v2.4.0.8

DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (DETAILS) (Senior Notes [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Nov. 15, 2004 2004 AXIS Capital Holdings Limited Senior Notes [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 2004 AXIS Capital Holdings Limited Senior Notes [Member]	Mar. 23, 2010 2010 AXIS Capital Finance LLC Senior Notes [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 2010 AXIS Capital Finance LLC Senior Notes [Member]
Senior notes [Line Items]
Face amount					$ 500		$ 500
Interest rate					5.75%		5.875%
Issue price (percentage of face amount)				99.785%		99.624%
Net proceeds on issuance				496		495
Percentage ownership in subsidiary							100.00%
Interest Expense	$ 59	$ 59	$ 59

X

- Definition

Gross proceeds received on issue of the debt instrument, expressed as a percentage of the stated principal amount of the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	axs_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
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X

- Definition

The parent entity's ownership interest in the subsidiary, expressed as a percentage.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	axs_OwnershipPercentageByParent
Namespace Prefix:	axs_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

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-Section 55

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

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Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

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- Details

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Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount of the cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest expense for debt.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.8)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

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-Section 03

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Balance Type:	debit
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X

- Definition

The cash inflow from a borrowing with the highest claim on the assets of the entity in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

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-Section 45

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3255-108585

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