| Cover | Feb. 12, 2020 |
| Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 12, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-31721 |
| Entity Registrant Name | AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001214816 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0395986 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | D0 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 92 Pitts Bay Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Pembroke |
| Entity Address, Country | BM |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | HM 08 |
| City Area Code | 441 |
| Local Phone Number | 496-2600 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common shares, par value $0.0125 per share |
| Trading Symbol | AXS |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series E Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/100th interest in a 5.50% Series E preferred share |
| Trading Symbol | AXS PRE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
