v2.4.0.6

SEGMENT INFORMATION (DETAILS 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2009
Revenues From External Customers By Geographic Location Of Subsidiary [Line Items] |  |  |
Gross premiums written | $ 4,096,153 | $ 3,750,536 | $ 3,587,295
Bermuda [Member] |  |  |
Revenues From External Customers By Geographic Location Of Subsidiary [Line Items] |  |  |
Gross premiums written | 822,237 | 822,530 | 802,577
Europe [Member] |  |  |
Revenues From External Customers By Geographic Location Of Subsidiary [Line Items] |  |  |
Gross premiums written | 1,493,692 | 1,203,091 | 1,057,427
United States [Member] |  |  |
Revenues From External Customers By Geographic Location Of Subsidiary [Line Items] |  |  |
Gross premiums written | $ 1,780,224 | $ 1,724,915 | $ 1,727,291

X
- Definition Total consideration paid and payable by direct policyholders for insurance contracts sold by the Entity during the period and premiums for all insurance assumed from other insurers, that is premiums ceded to the Entity by other insurers. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axs_PremiumsWrittenGross
Namespace Prefix: | axs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | axs_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersByGeographicLocationOfSubsidiaryLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | axs_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration