| Document and Entity Information | Dec. 03, 2019 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LTD |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001214816 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 3, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | D0 |
| Entity File Number | 001-31721 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0395986 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 92 Pitts Bay Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Pembroke |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Bermuda HM 08 |
| 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] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common shares, par value $0.0125 per share |
| Trading Symbol | AXS |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series D Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 5.50% Series D preferred shares |
| Trading Symbol | AXS PRD |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series E Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/100th interest in a 5.50% Series E preferred share |
| Trading Symbol | AXS PRE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
