]91true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]92false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse8159500081595falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities95false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse20falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Insurance [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_InsuranceMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseInsurance [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_InsuranceMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Insurance [Member]96true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]97false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse4861100048611falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities100false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse21falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Other equities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_OtherEquitiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOther equities [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_OtherEquitiesMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Other equities [Member]101true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]102false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse9022000090220falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities105false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse22falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Mutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_MutualFundsAndExchangeTradedFundsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseMutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_MutualFundsAndExchangeTradedFundsMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Mutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member]106true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]107false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse6037200060372falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities110false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse23falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_ForeignExchangeForwardMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseForeign exchange forward contracts [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]111true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]112false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets115false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse24falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Foreign currency option contracts [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_ForeignExchangeOptionMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseForeign currency option contracts [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ForeignExchangeOptionMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]116true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]117false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets120false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse25falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Futures contracts [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_FutureMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFutures contracts [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FutureMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Futures contracts [Member]121true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]122false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2263700022637falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets125false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse26falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Credit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_CreditDefaultSwapMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseCredit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Credit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member]126true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]127false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets130false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse27falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Credit default swaps (assumed risks) [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_CreditDefaultSwapsAssumedRisksMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseCredit default swaps (assumed risks) [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_CreditDefaultSwapsAssumedRisksMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Credit default swaps (assumed risks) [Member]131true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]132false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets135false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse28falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Insurance-linked securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_InsuranceLinkedSecuritiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseInsurance-linked securities [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_InsuranceLinkedSecuritiesMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Insurance-linked securities [Member]136true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]137false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse625000625falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets140false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse29falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Total return swaps [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_TotalReturnSwapMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseTotal return swaps [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Total return swaps [Member]141true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]142false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets145false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse30falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Interest rate swaps [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_InterestRateSwapMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseInterest rate swaps [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_InterestRateSwapMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Interest rate swaps [Member]146true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]147false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets150false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse31falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Other invested assets other [Member ] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_OtherInvestedAssetsOtherMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOther invested assets other [Member ]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_OtherInvestedAssetsOtherMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Other invested assets other [Member ]151true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]152false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets155false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse32falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Short-term investments [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_ShortTermInvestmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseShort-term investments [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Short-term investments [Member]156true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]157false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed160false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse33falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_OtherInvestedAssetsFundsHeldDirectlyManagedMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOther invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_OtherInvestedAssetsFundsHeldDirectlyManagedMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]161true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]162false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed165false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse34falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$35falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)166true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]167false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse1247885400012478854falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1394550000013945500falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities168false0pre_ShortTermInvestmentsTradingSecuritiesAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantThis item represents short-term investments that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse4939700049397falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse137346000137346falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents short-term investments that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for short-term investments formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earningsNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseShort-term investments, trading securities169false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities170false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse97880009788falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3979500039795falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets171false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse15099170001509917falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse17906760001790676falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed172false0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosureus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1404795600014047956falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1591331700015913317falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents investment securities as of the balance sheet date which may include marketable securities, derivative financial instruments, and investments accounted for under the equity method.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph a, f, g -Article 7 falsefalseInvestments Fair Value Disclosure175false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse36falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : US Government and agencies [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseUS Government and agencies [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | US Government and agencies [Member]176true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]177false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse917600000917600falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities178false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse288164000288164falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed181false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse37falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Non US sovereign government supranational and government related [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_NonUsSovereignGovernmentSupranationalAndGovernmentRelatedMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNon US sovereign government supranational and government related [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_NonUsSovereignGovernmentSupranationalAndGovernmentRelatedMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Non US sovereign government supranational and government related [Member]182true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]183false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse28191930002819193falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities184false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse384553000384553falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed187false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse38falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Corporate [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseCorporate [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Corporate [Member]188true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]189false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse60668650006066865falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities190false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse798587000798587falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed193false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse39falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Asset-backed securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseAsset-backed securities [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Asset-backed securities [Member]194true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]195false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse343518000343518falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities198false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse40falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Mortgage/asset-backed securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseMortgage/asset-backed securities [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Mortgage/asset-backed securities [Member]199true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]200false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed203false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse41falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseResidential mortgage-backed securities [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]204true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]205false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse23055250002305525falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities208false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse42falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Other mortgage-backed securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOther mortgage-backed securities [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Other mortgage-backed securities [Member]209true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]210false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse2615300026153falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities213false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse43falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Consumer noncyclical [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_ConsumerNoncyclicalMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseConsumer noncyclical [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_ConsumerNoncyclicalMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Consumer noncyclical [Member]214true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]215false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities218false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse44falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Technology [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_TechnologyMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseTechnology [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_TechnologyMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Technology [Member]219true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]220false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities223false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse45falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Energy [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_EnergyMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseEnergy [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_EnergyMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Energy [Member]224true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]225false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities228false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse46falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Finance [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_FinanceMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFinance [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_FinanceMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Finance [Member]229true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]230false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities233false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse47falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Communications [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_CommunicationsMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseCommunications [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_CommunicationsMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Communications [Member]234true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]235false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities238false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse48falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Industrials [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_IndustrialsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseIndustrials [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_IndustrialsMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Industrials [Member]239true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]240false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities243false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse49falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Consumer cyclical [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_ConsumerCyclicalMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseConsumer cyclical [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_ConsumerCyclicalMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Consumer cyclical [Member]244true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]245false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities248false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse50falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Insurance [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_InsuranceMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseInsurance [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_InsuranceMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Insurance [Member]249true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]250false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities253false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse51falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Other equities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_OtherEquitiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOther equities [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_OtherEquitiesMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Other equities [Member]254true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]255false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities258false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse52falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Mutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_MutualFundsAndExchangeTradedFundsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseMutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_MutualFundsAndExchangeTradedFundsMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Mutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member]259true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]260false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities263false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse53falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_ForeignExchangeForwardMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseForeign exchange forward contracts [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]264true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]265false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1423300014233falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets268false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse54falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Foreign currency option contracts [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_ForeignExchangeOptionMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseForeign currency option contracts [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ForeignExchangeOptionMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]269true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]270false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse35160003516falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets273false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse55falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Futures contracts [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_FutureMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFutures contracts [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FutureMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Futures contracts [Member]274true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]275false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets278false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse56falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Credit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_CreditDefaultSwapMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseCredit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Credit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member]279true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]280false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-2314000-2314falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets283false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse57falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Credit default swaps (assumed risks) [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_CreditDefaultSwapsAssumedRisksMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseCredit default swaps (assumed risks) [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_CreditDefaultSwapsAssumedRisksMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Credit default swaps (assumed risks) [Member]284true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]285false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse132000132falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets288false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse58falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Insurance-linked securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_InsuranceLinkedSecuritiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseInsurance-linked securities [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_InsuranceLinkedSecuritiesMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Insurance-linked securities [Member]289true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]290false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets293false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse59falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Total return swaps [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_TotalReturnSwapMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseTotal return swaps [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Total return swaps [Member]294true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]295false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse449000449falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets298false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse60falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Interest rate swaps [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_InterestRateSwapMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseInterest rate swaps [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_InterestRateSwapMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Interest rate swaps [Member]299true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]300false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-5787000-5787falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets303false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse61falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Other invested assets other [Member ] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_OtherInvestedAssetsOtherMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOther invested assets other [Member ]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_OtherInvestedAssetsOtherMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Other invested assets other [Member ]304true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]305false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-441000-441falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets308false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse62falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Short-term investments [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_ShortTermInvestmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseShort-term investments [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Short-term investments [Member]309true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]310false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse3861300038613falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed313false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse63falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_OtherInvestedAssetsFundsHeldDirectlyManagedMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOther invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_OtherInvestedAssetsFundsHeldDirectlyManagedMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]314true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]315false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed318false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse64falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$65falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)319true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]320false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse345535000345535falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse197593000197593falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities321false0pre_ShortTermInvestmentsTradingSecuritiesAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantThis item represents short-term investments that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents short-term investments that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for short-term investments formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earningsNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseShort-term investments, trading securities322false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse4341300043413falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3810300038103falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities323false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse7832400078324falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1645400016454falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets324false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse3301400033014falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3961900039619falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed325false0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosureus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse500286000500286falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse291769000291769falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents investment securities as of the balance sheet date which may include marketable securities, derivative financial instruments, and investments accounted for under the equity method.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph a, f, g -Article 7 falsefalseInvestments Fair Value Disclosure328false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse66falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : US Government and agencies [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseUS Government and agencies [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | US Government and agencies [Member]329true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]330false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse5512400055124falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities331false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse368000368falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed334false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse67falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Non US sovereign government supranational and government related [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_NonUsSovereignGovernmentSupranationalAndGovernmentRelatedMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNon US sovereign government supranational and government related [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_NonUsSovereignGovernmentSupranationalAndGovernmentRelatedMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Non US sovereign government supranational and government related [Member]335true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]336false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities337false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed340false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse68falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Corporate [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseCorporate [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Corporate [Member]341true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]342false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse7698200076982falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities343false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed346false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse69falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Asset-backed securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseAsset-backed securities [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Asset-backed securities [Member]347true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]348false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse213139000213139falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities351false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse70falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Mortgage/asset-backed securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseMortgage/asset-backed securities [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Mortgage/asset-backed securities [Member]352true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]353false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1211800012118falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed356false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse71falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseResidential mortgage-backed securities [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]357true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]358false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities361false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse72falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Other mortgage-backed securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOther mortgage-backed securities [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Other mortgage-backed securities [Member]362true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]363false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse290000290falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities366false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse73falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Consumer noncyclical [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_ConsumerNoncyclicalMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseConsumer noncyclical [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_ConsumerNoncyclicalMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Consumer noncyclical [Member]367true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]368false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities371false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse74falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Technology [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_TechnologyMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseTechnology [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_TechnologyMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Technology [Member]372true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]373false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities376false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse75falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Energy [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_EnergyMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseEnergy [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_EnergyMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Energy [Member]377true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]378false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities381false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse76falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Finance [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_FinanceMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFinance [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_FinanceMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Finance [Member]382true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]383false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse24860002486falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities386false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse77falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Communications [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_CommunicationsMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseCommunications [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_CommunicationsMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Communications [Member]387true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]388false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities391false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse78falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Industrials [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_IndustrialsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseIndustrials [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_IndustrialsMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Industrials [Member]392true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]393false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities396false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse79falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Consumer cyclical [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_ConsumerCyclicalMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseConsumer cyclical [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_ConsumerCyclicalMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Consumer cyclical [Member]397true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]398false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities401false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse80falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Insurance [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_InsuranceMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseInsurance [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_InsuranceMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Insurance [Member]402true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]403false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities406false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse81falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Other equities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_OtherEquitiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOther equities [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_OtherEquitiesMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Other equities [Member]407true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]408false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities411false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse82falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Mutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_MutualFundsAndExchangeTradedFundsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseMutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_MutualFundsAndExchangeTradedFundsMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Mutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member]412true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]413false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse4092700040927falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities416false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse83falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_ForeignExchangeForwardMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseForeign exchange forward contracts [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]417true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]418false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets421false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse84falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Foreign currency option contracts [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_ForeignExchangeOptionMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseForeign currency option contracts [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ForeignExchangeOptionMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]422true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]423false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets426false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse85falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Futures contracts [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_FutureMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFutures contracts [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FutureMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Futures contracts [Member]427true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]428false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets431false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse86falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Credit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_CreditDefaultSwapMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseCredit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Credit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member]432true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]433false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets436false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse87falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Credit default swaps (assumed risks) [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_CreditDefaultSwapsAssumedRisksMember_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseCredit default swaps (assumed risks) [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_CreditDefaultSwapsAssumedRisksMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Credit default swaps (assumed risks) [Member]437true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]438false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets441false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse88falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Insurance-linked securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_InsuranceLinkedSecuritiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseInsurance-linked securities [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_InsuranceLinkedSecuritiesMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Insurance-linked securities [Member]442true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]443false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-698000-698falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets446false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse89falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Total return swaps [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_TotalReturnSwapMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseTotal return swaps [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Total return swaps [Member]447true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]448false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-7256000-7256falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets451false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse90falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Interest rate swaps [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_InterestRateSwapMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseInterest rate swaps [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_InterestRateSwapMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Interest rate swaps [Member]452true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]453false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets456false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse91falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Other invested assets other [Member ] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_OtherInvestedAssetsOtherMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOther invested assets other [Member ]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_OtherInvestedAssetsOtherMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Other invested assets other [Member ]457true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]458false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse8627800086278falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets461false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse92falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Short-term investments [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_ShortTermInvestmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseShort-term investments [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Short-term investments [Member]462true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]463false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed466false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse93falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis} : Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) {pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_OtherInvestedAssetsFundsHeldDirectlyManagedMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3)pre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Memberpre_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOther invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_OtherInvestedAssetsFundsHeldDirectlyManagedMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSignificant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]467true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]468false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2052800020528falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed471false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse94falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : US Government and agencies [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseUS Government and agencies [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseUS Government and agencies [Member]472true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]473false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse972724000972724falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities474false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse288532000288532falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed477false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse95falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Non US sovereign government supranational and government related [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_NonUsSovereignGovernmentSupranationalAndGovernmentRelatedMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseNon US sovereign government supranational and government related [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_NonUsSovereignGovernmentSupranationalAndGovernmentRelatedMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseNon US sovereign government supranational and government related [Member]478true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]479false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse28191930002819193falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities480false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse384553000384553falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed483false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse96falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Corporate [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseCorporate [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseCorporate [Member]484true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]485false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse61438470006143847falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities486false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse798587000798587falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed489false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse97falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Asset-backed securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseAsset-backed securities [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAsset-backed securities [Member]490true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]491false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse556657000556657falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities494false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse98falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Mortgage/asset-backed securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_AssetBackedSecuritiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseMortgage/asset-backed securities [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseMortgage/asset-backed securities [Member]495true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]496false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1211800012118falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed499false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse99falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseResidential mortgage-backed securities [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseResidential mortgage-backed securities [Member]500true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]501false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse23055250002305525falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities504false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse100falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis} : Other mortgage-backed securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxis_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther mortgage-backed securities [Member]pre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMemberpre_MajorTypesOfFixedMaturitiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther mortgage-backed securities [Member]505true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]506false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse2644300026443falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities509false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse101falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Consumer noncyclical [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_ConsumerNoncyclicalMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseConsumer noncyclical [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_ConsumerNoncyclicalMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseConsumer noncyclical [Member]510true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]511false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse186016000186016falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities514false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse102falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Technology [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_TechnologyMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseTechnology [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_TechnologyMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseTechnology [Member]515true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]516false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse119214000119214falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities519false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse103falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Energy [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_EnergyMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseEnergy [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_EnergyMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseEnergy [Member]520true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]521false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse118372000118372falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities524false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse104falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Finance [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_FinanceMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseFinance [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_FinanceMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFinance [Member]525true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]526false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse114795000114795falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities529false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse105falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Communications [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_CommunicationsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseCommunications [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_CommunicationsMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseCommunications [Member]530true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]531false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse110982000110982falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities534false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse106falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Industrials [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_IndustrialsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseIndustrials [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_IndustrialsMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseIndustrials [Member]535true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]536false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse100572000100572falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities539false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse107falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Consumer cyclical [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_ConsumerCyclicalMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseConsumer cyclical [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_ConsumerCyclicalMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseConsumer cyclical [Member]540true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]541false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse8159500081595falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities544false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse108falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Insurance [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_InsuranceMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseInsurance [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_InsuranceMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseInsurance [Member]545true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]546false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse4861100048611falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities549false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse109falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Other equities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_OtherEquitiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther equities [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_OtherEquitiesMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther equities [Member]550true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]551false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse9022000090220falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities554false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse110falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis} : Mutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_MutualFundsAndExchangeTradedFundsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseMutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member]pre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_MutualFundsAndExchangeTradedFundsMemberpre_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseMutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member]555true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]556false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse101299000101299falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities559false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse111falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_ForeignExchangeForwardMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseForeign exchange forward contracts [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseForeign exchange forward contracts [Member]560true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]561false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1423300014233falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets564false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse112falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Foreign currency option contracts [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_ForeignExchangeOptionMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseForeign currency option contracts [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ForeignExchangeOptionMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseForeign currency option contracts [Member]565true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]566false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse35160003516falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets569false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse113falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Futures contracts [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_FutureMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseFutures contracts [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FutureMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFutures contracts [Member]570true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]571false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2263700022637falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets574false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse114falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Credit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_CreditDefaultSwapMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseCredit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseCredit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member]575true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]576false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-2314000-2314falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets579false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse115falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Credit default swaps (assumed risks) [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_CreditDefaultSwapsAssumedRisksMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseCredit default swaps (assumed risks) [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_CreditDefaultSwapsAssumedRisksMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseCredit default swaps (assumed risks) [Member]580true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]581false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse132000132falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets584false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse116falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Insurance-linked securities [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_InsuranceLinkedSecuritiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseInsurance-linked securities [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_InsuranceLinkedSecuritiesMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseInsurance-linked securities [Member]585true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]586false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-73000-73falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets589false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse117falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Total return swaps [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_TotalReturnSwapMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseTotal return swaps [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseTotal return swaps [Member]590true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]591false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-6807000-6807falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets594false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse118falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Interest rate swaps [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_InterestRateSwapMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseInterest rate swaps [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_InterestRateSwapMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseInterest rate swaps [Member]595true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]596false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-5787000-5787falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets599false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse119falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Other invested assets other [Member ] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_OtherInvestedAssetsOtherMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther invested assets other [Member ]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_OtherInvestedAssetsOtherMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets other [Member ]600true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]601false0pre_OtherInvestedAssetsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantOther invested assets carried at fair value.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse8583700085837falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther invested assets carried at fair value.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets604false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse120falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Short-term investments [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_ShortTermInvestmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseShort-term investments [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseShort-term investments [Member]605true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]606false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse3861300038613falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed609false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse121falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis} : Short-term investments [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2010_TO_Dec31_2010_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis_ShortTermInvestmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseShort-term investments [Member]us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMemberus-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$122falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis} : Short-term investments [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2009_TO_Dec31_2009_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis_ShortTermInvestmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseShort-term investments [Member]us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMemberus-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$123falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis} : Short-term investments [Member] 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2008_TO_Dec31_2008_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis_ShortTermInvestmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseShort-term investments [Member]us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMemberus-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseShort-term investments [Member]611true0us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]612false0us-gaap_FairValueOptionChangesInFairValueGainLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse-2234000-2234falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse20100002010falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse551000551falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents, for each line item in the statement of financial position, the amounts of gains and losses from fair value changes included in earnings during the period and in which line in the income statement those gains and losses are reported. This item may also include amounts of gains and losses for other items measured at fair value, but for which the fair value option has not been elected (for instance, items required to be measured at fair value).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph a falsefalseChange in unrealized gain/loss614false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse124falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis} : Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxis_OtherInvestedAssetsFundsHeldDirectlyManagedMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]pre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_OtherInvestedAssetsFundsHeldDirectlyManagedMemberpre_OtherInvestedAssetsByTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]615true0us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]616false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentsCarriedAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2052800020528falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of those investments held in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account that are carried at fair value, comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets. All changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed619false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse125falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis} : Fixed maturities [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2010_TO_Dec31_2010_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis_FixedMaturitiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseFixed maturities [Member]us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMemberus-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$126falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis} : Fixed maturities [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2009_TO_Dec31_2009_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis_FixedMaturitiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseFixed maturities [Member]us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMemberus-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$127falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis} : Fixed maturities [Member] 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2008_TO_Dec31_2008_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis_FixedMaturitiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseFixed maturities [Member]us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMemberus-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFixed maturities [Member]621true0us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]622false0us-gaap_FairValueOptionChangesInFairValueGainLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse144868000144868falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse320934000320934falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-150860000-150860falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents, for each line item in the statement of financial position, the amounts of gains and losses from fair value changes included in earnings during the period and in which line in the income statement those gains and losses are reported. This item may also include amounts of gains and losses for other items measured at fair value, but for which the fair value option has not been elected (for instance, items required to be measured at fair value).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph a falsefalseChange in unrealized gain/loss624false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse128falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis} : Other invested assets [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2010_TO_Dec31_2010_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis_OtherInvestedAssetsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseOther invested assets [Member]us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_OtherInvestedAssetsMemberus-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$129falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis} : Other invested assets [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2009_TO_Dec31_2009_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis_OtherInvestedAssetsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseOther invested assets [Member]us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_OtherInvestedAssetsMemberus-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$130falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis} : Other invested assets [Member] 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2008_TO_Dec31_2008_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis_OtherInvestedAssetsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseOther invested assets [Member]us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_OtherInvestedAssetsMemberus-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther invested assets [Member]626true0us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]627false0us-gaap_FairValueOptionChangesInFairValueGainLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse-1176000-1176falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse20530002053falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-2451000-2451falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents, for each line item in the statement of financial position, the amounts of gains and losses from fair value changes included in earnings during the period and in which line in the income statement those gains and losses are reported. This item may also include amounts of gains and losses for other items measured at fair value, but for which the fair value option has not been elected (for instance, items required to be measured at fair value).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph a falsefalseChange in unrealized gain/loss629false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse131falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis} : Equity securities [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2010_TO_Dec31_2010_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis_EquitySecuritiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseEquity securities [Member]us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMemberus-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$132falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis} : Equity securities [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2009_TO_Dec31_2009_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis_EquitySecuritiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseEquity securities [Member]us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMemberus-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$133falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis} : Equity securities [Member] 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2008_TO_Dec31_2008_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis_EquitySecuritiesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseEquity securities [Member]us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMemberus-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseEquity securities [Member]631true0us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]632false0us-gaap_FairValueOptionChangesInFairValueGainLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse6482500064825falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse185925000185925falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-144634000-144634falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents, for each line item in the statement of financial position, the amounts of gains and losses from fair value changes included in earnings during the period and in which line in the income statement those gains and losses are reported. This item may also include amounts of gains and losses for other items measured at fair value, but for which the fair value option has not been elected (for instance, items required to be measured at fair value).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph a falsefalseChange in unrealized gain/loss634false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse134falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis} : Funds Held - Directly Managed investment [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2010_TO_Dec31_2010_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseFunds Held - Directly Managed investment [Member]us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentMemberus-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$135falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis} : Funds Held - Directly Managed investment [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2009_TO_Dec31_2009_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseFunds Held - Directly Managed investment [Member]us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentMemberus-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$136falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis} : Funds Held - Directly Managed investment [Member] 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2008_TO_Dec31_2008_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxis_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseFunds Held - Directly Managed investment [Member]us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedInvestmentMemberus-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresByEligibleItemOrGroupAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds Held - Directly Managed investment [Member]636true0us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseFair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]637false0us-gaap_FairValueOptionChangesInFairValueGainLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse2610100026101falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse18850001885falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents, for each line item in the statement of financial position, the amounts of gains and losses from fair value changes included in earnings during the period and in which line in the income statement those gains and losses are reported. This item may also include amounts of gains and losses for other items measured at fair value, but for which the fair value option has not been elected (for instance, items required to be measured at fair value).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph a falsefalseChange in unrealized gain/loss639false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/disclosurefairvaluedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse137falsefalseUSDtruefalse{pre_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis} : FAS 159 [Member] 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2008_TO_Dec31_2008_pre_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_Fas159Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseFAS 159 [Member]pre_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipre_Fas159Memberpre_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFAS 159 [Member]642true0us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseNew Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]643false0us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssetsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse106000000106000falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle on retained earnings or other components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position as of the beginning of the earliest period presented.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 154 -Paragraph 2, 17, 18 falsefalseImpact of adopting fair value option for certain investments, net of tax3399Fair Value (Details) (USD $)ThousandsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue