v2.4.0.6

INVESTMENTS (DETAILS 7) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Mar. 31, 2009 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2009
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Total OTTI recognized in earnings |  | $ 15,861 | $ 17,932 | $ 337,435
Corporate Debt [Member] |  |  |  |
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Total OTTI recognized in earnings |  | 1,954 | 3,156 | 277,979
Agency RMBS [Member] |  |  |  |
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Total OTTI recognized in earnings |  | 0 | 0 | 345
CMBS [Member] |  |  |  |
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Total OTTI recognized in earnings |  | 0 | 413 | 10,843
Non-Agency RMBS [Member] |  |  |  |
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Total OTTI recognized in earnings |  | 717 | 4,715 | 24,249
ABS [Member] |  |  |  |
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Total OTTI recognized in earnings |  | 61 | 1,126 | 2,384
Municipals [Member] |  |  |  |
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Total OTTI recognized in earnings |  | 483 | 19 | 1,280
Fixed Maturities [Member] |  |  |  |
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Total OTTI recognized in earnings | 26,000 | 3,215 | 9,429 | 317,080
Equities [Member] |  |  |  |
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Total OTTI recognized in earnings |  | $ 12,646 | $ 8,503 | $ 20,355

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

X
- Definition The amount of other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses on equity securities, OTTI related to credit losses on debt securities, and OTTI losses on debt securities when the entity intends to sell the securities or it is more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the securities before recovery of its amortized cost basis. Additionally, this item includes OTTI losses recognized during the period on investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 16B -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 15C -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 15D -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration