| Document and Entity Information Document and Entity Information | May 04, 2020 | Apr. 29, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | ||
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001214816 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LTD | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0395986 | |
| Entity File Number | 001-31721 | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | D0 | |
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Document Period End Date | May 4, 2020 | |
| 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 | |
| Common Stock | ||
| Document Information [Line Items] | ||
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE | |
| Trading Symbol | AXS | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common shares, par value $0.0125 per share | |
| Series E Preferred Stock | ||
| Document Information [Line Items] | ||
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE | |
| Trading Symbol | AXS PRE | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/100th interest in a 5.50% Series E preferred share |
