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RETIREMENT PLANS | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2011
RETIREMENT PLANS [Abstract] |
RETIREMENT PLANS [Text Block] | 14. RETIREMENT PLANS We provide defined contribution plans that are self directed to eligible employees through various plans sponsored by us. Generally, mutual funds are made available pursuant to which employees and we contribute a percentage of the employee's gross salary into the plan each month. For eligible U.S. employees, we provide a non-qualified deferred compensation plan that enables them to make salary contributions in excess of those permitted under the AXIS 401(k) Plan, to make additional employee contributions from their bonus payments, and to receive discretionary employer contributions. We also provide a supplemental executive retirement plan (“SER P”) to both the C hairman and the CEO. At December 31, 2011, the accumulated SERP obligations were $17 million (2010: $16 million) and b oth SERP s were fully funded. During 2011, our total pension expenses were $20 million (2010: $15 million and 2009: $13 million) for the above retirement benefits.

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