Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information Of Registrant (Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$ 75,031	$ 152,420	$ 141,921	$ 133,590	$ 97,801	$ 81,124	$ 78,829	$ 173,438	$ 502,962	$ 431,192	$ 532,718
Comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe									501,987	429,884	532,003
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income									502,962	431,192	532,718
Comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe									$ 502,962	$ 431,192	$ 532,718