Partnerre (PREJF) 10-K 26 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 23, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document type	10-K
Document period end date	31-Dec-14
Amendment flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity registrant name	PARTNERRE LTD.
Entity central index key	911421
Entity current reporting status	Yes
Entity voluntary filers	No
Current fiscal year end date	-19
Entity filer category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity well known seasoned issuer	Yes
Entity public float			$5,429,403,326
Entity common stock shares outstanding		47,407,899

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2014, $13,489,633; 2013, $13,376,455)	$13,918,745	$13,593,303
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2014, $25,699; 2013, $13,543)	25,678	13,546
Equities, at fair value (cost: 2014, $843,429; 2013, $1,009,286)	1,056,514	1,221,053
Other invested assets	298,827	320,981
Total investments	15,299,764	15,148,883
Funds held – directly managed (cost: 2014, $600,379; 2013, $778,569)	608,853	785,768
Cash and cash equivalents	1,313,468	1,496,485
Accrued investment income	158,737	185,717
Reinsurance balances receivable	2,454,850	2,465,713
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses	246,158	308,892
Funds held by reinsured companies	765,905	843,081
Deferred acquisition costs	661,186	644,952
Deposit assets	92,973	351,905
Net tax assets	6,876	14,133
Goodwill	456,380	456,380
Intangible assets	159,604	187,090
Other assets	45,603	149,296
Total assets	22,270,357	23,038,295
Liabilities
Unpaid losses and loss expenses	9,745,806	10,646,318
Policy benefits for life and annuity contracts	2,050,107	1,974,133
Unearned premiums	1,750,607	1,723,767
Other reinsurance balances payable	182,395	202,549
Deposit liabilities	70,325	328,588
Net tax liabilities	240,989	284,442
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other	304,728	291,350
Debt related to senior notes	750,000	750,000
Debt related to capital efficient notes	70,989	70,989
Total liabilities	15,165,946	16,272,136
Shareholders’ Equity
Common shares (par value $1.00; issued: 2014, 87,237,220 shares; 2013, 86,657,045 shares)	87,237	86,657
Preferred shares (par value $1.00; issued and outstanding: 2014 and 2013, 34,150,000 shares; aggregate liquidation value: 2014 and 2013, $853,750)	34,150	34,150
Additional paid-in capital	3,949,665	3,901,627
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-34,083	-12,238
Retained earnings	6,270,811	5,406,797
Common shares held in treasury, at cost (2014, 39,400,936 shares; 2013, 34,213,611 shares)	-3,258,870	-2,707,461
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	7,048,910	6,709,532
Noncontrolling interests	55,501	56,627
Total shareholders’ equity	7,104,411	6,766,159
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$22,270,357	$23,038,295

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	$13,489,633	$13,376,455
Short-term investments, amortized cost	25,699	13,543
Equities, cost	843,429	1,009,286
Funds held - directly managed, cost	600,379	778,569
Shareholders’ Equity
Common shares, par value	$1	$1
Common shares, shares issued	87,237,220	86,657,045
Preferred shares, par value	$1	$1
Number of preferred shares issued	34,150,000	34,150,000
Preferred shares, shares outstanding	34,150,000	34,150,000
Aggregate liquidation value	$853,750	$853,750
Common shares held in treasury, shares	39,400,936	34,213,611

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues
Gross premiums written									$5,932,003		$5,569,706		$4,718,235
Net premiums written	1,220,000	1,343,000	1,419,000	1,738,000	1,186,000	1,265,000	1,309,000	1,636,000	5,719,884		5,396,526		4,572,860
Increase in unearned premiums									-110,689		-198,316		-86,921
Net premiums earned	1,446,000	1,557,000	1,353,000	1,254,000	1,421,000	1,421,000	1,209,000	1,147,000	5,609,195		5,198,210		4,485,939
Net investment income	115,000	118,000	130,000	117,000	114,000	122,000	125,000	124,000	479,696		484,367		571,338
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)	98,000	-34,000	166,000	142,000	99,000	16,000	-299,000	23,000	371,796		-160,735		493,409
Other income	4,000	2,000	9,000	0	3,000	5,000	4,000	4,000	16,190		16,565		11,920
Total revenues	1,663,000	1,643,000	1,658,000	1,513,000	1,637,000	1,564,000	1,039,000	1,298,000	6,476,877		5,538,407		5,562,606
Expenses
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits	870,000	960,000	884,000	749,000	879,000	751,000	867,000	661,000	3,462,770		3,157,808		2,804,610
Acquisition costs	325,000	322,000	303,000	265,000	318,000	283,000	242,000	235,000	1,213,822		1,077,628		936,909
Other expenses	123,000	108,000	107,000	111,000	131,000	108,000	145,000	116,000	449,688		500,466		411,374
Interest expense	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	48,963		48,929		48,895
Amortization of intangible assets	6,000	7,000	7,000	7,000	6,000	7,000	7,000	7,000	27,486		27,180		31,799
Net foreign exchange (gains) losses	-7,000	-8,000	-2,000	0	8,000	1,000	11,000	-2,000	-18,201		18,203		175
Total expenses	1,329,000	1,401,000	1,311,000	1,144,000	1,354,000	1,162,000	1,284,000	1,029,000	5,184,528		4,830,214		4,233,762
Income before taxes and interest in earnings of equity method investments	334,000	242,000	347,000	369,000	283,000	402,000	-245,000	269,000	1,292,349		708,193		1,328,844
Income tax expense	53,000	46,000	78,000	62,000	11,000	70,000	-75,000	42,000	239,506		48,416		204,284
Interest in earnings of equity method investments	-1,000	5,000	5,000	6,000	4,000	6,000	-4,000	7,000	15,270		13,665		9,954
Net income	280,000	201,000	274,000	313,000	276,000	338,000	-174,000	234,000	1,068,113		673,442		1,134,514
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-3,000	-5,000	-2,000	-3,000	-4,000	-4,000	-1,000	0	-13,139		-9,434		0
Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	277,000	196,000	272,000	310,000	272,000	334,000	-175,000	234,000	1,054,974		664,008		1,134,514
Preferred dividends	14,000	14,000	14,000	14,000	14,000	14,000	15,000	15,000	56,735		57,861		61,622
Loss on redemption of preferred shares	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	9,000	0		9,135		0
Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders	263,000	182,000	258,000	296,000	258,000	320,000	-190,000	210,000	998,239		597,012		1,072,892
Comprehensive income
Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	277,000	196,000	272,000	310,000	272,000	334,000	-175,000	234,000	1,054,974		664,008		1,134,514
Change in currency translation adjustment									-8,892		-31,778		28,488
Change in unfunded pension obligation, net of tax									-12,067		9,861		-4,294
Change in unrealized losses on investments, net of tax									-886		-918		-953
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax									-21,845		-22,835		23,241
Comprehensive income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.									$1,033,129		$641,173		$1,157,755
Per share data attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.common shareholders
Basic net income	$5.39	$3.68	$5.13	$5.72	$4.86	$5.95	($3.37)	$3.60	$19.96		$10.78		$17.05
Diluted net income	$5.26	$3.60	$5.02	$5.61	$4.76	$5.84	($3.37)	$3.53	$19.51	[1]	$10.58	[1]	$16.87	[1]
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding									50,019,480		55,378,980		62,915,992
Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding									51,174,225		56,448,105		63,615,748
[1]	Where the exercise price of share based awards is greater than the average market price of the common shares, the common shares are considered anti-dilutive and are excluded from the calculation of weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding - diluted.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Shares [Member]	Preferred shares	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	Currency translation adjustment	Unfunded pension obligation	Unrealized gain on investments	Retained earnings	Common shares held in treasury	Noncontrolling interests
In Thousands
Balance at beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2011		$84,767	$35,750	$3,803,796	($12,644)	$4,267	($23,076)	$6,165	$4,035,103	($1,479,230)
Issuance of common shares		693		58,048
Issuance of preferred shares			0	0
Redemption of preferred shares			0	0
Change in currency translation adjustment	28,488					28,488
Change in unfunded pension obligation, net of tax	-4,294						-4,294
Change in unrealized losses on investments, net of tax	-953							-953
Net income	1,134,514								1,134,514
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0								0
Dividends on common shares									-155,993
Dividends on preferred shares	-61,622								-61,622
Loss on redemption of preferred shares	0								0
Repurchase of common shares	-532,927									-532,927
Noncontrolling interests											0
Total shareholders' equity	6,933,496
Balance at end of year at Dec. 31, 2012	6,933,496	85,460	35,750	3,861,844	10,597	32,755	-27,370	5,212	4,952,002	-2,012,157
Issuance of common shares		1,197		77,783
Issuance of preferred shares			10,000	231,265
Redemption of preferred shares			-11,600	-269,265
Change in currency translation adjustment	-31,778					-31,778
Change in unfunded pension obligation, net of tax	9,861						9,861
Change in unrealized losses on investments, net of tax	-918							-918
Net income	673,442								673,442
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-9,434								-9,434
Dividends on common shares									-142,217
Dividends on preferred shares	-57,861								-57,861
Loss on redemption of preferred shares	-9,135								-9,135
Repurchase of common shares	-695,304									-695,304
Noncontrolling interests	56,627										56,627
Total shareholders' equity	6,766,159
Balance at end of year at Dec. 31, 2013	6,709,532	86,657	34,150	3,901,627	-12,238	977	-17,509	4,294	5,406,797	-2,707,461
Balance at beginning of year at Sep. 30, 2013
Net income	276,000
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-4,000
Dividends on preferred shares	-14,000
Loss on redemption of preferred shares	0
Noncontrolling interests	56,627										56,627
Total shareholders' equity	6,766,159
Balance at end of year at Dec. 31, 2013	6,709,532	86,657	34,150	3,901,627	-12,238	977	-17,509	4,294	5,406,797	-2,707,461
Issuance of common shares		580		48,038
Issuance of preferred shares			0	0
Redemption of preferred shares			0	0
Change in currency translation adjustment	-8,892					-8,892
Change in unfunded pension obligation, net of tax	-12,067						-12,067
Change in unrealized losses on investments, net of tax	-886							-886
Net income	1,068,113								1,068,113
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-13,139								-13,139
Dividends on common shares									-134,225
Dividends on preferred shares	-56,735								-56,735
Loss on redemption of preferred shares	0								0
Repurchase of common shares	-551,409									-551,409
Noncontrolling interests	55,501										55,501
Total shareholders' equity	7,104,411
Balance at end of year at Dec. 31, 2014	7,048,910	87,237	34,150	3,949,665	-34,083	-7,915	-29,576	3,408	6,270,811	-3,258,870
Balance at beginning of year at Sep. 30, 2014
Net income	280,000
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-3,000
Dividends on preferred shares	-14,000
Loss on redemption of preferred shares	0
Noncontrolling interests	55,501										55,501
Total shareholders' equity	7,104,411
Balance at end of year at Dec. 31, 2014	$7,048,910				($34,083)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Unfunded pension obligation [Member]
Shareholders Equity Parentheticals
Balance at end of period, unfunded pension obligation, tax impact	$8,301,000	$5,029,000	$7,731,000
Unrealized gain on investments [Member]
Shareholders Equity Parentheticals
Balance at end of period, unrealized gain on investments, tax impact	$0	$0	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$1,068,113	$673,442	$1,134,514
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of net premium on investments	107,047	151,666	137,313
Amortization of intangible assets	27,486	27,180	31,799
Net realized and unrealized investment (gains) losses	-371,796	160,735	-493,409
Changes in:
Reinsurance balances, net	-142,268	-507,346	-102,009
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses, net of ceded premiums payable	46,857	45,422	31,730
Funds held by reinsured companies and funds held – directly managed	188,902	99,394	381,733
Deferred acquisition costs	-55,786	-72,956	-13,437
Net tax assets and liabilities	-10,951	-99,067	80,628
Unpaid losses and loss expenses including life policy benefits	-168,490	41,956	-634,736
Unearned premiums	110,689	198,316	86,921
Other net changes in operating assets and liabilities	52,796	108,525	52,246
Net cash provided by operating activities	852,599	827,267	693,293
Payments/ proceeds from trading securities [Line Items]
Redemptions of fixed maturities	696,301	1,167,483	1,000,181
Sales and redemptions of short-term investments	92,956	312,376	110,360
Purchases of short-term investments	-106,364	-176,339	-215,473
Consideration paid, related to the acquisition of Presidio, net of cash acquired	0	0	-9,242
Other, net	-58,840	-786	995
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-250,007	417,993	-219,538
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders	-190,960	-200,078	-217,615
Repurchase of common shares	-547,120	-715,421	-504,991
Issuance of common shares, net of taxes paid	16,785	51,111	34,323
(Distribution) sale of shares to noncontrolling interests	-14,265	47,193	0
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred shares	0	241,265	0
Repurchase of preferred shares	0	-290,000	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-735,560	-865,930	-688,283
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	-50,049	-4,550	-6,024
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-183,017	374,780	-220,552
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	1,496,485	1,121,705	1,342,257
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	1,313,468	1,496,485	1,121,705
Supplemental cash flow information:
Taxes paid	284,798	174,031	186,970
Interest paid	49,259	49,259	49,259
Fixed maturities
Payments/ proceeds from trading securities [Line Items]
Sales of fixed maturities and sales of equities	8,730,831	7,887,186	6,969,074
Purchases of fixed maturities and purchases of equities	-9,844,660	-8,872,874	-8,067,087
Equities
Payments/ proceeds from trading securities [Line Items]
Sales of fixed maturities and sales of equities	691,970	796,403	821,977
Purchases of fixed maturities and purchases of equities	($452,201)	($695,456)	($830,323)

Organization

Organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure - Organization [Abstract]
Organization	1. Organization
	PartnerRe Ltd. (PartnerRe or the Company) predominantly provides reinsurance and certain specialty insurance lines on a worldwide basis through its principal wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Partner Reinsurance Company Ltd. (PartnerRe Bermuda), Partner Reinsurance Europe SE (PartnerRe Europe), Partner Reinsurance Company of the U.S. (PartnerRe U.S.) and, effective April 1, 2015, Partner Reinsurance Asia Pte. Ltd. (PartnerRe Asia). Risks reinsured include, but are not limited to, property, casualty, motor, agriculture, aviation/space, catastrophe, credit/surety, engineering, energy, marine, specialty property, specialty casualty, multiline and other lines, mortality, longevity, accident and health and alternative risk products. The Company’s alternative risk products include weather and credit protection to financial, industrial and service companies on a worldwide basis.
	The Company was incorporated in August 1993 under the laws of Bermuda. The Company commenced operations in November 1993 upon completion of the sale of common shares and warrants pursuant to subscription agreements and an initial public offering.
	The Company completed the acquisition of SAFR (subsequently renamed PartnerRe SA and reinsurance business transferred into PartnerRe Europe) in 1997, the acquisition of the reinsurance operations of Winterthur Group (Winterthur Re) in 1998, and the acquisition of PARIS RE Holdings Limited (Paris Re) in 2009.
	Effective December 31, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of Presidio Reinsurance Group, Inc. (subsequently renamed and referred to herein as PartnerRe Health), a California-based U.S. specialty accident and health reinsurance and insurance writer. The Consolidated Statements of Operations and Cash Flows include PartnerRe Health’s results from January 1, 2013.
	In January 2015, the Company announced that PartnerRe Asia, a wholly owned subsidiary of PartnerRe Ltd., was licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to operate as a non-life and life reinsurer in Singapore. As of April 1, 2015, PartnerRe Asia will be the principal reinsurance carrier for the Company’s business underwritten in the Asia Pacific region. The establishment of PartnerRe Asia will enable the Company's Asian reinsurance operations to be consolidated into one regional, well-capitalized entity and supports its growing underwriting presence in the region.
	On January 25, 2015, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation (the Amalgamation Agreement) with Axis Capital Holdings Limited, a Bermuda exempted company (AXIS), pursuant to which the Company will amalgamate with AXIS (the Amalgamation) and the two companies will continue as a single Bermuda exempted company (Amalgamated Company). The Amalgamation has been approved by the Company's Board of Directors (Board) and is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals with respect to the Company and AXIS. See Note 23 for further details.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	2. Significant Accounting Policies
	The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. While Management believes that the amounts included in the Consolidated Financial Statements reflect its best estimates and assumptions, actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company’s principal estimates include:
	•	Unpaid losses and loss expenses;
	•	Policy benefits for life and annuity contracts;
	•	Gross and net premiums written and net premiums earned;
	•	Recoverability of deferred acquisition costs;
	•	Recoverability of deferred tax assets;
	•	Valuation of goodwill and intangible assets; and
	•	Valuation of certain assets and derivative financial instruments that are measured using significant unobservable inputs.
	The following are the Company’s significant accounting policies:
	(a) Premiums
	Gross premiums written and earned are based upon reports received from ceding companies, supplemented by the Company’s own estimates of premiums written and earned for which ceding company reports have not been received. The determination of premium estimates requires a review of the Company’s experience with cedants, familiarity with each market, an understanding of the characteristics of each line of business and Management’s assessment of the impact of various other factors on the volume of business written and ceded to the Company. Premium estimates are updated as new information is received from cedants and differences between such estimates and actual amounts are recorded in the period in which the estimates are changed or the actual amounts are determined. Net premiums written and earned are presented net of ceded premiums, which represent the cost of retrocessional protection purchased by the Company. Premiums are earned on a basis that is consistent with the risks covered under the terms of the reinsurance contracts, which is generally one to two years. For U.S. and European wind and certain other risks, premiums are earned commensurate with the seasonality of the underlying exposure. Reinstatement premiums are recognized as written and earned at the time a loss event occurs, where coverage limits for the remaining life of the contract are reinstated under pre-defined contract terms. The accrual of reinstatement premiums is based on Management’s estimate of losses and loss expenses associated with the loss event. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written which is applicable to the unexpired risks under contracts in force.
	Premiums related to individual life and annuity business are recorded over the premium-paying period on the underlying policies. Premiums on annuity and universal life contracts for which there is no significant mortality or critical illness risk are accounted for in a manner consistent with accounting for interest-bearing financial instruments and are not reported as revenues, but rather as direct deposits to the contract. Amounts assessed against annuity and universal life policyholders are recognized as revenue in the period assessed.
	(b) Losses and Loss Expenses and Life Policy Benefits
	The liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses includes amounts determined from loss reports on individual treaties (case reserves), additional case reserves when the Company’s loss estimate is higher than reported by the cedants (ACRs) and amounts for losses incurred but not yet reported to the Company (IBNR). Such reserves are estimated by Management based upon reports received from ceding companies, supplemented by the Company’s own actuarial estimates of reserves for which ceding company reports have not been received, and based on the Company’s own historical experience. To the extent that the Company’s own historical experience is inadequate for estimating reserves, such estimates may be determined based upon industry experience and Management’s judgment. The estimates are continually reviewed and the ultimate liability may be in excess of, or less than, the amounts provided. Any adjustments are reflected in the periods in which they are determined, which may affect the Company’s operating results in future periods.
	The liabilities for policy benefits for ordinary life and accident and health policies have been established based upon information reported by ceding companies, supplemented by the Company’s actuarial estimates of mortality, critical illness, persistency and future investment income, with appropriate provision to reflect uncertainty. Future policy benefit reserves for annuity and universal life contracts are carried at their accumulated values. Reserves for policy claims and benefits include both mortality and critical illness claims in the process of settlement, and claims that have been incurred but not yet reported.
	The Company purchases retrocessional contracts to reduce its exposure to risk of losses on reinsurance assumed. Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses involves actuarial estimates consistent with those used to establish the associated liabilities for unpaid losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits.
	(c) Deferred Acquisition Costs
	Acquisition costs, comprising only incremental brokerage fees, commissions and excise taxes, which vary directly with, and are related to, the acquisition of reinsurance contracts, are capitalized and charged to expense as the related premium is earned. All other acquisition related costs, including all indirect costs, are expensed as incurred.
	Acquisition costs related to individual life and annuity contracts are deferred and amortized over the premium-paying periods in proportion to anticipated premium income, allowing for lapses, terminations and anticipated investment income. Acquisition costs related to universal life and single premium annuity contracts for which there is no significant mortality or critical illness risk are deferred and amortized over the lives of the contracts as a percentage of the estimated gross profits expected to be realized on the contracts.
	Actual and anticipated losses and loss expenses, other costs and investment income related to underlying premiums are considered in determining the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs related to the Company’s Non-life business. Actual and anticipated loss experience, together with the present value of future gross premiums, the present value of future benefits, settlement and maintenance costs are considered in determining the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs related to the Company’s Life business.
	(d) Funds Held by Reinsured Companies (Cedants)
	The Company writes certain business on a funds held basis. Under such contractual arrangements, the cedant retains the premiums that would have otherwise been paid to the Company and the Company earns interest on these funds. With the exception of those arrangements discussed below, the Company generally earns investment income on the funds held balances based upon a predetermined interest rate, either fixed contractually at the inception of the contract or based upon a recognized index (e.g., LIBOR).
	In certain circumstances, the Company may receive an investment return based upon either the result of a pool of assets held by the cedant, generally used to collateralize the funds held balance, or the investment return earned by the cedant on its entire investment portfolio. In these arrangements, gross investment returns are typically reflected in net investment income with a corresponding increase or decrease (net of a spread) being recorded as life policy benefits in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. In these arrangements, the Company is exposed, to a limited extent, to the underlying credit risk of the pool of assets inasmuch as the underlying life policies may have guaranteed minimum returns. In such cases, an embedded derivative exists and its fair value is recorded by the Company as an increase or decrease to the funds held balance.
	(e) Deposit Assets and Liabilities
	In the normal course of its operations, the Company writes certain contracts that do not meet the risk transfer provisions of U.S. GAAP. While these contracts do not meet risk transfer provisions for accounting purposes, there is a remote possibility that the Company will suffer a loss. The Company accounts for these contracts using the deposit accounting method, originally recording deposit liabilities for an amount equivalent to the consideration received. The consideration to be retained by the Company, irrespective of the experience of the contracts, is earned over the expected settlement period of the contracts, with any unearned portion recorded as a component of deposit liabilities. Actuarial studies are used to estimate the final liabilities under these contracts and the appropriate accretion rates to increase or decrease the liabilities over the term of the contracts. The change for the period is recorded in other income or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Under some of these contracts, cedants retain the assets on a funds-held basis. In those cases, the Company records those assets as deposit assets and records the related income in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	(f) Investments
	The Company elects the fair value option for all of its fixed maturities, short-term investments, equities and certain other invested assets (excluding those that are accounted for using the cost or equity methods of accounting). All changes in the fair value of investments are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company defines fair value as the price received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company measures the fair value of financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers between the hierarchy levels at the beginning of the period. See Note 3 for additional information on fair value.
	Short-term investments comprise securities with a maturity greater than three months but less than one year from the date of purchase.
	Other invested assets consist primarily of investments in non-publicly traded companies, private placement equity and fixed maturity investments, derivative financial instruments and other specialty asset classes. Non-publicly traded entities in which the Company has an ownership of more than 20% and less than 50% of the voting shares, and limited partnerships in which the Company has more than a minor interest, are accounted for using either the equity method or the fair value option. The remaining other invested assets are recorded based on valuation techniques depending on the nature of the individual assets. The valuation techniques used by the Company are generally commensurate with standard valuation techniques for each asset class.
	Net investment income includes interest and dividend income, amortization of premiums and discounts on fixed maturities and short-term investments and investment income on funds held and funds held – directly managed, and is net of investment expenses and withholding taxes. Investment income is recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses on the disposal of investments are determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Investment purchases and sales are recorded on a trade-date basis.
	(g) Funds Held – Directly Managed
	The Company elects the fair value option for substantially all of the fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held – directly managed account. Accordingly, all changes in the fair value of the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held – directly managed account are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	(h) Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents are carried at fair value and include fixed income securities that, at purchase, have a maturity of three months or less.
	(i) Business Combinations
	The Company accounts for transactions in which it obtains control over one or more businesses using the acquisition method. The purchase price is allocated to identifiable assets and liabilities, including any intangible assets, based on their estimated fair value at the acquisition date. The estimates of fair values for assets and liabilities acquired are determined based on various market and income analyses and appraisals. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. All costs associated with an acquisition are expensed as incurred.
	(j) Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a business combination. The Company assesses the appropriateness of its valuation of goodwill on at least an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If, as a result of the assessment, the Company determines that the value of its goodwill is impaired, goodwill will be written down in the period in which the determination is made.
	(k) Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets represent the fair value adjustments related to unpaid losses and loss expenses and the fair values of renewal rights, customer relationships and U.S. licenses arising from acquisitions. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives. The Company recognizes the amortization of all definite-lived intangible assets in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization. The carrying values of indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for indicators of impairment on at least an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. Impairment is recognized if the carrying values of the intangible assets are not recoverable from their undiscounted cash flows and is measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value.
	(l) Income Taxes
	Certain subsidiaries and branches of the Company operate in jurisdictions where they are subject to taxation. Current and deferred income taxes are charged or credited to net income or, in certain cases, to accumulated other comprehensive income, based upon enacted tax laws and rates applicable in the relevant jurisdiction in the period in which the tax becomes accruable or realizable. Deferred income taxes are provided for all temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities used in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and those used in the various jurisdictional tax returns. When Management’s assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded against the deferred tax assets.
	The Company recognizes a tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions only where the position is more likely than not to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. A liability is recognized for any tax benefit (along with any interest and penalty, if applicable) claimed in a tax return in excess of the amount recognized in the financial statements under U.S. GAAP. Any changes in amounts recognized are recorded in the period in which they are determined.
	(m) Translation of Foreign Currencies
	The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The national currencies of the Company’s subsidiaries and branches are generally their functional currencies, except for the Company’s Bermuda subsidiaries and its Swiss subsidiaries and branch, whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar. In translating the financial statements of those subsidiaries or branches whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities are converted into U.S. dollars using the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet dates, and revenues and expenses are converted using the average foreign exchange rates for the period. The effect of translation adjustments are reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as currency translation adjustment, a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss.
	In recording foreign currency transactions, revenue and expense items are converted into the functional currency at the average rates of exchange for the period. Assets and liabilities originating in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet dates. The resulting foreign exchange gains or losses are included in net foreign exchange gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company also records realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on certain hedged items in net foreign exchange gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (see Note 2(n)).
	(n) Derivatives
	Derivatives Used in Hedging Activities
	The Company utilizes derivative financial instruments as part of its overall currency risk management strategy. The Company recognizes all derivative financial instruments, including embedded derivative instruments, as either assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measures those instruments at fair value. On the date the Company enters into a derivative contract, Management designates whether the derivative is to be used as a hedge of an identified underlying exposure (a designated hedge). The accounting for gains and losses associated with changes in the fair value of a derivative and the effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements depends on its hedge designation and whether the hedge is highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in the fair value of the asset or liability being hedged.
	The derivatives employed by the Company to hedge currency exposure related to fixed income securities and other reinsurance assets and liabilities are not designated as hedges, with the exception of any hedges of the Company’s net investment in certain subsidiaries and branches whose functional currencies are not the U.S. dollar. The changes in fair value of these derivatives not designated as hedges are recognized in net foreign exchange gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	As part of its overall strategy to manage its level of currency exposure, from time to time the Company uses forward foreign exchange derivatives to hedge or partially hedge the net investment in certain subsidiaries and branches whose functional currencies are not the U.S. dollar. These derivatives are designated as net investment hedges, and accordingly, the changes in fair value of the derivative and the hedged item related to foreign currency are recognized in currency translation adjustment in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company also uses, from time to time, interest rate derivatives to mitigate exposure to interest rate volatility.
	The Company formally documents all relationships between designated hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. In this documentation, the Company specifically identifies the asset or liability that has been designated as a hedged item and states how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the risks related to the hedged item. The Company formally measures effectiveness of its designated hedging relationships both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis. The Company assesses the effectiveness of its designated hedges using the period-to-period dollar offset method on an individual currency basis. If the ratio obtained with this method is within the range of 80% to 125%, the Company considers the hedge effective. The time value component of the designated net investment hedges is included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
	The Company will discontinue hedge accounting prospectively if it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of a hedged item. To the extent that the Company discontinues hedge accounting related to its net investment in subsidiaries and branches whose functional currencies are not the U.S. dollar, because, based on Management’s assessment, the derivative no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, the derivative will continue to be carried in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at its fair value, with changes in its fair value recognized in net foreign exchange gains and losses.
	Other Derivatives
	The Company’s investment strategy allows for the use of derivative instruments, subject to strict limitations. The Company utilizes various derivative instruments such as foreign exchange forward contracts, foreign currency option contracts, futures contracts, to-be-announced mortgage-backed securities (TBAs) and credit default swaps for the purpose of managing overall currency risk, market exposures and portfolio duration, for hedging certain investments, or for enhancing investment performance that would be allowed under the Company’s investment policy if implemented in other ways. These instruments are recorded at fair value as assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in fair value are included in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, except changes in the fair value of foreign currency option contracts and foreign exchange forward contracts which are included in net foreign exchange gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Margin balances required by counterparties, which are equal to a percentage of the total value of open futures contracts, are included in cash and cash equivalents.
	The Company enters from time to time into weather and longevity related transactions that are structured as derivatives, which are recorded at fair value with the changes in fair value reported in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The Company enters from time to time into total return and interest rate swaps. Margins related to these swaps are included in other income or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and any changes in the fair value of the swaps are included in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	(o) Treasury Shares
	Common shares repurchased by the Company and not canceled are classified as treasury shares, and are recorded at cost. This results in a reduction of shareholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. When shares are reissued from treasury, the Company uses the average cost method to determine the cost of the reissued shares. Gains on sales of treasury shares are credited to additional paid-in capital, while losses are charged to additional paid-in capital to the extent that previous net gains from sales of treasury shares are included therein, otherwise losses are charged to retained earnings.
	(p) Net Income or Loss per Common Share
	Diluted net income or loss per common share is defined as net income or loss attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding, calculated using the treasury stock method for all potentially dilutive securities. Net income or loss attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders is defined as net income or loss attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. less preferred share dividends. When the effect of dilutive securities would be anti-dilutive, these securities are excluded from the calculation of diluted net income or loss per share. Basic net income or loss per share is defined as net income or loss attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, giving no effect to dilutive securities.
(q) Share-Based Compensation
The Company currently uses six types of share-based compensation: share options, restricted shares (RS), restricted share units (RSUs), performance-based RSUs (PSUs), share-settled share appreciation rights (SSARs) and shares issued under the Company’s employee share purchase plans.
The majority of the Company’s share-based compensation awards qualify for equity classification. The fair value of the compensation cost is measured at the grant date and is expensed over the period for which the employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award. Awards of PSUs provide performance-based equity awards based on pre-established targets relating to certain performance measures achieved by the Company. The compensation expense for PSUs is initially based on the target performance measure at the time of award and is subject to periodic review and adjustment based on expected actual performance. Forfeiture benefits on all awards are estimated at the time of grant and incorporated in the determination of share-based compensation costs. Awards granted to employees who are eligible for retirement and do not have to provide additional services are expensed at the date of grant.
Those share-based compensation awards that do not meet the equity classification criteria are classified as liability awards. Liability-classified awards are recorded at fair value in the Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheets with changes in fair value relating to the vested portion of the award recorded within Other expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(r) Pensions
The Company recognizes an asset or a liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the funded status of its defined benefit plans that are overfunded or underfunded, respectively, measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the pension obligation and recognizes changes in the funded status of defined benefit plans in the year in which the changes occur as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax.
(s) Variable Interest Entities and Noncontrolling Interests
The Company is involved in the normal course of business with variable interest entities (VIEs) as a passive investor in certain limited partnerships, fixed maturity investments and asset-backed securities, that are issued by third party VIEs. The Company performs a qualitative assessment at the date when it becomes initially involved in the VIE followed by ongoing reassessments related to its involvement in VIEs. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the amounts invested in and advanced to the VIEs at December 31, 2014 that are reported within fixed maturities and other invested assets in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and any unfunded commitments.
The Company also has three indirect 100% owned subsidiaries, PartnerRe Finance A LLC, PartnerRe Finance B LLC and PartnerRe Finance II Inc., that are considered to be VIEs, which were utilized to issue the Company’s Senior Notes and Capital Efficient Notes (CENts). The Company determined that it was not the primary beneficiary of any of these VIEs at December 31, 2014. As a result, the Company has not consolidated PartnerRe Finance A LLC, PartnerRe Finance B LLC and PartnerRe Finance II Inc., and has reflected the debt issued by the Company related to the Senior Notes and CENts as liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 10). The interest on the debt related to the Senior Notes and CENts is reported as interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company has also formed a subsidiary with other third party investors, Lorenz Re Ltd. (Lorenz Re), that is considered to be a VIE. The Company determined that it is the primary beneficiary as it has the power to direct and has more than an insignificant economic interest in the activities of Lorenz Re. Lorenz Re is consolidated by the Company and all inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated. Net income or loss and shareholders’ equity attributable to Lorenz Re’s third party investors are recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements as noncontrolling interests (see Note 13).
(t) Segment Reporting
The Company monitors the performance of its operations in three segments, Non-life, Life and Health and Corporate and Other. The Non-life segment is further divided into four sub-segments: North America, Global (Non-U.S.) Property and Casualty (Global (Non-U.S.) P&C), Global Specialty and Catastrophe.
Segments and sub-segments represent markets that are reasonably homogeneous in terms of geography, client types, buying patterns, underlying risk patterns or approach to risk management.
(u) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued updated guidance on the accounting for investments in affordable housing projects that qualify for low-income housing tax credits by entities that manage or invest in such projects. The update modifies the conditions that an entity must meet to elect the effective yield or proportional amortization method to account for such investments. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosures.
In June 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance on the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosures.
In February 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance on the consolidation of voting interest entities and variable interest entities. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	3. Fair Value
	(a) Fair Value of Financial Instrument Assets
	The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value by maximizing the use of observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. The level in the hierarchy within which a given fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement.
	The Company determines the appropriate level in the hierarchy for each financial instrument that it measures at fair value. In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation approaches, including market, income and cost approaches. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the observability of inputs as follows:
	•	Level 1 inputs—Unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access.
	The Company’s financial instruments that it measures at fair value using Level 1 inputs generally include: equities and real estate investment trusts listed on a major exchange, exchange traded funds and exchange traded derivatives, including futures that are actively traded.
	•	Level 2 inputs—Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets and significant directly or indirectly observable inputs, other than quoted prices, used in industry accepted models.
	The Company’s financial instruments that it measures at fair value using Level 2 inputs generally include: U.S. government issued bonds; U.S. government sponsored enterprises bonds; U.S. state, territory and municipal entities bonds; non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related bonds consisting primarily of bonds issued by non-U.S. national governments and their agencies, non-U.S. regional governments and supranational organizations; investment grade and high yield corporate bonds; asset-backed securities; mortgage-backed securities; short-term investments; certain equities traded on foreign exchanges; certain fixed income mutual funds; foreign exchange forward contracts and over-the-counter derivatives such as foreign currency option contracts, credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and TBAs.
	•	Level 3 inputs—Unobservable inputs.
	The Company’s financial instruments that it measures at fair value using Level 3 inputs generally include: inactively traded fixed maturities including U.S. state, territory and municipal bonds; special purpose financing asset-backed bonds; unlisted equities; real estate and certain other mutual fund investments; inactively traded weather derivatives; notes and loan receivables, notes securitizations, annuities and residuals, private equities and longevity and other total return swaps.
	The Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value include investments and the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held – directly managed account (see Notes 4 and 5). At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value were classified between Levels 1, 2 and 3 as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	31-Dec-14		Quoted prices in				Significant				Significant				Total
			active markets for				other observable				unobservable
			identical assets				inputs				inputs
			(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	—			$	2,315,422			$	—			$	2,315,422
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities		—				380,875				149,728				530,603
	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related		—				1,976,202				—				1,976,202
	Corporate		—				5,604,160				—				5,604,160
	Asset-backed securities		—				681,502				449,918				1,131,420
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		—				2,306,476				—				2,306,476
	Other mortgage-backed securities		—				54,462				—				54,462
	Fixed maturities		$	—			$	13,319,099			$	599,646			$	13,918,745
	Short-term investments		$	—			$	25,678			$	—			$	25,678
	Equities
	Real estate investment trusts		$	213,770			$	—			$	—			$	213,770
	Insurance		140,916				4,521				—				145,437
	Energy		123,978				—				—				123,978
	Consumer noncyclical		100,134				—				—				100,134
	Finance		70,621				7,354				20,353				98,328
	Technology		52,707				—				8,555				61,262
	Communications		51,829				—				2,640				54,469
	Industrials		49,983				—				—				49,983
	Consumer cyclical		39,002				—				—				39,002
	Utilities		31,748				—				—				31,748
	Other		11,571				—				—				11,571
	Mutual funds and exchange traded funds		118,246				—				8,586				126,832
	Equities		$	1,004,505			$	11,875			$	40,134			$	1,056,514
	Other invested assets
	Derivative assets
	Foreign exchange forward contracts		$	—			$	20,033			$	—			$	20,033
	Futures contracts		846				—				—				846
	Insurance-linked securities		—				—				3				3
	Total return swaps		—				—				485				485
	TBAs		—				154				—				154
	Other
	Notes and loan receivables and notes securitization		—				—				44,817				44,817
	Annuities and residuals		—				—				13,243				13,243
	Private equities		—				—				59,872				59,872
	Derivative liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward contracts		—				(7,446		)		—				(7,446		)
	Foreign currency option contracts		—				(1,196		)		—				(1,196		)
	Futures contracts		(467		)		—				—				(467		)
	Insurance-linked securities		—				—				(339		)		(339		)
	Total return swaps		—				—				(2,007		)		(2,007		)
	Interest rate swaps		—				(16,282		)		—				(16,282		)
	TBAs		—				(240		)		—				(240		)
	Other invested assets		$	379			$	(4,977	)		$	116,074			$	111,476
	Funds held – directly managed
	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	—			$	153,483			$	—			$	153,483
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities		—				—				132				132
	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related		—				128,233				—				128,233
	Corporate		—				177,347				—				177,347
Other invested assets		—				—				13,398				13,398
Funds held – directly managed		$	—			$	459,063			$	13,530			$	472,593
Total		$	1,004,884			$	13,810,738			$	769,384			$	15,585,006
31-Dec-13		Quoted prices in				Significant other				Significant				Total
		active markets for				observable				unobservable
		identical assets				inputs				inputs
		(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
Fixed maturities
U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	—			$	1,623,859			$	—			$	1,623,859
U.S. states, territories and municipalities		—				16,207				108,380				124,587
Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related		—				2,353,699				—				2,353,699
Corporate		—				6,048,663				—				6,048,663
Asset-backed securities		—				691,654				446,577				1,138,231
Residential mortgage-backed securities		—				2,268,517				—				2,268,517
Other mortgage-backed securities		—				35,747				—				35,747
Fixed maturities		$	—			$	13,038,346			$	554,957			$	13,593,303
Short-term investments		$	—			$	13,546			$	—			$	13,546
Equities
Real estate investment trusts		$	175,796			$	—			$	—			$	175,796
Energy		159,509				—				—				159,509
Insurance		144,020				—				—				144,020
Finance		108,944				9,556				20,207				138,707
Consumer noncyclical		108,663				—				—				108,663
Communications		70,792				—				2,199				72,991
Technology		53,768				—				7,752				61,520
Industrials		47,677				—				—				47,677
Consumer cyclical		45,915				—				—				45,915
Utilities		37,151				—				—				37,151
Other		19,993				—				—				19,993
Mutual funds and exchange traded funds		61,902				139,322				7,887				209,111
Equities		$	1,034,130			$	148,878			$	38,045			$	1,221,053
Other invested assets
Derivative assets
Foreign exchange forward contracts		$	—			$	1,249			$	—			$	1,249
Futures contracts		41,031				—				—				41,031
Total return swaps		—				—				79				79
Interest rate swaps		—				2,147				—				2,147
TBAs		—				2				—				2
Other
Notes and loan receivables and notes securitization		—				—				41,446				41,446
Annuities and residuals		—				—				24,064				24,064
Private equities		—				—				39,131				39,131
Derivative liabilities
Foreign exchange forward contracts		—				(8,648		)		—				(8,648		)
Foreign currency option contracts		—				(535		)		—				(535		)
Credit default swaps (protection purchased)		—				(71		)		—				(71		)
Insurance-linked securities		—				—				(268		)		(268		)
Total return swaps		—				—				(599		)		(599		)
Interest rate swaps		—				(2,558		)		—				(2,558		)
TBAs		—				(1,331		)		—				(1,331		)
Other invested assets		$	41,031			$	(9,745	)		$	103,853			$	135,139
Funds held – directly managed
U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	—			$	157,296			$	—			$	157,296
U.S. states, territories and municipalities		—				—				286				286
Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related		—				137,186				—				137,186
Corporate		—				248,947				—				248,947
Short-term investments		—				2,426				—				2,426
Other invested assets		—				—				15,165				15,165
Funds held – directly managed		$	—			$	545,855			$	15,451			$	561,306
Total		$	1,075,161			$	13,736,880			$	712,306			$	15,524,347
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate carrying amounts of items included in Other invested assets that the Company did not measure at fair value were $187.3 million and $185.8 million, respectively, which related to the Company’s investments that are accounted for using the cost method of accounting or equity method of accounting.
In addition to the investments underlying the funds held – directly managed account held at fair value of $472.6 million and $561.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the funds held – directly managed account also included cash and cash equivalents, carried at fair value, of $42.3 million and $84.8 million, respectively, and accrued investment income of $5.7 million and $6.7 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate carrying amounts of items included in the funds held – directly managed account that the Company did not measure at fair value were $88.3 million and $133.0 million, respectively, which primarily related to other assets and liabilities held by Colisée Re related to the underlying business, which are carried at cost (see Note 5).
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, substantially all of the accrued investment income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the Company’s investments and the investments underlying the funds held – directly managed account for which the fair value option was elected.
During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2.
Disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments that the Company does not measure at fair value exclude insurance contracts and certain other financial instruments. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair values of financial instrument assets recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets not described above, approximate their carrying values.
The reconciliations of the beginning and ending balances for all financial instruments measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
For the year ended		Balance at				Realized and				Purchases				Settlements			Net		Balance			Change in
31-Dec-14		beginning				unrealized				and				and			transfers		at end of			unrealized
		of year				investment				issuances (1)				sales (2)			into/(out of)		year			investment gains (losses)
						gains (losses)											Level 3					relating to
						included in																assets held at
						net income																end of year
Fixed maturities
U.S. states, territories and municipalities		$	108,380			$	12,322			$	31,470			$	(2,444	)	$	—	$	149,728		$	12,315
Asset-backed securities		446,577				8,169				192,940				(197,768		)	—		449,918			8,616
Fixed maturities		$	554,957			$	20,491			$	224,410			$	(200,212	)	$	—	$	599,646		$	20,931
Equities
Finance		$	20,207			$	146			$	—			$	—		$	—	$	20,353		$	146
Technology		7,752				803				—				—			—		8,555			803
Communications		2,199				441				—				—			—		2,640			441
Other		—				—				8				(8		)	—		—			—
Mutual funds and exchange traded funds		7,887				699				—				—			—		8,586			699
Equities		$	38,045			$	2,089			$	8			$	(8	)	$	—	$	40,134		$	2,089
Other invested assets
Derivatives, net		$	(788	)		$	(759	)		$	(871	)		$	560		$	—	$	(1,858	)	$	(759	)
Notes and loan receivables and notes securitization		41,446				(372		)		35,988				(32,245		)	—		44,817			1,147
Annuities and residuals		24,064				(207		)		—				(10,614		)	—		13,243			(167		)
Private equities		39,131				(3,149		)		28,410				(4,520		)	—		59,872			(3,180		)
Other invested assets		$	103,853			$	(4,487	)		$	63,527			$	(46,819	)	$	—	$	116,074		$	(2,959	)
Funds held – directly managed
U.S. states, territories and municipalities		$	286			$	1			$	—			$	(155	)	$	—	$	132		$	13
Other invested assets		15,165				(2,102		)		781				(446		)	—		13,398			(2,102		)
Funds held – directly managed		$	15,451			$	(2,101	)		$	781			$	(601	)	$	—	$	13,530		$	(2,089	)
Total		$	712,306			$	15,992			$	288,726			$	(247,640	)	$	—	$	769,384		$	17,972
-1	Purchases and issuances of derivatives include issuances of $0.9 million.
-2	There were no sales for the year ended December 31, 2014.
For the year ended		Balance at				Realized and				Purchases				Settlements			Net		Balance			Change in
31-Dec-13		beginning				unrealized				and				and			transfers		at end of			unrealized
		of year				investment				issuances (1)				sales (2)			into/(out of)		year			investment
						(losses) gains											Level 3					gains (losses) relating to
						included in																assets held at
						net income																end of year
Fixed maturities
U.S. states, territories and municipalities		$	233,235			$	(4,440	)		$	103,860			$	(224,275	)	$	—	$	108,380		$	1,234
Corporate		100,904				(2,271		)		—				(98,633		)	—		—			—
Asset-backed securities		323,134				(1,339		)		301,477				(176,695		)	—		446,577			(9,018		)
Fixed maturities		$	657,273			$	(8,050	)		$	405,337			$	(499,603	)	$	—	$	554,957		$	(7,784	)
Equities
Finance		$	13,477			$	1,730			$	5,000			$	—		$	—	$	20,207		$	1,730
Communications		—				159				2,040				—			—		2,199			159
Technology		6,987				765				—				—			—		7,752			765
Mutual funds and exchange traded funds		7,264				623				—				—			—		7,887			623
Equities		$	27,728			$	3,277			$	7,040			$	—		$	—	$	38,045		$	3,277
Other invested assets
Derivatives, net		$	3,911			$	(6,136	)		$	121			$	1,316		$	—	$	(788	)	$	(69	)
Notes and loan receivables and notes securitization		34,902				936				15,732				(10,124		)	—		41,446			936
Annuities and residuals		46,882				1,107				—				(23,925		)	—		24,064			877
Private equities		1,404				(6,358		)		44,085				—			—		39,131			(6,358		)
Other invested assets		$	87,099			$	(10,451	)		$	59,938			$	(32,733	)	$	—	$	103,853		$	(4,614	)
Funds held – directly managed
U.S. states, territories and municipalities		$	345			$	(59	)		$	—			$	—		$	—	$	286		$	(59	)
Other invested assets		17,976				(2,054		)		—				(757		)	—		15,165			(990		)
Funds held – directly managed		$	18,321			$	(2,113	)		$	—			$	(757	)	$	—	$	15,451		$	(1,049	)
Total		$	790,421			$	(17,337	)		$	472,315			$	(533,093	)	$	—	$	712,306		$	(10,170	)
-1	Purchases and issuances of derivatives include issuances of $0.8 million.
-2	Settlements and sales of U.S. states, territories and municipalities, asset-backed securities, derivatives and annuities and residuals include sales of $223.7 million, $13.7 million, $1.2 million and $6.3 million, respectively.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of financial instruments measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (fair value in thousands of U.S. dollars):
31-Dec-14		Fair value				Valuation techniques		Unobservable inputs		Range
										(Weighted average)
Fixed maturities
U.S. states, territories and municipalities		$	149,728			Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		2.2% – 10.1% (4.6%)
Asset-backed securities – other		449,918				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		4.0% – 12.1% (7.1%)
Equities
Finance		14,561				Weighted market comparables		Net income multiple		19.0 (19.0)
								Tangible book value multiple		1.3 (1.3)
								Liquidity discount		25.0% (25.0%)
								Comparable return		7.3% (7.3%)
Finance		5,792				Profitability analysis		Projected return on equity		14.0% (14.0%)
Technology		8,555				Weighted market comparables		Revenue multiple		1.6 (1.6)
								Adjusted earnings multiple		10.2 (10.2)
Communications		2,640				Weighted market comparables		Adjusted earnings multiple		9.4 (9.4)
								Comparable return		-10.6% (-10.6%)
Other invested assets
Total return swaps		(1,522		)		Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		3.6% – 19.3% (16.3%)
Notes and loan receivables		8,068				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		12.6% (12.6%)
Notes and loan receivables		13,237				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		17.5% (17.5%)
								Gross revenue/fair value		1.5 – 1.7 (1.7)
Notes securitization		23,512				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		3.5% – 6.6% (6.4%)
Annuities and residuals		13,243				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		4.9% – 9.6% (7.8%)
								Prepayment speed		0% – 15.0% (4.3%)
								Constant default rate		0.3% – 17.5% (6.3%)
Private equity – direct		8,536				Discounted cash flow and weighted market comparables		Net income multiple		9.0 (9.0)
								Tangible book value multiple		2.0 (2.0)
								Recoverability of intangible assets		0% (0%)
Private equity funds		18,494				Reported market value		Net asset value, as reported		100.0% (100.0%)
								Market adjustments		-7.6% – 11.0% (-1.6%)
Private equity – other		32,842				Discounted cash flow		Effective yield		5.8% (5.8%)
Funds held – directly managed
Other invested assets		13,398				Reported market value		Net asset value, as reported		100.0% (100.0%)
								Market adjustments		-15.4% – 0% (-14.5%)
December 31, 2013		Fair value				Valuation techniques		Unobservable inputs		Range
										(Weighted average)
Fixed maturities
U.S. states, territories and municipalities		$	108,380			Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		2.9% – 9.9% (5.3%)
Asset-backed securities – interest only		21				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		5.5% – 10.7% (8.8%)
Asset-backed securities – other		446,556				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		4.0% – 12.2% (7.1%)
Equities
Finance		15,483				Weighted market comparables		Net income multiple		14.6 (14.6)
								Tangible book value multiple		1.1 (1.1)
								Liquidity discount		25.0% (25.0%)
								Comparable return		8.5% (8.5%)
Finance		4,724				Profitability analysis		Projected return on equity		14.0% (14.0%)
Communications		2,199				Weighted market comparables		Adjusted earnings multiple		9.4 (9.4)
								Comparable return		0% (0%)
Technology		7,752				Weighted market comparables		Revenue multiple		0.9 (0.9)
								Adjusted earnings multiple		4.4 (4.4)
Other invested assets
Total return swaps		(520		)		Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		2.8% – 18.9% (17.0%)
Notes and loan receivables		21,280				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		17.5% (17.5%)
								Gross revenue/fair value		1.5 (1.5)
Notes securitization		20,166				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		6.2% (6.2%)
Annuities and residuals		24,064				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		4.0% – 7.9% (5.8%)
								Prepayment speed		0% – 15.0% (6.4%)
								Constant default rate		0.3% – 35.0% (12.4%)
Private equity – direct		11,742				Discounted cash flow and weighted market comparables		Net income multiple		8.3 (8.3)
								Tangible book value multiple		1.6 (1.6)
								Recoverability of intangible assets		0% (0%)
Private equity funds		8,993				Reported market value		Net asset value, as reported		100.0% (100.0%)
								Market adjustments		1.8% – 9.8% (8.3%)
Private equity – other		18,396				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		3.8% (3.8%)
Funds held – directly managed
Other invested assets		15,165				Reported market value		Net asset value, as reported		100.0% (100.0%)
								Market adjustments		-22.9% – 0% (-15.5%)
The tables above do not include financial instruments that are measured using unobservable inputs (Level 3) where the unobservable inputs were obtained from external sources and used without adjustment. These financial instruments include mutual fund investments (included within equities) and certain derivatives.
The Company has established a Valuation Committee which is responsible for determining the Company’s invested asset valuation policy and related procedures, for reviewing significant changes in the fair value measurements of securities classified as Level 3 from period to period, and for reviewing in accordance with the invested asset valuation policy an independent internal peer analysis that is performed on the fair value measurements of significant securities that are classified as Level 3. The Valuation Committee is comprised of members of the Company’s senior management team and meets on a quarterly basis. The Company’s invested asset valuation policy is monitored by the Company’s Audit Committee of the Board and approved annually by the Company’s Risk and Finance Committee of the Board.
Changes in the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments subject to the fair value option during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	2014				2013				2012
Fixed maturities and short-term investments	$	228,781			$	(525,787	)		$	186,063
Equities	2,605				118,010				66,253
Other invested assets	(2,664		)		(6,970		)		18,732
Funds held – directly managed	1,382				(27,850		)		7,969
Total	$	230,104			$	(442,597	)		$	279,017
Substantially all of the above changes in fair value are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations under the caption Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses).
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of each class of financial instrument recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. There have been no material changes in the Company’s valuation techniques during the periods presented.
Fixed maturities
•	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises—U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises securities consist primarily of bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury and corporate debt securities issued by government sponsored enterprises and federally owned or established corporations. These securities are generally priced by independent pricing services. The independent pricing services may use actual transaction prices for securities that have been actively traded. For securities that have not been actively traded, each pricing source has its own proprietary method to determine the fair value, which may incorporate option adjusted spreads (OAS), interest rate data and market news. The Company generally classifies these securities in Level 2.
•	U.S. states, territories and municipalities—U.S. states, territories and municipalities securities consist primarily of bonds issued by U.S. states, territories and municipalities and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. These securities are generally priced by independent pricing services using the techniques described for U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises above. The Company generally classifies these securities in Level 2. Certain of the bonds that are issued by municipal housing authorities and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation are not actively traded and are priced based on internal models using unobservable inputs. Accordingly, the Company classifies these securities in Level 3. The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of these U.S. states, territories and municipalities securities classified as Level 3 is credit spreads. A significant increase (decrease) in credit spreads in isolation could result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
•	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related—Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related securities consist primarily of bonds issued by non-U.S. national governments and their agencies, non-U.S. regional governments and supranational organizations. These securities are generally priced by independent pricing services using the techniques described for U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises above. The Company generally classifies these securities in Level 2.
•	Corporate—Corporate securities consist primarily of bonds issued by U.S. and foreign corporations covering a variety of industries and issuing countries. These securities are generally priced by independent pricing services and brokers. The pricing provider incorporates information including credit spreads, interest rate data and market news into the valuation of each security. The Company generally classifies these securities in Level 2. When a corporate security is inactively traded or the valuation model uses unobservable inputs, the Company classifies the security in Level 3.
•	Asset-backed securities—Asset-backed securities primarily consist of bonds issued by U.S. and foreign corporations that are predominantly backed by student loans, automobile loans, credit card receivables, equipment leases, and special purpose financing. With the exception of special purpose financing, these asset-backed securities are generally priced by independent pricing services and brokers. The pricing provider applies dealer quotes and other available trade information, prepayment speeds, yield curves and credit spreads to the valuation. The Company generally classifies these securities in Level 2. Special purpose financing securities are generally inactively traded and are priced based on valuation models using unobservable inputs. The Company generally classifies these securities in Level 3. The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of these asset-backed securities classified as Level 3 is credit spreads. A significant increase (decrease) in credit spreads in isolation could result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
•	Residential mortgage-backed securities—Residential mortgage-backed securities primarily consist of bonds issued by the Government National Mortgage Association, the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, as well as private, non-agency issuers. These residential mortgage-backed securities are generally priced by independent pricing services and brokers. When current market trades are not available, the pricing provider or the Company will employ proprietary models with observable inputs including other trade information, prepayment speeds, yield curves and credit spreads. The Company generally classifies these securities in Level 2.
•	Other mortgage-backed securities—Other mortgage-backed securities primarily consist of commercial mortgage-backed securities. These securities are generally priced by independent pricing services and brokers. The pricing provider applies dealer quotes and other available trade information, prepayment speeds, yield curves and credit spreads to the valuation. The Company generally classifies these securities in Level 2.
In general, the methods employed by the independent pricing services to determine the fair value of the securities that have not been actively traded primarily involve the use of “matrix pricing” in which the independent pricing source applies the credit spread for a comparable security that has traded recently to the current yield curve to determine a reasonable fair value. The Company generally uses one pricing source per security and uses a pricing service ranking to consistently select the most appropriate pricing service in instances where it receives multiple quotes on the same security. When fair values are unavailable from these independent pricing sources, quotes are obtained directly from broker-dealers who are active in the corresponding markets. Most of the Company’s fixed maturities are priced from the pricing services or dealer quotes. The Company will typically not make adjustments to prices received from pricing services or dealer quotes; however, in instances where the quoted external price for a security uses significant unobservable inputs, the Company will classify that security as Level 3. The methods used to develop and substantiate the unobservable inputs used are based on the Company’s valuation policy and are dependent upon the facts and circumstances surrounding the individual investments which are generally transaction specific. The Company’s inactively traded fixed maturities are classified as Level 3. For all fixed maturity investments, the bid price is used for estimating fair value.
To validate prices, the Company compares the fair value estimates to its knowledge of the current market and will investigate prices that it considers not to be representative of fair value. The Company also reviews an internally generated fixed maturity price validation report which converts prices received for fixed maturity investments from the independent pricing sources and from broker-dealers quotes and plots OAS and duration on a sector and rating basis. The OAS is calculated using established algorithms developed by an independent risk analytics platform vendor. The OAS on the fixed maturity price validation report are compared for securities in a similar sector and having a similar rating, and outliers are identified and investigated for price reasonableness. In addition, the Company completes quantitative analyses to compare the performance of each fixed maturity investment portfolio to the performance of an appropriate benchmark, with significant differences identified and investigated.
Short-term investments
Short-term investments are valued in a manner similar to the Company’s fixed maturity investments and are generally classified in Level 2.
Equities
Equity securities include U.S. and foreign common and preferred stocks, real estate investment trusts, mutual funds and exchange traded funds. Equities, real estate investment trusts and exchange traded funds are generally classified in Level 1 as the Company uses prices received from independent pricing sources based on quoted prices in active markets. Equities classified as Level 2 are generally mutual funds invested in fixed income securities, where the net asset value of the fund is provided on a daily basis, and common stocks traded in inactive markets. Equities classified as Level 3 are generally mutual funds invested in securities other than the common stock of publicly traded companies, where the net asset value is not provided on a daily basis, and inactively traded common stocks. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of inactively traded common stocks classified as Level 3 include market return information, weighted using management’s judgment, from comparable selected publicly traded companies in the same industry, in a similar region and of a similar size, including net income multiples, tangible book value multiples, comparable returns, revenue multiples, adjusted earnings multiples and projected return on equity ratios. Significant increases (decreases) in any of these inputs could result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Significant unobservable inputs used in measuring the fair value measurement of inactively traded common stocks also include a liquidity discount. A significant increase (decrease) in the liquidity discount could result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
To validate prices, the Company completes quantitative analyses to compare the performance of each equity investment portfolio to the performance of an appropriate benchmark, with significant differences identified and investigated.
Other invested assets
The Company’s exchange traded derivatives, such as futures, are generally classified as Level 1 as their fair values are quoted prices in active markets. The Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts, foreign currency option contracts, credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and TBAs are generally classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy and are priced by independent pricing services.
Included in the Company’s Level 3 classification, in general, are certain inactively traded weather derivatives, notes and loan receivables, notes securitizations, annuities and residuals, private equities and longevity and other total return swaps. For Level 3 instruments, the Company will generally (i) receive a price based on a manager’s or trustee’s valuation for the asset; (ii) develop an internal discounted cash flow model to measure fair value; or (iii) use market return information, adjusted if necessary and weighted using management’s judgment, from comparable selected publicly traded equity funds in a similar region and of a similar size. Where the Company receives prices from the manager or trustee, these prices are based on the manager’s or trustee’s estimate of fair value for the assets and are generally audited on an annual basis. Where the Company develops its own discounted cash flow models, the inputs will be specific to the asset in question, based on appropriate historical information, adjusted as necessary, and using appropriate discount rates. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of other invested assets classified as Level 3 include credit spreads, prepayment speeds, constant default rates, gross revenue to fair value ratios, net income multiples, effective yields, tangible book value multiples and other valuation ratios. Significant increases (decreases) in any of these inputs in isolation could result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of other invested assets classified as Level 3 also include an assessment of the recoverability of intangible assets and market return information, weighted using management’s judgment, from comparable selected publicly traded companies in the same industry, in a similar region and of a similar size. Significant increases (decreases) in these inputs in isolation could result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. As part of the Company’s modeling to determine the fair value of an investment, the Company considers counterparty credit risk as an input to the model, however, the majority of the Company’s counterparties are investment grade rated institutions and the failure of any one counterparty would not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
To validate prices, the Company will compare them to benchmarks, where appropriate, or to the business results generally within that asset class and specifically to those particular assets.
Funds held – directly managed
The segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held – directly managed account is comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments and other invested assets which are fair valued on a basis consistent with the methods described above. Substantially all fixed maturities and short-term investments within the funds held – directly managed account are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
The other invested assets within the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held – directly managed account, which are classified as Level 3 investments, are primarily real estate mutual fund investments carried at fair value. For the real estate mutual fund investments, the Company receives a price based on the real estate fund manager’s valuation for the asset and further adjusts the price, if necessary, based on appropriate current information on the real estate market. A significant increase (decrease) to the adjustment to the real estate fund manager’s valuation could result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
To validate prices within the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held – directly managed account, the Company utilizes the methods described above.
(b) Fair Value of Financial Instrument Liabilities
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair values of financial instrument liabilities recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate their carrying values, with the exception of the debt related to senior notes (Senior Notes) and the debt related to CENts.
The methods and assumptions used by the Company in estimating the fair value of each class of financial instrument liability recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for which the Company does not measure that instrument at fair value were as follows:
•	the fair value of the Senior Notes was calculated based on discounted cash flow models using observable market yields and contractual cash flows based on the aggregate principal amount outstanding of $250 million from PartnerRe Finance A LLC and $500 million from PartnerRe Finance B LLC at December 31, 2014 and 2013; and
•	the fair value of the CENts was calculated based on discounted cash flow models using observable market yields and contractual cash flows based on the aggregate principal amount outstanding of $63 million from PartnerRe Finance II Inc. at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
The carrying values and fair values of the Senior Notes and CENts at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	31-Dec-14								31-Dec-13
	Carrying Value				Fair Value				Carrying Value				Fair Value
Debt related to senior notes(1)	$	750,000			$	853,792			$	750,000			$	844,331
Debt related to CENts(2)	63,384				62,309				63,384				61,094
-1	PartnerRe Finance A LLC and PartnerRe Finance B LLC, the issuers of the Senior Notes, do not meet consolidation requirements under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the Company shows the related intercompany debt of $750 million in its Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
-2	PartnerRe Finance II Inc., the issuer of the CENts, does not meet consolidation requirements under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the Company shows the related intercompany debt of $71 million in its Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s debt related to the Senior Notes and CENts was classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Disclosures about the fair value of financial instrument liabilities exclude insurance contracts and certain other financial instruments.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]	4. Investments
	(a) Fixed Maturities, Short-Term Investments and Equities
	The cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value of investments classified as trading securities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	31-Dec-14		Cost (1)			Gross			Gross			Fair Value
						Unrealized			Unrealized
						Gains			Losses
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	2,308,264		$	13,350		$	(6,192	)	$	2,315,422
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities		511,228			21,058			(1,683		)	530,603
	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related		1,866,915			112,029			(2,742		)	1,976,202
	Corporate		5,363,006			263,349			(22,195		)	5,604,160
	Asset-backed securities		1,110,393			23,131			(2,104		)	1,131,420
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		2,276,200			56,875			(26,599		)	2,306,476
	Other mortgage-backed securities		53,627			1,487			(652		)	54,462
	Fixed maturities		$	13,489,633		$	491,279		$	(62,167	)	$	13,918,745
	Short-term investments		25,699			4			(25		)	25,678
	Equities		843,429			240,667			(27,582		)	1,056,514
	Total		$	14,358,761		$	731,950		$	(89,774	)	$	15,000,937
	31-Dec-13		Cost (1)			Gross			Gross			Fair Value
						Unrealized			Unrealized
						Gains			Losses
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	1,635,578		$	7,211		$	(18,930	)	$	1,623,859
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities		121,697			4,395			(1,505		)	124,587
	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related		2,295,608			67,453			(9,362		)	2,353,699
	Corporate		5,866,991			243,522			(61,850		)	6,048,663
	Asset-backed securities		1,126,812			15,232			(3,813		)	1,138,231
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		2,294,870			31,810			(58,163		)	2,268,517
	Other mortgage-backed securities		34,899			1,590			(742		)	35,747
	Fixed maturities		$	13,376,455		$	371,213		$	(154,365	)	$	13,593,303
	Short-term investments		13,543			4			(1		)	13,546
	Equities		1,009,286			250,288			(38,521		)	1,221,053
	Total		$	14,399,284		$	621,505		$	(192,887	)	$	14,827,902
	-1	Cost is amortized cost for fixed maturities and short-term investments and cost for equity securities.
	(b) Maturity Distribution of Fixed Maturities and Short-Term Investments
	The distribution of fixed maturities and short-term investments at December 31, 2014, by contractual maturity date, is shown below (in thousands of U.S. dollars). Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
			Cost			Fair Value
	One year or less		$	312,599		$	313,261
	More than one year through five years		5,042,314			5,168,357
	More than five years through ten years		3,592,725			3,719,234
	More than ten years		1,127,474			1,251,213
	Subtotal		$	10,075,112		$	10,452,065
	Mortgage/asset-backed securities		3,440,220			3,492,358
	Total		$	13,515,332		$	13,944,423
	(c) Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
	The components of the net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
			2014			2013			2012
	Net realized investment gains on fixed maturities and short-term investments		$	120,734		$	118,575		$	172,987
	Net realized investment gains on equities		98,733			75,217			72,155
	Net realized investment (losses) gains on other invested assets		(20,686		)	20,497			(16,691		)
	Change in net unrealized investment (losses) gains on other invested assets		(58,180		)	56,652			(9,568		)
	Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturities and short-term investments		228,781			(525,787		)	186,063
	Change in net unrealized investment gains on equities		2,605			118,010			66,253
	Net other realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains		(3,624		)	(2,107		)	5,843
	Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) on funds held – directly managed		3,433			(21,792		)	16,367
	Total net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)		$	371,796		$	(160,735	)	$	493,409
	(d) Net Investment Income
	The components of net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
			2014			2013			2012
	Fixed maturities		$	443,414		$	446,299		$	512,833
	Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents		868			1,886			2,905
	Equities		40,326			32,989			26,207
	Funds held and other		33,192			34,215			44,109
	Funds held – directly managed		13,841			20,502			29,031
Investment expenses		(51,945		)	(51,524		)	(43,747		)
Net investment income		$	479,696		$	484,367		$	571,338
Other than the funds held – directly managed account, the Company generally earns investment income on funds held by reinsured companies based upon a predetermined interest rate, either fixed contractually at the inception of the contract or based upon a recognized index (e.g., LIBOR). Interest rates ranged from 2.1% to 5.4% for the year ended December 31, 2014, from 1.8% to 4.3% for the year ended December 31, 2013 and from 2.0% to 5.0% for the year ended December 31, 2012. See Note 5 for additional information on the funds held – directly managed account.
(e) Pledged and Restricted Assets
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately $172.3 million and $200.6 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents and approximately $2,455.6 million and $2,477.8 million, respectively, of securities were deposited, pledged or held in escrow accounts in favor of ceding companies and other counterparties or government authorities to comply with reinsurance contract provisions and insurance laws.
The Company has agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to dispose of or hedge any of the common shares in an investment with a fair value of $120 million, which is included in equities. As of February 19, 2015, this restriction no longer exists.
(f) Net (Payable) Receivable for Securities Purchased/Sold
Included within Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014 and within Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 were amounts of gross receivable balances for securities sold and gross payable balances for securities purchased as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014			2013
Receivable for securities sold		$	51,586		$	150,816
Payable for securities purchased		(63,779		)	(60,153		)
Net (payable) receivable for securities purchased/sold		$	(12,193	)	$	90,663

Funds_Held_Directly_Managed

Funds Held - Directly Managed	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure - Funds Held-Directly Managed [Abstract]
Funds Held - Directly Managed	5. Funds Held – Directly Managed
	Following Paris Re’s acquisition of substantially all of the reinsurance operations of Colisée Re (previously known as AXA RE), a subsidiary of AXA SA (AXA), in 2006, Paris Re and its subsidiaries entered into an issuance agreement and a quota share retrocession agreement to assume business written by Colisée Re from January 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007 as well as the in-force business at December 31, 2005. The agreements provided that the premium related to the transferred business was retained by Colisée Re and credited to a funds held account. The decrease from $561 million at December 31, 2013 to $473 million at December 31, 2014 in the fair value of the investment portfolio underlying the funds held – directly managed account was primarily related to the commutation of a portion of the Reserve Agreement with Colisée Re, the run-off of the underlying loss reserves associated with this account and, to a lesser extent, the impact of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against most major currencies.
	The assets underlying the funds held – directly managed account are maintained by Colisée Re in a segregated investment portfolio and managed by the Company. The segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held – directly managed account is carried at fair value. Realized and unrealized investment gains and losses and net investment income related to the underlying investment portfolio in the funds held – directly managed account inure to the benefit of the Company.
	(a) Fixed Maturities, Short-Term Investments, Other Invested Assets and Other Assets and Liabilities
	The cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value of investments underlying the funds held – directly managed account at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	31-Dec-14		Cost (1)			Gross			Gross			Fair Value
						Unrealized			Unrealized
						Gains			Losses
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	150,242		$	3,302		$	(61	)	$	153,483
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities		214			—			(82		)	132
	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related		119,732			8,536			(35		)	128,233
	Corporate		168,697			8,650			—			177,347
	Fixed maturities		$	438,885		$	20,488		$	(178	)	$	459,195
	Other invested assets		25,388			—			(11,837		)	13,551
	Total		$	464,273		$	20,488		$	(12,015	)	$	472,746
	31-Dec-13		Cost (1)			Gross			Gross			Fair Value
						Unrealized			Unrealized
						Gains			Losses
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	153,951		$	3,789		$	(444	)	$	157,296
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities		372			—			(86		)	286
	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related		131,488			6,708			(1,010		)	137,186
	Corporate		237,947			11,000			—			248,947
	Fixed maturities		$	523,758		$	21,497		$	(1,540	)	$	543,715
	Short-term investments		2,426			—			—			2,426
	Other invested assets		28,091			—			(12,787		)	15,304
	Total		$	554,275		$	21,497		$	(14,327	)	$	561,445
	-1	Cost is amortized cost for fixed maturities and short-term investments.
	In addition to the investments underlying the funds held – directly managed account in the above table at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were cash and cash equivalents of $42.3 million and $84.8 million, respectively, other assets and liabilities of $88.2 million and $132.9 million, respectively, and accrued investment income of $5.7 million and $6.7 million, respectively. The other assets and liabilities represent working capital assets held by Colisée Re related to the underlying business.
	(b) Maturity Distribution of Fixed Maturities
	The distribution of fixed maturities underlying the funds held – directly managed account at December 31, 2014, by contractual maturity date, is shown below (in thousands of U.S. dollars). Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
			Cost			Fair Value
	One year or less		$	75,985		$	76,822
	More than one year through five years		230,696			241,496
	More than five years through ten years		131,917			140,644
	More than ten years		287			233
	Total		$	438,885		$	459,195
	(c) Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
	The components of the net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) on the funds held – directly managed account for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
			2014			2013			2012
	Net realized investment gains on fixed maturities and short-term investments		$	1,959		$	6,021		$	8,405
	Net realized investment gains on other invested assets		53			19			—
	Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturities and short-term investments		1,938			(24,176		)	6,583
	Change in net unrealized investment (losses) gains on other invested assets		(517		)	(3,656		)	1,379
	Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) on funds held – directly managed		$	3,433		$	(21,792	)	$	16,367
	(d) Net Investment Income
	The components of net investment income underlying the funds held – directly managed account for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
			2014			2013			2012
	Fixed maturities		$	12,789		$	18,804		$	27,760
	Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents		59			1,246			1,046
	Other		1,760			1,287			1,647
	Investment expenses		(767		)	(835		)	(1,422		)
	Net investment income on funds held – directly managed		$	13,841		$	20,502		$	29,031

Derivatives

Derivatives	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	6. Derivatives
	The Company’s derivative instruments are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in either net foreign exchange gains and losses or net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations or accumulated other comprehensive income or loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, depending on the nature of the derivative instrument. The Company’s objectives for holding or issuing these derivatives are as follows:
	Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
	The Company utilizes foreign exchange forward contracts as part of its overall currency risk management and investment strategies. From time to time, the Company also utilizes foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge a portion of its net investment exposure resulting from the translation of its foreign subsidiaries and branches whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar.
	Foreign Currency Option Contracts and Futures Contracts
	The Company utilizes foreign currency option contracts to mitigate foreign currency risk. The Company uses exchange traded treasury note futures contracts to manage portfolio duration and equity futures to hedge certain investments.
	Credit Default Swaps
	The Company purchases protection through credit default swaps to mitigate the risk associated with its underwriting operations, most notably in the credit/surety line, and to manage market exposures.
	The Company also assumes credit risk through credit default swaps to replicate investment positions. The original term of these credit default swaps is generally five years or less and there are no recourse provisions associated with these swaps. The counterparties on the Company’s assumed credit default swaps are all investment grade rated financial institutions, however, the Company would be required to perform in the event of a default by the underlying issuer.
	Insurance-Linked Securities
	The Company enters into various weather derivatives and longevity total return swaps for which the underlying risks reference parametric weather risks for the weather derivatives and longevity risk for the longevity total return swaps.
	Total Return and Interest Rate Swaps and Interest Rate Derivatives
	The Company enters into total return swaps referencing various project, investments and principal finance obligations. The Company enters into interest rate swaps to mitigate the interest rate risk on certain of the total return swaps and certain fixed maturity investments. The Company also uses other interest rate derivatives to mitigate exposure to interest rate volatility.
	To-Be-Announced Mortgage-Backed Securities
	The Company utilizes TBAs as part of its overall investment strategy and to enhance investment performance.
	The net fair values and the related net notional values of derivatives included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
			Asset				Liability				Net derivatives
			derivatives				derivatives
	31-Dec-14		at fair value				at fair value				Net notional			Fair value
											exposure
	Foreign exchange forward contracts		$	20,033			$	(7,446	)		$	2,080,276		$	12,587
	Foreign currency option contracts		—				(1,196		)		43,380			(1,196		)
	Futures contracts		846				(467		)		2,348,735			379
	Insurance-linked securities (1)		3				(339		)		145,481			(336		)
	Total return swaps		485				(2,007		)		42,524			(1,522		)
	Interest rate swaps (2)		—				(16,282		)		201,160			(16,282		)
	TBAs		154				(240		)		235,105			(86		)
	Total derivatives		$	21,521			$	(27,977	)					$	(6,456	)
			Asset				Liability				Net derivatives
			derivatives				derivatives
	31-Dec-13		at fair value				at fair value				Net notional			Fair value
											exposure
	Foreign exchange forward contracts		$	1,249			$	(8,648	)		$	1,957,409		$	(7,399	)
	Foreign currency option contracts		—				(535		)		87,620			(535		)
	Futures contracts		41,031				—				3,266,004			41,031
	Credit default swaps (protection purchased)		—				(71		)		14,000			(71		)
	Insurance-linked securities (1)		—				(268		)		168,724			(268		)
	Total return swaps		79				(599		)		31,740			(520		)
	Interest rate swaps (2)		2,147				(2,558		)		202,859			(411		)
	TBAs		2				(1,331		)		183,835			(1,329		)
	Total derivatives		$	44,508			$	(14,010	)					$	30,498
	-1	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, insurance-linked securities include a longevity swap for which the notional amount is not reflective of the overall potential exposure of the swap. As such, the Company has included the probable maximum loss under the swap within the net notional exposure as an approximation of the notional amount.
	-2	The Company enters into interest rate swaps to mitigate notional exposures on certain total return swaps and certain fixed maturities. Only the notional value of interest rate swaps on fixed maturities is presented separately in the table.
	The fair value of all derivatives at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is recorded in Other invested assets in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, none of the Company’s derivatives were designated as hedges.
	The gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for derivatives for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014				2013				2012
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	39,399			$	(59,019	)		$	23,474
	Foreign currency option contracts	(810		)		(5,164		)		3,789
	Total included in net foreign exchange gains and losses	$	38,589			$	(64,183	)		$	27,263
	Futures contracts	$	(72,146	)		$	78,841			$	(31,757	)
	Credit default swaps (protection purchased)	(3		)		(134		)		(907		)
	Credit default swaps (assumed risks)	—				123				2,016
	Insurance-linked securities	230				(707		)		4,343
	Total return swaps	(1,002		)		(6,597		)		(749		)
	Interest rate swaps	(15,871		)		7,469				112
	TBAs	13,166				(8,808		)		7,045
	Total included in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses	$	(75,626	)		$	70,187			$	(19,897	)
	Total derivatives	$	(37,037	)		$	6,004			$	7,366
	Offsetting of Derivatives
	The gross and net fair values of derivatives that are subject to offsetting in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
							Gross				Net amounts of			Gross amounts not offset
							amounts				assets/liabilities			in the balance sheet
							offset in the				presented in the
	31-Dec-14		Gross				balance sheet				balance sheet			Financial			Cash collateral			Net amount
amounts											instruments			received/pledged
recognized (1)
Total derivative assets		$	21,521			$	—			$	21,521		$	(766	)	$	(8,536	)	$	12,219
Total derivative liabilities		$	(27,977	)		$	—			$	(27,977	)	$	766		$	14,858		$	(12,353	)
31-Dec-13
Total derivative assets		$	44,508			$	—			$	44,508		$	(2	)	$	—		$	44,506
Total derivative liabilities		$	(14,010	)		$	—			$	(14,010	)	$	2		$	4,341		$	(9,667	)
-1	Amounts include all derivative instruments, irrespective of whether there is a legally enforceable master netting arrangement in place.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets	7. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The Company’s goodwill related to the acquisitions of PartnerRe SA, Winterthur Re, Paris Re and PartnerRe Health and intangible assets related to the acquisitions of Paris Re and PartnerRe Health at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	2014		Goodwill		Definite-			Indefinite-		Total
					lived  intangible			lived  intangible		intangible  assets
					assets			asset
	Balance at January 1		$	456,380	$	179,740		$	7,350	$	187,090
	Intangible assets amortization		n/a		(27,486		)	n/a		(27,486		)
	Balance at December 31		$	456,380	$	152,254		$	7,350	$	159,604
	2013		Goodwill		Definite-			Indefinite-		Total
					lived  intangible			lived  intangible		intangible  assets
					assets			asset
	Balance at January 1		$	456,380	$	206,920		$	7,350	$	214,270
	Intangible assets amortization		n/a		(27,180		)	n/a		(27,180		)
	Balance at December 31		$	456,380	$	179,740		$	7,350	$	187,090
	n/a: Not applicable
	Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over a period ranging from eleven to thirteen years. The gross carrying value and accumulated amortization of intangible assets by type that are yet to be fully amortized at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
			31-Dec-14					31-Dec-13
			Gross  carrying		Accumulated			Gross  carrying		Accumulated
			value		amortization			value		amortization
	Definite-lived intangible assets:
	Unpaid losses and loss expenses		$	191,196	$	131,908		$	191,196	$	115,958
	Renewal rights		48,163		12,273			48,163		5,432
	Customer relationships		63,408		6,332			63,408		1,637
	Total definite-lived intangible assets		$	302,767	$	150,513		$	302,767	$	123,027
	Indefinite-lived intangible asset:
	U.S. insurance licenses		7,350		n/a			7,350		n/a
	Total intangible assets		$	310,117	$	150,513		$	310,117	$	123,027
	n/a: Not applicable
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the allocation of the goodwill to the Company’s segments and sub-segments was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		Amount
	Non-life segment:
	North America	$	82,026
	Global (Non-U.S.) P&C	149,895
	Global Specialty	179,641
	Catastrophe	26,014
	Life and Health segment	18,804
	Total goodwill	$	456,380
	The estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years related to the Company’s definite-lived intangible assets is as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	Year		Amount
	2015		$	26,593
	2016		25,919
	2017		22,818
	2018		21,247
	2019		18,153
	Total		$	114,730

Unpaid_Losses_and_Loss_Expense

Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses and Policy Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Abstract]
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims Disclosure [Text Block]	8. Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses and Policy Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts
	(a) Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses
	Unpaid losses and loss expenses are categorized into three types of reserves: case reserves, ACRs and IBNR reserves. Case reserves represent unpaid losses reported by the Company’s cedants and recorded by the Company. ACRs are established for particular circumstances where, on the basis of individual loss reports, the Company estimates that the particular loss or collection of losses covered by a treaty may be greater than those advised by the cedant. IBNR reserves represent a provision for claims that have been incurred but not yet reported to the Company, as well as future loss development on losses already reported, in excess of the case reserves and ACRs. The Company’s gross liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses reported by cedants (case reserves) and those estimated by the Company (ACRs and IBNR reserves) at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014			2013
	Case reserves	$	4,236,038		$	4,663,164
	ACRs	253,890			403,145
	IBNR reserves	5,255,878			5,580,009
	Total unpaid losses and loss expenses	$	9,745,806		$	10,646,318
	The reconciliation of the beginning and ending gross and net liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses, excluding policy benefits for life and annuity contracts, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014			2013			2012
	Gross liability at beginning of year	$	10,646,318		$	10,709,371		$	11,273,091
	Reinsurance recoverable at beginning of year	267,384			291,330			353,105
	Net liability at beginning of year	10,378,934			10,418,041			10,919,986
	Net incurred losses related to:
	Current year	3,122,981			3,118,755			2,785,694
	Prior years	(660,413		)	(721,499		)	(628,065		)
		2,462,568			2,397,256			2,157,629
	Change in Paris Re Reserve Agreement	(25,412		)	(49,544		)	(86,163		)
	Net paid losses related to:
	Current year	267,806			242,053			237,783
	Prior years	2,530,743			2,159,506			2,467,279
		2,798,549			2,401,559			2,705,062
	Effects of foreign exchange rate changes	(486,084		)	14,740			131,651
	Net liability at end of year	9,531,457			10,378,934			10,418,041
	Reinsurance recoverable at end of year	214,349			267,384			291,330
	Gross liability at end of year	$	9,745,806		$	10,646,318		$	10,709,371
	The reconciliation of losses and loss expenses including life policy benefits for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014			2013			2012
	Net incurred losses related to:
	Non-life	$	2,462,568		$	2,397,256		$	2,157,629
	Life and Health	1,000,202			760,552			646,981
	Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits	$	3,462,770		$	3,157,808		$	2,804,610
	The net favorable prior year loss development for each of the Company’s Non-life sub-segments for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014			2013			2012
	Net favorable prior year loss development:
	Non-life sub-segment
	North America	$	250,942		$	222,839		$	218,483
	Global (Non-U.S.) P&C	134,394			180,052			114,279
	Global Specialty	257,696			227,383			250,523
	Catastrophe	17,381			91,225			44,780
	Total net favorable prior year loss development	$	660,413		$	721,499		$	628,065
	For the Company’s North America sub-segment, the Company reported net favorable loss development for prior accident years in 2014, 2013 and 2012. The net favorable loss development for prior accident years in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was driven by most lines of business, with the casualty line being the most pronounced. The net favorable loss development in each year was primarily due to favorable loss emergence.
	For the Global (Non-U.S.) P&C sub-segment, the Company reported net favorable loss development for prior accident years in 2014, 2013 and 2012. The net favorable loss development for prior accident years in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was driven by all lines of business, with the property line being the most pronounced. The net favorable loss development in each year was primarily due to favorable loss emergence.
	For the Global Specialty sub-segment, the Company reported net favorable loss development for prior accident years in 2014, 2013 and 2012. The net favorable loss development for prior accident years in 2014 was driven by most lines of business, predominantly the marine, specialty property and aviation/space lines, while the credit/surety and engineering lines experienced combined adverse loss development for prior accident years of $26 million. The net favorable loss development for prior accident years in 2013 was driven by all lines of business, predominantly the aviation/space, marine and specialty property lines. The net favorable loss development for prior accident years in 2012 was driven by most lines of business, predominantly the specialty property, aviation/space and marine lines. The net favorable loss development in each year was primarily due to favorable loss emergence.
	For the Catastrophe sub-segment, the Company reported net favorable loss development for prior accident years in 2014, 2013 and 2012. The net favorable loss development in 2014 was primarily due to favorable loss emergence, partially offset by adverse development related to the earthquakes that occurred in New Zealand in 2010 and 2011 (see Note 8(c) for additional information on claims related to the New Zealand earthquakes). The net favorable loss development in 2013 and 2012 was primarily due to favorable loss emergence.
	(b) Paris Re Reserve Agreement
	Following Paris Re’s acquisition of substantially all of the reinsurance operations of Colisée Re in 2006, Paris Re’s French operating subsidiary (Paris Re France) entered into a reserve agreement (Reserve Agreement), which provides that AXA and Colisée Re shall guarantee reserves in respect of Paris Re France and subsidiaries acquired in the acquisition. The Reserve Agreement relates to losses incurred prior to December 31, 2005. Accordingly, the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations do not include any favorable or adverse development related to these guaranteed reserves. The reserve guarantee provided by AXA and Colisée Re is conditioned upon, among other things, the guaranteed business, including all related ceded reinsurance, being managed by AXA Liabilities Managers, an affiliate of Colisée Re.
	Favorable or adverse development related to the guaranteed reserves is recorded as a change in unpaid losses and loss expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and as a change in the Reserve Agreement payable or receivable balance to/from Colisée Re, which is included within the Funds held – directly managed account in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Accordingly, the reconciliation of the beginning and ending gross and net liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 includes the change in the Reserve Agreement. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s net liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses includes $575 million and $727 million, respectively, of guaranteed reserves, with the decrease from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014 being primarily related to the commutation of a portion of the Reserve Agreement with Colisée Re, the run-off of the underlying loss reserves associated with this account and, to a lesser extent, the impact of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against most major currencies.
	(c) Claims Related to Catastrophic Events
	A significant amount of judgment was used to estimate the range of potential losses related to the 2010 and the February and June 2011 New Zealand earthquakes (collectively, the New Zealand Earthquakes) and the Japan earthquake in 2011, and there remains a considerable degree of uncertainty related to the range of possible ultimate losses associated with these events and, in particular, the New Zealand Earthquakes. Loss estimates arising from earthquakes are inherently more uncertain than those from other catastrophic events and the Company believes the ultimate losses arising from the New Zealand Earthquakes may be materially in excess of, or less than, the amounts provided for in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014.
	The remaining significant risks and uncertainties related to the New Zealand Earthquakes include the ongoing cedant revisions of loss estimates for each of these events, the degree to which inflation impacts construction materials required to rebuild affected properties, the characteristics of the Company’s program participation for certain affected cedants and potentially affected cedants, and the expected length of the claims settlement period. In addition, there is further complexity related to the New Zealand Earthquakes given multiple earthquakes occurred in the same region in a relatively short period of time, resulting in cedants continuing to review and revise their allocation of losses between the various events and between different treaties, under which the Company may provide different amounts of coverage.
	(d) Asbestos and Environmental Claims
	The Company’s net reserves for unpaid losses and loss expenses at December 31, 2014 and 2013 included $189 million and $193 million, respectively, that represent estimates of its net ultimate liability for asbestos and environmental claims. The gross liability for such claims at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $201 million and $203 million, respectively, which primarily relate to Paris Re’s gross liability for asbestos and environmental claims for accident years 2005 and prior of $127 million and $123 million, respectively, with any favorable or adverse development being subject to the Reserve Agreement. Of the remaining $74 million and $80 million in gross reserves at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the majority relates to casualty exposures in the United States arising from business written by the French branch of PartnerRe Europe and PartnerRe U.S.
	Ultimate loss estimates for such claims cannot be estimated using traditional reserving techniques and there are significant uncertainties in estimating the amount of the Company’s potential losses for these claims. In view of the legal and tort environment that affect the development of such claims, the uncertainties inherent in estimating asbestos and environmental claims are not likely to be resolved in the near future. There can be no assurance that the reserves established by the Company will not be adversely affected by development of other latent exposures, and further, there can be no assurance that the reserves established by the Company will be adequate. The Company does, however, actively evaluate potential exposure to asbestos and environmental claims and establishes additional reserves as appropriate. The Company believes that it has made a reasonable provision for these exposures and is unaware of any specific issues that would materially affect its unpaid losses and loss expense reserves related to this exposure.
	(e) Policy Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts
	The Life and Health segment reported net favorable loss development for prior accident years of $19 million, $39 million and $14 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The net favorable prior year loss development of $19 million in 2014 was primarily related to the guaranteed minimum death benefit (GMDB) business, PartnerRe Health and certain short-term treaties in the mortality line of business.
	The net favorable prior year loss development of $39 million in 2013 was primarily related to the GMDB business and, to a lesser extent, certain short-term treaties in the mortality line of business. The net favorable development was primarily due to favorable claims experience, data updates received from cedants and improvements in the capital markets related to the GMDB business.
	The net favorable prior year loss development of $14 million in 2012 was primarily related to the GMDB business, mainly driven by improvements in the capital markets, and certain short-term treaties in the mortality line of business.
	The Company used interest rate assumptions to estimate its liabilities for policy benefits for life and annuity contracts which ranged from 0% to 6.8% and 0.1% to 6.8% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Reinsurance [Text Block]	9. Reinsurance
	(a) Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses
	The Company uses retrocessional agreements to reduce its exposure to risk of loss on reinsurance assumed. These agreements provide for recovery from retrocessionaires of a portion of losses and loss expenses. The Company remains liable to its cedants to the extent that the retrocessionaires do not meet their obligations under these agreements, and therefore the Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentration of credit risk on an ongoing basis. The Company actively manages its reinsurance exposures by generally selecting retrocessionaires having a credit rating of A- or higher. In certain cases where an otherwise suitable retrocessionaire has a credit rating lower than A-, the Company generally requires the posting of collateral, including escrow funds and letters of credit, as a condition to its entering into a retrocession agreement. The Company regularly reviews its reinsurance recoverable balances to estimate an allowance for uncollectible amounts based on quantitative and qualitative factors. The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance recoverable was $13 million and $15 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	(b) Ceded Reinsurance
	Net premiums written, net premiums earned and losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits are reported net of reinsurance in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Assumed, ceded and net amounts for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		Premiums		Premiums		Losses and  Loss
		Written		Earned		Expenses and Life
						Policy Benefits
	2014
	Assumed	$	5,932,003	$	5,824,398	$	3,503,060
	Ceded	212,119		215,203		40,290
	Net	$	5,719,884	$	5,609,195	$	3,462,770
	2013
	Assumed	$	5,569,706	$	5,373,866	$	3,207,860
	Ceded	173,180		175,656		50,052
	Net	$	5,396,526	$	5,198,210	$	3,157,808
	2012
	Assumed	$	4,718,235	$	4,640,949	$	2,838,117
	Ceded	145,375		155,010		33,507
	Net	$	4,572,860	$	4,485,939	$	2,804,610

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	10. Debt
	Senior Notes
	In March 2010, PartnerRe Finance B LLC (PartnerRe Finance B), an indirect 100% owned subsidiary of the parent company, issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.500% Senior Notes (2010 Senior Notes, or collectively with the 2008 Senior Notes defined below referred to as Senior Notes). The 2010 Senior Notes will mature on June 1, 2020 and may be redeemed at the option of the issuer, in whole or in part, at any time. Interest on the 2010 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually and commenced on June 1, 2010 at an annual fixed rate of 5.500%, and cannot be deferred.
	The 2010 Senior Notes are ranked as senior unsecured obligations of PartnerRe Finance B. The parent company has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all obligations of PartnerRe Finance B under the 2010 Senior Notes. The parent company’s obligations under this guarantee are senior and unsecured and rank equally with all other senior unsecured indebtedness of the parent company.
	Contemporaneously, PartnerRe U.S. Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the parent company, issued a 5.500% promissory note, with a principal amount of $500 million to PartnerRe Finance B. Under the terms of the promissory note, PartnerRe U.S. Holdings promises to pay to PartnerRe Finance B the principal amount on June 1, 2020, unless previously paid. Interest on the promissory note commenced on June 1, 2010 and is payable semi-annually at an annual fixed rate of 5.500%, and cannot be deferred.
	For each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company incurred interest expense and paid interest of $27.5 million in relation to the 2010 Senior Notes issued by PartnerRe Finance B.
	In May 2008, PartnerRe Finance A LLC (PartnerRe Finance A), an indirect 100% owned subsidiary of the parent company, issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes (2008 Senior Notes, or collectively with 2010 Senior Notes referred to as Senior Notes). The 2008 Senior Notes will mature on June 1, 2018 and may be redeemed at the option of the issuer, in whole or in part, at any time. Interest on the 2008 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually and commenced on December 1, 2008 at an annual fixed rate of 6.875%, and cannot be deferred.
	The 2008 Senior Notes are ranked as senior unsecured obligations of PartnerRe Finance A. The parent company has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all obligations of PartnerRe Finance A under the 2008 Senior Notes. The parent company’s obligations under this guarantee are senior and unsecured and rank equally with all other senior unsecured indebtedness of the parent company.
	Contemporaneously, PartnerRe U.S. Holdings issued a 6.875% promissory note, with a principal amount of $250 million to PartnerRe Finance A. Under the terms of the promissory note, PartnerRe U.S. Holdings promises to pay to PartnerRe Finance A the principal amount on June 1, 2018, unless previously paid. Interest on the promissory note is payable semi-annually and commenced on December 1, 2008 at an annual fixed rate of 6.875%, and cannot be deferred.
	For each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company incurred interest expense and paid interest of $17.2 million in relation to the 2008 Senior Notes issued by PartnerRe Finance A.
	Capital Efficient Notes (CENts)
	In November 2006, PartnerRe Finance II Inc. (PartnerRe Finance II), an indirect 100% owned subsidiary of the parent company, issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of 6.440% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated CENts. The CENts will mature on December 1, 2066 and may be redeemed at the option of the issuer, in whole or in part, after December 1, 2016 or earlier upon occurrence of specific rating agency or tax events. Interest on the CENts is payable semi-annually and commenced on June 1, 2007 through to December 1, 2016 at an annual fixed rate of 6.440% and will be payable quarterly thereafter until maturity at an annual rate of 3-month LIBOR plus a margin equal to 2.325%.
	PartnerRe Finance II may elect to defer one or more interest payments for up to ten years, although interest will continue to accrue and compound at the rate of interest applicable to the CENts. The CENts are ranked as junior subordinated unsecured obligations of PartnerRe Finance II. The parent company has fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a subordinated basis all obligations of PartnerRe Finance II under the CENts. The parent company’s obligations under this guarantee are unsecured and rank junior in priority of payments to the parent company’s Senior Notes.
	Contemporaneously, PartnerRe U.S. Holdings issued a 6.440% Fixed-to-Floating Rate promissory note, with a principal amount of $257.6 million to PartnerRe Finance II. Under the terms of the promissory note, PartnerRe U.S. Holdings promises to pay to PartnerRe Finance II the principal amount on December 1, 2066, unless previously paid. Interest on the promissory note is payable semi-annually and commenced on June 1, 2007 through to December 1, 2016 at an annual fixed rate of 6.440% and will be payable quarterly thereafter until maturity at an annual rate of 3-month LIBOR plus a margin equal to 2.325%.
	On March 13, 2009, PartnerRe Finance II, under the terms of a tender offer, paid holders $500 per $1,000 principal amount of CENts tendered, and purchased approximately 75% of the issue, or $186.6 million, for $93.3 million. Contemporaneously, under the terms of a cross receipt agreement, PartnerRe U.S. Holdings paid PartnerRe Finance II consideration of $93.3 million for the extinguishment of $186.6 million of the principal amount of PartnerRe U.S. Holdings’ 6.440% Fixed-to-Floating Rate promissory note due December 1, 2066. All other terms and conditions of the remaining CENts and promissory note remain unchanged. A pre-tax gain of $88.4 million, net of deferred issuance costs and fees, was realized on the foregoing transactions during the year ended December 31, 2009. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate principal amount of the CENts and promissory note outstanding was $63.4 million and $71.0 million, respectively.
	For each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company incurred interest expense and paid interest of $4.6 million in relation to the CENts.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	11. Shareholders’ Equity
	Authorized Shares
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the total authorized shares of the Company were 200 million shares, par value $1.00 per share, as follows (in millions of shares):
		Shares
	Designated common shares	130
	Designated 6.5% Series D cumulative redeemable preferred shares	9.2
	Designated 7.25% Series E cumulative redeemable preferred shares	15
	Designated 5.875% Series F non-cumulative redeemable preferred shares	10
	Designated and redeemed preference shares	25.6
	Undesignated	10.2
		200
	Common Shares
	Share repurchases
	During 2014, the Company repurchased, under its authorized share repurchase program, 5.2 million of its common shares at a total cost of $551.4 million, representing an average cost of $106.30 per share. At December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately 3.4 million common shares remaining under its current share repurchase authorization and approximately 39.4 million common shares were held in treasury and are available for reissuance.
	During 2013, the Company repurchased, under its authorized share repurchase program, 7.7 million of its common shares at a total cost of $695.3 million, representing an average cost of $90.73 per share.
	During 2012, the Company repurchased, under its authorized share repurchase program, 7.1 million of its common shares at a total cost of $532.9 million, representing an average cost of $75.00 per share.
	Redeemable Preferred Shares
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company had Series C, Series D and Series E cumulative redeemable preferred shares and Series F non-cumulative redeemable preferred shares outstanding as follows (in millions of U.S. dollars or shares, except percentage amounts):
		Series C			Series D			Series E			Series F
	Date of issuance	May 2003			November 2004			June 2011			February 2013
	Number of preferred shares issued	11.6			9.2			15			10
	Annual dividend rate	6.75		%	6.5		%	7.25		%	5.875		%
	Total consideration	$	280.9		$	222.3		$	361.7		$	242.3
	Underwriting discounts and commissions	$	9.1		$	7.7		$	12.1		$	7.7
	Aggregate liquidation value	$	290		$	230		$	373.8		$	250
	Date of redemption	March 2013			n/a			n/a			n/a
	n/a: Not applicable
	On February 14, 2013, the Company issued the Series F preferred shares. The net proceeds received on issuance of the Series F preferred shares were used, together with available cash, to redeem the Series C preferred shares.
	On March 18, 2013, the Company redeemed the Series C preferred shares for the aggregate liquidation value of $290 million plus accrued and unpaid dividends. In connection with the redemption, the Company recognized a loss of $9.1 million related to the original issuance costs of the Series C preferred shares and calculated as a difference between the redemption price and the consideration received after underwriting discounts and commissions. The loss was recognized in determining the net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders.
	The Company may redeem each of the Series D, E and F preferred shares at $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends without interest as follows: (i) the Series D preferred shares can be redeemed at the Company’s option at any time or in part from time to time; (ii) the Series E preferred shares can be redeemed at the Company’s option on or after June 1, 2016 or at any time upon certain changes in tax law and (iii) the Series F preferred shares can be redeemed at the Company’s option at any time or in part from time to time on or after March 1, 2018. The Company may also redeem the Series F preferred shares at any time upon the occurrence of a certain “capital disqualification event” or certain changes in tax law. Dividends on the Series F preferred shares are non-cumulative and are payable quarterly.
	Dividends on each of the Series D and E preferred shares are cumulative from the date of issuance and are payable quarterly in arrears. Dividends on Series F preferred shares are non-cumulative and are payable quarterly.
	In the event of liquidation of the Company, each of the Series D, E and F preferred shares rank on parity with each of the other series of preferred shares and would rank senior to the common shares. The holders of the Series D and E preferred shares would receive a distribution of $25.00 per share, or the aggregate liquidation value, plus accrued but unpaid dividends, if any. The holders of the Series F would receive a distribution of $25.00 per share, or the aggregate liquidation value, plus declared and unpaid dividends, if any.

Net_Income_Per_Share

Net Income Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	12. Net Income per Share
	The reconciliation of basic and diluted net income per share and dividends declared per common share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data):
		2014		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	$	1,054,974	$	664,008	$	1,134,514
	Less: preferred dividends	56,735		57,861		61,622
	Less: loss on redemption of preferred shares	—		9,135		—
	Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders	$	998,239	$	597,012	$	1,072,892
	Denominator:
	Weighted number of common shares outstanding – basic	50,019,480		55,378,980		62,915,992
	Share options and other (1)	1,154,745		1,069,125		699,756
	Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding – diluted	51,174,225		56,448,105		63,615,748
	Basic net income per share	$	19.96	$	10.78	$	17.05
	Diluted net income per share (1)	$	19.51	$	10.58	$	16.87
	Dividends declared per common share	$	2.68	$	2.56	$	2.48
	Anti-dilutive common shares excluded from weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding - diluted (1)	127,329		14,784		554,747
	-1	Where the exercise price of share based awards is greater than the average market price of the common shares, the common shares are considered anti-dilutive and are excluded from the calculation of weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding - diluted.

Noncontrolling_interests

Noncontrolling interests	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block]	13. Noncontrolling Interests
	In March 2013, the Company formed with other third party investors, Lorenz Re Ltd. (Lorenz Re), a Bermuda domiciled special purpose insurer to provide additional capacity to the Company for a diversified portfolio of catastrophe reinsurance treaties over a multi-year period on a fully collateralized reinsurance basis. Lorenz Re is a segregated cell company under the laws of Bermuda. The original business was written by the Company and was ceded to Lorenz Re effective April 1, 2013.
	Within Lorenz Re, distinct segregated accounts are formed, and capitalized, in order to enter into reinsurance agreements with the Company on a fully collateralized basis. In 2013, Lorenz Re issued non-voting redeemable preferred share capital on behalf of two segregated accounts which are redeemable at the option of the Company and are expected to be redeemed following the commutation of the portfolio back to the Company on or before June 1, 2016.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the total assets of Lorenz Re were $100.8 million and $99.6 million, respectively, primarily consisting of cash and investments. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the total liabilities were $13.1 million and $11.1 million, respectively, primarily consisting of unearned premiums, unpaid losses and loss expenses and other reinsurance balances payable. The assets of Lorenz Re can only be used to settle the liabilities of Lorenz Re and there is no recourse to the Company for any liabilities of Lorenz Re.
	The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the noncontrolling interests in Lorenz Re for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014			2013
	Balance at January 1	$	56,627		$	—
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	13,139			9,434
	Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(14,265		)	—
	Sale of shares to noncontrolling interests	—			47,193
	Balance at December 31	$	55,501		$	56,627

Dividend_Restrictions_and_Stat

Dividend Restrictions and Statutory Requirements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure - Dividend Restrictions and Statutory Requirements [Abstract]
Dividend Restrictions And Statutory Requirements Disclosure [Text Block]	14. Dividend Restrictions and Statutory Requirements
	The Company’s ability to pay common and preferred shareholders’ dividends and its corporate expenses is dependent mainly on cash dividends from PartnerRe Bermuda, PartnerRe Europe and PartnerRe U.S. (collectively, the reinsurance subsidiaries), which are the Company’s most significant subsidiaries. The payment of such dividends by the reinsurance subsidiaries to the Company is limited under Bermuda and Irish laws and certain statutes of various U.S. states in which PartnerRe U.S. is licensed to transact business. The restrictions are generally based on net income and/or certain levels of policyholders’ earned surplus as determined in accordance with the relevant statutory accounting practices. At December 31, 2014, there were no restrictions on the Company’s ability to pay common and preferred shareholders’ dividends from its retained earnings, except for the reinsurance subsidiaries’ dividend restrictions described below.
	The reinsurance subsidiaries are required to file annual statements with insurance regulatory authorities prepared on an accounting basis prescribed or permitted by such authorities (statutory basis), maintain minimum levels of solvency and liquidity and comply with risk-based capital requirements and licensing rules. At December 31, 2014, the reinsurance subsidiaries’ solvency, liquidity and risk-based capital amounts were in excess of the minimum levels required. The typical adjustments to insurance statutory basis amounts to convert to U.S. GAAP include elimination of certain statutory reserves, deferral of certain acquisition costs, recognition of goodwill, intangible assets and deferred income taxes, valuation of bonds at fair value and presentation of ceded reinsurance balances gross of assumed balances.
	PartnerRe Bermuda may declare dividends subject to it continuing to meet its minimum solvency and capital requirements, which are to hold statutory capital and surplus equal to or exceeding the Target Capital Level, which is equivalent to 120% of the Enhanced Capital Requirement (ECR). The ECR is calculated with reference to the Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement model, which is a risk-based capital model. At December 31, 2014, the maximum dividend that PartnerRe Bermuda could pay without prior regulatory approval was approximately $1,080 million.
	PartnerRe Europe may declare dividends subject to it continuing to meet its minimum solvency and capital requirements, which are to hold statutory capital and surplus equal to or exceeding the Required Solvency Margin (RSM). The RSM is calculated with reference to Solvency I regulations. The maximum dividend is limited to “profits available for distribution”, which consist of accumulated realized profits less accumulated realized losses. At December 31, 2014, the maximum dividend that PartnerRe Europe could pay without prior regulatory approval was approximately $533 million.
	PartnerRe U.S. may declare dividends subject to it continuing to meet its minimum solvency and capital requirements and is generally limited to paying dividends from earned surplus. The maximum dividend that can be declared and paid without prior approval is limited, together with all dividends declared and paid during the preceding twelve months, to the lesser of net investment income for the previous twelve months or 10% of its total statutory capital and surplus. At December 31, 2014, the maximum dividend that PartnerRe U.S. could pay without prior regulatory approval was $nil as a result of dividends having already been declared and paid during 2014.
	The statutory financial statements and returns of the Company’s reinsurance subsidiaries at, and for the year ended, December 31, 2014 are due to be submitted to the relevant regulatory authorities later in 2015, with different filing dates in each jurisdiction. In certain jurisdictions, the statutory financial statements and returns are subject to the review and final approval of the relevant regulatory authorities.
	The statutory net income of the Company’s reinsurance subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in millions of U.S. dollars):
		2014		2013		2012
	PartnerRe Bermuda	$	660	$	616	$	659
	PartnerRe Europe	298		9		323
	PartnerRe U.S.	236		123		181
	The required and actual statutory capital and surplus of the Company’s reinsurance subsidiaries at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows (in millions of U.S. dollars):
		PartnerRe Bermuda				PartnerRe Europe				PartnerRe U.S.
		2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Required statutory capital and surplus	$	2,092	$	2,169	$	867	$	947	$	764	$	852
	Actual statutory capital and surplus	3,172		3,277		1,400		1,512		1,420		1,332
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company has Swiss and French branches of PartnerRe Europe that are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, as prescribed by the EU Reinsurance Directive.
	In addition to the required statutory capital and surplus requirements in the table above, the Company assesses it own solvency capital needs both at a Group and subsidiary level taking into account factors which may not be fully reflected in statutory requirements. The Company’s solvency capital requirements determined under these self assessments may impact the level of the dividends payable by its reinsurance subsidiaries.
	Of the Company’s total net assets of $7.0 billion at December 31, 2014, the total amount of restricted net assets for the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries was $5.1 billion and primarily related to the statutory dividend restrictions described above.

Taxation

Taxation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure - Taxation [Abstract]
Taxation	15. Taxation
	The Company and its Bermuda domiciled subsidiaries are not subject to Bermuda income or capital gains tax under current Bermuda law. In the event that there is a change in current law such that taxes on income or capital gains are imposed, the Company and its Bermuda domiciled subsidiaries would be exempt from such tax until March 2035 pursuant to the Bermuda Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act of 1966.
	The Company has subsidiaries and branches that operate in various other jurisdictions around the world that are subject to tax in the jurisdictions in which they operate. The significant jurisdictions in which the Company’s subsidiaries and branches are subject to tax are Canada, France, Ireland, Singapore, Switzerland and the United States.
	Income tax returns are open for examination for the tax years 2009-2014 in Canada and Ireland, 2010-2014 in Switzerland, 2011-2014 in the United States, 2012-2014 in Singapore and 2013-2014 in France. As a global organization, the Company may be subject to a variety of transfer pricing or permanent establishment challenges by taxing authorities in various jurisdictions. While management believes that adequate provision has been made in the Consolidated Financial Statements for any potential assessments that may result from tax examinations for all open tax years, the completion of tax examinations for open years may result in changes to the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014				2013				2012
	Current income tax expense
	U.S.	$	51,615			$	55,993			$	29,196
	Non U.S.	184,367				73,599				115,669
	Total current income tax expense	$	235,982			$	129,592			$	144,865
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
	U.S.	$	20,410			$	(13,693	)		$	48,740
	Non U.S.	(17,636		)		(70,886		)		6,717
	Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)	$	2,774			$	(84,579	)		$	55,457
	Unrecognized tax expense (benefit)
	U.S.	$	—			$	(335	)		$	(623	)
	Non U.S.	750				3,738				4,585
	Total unrecognized tax expense	$	750			$	3,403			$	3,962
	Total income tax expense
	U.S.	$	72,025			$	41,965			$	77,313
	Non U.S.	167,481				6,451				126,971
	Total income tax expense	$	239,506			$	48,416			$	204,284
	Income before taxes attributable to the Company’s domestic and foreign operations and a reconciliation of the actual income tax rate to the amount computed by applying the effective tax rate of 0% under Bermuda (the Company’s domicile) law to income before taxes was as follows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014				2013				2012
	Domestic (Bermuda)	$	686,538			$	611,900			$	661,648
	Foreign	621,081				109,958				677,150
	Income before taxes	$	1,307,619			$	721,858			$	1,338,798
	Reconciliation of effective tax rate (% of income before taxes)
	Expected tax rate	0	%		0	%		0	%
	Foreign taxes at local expected tax rates	15.8			5.1			14.6
	Impact of foreign exchange gains (losses)	2.2			(1.1	)		(0.4	)
	Unrecognized tax benefit	0.1			0.5			0.3
	Tax-exempt income and expenses not deductible	(2.2	)		(0.9	)		(0.3	)
	Impact of enacted changes in tax laws	—			1.8			0.7
	Foreign branch tax	1.4			(1.4	)		(0.7	)
	Ceding commissions	1.8			(0.4	)		0.7
	Valuation allowance	(0.6	)		1.3			1.2
	Other	(0.2	)		1.8			(0.8	)
	Actual tax rate	18.3	%		6.7	%		15.3	%
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the tax impact of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes. Significant components of the net deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets
	Discounting of loss reserves and adjustment to life policy reserves	$	77,117			$	78,999
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards	57,186				42,620
	Tax loss carryforwards	35,384				23,940
	Unearned premiums	23,230				23,022
	Other deferred tax assets	32,431				33,648
		225,348				202,229
	Valuation allowance	(68,115		)		(46,111		)
	Deferred tax assets	157,233				156,118
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Deferred acquisition costs	54,718				52,165
	Goodwill and other intangibles	93,416				102,619
	Equalization reserves	77,383				128,132
	Unrealized appreciation and timing differences on investments	85,873				72,769
	Other deferred tax liabilities	51,385				23,866
	Deferred tax liabilities	362,775				379,551
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(205,542	)		$	(223,433	)
	The components of net tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014				2013
	Net tax assets	$	6,876			$	14,133
	Net tax liabilities	(240,989		)		(284,442		)
	Net tax liabilities	$	(234,113	)		$	(270,309	)
		2014				2013
Net current tax liabilities	$	(9,739	)		$	(26,308	)
Net deferred tax liabilities	(205,542		)		(223,433		)
Net unrecognized tax benefit	(18,832		)		(20,568		)
Net tax liabilities	$	(234,113	)		$	(270,309	)
Realization of the deferred tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income in future periods. Although realization is not assured, Management believes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. The valuation allowance recorded at December 31, 2014 related to a foreign tax credit carryforward of $47.0 million in Ireland and to tax loss carryforwards of $20.0 million and $1.1 million in Singapore and Canada, respectively. The valuation allowance recorded at December 31, 2013 related to a foreign tax credit carryforward of $24.7 million in Ireland and to a tax loss carryforward of $21.4 million in Singapore.
At December 31, 2014, the deferred tax assets (after valuation allowance) included foreign tax credit carryforwards of $10.1 million in Ireland, which can be carried forward for an unlimited period of time, tax loss carryforwards of $10.3 million in Switzerland, which can be carried forward for 7 years, and $3.1 million in Ireland, which can be carried forward for an unlimited period of time. At December 31, 2013, the deferred tax assets (after valuation allowance) included foreign tax credit carryforwards of $14.4 million in Ireland, which can be carried forward for an unlimited period of time, and $3.6 million in the United States, which can be carried forward for 10 years and also included tax loss carryforwards of $1.7 million in Ireland, which can be carried forward for an unlimited period of time.
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	January  1,				Changes in  tax				Tax  positions			Change as  a			Impact of  the			December  31,
	2014				positions taken				taken			result of a lapse			change in			2014
					during a prior				during the			of the statute			foreign  currency
					period				current period			of limitations			exchange rates
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate	$	19,353			$	1,338			$	5,142		$	(5,197	)	$	(2,370	)	$	18,266
Interest and penalties recognized on the above	1,215				259				—			(792		)	(116		)	566
Total unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties	$	20,568			$	1,597			$	5,142		$	(5,989	)	$	(2,486	)	$	18,832
	January  1,				Changes in  tax				Tax  positions			Change as  a			Impact of  the			December  31,
	2013				positions taken				taken			result of a lapse			change in			2013
					during a prior				during the			of the statute			foreign  currency
					period				current period			of limitations			exchange rates
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate	$	15,784			$	(5,038	)		$	10,164		$	(2,102	)	$	545		$	19,353
Interest and penalties recognized on the above	800				507				51			(179		)	36			1,215
Total unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties	$	16,584			$	(4,531	)		$	10,215		$	(2,281	)	$	581		$	20,568
	January  1,				Changes in  tax				Tax  positions			Change as  a			Impact of  the			December  31,
	2012				positions taken				taken			result of a lapse			change in			2012
					during a prior				during the			of the statute			foreign  currency
					period				current period			of limitations			exchange rates
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate	$	11,879			$	1,571			$	3,080		$	(1,057	)	$	311		$	15,784
Interest and penalties recognized on the above	411				504				8			(144		)	21			800
Total unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties	$	12,290			$	2,075			$	3,088		$	(1,201	)	$	332		$	16,584
For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were no unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would create a temporary difference between the reported amount of an item in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and its tax basis. The Company recognizes interest and penalties as income tax expense in its Consolidated Statements of Operations.
At December 31, 2014, there is no unrecognized tax benefit which is reasonably possible to change within twelve months.

ShareBased_Awards

Share-Based Awards	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Arrangements with Employees and Nonemployees [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	16. Share-Based Awards
	Employee Equity Plan
	The Company’s Employee Equity Plan (EEP), which was approved by the Company’s shareholders, permits the grant of share options, RS, RSUs, SSARs or other share-based awards to employees of the Company. The EEP is administered by the Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board (the Committee). From 2013, the Company also grants PSUs to employees of the Company.
	The EEP permits the grant of up to 8.3 million shares, of which a total of 3.4 million shares can be issued as either RS, RSUs or PSUs and 4.9 million shares can be issued as share options or SSARs. If an award under the EEP is cancelled or forfeited without the delivery of the full number of shares underlying such award, only the net number of shares actually delivered to the participant will be counted against the EEP’s authorized shares. Under the EEP, the exercise price of the award will not be less than the fair value of the award at the time of grant. The fair value is defined in the EEP as the closing price reported on the grant date. RSU and PSU awards granted under the EEP generally cliff vest after three years of continuous service. Share options and SSARs vest ratably over three years of continuous service and have a ten year contractual term. Participants in the EEP are eligible to receive dividend equivalents, which the Company records as an expense, on RSUs and PSUs that are unvested. At December 31, 2014, 4.0 million shares, of which a total of 1.3 million shares can be issued as either RS, RSUs or PSUs and 2.7 million shares can be issued as share options or SSARs, remained available for issuance under this plan.
	In addition, the Committee is authorized to grant performance awards to eligible senior executives. These performance awards will, if the Committee intends such award to qualify as “qualified performance based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), become earned and payable only if pre-established targets relating to certain performance measures are achieved. The individual maximum number of shares underlying any such share-denominated award granted in any calendar year will be 0.5 million shares, and the individual maximum amount of any such cash-denominated award in any calendar year shall not exceed $5.0 million.
	Non-Employee Directors Share Plan
	The Company’s Non-Employee Directors Share Plan (Directors Share Plan), which was approved by the Company’s shareholders, permits the grant of up to 1.2 million shares, of which a total of 0.8 million shares can be issued as either RS or RSUs and 0.4 million shares can be issued as share options or SSARs. Under the Directors Share Plan, the exercise price of the award will not be less than the fair value of the award at the time of grant. The fair value is defined in the Directors Share Plan as the closing price reported on the grant date.
	Prior to 2013, options and RSUs were awarded under the Directors Share Plan, while in 2013 and after, only RSUs were awarded. Prior to May 2012, options generally vested at the time of grant, were expensed immediately and had a ten year contractual term. From May 2012, options generally vest and are expensed ratably over three years and have a ten year contractual term. Prior to May 2010, RSUs generally vested at the time of grant with a delivery date restriction of one year and were expensed immediately. From May 2010, RSUs have a five year cliff vest with no delivery restrictions and are expensed over the vesting period. Prior to the RSU grant, directors have the ability to elect to receive their awards in the form of either 100% RSUs, or split, with 60% of the award being RSUs and 40% of the award being cash upon delivery.
	At December 31, 2014, 0.3 million shares remained available for issuance under this plan.
	Employee Share Purchase Plan
	The PartnerRe Ltd. Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP), which was approved by the Company’s shareholders, has a twelve month offering period with two purchase periods of six months each. All employees are eligible to participate in the ESPP and can contribute between 1% and 10% of their base salary toward the purchase of the Company’s shares up to the limit set by the IRC. Employees who enroll in the ESPP may purchase the Company’s shares at a 15% discount of the lower fair value on either the enrolment date or purchase date. Participants in the ESPP are eligible to receive dividends on their shares as of the purchase date. A total of 0.6 million common shares may be issued under the ESPP. At December 31, 2014, 0.2 million shares remained available for issuance under this plan.
	Swiss Share Purchase Plan
	The Swiss Share Purchase Plan (SSPP) has two offering periods per year with two purchase periods of six months each. Swiss employees, who work at least 20 hours per week, are eligible to participate in the SSPP and can contribute between 1% and 8% of their base salary toward the purchase of the Company’s shares up to a maximum of 5,000 Swiss francs per annum. Employees who enroll in the SSPP may purchase the Company’s shares at a 40% discount of the fair value on the purchase date. There is a restriction on transfer or sale of these shares for a period of two years following purchase. Participants in the SSPP are eligible to receive dividends on their shares as of the purchase date. A total of 0.4 million common shares may be issued under the SSPP. At December 31, 2014, 0.2 million shares remained available for issuance under this plan.
	Share-Based Compensation
	Under each of the Company’s equity plans, the Company issues new shares upon the exercise of share options and SSARs or the conversion of RSUs into shares.
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s share-based compensation expense was $34.4 million, $29.8 million and $26.8 million, respectively, with a tax benefit of $6.9 million, $3.3 million and $3.6 million, respectively. Included within these tax benefits are amounts related to the exercise of share options and the conversion of RSUs and SSARs into shares by employees of the Company of $6.2 million, $7.0 million and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Share Options
	The activity related to share options granted and exercised for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			2014			2013				2012
	Options granted		—			—				120,210
	Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted		$	—		$	—			$	7.9
	Options exercised		225,329			819,764				518,548
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised (in millions of U.S. dollars)		$	8.7		$	24.8			$	8.8
	Proceeds from option exercises (in millions of U.S. dollars)		$	14.7		$	49.6			$	29.3
	The activity related to the Company’s share options for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
			Options		Weighted  Average
					Exercise Price
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014		636,279		$	70.28
	Granted		—		—
	Exercised		(225,329	)	67.87
	Forfeited or expired		(603	)	108.2
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014		410,347		$	71.55
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014		379,799		$	71.62
	Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014		409,841		$	71.55
	The weighted average remaining contractual term and the aggregate intrinsic value of share options outstanding, exercisable, vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014, was 4.7 years and $17.5 million, respectively.
	The Company values share options issued with a Black-Scholes valuation model and used the following assumptions for the year ended December 31, 2012. No share options were issued for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
			2012
	Expected life		6 years
	Expected volatility		17.7	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1	%
	Dividend yield		2.7	%
	Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common shares over a period equivalent to the expected life of the Company’s share options. The risk-free interest rate is based on the market yield of U.S. treasury securities with maturities equivalent to the expected life of the Company’s share options. The dividend yield is based on the average dividend yield of the Company’s shares over the expected life of the Company’s share options.
	Restricted Share Units and Performance Share Units
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company issued 333,358 RSUs and PSUs, 329,174 RSUs and PSUs and 294,184 RSUs with a weighted average grant date fair value of $98.86, $89.44 and $65.33, respectively. The Company values RSUs and PSUs issued under all plans at the fair value of its common shares at the date of grant, as defined by the plan document.
	The activity related to the Company’s RSUs and PSUs for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
		RSUs and PSUs
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	854,898
	Granted	333,358
	Performance based adjustment	39,870
	Released	(253,389	)
	Forfeited	(42,115	)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	932,622
	The RSUs that vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 had a fair value of $20.6 million, $22.8 million and $5.5 million, respectively.
	The total unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to unvested RSUs and PSUs was approximately $32.7 million at December 31, 2014, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.
	Share-Settled Share Appreciation Rights (SSARs)
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company issued 153,797 SSARs, 125,561 SSARs and 356,900 SSARs with a weighted average grant date fair value of $14.62, $11.25 and $7.34, respectively.
	The activity related to the Company’s SSARs for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
		SSARs
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	1,621,815
	Granted	153,797
	Exercised	(270,392	)
	Forfeited or expired	(12,294	)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,492,926
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,147,579
The total unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to unvested SSARs was approximately $2.0 million at December 31, 2014, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.
The Company values SSARs issued with a Black-Scholes valuation model and used the following assumptions for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		2014		2013			2012
Expected life		6 years		6 years			6 years
Expected volatility		18.1	%	18.3	%		17.6	%
Risk-free interest rate		1.9	%	1	%		1.1	%
Dividend yield		2.2	%	2.3	%		2.8	%
In determining the weighted average assumptions used, the Company used the same methodology as described for share options above.
Warrants
In 2009, the Company issued 27,655 replacement warrants as part of the acquisition of Paris Re. At December 31, 2014, 8,667 warrants are outstanding and fully vested with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.0 years and a weighted average exercise price of $31.54. During the year ended December 31, 2014, 186 warrants were exercised with a weighted average exercise price of $32.12.

Retirement_Benefit_Arrangement

Retirement Benefit Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure - Retirement Benefit Arrangements [Abstract]
Retirement Benefit Arrangements	17. Retirement Benefit Arrangements
	For employee retirement benefits, the Company maintains certain defined contributions plans and other active and frozen defined benefit plans. The majority of the defined benefit obligation at December 31, 2014 relates to the active defined benefit plan for the Company’s Zurich office employees (the Zurich Plan).
	Defined Contribution Plans
	Contributions are made by the Company, and in some locations, these contributions are supplemented by the local plan participants. Contributions are based on a percentage of the participant’s base salary depending upon competitive local market practice and vesting provisions meeting legal compliance standards and market trends. The accumulated benefits for the majority of these plans vest immediately or over a four-year period. As required by law, certain retirement plans also provide for death and disability benefits and lump sum indemnities to employees upon retirement.
	The Company incurred expenses for these defined contribution arrangements of $15.9 million, $14.5 million and $15.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Active Defined Benefit Plan
	The Company maintains the Zurich Plan, which is classified as a hybrid plan and accounted for as a defined benefit plan under U.S. GAAP. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the funded status of the Zurich Plan was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014				2013
	Funded status
	Unfunded pension obligation at beginning of year	$	24,614			$	32,262
	Change in pension obligation
	Service cost	6,188				6,934
	Interest cost	2,635				2,314
	Plan participants’ contributions	1,838				1,938
	Actuarial loss (gain)	15,796				(8,408		)
	Plan amendments	2,667				—
	Benefits paid	(7,392		)		(216		)
	Foreign currency adjustments	(13,493		)		2,901
	Settlements	—				(13,783		)
	Change in pension obligation	8,239				(8,320		)
	Change in fair value of plan assets
	Actual return on plan assets	1,707				3,119
	Employer contributions	5,492				5,922
	Plan participants’ contributions	1,838				1,938
	Benefits paid	(7,392		)		(216		)
	Foreign currency adjustments	(10,157		)		2,348
	Settlements	—				(13,783		)
	Change in fair value of plan assets	(8,512		)		(672		)
	Funded status
	Unfunded pension obligation at end of year	$	41,365			$	24,614
	Additional information:
	Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$	134,629			$	126,390
	Accumulated pension obligation at end of year	127,322				123,524
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	93,264				101,776
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the funded status was included in Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The total amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $25.4 million (net of $6.8 million of taxes) and $12.9 million (net of $3.4 million of taxes), respectively.
	The net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $7.3 million, $10.7 million and $8.3 million, respectively.
	The investment strategy of the Zurich Plan’s Pension Committee is to achieve a consistent long-term return, which will provide sufficient funding for future pension obligations while limiting risk. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on the expected asset allocation and assumptions concerning long-term interest rates, inflation rates and risk premiums for equities above the risk-free rates of return. These assumptions take into consideration historical long-term rates of return for the relevant asset categories. The investment strategy is reviewed regularly.
	The fair value of the Zurich Plan’s assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were insured funds and cash (Level 2) of $93.3 million and $101.8 million, respectively. The insured funds comprise the accumulated pension plan contributions and investment returns thereon, which are held in an insurance arrangement that provides at least a guaranteed minimum investment return. The insured funds are held by a collective foundation of AXA Life Ltd. and are guaranteed under the insurance arrangement.
	The assumptions used to determine the Zurich Plan’s pension obligation and net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		2014						2013				2012
		Pension			Net periodic			Pension		Net periodic		Pension		Net periodic
		obligation			benefit cost			obligation		benefit cost		obligation		benefit cost
	Discount rate	1.25	%		2.25	%		2.25	%	1.75	%	1.75	%	2.5	%
	Expected return on plan assets	—			2.25	%		—		1.75	%	—		2.5	%
	Rate of compensation increase	2.25	%		2.5	%		2.5	%	2.5	%	2.5	%	3.5	%
	At December 31, 2014, estimated employer contributions to be paid in 2015 related to the Zurich Plan were $5.1 million and future benefit payments were estimated to be paid as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	Year	Amount
	2015	$	3,959
	2016	4,461
	2017	4,332
	2018	4,108
	2019	4,086
	2020 to 2024	26,983
	The Company does not believe that any of the Zurich Plan’s assets will be returned to the Company during 2015.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	18. Commitments and Contingencies
	(a) Concentration of Credit Risk
	Fixed maturities
	The Company’s investment portfolio is managed following prudent standards of diversification and a prudent investment philosophy. The Company is not exposed to any significant credit concentration risk on its investments, except for debt securities issued by the U.S. government and other highly rated non-U.S. sovereign governments’ securities. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, other than the U.S. government, the Company’s fixed maturity investment portfolio did not contain exposure to any non-U.S. sovereign government or any other issuer that accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s shareholders’ equity attributable to PartnerRe. The Company keeps cash and cash equivalents in several banks and ensures that there are no significant concentrations at any point in time, in any one bank.
	Derivatives
	The Company’s investment strategy allows for the use of derivative instruments, subject to strict limitations. Derivative instruments may be used to replicate investment positions and for the purpose of managing overall currency risk, market exposures and portfolio duration, for hedging certain investments, or for enhancing investment performance that would be allowed under the Company’s investment policy if implemented in other ways. The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by the counterparties to the Company’s derivative contracts. However, the Company diversifies the counterparties to its derivative contracts to reduce credit risk, and because the counterparties to these contracts are high credit quality international banks, the Company does not anticipate non-performance. These contracts are generally of short duration and settle on a net basis. The difference between the contract amounts and the related market value represents the Company’s maximum credit exposure.
	Underwriting operations
	The Company is also exposed to credit risk in its underwriting operations, most notably in the credit/surety line. Loss experience in these lines of business is cyclical and is affected by the state of the general economic environment. The Company provides its clients in these lines of business with reinsurance protection against credit deterioration, defaults or other types of financial non-performance of or by the underlying credits that are the subject of the reinsurance provided and, accordingly, the Company is exposed to the credit risk of those credits. The Company mitigates the risks associated with these credit-sensitive lines of business through the use of risk management techniques such as risk diversification, careful monitoring of risk aggregations and accumulations and, at times, through the use of retrocessional reinsurance protection and the purchase of credit default, total return and interest rate swaps.
	The Company has exposure to credit risk as it relates to its business written through brokers, if any of the Company’s brokers is unable to fulfill their contractual obligations with respect to payments to the Company. In addition, in some jurisdictions, if the broker fails to make payments to the insured under the Company’s policy, the Company might remain liable to the insured for the deficiency. The Company’s exposure to such credit risk is somewhat mitigated in certain jurisdictions by contractual terms.
	The Company has exposure to credit risk related to reinsurance balances receivable and reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses. The credit risk exposure related to these balances is mitigated by several factors, including but not limited to, credit checks performed as part of the underwriting process, monitoring of aged receivable balances and the contractual right to offset premiums receivable or funds held balances against unpaid losses and loss expenses. The Company regularly reviews its reinsurance recoverable balances to estimate an allowance for uncollectible amounts based on quantitative and qualitative factors. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded a provision for uncollectible premiums receivable of $8 million. See also Note 9 for discussion of credit risk related to reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses.
	The Company is also subject to the credit risk of its cedants in the event of insolvency or the cedant’s failure to honor the value of funds held balances for any other reason. The funds held – directly managed account is with one cedant and is supported by an underlying portfolio of investments, which are managed by the Company (see Note 5). However, the Company’s credit risk in some jurisdictions is mitigated by a mandatory right of offset of amounts payable by the Company to a cedant against amounts due to the Company. In certain other jurisdictions the Company is able to mitigate this risk, depending on the nature of the funds held arrangements, to the extent that the Company has the contractual ability to offset any shortfall in the payment of the funds held balances with amounts owed by the Company to cedants for losses payable and other amounts contractually due.
	(b) Lease Arrangements
	The Company leases office space under operating leases expiring in various years through 2022. The leases are renewable at the option of the lessee under certain circumstances. The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments, exclusive of escalation clauses, on non-cancelable leases at December 31, 2014 (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	Year	Amount
	2015	$	27,393
	2016	26,092
	2017	25,509
	2018	12,358
	2019	5,068
	2020 through 2022	685
	Total future minimum rental payments	$	97,105
	Total future sub-lease rental income through 2019	$	5,253
	Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $33.6 million, $33.0 million and $36.3 million, respectively, excluding any restructuring charges related to real estate.
	(c) Employment Agreements
	The Company has entered into employment agreements with its executive officers. These agreements provide for annual compensation in the form of salary, benefits, annual incentive payments, share-based compensation, the reimbursement of certain expenses, retention incentive payments, as well as certain severance and change in control provisions.
	(d) Restructuring Charges
	In April 2013, the Company announced the restructuring of its business support operations into a single integrated worldwide support platform and changes to the structure of its Global Non-life Operations. The restructuring included involuntary and voluntary employee termination plans in certain jurisdictions (collectively, termination plans) and certain real estate costs. Employees affected by the termination plans had varying leaving dates, with the majority leaving by December 31, 2014.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $11 million and $58 million, respectively, related to the costs of the restructuring, which was primarily related to the termination plans and certain real estate costs, within other expenses. The continuing salary and other employment benefit costs related to the affected employees will be expensed as the employee remains with the Company and provides service.
	(e) Other Agreements
	The Company has entered into service agreements and lease contracts that provide for business and information technology support and computer equipment. Future payments under these contracts amount to $14 million through 2019.
	The Company has entered into strategic investments with unfunded capital commitments. In the next five years, the Company expects to fund capital commitments totaling $132 million with $49 million, $39 million, $34 million, $7 million and $3 million to be paid during 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
	The Company has committed to a 10 year structured letter of credit facility issued by a high credit quality international bank, which has a final maturity of December 29, 2020. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company's participation in the facility was $61 million and $100 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014, the letter of credit facility has not been drawn down and can only be drawn down in the event of certain specific scenarios, which the Company considers remote. Unless canceled by the bank, the credit facility automatically extends for one year, each year until maturity.
	(f) Legal Proceedings
	Litigation
	The Company’s reinsurance subsidiaries, and the insurance and reinsurance industry in general, are subject to litigation and arbitration in the normal course of their business operations. In addition to claims litigation, the Company and its subsidiaries may be subject to lawsuits and regulatory actions in the normal course of business that do not arise from or directly relate to claims on reinsurance treaties. This category of business litigation typically involves, among other things, allegations of underwriting errors or omissions, employment claims or regulatory activity. While the outcome of business litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company will dispute all allegations against the Company and/or its subsidiaries that Management believes are without merit.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company was not a party to any litigation or arbitration that it believes could have a material effect on the financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

Credit_Agreements

Credit Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]	19. Credit Agreements
	In the normal course of its operations, the Company enters into agreements with financial institutions to obtain unsecured and secured letter of credit facilities. At December 31, 2014, the total amount of such credit facilities available to the Company was approximately $843 million, with each of the significant facilities described below. Under the terms of certain reinsurance agreements, irrevocable letters of credit were issued on an unsecured and secured basis in the amount of $122 million and $420 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014, in respect of reported loss and unearned premium reserves.
	The Company maintains a $300 million combined credit facility, with the first $100 million being unsecured and any utilization above the initial $100 million being secured. This credit facility matures on November 14, 2015.
	In addition, the Company maintains committed secured letter of credit facilities. These facilities are used for the issuance of letters of credit, which must be fully secured with cash and/or government bonds and/or investment grade bonds. The agreements include default covenants, which could require the Company to fully secure the outstanding letters of credit to the extent that the facility is not already fully secured, and disallow the issuance of any new letters of credit. Included in the Company’s secured credit facilities at December 31, 2014 is a $300 million secured credit facility, which matures on December 31, 2018, and a $140 million secured credit facility, which matures on December 31, 2017. At December 31, 2014, no conditions of default existed under these facilities.

Agreements_with_Related_Partie

Agreements with Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure - Agreements With Related Parties [Abstract]
Agreements with related parties	20. Agreements with Related Parties
	The Company was party to agreements with certain entities on an arm’s-length basis as follows.
	Agreements with ING Group N.V.
	In the normal course of its underwriting activities, the Company and certain subsidiaries entered into reinsurance contracts with ING Group N.V. (a company in which a board member of the Company was a supervisory director until July 2014). The activity included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to ING Group N.V. for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 includes net premiums earned of $1.9 million, $2.6 million and $3.4 million, respectively, and losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits of $0.6 million, $1.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively. Included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were unpaid losses and loss expenses of $10.0 million and $12.9 million, respectively.
	Agreements with Atradius N.V.
	In the normal course of its underwriting activities, the Company and certain subsidiaries entered into reinsurance contracts with Atradius N.V. (a company in which a board member of the Company was a supervisory director until May 2012). The activity included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to Atradius N.V. for the year ended December 31, 2012 includes net premiums written of $80.3 million, net premiums earned of $75.7 million, losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits of $35.2 million and acquisition costs of $28.5 million.
	Other Agreements
	In the normal course of its investment operations, the Company bought or held securities of companies in which board members of the Company are also directors or non-executive directors. All transactions entered into as part of the investment portfolio were completed on market terms.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	21. Segment Information
	The Company monitors the performance of its operations in three segments, Non-life, Life and Health and Corporate and Other. The Non-life segment is further divided into four sub-segments: North America, Global (Non-U.S.) P&C, Global Specialty and Catastrophe. Effective January 1, 2013, the Life segment is referred to as Life and Health to reflect and include PartnerRe Health’s results following its acquisition on December 31, 2012 and the Global (Non-U.S.) Specialty sub-segment is referred to as Global Specialty. Segments and sub-segments represent markets that are reasonably homogeneous in terms of geography, client types, buying patterns, underlying risk patterns and approach to risk management.
	The North America sub-segment includes agriculture, casualty, credit/surety, motor, multiline, property and other risks generally originating in the United States. The Global (Non-U.S.) P&C sub-segment includes casualty, motor and property business generally originating outside of the United States. The Global Specialty sub-segment is comprised of business that is generally considered to be specialized due to the sophisticated technical underwriting required to analyze risks, and is global in nature. This sub-segment consists of several lines of business for which the Company believes it has developed specialized knowledge and underwriting capabilities. These lines of business include agriculture, aviation/space, credit/surety, energy, engineering, marine, specialty casualty, specialty property and other lines. The Catastrophe sub-segment is comprised of the Company’s catastrophe line of business. The Life and Health segment includes mortality, longevity and accident and health lines of business. Corporate and Other is comprised of the capital markets and investment related activities of the Company, including principal finance transactions, insurance-linked securities and strategic investments, and its corporate activities, including other expenses.
	Since the Company does not manage its assets by segment, net investment income is not allocated to the Non-life segment. However, because of the interest-sensitive nature of some of the Company’s Life and Health products, net investment income is considered in Management’s assessment of the profitability of the Life and Health segment. The following items are not considered in evaluating the results of the Non-life and Life and Health segments: net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses, interest expense, amortization of intangible assets, net foreign exchange gains and losses, income tax expense or benefit and interest in earnings and losses of equity method investments. Segment results are shown before consideration of intercompany transactions.
	Management measures results for the Non-life segment on the basis of the loss ratio, acquisition ratio, technical ratio, other expense ratio and combined ratio (all defined below). Management measures results for the Non-life sub-segments on the basis of the loss ratio, acquisition ratio and technical ratio. Management measures results for the Life and Health segment on the basis of the allocated underwriting result, which includes revenues from net premiums earned, other income or loss and allocated net investment income for Life and Health, and expenses from life policy benefits, acquisition costs and other expenses.
	The segment results for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, were as follows (in millions of U.S. dollars, except ratios):
	Segment Information
	For the year ended December 31, 2014
		North			Global				Global			Catastrophe			Total			Life			Corporate			Total
		America			(Non-U.S.)				Specialty						Non-life			and Health			and Other
					P&C										segment			segment
	Gross premiums written	$	1,642		$	803			$	1,797		$	425		$	4,667		$	1,265		$	—		$	5,932
	Net premiums written	$	1,630		$	794			$	1,696		$	380		$	4,500		$	1,220		$	—		$	5,720
	(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums	(33		)	(26		)		(58		)	4			(113		)	2			—			(111		)
	Net premiums earned	$	1,597		$	768			$	1,638		$	384		$	4,387		$	1,222		$	—		$	5,609
	Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits	(1,000		)	(438		)		(963		)	(62		)	(2,463		)	(1,000		)	—			(3,463		)
	Acquisition costs	(401		)	(222		)		(400		)	(42		)	(1,065		)	(149		)	—			(1,214		)
	Technical result	$	196		$	108			$	275		$	280		$	859		$	73		$	—		$	932
	Other income														3			8			5			16
	Other expenses														(252		)	(68		)	(130		)	(450		)
	Underwriting result														$	610		$	13		n/a			$	498
	Net investment income																	60			420			480
	Allocated underwriting result (1)																	$	73		n/a			n/a
	Net realized and unrealized investment gains																				372			372
	Interest expense																				(49		)	(49		)
	Amortization of intangible assets																				(27		)	(27		)
	Net foreign exchange gains																				18			18
	Income tax expense																				(239		)	(239		)
	Interest in earnings of equity method investments																				15			15
	Net income																				n/a			$	1,068
	Loss ratio (2)	62.6		%	57		%		58.8		%	16.1		%	56.1		%
	Acquisition ratio (3)	25.1			28.9				24.4			11			24.3
	Technical ratio (4)	87.7		%	85.9		%		83.2		%	27.1		%	80.4		%
	Other expense ratio (5)														5.8
	Combined ratio (6)														86.2		%
	-1	Allocated underwriting result is defined as net premiums earned, other income or loss and allocated net investment income less life policy benefits, acquisition costs and other expenses.
	-2	Loss ratio is obtained by dividing losses and loss expenses by net premiums earned.
	-3	Acquisition ratio is obtained by dividing acquisition costs by net premiums earned.
	-4	Technical ratio is defined as the sum of the loss ratio and the acquisition ratio.
	-5	Other expense ratio is obtained by dividing other expenses by net premiums earned.
	-6	Combined ratio is defined as the sum of the technical ratio and the other expense ratio.
	n/a: Not applicable
	Segment Information
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
		North			Global				Global			Catastrophe			Total			Life			Corporate			Total
		America			(Non-U.S.)				Specialty						Non-life			and Health			and Other
					P&C										segment			segment
	Gross premiums written	$	1,601		$	818			$	1,676		$	495		$	4,590		$	972		$	8		$	5,570
	Net premiums written	$	1,587		$	811			$	1,579		$	450		$	4,427		$	964		$	6		$	5,397
	(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums	(54		)	(68		)		(73		)	3			(192		)	(7		)	—			(199		)
	Net premiums earned	$	1,533		$	743			$	1,506		$	453		$	4,235		$	957		$	6		$	5,198
	Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits	(975		)	(373		)		(920		)	(132		)	(2,400		)	(760		)	2			(3,158		)
	Acquisition costs	(351		)	(196		)		(362		)	(44		)	(953		)	(125		)	—			(1,078		)
	Technical result	$	207		$	174			$	224		$	277		$	882		$	72		$	8		$	962
	Other income														3			11			3			17
	Other expenses														(259		)	(71		)	(170		)	(500		)
	Underwriting result														$	626		$	12		n/a			$	479
	Net investment income																	61			423			484
	Allocated underwriting result																	$	73		n/a			n/a
	Net realized and unrealized investment losses																				(161		)	(161		)
	Interest expense																				(49		)	(49		)
	Amortization of intangible assets																				(27		)	(27		)
	Net foreign exchange losses																				(18		)	(18		)
	Income tax expense																				(49		)	(49		)
Interest in earnings of equity method investments																				14			14
Net income																				n/a			$	673
Loss ratio	63.6		%	50.2		%		61.1		%	29		%	56.7		%
Acquisition ratio	22.9			26.4				24			9.7			22.5
Technical ratio	86.5		%	76.6		%		85.1		%	38.7		%	79.2		%
Other expense ratio														6.1
Combined ratio														85.3		%
Segment Information
For the year ended December 31, 2012
	North			Global				Global			Catastrophe			Total			Life			Corporate			Total
	America			(Non-U.S.)				Specialty						Non-life			and Health			and Other
				P&C										segment			segment
Gross premiums written	$	1,221		$	684			$	1,505		$	500		$	3,910		$	802		$	6		$	4,718
Net premiums written	$	1,219		$	681			$	1,415		$	453		$	3,768		$	799		$	6		$	4,573
(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums	(43		)	(3		)		(42		)	4			(84		)	(4		)	1			(87		)
Net premiums earned	$	1,176		$	678			$	1,373		$	457		$	3,684		$	795		$	7		$	4,486
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits	(816		)	(415		)		(821		)	(103		)	(2,155		)	(647		)	(3		)	(2,805		)
Acquisition costs	(291		)	(167		)		(321		)	(42		)	(821		)	(116		)	—			(937		)
Technical result	$	69		$	96			$	231		$	312		$	708		$	32		$	4		$	744
Other income														5			4			3			12
Other expenses														(257		)	(52		)	(102		)	(411		)
Underwriting result														$	456		$	(16	)	n/a			$	345
Net investment income																	64			507			571
Allocated underwriting result																	$	48		n/a			n/a
Net realized and unrealized investment gains																				494			494
Interest expense																				(49		)	(49		)
Amortization of intangible assets																				(32		)	(32		)
Net foreign exchange losses																				—			—
Income tax expense																				(204		)	(204		)
Interest in earnings of equity method investments																				10			10
Net income																				n/a			$	1,135
Loss ratio	69.4		%	61.3		%		59.8		%	22.4		%	58.5		%
Acquisition ratio	24.7			24.6				23.4			93			22.3
Technical ratio	94.1		%	85.9		%		83.2		%	115.4		%	80.8		%
Other expense ratio														7
Combined ratio														87.8		%
The following table provides the distribution of net premiums written by line of business for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		2014		2013			2012
Non-life
Property and casualty
Casualty		12	%	12	%		13	%
Motor		7		7			5
Multiline and other		5		4			3
Property		11		12			14
Specialty
Agriculture		12		11			7
Aviation/Space		4		4			5
Catastrophe		6		8			10
Credit/Surety		7		6			7
Energy		1		2			2
Engineering		3		4			4
Marine		5		6			7
Specialty casualty		3		3			2
Specialty property		3		3			4
Life and Health		21		18			17
Total		100	%	100	%		100	%
The following table provides the geographic distribution of gross premiums written based on the location of the underlying risk for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		2014		2013			2012
Asia, Australia and New Zealand		11	%	11	%		11	%
Europe		40		40			41
Latin America, Caribbean and Africa		10		10			11
North America		39		39			37
Total		100	%	100	%		100	%
The Company produces its business both through brokers and through direct relationships with insurance company clients. None of the Company’s cedants accounted for more than 4% , 4% and 5% of total gross premiums written during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The Company had two brokers that individually accounted for 10% or more of its gross premiums written during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The brokers accounted for 20%, 22%, and 24% and 20%, 21%, and 22% of gross premiums written for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The following table summarizes the percentage of gross premiums written through these two brokers by segment and sub-segment for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		2014		2013			2012
Non-life
North America		59	%	60	%		70	%
Global (Non-U.S.) P&C		31		29			28
Global Specialty		38		41			42
Catastrophe		70		74			74
Life and Health		12		12			13

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	22. Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information
		2014												2013
	(in millions of U.S. dollars, except per	Fourth			Third			Second			First			Fourth			Third			Second			First
	share amounts)	Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	Net premiums written	$	1,220		$	1,343		$	1,419		$	1,738		$	1,186		$	1,265		$	1,309		$	1,636
	Net premiums earned	1,446			1,557			1,353			1,254			1,421			1,421			1,209			1,147
	Net investment income	115			118			130			117			114			122			125			124
	Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)	98			(34		)	166			142			99			16			(299		)	23
	Other income	4			2			9			—			3			5			4			4
	Total revenues	1,663			1,643			1,658			1,513			1,637			1,564			1,039			1,298
	Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits	870			960			884			749			879			751			867			661
	Acquisition costs	325			322			303			265			318			283			242			235
	Other expenses	123			108			107			111			131			108			145			116
	Interest expense	12			12			12			12			12			12			12			12
	Amortization of intangible assets	6			7			7			7			6			7			7			7
	Net foreign exchange (gains) losses	(7		)	(8		)	(2		)	—			8			1			11			(2		)
	Total expenses	1,329			1,401			1,311			1,144			1,354			1,162			1,284			1,029
	Income (loss) before taxes and interest in (losses) earnings of equity method investments	334			242			347			369			283			402			(245		)	269
	Income tax expense (benefit)	53			46			78			62			11			70			(75		)	42
	Interest in (losses) earnings of equity method investments	(1		)	5			5			6			4			6			(4		)	7
	Net income (loss)	280			201			274			313			276			338			(174		)	234
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3		)	(5		)	(2		)	(3		)	(4		)	(4		)	(1		)	—
	Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	277			196			272			310			272			334			(175		)	234
	Preferred dividends	14			14			14			14			14			14			15			15
	Loss on redemption of preferred shares	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			9
	Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders	$	263		$	182		$	258		$	296		$	258		$	320		$	(190	)	$	210
	Basic net income (loss) per common share	$	5.39		$	3.68		$	5.13		$	5.72		$	4.86		$	5.95		$	(3.37	)	$	3.6
	Diluted net income (loss) per common share	$	5.26		$	3.6		$	5.02		$	5.61		$	4.76		$	5.84		$	(3.37	)	$	3.53
	Dividends declared per common share	$	0.67		$	0.67		$	0.67		$	0.67		$	0.64		$	0.64		$	0.64		$	0.64

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	23. Subsequent Events
	On January 25, 2015, the Company entered into the Amalgamation Agreement with AXIS, pursuant to which the Company will amalgamate with AXIS and the two companies will continue as a single Bermuda exempted company (Amalgamated Company). The transaction, which is structured as a merger of equals, has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies. Under the terms of the Amalgamation Agreement, the Company’s shareholders will receive 2.18 shares of the Amalgamated Company’s common shares for each share of the Company’s common shares they own and AXIS’ shareholders will receive one share of the Amalgamated Company’s common shares for each share of AXIS’ common shares they own. Upon completion of the transaction, shareholders of the Company and shareholders of AXIS will own approximately 51.6 percent and 48.4 percent of the Amalgamated Company, respectively. The Amalgamated Company's headquarters will be located in Bermuda. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2015, subject to approval by the shareholders of both companies, regulatory clearance and customary closing conditions. Both companies will continue to operate as two independent entities until all such approvals are obtained.
	In connection with the Amalgamation, Costas Miranthis stepped down as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company and as a member of the Company's Board effective January 25, 2015. At that time, David Zwiener, a member of the Company's Board, assumed the position of interim CEO of the Company until completion of the Amalgamation. As a result of the CEO stepping down, the Company expects to recognize an additional pre-tax charge of approximately $22 million during the three months ending March 31, 2015.
	Under the terms of the Amalgamation Agreement, the Company suspended its share repurchase program until completion of the Amalgamation.
	Following the announcement of the Amalgamation, Moody's affirmed the Company's rating with a stable outlook. Standard & Poor's (S&P), A.M. Best and Fitch placed the Company’s rating on credit watch negative, under review with negative implications and ratings watch negative, respectively. All three agencies cited concerns over the transaction, including the risks associated with the execution and integration, along with management retention risk in light of the complexity and scale of the Amalgamation. The Company is in dialogue with each rating agency to address their rating concerns. The status of any further changes to ratings or outlooks will depend on various factors, including the timing of the closing, if and when it occurs, and success of the integration.

SCHEDULE_I_Consolidated_Summar

SCHEDULE I - Consolidated Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Text Block]
	Type of investment		Cost (1) (2)		Fair Value (2)		Amount at which shown in
							the balance sheet (2)
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	2,308,264	$	2,315,422	$	2,315,422
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities		511,228		530,603		530,603
	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related		1,866,915		1,976,202		1,976,202
	Corporate		5,363,006		5,604,160		5,604,160
	Asset-backed securities		1,110,393		1,131,420		1,131,420
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		2,276,200		2,306,476		2,306,476
	Other mortgage-backed securities		53,627		54,462		54,462
	Fixed maturities		13,489,633		13,918,745		13,918,745
	Equities
	Banks, trust and insurance companies		134,972		243,765		243,765
	Public utilities		28,169		31,748		31,748
	Industrial, miscellaneous and all other		680,288		781,001		781,001
	Equities		843,429		1,056,514		1,056,514
	Short-term investments		25,699		25,678		25,678
	Other invested assets (3)				111,476		111,476
	Total				$	15,112,413	$	15,112,413
	-1	Original cost of fixed maturities reduced by repayments and adjusted for amortization of premiums or accrual of discounts. Original cost of equity securities.
	-2	Excludes the investment portfolio underlying the funds held – directly managed account. While the net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains and losses inure to the benefit of the Company, the Company does not legally own the investments.
	-3	Other invested assets excludes the Company’s investments accounted for using the cost method of accounting and the equity method of accounting of $187 million.

SCHEDULE_II_Condensed_Financia

SCHEDULE II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block]	PartnerRe Ltd.
	Condensed Balance Sheets—Parent Company Only
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except parenthetical share and per share data)
			31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	371		$	1,286
	Investments in subsidiaries		8,242,199			8,170,653
	Intercompany loans and balances receivable		675,408			730,450
	Other		2,476			3,961
	Total assets		$	8,920,454		$	8,906,350
	Liabilities
	Intercompany loans and balances payable (1)		$	1,845,690		$	2,175,401
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other		25,854			21,417
	Total liabilities		1,871,544			2,196,818
	Shareholders’ Equity
	Common shares (par value $1.00; issued: 2014, 87,237,220 shares; 2013, 86,657,045 shares)		87,237			86,657
	Preferred shares (par value $1.00; issued and outstanding: 2014 and 2013: 34,150,000 shares; aggregate liquidation value: 2014 and 2013: $853,750)		34,150			34,150
	Additional paid-in capital		3,949,665			3,901,627
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(34,083		)	(12,238		)
	Retained earnings		6,270,811			5,406,797
	Common shares held in treasury, at cost (2014, 39,400,936 shares; 2013, 34,213,611 shares)		(3,258,870		)	(2,707,461		)
	Total shareholders’ equity attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.		7,048,910			6,709,532
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.		$	8,920,454		$	8,906,350
	-1	The parent has fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a subordinated basis all obligations of PartnerRe Finance II Inc., an indirect 100% owned finance subsidiary of the parent, related to the remaining $63.4 million aggregate principal amount of 6.440% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Capital Efficient Notes (CENts). The parent’s obligations under this guarantee are unsecured and rank junior in priority of payments to the parent’s Senior Notes.
	The parent has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all obligations of PartnerRe Finance A and PartnerRe Finance B, indirect 100% owned finance subsidiaries of the parent, related to the issuance of $250 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes and $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.500% Senior Notes. The parent’s obligations under these guarantees are senior and unsecured and rank equally with all other senior unsecured indebtedness of the parent.
	PartnerRe Ltd.
	Condensed Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income—Parent Company Only
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
			For the year ended December 31, 2014			For the year ended December 31, 2013			For the year ended December 31, 2012
	Revenues
	Net investment income		$	—		$	18		$	1,152
	Interest income on intercompany loans		14,669			11,039			—
	Net realized and unrealized investment gains		—			—			2,208
	Total revenues		14,669			11,057			3,360
	Expenses
	Other expenses		58,076			91,800			82,137
	Interest expense on intercompany loans		1,696			1,867			730
	Net foreign exchange (gains) losses		(3,192		)	9,895			1,085
	Total expenses		56,580			103,562			83,952
	Loss before equity in net income of subsidiaries		(41,911		)	(92,505		)	(80,592		)
	Equity in net income of subsidiaries		1,096,885			756,513			1,215,106
	Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.		1,054,974			664,008			1,134,514
	Preferred dividends		56,735			57,861			61,622
	Loss on redemption of preferred shares		—			9,135			—
	Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders		$	998,239		$	597,012		$	1,072,892
	Comprehensive income
	Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.		$	1,054,974		$	664,008		$	1,134,514
	Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax		(21,845		)	(22,835		)	23,241
	Comprehensive income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.		$	1,033,129		$	641,173		$	1,157,755
	PartnerRe Ltd.
	Condensed Statements of Cash Flows—Parent Company Only
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
			For the year ended December 31, 2014			For the year ended December 31, 2013			For the year ended December 31, 2012
	Cash flows from operating activities
	Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.		$	1,054,974		$	664,008		$	1,134,514
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
	Equity in net income of subsidiaries		(1,096,885		)	(756,513		)	(1,215,106		)
	Other, net		33,598			27,397			30,573
	Net cash used in operating activities		(8,313		)	(65,108		)	(50,019		)
	Cash flows from investing activities
	Advances to/from subsidiaries, net		(12,635		)	666,444			190,017
	Net issue of intercompany loans receivable and payable		2,500			14,473			132,797
	Sales and redemptions of fixed maturities		—			—			184,516
	Sales and redemptions of short-term investments		—			—			8,543
Dividends received from subsidiaries		—			—			200,000
Other, net		60			196			775
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(10,075		)	681,113			716,648
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders (2)		—			(103,311		)	(217,615		)
Repurchase of common shares (2)		—			(546,617		)	(504,991		)
Issuance of common shares, net of taxes paid		16,785			51,111			34,323
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred shares		—			241,265			—
Redemption of preferred shares		—			(290,000		)	—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		16,785			(647,552		)	(688,283		)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash		688			2,461			297
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(915		)	(29,086		)	(21,357		)
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year		1,286			30,372			51,729
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year		$	371		$	1,286		$	30,372
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid		$	—		$	1,528		$	579
-1	The parent received non-cash dividends from its subsidiaries of $833 million, $1,100 million and $200 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which have been excluded from the Condensed Statements of Cash Flows—Parent Company Only.
-2	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders of $191 million and $97 million, respectively, and the repurchase of common shares of $547 million and $169 million, respectively, were paid by a subsidiary on behalf of the parent and have been excluded from the Condensed Statements of Cash Flows—Parent Company Only.

SCHEDULE_III_Supplementary_Ins

SCHEDULE III - Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
Supplementary Insurance Information, for Insurance Companies Disclosure [Text Block]	PartnerRe Ltd.
	Supplementary Insurance Information
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
			Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs		Gross Reserves		Unearned Premiums		Other Benefits Payable		Premium Revenue		Net Investment Income(1)		Losses Incurred			Amortization of DAC		Other Expenses(2)		Premiums Written
	2014
	Non-life		$	463,958	$	9,745,806	$	1,731,212	$	—	$	4,387,406	$ N/A		$	2,462,568		$	1,065,117	$	252,322	$	4,500,214
	Life and Health		197,228		—		19,395		2,050,107		1,221,751		60,369		1,000,202			148,689		67,811		265,693
	Corporate and Other		—		—		—		—		38		419,327		—			16		129,555		—
	Total		$	661,186	$	9,745,806	$	1,750,607	$	2,050,107	$	5,609,195	$	479,696	$	3,462,770		$	1,213,822	$	449,688	$	4,765,907
	2013
	Non-life		$	434,109	$	10,646,318	$	1,699,393	$	—	$	4,234,850	$ N/A		$	2,399,867		$	952,570	$	258,997	$	4,426,719
	Life and Health		210,841		—		24,337		1,974,133		957,146		60,897		760,552			124,631		71,092		123,936
	Corporate and Other		2		—		37		—		6,214		423,470		(2,611		)	427		170,377		6,110
	Total		$	644,952	$	10,646,318	$	1,723,767	$	1,974,133	$	5,198,210	$	484,367	$	3,157,808		$	1,077,628	$	500,466	$	4,556,765
	2012
	Non-life		$	363,174	$	10,709,371	$	1,517,217	$	—	$	3,684,069	$ N/A		$	2,155,147		$	820,464	$	257,256	$	3,768,111
	Life and Health		205,203		—		17,267		1,813,244		794,598		64,223		646,981			115,887		52,352		N/A
	Corporate and Other		14		—		141		—		7,272		507,115		2,482			558		101,766		6,363
	Total		$	568,391	$	10,709,371	$	1,534,625	$	1,813,244	$	4,485,939	$	571,338	$	2,804,610		$	936,909	$	411,374	$	3,774,474
	-1	Because the Company does not manage its assets by segment, net investment income is not allocated to the Non-life segment of the reinsurance operations. However, because of the interest-sensitive nature of some of the Company’s Life products, net investment income is considered in Management’s assessment of the profitability of the Life and Health segment.
	-2	Other expenses are a component of underwriting result for the Non-life and Life and Health segments. Other expenses included in Corporate and Other represent corporate expenses and other expenses related to the Company’s principal finance transactions, insurance-linked securities and strategic investments.

SCHEDULE_IV_Reinsurance

SCHEDULE IV - Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Text Block]	PartnerRe Ltd.
	Reinsurance
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
		Gross amount		Ceded to other companies		Assumed from other companies		Net amount		Percentage of amount assumed to net
	2014
	Life reinsurance in force	$	—	$	2,322,845	$	198,284,805	$	195,961,960	101	%
	Premiums earned
	Life	—		5,031		943,054		938,023		101	%
	Accident and health	66,090		40,065		257,703		283,728		91	%
	Property and casualty	143,389		170,107		4,414,162		4,387,444		101	%
	Total premiums	$	209,479	$	215,203	$	5,614,919	$	5,609,195	100	%
	2013
	Life reinsurance in force	$	—	$	1,629,920	$	211,247,212	$	209,617,292	101	%
	Premiums earned
	Life	—		5,000		821,737		816,737		101	%
	Accident and health	—		2,912		143,321		140,409		102	%
	Property and casualty	93,091		167,744		4,315,717		4,241,064		102	%
	Total premiums	$	93,091	$	175,656	$	5,280,775	$	5,198,210	102	%
	2012
	Life reinsurance in force	$	—	$	1,782,549	$	214,006,823	$	212,224,274	101	%
	Premiums earned
	Life	—		5,400		780,279		774,879		101	%
	Accident and health	—		—		19,719		19,719		100	%
	Property and casualty	84,815		149,610		3,756,136		3,691,341		102	%
	Total premiums	$	84,815	$	155,010	$	4,556,134	$	4,485,939	102	%

SCHEDULE_VI_Supplemental_Infor

SCHEDULE VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]
Schedule of Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Text Block]	PartnerRe Ltd.
	Supplemental Information
	Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
	Affiliation with Registrant	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs		Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses		Unearned Premiums		Premiums Earned		Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred		Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs		Paid Losses and Loss Expenses		Premiums Written
	Consolidated subsidiaries
	2014	$	463,958	$	9,745,806	$	1,731,212	$	4,387,444	$	2,462,568	$	1,065,133	$	2,798,549	$	4,500,214
	2013	434,111		10,646,318		1,699,430		4,241,064		2,397,256		952,997		2,401,559		4,432,829
	2012	363,188		10,709,371		1,517,358		3,691,341		2,157,629		821,022		2,705,062		3,774,474

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of accounting	The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use Of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. While Management believes that the amounts included in the Consolidated Financial Statements reflect its best estimates and assumptions, actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company’s principal estimates include:
	•	Unpaid losses and loss expenses;
	•	Policy benefits for life and annuity contracts;
	•	Gross and net premiums written and net premiums earned;
	•	Recoverability of deferred acquisition costs;
	•	Recoverability of deferred tax assets;
	•	Valuation of goodwill and intangible assets; and
	•	Valuation of certain assets and derivative financial instruments that are measured using significant unobservable inputs.
Premiums	(a) Premiums
	Gross premiums written and earned are based upon reports received from ceding companies, supplemented by the Company’s own estimates of premiums written and earned for which ceding company reports have not been received. The determination of premium estimates requires a review of the Company’s experience with cedants, familiarity with each market, an understanding of the characteristics of each line of business and Management’s assessment of the impact of various other factors on the volume of business written and ceded to the Company. Premium estimates are updated as new information is received from cedants and differences between such estimates and actual amounts are recorded in the period in which the estimates are changed or the actual amounts are determined. Net premiums written and earned are presented net of ceded premiums, which represent the cost of retrocessional protection purchased by the Company. Premiums are earned on a basis that is consistent with the risks covered under the terms of the reinsurance contracts, which is generally one to two years. For U.S. and European wind and certain other risks, premiums are earned commensurate with the seasonality of the underlying exposure. Reinstatement premiums are recognized as written and earned at the time a loss event occurs, where coverage limits for the remaining life of the contract are reinstated under pre-defined contract terms. The accrual of reinstatement premiums is based on Management’s estimate of losses and loss expenses associated with the loss event. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written which is applicable to the unexpired risks under contracts in force.
	Premiums related to individual life and annuity business are recorded over the premium-paying period on the underlying policies. Premiums on annuity and universal life contracts for which there is no significant mortality or critical illness risk are accounted for in a manner consistent with accounting for interest-bearing financial instruments and are not reported as revenues, but rather as direct deposits to the contract. Amounts assessed against annuity and universal life policyholders are recognized as revenue in the period assessed.
Losses and Loss Expenses	(b) Losses and Loss Expenses and Life Policy Benefits
	The liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses includes amounts determined from loss reports on individual treaties (case reserves), additional case reserves when the Company’s loss estimate is higher than reported by the cedants (ACRs) and amounts for losses incurred but not yet reported to the Company (IBNR). Such reserves are estimated by Management based upon reports received from ceding companies, supplemented by the Company’s own actuarial estimates of reserves for which ceding company reports have not been received, and based on the Company’s own historical experience. To the extent that the Company’s own historical experience is inadequate for estimating reserves, such estimates may be determined based upon industry experience and Management’s judgment. The estimates are continually reviewed and the ultimate liability may be in excess of, or less than, the amounts provided. Any adjustments are reflected in the periods in which they are determined, which may affect the Company’s operating results in future periods.
Life Policy Benefits	The liabilities for policy benefits for ordinary life and accident and health policies have been established based upon information reported by ceding companies, supplemented by the Company’s actuarial estimates of mortality, critical illness, persistency and future investment income, with appropriate provision to reflect uncertainty. Future policy benefit reserves for annuity and universal life contracts are carried at their accumulated values. Reserves for policy claims and benefits include both mortality and critical illness claims in the process of settlement, and claims that have been incurred but not yet reported.
Reinsurance Accounting	The Company purchases retrocessional contracts to reduce its exposure to risk of losses on reinsurance assumed. Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses involves actuarial estimates consistent with those used to establish the associated liabilities for unpaid losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits.
Deferred Acquisition Costs	(c) Deferred Acquisition Costs
	Acquisition costs, comprising only incremental brokerage fees, commissions and excise taxes, which vary directly with, and are related to, the acquisition of reinsurance contracts, are capitalized and charged to expense as the related premium is earned. All other acquisition related costs, including all indirect costs, are expensed as incurred.
	Acquisition costs related to individual life and annuity contracts are deferred and amortized over the premium-paying periods in proportion to anticipated premium income, allowing for lapses, terminations and anticipated investment income. Acquisition costs related to universal life and single premium annuity contracts for which there is no significant mortality or critical illness risk are deferred and amortized over the lives of the contracts as a percentage of the estimated gross profits expected to be realized on the contracts.
	Actual and anticipated losses and loss expenses, other costs and investment income related to underlying premiums are considered in determining the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs related to the Company’s Non-life business. Actual and anticipated loss experience, together with the present value of future gross premiums, the present value of future benefits, settlement and maintenance costs are considered in determining the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs related to the Company’s Life business.
Funds Held by Reinsured Companies (Cedants)	(d) Funds Held by Reinsured Companies (Cedants)
	The Company writes certain business on a funds held basis. Under such contractual arrangements, the cedant retains the premiums that would have otherwise been paid to the Company and the Company earns interest on these funds. With the exception of those arrangements discussed below, the Company generally earns investment income on the funds held balances based upon a predetermined interest rate, either fixed contractually at the inception of the contract or based upon a recognized index (e.g., LIBOR).
	In certain circumstances, the Company may receive an investment return based upon either the result of a pool of assets held by the cedant, generally used to collateralize the funds held balance, or the investment return earned by the cedant on its entire investment portfolio. In these arrangements, gross investment returns are typically reflected in net investment income with a corresponding increase or decrease (net of a spread) being recorded as life policy benefits in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. In these arrangements, the Company is exposed, to a limited extent, to the underlying credit risk of the pool of assets inasmuch as the underlying life policies may have guaranteed minimum returns. In such cases, an embedded derivative exists and its fair value is recorded by the Company as an increase or decrease to the funds held balance.
Deposit Assets and Liabilities	(e) Deposit Assets and Liabilities
	In the normal course of its operations, the Company writes certain contracts that do not meet the risk transfer provisions of U.S. GAAP. While these contracts do not meet risk transfer provisions for accounting purposes, there is a remote possibility that the Company will suffer a loss. The Company accounts for these contracts using the deposit accounting method, originally recording deposit liabilities for an amount equivalent to the consideration received. The consideration to be retained by the Company, irrespective of the experience of the contracts, is earned over the expected settlement period of the contracts, with any unearned portion recorded as a component of deposit liabilities. Actuarial studies are used to estimate the final liabilities under these contracts and the appropriate accretion rates to increase or decrease the liabilities over the term of the contracts. The change for the period is recorded in other income or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Under some of these contracts, cedants retain the assets on a funds-held basis. In those cases, the Company records those assets as deposit assets and records the related income in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Investments	(f) Investments
	The Company elects the fair value option for all of its fixed maturities, short-term investments, equities and certain other invested assets (excluding those that are accounted for using the cost or equity methods of accounting). All changes in the fair value of investments are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company defines fair value as the price received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company measures the fair value of financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers between the hierarchy levels at the beginning of the period. See Note 3 for additional information on fair value.
	Short-term investments comprise securities with a maturity greater than three months but less than one year from the date of purchase.
	Other invested assets consist primarily of investments in non-publicly traded companies, private placement equity and fixed maturity investments, derivative financial instruments and other specialty asset classes. Non-publicly traded entities in which the Company has an ownership of more than 20% and less than 50% of the voting shares, and limited partnerships in which the Company has more than a minor interest, are accounted for using either the equity method or the fair value option. The remaining other invested assets are recorded based on valuation techniques depending on the nature of the individual assets. The valuation techniques used by the Company are generally commensurate with standard valuation techniques for each asset class.
	Net investment income includes interest and dividend income, amortization of premiums and discounts on fixed maturities and short-term investments and investment income on funds held and funds held – directly managed, and is net of investment expenses and withholding taxes. Investment income is recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses on the disposal of investments are determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Investment purchases and sales are recorded on a trade-date basis.
Funds Held - Directly Managed	(g) Funds Held – Directly Managed
	The Company elects the fair value option for substantially all of the fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets in the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held – directly managed account. Accordingly, all changes in the fair value of the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held – directly managed account are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	(h) Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents are carried at fair value and include fixed income securities that, at purchase, have a maturity of three months or less.
Business Combinations	(i) Business Combinations
	The Company accounts for transactions in which it obtains control over one or more businesses using the acquisition method. The purchase price is allocated to identifiable assets and liabilities, including any intangible assets, based on their estimated fair value at the acquisition date. The estimates of fair values for assets and liabilities acquired are determined based on various market and income analyses and appraisals. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. All costs associated with an acquisition are expensed as incurred.
Goodwill	(j) Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a business combination. The Company assesses the appropriateness of its valuation of goodwill on at least an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If, as a result of the assessment, the Company determines that the value of its goodwill is impaired, goodwill will be written down in the period in which the determination is made.
Intangible Assets	(k) Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets represent the fair value adjustments related to unpaid losses and loss expenses and the fair values of renewal rights, customer relationships and U.S. licenses arising from acquisitions. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives. The Company recognizes the amortization of all definite-lived intangible assets in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization. The carrying values of indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for indicators of impairment on at least an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. Impairment is recognized if the carrying values of the intangible assets are not recoverable from their undiscounted cash flows and is measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value.
Income Taxes	(l) Income Taxes
	Certain subsidiaries and branches of the Company operate in jurisdictions where they are subject to taxation. Current and deferred income taxes are charged or credited to net income or, in certain cases, to accumulated other comprehensive income, based upon enacted tax laws and rates applicable in the relevant jurisdiction in the period in which the tax becomes accruable or realizable. Deferred income taxes are provided for all temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities used in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and those used in the various jurisdictional tax returns. When Management’s assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded against the deferred tax assets.
	The Company recognizes a tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions only where the position is more likely than not to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. A liability is recognized for any tax benefit (along with any interest and penalty, if applicable) claimed in a tax return in excess of the amount recognized in the financial statements under U.S. GAAP. Any changes in amounts recognized are recorded in the period in which they are determined.
Translation of Foreign Currencies	(m) Translation of Foreign Currencies
	The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The national currencies of the Company’s subsidiaries and branches are generally their functional currencies, except for the Company’s Bermuda subsidiaries and its Swiss subsidiaries and branch, whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar. In translating the financial statements of those subsidiaries or branches whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities are converted into U.S. dollars using the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet dates, and revenues and expenses are converted using the average foreign exchange rates for the period. The effect of translation adjustments are reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as currency translation adjustment, a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss.
	In recording foreign currency transactions, revenue and expense items are converted into the functional currency at the average rates of exchange for the period. Assets and liabilities originating in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet dates. The resulting foreign exchange gains or losses are included in net foreign exchange gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company also records realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on certain hedged items in net foreign exchange gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (see Note 2(n)).
Derivatives	(n) Derivatives
	Derivatives Used in Hedging Activities
	The Company utilizes derivative financial instruments as part of its overall currency risk management strategy. The Company recognizes all derivative financial instruments, including embedded derivative instruments, as either assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measures those instruments at fair value. On the date the Company enters into a derivative contract, Management designates whether the derivative is to be used as a hedge of an identified underlying exposure (a designated hedge). The accounting for gains and losses associated with changes in the fair value of a derivative and the effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements depends on its hedge designation and whether the hedge is highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in the fair value of the asset or liability being hedged.
	The derivatives employed by the Company to hedge currency exposure related to fixed income securities and other reinsurance assets and liabilities are not designated as hedges, with the exception of any hedges of the Company’s net investment in certain subsidiaries and branches whose functional currencies are not the U.S. dollar. The changes in fair value of these derivatives not designated as hedges are recognized in net foreign exchange gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	As part of its overall strategy to manage its level of currency exposure, from time to time the Company uses forward foreign exchange derivatives to hedge or partially hedge the net investment in certain subsidiaries and branches whose functional currencies are not the U.S. dollar. These derivatives are designated as net investment hedges, and accordingly, the changes in fair value of the derivative and the hedged item related to foreign currency are recognized in currency translation adjustment in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company also uses, from time to time, interest rate derivatives to mitigate exposure to interest rate volatility.
	The Company formally documents all relationships between designated hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. In this documentation, the Company specifically identifies the asset or liability that has been designated as a hedged item and states how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the risks related to the hedged item. The Company formally measures effectiveness of its designated hedging relationships both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis. The Company assesses the effectiveness of its designated hedges using the period-to-period dollar offset method on an individual currency basis. If the ratio obtained with this method is within the range of 80% to 125%, the Company considers the hedge effective. The time value component of the designated net investment hedges is included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
	The Company will discontinue hedge accounting prospectively if it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of a hedged item. To the extent that the Company discontinues hedge accounting related to its net investment in subsidiaries and branches whose functional currencies are not the U.S. dollar, because, based on Management’s assessment, the derivative no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, the derivative will continue to be carried in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at its fair value, with changes in its fair value recognized in net foreign exchange gains and losses.
	Other Derivatives
	The Company’s investment strategy allows for the use of derivative instruments, subject to strict limitations. The Company utilizes various derivative instruments such as foreign exchange forward contracts, foreign currency option contracts, futures contracts, to-be-announced mortgage-backed securities (TBAs) and credit default swaps for the purpose of managing overall currency risk, market exposures and portfolio duration, for hedging certain investments, or for enhancing investment performance that would be allowed under the Company’s investment policy if implemented in other ways. These instruments are recorded at fair value as assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in fair value are included in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, except changes in the fair value of foreign currency option contracts and foreign exchange forward contracts which are included in net foreign exchange gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Margin balances required by counterparties, which are equal to a percentage of the total value of open futures contracts, are included in cash and cash equivalents.
	The Company enters from time to time into weather and longevity related transactions that are structured as derivatives, which are recorded at fair value with the changes in fair value reported in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The Company enters from time to time into total return and interest rate swaps. Margins related to these swaps are included in other income or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and any changes in the fair value of the swaps are included in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Treasury Shares	(o) Treasury Shares
	Common shares repurchased by the Company and not canceled are classified as treasury shares, and are recorded at cost. This results in a reduction of shareholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. When shares are reissued from treasury, the Company uses the average cost method to determine the cost of the reissued shares. Gains on sales of treasury shares are credited to additional paid-in capital, while losses are charged to additional paid-in capital to the extent that previous net gains from sales of treasury shares are included therein, otherwise losses are charged to retained earnings.
Net Income or Loss per Common Share	(p) Net Income or Loss per Common Share
	Diluted net income or loss per common share is defined as net income or loss attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding, calculated using the treasury stock method for all potentially dilutive securities. Net income or loss attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders is defined as net income or loss attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. less preferred share dividends. When the effect of dilutive securities would be anti-dilutive, these securities are excluded from the calculation of diluted net income or loss per share. Basic net income or loss per share is defined as net income or loss attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, giving no effect to dilutive securities.
Share-Based Compensation	(q) Share-Based Compensation
	The Company currently uses six types of share-based compensation: share options, restricted shares (RS), restricted share units (RSUs), performance-based RSUs (PSUs), share-settled share appreciation rights (SSARs) and shares issued under the Company’s employee share purchase plans.
	The majority of the Company’s share-based compensation awards qualify for equity classification. The fair value of the compensation cost is measured at the grant date and is expensed over the period for which the employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award. Awards of PSUs provide performance-based equity awards based on pre-established targets relating to certain performance measures achieved by the Company. The compensation expense for PSUs is initially based on the target performance measure at the time of award and is subject to periodic review and adjustment based on expected actual performance. Forfeiture benefits on all awards are estimated at the time of grant and incorporated in the determination of share-based compensation costs. Awards granted to employees who are eligible for retirement and do not have to provide additional services are expensed at the date of grant.
	Those share-based compensation awards that do not meet the equity classification criteria are classified as liability awards. Liability-classified awards are recorded at fair value in the Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheets with changes in fair value relating to the vested portion of the award recorded within Other expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Pensions	(r) Pensions
	The Company recognizes an asset or a liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the funded status of its defined benefit plans that are overfunded or underfunded, respectively, measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the pension obligation and recognizes changes in the funded status of defined benefit plans in the year in which the changes occur as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax.
Variable Interest Entities and Noncontrolling Interests	(s) Variable Interest Entities and Noncontrolling Interests
	The Company is involved in the normal course of business with variable interest entities (VIEs) as a passive investor in certain limited partnerships, fixed maturity investments and asset-backed securities, that are issued by third party VIEs. The Company performs a qualitative assessment at the date when it becomes initially involved in the VIE followed by ongoing reassessments related to its involvement in VIEs. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the amounts invested in and advanced to the VIEs at December 31, 2014 that are reported within fixed maturities and other invested assets in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and any unfunded commitments.
	The Company also has three indirect 100% owned subsidiaries, PartnerRe Finance A LLC, PartnerRe Finance B LLC and PartnerRe Finance II Inc., that are considered to be VIEs, which were utilized to issue the Company’s Senior Notes and Capital Efficient Notes (CENts). The Company determined that it was not the primary beneficiary of any of these VIEs at December 31, 2014. As a result, the Company has not consolidated PartnerRe Finance A LLC, PartnerRe Finance B LLC and PartnerRe Finance II Inc., and has reflected the debt issued by the Company related to the Senior Notes and CENts as liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 10). The interest on the debt related to the Senior Notes and CENts is reported as interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The Company has also formed a subsidiary with other third party investors, Lorenz Re Ltd. (Lorenz Re), that is considered to be a VIE. The Company determined that it is the primary beneficiary as it has the power to direct and has more than an insignificant economic interest in the activities of Lorenz Re. Lorenz Re is consolidated by the Company and all inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated. Net income or loss and shareholders’ equity attributable to Lorenz Re’s third party investors are recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements as noncontrolling interests (see Note 13).
Segment Reporting	(t) Segment Reporting
	The Company monitors the performance of its operations in three segments, Non-life, Life and Health and Corporate and Other. The Non-life segment is further divided into four sub-segments: North America, Global (Non-U.S.) Property and Casualty (Global (Non-U.S.) P&C), Global Specialty and Catastrophe.
	Segments and sub-segments represent markets that are reasonably homogeneous in terms of geography, client types, buying patterns, underlying risk patterns or approach to risk management.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	(u) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued updated guidance on the accounting for investments in affordable housing projects that qualify for low-income housing tax credits by entities that manage or invest in such projects. The update modifies the conditions that an entity must meet to elect the effective yield or proportional amortization method to account for such investments. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosures.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance on the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosures.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance on the consolidation of voting interest entities and variable interest entities. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial instruments measured at fair value and categorized between Levels 1, 2 and 3	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value were classified between Levels 1, 2 and 3 as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	31-Dec-14		Quoted prices in				Significant				Significant				Total
			active markets for				other observable				unobservable
			identical assets				inputs				inputs
			(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	—			$	2,315,422			$	—			$	2,315,422
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities		—				380,875				149,728				530,603
	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related		—				1,976,202				—				1,976,202
	Corporate		—				5,604,160				—				5,604,160
	Asset-backed securities		—				681,502				449,918				1,131,420
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		—				2,306,476				—				2,306,476
	Other mortgage-backed securities		—				54,462				—				54,462
	Fixed maturities		$	—			$	13,319,099			$	599,646			$	13,918,745
	Short-term investments		$	—			$	25,678			$	—			$	25,678
	Equities
	Real estate investment trusts		$	213,770			$	—			$	—			$	213,770
	Insurance		140,916				4,521				—				145,437
	Energy		123,978				—				—				123,978
	Consumer noncyclical		100,134				—				—				100,134
	Finance		70,621				7,354				20,353				98,328
	Technology		52,707				—				8,555				61,262
	Communications		51,829				—				2,640				54,469
	Industrials		49,983				—				—				49,983
	Consumer cyclical		39,002				—				—				39,002
	Utilities		31,748				—				—				31,748
	Other		11,571				—				—				11,571
	Mutual funds and exchange traded funds		118,246				—				8,586				126,832
	Equities		$	1,004,505			$	11,875			$	40,134			$	1,056,514
	Other invested assets
	Derivative assets
	Foreign exchange forward contracts		$	—			$	20,033			$	—			$	20,033
	Futures contracts		846				—				—				846
	Insurance-linked securities		—				—				3				3
	Total return swaps		—				—				485				485
	TBAs		—				154				—				154
	Other
	Notes and loan receivables and notes securitization		—				—				44,817				44,817
	Annuities and residuals		—				—				13,243				13,243
	Private equities		—				—				59,872				59,872
	Derivative liabilities
	Foreign exchange forward contracts		—				(7,446		)		—				(7,446		)
	Foreign currency option contracts		—				(1,196		)		—				(1,196		)
	Futures contracts		(467		)		—				—				(467		)
	Insurance-linked securities		—				—				(339		)		(339		)
	Total return swaps		—				—				(2,007		)		(2,007		)
	Interest rate swaps		—				(16,282		)		—				(16,282		)
	TBAs		—				(240		)		—				(240		)
	Other invested assets		$	379			$	(4,977	)		$	116,074			$	111,476
	Funds held – directly managed
	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	—			$	153,483			$	—			$	153,483
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities		—				—				132				132
	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related		—				128,233				—				128,233
	Corporate		—				177,347				—				177,347
	Other invested assets		—				—				13,398				13,398
	Funds held – directly managed		$	—			$	459,063			$	13,530			$	472,593
	Total		$	1,004,884			$	13,810,738			$	769,384			$	15,585,006
	31-Dec-13		Quoted prices in				Significant other				Significant				Total
			active markets for				observable				unobservable
			identical assets				inputs				inputs
			(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	—			$	1,623,859			$	—			$	1,623,859
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities		—				16,207				108,380				124,587
Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related		—				2,353,699				—				2,353,699
Corporate		—				6,048,663				—				6,048,663
Asset-backed securities		—				691,654				446,577				1,138,231
Residential mortgage-backed securities		—				2,268,517				—				2,268,517
Other mortgage-backed securities		—				35,747				—				35,747
Fixed maturities		$	—			$	13,038,346			$	554,957			$	13,593,303
Short-term investments		$	—			$	13,546			$	—			$	13,546
Equities
Real estate investment trusts		$	175,796			$	—			$	—			$	175,796
Energy		159,509				—				—				159,509
Insurance		144,020				—				—				144,020
Finance		108,944				9,556				20,207				138,707
Consumer noncyclical		108,663				—				—				108,663
Communications		70,792				—				2,199				72,991
Technology		53,768				—				7,752				61,520
Industrials		47,677				—				—				47,677
Consumer cyclical		45,915				—				—				45,915
Utilities		37,151				—				—				37,151
Other		19,993				—				—				19,993
Mutual funds and exchange traded funds		61,902				139,322				7,887				209,111
Equities		$	1,034,130			$	148,878			$	38,045			$	1,221,053
Other invested assets
Derivative assets
Foreign exchange forward contracts		$	—			$	1,249			$	—			$	1,249
Futures contracts		41,031				—				—				41,031
Total return swaps		—				—				79				79
Interest rate swaps		—				2,147				—				2,147
TBAs		—				2				—				2
Other
Notes and loan receivables and notes securitization		—				—				41,446				41,446
Annuities and residuals		—				—				24,064				24,064
Private equities		—				—				39,131				39,131
Derivative liabilities
Foreign exchange forward contracts		—				(8,648		)		—				(8,648		)
Foreign currency option contracts		—				(535		)		—				(535		)
Credit default swaps (protection purchased)		—				(71		)		—				(71		)
Insurance-linked securities		—				—				(268		)		(268		)
Total return swaps		—				—				(599		)		(599		)
Interest rate swaps		—				(2,558		)		—				(2,558		)
TBAs		—				(1,331		)		—				(1,331		)
Other invested assets		$	41,031			$	(9,745	)		$	103,853			$	135,139
Funds held – directly managed
U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	—			$	157,296			$	—			$	157,296
U.S. states, territories and municipalities		—				—				286				286
Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related		—				137,186				—				137,186
Corporate		—				248,947				—				248,947
Short-term investments		—				2,426				—				2,426
Other invested assets		—				—				15,165				15,165
Funds held – directly managed		$	—			$	545,855			$	15,451			$	561,306
Total		$	1,075,161			$	13,736,880			$	712,306			$	15,524,347
Reconciliation of beginning and ending balances for all financial instruments measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs	The reconciliations of the beginning and ending balances for all financial instruments measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	For the year ended		Balance at				Realized and				Purchases				Settlements			Net		Balance			Change in
	31-Dec-14		beginning				unrealized				and				and			transfers		at end of			unrealized
			of year				investment				issuances (1)				sales (2)			into/(out of)		year			investment gains (losses)
							gains (losses)											Level 3					relating to
							included in																assets held at
							net income																end of year
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities		$	108,380			$	12,322			$	31,470			$	(2,444	)	$	—	$	149,728		$	12,315
	Asset-backed securities		446,577				8,169				192,940				(197,768		)	—		449,918			8,616
	Fixed maturities		$	554,957			$	20,491			$	224,410			$	(200,212	)	$	—	$	599,646		$	20,931
	Equities
	Finance		$	20,207			$	146			$	—			$	—		$	—	$	20,353		$	146
	Technology		7,752				803				—				—			—		8,555			803
	Communications		2,199				441				—				—			—		2,640			441
	Other		—				—				8				(8		)	—		—			—
	Mutual funds and exchange traded funds		7,887				699				—				—			—		8,586			699
	Equities		$	38,045			$	2,089			$	8			$	(8	)	$	—	$	40,134		$	2,089
	Other invested assets
	Derivatives, net		$	(788	)		$	(759	)		$	(871	)		$	560		$	—	$	(1,858	)	$	(759	)
	Notes and loan receivables and notes securitization		41,446				(372		)		35,988				(32,245		)	—		44,817			1,147
	Annuities and residuals		24,064				(207		)		—				(10,614		)	—		13,243			(167		)
	Private equities		39,131				(3,149		)		28,410				(4,520		)	—		59,872			(3,180		)
	Other invested assets		$	103,853			$	(4,487	)		$	63,527			$	(46,819	)	$	—	$	116,074		$	(2,959	)
	Funds held – directly managed
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities		$	286			$	1			$	—			$	(155	)	$	—	$	132		$	13
	Other invested assets		15,165				(2,102		)		781				(446		)	—		13,398			(2,102		)
	Funds held – directly managed		$	15,451			$	(2,101	)		$	781			$	(601	)	$	—	$	13,530		$	(2,089	)
	Total		$	712,306			$	15,992			$	288,726			$	(247,640	)	$	—	$	769,384		$	17,972
	-1	Purchases and issuances of derivatives include issuances of $0.9 million.
	-2	There were no sales for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	For the year ended		Balance at				Realized and				Purchases				Settlements			Net		Balance			Change in
	31-Dec-13		beginning				unrealized				and				and			transfers		at end of			unrealized
			of year				investment				issuances (1)				sales (2)			into/(out of)		year			investment
							(losses) gains											Level 3					gains (losses) relating to
							included in																assets held at
							net income																end of year
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities		$	233,235			$	(4,440	)		$	103,860			$	(224,275	)	$	—	$	108,380		$	1,234
	Corporate		100,904				(2,271		)		—				(98,633		)	—		—			—
	Asset-backed securities		323,134				(1,339		)		301,477				(176,695		)	—		446,577			(9,018		)
	Fixed maturities		$	657,273			$	(8,050	)		$	405,337			$	(499,603	)	$	—	$	554,957		$	(7,784	)
	Equities
	Finance		$	13,477			$	1,730			$	5,000			$	—		$	—	$	20,207		$	1,730
	Communications		—				159				2,040				—			—		2,199			159
	Technology		6,987				765				—				—			—		7,752			765
	Mutual funds and exchange traded funds		7,264				623				—				—			—		7,887			623
	Equities		$	27,728			$	3,277			$	7,040			$	—		$	—	$	38,045		$	3,277
	Other invested assets
	Derivatives, net		$	3,911			$	(6,136	)		$	121			$	1,316		$	—	$	(788	)	$	(69	)
	Notes and loan receivables and notes securitization		34,902				936				15,732				(10,124		)	—		41,446			936
	Annuities and residuals		46,882				1,107				—				(23,925		)	—		24,064			877
	Private equities		1,404				(6,358		)		44,085				—			—		39,131			(6,358		)
	Other invested assets		$	87,099			$	(10,451	)		$	59,938			$	(32,733	)	$	—	$	103,853		$	(4,614	)
	Funds held – directly managed
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities		$	345			$	(59	)		$	—			$	—		$	—	$	286		$	(59	)
	Other invested assets		17,976				(2,054		)		—				(757		)	—		15,165			(990		)
	Funds held – directly managed		$	18,321			$	(2,113	)		$	—			$	(757	)	$	—	$	15,451		$	(1,049	)
	Total		$	790,421			$	(17,337	)		$	472,315			$	(533,093	)	$	—	$	712,306		$	(10,170	)
	-1	Purchases and issuances of derivatives include issuances of $0.8 million.
	-2	Settlements and sales of U.S. states, territories and municipalities, asset-backed securities, derivatives and annuities and residuals include sales of $223.7 million, $13.7 million, $1.2 million and $6.3 million, respectively
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block]	The significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of financial instruments measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (fair value in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	31-Dec-14		Fair value				Valuation techniques		Unobservable inputs		Range
											(Weighted average)
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities		$	149,728			Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		2.2% – 10.1% (4.6%)
	Asset-backed securities – other		449,918				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		4.0% – 12.1% (7.1%)
	Equities
	Finance		14,561				Weighted market comparables		Net income multiple		19.0 (19.0)
									Tangible book value multiple		1.3 (1.3)
									Liquidity discount		25.0% (25.0%)
									Comparable return		7.3% (7.3%)
	Finance		5,792				Profitability analysis		Projected return on equity		14.0% (14.0%)
	Technology		8,555				Weighted market comparables		Revenue multiple		1.6 (1.6)
									Adjusted earnings multiple		10.2 (10.2)
	Communications		2,640				Weighted market comparables		Adjusted earnings multiple		9.4 (9.4)
									Comparable return		-10.6% (-10.6%)
	Other invested assets
	Total return swaps		(1,522		)		Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		3.6% – 19.3% (16.3%)
	Notes and loan receivables		8,068				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		12.6% (12.6%)
	Notes and loan receivables		13,237				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		17.5% (17.5%)
									Gross revenue/fair value		1.5 – 1.7 (1.7)
	Notes securitization		23,512				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		3.5% – 6.6% (6.4%)
	Annuities and residuals		13,243				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		4.9% – 9.6% (7.8%)
									Prepayment speed		0% – 15.0% (4.3%)
									Constant default rate		0.3% – 17.5% (6.3%)
	Private equity – direct		8,536				Discounted cash flow and weighted market comparables		Net income multiple		9.0 (9.0)
									Tangible book value multiple		2.0 (2.0)
									Recoverability of intangible assets		0% (0%)
	Private equity funds		18,494				Reported market value		Net asset value, as reported		100.0% (100.0%)
									Market adjustments		-7.6% – 11.0% (-1.6%)
	Private equity – other		32,842				Discounted cash flow		Effective yield		5.8% (5.8%)
	Funds held – directly managed
	Other invested assets		13,398				Reported market value		Net asset value, as reported		100.0% (100.0%)
									Market adjustments		-15.4% – 0% (-14.5%)
	December 31, 2013		Fair value				Valuation techniques		Unobservable inputs		Range
											(Weighted average)
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities		$	108,380			Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		2.9% – 9.9% (5.3%)
	Asset-backed securities – interest only		21				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		5.5% – 10.7% (8.8%)
	Asset-backed securities – other		446,556				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		4.0% – 12.2% (7.1%)
	Equities
	Finance		15,483				Weighted market comparables		Net income multiple		14.6 (14.6)
									Tangible book value multiple		1.1 (1.1)
									Liquidity discount		25.0% (25.0%)
									Comparable return		8.5% (8.5%)
	Finance		4,724				Profitability analysis		Projected return on equity		14.0% (14.0%)
	Communications		2,199				Weighted market comparables		Adjusted earnings multiple		9.4 (9.4)
									Comparable return		0% (0%)
	Technology		7,752				Weighted market comparables		Revenue multiple		0.9 (0.9)
									Adjusted earnings multiple		4.4 (4.4)
	Other invested assets
	Total return swaps		(520		)		Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		2.8% – 18.9% (17.0%)
	Notes and loan receivables		21,280				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		17.5% (17.5%)
									Gross revenue/fair value		1.5 (1.5)
	Notes securitization		20,166				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		6.2% (6.2%)
	Annuities and residuals		24,064				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		4.0% – 7.9% (5.8%)
									Prepayment speed		0% – 15.0% (6.4%)
									Constant default rate		0.3% – 35.0% (12.4%)
	Private equity – direct		11,742				Discounted cash flow and weighted market comparables		Net income multiple		8.3 (8.3)
									Tangible book value multiple		1.6 (1.6)
									Recoverability of intangible assets		0% (0%)
	Private equity funds		8,993				Reported market value		Net asset value, as reported		100.0% (100.0%)
									Market adjustments		1.8% – 9.8% (8.3%)
	Private equity – other		18,396				Discounted cash flow		Credit spreads		3.8% (3.8%)
Funds held – directly managed
Other invested assets		15,165				Reported market value		Net asset value, as reported		100.0% (100.0%)
								Market adjustments		-22.9% – 0% (-15.5%)
Change in fair value of financial instruments subject to fair value option	Changes in the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments subject to the fair value option during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014				2013				2012
	Fixed maturities and short-term investments	$	228,781			$	(525,787	)		$	186,063
	Equities	2,605				118,010				66,253
	Other invested assets	(2,664		)		(6,970		)		18,732
	Funds held – directly managed	1,382				(27,850		)		7,969
	Total	$	230,104			$	(442,597	)		$	279,017
Carrying values and fair values of financial instrument liabilities	The carrying values and fair values of the Senior Notes and CENts at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		31-Dec-14								31-Dec-13
		Carrying Value				Fair Value				Carrying Value				Fair Value
	Debt related to senior notes(1)	$	750,000			$	853,792			$	750,000			$	844,331
	Debt related to CENts(2)	63,384				62,309				63,384				61,094
	-1	PartnerRe Finance A LLC and PartnerRe Finance B LLC, the issuers of the Senior Notes, do not meet consolidation requirements under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the Company shows the related intercompany debt of $750 million in its Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	-2	PartnerRe Finance II Inc., the issuer of the CENts, does not meet consolidation requirements under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the Company shows the related intercompany debt of $71 million in its Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Fixed Maturities, Short-Term Investments and Equities	The cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value of investments classified as trading securities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	31-Dec-14	Cost (1)			Gross			Gross			Fair Value
					Unrealized			Unrealized
					Gains			Losses
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises	$	2,308,264		$	13,350		$	(6,192	)	$	2,315,422
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities	511,228			21,058			(1,683		)	530,603
	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related	1,866,915			112,029			(2,742		)	1,976,202
	Corporate	5,363,006			263,349			(22,195		)	5,604,160
	Asset-backed securities	1,110,393			23,131			(2,104		)	1,131,420
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	2,276,200			56,875			(26,599		)	2,306,476
	Other mortgage-backed securities	53,627			1,487			(652		)	54,462
	Fixed maturities	$	13,489,633		$	491,279		$	(62,167	)	$	13,918,745
	Short-term investments	25,699			4			(25		)	25,678
	Equities	843,429			240,667			(27,582		)	1,056,514
	Total	$	14,358,761		$	731,950		$	(89,774	)	$	15,000,937
	31-Dec-13	Cost (1)			Gross			Gross			Fair Value
					Unrealized			Unrealized
					Gains			Losses
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises	$	1,635,578		$	7,211		$	(18,930	)	$	1,623,859
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities	121,697			4,395			(1,505		)	124,587
	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related	2,295,608			67,453			(9,362		)	2,353,699
	Corporate	5,866,991			243,522			(61,850		)	6,048,663
	Asset-backed securities	1,126,812			15,232			(3,813		)	1,138,231
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	2,294,870			31,810			(58,163		)	2,268,517
	Other mortgage-backed securities	34,899			1,590			(742		)	35,747
	Fixed maturities	$	13,376,455		$	371,213		$	(154,365	)	$	13,593,303
	Short-term investments	13,543			4			(1		)	13,546
	Equities	1,009,286			250,288			(38,521		)	1,221,053
	Total	$	14,399,284		$	621,505		$	(192,887	)	$	14,827,902
Maturity Distribution of Fixed Maturities and Short-Term Investments	The distribution of fixed maturities and short-term investments at December 31, 2014, by contractual maturity date, is shown below (in thousands of U.S. dollars). Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
		Cost			Fair Value
	One year or less	$	312,599		$	313,261
	More than one year through five years	5,042,314			5,168,357
	More than five years through ten years	3,592,725			3,719,234
	More than ten years	1,127,474			1,251,213
	Subtotal	$	10,075,112		$	10,452,065
	Mortgage/asset-backed securities	3,440,220			3,492,358
	Total	$	13,515,332		$	13,944,423
Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)	The components of the net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014			2013			2012
	Net realized investment gains on fixed maturities and short-term investments	$	120,734		$	118,575		$	172,987
	Net realized investment gains on equities	98,733			75,217			72,155
	Net realized investment (losses) gains on other invested assets	(20,686		)	20,497			(16,691		)
	Change in net unrealized investment (losses) gains on other invested assets	(58,180		)	56,652			(9,568		)
	Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturities and short-term investments	228,781			(525,787		)	186,063
	Change in net unrealized investment gains on equities	2,605			118,010			66,253
	Net other realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains	(3,624		)	(2,107		)	5,843
	Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) on funds held – directly managed	3,433			(21,792		)	16,367
	Total net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	371,796		$	(160,735	)	$	493,409
Net investment income Note 4	The components of net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014			2013			2012
	Fixed maturities	$	443,414		$	446,299		$	512,833
	Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents	868			1,886			2,905
	Equities	40,326			32,989			26,207
	Funds held and other	33,192			34,215			44,109
	Funds held – directly managed	13,841			20,502			29,031
	Investment expenses	(51,945		)	(51,524		)	(43,747		)
	Net investment income	$	479,696		$	484,367		$	571,338
Net (Payable) Receivable for Securities Purchased/Sold	Included within Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014 and within Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 were amounts of gross receivable balances for securities sold and gross payable balances for securities purchased as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014			2013
	Receivable for securities sold	$	51,586		$	150,816
	Payable for securities purchased	(63,779		)	(60,153		)
	Net (payable) receivable for securities purchased/sold	$	(12,193	)	$	90,663

Funds_Held_Directly_Managed_Ta

Funds Held - Directly Managed (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure - Funds Held-Directly Managed [Abstract]
Fixed Maturities, Short-Term Investments and Other Invested Assets	The cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value of investments underlying the funds held – directly managed account at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	31-Dec-14	Cost (1)			Gross			Gross			Fair Value
					Unrealized			Unrealized
					Gains			Losses
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises	$	150,242		$	3,302		$	(61	)	$	153,483
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities	214			—			(82		)	132
	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related	119,732			8,536			(35		)	128,233
	Corporate	168,697			8,650			—			177,347
	Fixed maturities	$	438,885		$	20,488		$	(178	)	$	459,195
	Other invested assets	25,388			—			(11,837		)	13,551
	Total	$	464,273		$	20,488		$	(12,015	)	$	472,746
	31-Dec-13	Cost (1)			Gross			Gross			Fair Value
					Unrealized			Unrealized
					Gains			Losses
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises	$	153,951		$	3,789		$	(444	)	$	157,296
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities	372			—			(86		)	286
	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related	131,488			6,708			(1,010		)	137,186
	Corporate	237,947			11,000			—			248,947
	Fixed maturities	$	523,758		$	21,497		$	(1,540	)	$	543,715
	Short-term investments	2,426			—			—			2,426
	Other invested assets	28,091			—			(12,787		)	15,304
	Total	$	554,275		$	21,497		$	(14,327	)	$	561,445
Maturity Distribution of Fixed maturities	The distribution of fixed maturities underlying the funds held – directly managed account at December 31, 2014, by contractual maturity date, is shown below (in thousands of U.S. dollars). Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
		Cost			Fair Value
	One year or less	$	75,985		$	76,822
	More than one year through five years	230,696			241,496
	More than five years through ten years	131,917			140,644
	More than ten years	287			233
	Total	$	438,885		$	459,195
Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)	The components of the net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) on the funds held – directly managed account for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014			2013			2012
	Net realized investment gains on fixed maturities and short-term investments	$	1,959		$	6,021		$	8,405
	Net realized investment gains on other invested assets	53			19			—
	Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturities and short-term investments	1,938			(24,176		)	6,583
	Change in net unrealized investment (losses) gains on other invested assets	(517		)	(3,656		)	1,379
	Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) on funds held – directly managed	$	3,433		$	(21,792	)	$	16,367
Net investment income	The components of net investment income underlying the funds held – directly managed account for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014			2013			2012
	Fixed maturities	$	12,789		$	18,804		$	27,760
	Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents	59			1,246			1,046
	Other	1,760			1,287			1,647
	Investment expenses	(767		)	(835		)	(1,422		)
	Net investment income on funds held – directly managed	$	13,841		$	20,502		$	29,031

Derivatives_Tables

Derivatives (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Values and Related Notional Values of Derivatives [Table Text Block]	The net fair values and the related net notional values of derivatives included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
			Asset				Liability				Net derivatives
			derivatives				derivatives
	31-Dec-14		at fair value				at fair value				Net notional			Fair value
											exposure
	Foreign exchange forward contracts		$	20,033			$	(7,446	)		$	2,080,276		$	12,587
	Foreign currency option contracts		—				(1,196		)		43,380			(1,196		)
	Futures contracts		846				(467		)		2,348,735			379
	Insurance-linked securities (1)		3				(339		)		145,481			(336		)
	Total return swaps		485				(2,007		)		42,524			(1,522		)
	Interest rate swaps (2)		—				(16,282		)		201,160			(16,282		)
	TBAs		154				(240		)		235,105			(86		)
	Total derivatives		$	21,521			$	(27,977	)					$	(6,456	)
			Asset				Liability				Net derivatives
			derivatives				derivatives
	31-Dec-13		at fair value				at fair value				Net notional			Fair value
											exposure
	Foreign exchange forward contracts		$	1,249			$	(8,648	)		$	1,957,409		$	(7,399	)
	Foreign currency option contracts		—				(535		)		87,620			(535		)
	Futures contracts		41,031				—				3,266,004			41,031
	Credit default swaps (protection purchased)		—				(71		)		14,000			(71		)
	Insurance-linked securities (1)		—				(268		)		168,724			(268		)
	Total return swaps		79				(599		)		31,740			(520		)
	Interest rate swaps (2)		2,147				(2,558		)		202,859			(411		)
	TBAs		2				(1,331		)		183,835			(1,329		)
	Total derivatives		$	44,508			$	(14,010	)					$	30,498
	-1	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, insurance-linked securities include a longevity swap for which the notional amount is not reflective of the overall potential exposure of the swap. As such, the Company has included the probable maximum loss under the swap within the net notional exposure as an approximation of the notional amount.
	-2	The Company enters into interest rate swaps to mitigate notional exposures on certain total return swaps and certain fixed maturities. Only the notional value of interest rate swaps on fixed maturities is presented separately in the table.
Gains and Losses on Derivatives not Designated as Hedges [Table Text Block]	The gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for derivatives for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014				2013				2012
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	39,399			$	(59,019	)		$	23,474
	Foreign currency option contracts	(810		)		(5,164		)		3,789
	Total included in net foreign exchange gains and losses	$	38,589			$	(64,183	)		$	27,263
	Futures contracts	$	(72,146	)		$	78,841			$	(31,757	)
	Credit default swaps (protection purchased)	(3		)		(134		)		(907		)
	Credit default swaps (assumed risks)	—				123				2,016
	Insurance-linked securities	230				(707		)		4,343
	Total return swaps	(1,002		)		(6,597		)		(749		)
	Interest rate swaps	(15,871		)		7,469				112
	TBAs	13,166				(8,808		)		7,045
	Total included in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses	$	(75,626	)		$	70,187			$	(19,897	)
	Total derivatives	$	(37,037	)		$	6,004			$	7,366
Offsetting Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The gross and net fair values of derivatives that are subject to offsetting in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
							Gross				Net amounts of			Gross amounts not offset
							amounts				assets/liabilities			in the balance sheet
							offset in the				presented in the
	31-Dec-14		Gross				balance sheet				balance sheet			Financial			Cash collateral			Net amount
			amounts											instruments			received/pledged
			recognized (1)
	Total derivative assets		$	21,521			$	—			$	21,521		$	(766	)	$	(8,536	)	$	12,219
	Total derivative liabilities		$	(27,977	)		$	—			$	(27,977	)	$	766		$	14,858		$	(12,353	)
	31-Dec-13
	Total derivative assets		$	44,508			$	—			$	44,508		$	(2	)	$	—		$	44,506
	Total derivative liabilities		$	(14,010	)		$	—			$	(14,010	)	$	2		$	4,341		$	(9,667	)
	-1	Amounts include all derivative instruments, irrespective of whether there is a legally enforceable master netting arrangement in place.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets Rollforward [Table Text Block]	The Company’s goodwill related to the acquisitions of PartnerRe SA, Winterthur Re, Paris Re and PartnerRe Health and intangible assets related to the acquisitions of Paris Re and PartnerRe Health at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	2014		Goodwill		Definite-			Indefinite-		Total
					lived  intangible			lived  intangible		intangible  assets
					assets			asset
	Balance at January 1		$	456,380	$	179,740		$	7,350	$	187,090
	Intangible assets amortization		n/a		(27,486		)	n/a		(27,486		)
	Balance at December 31		$	456,380	$	152,254		$	7,350	$	159,604
	2013		Goodwill		Definite-			Indefinite-		Total
					lived  intangible			lived  intangible		intangible  assets
					assets			asset
	Balance at January 1		$	456,380	$	206,920		$	7,350	$	214,270
	Intangible assets amortization		n/a		(27,180		)	n/a		(27,180		)
	Balance at December 31		$	456,380	$	179,740		$	7,350	$	187,090
Schedule Of Definite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over a period ranging from eleven to thirteen years. The gross carrying value and accumulated amortization of intangible assets by type that are yet to be fully amortized at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
			31-Dec-14					31-Dec-13
			Gross  carrying		Accumulated			Gross  carrying		Accumulated
			value		amortization			value		amortization
	Definite-lived intangible assets:
	Unpaid losses and loss expenses		$	191,196	$	131,908		$	191,196	$	115,958
	Renewal rights		48,163		12,273			48,163		5,432
	Customer relationships		63,408		6,332			63,408		1,637
	Total definite-lived intangible assets		$	302,767	$	150,513		$	302,767	$	123,027
	Indefinite-lived intangible asset:
	U.S. insurance licenses		7,350		n/a			7,350		n/a
	Total intangible assets		$	310,117	$	150,513		$	310,117	$	123,027
Allocation of Goodwill by Segment [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the allocation of the goodwill to the Company’s segments and sub-segments was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		Amount
	Non-life segment:
	North America	$	82,026
	Global (Non-U.S.) P&C	149,895
	Global Specialty	179,641
	Catastrophe	26,014
	Life and Health segment	18,804
	Total goodwill	$	456,380
Schedule Of Expected Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]
	Year		Amount
	2015		$	26,593
	2016		25,919
	2017		22,818
	2018		21,247
	2019		18,153
	Total		$	114,730

Unpaid_Losses_and_Loss_Expense1

Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses and Policy Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Abstract]
Schedule Of Unpaid Losses And Loss Expenses By Type Table [Text Block]	The Company’s gross liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses reported by cedants (case reserves) and those estimated by the Company (ACRs and IBNR reserves) at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014			2013
	Case reserves	$	4,236,038		$	4,663,164
	ACRs	253,890			403,145
	IBNR reserves	5,255,878			5,580,009
	Total unpaid losses and loss expenses	$	9,745,806		$	10,646,318
Schedule Of Liability For Unpaid Claims And Claims Adjustment Expense [Text Block]	The reconciliation of the beginning and ending gross and net liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses, excluding policy benefits for life and annuity contracts, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014			2013			2012
	Gross liability at beginning of year	$	10,646,318		$	10,709,371		$	11,273,091
	Reinsurance recoverable at beginning of year	267,384			291,330			353,105
	Net liability at beginning of year	10,378,934			10,418,041			10,919,986
	Net incurred losses related to:
	Current year	3,122,981			3,118,755			2,785,694
	Prior years	(660,413		)	(721,499		)	(628,065		)
		2,462,568			2,397,256			2,157,629
	Change in Paris Re Reserve Agreement	(25,412		)	(49,544		)	(86,163		)
	Net paid losses related to:
	Current year	267,806			242,053			237,783
	Prior years	2,530,743			2,159,506			2,467,279
		2,798,549			2,401,559			2,705,062
	Effects of foreign exchange rate changes	(486,084		)	14,740			131,651
	Net liability at end of year	9,531,457			10,378,934			10,418,041
	Reinsurance recoverable at end of year	214,349			267,384			291,330
	Gross liability at end of year	$	9,745,806		$	10,646,318		$	10,709,371
Reconciliation Of Loss And Loss Expenses Including Life Policy Benefits Table [Text Block]	The reconciliation of losses and loss expenses including life policy benefits for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014			2013			2012
	Net incurred losses related to:
	Non-life	$	2,462,568		$	2,397,256		$	2,157,629
	Life and Health	1,000,202			760,552			646,981
	Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits	$	3,462,770		$	3,157,808		$	2,804,610
Net Non Life Prior Year Loss Development Table [Text Block]	The net favorable prior year loss development for each of the Company’s Non-life sub-segments for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014			2013			2012
	Net favorable prior year loss development:
	Non-life sub-segment
	North America	$	250,942		$	222,839		$	218,483
	Global (Non-U.S.) P&C	134,394			180,052			114,279
	Global Specialty	257,696			227,383			250,523
	Catastrophe	17,381			91,225			44,780
	Total net favorable prior year loss development	$	660,413		$	721,499		$	628,065

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Ceded reinsurance	Assumed, ceded and net amounts for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		Premiums		Premiums		Losses and  Loss
		Written		Earned		Expenses and Life
						Policy Benefits
	2014
	Assumed	$	5,932,003	$	5,824,398	$	3,503,060
	Ceded	212,119		215,203		40,290
	Net	$	5,719,884	$	5,609,195	$	3,462,770
	2013
	Assumed	$	5,569,706	$	5,373,866	$	3,207,860
	Ceded	173,180		175,656		50,052
	Net	$	5,396,526	$	5,198,210	$	3,157,808
	2012
	Assumed	$	4,718,235	$	4,640,949	$	2,838,117
	Ceded	145,375		155,010		33,507
	Net	$	4,572,860	$	4,485,939	$	2,804,610

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Total Authorized Shares Table [Text Block]	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the total authorized shares of the Company were 200 million shares, par value $1.00 per share, as follows (in millions of shares):
		Shares
	Designated common shares	130
	Designated 6.5% Series D cumulative redeemable preferred shares	9.2
	Designated 7.25% Series E cumulative redeemable preferred shares	15
	Designated 5.875% Series F non-cumulative redeemable preferred shares	10
	Designated and redeemed preference shares	25.6
	Undesignated	10.2
		200
Preferred Stock [Table Text Block]	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company had Series C, Series D and Series E cumulative redeemable preferred shares and Series F non-cumulative redeemable preferred shares outstanding as follows (in millions of U.S. dollars or shares, except percentage amounts):
		Series C			Series D			Series E			Series F
	Date of issuance	May 2003			November 2004			June 2011			February 2013
	Number of preferred shares issued	11.6			9.2			15			10
	Annual dividend rate	6.75		%	6.5		%	7.25		%	5.875		%
	Total consideration	$	280.9		$	222.3		$	361.7		$	242.3
	Underwriting discounts and commissions	$	9.1		$	7.7		$	12.1		$	7.7
	Aggregate liquidation value	$	290		$	230		$	373.8		$	250
	Date of redemption	March 2013			n/a			n/a			n/a
	n/a: Not applicable

Net_Income_Per_Share_Tables

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share Table [Text Block]	The reconciliation of basic and diluted net income per share and dividends declared per common share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data):
		2014		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	$	1,054,974	$	664,008	$	1,134,514
	Less: preferred dividends	56,735		57,861		61,622
	Less: loss on redemption of preferred shares	—		9,135		—
	Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders	$	998,239	$	597,012	$	1,072,892
	Denominator:
	Weighted number of common shares outstanding – basic	50,019,480		55,378,980		62,915,992
	Share options and other (1)	1,154,745		1,069,125		699,756
	Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding – diluted	51,174,225		56,448,105		63,615,748
	Basic net income per share	$	19.96	$	10.78	$	17.05
	Diluted net income per share (1)	$	19.51	$	10.58	$	16.87
	Dividends declared per common share	$	2.68	$	2.56	$	2.48
	Anti-dilutive common shares excluded from weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding - diluted (1)	127,329		14,784		554,747
	-1	Where the exercise price of share based awards is greater than the average market price of the common shares, the common shares are considered anti-dilutive and are excluded from the calculation of weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding - diluted.

Noncontrolling_interests_Table

Noncontrolling interests (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block]	The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the noncontrolling interests in Lorenz Re for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014			2013
	Balance at January 1	$	56,627		$	—
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	13,139			9,434
	Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(14,265		)	—
	Sale of shares to noncontrolling interests	—			47,193
	Balance at December 31	$	55,501		$	56,627

Dividend_Restrictions_and_Stat1

Dividend Restrictions and Statutory Requirements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure - Dividend Restrictions and Statutory Requirements [Abstract]
Statutory measurements	The statutory net income of the Company’s reinsurance subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in millions of U.S. dollars):
		2014		2013		2012
	PartnerRe Bermuda	$	660	$	616	$	659
	PartnerRe Europe	298		9		323
	PartnerRe U.S.	236		123		181
	The required and actual statutory capital and surplus of the Company’s reinsurance subsidiaries at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows (in millions of U.S. dollars):
		PartnerRe Bermuda				PartnerRe Europe				PartnerRe U.S.
		2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Required statutory capital and surplus	$	2,092	$	2,169	$	867	$	947	$	764	$	852
	Actual statutory capital and surplus	3,172		3,277		1,400		1,512		1,420		1,332

Taxation_Tables

Taxation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure - Taxation [Abstract]
Components of income tax expense	Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014				2013				2012
	Current income tax expense
	U.S.	$	51,615			$	55,993			$	29,196
	Non U.S.	184,367				73,599				115,669
	Total current income tax expense	$	235,982			$	129,592			$	144,865
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
	U.S.	$	20,410			$	(13,693	)		$	48,740
	Non U.S.	(17,636		)		(70,886		)		6,717
	Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)	$	2,774			$	(84,579	)		$	55,457
	Unrecognized tax expense (benefit)
	U.S.	$	—			$	(335	)		$	(623	)
	Non U.S.	750				3,738				4,585
	Total unrecognized tax expense	$	750			$	3,403			$	3,962
	Total income tax expense
	U.S.	$	72,025			$	41,965			$	77,313
	Non U.S.	167,481				6,451				126,971
	Total income tax expense	$	239,506			$	48,416			$	204,284
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	Income before taxes attributable to the Company’s domestic and foreign operations and a reconciliation of the actual income tax rate to the amount computed by applying the effective tax rate of 0% under Bermuda (the Company’s domicile) law to income before taxes was as follows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014				2013				2012
	Domestic (Bermuda)	$	686,538			$	611,900			$	661,648
	Foreign	621,081				109,958				677,150
	Income before taxes	$	1,307,619			$	721,858			$	1,338,798
Reconciliation of effective tax rate
	Reconciliation of effective tax rate (% of income before taxes)
	Expected tax rate	0	%		0	%		0	%
	Foreign taxes at local expected tax rates	15.8			5.1			14.6
	Impact of foreign exchange gains (losses)	2.2			(1.1	)		(0.4	)
	Unrecognized tax benefit	0.1			0.5			0.3
	Tax-exempt income and expenses not deductible	(2.2	)		(0.9	)		(0.3	)
	Impact of enacted changes in tax laws	—			1.8			0.7
	Foreign branch tax	1.4			(1.4	)		(0.7	)
	Ceding commissions	1.8			(0.4	)		0.7
	Valuation allowance	(0.6	)		1.3			1.2
	Other	(0.2	)		1.8			(0.8	)
	Actual tax rate	18.3	%		6.7	%		15.3	%
Significant components of net deferred tax assets and liabilities	Significant components of the net deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets
	Discounting of loss reserves and adjustment to life policy reserves	$	77,117			$	78,999
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards	57,186				42,620
	Tax loss carryforwards	35,384				23,940
	Unearned premiums	23,230				23,022
	Other deferred tax assets	32,431				33,648
		225,348				202,229
	Valuation allowance	(68,115		)		(46,111		)
	Deferred tax assets	157,233				156,118
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Deferred acquisition costs	54,718				52,165
	Goodwill and other intangibles	93,416				102,619
	Equalization reserves	77,383				128,132
	Unrealized appreciation and timing differences on investments	85,873				72,769
	Other deferred tax liabilities	51,385				23,866
	Deferred tax liabilities	362,775				379,551
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(205,542	)		$	(223,433	)
Schedule Of Net Tax Assets And Liabilities Table [Text Block]	The components of net tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014				2013
	Net tax assets	$	6,876			$	14,133
	Net tax liabilities	(240,989		)		(284,442		)
	Net tax liabilities	$	(234,113	)		$	(270,309	)
		2014				2013
	Net current tax liabilities	$	(9,739	)		$	(26,308	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities	(205,542		)		(223,433		)
	Net unrecognized tax benefit	(18,832		)		(20,568		)
	Net tax liabilities	$	(234,113	)		$	(270,309	)
Total amount of unrecognized tax benefits	The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		January  1,				Changes in  tax				Tax  positions			Change as  a			Impact of  the			December  31,
		2014				positions taken				taken			result of a lapse			change in			2014
						during a prior				during the			of the statute			foreign  currency
						period				current period			of limitations			exchange rates
	Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate	$	19,353			$	1,338			$	5,142		$	(5,197	)	$	(2,370	)	$	18,266
	Interest and penalties recognized on the above	1,215				259				—			(792		)	(116		)	566
	Total unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties	$	20,568			$	1,597			$	5,142		$	(5,989	)	$	(2,486	)	$	18,832
		January  1,				Changes in  tax				Tax  positions			Change as  a			Impact of  the			December  31,
		2013				positions taken				taken			result of a lapse			change in			2013
						during a prior				during the			of the statute			foreign  currency
						period				current period			of limitations			exchange rates
	Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate	$	15,784			$	(5,038	)		$	10,164		$	(2,102	)	$	545		$	19,353
	Interest and penalties recognized on the above	800				507				51			(179		)	36			1,215
	Total unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties	$	16,584			$	(4,531	)		$	10,215		$	(2,281	)	$	581		$	20,568
		January  1,				Changes in  tax				Tax  positions			Change as  a			Impact of  the			December  31,
		2012				positions taken				taken			result of a lapse			change in			2012
						during a prior				during the			of the statute			foreign  currency
						period				current period			of limitations			exchange rates
	Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate	$	11,879			$	1,571			$	3,080		$	(1,057	)	$	311		$	15,784
	Interest and penalties recognized on the above	411				504				8			(144		)	21			800
	Total unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties	$	12,290			$	2,075			$	3,088		$	(1,201	)	$	332		$	16,584

ShareBased_Awards_Tables

Share-Based Awards (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Arrangements with Employees and Nonemployees [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	The activity related to share options granted and exercised for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			2014			2013				2012
	Options granted		—			—				120,210
	Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted		$	—		$	—			$	7.9
	Options exercised		225,329			819,764				518,548
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised (in millions of U.S. dollars)		$	8.7		$	24.8			$	8.8
	Proceeds from option exercises (in millions of U.S. dollars)		$	14.7		$	49.6			$	29.3
	The activity related to the Company’s share options for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
			Options		Weighted  Average
					Exercise Price
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014		636,279		$	70.28
	Granted		—		—
	Exercised		(225,329	)	67.87
	Forfeited or expired		(603	)	108.2
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014		410,347		$	71.55
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014		379,799		$	71.62
	Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014		409,841		$	71.55
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The Company values share options issued with a Black-Scholes valuation model and used the following assumptions for the year ended December 31, 2012. No share options were issued for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
			2012
	Expected life		6 years
	Expected volatility		17.7	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1	%
	Dividend yield		2.7	%
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	The activity related to the Company’s RSUs and PSUs for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
		RSUs and PSUs
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	854,898
	Granted	333,358
	Performance based adjustment	39,870
	Released	(253,389	)
	Forfeited	(42,115	)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	932,622
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Appreciation Rights Award Activity [Table Text Block]	The activity related to the Company’s SSARs for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
		SSARs
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	1,621,815
	Granted	153,797
	Exercised	(270,392	)
	Forfeited or expired	(12,294	)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,492,926
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,147,579
Schedule Of Share Based Payment Award Share Appreciation Rights Valuation Assumptions Table [Text Block]	The Company values SSARs issued with a Black-Scholes valuation model and used the following assumptions for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
			2014		2013			2012
	Expected life		6 years		6 years			6 years
	Expected volatility		18.1	%	18.3	%		17.6	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.9	%	1	%		1.1	%
	Dividend yield		2.2	%	2.3	%		2.8	%

Retirement_Benefit_Arrangement1

Retirement Benefit Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure - Retirement Benefit Arrangements [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the funded status of the Zurich Plan was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2014				2013
	Funded status
	Unfunded pension obligation at beginning of year	$	24,614			$	32,262
	Change in pension obligation
	Service cost	6,188				6,934
	Interest cost	2,635				2,314
	Plan participants’ contributions	1,838				1,938
	Actuarial loss (gain)	15,796				(8,408		)
	Plan amendments	2,667				—
	Benefits paid	(7,392		)		(216		)
	Foreign currency adjustments	(13,493		)		2,901
	Settlements	—				(13,783		)
	Change in pension obligation	8,239				(8,320		)
	Change in fair value of plan assets
	Actual return on plan assets	1,707				3,119
	Employer contributions	5,492				5,922
	Plan participants’ contributions	1,838				1,938
	Benefits paid	(7,392		)		(216		)
	Foreign currency adjustments	(10,157		)		2,348
	Settlements	—				(13,783		)
	Change in fair value of plan assets	(8,512		)		(672		)
	Funded status
	Unfunded pension obligation at end of year	$	41,365			$	24,614
	Additional information:
	Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$	134,629			$	126,390
	Accumulated pension obligation at end of year	127,322				123,524
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	93,264				101,776
Assumptions used	The assumptions used to determine the Zurich Plan’s pension obligation and net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		2014						2013				2012
		Pension			Net periodic			Pension		Net periodic		Pension		Net periodic
		obligation			benefit cost			obligation		benefit cost		obligation		benefit cost
	Discount rate	1.25	%		2.25	%		2.25	%	1.75	%	1.75	%	2.5	%
	Expected return on plan assets	—			2.25	%		—		1.75	%	—		2.5	%
	Rate of compensation increase	2.25	%		2.5	%		2.5	%	2.5	%	2.5	%	3.5	%
Expected future benefit payments	At December 31, 2014, estimated employer contributions to be paid in 2015 related to the Zurich Plan were $5.1 million and future benefit payments were estimated to be paid as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	Year	Amount
	2015	$	3,959
	2016	4,461
	2017	4,332
	2018	4,108
	2019	4,086
	2020 to 2024	26,983

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Lease arrangements	The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments, exclusive of escalation clauses, on non-cancelable leases at December 31, 2014 (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	Year	Amount
	2015	$	27,393
	2016	26,092
	2017	25,509
	2018	12,358
	2019	5,068
	2020 through 2022	685
	Total future minimum rental payments	$	97,105
	Total future sub-lease rental income through 2019	$	5,253

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]
Segment reporting table	The segment results for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, were as follows (in millions of U.S. dollars, except ratios):
	Segment Information
	For the year ended December 31, 2014
		North			Global				Global			Catastrophe			Total			Life			Corporate			Total
		America			(Non-U.S.)				Specialty						Non-life			and Health			and Other
					P&C										segment			segment
	Gross premiums written	$	1,642		$	803			$	1,797		$	425		$	4,667		$	1,265		$	—		$	5,932
	Net premiums written	$	1,630		$	794			$	1,696		$	380		$	4,500		$	1,220		$	—		$	5,720
	(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums	(33		)	(26		)		(58		)	4			(113		)	2			—			(111		)
	Net premiums earned	$	1,597		$	768			$	1,638		$	384		$	4,387		$	1,222		$	—		$	5,609
	Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits	(1,000		)	(438		)		(963		)	(62		)	(2,463		)	(1,000		)	—			(3,463		)
	Acquisition costs	(401		)	(222		)		(400		)	(42		)	(1,065		)	(149		)	—			(1,214		)
	Technical result	$	196		$	108			$	275		$	280		$	859		$	73		$	—		$	932
	Other income														3			8			5			16
	Other expenses														(252		)	(68		)	(130		)	(450		)
	Underwriting result														$	610		$	13		n/a			$	498
	Net investment income																	60			420			480
	Allocated underwriting result (1)																	$	73		n/a			n/a
	Net realized and unrealized investment gains																				372			372
	Interest expense																				(49		)	(49		)
	Amortization of intangible assets																				(27		)	(27		)
	Net foreign exchange gains																				18			18
	Income tax expense																				(239		)	(239		)
	Interest in earnings of equity method investments																				15			15
	Net income																				n/a			$	1,068
	Loss ratio (2)	62.6		%	57		%		58.8		%	16.1		%	56.1		%
	Acquisition ratio (3)	25.1			28.9				24.4			11			24.3
	Technical ratio (4)	87.7		%	85.9		%		83.2		%	27.1		%	80.4		%
	Other expense ratio (5)														5.8
	Combined ratio (6)														86.2		%
	-1	Allocated underwriting result is defined as net premiums earned, other income or loss and allocated net investment income less life policy benefits, acquisition costs and other expenses.
	-2	Loss ratio is obtained by dividing losses and loss expenses by net premiums earned.
	-3	Acquisition ratio is obtained by dividing acquisition costs by net premiums earned.
	-4	Technical ratio is defined as the sum of the loss ratio and the acquisition ratio.
	-5	Other expense ratio is obtained by dividing other expenses by net premiums earned.
	-6	Combined ratio is defined as the sum of the technical ratio and the other expense ratio.
	n/a: Not applicable
	Segment Information
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
		North			Global				Global			Catastrophe			Total			Life			Corporate			Total
		America			(Non-U.S.)				Specialty						Non-life			and Health			and Other
					P&C										segment			segment
	Gross premiums written	$	1,601		$	818			$	1,676		$	495		$	4,590		$	972		$	8		$	5,570
	Net premiums written	$	1,587		$	811			$	1,579		$	450		$	4,427		$	964		$	6		$	5,397
	(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums	(54		)	(68		)		(73		)	3			(192		)	(7		)	—			(199		)
	Net premiums earned	$	1,533		$	743			$	1,506		$	453		$	4,235		$	957		$	6		$	5,198
	Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits	(975		)	(373		)		(920		)	(132		)	(2,400		)	(760		)	2			(3,158		)
	Acquisition costs	(351		)	(196		)		(362		)	(44		)	(953		)	(125		)	—			(1,078		)
	Technical result	$	207		$	174			$	224		$	277		$	882		$	72		$	8		$	962
	Other income														3			11			3			17
	Other expenses														(259		)	(71		)	(170		)	(500		)
	Underwriting result														$	626		$	12		n/a			$	479
	Net investment income																	61			423			484
	Allocated underwriting result																	$	73		n/a			n/a
	Net realized and unrealized investment losses																				(161		)	(161		)
	Interest expense																				(49		)	(49		)
	Amortization of intangible assets																				(27		)	(27		)
	Net foreign exchange losses																				(18		)	(18		)
	Income tax expense																				(49		)	(49		)
	Interest in earnings of equity method investments																				14			14
	Net income																				n/a			$	673
	Loss ratio	63.6		%	50.2		%		61.1		%	29		%	56.7		%
	Acquisition ratio	22.9			26.4				24			9.7			22.5
	Technical ratio	86.5		%	76.6		%		85.1		%	38.7		%	79.2		%
Other expense ratio														6.1
Combined ratio														85.3		%
Segment Information
For the year ended December 31, 2012
	North			Global				Global			Catastrophe			Total			Life			Corporate			Total
	America			(Non-U.S.)				Specialty						Non-life			and Health			and Other
				P&C										segment			segment
Gross premiums written	$	1,221		$	684			$	1,505		$	500		$	3,910		$	802		$	6		$	4,718
Net premiums written	$	1,219		$	681			$	1,415		$	453		$	3,768		$	799		$	6		$	4,573
(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums	(43		)	(3		)		(42		)	4			(84		)	(4		)	1			(87		)
Net premiums earned	$	1,176		$	678			$	1,373		$	457		$	3,684		$	795		$	7		$	4,486
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits	(816		)	(415		)		(821		)	(103		)	(2,155		)	(647		)	(3		)	(2,805		)
Acquisition costs	(291		)	(167		)		(321		)	(42		)	(821		)	(116		)	—			(937		)
Technical result	$	69		$	96			$	231		$	312		$	708		$	32		$	4		$	744
Other income														5			4			3			12
Other expenses														(257		)	(52		)	(102		)	(411		)
Underwriting result														$	456		$	(16	)	n/a			$	345
Net investment income																	64			507			571
Allocated underwriting result																	$	48		n/a			n/a
Net realized and unrealized investment gains																				494			494
Interest expense																				(49		)	(49		)
Amortization of intangible assets																				(32		)	(32		)
Net foreign exchange losses																				—			—
Income tax expense																				(204		)	(204		)
Interest in earnings of equity method investments																				10			10
Net income																				n/a			$	1,135
Loss ratio	69.4		%	61.3		%		59.8		%	22.4		%	58.5		%
Acquisition ratio	24.7			24.6				23.4			93			22.3
Technical ratio	94.1		%	85.9		%		83.2		%	115.4		%	80.8		%
Other expense ratio														7
Combined ratio														87.8		%
Segment line of business distribution of premiums table	The following table provides the distribution of net premiums written by line of business for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
			2014		2013			2012
	Non-life
	Property and casualty
	Casualty		12	%	12	%		13	%
	Motor		7		7			5
	Multiline and other		5		4			3
	Property		11		12			14
	Specialty
	Agriculture		12		11			7
	Aviation/Space		4		4			5
	Catastrophe		6		8			10
	Credit/Surety		7		6			7
	Energy		1		2			2
	Engineering		3		4			4
	Marine		5		6			7
	Specialty casualty		3		3			2
	Specialty property		3		3			4
	Life and Health		21		18			17
	Total		100	%	100	%		100	%
Segment geographic distribution of premiums table	The following table provides the geographic distribution of gross premiums written based on the location of the underlying risk for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
			2014		2013			2012
	Asia, Australia and New Zealand		11	%	11	%		11	%
	Europe		40		40			41
	Latin America, Caribbean and Africa		10		10			11
	North America		39		39			37
	Total		100	%	100	%		100	%
Segment disclosure for major brokers	The following table summarizes the percentage of gross premiums written through these two brokers by segment and sub-segment for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
			2014		2013			2012
	Non-life
	North America		59	%	60	%		70	%
	Global (Non-U.S.) P&C		31		29			28
	Global Specialty		38		41			42
	Catastrophe		70		74			74
	Life and Health		12		12			13

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_1

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
		2014												2013
	(in millions of U.S. dollars, except per	Fourth			Third			Second			First			Fourth			Third			Second			First
	share amounts)	Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	Net premiums written	$	1,220		$	1,343		$	1,419		$	1,738		$	1,186		$	1,265		$	1,309		$	1,636
	Net premiums earned	1,446			1,557			1,353			1,254			1,421			1,421			1,209			1,147
	Net investment income	115			118			130			117			114			122			125			124
	Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)	98			(34		)	166			142			99			16			(299		)	23
	Other income	4			2			9			—			3			5			4			4
	Total revenues	1,663			1,643			1,658			1,513			1,637			1,564			1,039			1,298
	Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits	870			960			884			749			879			751			867			661
	Acquisition costs	325			322			303			265			318			283			242			235
	Other expenses	123			108			107			111			131			108			145			116
	Interest expense	12			12			12			12			12			12			12			12
	Amortization of intangible assets	6			7			7			7			6			7			7			7
	Net foreign exchange (gains) losses	(7		)	(8		)	(2		)	—			8			1			11			(2		)
	Total expenses	1,329			1,401			1,311			1,144			1,354			1,162			1,284			1,029
	Income (loss) before taxes and interest in (losses) earnings of equity method investments	334			242			347			369			283			402			(245		)	269
	Income tax expense (benefit)	53			46			78			62			11			70			(75		)	42
	Interest in (losses) earnings of equity method investments	(1		)	5			5			6			4			6			(4		)	7
	Net income (loss)	280			201			274			313			276			338			(174		)	234
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3		)	(5		)	(2		)	(3		)	(4		)	(4		)	(1		)	—
	Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	277			196			272			310			272			334			(175		)	234
	Preferred dividends	14			14			14			14			14			14			15			15
	Loss on redemption of preferred shares	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			9
	Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders	$	263		$	182		$	258		$	296		$	258		$	320		$	(190	)	$	210
	Basic net income (loss) per common share	$	5.39		$	3.68		$	5.13		$	5.72		$	4.86		$	5.95		$	(3.37	)	$	3.6
	Diluted net income (loss) per common share	$	5.26		$	3.6		$	5.02		$	5.61		$	4.76		$	5.84		$	(3.37	)	$	3.53
	Dividends declared per common share	$	0.67		$	0.67		$	0.67		$	0.67		$	0.64		$	0.64		$	0.64		$	0.64

Fair_Value_Hierarchy_table_Det

Fair Value - Hierarchy table (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	$13,918,745	$13,593,303
Short-term investments	25,678	13,546
Equities	1,056,514	1,221,053
Other invested assets	111,476	135,139
Funds held - directly managed	472,593	561,306
Total	15,585,006	15,524,347
Short-term investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Funds held - directly managed		2,426
Derivative assets [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	20,033	1,249
Derivative assets [Member] | Futures contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	846	41,031
Derivative assets [Member] | Insurance-linked securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	3
Derivative assets [Member] | Total return swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	485	79
Derivative assets [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets		2,147
Derivative assets [Member] | TBAs [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	154	2
Derivative liabilities [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	-7,446	-8,648
Derivative liabilities [Member] | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	-1,196	-535
Derivative liabilities [Member] | Futures contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	-467
Derivative liabilities [Member] | Credit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets		-71
Derivative liabilities [Member] | Insurance-linked securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	-339	-268
Derivative liabilities [Member] | Total return swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	-2,007	-599
Derivative liabilities [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	-16,282	-2,558
Derivative liabilities [Member] | TBAs [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	-240	-1,331
Notes And Loan Receivables And Notes Securitization [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	44,817	41,446
Annuities and residuals [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	13,243	24,064
Private equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	59,872	39,131
Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Funds held - directly managed	13,398	15,165
Real estate investment trust [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	213,770	175,796
Insurance [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	145,437	144,020
Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	123,978	159,509
Consumer noncyclical [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	100,134	108,663
Finance [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	98,328	138,707
Technology [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	61,262	61,520
Communications [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	54,469	72,991
Industrials [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	49,983	47,677
Consumer cyclical [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	39,002	45,915
Utilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	31,748	37,151
Other equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	11,571	19,993
Mutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	126,832	209,111
U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	2,315,422	1,623,859
Funds held - directly managed	153,483	157,296
U.S. states, territories and municipalities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	530,603	124,587
Funds held - directly managed	132	286
Non US sovereign government supranational and government related [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	1,976,202	2,353,699
Funds held - directly managed	128,233	137,186
Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	5,604,160	6,048,663
Funds held - directly managed	177,347	248,947
Asset-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	1,131,420	1,138,231
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	2,306,476	2,268,517
Other mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	54,462	35,747
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Short-term investments	0	0
Equities	1,004,505	1,034,130
Other invested assets	379	41,031
Funds held - directly managed	0	0
Total	1,004,884	1,075,161
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Short-term investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Funds held - directly managed		0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Derivative assets [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Derivative assets [Member] | Futures contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	846	41,031
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Derivative assets [Member] | Insurance-linked securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Derivative assets [Member] | Total return swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Derivative assets [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets		0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Derivative assets [Member] | TBAs [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Futures contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	-467
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Credit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets		0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Insurance-linked securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Total return swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Derivative liabilities [Member] | TBAs [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Notes And Loan Receivables And Notes Securitization [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Annuities and residuals [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Private equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Funds held - directly managed	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Real estate investment trust [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	213,770	175,796
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Insurance [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	140,916	144,020
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	123,978	159,509
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Consumer noncyclical [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	100,134	108,663
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Finance [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	70,621	108,944
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Technology [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	52,707	53,768
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Communications [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	51,829	70,792
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Industrials [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	49,983	47,677
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Consumer cyclical [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	39,002	45,915
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Utilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	31,748	37,151
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Other equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	11,571	19,993
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Mutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	118,246	61,902
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Funds held - directly managed	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | U.S. states, territories and municipalities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Funds held - directly managed	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Non US sovereign government supranational and government related [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Funds held - directly managed	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Funds held - directly managed	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Asset-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Other mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	13,319,099	13,038,346
Short-term investments	25,678	13,546
Equities	11,875	148,878
Other invested assets	-4,977	-9,745
Funds held - directly managed	459,063	545,855
Total	13,810,738	13,736,880
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Short-term investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Funds held - directly managed		2,426
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative assets [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	20,033	1,249
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative assets [Member] | Futures contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative assets [Member] | Insurance-linked securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative assets [Member] | Total return swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative assets [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets		2,147
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative assets [Member] | TBAs [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	154	2
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	-7,446	-8,648
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	-1,196	-535
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Futures contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Credit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets		-71
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Insurance-linked securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Total return swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	-16,282	-2,558
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative liabilities [Member] | TBAs [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	-240	-1,331
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Notes And Loan Receivables And Notes Securitization [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Annuities and residuals [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Private equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Funds held - directly managed	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Real estate investment trust [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Insurance [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	4,521	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Consumer noncyclical [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Finance [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	7,354	9,556
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Technology [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Communications [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Industrials [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Consumer cyclical [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Utilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Other equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Mutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	0	139,322
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	2,315,422	1,623,859
Funds held - directly managed	153,483	157,296
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | U.S. states, territories and municipalities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	380,875	16,207
Funds held - directly managed	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Non US sovereign government supranational and government related [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	1,976,202	2,353,699
Funds held - directly managed	128,233	137,186
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	5,604,160	6,048,663
Funds held - directly managed	177,347	248,947
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Asset-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	681,502	691,654
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	2,306,476	2,268,517
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Other mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	54,462	35,747
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	599,646	554,957
Short-term investments	0	0
Equities	40,134	38,045
Other invested assets	116,074	103,853
Funds held - directly managed	13,530	15,451
Total	769,384	712,306
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Short-term investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Funds held - directly managed		0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Derivative assets [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Derivative assets [Member] | Futures contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Derivative assets [Member] | Insurance-linked securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	3
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Derivative assets [Member] | Total return swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	485	79
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Derivative assets [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets		0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Derivative assets [Member] | TBAs [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Futures contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Credit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets		0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Insurance-linked securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	-339	-268
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Total return swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	-2,007	-599
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Derivative liabilities [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Derivative liabilities [Member] | TBAs [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Notes And Loan Receivables And Notes Securitization [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	44,817	41,446
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Annuities and residuals [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	13,243	24,064
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Private equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	59,872	39,131
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Funds held - directly managed	13,398	15,165
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Real estate investment trust [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Insurance [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Consumer noncyclical [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Finance [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	20,353	20,207
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Technology [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	8,555	7,752
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Communications [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	2,640	2,199
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Industrials [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Consumer cyclical [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Utilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Mutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equities	8,586	7,887
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Funds held - directly managed	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. states, territories and municipalities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	149,728	108,380
Funds held - directly managed	132	286
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Non US sovereign government supranational and government related [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Funds held - directly managed	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Funds held - directly managed	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Asset-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	449,918	446,577
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	$0	$0

Fair_Value_narrative_items_Det

Fair Value - narrative items (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value - Other Details [Line Items]
Carrying amount of other invested assets not at fair value	$187,000,000
Fair Value Assets Level 2 To Level 1 Transfers Amount	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	1,313,468,000	1,496,485,000	1,121,705,000	1,342,257,000
Accrued investment income	158,737,000	185,717,000
Funds held directly managed [Member]
Fair Value - Other Details [Line Items]
Other net assets	88,300,000	133,000,000
Cash and cash equivalents	42,300,000	84,800,000
Accrued investment income	5,700,000	6,700,000
Trading securities [Member] | Other invested assets [Member]
Fair Value - Other Details [Line Items]
Carrying amount of other invested assets not at fair value	$187,300,000	$185,800,000

Fair_Value_Level_3_rollforward

Fair Value - Level 3 rollforward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	$712,306,000		$790,421,000
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income	15,992,000		-17,337,000
Purchases	288,726,000		472,315,000
Settlements	-247,640,000	[1]	-533,093,000
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3	0		0
Balance, end of year	769,384,000		712,306,000
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year	17,972,000		-10,170,000
Fixed maturities
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	554,957,000		657,273,000
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income	20,491,000		-8,050,000
Purchases	224,410,000		405,337,000
Settlements	-200,212,000	[1]	-499,603,000
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3	0		0
Balance, end of year	599,646,000		554,957,000
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year	20,931,000		-7,784,000
Fixed maturities | U.S. states, territories and municipalities
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	108,380,000		233,235,000
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income	12,322,000		-4,440,000
Purchases	31,470,000		103,860,000
Settlements	-2,444,000	[1]	-224,275,000
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3	0		0
Balance, end of year	149,728,000		108,380,000
Sales			-223,700,000
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year	12,315,000		1,234,000
Fixed maturities | Corporate
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year			100,904,000
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income			-2,271,000
Purchases			0
Settlements			-98,633,000
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3			0
Balance, end of year			0
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year			0
Fixed maturities | Asset-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	446,577,000		323,134,000
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income	8,169,000		-1,339,000
Purchases	192,940,000		301,477,000
Settlements	-197,768,000	[1]	-176,695,000	[2]
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3	0		0
Balance, end of year	449,918,000		446,577,000
Sales			-13,700,000
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year	8,616,000		-9,018,000
Equities
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	38,045,000		27,728,000
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income	2,089,000		3,277,000
Purchases	8,000		7,040,000
Settlements	-8,000	[1]	0
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3	0		0
Balance, end of year	40,134,000		38,045,000
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year	2,089,000		3,277,000
Equities | Finance [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	20,207,000		13,477,000
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income	146,000		1,730,000
Purchases	0		5,000,000
Settlements	0	[1]	0
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3	0		0
Balance, end of year	20,353,000		20,207,000
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year	146,000		1,730,000
Equities | Technology [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	7,752,000		6,987,000
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income	803,000		765,000
Purchases	0		0
Settlements	0	[1]	0
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3	0		0
Balance, end of year	8,555,000		7,752,000
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year	803,000		765,000
Equities | Communications [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	2,199,000		0
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income	441,000		159,000
Purchases	0		2,040,000
Settlements	0	[1]	0
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3	0		0
Balance, end of year	2,640,000		2,199,000
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year	441,000		159,000
Equities | Other equities [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income	0
Purchases	8,000
Settlements	-8,000	[1]
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3	0
Balance, end of year	0
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year	0
Equities | Mutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	7,887,000		7,264,000
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income	699,000		623,000
Purchases	0		0
Settlements	0	[1]	0
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3	0		0
Balance, end of year	8,586,000		7,887,000
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year	699,000		623,000
Other invested assets [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	103,853,000		87,099,000
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income	-4,487,000		-10,451,000
Purchases	63,527,000		59,938,000
Settlements	-46,819,000	[1]	-32,733,000
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3	0		0
Balance, end of year	116,074,000		103,853,000
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year	-2,959,000		-4,614,000
Other invested assets [Member] | Derivatives, net [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	-788,000		3,911,000
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income	-759,000		-6,136,000
Purchases	-871,000	[3]	121,000	[4]
Settlements	560,000	[1]	1,316,000	[2]
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3	0		0
Balance, end of year	-1,858,000		-788,000
Issuances	900,000		800,000
Sales			-1,200,000
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year	-759,000		-69,000
Other invested assets [Member] | Notes And Loan Receivables And Notes Securitization [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	41,446,000		34,902,000
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income	-372,000		936,000
Purchases	35,988,000		15,732,000
Settlements	-32,245,000	[1]	-10,124,000
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3	0		0
Balance, end of year	44,817,000		41,446,000
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year	1,147,000		936,000
Other invested assets [Member] | Annuities and residuals [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	24,064,000		46,882,000
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income	-207,000		1,107,000
Purchases	0		0
Settlements	-10,614,000	[1]	-23,925,000	[2]
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3	0		0
Balance, end of year	13,243,000		24,064,000
Sales			-6,300,000
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year	-167,000		877,000
Other invested assets [Member] | Private equities [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	39,131,000		1,404,000
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income	-3,149,000		-6,358,000
Purchases	28,410,000		44,085,000
Settlements	-4,520,000	[1]	0
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3	0		0
Balance, end of year	59,872,000		39,131,000
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year	-3,180,000		-6,358,000
Funds Held - Directly Managed [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	15,451,000		18,321,000
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income	-2,101,000		-2,113,000
Purchases	781,000		0
Settlements	-601,000	[1]	-757,000
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3	0		0
Balance, end of year	13,530,000		15,451,000
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year	-2,089,000		-1,049,000
Funds Held - Directly Managed [Member] | Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	15,165,000		17,976,000
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income	-2,102,000		-2,054,000
Purchases	781,000		0
Settlements	-446,000	[1]	-757,000
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3	0		0
Balance, end of year	13,398,000		15,165,000
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year	-2,102,000		-990,000
Funds Held - Directly Managed [Member] | U.S. states, territories and municipalities
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	286,000		345,000
Realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in net income	1,000		-59,000
Purchases	0		0
Settlements	-155,000	[1]	0
Net transfers into/ (out of) Level 3	0		0
Balance, end of year	132,000		286,000
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of year	$13,000		($59,000)
[1]	(2)There were no sales for the year ended December 31, 2014.
[2]	Settlements and sales of U.S. states, territories and municipalities, asset-backed securities, derivatives and annuities and residuals include sales of $223.7 million, $13.7 million, $1.2 million and $6.3 million, respectively
[3]	Purchases and issuances of derivatives include issuances of $0.9 million.
[4]	Purchases and issuances of derivatives include issuances of $0.8 million.

Fair_Value_Valuation_Technique

Fair Value - Valuation Technique and Inputs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	13,918,745	13,593,303
Equities	1,056,514	1,221,053
Other invested assets carried at fair value	111,476	135,139
Funds held directly managed investments carried at fair value	472,593	561,306
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	599,646	554,957
Equities	40,134	38,045
Other invested assets carried at fair value	116,074	103,853
Funds held directly managed investments carried at fair value	13,530	15,451
U.S. states, territories and municipalities | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	149,728	108,380
U.S. states, territories and municipalities | Minimum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	2.20%	2.90%
U.S. states, territories and municipalities | Maximum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	10.10%	9.90%
U.S. states, territories and municipalities | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	4.60%	5.30%
Asset-backed securities - interest only [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fixed maturities		21
Asset-backed securities - interest only [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads		5.50%
Asset-backed securities - interest only [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads		10.70%
Asset-backed securities - interest only [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads		8.80%
Asset-backed securities - other [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	449,918	446,556
Asset-backed securities - other [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	4.00%	4.00%
Asset-backed securities - other [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	12.10%	12.20%
Asset-backed securities - other [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	7.10%	7.10%
Finance [Member] | Weighted market comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Equities	14,561	15,483
Finance [Member] | Profitability Analysis [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Equities	5,792	4,724
Finance [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Weighted market comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Net income multiple	19	14.6
Tangible book value multiple	1.3	1.1
Liquidity discount	25.00%	25.00%
Comparable return	7.30%	8.50%
Finance [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Profitability Analysis [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Projected Return On Equity	14.00%	14.00%
Finance [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Weighted market comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Net income multiple	19	14.6
Tangible book value multiple	1.3	1.1
Liquidity discount	25.00%	25.00%
Comparable return	7.30%	8.50%
Finance [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Profitability Analysis [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Projected Return On Equity	14.00%	14.00%
Finance [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Weighted market comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Net income multiple	19	14.6
Tangible book value multiple	1.3	1.1
Liquidity discount	25.00%	25.00%
Comparable return	7.30%	8.50%
Finance [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Profitability Analysis [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Projected Return On Equity	14.00%	14.00%
Technology [Member] | Weighted market comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Equities	8,555	7,752
Technology [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Weighted market comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Adjusted earnings multiple	10.2	4.4
Gross revenue/fair value	1.6	0.9
Technology [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Weighted market comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Adjusted earnings multiple	10.2	4.4
Gross revenue/fair value	1.6	0.9
Technology [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Weighted market comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Adjusted earnings multiple	10.2	4.4
Gross revenue/fair value	1.6	0.9
Communications [Member] | Weighted market comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Equities	2,640	2,199
Communications [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Weighted market comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Adjusted earnings multiple	9.4	9.4
Comparable return	-10.60%	0.00%
Communications [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Weighted market comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Adjusted earnings multiple	9.4	9.4
Comparable return	-10.60%	0.00%
Communications [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Weighted market comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Adjusted earnings multiple	9.4	9.4
Comparable return	-10.60%	0.00%
Total return swaps [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Other invested assets carried at fair value	-1,522	-520
Total return swaps [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	3.60%	2.80%
Total return swaps [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	19.30%	18.90%
Total return swaps [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	16.30%	17.00%
Notes and loan receivables [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Other invested assets carried at fair value	13,237	21,280
Notes and loan receivables [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	17.50%	17.50%
Gross revenue/fair value	1.5	1.5
Notes and loan receivables [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	17.50%	17.50%
Gross revenue/fair value	1.7	1.5
Notes and loan receivables [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	17.50%	17.50%
Gross revenue/fair value	1.7	1.5
Notes and Loans Receivable 2 [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Other invested assets carried at fair value	8,068
Notes and Loans Receivable 2 [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	12.60%
Notes and Loans Receivable 2 [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	12.60%
Notes and Loans Receivable 2 [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	12.60%
Notes securitization [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Other invested assets carried at fair value	23,512	20,166
Notes securitization [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	3.50%	6.20%
Notes securitization [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	6.60%	6.20%
Notes securitization [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	6.40%	6.20%
Annuities and residuals [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Other invested assets carried at fair value	13,243	24,064
Annuities and residuals [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	4.90%	4.00%
Prepayment speed	0.00%	0.00%
Constant default rate	0.30%	0.30%
Annuities and residuals [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	9.60%	7.90%
Prepayment speed	15.00%	15.00%
Constant default rate	17.50%	35.00%
Annuities and residuals [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	7.80%	5.80%
Prepayment speed	4.30%	6.40%
Constant default rate	6.30%	12.40%
Private Equity-Direct [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow And Weighted Market Comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Other invested assets carried at fair value	8,536	11,742
Private Equity-Direct [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow And Weighted Market Comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Net income multiple	9	8.3
Tangible book value multiple	2	1.6
Recoverability of intangible assets	0	0
Private Equity-Direct [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow And Weighted Market Comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Net income multiple	9	8.3
Tangible book value multiple	2	1.6
Recoverability of intangible assets	0	0
Private Equity-Direct [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow And Weighted Market Comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Net income multiple	9	8.3
Tangible book value multiple	2	1.6
Recoverability of intangible assets	0	0
Private equity funds [Member] | Reported market value | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Other invested assets carried at fair value	18,494	8,993
Private equity funds [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Reported market value | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Net asset value, as reported	100.00%	100.00%
Market adjustments	-7.60%	1.80%
Private equity funds [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Reported market value | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Net asset value, as reported	100.00%	100.00%
Market adjustments	11.00%	9.80%
Private equity funds [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Reported market value | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Net asset value, as reported	100.00%	100.00%
Market adjustments	-1.60%	8.30%
Private Equity - Other [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Other invested assets carried at fair value	32,842	18,396
Private Equity - Other [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads		3.80%
Effective Yield	5.80%
Private Equity - Other [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads		3.80%
Effective Yield	5.80%
Private Equity - Other [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads		3.80%
Effective Yield	5.80%
Other invested assets [Member] | Reported market value | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Funds held directly managed investments carried at fair value	13,398	15,165
Other invested assets [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Reported market value | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Net asset value, as reported	100.00%	100.00%
Market adjustments	-15.40%	-22.90%
Other invested assets [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Reported market value | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Net asset value, as reported	100.00%	100.00%
Market adjustments	0.00%	0.00%
Other invested assets [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Reported market value | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Net asset value, as reported	100.00%	100.00%
Market adjustments	-14.50%	-15.50%

Fair_Value_Change_in_fair_valu

Fair Value - Change in fair value option table (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Change in unrealized gain/loss	$230,104	($442,597)	$279,017
Fixed maturities and short term investments [Member]
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Change in unrealized gain/loss		-525,787	186,063
Equities
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Change in unrealized gain/loss		118,010	66,253
Other invested assets [Member]
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Change in unrealized gain/loss	-2,664	-6,970	18,732
Funds Held - Directly Managed [Member]
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Change in unrealized gain/loss	$1,382	($27,850)	$7,969

Fair_Value_Fair_Value_of_Liabi

Fair Value Fair Value of Liabilities - (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Fair value of financial instrument liabilities [Line Items]
Debt related to senior notes	$750,000,000		$750,000,000
Debt related to capital efficient notes	70,989,000		70,989,000
Senior Notes Debt [Member] | Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance A LLC [Member]
Fair value of financial instrument liabilities [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument	250,000,000		250,000,000
Senior Notes Debt [Member] | Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance B LLC [Member]
Fair value of financial instrument liabilities [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument	500,000,000		500,000,000
Capital efficient notes [Member] | Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]
Fair value of financial instrument liabilities [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument	63,000,000		63,000,000
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Senior Notes Debt [Member]
Fair value of financial instrument liabilities [Line Items]
Debt related to senior notes	853,792,000	[1]	844,331,000	[1]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Capital efficient notes [Member]
Fair value of financial instrument liabilities [Line Items]
Debt related to capital efficient notes	62,309,000	[2]	61,094,000	[2]
Carrying value [Member] | Senior Notes Debt [Member]
Fair value of financial instrument liabilities [Line Items]
Debt related to senior notes	750,000,000	[1]	750,000,000	[1]
Carrying value [Member] | Capital efficient notes [Member]
Fair value of financial instrument liabilities [Line Items]
Debt related to capital efficient notes	$63,384,000	[2]	$63,384,000	[2]
[1]	PartnerRe Finance A LLC and PartnerRe Finance B LLC, the issuers of the Senior Notes, do not meet consolidation requirements under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the Company shows the related intercompany debt of $750 million in its Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
[2]	PartnerRe Finance II Inc., the issuer of the CENts, does not meet consolidation requirements under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the Company shows the related intercompany debt of $71 million in its Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Investments_Cost_unrealized_ga

Investments Cost, unrealized gains and losses and fair value - (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	$14,358,761	[1]	$14,399,284	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	731,950		621,505
Gross unrealized losses	-89,774		-192,887
Fair value	15,000,937		14,827,902
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	13,489,633	[1]	13,376,455	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	491,279		371,213
Gross unrealized losses	-62,167		-154,365
Fair value	13,918,745		13,593,303
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities | U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	2,308,264	[1]	1,635,578	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	13,350		7,211
Gross unrealized losses	-6,192		-18,930
Fair value	2,315,422		1,623,859
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities | U.S. states, territories and municipalities
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	511,228	[1]	121,697	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	21,058		4,395
Gross unrealized losses	-1,683		-1,505
Fair value	530,603		124,587
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities | Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	1,866,915	[1]	2,295,608	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	112,029		67,453
Gross unrealized losses	-2,742		-9,362
Fair value	1,976,202		2,353,699
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities | Corporate
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	5,363,006	[1]	5,866,991	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	263,349		243,522
Gross unrealized losses	-22,195		-61,850
Fair value	5,604,160		6,048,663
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities | Asset-backed securities [Member]
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	1,110,393	[1]	1,126,812	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	23,131		15,232
Gross unrealized losses	-2,104		-3,813
Fair value	1,131,420		1,138,231
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	2,276,200	[1]	2,294,870	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	56,875		31,810
Gross unrealized losses	-26,599		-58,163
Fair value	2,306,476		2,268,517
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities | Other mortgage-backed securities
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	53,627	[1]	34,899	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	1,487		1,590
Gross unrealized losses	-652		-742
Fair value	54,462		35,747
Trading securities [Member] | Short-term investments
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	25,699	[1]	13,543	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	4		4
Gross unrealized losses	-25		-1
Fair value	25,678		13,546
Trading securities [Member] | Equities
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	843,429	[1]	1,009,286	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	240,667		250,288
Gross unrealized losses	-27,582		-38,521
Fair value	$1,056,514		$1,221,053
[1]	Cost is amortized cost for fixed maturities and short-term investments and cost for equity securities.

Investments_Maturity_profile_D

Investments Maturity profile (Details) (Trading securities [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cost [Member]
Maturity Profile [Line Items]
One year or less	$312,599
More than one year through five years	5,042,314
More than five years through ten years	3,592,725
More than ten years	1,127,474
Subtotal	10,075,112
Mortgage/asset-backed securities	3,440,220
Total	13,515,332
Fair value [Member]
Maturity Profile [Line Items]
One year or less	313,261
More than one year through five years	5,168,357
More than five years through ten years	3,719,234
More than ten years	1,251,213
Subtotal	10,452,065
Mortgage/asset-backed securities	3,492,358
Total	$13,944,423

Net_Realized_and_Unrealized_In

Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) (Details) (Trading securities [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Total net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)	$371,796	($160,735)	$493,409
Fixed maturities and short term investments [Member]
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Net realized investment gains (losses) on trading securities	120,734	118,575	172,987
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	228,781	-525,787	186,063
Equities
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Net realized investment gains (losses) on trading securities	98,733	75,217	72,155
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	2,605	118,010	66,253
Other invested assets [Member]
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Net realized investment gains (losses) on trading securities	-20,686	20,497	-16,691
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	-58,180	56,652	-9,568
Other realized and unrealized investments gains (losses) [Member]
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Net other realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains	-3,624	-2,107	5,843
Funds Held - Directly Managed [Member]
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Net realized investment gains (losses) on trading securities	$3,433	($21,792)	$16,367

Investments_Income_Details

Investments Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net investment income	$115,000	$118,000	$130,000	$117,000	$114,000	$122,000	$125,000	$124,000	$479,696	$484,367	$571,338
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net investment income									443,414	446,299	512,833
Trading securities [Member] | Short Term Investments, Cash And Cash Equivalents[Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net investment income									868	1,886	2,905
Trading securities [Member] | Equities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net investment income									40,326	32,989	26,207
Trading securities [Member] | Funds Held And Other [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net investment income									33,192	34,215	44,109
Trading securities [Member] | Funds Held - Directly Managed [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net investment income									13,841	20,502	29,031
Trading securities [Member] | Investment Expenses [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net investment income									($51,945)	($51,524)	($43,747)

Investments_Pledged_assets_and

Investments Pledged assets and net payable receivable for securities purchased sold (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pledged assets and net payable and receivable for securities purchased sold [Line Items]
Funds Held Investment Interest Rate Range Low	2.10%	1.80%	2.00%
Funds Held Investment Interest Rate Range High	5.40%	4.30%	5.00%
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$172,300,000	$200,600,000
Marketable Securities, Restricted	2,455,600,000	2,477,800,000
Receivable for securities sold	51,586,000	150,816,000
Payable for securities purchased	-63,779,000	-60,153,000
Net (payable) receivable for securities purchased/sold	-12,193,000	90,663,000
Equities
Pledged assets and net payable and receivable for securities purchased sold [Line Items]
Marketable Securities, Restricted	$120,000,000

Funds_Held_Directly_Managed_Co

Funds Held - Directly Managed Cost, unrealized gains and losses and fair value - (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	$14,358,761,000	[1]	$14,399,284,000	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	731,950,000		621,505,000
Gross unrealized losses	-89,774,000		-192,887,000
Fair value	15,000,937,000		14,827,902,000
Cash and cash equivalents	1,313,468,000		1,496,485,000		1,121,705,000	1,342,257,000
Accrued investment income	158,737,000		185,717,000
Funds held directly managed [Member]
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	464,273,000		554,275,000	[2]
Gross unrealized gains	20,488,000		21,497,000
Gross unrealized losses	-12,015,000		-14,327,000
Fair value	472,746,000		561,445,000
Cash and cash equivalents	42,300,000		84,800,000
Other Assets Funds Held Directly Managed	88,200,000		132,900,000
Accrued investment income	5,700,000		6,700,000
Funds held directly managed [Member] | Fixed maturities
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	438,885,000		523,758,000	[2]
Gross unrealized gains	20,488,000		21,497,000
Gross unrealized losses	-178,000		-1,540,000
Fair value	459,195,000		543,715,000
Funds held directly managed [Member] | Fixed maturities | U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	150,242,000		153,951,000	[2]
Gross unrealized gains	3,302,000		3,789,000
Gross unrealized losses	-61,000		-444,000
Fair value	153,483,000		157,296,000
Funds held directly managed [Member] | Fixed maturities | U.S. states, territories and municipalities
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	214,000		372,000	[2]
Gross unrealized gains	0		0
Gross unrealized losses	-82,000		-86,000
Fair value	132,000		286,000
Funds held directly managed [Member] | Fixed maturities | Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	119,732,000		131,488,000	[2]
Gross unrealized gains	8,536,000		6,708,000
Gross unrealized losses	-35,000		-1,010,000
Fair value	128,233,000		137,186,000
Funds held directly managed [Member] | Fixed maturities | Corporate
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	168,697,000		237,947,000	[2]
Gross unrealized gains	8,650,000		11,000,000
Gross unrealized losses	0		0
Fair value	177,347,000		248,947,000
Funds held directly managed [Member] | Short-term investments
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost			2,426,000	[2]
Gross unrealized gains			0
Gross unrealized losses			0
Fair value			2,426,000
Funds held directly managed [Member] | Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	25,388,000		28,091,000	[2]
Gross unrealized gains	0		0
Gross unrealized losses	-11,837,000		-12,787,000
Fair value	$13,551,000		$15,304,000
[1]	Cost is amortized cost for fixed maturities and short-term investments and cost for equity securities.
[2]	(1)Cost is amortized cost for fixed maturities and short-term investments.

Funds_Held_Directly_Managed_Ma

Funds Held - Directly Managed Maturity Profile - (Details) (Funds held directly managed [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cost [Member]
Maturity Profile [Line Items]
One year or less	$75,985
More than one year through five years	230,696
More than five years through ten years	131,917
More than ten years	287
Total	438,885
Fair value [Member]
Maturity Profile [Line Items]
One year or less	76,822
More than one year through five years	241,496
More than five years through ten years	140,644
More than ten years	233
Total	$459,195

Funds_Held_Directly_Managed_Re

Funds Held - Directly Managed Realized and Unrealized Gains and Investment Income - (Details) (Funds held directly managed [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) on funds held – directly managed	$3,433	($21,792)	$16,367
Fixed maturities and short term investments [Member]
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Net realized investment gains (losses) on funds-held directly managed	1,959	6,021	8,405
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) on funds-held directly managed	1,938	-24,176	6,583
Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Net realized investment gains (losses) on funds-held directly managed	53	19	0
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) on funds-held directly managed	($517)	($3,656)	$1,379

Funds_Held_Directly_Managed_Fu

Funds Held - Directly Managed Funds Held - Directly Managed Investment Income - (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net investment income	$115,000	$118,000	$130,000	$117,000	$114,000	$122,000	$125,000	$124,000	$479,696	$484,367	$571,338
Funds held directly managed [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net investment income									13,841	20,502	29,031
Funds held directly managed [Member] | Fixed maturities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net investment income									12,789	18,804	27,760
Funds held directly managed [Member] | Short Term Investments, Cash And Cash Equivalents[Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net investment income									59	1,246	1,046
Funds held directly managed [Member] | Other [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net investment income									1,760	1,287	1,647
Funds held directly managed [Member] | Investment Expenses [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net investment income									($767)	($835)	($1,422)

Derivatives_Balance_Sheet_Deta

Derivatives - Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	$21,521	[1]	$44,508	[1]
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	-27,977	[1]	-14,010	[1]
Fair value	-6,456		30,498
Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	20,033		1,249
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	-7,446		-8,648
Net notional exposure	2,080,276		1,957,409
Fair value	12,587		-7,399
Foreign currency option contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	0		0
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	-1,196		-535
Net notional exposure	43,380		87,620
Fair value	-1,196		-535
Futures contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	846		41,031
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	-467		0
Net notional exposure	2,348,735		3,266,004
Fair value	379		41,031
Credit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset			0
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability			-71
Net notional exposure			14,000
Fair value			-71
Insurance-linked securities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	3	[2]	0	[2]
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	-339	[2]	-268	[2]
Net notional exposure	145,481	[2]	168,724	[2]
Fair value	-336	[2]	-268	[2]
Total return swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	485		79
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	-2,007		-599
Net notional exposure	42,524		31,740
Fair value	-1,522		-520
Interest rate swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	0	[3]	2,147	[3]
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	-16,282	[3]	-2,558	[3]
Net notional exposure	201,160	[3]	202,859	[3]
Fair value	-16,282	[3]	-411	[3]
TBAs [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	154		2
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	-240		-1,331
Net notional exposure	235,105		183,835
Fair value	($86)		($1,329)
[1]	Amounts include all derivative instruments, irrespective of whether there is a legally enforceable master netting arrangement in place.
[2]	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, insurance-linked securities include a longevity swap for which the notional amount is not reflective of the overall potential exposure of the swap. As such, the Company has included the probable maximum loss under the swap within the net notional exposure as an approximation of the notional amount.
[3]	The Company enters into interest rate swaps to mitigate notional exposures on certain total return swaps and certain fixed maturities. Only the notional value of interest rate swaps on fixed maturities is presented separately in the table.

Derivatives_Income_Statement_D

Derivatives - Income Statement (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	($37,037)	$6,004	$7,366
Derivates not designated as hedges [Member] | Included in net foreign exchange gains and losses [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	38,589	-64,183	27,263
Derivates not designated as hedges [Member] | Included in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	-75,626	70,187	-19,897
Derivates not designated as hedges [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] | Included in net foreign exchange gains and losses [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	39,399	-59,019	23,474
Derivates not designated as hedges [Member] | Foreign currency option contracts [Member] | Included in net foreign exchange gains and losses [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	-810	-5,164	3,789
Derivates not designated as hedges [Member] | Futures contracts [Member] | Included in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	-72,146	78,841	-31,757
Derivates not designated as hedges [Member] | Credit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member] | Included in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	-3	-134	-907
Derivates not designated as hedges [Member] | Credit default swaps (assumed risks) [Member] | Included in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	0	123	2,016
Derivates not designated as hedges [Member] | Insurance-linked securities [Member] | Included in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	230	-707	4,343
Derivates not designated as hedges [Member] | Total return swaps [Member] | Included in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	-1,002	-6,597	-749
Derivates not designated as hedges [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member] | Included in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	-15,871	7,469	112
Derivates not designated as hedges [Member] | TBAs [Member] | Included in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	$13,166	($8,808)	$7,045

Derivatives_narrative_items_De

Derivatives - narrative items (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Minimum [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Credit derivative term	0 years
Maximum [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Credit derivative term	5 years
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative number of instruments held		0

Derivatives_Offsetting_Details

Derivatives Offsetting (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Offsetting (Details) [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized, asset	$21,521	[1]	$44,508	[1]
Gross amount offset in the balance sheet	0		0
Net amounts of asset/ liabilities presented in the balance sheet, asset	21,521		44,508
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, financial instruments, asset	-766		-2
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, cash collateral received/ pledged	-8,536		0
Net amount, asset	12,219		44,506
Gross amounts of recognized, liability	-27,977	[1]	-14,010	[1]
Gross amount offset in the balance sheet	0		0
Net amounts presented in the balance sheet, liability	-27,977		-14,010
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, financial instruments, liability	766		2
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, cash collateral received	14,858		4,341
Net amount, liability	($12,353)		($9,667)
[1]	Amounts include all derivative instruments, irrespective of whether there is a legally enforceable master netting arrangement in place.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	($6,000)	($7,000)	($7,000)	($7,000)	($6,000)	($7,000)	($7,000)	($7,000)	($27,486)	($27,180)	($31,799)
Goodwill [Member]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance at December 31	456,380				456,380				456,380	456,380	456,380
Definite Lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance at January 1				179,740				206,920	179,740	206,920
Amortization of intangible assets									-27,486	-27,180
Balance at December 31	152,254				179,740				152,254	179,740
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance at December 31	7,350				7,350				7,350	7,350	7,350
Total intangible assets [Member]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance at January 1				187,090				214,270	187,090	214,270
Amortization of intangible assets									-27,486	-27,180
Balance at December 31	$159,604				$187,090				$159,604	$187,090

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Gross Values And Amortization Of Intangible Assets - (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross intangible assets excluding goodwill	$310,117	$310,117
Accumulated amortization	150,513	123,027
Definite Lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross intangible assets excluding goodwill	302,767	302,767
Accumulated amortization	150,513	123,027
Definite Lived Intangible Assets [Member] | Unpaid Losses And Loss Expenses [Member]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross intangible assets excluding goodwill	191,196	191,196
Accumulated amortization	131,908	115,958
Definite Lived Intangible Assets [Member] | Renewal Rights [Member]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross intangible assets excluding goodwill	48,163	48,163
Accumulated amortization	12,273	5,432
Definite Lived Intangible Assets [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross intangible assets excluding goodwill	63,408	63,408
Accumulated amortization	6,332	1,637
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Member] | Insurance Licenses [Member]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross intangible assets excluding goodwill	$7,350	$7,350

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Allocation to Segments - (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill Allocation to Segments [Line Items]
Goodwill	$456,380	$456,380
Life and Health [Member]
Goodwill Allocation to Segments [Line Items]
Goodwill	18,804	18,804
North America Segment [Member] | Non Life [Member]
Goodwill Allocation to Segments [Line Items]
Goodwill	82,026	82,026
Global (Non-US) P&C [Member] | Non Life [Member]
Goodwill Allocation to Segments [Line Items]
Goodwill	149,895	149,895
Global Specialty [Member] | Non Life [Member]
Goodwill Allocation to Segments [Line Items]
Goodwill	179,641	179,641
Catastrophe Segment [Member] | Non Life [Member]
Goodwill Allocation to Segments [Line Items]
Goodwill	$26,014	$26,014

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Future Amortization of Finite Intangibles - (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Amortization of Finite Lived [Abstract]
2015	$26,593
2016	25,919
2017	22,818
2018	21,247
2019	18,153
Total	$114,730

Unpaid_Losses_and_Loss_Expense2

Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses and Policy Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses by type
Case reserves	$4,236,038	$4,663,164
Additional case reserves (ACRs)	253,890	403,145
IBNR reserves	5,255,878	5,580,009
Unpaid losses and loss expenses	$9,745,806	$10,646,318	$10,709,371	$11,273,091

Unpaid_Losses_and_Loss_Expense3

Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses and Policy Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts Non Life loss and loss expenses rollforward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Non-Life loss and loss expenses rollforward [Abstract]
Gross liability at beginning of year	$10,646,318	$10,709,371	$11,273,091
Reinsurance recoverable at beginning of year	267,384	291,330	353,105
Net liability at beginning of year	10,378,934	10,418,041	10,919,986
Current year	3,122,981	3,118,755	2,785,694
Prior years	-660,413	-721,499	-628,065
Total Non-life Incurred Claims	2,462,568	2,397,256	2,157,629
Change in Paris Re Reserve Agreement	-25,412	-49,544	-86,163
Current year	267,806	242,053	237,783
Prior years	2,530,743	2,159,506	2,467,279
Total Non-life Claims Paid	2,798,549	2,401,559	2,705,062
Effects of foreign exchange rate changes	-486,084	14,740	131,651
Net liability at end of year	9,531,457	10,378,934	10,418,041
Reinsurance recoverable at end of year	214,349	267,384	291,330
Gross liability at end of year	$9,745,806	$10,646,318	$10,709,371

Unpaid_Losses_and_Loss_Expense4

Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses and Policy Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts Reconciliation of losses and loss expenses including life policy benefits (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of loss and loss expense
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits	$870,000	$960,000	$884,000	$749,000	$879,000	$751,000	$867,000	$661,000	$3,462,770	$3,157,808	$2,804,610
Non Life [Member]
Reconciliation of loss and loss expense
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits									2,462,568	2,397,256	2,157,629
Life and Health [Member]
Reconciliation of loss and loss expense
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits									$1,000,202	$760,552	$646,981

Unpaid_Losses_and_Loss_Expense5

Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses and Policy Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts (Details - Other Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Prior Year Development [Line Items]
Total net Non-life prior year loss development	$660,413,000	$721,499,000	$628,065,000
Liability For Asbestos And Environmental Claims [Line Items]
Net liability for asbestos and environmental claims	189,000,000	193,000,000
Gross liability for asbestos and environmental claims	201,000,000	203,000,000
Liability For Future Policy Benefits [Line Items]
Development from prior accident years	19,000,000	39,000,000	14,000,000
Interest rate assumptions
Low end interest rate assumption	0.00%	0.10%
High end interest rate assumption	6.80%	6.80%
Paris Re Reserve Agreement
Guaranteed reserves related to Paris Re	575,000,000	727,000,000
Asbestos Liabilities Of Paris Re [Member]
Liability For Asbestos And Environmental Claims [Line Items]
Gross liability for asbestos and environmental claims	127,000,000	123,000,000
Asbestos Liabilities Of Partner Re SA And Partner Re US [Member]
Liability For Asbestos And Environmental Claims [Line Items]
Gross liability for asbestos and environmental claims	74,000,000	80,000,000
North America Segment [Member]
Prior Year Development [Line Items]
Total net Non-life prior year loss development	250,942,000	222,839,000	218,483,000
Global (Non-US) P&C [Member]
Prior Year Development [Line Items]
Total net Non-life prior year loss development	134,394,000	180,052,000	114,279,000
Global Specialty [Member]
Prior Year Development [Line Items]
Total net Non-life prior year loss development	257,696,000	227,383,000	250,523,000
Global Specialty [Member] | Credit/SuretyandEngineering [Member]
Prior Year Development [Line Items]
Total net Non-life prior year loss development	-26,000,000
Catastrophe Segment [Member]
Prior Year Development [Line Items]
Total net Non-life prior year loss development	$17,381,000	$91,225,000	$44,780,000

Reinsurance_Details

Reinsurance (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Premiums Written, Net [Abstract]
Gross premiums written									$5,932,003,000	$5,569,706,000	$4,718,235,000
Ceded									212,119,000	173,180,000	145,375,000
Net	1,220,000,000	1,343,000,000	1,419,000,000	1,738,000,000	1,186,000,000	1,265,000,000	1,309,000,000	1,636,000,000	5,719,884,000	5,396,526,000	4,572,860,000
Premiums earned
Assumed									5,824,398,000	5,373,866,000	4,640,949,000
Ceded									215,203,000	175,656,000	155,010,000
Net	1,446,000,000	1,557,000,000	1,353,000,000	1,254,000,000	1,421,000,000	1,421,000,000	1,209,000,000	1,147,000,000	5,609,195,000	5,198,210,000	4,485,939,000
Loss and Loss Expenses and Life Policy Benefits
Assumed									3,503,060,000	3,207,860,000	2,838,117,000
Ceded									40,290,000	50,052,000	33,507,000
Net	870,000,000	960,000,000	884,000,000	749,000,000	879,000,000	751,000,000	867,000,000	661,000,000	3,462,770,000	3,157,808,000	2,804,610,000
Allowance For Reinsurance Recoverable [Member]
Allowance for uncollectible reinsurance recoverable [Line Items]
Allowance for uncollectible reinsurance recoverable	$13,000,000				$15,000,000				$13,000,000	$15,000,000

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Interest paid	$49,259,000	$49,259,000	$49,259,000
Senior Notes Debt [Member] | Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance B LLC [Member]
Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Debt instrument issuance date	10-Mar-10
Face amount of debt instrument	500,000,000	500,000,000
Percentage Of Indirect Ownership In Subsidiary	100.00%
Stated interest rate of debt instrument	5.50%
Maturity date	1-Jun-20
Payment frequency	semi-annually
Date of first required interest payment	1-Jun-10
Senior Notes Debt [Member] | Notes Issued To Partner Re Finance B LLC [Member]
Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Debt instrument issuance date	10-Mar-10
Face amount of debt instrument	500,000,000
Stated interest rate of debt instrument	5.50%
Maturity date	1-Jun-20
Payment frequency	semi-annually
Date of first required interest payment	1-Jun-10
Interest expense incurred (debt-related)	27,500,000	27,500,000	27,500,000
Interest paid	27,500,000	27,500,000	27,500,000
Senior Notes Debt [Member] | Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance A LLC [Member]
Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Debt instrument issuance date	27-May-08
Face amount of debt instrument	250,000,000	250,000,000
Percentage Of Indirect Ownership In Subsidiary	100.00%
Stated interest rate of debt instrument	6.88%
Maturity date	1-Jun-18
Payment frequency	semi-annually
Date of first required interest payment	1-Dec-08
Senior Notes Debt [Member] | Notes Issued To Partner Re Finance A LLC [Member]
Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Debt instrument issuance date	27-May-08
Face amount of debt instrument	250,000,000
Stated interest rate of debt instrument	6.88%
Maturity date	1-Jun-18
Payment frequency	semi-annually
Date of first required interest payment	1-Dec-08
Interest expense incurred (debt-related)	17,200,000	17,200,000	17,200,000
Interest paid	17,200,000	17,200,000	17,200,000
Capital efficient notes [Member] | Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]
Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Debt instrument issuance date	7-Nov-06
Face amount of debt instrument	63,000,000	63,000,000
Percentage Of Indirect Ownership In Subsidiary	100.00%
Carrying amount at balance sheet date	63,400,000
Amount of debt extinguished	186,600,000
Consideration Paid On Extinguishment Of Debt	93,300,000
Percentage of outstanding debt extinguished	75.00%
Maturity date range start	1-Dec-16
Maturity date range end	1-Dec-66
Cash tender offer	500
Face value	1,000
Capital efficient notes [Member] | Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member] | Original Debt Issuance Date [Member]
Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument	250,000,000
Capital efficient notes [Member] | Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member] | June 1, 2007 - December 1, 2016 [Member]
Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Stated interest rate of debt instrument	6.44%
Payment frequency	semi-annually
Date of first required interest payment	1-Jun-07
Capital efficient notes [Member] | Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member] | December 1, 2016 - December 1, 2066 [Member]
Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Stated interest rate of debt instrument	6.44%
Payment frequency	quarterly
Date of first required interest payment	1-Dec-16
Interest rate in excess of LIBOR	2.33%
Capital efficient notes [Member] | Notes Issued To Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]
Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Debt instrument issuance date	7-Nov-06
Face amount of debt instrument	257,600,000
Stated interest rate of debt instrument	6.44%
Maturity date	1-Dec-66
Interest expense incurred (debt-related)	4,600,000	4,600,000	4,600,000
Interest paid	4,600,000	4,600,000	4,600,000
Carrying amount at balance sheet date	71,000,000
Net realized gain on purchase of capital efficient notes	88,400,000
Amount of debt extinguished	186,600,000
Consideration Paid On Extinguishment Of Debt	$93,300,000
Capital efficient notes [Member] | Notes Issued To Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member] | June 1, 2007 - December 1, 2016 [Member]
Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Stated interest rate of debt instrument	6.44%
Payment frequency	semi-annually
Date of first required interest payment	1-Jun-07
Capital efficient notes [Member] | Notes Issued To Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member] | December 1, 2016 - December 1, 2066 [Member]
Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Payment frequency	quarterly
Date of first required interest payment	1-Dec-16
Reference rate for variable rate interest payments	3-month LIBOR
Interest rate in excess of LIBOR	2.33%

Shareholders_Equity_Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Authorized Shares [Abstract]
Total authorized shares	200,000,000	200,000,000
Par value per share	$1	$1
Common Shares [Abstract]
Number of shares repurchased	5,200,000	7,700,000	7,100,000
Total cost of shares repurchased	$551,409,000	$695,304,000	$532,927,000
Average cost per share of shares repurchased	$106.30	$90.73	$75
Current share repurchase authorization outstanding	3,400,000
Common shares held in treasury, shares	39,400,936	34,213,611
Preferred Shares [Abstract]
Number of preferred shares issued	34,150,000	34,150,000
Total consideration	0	241,265,000	0
Common Shares [Member]
Authorized Shares [Abstract]
Total authorized shares	130,000,000	130,000,000
Designated 6.75% Series C cumulative redeemable preferred shares [Member]
Preferred Shares [Abstract]
Date of issuance		8-May-03
Number of preferred shares issued		11,600,000
Annual dividend rate		6.75%
Total consideration		280,900,000
Underwriting discounts and commissions		9,100,000
Aggregate liquidation value.		290,000,000
Redemption date		18-Mar-13
Designated 6.5% Series D cumulative redeemable preferred shares
Authorized Shares [Abstract]
Total authorized shares	9,200,000	9,200,000
Preferred Shares [Abstract]
Date of issuance	9-Nov-04
Number of preferred shares issued	9,200,000
Annual dividend rate	6.50%
Total consideration	222,300,000
Underwriting discounts and commissions	7,700,000
Aggregate liquidation value.	230,000,000
Distribution on liquidation	$25
Designated 7.25% Series E cumulative redeemable preferred shares
Authorized Shares [Abstract]
Total authorized shares	15,000,000	15,000,000
Preferred Shares [Abstract]
Date of issuance	8-Jun-11
Number of preferred shares issued	15,000,000
Annual dividend rate	7.25%
Total consideration	361,700,000
Underwriting discounts and commissions	12,100,000
Aggregate liquidation value.	373,800,000
Distribution on liquidation	$25
Designated 5.875% Series F non-cumulative redeemable preferred shares
Authorized Shares [Abstract]
Total authorized shares	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred Shares [Abstract]
Date of issuance	14-Feb-13
Number of preferred shares issued	10,000,000
Annual dividend rate	5.88%
Total consideration	242,300,000
Underwriting discounts and commissions	7,700,000
Aggregate liquidation value.	$250,000,000
Distribution on liquidation	$25
Designated and redeemed preference shares [Member]
Authorized Shares [Abstract]
Total authorized shares	25,600,000	25,600,000
Undesignated [Member]
Authorized Shares [Abstract]
Total authorized shares	10,200,000	10,200,000

Net_Income_Per_Share_Details

Net Income Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator [Abstract]
Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	$277,000	$196,000	$272,000	$310,000	$272,000	$334,000	($175,000)	$234,000	$1,054,974		$664,008		$1,134,514
Preferred dividends	14,000	14,000	14,000	14,000	14,000	14,000	15,000	15,000	56,735		57,861		61,622
Loss on redemption of preferred shares	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	9,000	0		9,135		0
Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders	$263,000	$182,000	$258,000	$296,000	$258,000	$320,000	($190,000)	$210,000	$998,239		$597,012		$1,072,892
Denominator [Abstract]
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding									50,019,480		55,378,980		62,915,992
Share options and other (1)									1,154,745	[1]	1,069,125	[1]	699,756	[1]
Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding									51,174,225		56,448,105		63,615,748
Basic net income	$5.39	$3.68	$5.13	$5.72	$4.86	$5.95	($3.37)	$3.60	$19.96		$10.78		$17.05
Diluted net income	$5.26	$3.60	$5.02	$5.61	$4.76	$5.84	($3.37)	$3.53	$19.51	[1]	$10.58	[1]	$16.87	[1]
Dividends declared per common share	$0.67	$0.67	$0.67	$0.67	$0.64	$0.64	$0.64	$0.64	$2.68		$2.56		$2.48
Anti-dilutive common shares excluded from weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding - diluted (1)									127,329	[1]	14,784	[1]	554,747	[1]
[1]	Where the exercise price of share based awards is greater than the average market price of the common shares, the common shares are considered anti-dilutive and are excluded from the calculation of weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding - diluted.

Noncontrolling_interests_Detai

Noncontrolling interests (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Total assets	$22,270,357				$23,038,295				$22,270,357	$23,038,295
Total liabilities	15,165,946				16,272,136				15,165,946	16,272,136
Movement In Minority Interest [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1				56,627					56,627
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3,000	5,000	2,000	3,000	4,000	4,000	1,000	0	13,139	9,434	0
Balance at December 31	55,501				56,627				55,501	56,627
Lorenz Re [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Total assets	100,800				99,600				100,800	99,600
Total liabilities	13,100				11,100				13,100	11,100
Movement In Minority Interest [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1				56,627				0	56,627	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									13,139	9,434
Distribution to noncontrolling interests									-14,265	0
Sale of shares to noncontrolling interests									0	47,193
Balance at December 31	$55,501				$56,627				$55,501	$56,627

Dividend_Restrictions_and_Stat2

Dividend Restrictions and Statutory Requirements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	$7,048,910,000	$6,709,532,000	$6,933,496,000
Restricted Net Assets For Consolidated And Unconsolidated Subsidiaries	5,100,000,000
PartnerRe Bermuda
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Percent of enhanced capital requirement	120.00%
Statutory Amount Available For Dividend Payments	1,080,000,000
Statutory net income	660,000,000	616,000,000	659,000,000
Required statutory capital and surplus	2,092,000,000	2,169,000,000
Actual statutory capital and surplus	3,172,000,000	3,277,000,000
PartnerRe Europe
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Amount Available For Dividend Payments	533,000,000
Statutory net income	298,000,000	9,000,000	323,000,000
Required statutory capital and surplus	867,000,000	947,000,000
Actual statutory capital and surplus	1,400,000,000	1,512,000,000
PartnerRe U.S.
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Percent of statutory capital that can be paid as dividends	10.00%
Statutory Amount Available For Dividend Payments	0
Statutory net income	236,000,000	123,000,000	181,000,000
Required statutory capital and surplus	764,000,000	852,000,000
Actual statutory capital and surplus	$1,420,000,000	$1,332,000,000

Taxation_Details

Taxation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current income tax expense [abstract]
Current income tax expense									$235,982	$129,592	$144,865
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) [abstract]
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)									2,774	-84,579	55,457
Unrecognized tax expense (benefit) [abstract]
Unrecognized tax expense (benefit)									750	3,403	3,962
Income Tax Expense, Continuing Operations, by Jurisdiction [Abstract]
Total income tax expense	53,000	46,000	78,000	62,000	11,000	70,000	-75,000	42,000	239,506	48,416	204,284
Income Before Taxes [Abstract]
Income before taxes									1,307,619	721,858	1,338,798
Reconciliation of effective tax rate (% of income before taxes)
Expected tax rate									0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Foreign taxes at local expected tax rates									15.80%	5.10%	14.60%
Impact of foreign exchange gains (losses)									2.20%	-1.10%	-0.40%
Unrecognized tax benefit									0.10%	0.50%	0.30%
Tax-exempt income and expenses not deductible									-2.20%	-0.90%	-0.30%
Impact of enacted changes in tax laws									0.00%	1.80%	0.70%
Foreign branch tax									1.40%	-1.40%	-0.70%
Ceding commissions									1.80%	-0.40%	0.70%
Valuation allowance									-0.60%	1.30%	1.20%
Other									-0.20%	1.80%	-0.80%
Actual tax rate									18.30%	6.70%	15.30%
US [Member]
Current income tax expense [abstract]
Current income tax expense									51,615	55,993	29,196
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) [abstract]
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)									20,410	-13,693	48,740
Unrecognized tax expense (benefit) [abstract]
Unrecognized tax expense (benefit)									0	-335	-623
Income Tax Expense, Continuing Operations, by Jurisdiction [Abstract]
Total income tax expense									72,025	41,965	77,313
Non-US [Member]
Current income tax expense [abstract]
Current income tax expense									184,367	73,599	115,669
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) [abstract]
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)									-17,636	-70,886	6,717
Unrecognized tax expense (benefit) [abstract]
Unrecognized tax expense (benefit)									750	3,738	4,585
Income Tax Expense, Continuing Operations, by Jurisdiction [Abstract]
Total income tax expense									167,481	6,451	126,971
Domestic (Bermuda)
Income Before Taxes [Abstract]
Income before taxes									686,538	611,900	661,648
Foreign
Income Before Taxes [Abstract]
Income before taxes									$621,081	$109,958	$677,150

Taxation_Details_Components_of

Taxation (Details - Components of Tax Assets and Tax Liabilities) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets
Discounting of loss reserves and adjustment to life policy reserves	$77,117	$78,999
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	57,186	42,620
Tax loss carryforwards	35,384	23,940
Unearned premiums	23,230	23,022
Other deferred tax assets	32,431	33,648
Deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	225,348	202,229
Valuation allowance	-68,115	-46,111
Deferred tax assets	157,233	156,118
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred acquisition costs	54,718	52,165
Goodwill and other intangibles	93,416	102,619
Equalization reserves	77,383	128,132
Unrealized appreciation and timing differences on investments	85,873	72,769
Other deferred tax liabilities	51,385	23,866
Deferred tax liabilities	362,775	379,551
Net deferred tax liabilities	-205,542	-223,433
Components Of Net Tax Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Net tax assets	6,876	14,133
Net tax liabilities	-240,989	-284,442
Net tax liabilities	-234,113	-270,309
Net Tax Liabilities By Type [Abstract]
Net current tax liabilities	-9,739	-26,308
Net deferred tax liabilities	-205,542	-223,433
Net unrecognized tax benefit	-18,832	-20,568
Net tax liabilities	($234,113)	($270,309)

Taxation_Details_Income_Tax_Un

Taxation (Details - Income Tax Uncertainties) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
1-Jan	$20,568	$16,584	$12,290
Changes in tax positions taken during a prior period - Increase	1,597		2,075
Changes in tax positions taken during a prior period - decrease		-4,531
Tax positions taken during the current period - increase	5,142	10,215	3,088
Change as a result of a lapse in the statute of limitations	-5,989	-2,281	-1,201
Impact of the change in foreign currency exchange rates - decrease	-2,486
Impact of the change in foreign currency exchange rates - increase		581	332
31-Dec	18,832	20,568	16,584
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
1-Jan	19,353	15,784	11,879
Changes in tax positions taken during a prior period - Increase	1,338		1,571
Changes in tax positions taken during a prior period - decrease		-5,038
Tax positions taken during the current period - increase	5,142	10,164	3,080
Change as a result of a lapse in the statute of limitations	-5,197	-2,102	-1,057
Impact of the change in foreign currency exchange rates - decrease	-2,370
Impact of the change in foreign currency exchange rates - increase		545	311
31-Dec	18,266	19,353	15,784
Interest and penalties recognized on the above
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
1-Jan	1,215	800	411
Changes in tax positions taken during a prior period - Increase	259	507	504
Tax positions taken during the current period - increase	0	51	8
Change as a result of a lapse in the statute of limitations	-792	-179	-144
Impact of the change in foreign currency exchange rates - decrease	-116
Impact of the change in foreign currency exchange rates - increase		36	21
31-Dec	$566	$1,215	$800

Taxation_Details_Other_Details

Taxation (Details - Other Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Taxation - Other Details [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits that would create a temporary difference between the reported amount and its tax basis	$0	$0	$0
Amount of change in unrecognized tax benefit within 12 months		0
Ireland
Taxation - Other Details [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Valuation Allowance	24.7	47
Deferred tax asset carryforwards components
Deferred tax on foreign tax credit carryforwards	14.4	10.1
Deferred tax on operating loss carryforwards	1.7	3.1
Singapore [Member]
Taxation - Other Details [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance	21.4	20
US [Member]
Deferred tax asset carryforwards components
Deferred tax on foreign tax credit carryforwards	3.6
Carryforward period	10 years
Canada
Taxation - Other Details [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance		1.1
Switzerland
Deferred tax asset carryforwards components
Deferred tax on operating loss carryforwards		$10.30
Carryforward period		7 years

ShareBased_Awards_Details_Othe

Share-Based Awards (Details - Other Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2009
Share Based Compensation Arrangements - Other details
Share based compensation expense	$34.40	$29.80	$26.80
Tax benefit of share-based compensation expense	6.9	3.3	3.6
Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options	6.2	7	1.6
Employee Equity Plan [Member]
Employee Equity Plan [Abstract]
Total shares authorized under the plan	8,300,000
Shares remaining for issuance	4,000,000
Share Options and SSARs [Member]
Employee Equity Plan [Abstract]
Total shares authorized under the plan	4,900,000
Vesting period for EEP shares	3 years
Shares remaining for issuance	2,700,000
Contractual term, in years	10 years
Share Options [Member]
Assumptions:
Expected life			6 years
Expected volatility			17.70%
Risk-free interest rate			1.00%
Dividend yield			2.70%
RSUs and PSUs [Member]
Employee Equity Plan [Abstract]
Total shares authorized under the plan	3,400,000
Vesting period for EEP shares	3 years
Shares remaining for issuance	1,300,000
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Roll Forward
Outstanding at January 1, 2014	854,898
Granted	333,358	329,174
Performance based adjustment	39,870
Released	-253,389
Forfeited	-42,115
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	932,622	854,898
Share Based Compensation Arrangements - Other details
Weighted average grant date fair value	$98.86	$89.44
Fair value of units vested	20.6	22.8
Unrecognized share-based compensation expense	32.7
Weighted average period of recognition	1 year 10 months
RSU [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Roll Forward
Granted			294,184
Share Based Compensation Arrangements - Other details
Weighted average grant date fair value			$65.33
Fair value of units vested			5.5
SSARs [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Roll Forward
Outstanding at January 1, 2014	1,621,815
Granted	153,797	125,561	356,900
Exercised	-270,392
Forfeited or expired	-12,294
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,492,926	1,621,815
Exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,147,579
Share Based Compensation Arrangements - Other details
Weighted average grant date fair value	$14.62	$11.25	$7.34
Unrecognized share-based compensation expense	2
Weighted average period of recognition	1 year 8 months
Assumptions:
Expected life	6 years	6 years	6 years
Expected volatility	18.10%	18.30%	17.60%
Risk-free interest rate	1.90%	1.00%	1.10%
Dividend yield	2.20%	2.30%	2.80%
Warrants [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Roll Forward
Granted				27,655
Exercised	-186
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	8,667
Share Based Compensation Arrangements - Other details
Weighted average remaining contractual term	2 years
Weighted average exercise price, exercises during period	$32.12
Weighted average exercise price	$31.54
Awards to eligible senior executives [Member]
Employee Equity Plan [Abstract]
Maximum individual award in unit terms	500,000
Maximum individual award in dollar terms	$5

ShareBased_Awards_Details_Opti

Share-Based Awards (Details - Options) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary Of Option Activity [Abstract]
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	$0	$0	$7.90
Total intrinsic value of options exercised (in millions of U.S. dollars)	$8.70	$24.80	$8.80
Proceeds from option exercises (in millions of U.S. dollars)	14.7	49.6	29.3
Weighted average remaining contractual term	4 years 8 months 12 days
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding, exercisable, vested and expected to vest	$17.50
Activity related to share options
Outstanding at January 1, 2014	636,279
Granted	0	0	120,210
Exercised	-225,329	-819,764	-518,548
Forfeited or expired	-603
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	410,347	636,279
Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	379,799
Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014	409,841
The weighted average exercise price is as follows:
Outstanding at January 1, 2014	$70.28
Granted	$0
Exercised	$67.87
Forfeited or expired	$108.20
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	$71.55	$70.28
Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	$71.62
Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014	$71.55
Share Options [Member]
Assumptions:
Expected life			6 years
Expected volatility			17.70%
Risk-free interest rate			1.00%
Dividend yield			2.70%

ShareBased_Awards_Details_Narr

Share-Based Awards (Details - Narrative)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Share Purchase Plan [Member]
Employee Share Purchase Plans [Line Items]
Length of offering period, in months	12 months
Number of purchase periods allowed under the plan	2
Length of purchase periods, in months	6 months
Contribution range low	1.00%
Contribution range high	10.00%
Discount on fair value	15.00%
Number of shares allocated to plan	0.6
Shares remaining for issuance	0.2
Swiss Share Purchase Plan [Member]
Employee Share Purchase Plans [Line Items]
Number of purchase periods allowed under the plan	2
Length of purchase periods, in months	6 months
Contribution range low	1.00%
Contribution range high	8.00%
Contribution limit maximum, in CHF	5,000
Discount on fair value	40.00%
Restriction on transfer, in years	2 years
Number of shares allocated to plan	0.4
Shares remaining for issuance	0.2
Minimum Working Hours To Qualify	20
Share Options and SSARs [Member]
Employee Share Purchase Plans [Line Items]
Shares remaining for issuance	2.7
Non-Employee Directors [Member]
Non-employee directors stock plan [Line Items]
Number of share-based awards authorized	1.2
Shares remaining for issuance	0.3
Non-Employee Directors [Member] | RSU [Member]
Non-employee directors stock plan [Line Items]
Number of share-based awards authorized	0.8
Non-Employee Directors [Member] | Share Options and SSARs [Member]
Non-employee directors stock plan [Line Items]
Number of share-based awards authorized	0.4
Non-Employee Directors [Member] | Share Options and SSARs granted prior to May 2012 [Member] | Share Options and SSARs [Member]
Non-employee directors stock plan [Line Items]
Contractual term, in years	10 years
Non-Employee Directors [Member] | Share Options and SSARs granted after to May 2012 [Member] | Share Options and SSARs [Member]
Non-employee directors stock plan [Line Items]
Contractual term, in years	10 years
Vesting period, in years	3 years
Non-Employee Directors [Member] | RSU Granted Prior To May 2010 [Member] | RSU [Member]
Non-employee directors stock plan [Line Items]
Delivery date restrictions, in years	1 year
Non-Employee Directors [Member] | RSU Granted Post May 2010 [Member] | RSU [Member]
Non-employee directors stock plan [Line Items]
Vesting period, in years	5 years
Delivery date restrictions, in years	0 years
Directors Percentage of RSUs Elected	60.00%
Directors Percentage Cash Elected In Lieu Of RSUs	40.00%

Retirement_Benefit_Arrangement2

Retirement Benefit Arrangements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure - Defined contribution plan
Incurred expense for defined contribution arrangements	$15,900,000	$14,500,000	$15,700,000
Zurich Plan
Funded status:
Unfunded pension obligation at beginning of year	24,614,000	32,262,000
Change in pension obligation:
Service cost	6,188,000	6,934,000
Interest cost	2,635,000	2,314,000
Plan participants’ contributions	1,838,000	1,938,000
Actuarial loss (gain)	15,796,000	-8,408,000
Plan amendments	2,667,000	0
Benefits paid	-7,392,000	-216,000
Foreign currency adjustments	-13,493,000	2,901,000
Settlements	0	-13,783,000
Change in pension obligation	8,239,000	-8,320,000
Change in fair value of plan assets:
Actual return on plan assets	1,707,000	3,119,000
Employer contributions	5,492,000	5,922,000
Plan participants’ contributions	1,838,000	1,938,000
Benefits paid	-7,392,000	-216,000
Foreign currency adjustments	-10,157,000	2,348,000
Settlements	0	-13,783,000
Change in fair value of plan assets	-8,512,000	-672,000
Funded status:
Unfunded pension obligation at end of year	41,365,000	24,614,000	32,262,000
Additional information:
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	134,629,000	126,390,000
Accumulated pension obligation at end of year	127,322,000	123,524,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	93,264,000	101,776,000
Pension obligation - assumptions used
Discount rate	1.25%	2.25%	1.75%
Rate of compensation increase	2.25%	2.50%	2.50%
Net periodic benefit cost - assumptions used
Discount rate	2.25%	1.75%	2.50%
Expected return on plan assets	2.25%	1.75%	2.50%
Rate of compensation increase	2.50%	2.50%	3.50%
Defined Benefit Plan Estimated Future Benefit Payments Abstract
2015	3,959,000
2016	4,461,000
2017	4,332,000
2018	4,108,000
2019	4,086,000
2020 to 2024	$26,983,000

Retirement_Benefit_Arrangement3

Retirement Benefit Arrangements (Details - Other Details) (Zurich Plan, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Plan Assets [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$93,264,000	$101,776,000
Defined Benefit Plan Other Details [Abstract]
Net amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	25,400,000	12,900,000
Tax on amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	6,800,000	3,400,000
Net periodic benefit cost	7,300,000	10,700,000	8,300,000
Estimated contributions for next fiscal year	5,100,000
Plan assets to be returned	The Company does not believe that any of the Zurich Plan’s assets will be returned to the Company during 2015.
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Insured Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Plan Assets [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$93,300,000	$101,800,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Other Details [Line Items]
Provision for uncollectible premiums receivable	$8,000,000	$8,000,000
Rent expense	33,600,000	33,000,000	36,300,000
Restructuring costs incurred	11,000,000	58,000,000
IT and computer agreements and lease contracts	14,000,000
Lease arrangements [abstract]
2015	27,393,000
2016	26,092,000
2017	25,509,000
2018	12,358,000
2019	5,068,000
2020 through 2022	685,000
Total future minimum rental payments	97,105,000
Total future sub-lease rental income through 2019	5,253,000
Structured Letter Of Credit [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies Other Details [Line Items]
LOC obligations guaranteed as of balance sheet date	61,000,000	100,000,000
Line Of Credit Facility Term	10 years
Maturity date of facility	29-Dec-20
Strategic Investments [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
2015	49,000,000
2016	39,000,000
2017	34,000,000
2018	7,000,000
2019	3,000,000
Total	$132,000,000

Credit_Agreements_Details

Credit Agreements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Credit Agreements Details [Line Items]
Total amount of credit facilities available	$843
Outstanding Unsecured Letter Of Credit [Member]
Credit Agreements Details [Line Items]
Letters Of Credit Outstanding Amount	122
Outstanding Secured Letter Of Credit [Member]
Credit Agreements Details [Line Items]
Letters Of Credit Outstanding Amount	420
Combined Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Agreements Details [Line Items]
Total amount of credit facilities available	300
Maturity date of facility	14-Nov-15
Amount of unsecured borrowing capacity	100
Committed Secured Letter Of Credit Facility A [Member]
Credit Agreements Details [Line Items]
Total amount of credit facilities available	300
Maturity date of facility	31-Dec-18
Committed Secured Letter Of Credit Facility B [Member]
Credit Agreements Details [Line Items]
Total amount of credit facilities available	$140
Maturity date of facility	31-Dec-17

Agreements_with_Related_Partie1

Agreements with Related Parties (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ING Group N.V. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Net premiums earned	$1.90	$2.60	$3.40
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits	0.6	1.3	0.8
Unpaid losses and loss expenses	10	12.9
Atradius N.V. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Net premiums written			80.3
Net premiums earned			75.7
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits			35.2
Acquisition costs			$28.50

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Gross premiums written									$5,932,003,000		$5,569,706,000		$4,718,235,000
Net premiums written	1,220,000,000	1,343,000,000	1,419,000,000	1,738,000,000	1,186,000,000	1,265,000,000	1,309,000,000	1,636,000,000	5,719,884,000		5,396,526,000		4,572,860,000
(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums									-110,689,000		-198,316,000		-86,921,000
Net premiums earned	1,446,000,000	1,557,000,000	1,353,000,000	1,254,000,000	1,421,000,000	1,421,000,000	1,209,000,000	1,147,000,000	5,609,195,000		5,198,210,000		4,485,939,000
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits									-3,463,000,000		-3,158,000,000		-2,805,000,000
Acquisition costs	-325,000,000	-322,000,000	-303,000,000	-265,000,000	-318,000,000	-283,000,000	-242,000,000	-235,000,000	-1,213,822,000		-1,077,628,000		-936,909,000
Technical result									932,000,000		962,000,000		744,000,000
Other income	4,000,000	2,000,000	9,000,000	0	3,000,000	5,000,000	4,000,000	4,000,000	16,190,000		16,565,000		11,920,000
Other expenses	-123,000,000	-108,000,000	-107,000,000	-111,000,000	-131,000,000	-108,000,000	-145,000,000	-116,000,000	-449,688,000		-500,466,000		-411,374,000
Underwriting result									498,000,000		479,000,000		345,000,000
Net investment income	115,000,000	118,000,000	130,000,000	117,000,000	114,000,000	122,000,000	125,000,000	124,000,000	479,696,000		484,367,000		571,338,000
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)	98,000,000	-34,000,000	166,000,000	142,000,000	99,000,000	16,000,000	-299,000,000	23,000,000	371,796,000		-160,735,000		493,409,000
Interest expense	-12,000,000	-12,000,000	-12,000,000	-12,000,000	-12,000,000	-12,000,000	-12,000,000	-12,000,000	-48,963,000		-48,929,000		-48,895,000
Amortization of intangible assets	-6,000,000	-7,000,000	-7,000,000	-7,000,000	-6,000,000	-7,000,000	-7,000,000	-7,000,000	-27,486,000		-27,180,000		-31,799,000
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)	7,000,000	8,000,000	2,000,000	0	-8,000,000	-1,000,000	-11,000,000	2,000,000	18,201,000		-18,203,000		-175,000
Income tax expense	-53,000,000	-46,000,000	-78,000,000	-62,000,000	-11,000,000	-70,000,000	75,000,000	-42,000,000	-239,506,000		-48,416,000		-204,284,000
Interest in earnings of equity method investments	-1,000,000	5,000,000	5,000,000	6,000,000	4,000,000	6,000,000	-4,000,000	7,000,000	15,270,000		13,665,000		9,954,000
Net income	280,000,000	201,000,000	274,000,000	313,000,000	276,000,000	338,000,000	-174,000,000	234,000,000	1,068,113,000		673,442,000		1,134,514,000
Non Life [Member]
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Gross premiums written									4,667,000,000		4,590,000,000		3,910,000,000
Net premiums written									4,500,000,000		4,427,000,000		3,768,000,000
(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums									-113,000,000		-192,000,000		-84,000,000
Net premiums earned									4,387,000,000		4,235,000,000		3,684,000,000
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits									-2,463,000,000		-2,400,000,000		-2,155,000,000
Acquisition costs									-1,065,000,000		-953,000,000		-821,000,000
Technical result									859,000,000		882,000,000		708,000,000
Other income									3,000,000		3,000,000		5,000,000
Other expenses									-252,000,000		-259,000,000		-257,000,000
Underwriting result									610,000,000		626,000,000		456,000,000
Reinsurance Ratios [Abstract]
Loss ratio									56.10%	[1]	56.70%	[1]	58.50%	[1]
Acquisition ratio									24.30%	[2]	22.50%	[2]	22.30%	[2]
Technical ratio									80.40%	[3]	79.20%	[3]	80.80%	[3]
Other expense ratio									5.80%	[4]	6.10%	[4]	7.00%	[4]
Combined ratio									86.20%	[5]	85.30%	[5]	87.80%	[5]
Non Life [Member] | North America Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Gross premiums written									1,642,000,000		1,601,000,000		1,221,000,000
Net premiums written									1,630,000,000		1,587,000,000		1,219,000,000
(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums									-33,000,000		-54,000,000		-43,000,000
Net premiums earned									1,597,000,000		1,533,000,000		1,176,000,000
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits									-1,000,000,000		-975,000,000		-816,000,000
Acquisition costs									-401,000,000		-351,000,000		-291,000,000
Technical result									196,000,000		207,000,000		69,000,000
Reinsurance Ratios [Abstract]
Loss ratio									62.60%	[1]	63.60%	[1]	69.40%	[1]
Acquisition ratio									25.10%	[2]	22.90%	[2]	24.70%	[2]
Technical ratio									87.70%	[3]	86.50%	[3]	94.10%	[3]
Non Life [Member] | Global (Non-US) P&C [Member]
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Gross premiums written									803,000,000		818,000,000		684,000,000
Net premiums written									794,000,000		811,000,000		681,000,000
(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums									-26,000,000		-68,000,000		-3,000,000
Net premiums earned									768,000,000		743,000,000		678,000,000
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits									-438,000,000		-373,000,000		-415,000,000
Acquisition costs									-222,000,000		-196,000,000		-167,000,000
Technical result									108,000,000		174,000,000		96,000,000
Reinsurance Ratios [Abstract]
Loss ratio									57.00%	[1]	50.20%	[1]	61.30%	[1]
Acquisition ratio									28.90%	[2]	26.40%	[2]	24.60%	[2]
Technical ratio									85.90%	[3]	76.60%	[3]	85.90%	[3]
Non Life [Member] | Global Specialty [Member]
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Gross premiums written									1,797,000,000		1,676,000,000		1,505,000,000
Net premiums written									1,696,000,000		1,579,000,000		1,415,000,000
(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums									-58,000,000		-73,000,000		-42,000,000
Net premiums earned									1,638,000,000		1,506,000,000		1,373,000,000
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits									-963,000,000		-920,000,000		-821,000,000
Acquisition costs									-400,000,000		-362,000,000		-321,000,000
Technical result									275,000,000		224,000,000		231,000,000
Reinsurance Ratios [Abstract]
Loss ratio									58.80%	[1]	61.10%	[1]	59.80%	[1]
Acquisition ratio									24.40%	[2]	24.00%	[2]	23.40%	[2]
Technical ratio									83.20%	[3]	85.10%	[3]	83.20%	[3]
Non Life [Member] | Catastrophe Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Gross premiums written									425,000,000		495,000,000		500,000,000
Net premiums written									380,000,000		450,000,000		453,000,000
(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums									4,000,000		3,000,000		4,000,000
Net premiums earned									384,000,000		453,000,000		457,000,000
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits									-62,000,000		-132,000,000		-103,000,000
Acquisition costs									-42,000,000		-44,000,000		-42,000,000
Technical result									280,000,000		277,000,000		312,000,000
Reinsurance Ratios [Abstract]
Loss ratio									16.10%	[1]	29.00%	[1]	22.40%	[1]
Acquisition ratio									11.00%	[2]	9.70%	[2]	93.00%	[2]
Technical ratio									27.10%	[3]	38.70%	[3]	115.40%	[3]
Life and Health [Member]
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Gross premiums written									1,265,000,000		972,000,000		802,000,000
Net premiums written									1,220,000,000		964,000,000		799,000,000
(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums									2,000,000		-7,000,000		-4,000,000
Net premiums earned									1,222,000,000		957,000,000		795,000,000
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits									-1,000,000,000		-760,000,000		-647,000,000
Acquisition costs									-149,000,000		-125,000,000		-116,000,000
Technical result									73,000,000		72,000,000		32,000,000
Other income									8,000,000		11,000,000		4,000,000
Other expenses									-68,000,000		-71,000,000		-52,000,000
Underwriting result									13,000,000		12,000,000		-16,000,000
Net investment income									60,000,000		61,000,000		64,000,000
Allocated underwriting result									73,000,000		73,000,000	[6]	48,000,000
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting [Line Items]
Gross premiums written									0		8,000,000		6,000,000
Net premiums written									0		6,000,000		6,000,000
(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums									0		0		1,000,000
Net premiums earned									0		6,000,000		7,000,000
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits									0		2,000,000		-3,000,000
Acquisition costs									0		0		0
Technical result									0		8,000,000		4,000,000
Other income									5,000,000		3,000,000		3,000,000
Other expenses									-130,000,000		-170,000,000		-102,000,000
Net investment income									420,000,000		423,000,000		507,000,000
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)									372,000,000		-161,000,000		494,000,000
Interest expense									-49,000,000		-49,000,000		-49,000,000
Amortization of intangible assets									-27,000,000		-27,000,000		-32,000,000
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)									18,000,000		-18,000,000		0
Income tax expense									-239,000,000		-49,000,000		-204,000,000
Interest in earnings of equity method investments									$15,000,000		$14,000,000		$10,000,000
[1]	Loss ratio is obtained by dividing losses and loss expenses by net premiums earned.
[2]	Acquisition ratio is obtained by dividing acquisition costs by net premiums earned.
[3]	Technical ratio is defined as the sum of the loss ratio and the acquisition ratio.
[4]	Other expense ratio is obtained by dividing other expenses by net premiums earned.
[5]	Combined ratio is defined as the sum of the technical ratio and the other expense ratio.
[6]	Allocated underwriting result is defined as net premiums earned, other income or loss and allocated net investment income less life policy benefits, acquisition costs and other expenses.

Segment_Information_Distributi

Segment Information (Distribution of gross and net written premium) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of net premiums written	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Distribution Of Gross Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of gross premiums written	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Asia, Australia and New Zealand
Distribution Of Gross Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of gross premiums written	11.00%	11.00%	11.00%
Europe
Distribution Of Gross Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of gross premiums written	40.00%	40.00%	41.00%
Latin America, Caribbean and Africa
Distribution Of Gross Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of gross premiums written	10.00%	10.00%	11.00%
North America
Distribution Of Gross Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of gross premiums written	39.00%	39.00%	37.00%
Non Life [Member] | Property and Casualty [Member] | Casualty [Member]
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of net premiums written	12.00%	12.00%	13.00%
Non Life [Member] | Property and Casualty [Member] | Motor [Member]
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of net premiums written	7.00%	7.00%	5.00%
Non Life [Member] | Property and Casualty [Member] | Multiline and other [Member]
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of net premiums written	5.00%	4.00%	3.00%
Non Life [Member] | Property and Casualty [Member] | Property [Member]
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of net premiums written	11.00%	12.00%	14.00%
Non Life [Member] | Specialty [Member] | Agriculture [Member]
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of net premiums written	12.00%	11.00%	7.00%
Non Life [Member] | Specialty [Member] | Aviation/Space [Member]
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of net premiums written	4.00%	4.00%	5.00%
Non Life [Member] | Specialty [Member] | Catastrophe Line Of Business [Member]
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of net premiums written	6.00%	8.00%	10.00%
Non Life [Member] | Specialty [Member] | Credit Surety [Member]
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of net premiums written	7.00%	6.00%	7.00%
Non Life [Member] | Specialty [Member] | Energy [Member]
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of net premiums written	1.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Non Life [Member] | Specialty [Member] | Engineering [Member]
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of net premiums written	3.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Non Life [Member] | Specialty [Member] | Marine [Member]
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of net premiums written	5.00%	6.00%	7.00%
Non Life [Member] | Specialty [Member] | Specialty casualty [Member]
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of net premiums written	3.00%	3.00%	2.00%
Non Life [Member] | Specialty [Member] | Specialty property [Member]
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of net premiums written	3.00%	3.00%	4.00%
Life and Health [Member]
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]
Distribution of net premiums written	21.00%	18.00%	17.00%

Segment_Information_Broker_det

Segment Information (Broker details) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Economic Dependence [Line Items]
Cedant Percentage Of Gross Written Premium	4.00%	4.00%	5.00%
North America Segment [Member]
Economic Dependence [Line Items]
Broker Percentage Of Gross Written Premium	59.00%	60.00%	70.00%
Global (Non-US) P&C [Member]
Economic Dependence [Line Items]
Broker Percentage Of Gross Written Premium	31.00%	29.00%	28.00%
Global Specialty [Member]
Economic Dependence [Line Items]
Broker Percentage Of Gross Written Premium	38.00%	41.00%	42.00%
Catastrophe Segment [Member]
Economic Dependence [Line Items]
Broker Percentage Of Gross Written Premium	70.00%	74.00%	74.00%
Life and Health [Member]
Economic Dependence [Line Items]
Broker Percentage Of Gross Written Premium	12.00%	12.00%	13.00%
Broker A [Member]
Economic Dependence [Line Items]
Broker Percentage Of Gross Written Premium	20.00%	22.00%	24.00%
Broker B [Member]
Economic Dependence [Line Items]
Broker Percentage Of Gross Written Premium	20.00%	21.00%	22.00%

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_2

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net premiums written	$1,220,000	$1,343,000	$1,419,000	$1,738,000	$1,186,000	$1,265,000	$1,309,000	$1,636,000	$5,719,884		$5,396,526		$4,572,860
Net premiums earned	1,446,000	1,557,000	1,353,000	1,254,000	1,421,000	1,421,000	1,209,000	1,147,000	5,609,195		5,198,210		4,485,939
Net investment income	115,000	118,000	130,000	117,000	114,000	122,000	125,000	124,000	479,696		484,367		571,338
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)	98,000	-34,000	166,000	142,000	99,000	16,000	-299,000	23,000	371,796		-160,735		493,409
Other income	4,000	2,000	9,000	0	3,000	5,000	4,000	4,000	16,190		16,565		11,920
Total revenues	1,663,000	1,643,000	1,658,000	1,513,000	1,637,000	1,564,000	1,039,000	1,298,000	6,476,877		5,538,407		5,562,606
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits	870,000	960,000	884,000	749,000	879,000	751,000	867,000	661,000	3,462,770		3,157,808		2,804,610
Acquisition costs	325,000	322,000	303,000	265,000	318,000	283,000	242,000	235,000	1,213,822		1,077,628		936,909
Other expenses	123,000	108,000	107,000	111,000	131,000	108,000	145,000	116,000	449,688		500,466		411,374
Interest expense	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	48,963		48,929		48,895
Amortization of intangible assets	6,000	7,000	7,000	7,000	6,000	7,000	7,000	7,000	27,486		27,180		31,799
Net foreign exchange (gains) losses	-7,000	-8,000	-2,000	0	8,000	1,000	11,000	-2,000	-18,201		18,203		175
Total expenses	1,329,000	1,401,000	1,311,000	1,144,000	1,354,000	1,162,000	1,284,000	1,029,000	5,184,528		4,830,214		4,233,762
Income (loss) before taxes and interest in (losses) earnings of equity method investments	334,000	242,000	347,000	369,000	283,000	402,000	-245,000	269,000	1,292,349		708,193		1,328,844
Income tax expense (benefit)	53,000	46,000	78,000	62,000	11,000	70,000	-75,000	42,000	239,506		48,416		204,284
Interest in (losses) earnings of equity method investments	-1,000	5,000	5,000	6,000	4,000	6,000	-4,000	7,000	15,270		13,665		9,954
Net income (loss)	280,000	201,000	274,000	313,000	276,000	338,000	-174,000	234,000	1,068,113		673,442		1,134,514
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-3,000	-5,000	-2,000	-3,000	-4,000	-4,000	-1,000	0	-13,139		-9,434		0
Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	277,000	196,000	272,000	310,000	272,000	334,000	-175,000	234,000	1,054,974		664,008		1,134,514
Preferred dividends	14,000	14,000	14,000	14,000	14,000	14,000	15,000	15,000	56,735		57,861		61,622
Loss on redemption of preferred shares	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	9,000	0		9,135		0
Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders	$263,000	$182,000	$258,000	$296,000	$258,000	$320,000	($190,000)	$210,000	$998,239		$597,012		$1,072,892
Basic net income (loss) per common share	$5.39	$3.68	$5.13	$5.72	$4.86	$5.95	($3.37)	$3.60	$19.96		$10.78		$17.05
Diluted net income (loss) per common share	$5.26	$3.60	$5.02	$5.61	$4.76	$5.84	($3.37)	$3.53	$19.51	[1]	$10.58	[1]	$16.87	[1]
Dividends declared per common share	$0.67	$0.67	$0.67	$0.67	$0.64	$0.64	$0.64	$0.64	$2.68		$2.56		$2.48
[1]	Where the exercise price of share based awards is greater than the average market price of the common shares, the common shares are considered anti-dilutive and are excluded from the calculation of weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding - diluted.

Subsequent_Events_Subsequent_e

Subsequent Events Subsequent events (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 25, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Event, Date	25-Jan-15
PartnerRe Ltd. [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Combined Company Shareholding Percentage	51.60%
Share Exchange Ratio Upon Amalgamation	2.18
Additional pre-tax charge on Amalgamation		$22
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Combined Company Shareholding Percentage	48.40%
Share Exchange Ratio Upon Amalgamation	1

SCHEDULE_I_Consolidated_Summar1

SCHEDULE I - Consolidated Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Investments Not Carried At Fair Value	$187,000,000
Trading securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Fair value	15,112,413,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	15,112,413,000	[1]
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	13,489,633,000	[1],[2]
Fair value	13,918,745,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	13,918,745,000	[1]
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities | U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	2,308,264,000	[1],[2]
Fair value	2,315,422,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	2,315,422,000	[1]
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities | U.S. states, territories and municipalities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	511,228,000	[1],[2]
Fair value	530,603,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	530,603,000	[1]
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities | Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and government related
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	1,866,915,000	[1],[2]
Fair value	1,976,202,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	1,976,202,000	[1]
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities | Corporate
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	5,363,006,000	[1],[2]
Fair value	5,604,160,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	5,604,160,000	[1]
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities | Asset-backed securities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	1,110,393,000	[1],[2]
Fair value	1,131,420,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	1,131,420,000	[1]
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	2,276,200,000	[1],[2]
Fair value	2,306,476,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	2,306,476,000	[1]
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities | Other mortgage-backed securities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	53,627,000	[1],[2]
Fair value	54,462,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	54,462,000	[1]
Trading securities [Member] | Equities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	843,429,000	[1],[2]
Fair value	1,056,514,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	1,056,514,000	[1]
Trading securities [Member] | Equities | Banks, trust and insurance companies
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	134,972,000	[1],[2]
Fair value	243,765,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	243,765,000	[1]
Trading securities [Member] | Equities | Public utilities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	28,169,000	[1],[2]
Fair value	31,748,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	31,748,000	[1]
Trading securities [Member] | Equities | Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	680,288,000	[1],[2]
Fair value	781,001,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	781,001,000	[1]
Trading securities [Member] | Short-term investments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	25,699,000	[1],[2]
Fair value	25,678,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	25,678,000	[1]
Trading securities [Member] | Other invested assets [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Fair value	111,476,000	[1],[3]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	$111,476,000	[1],[3]
[1]	Excludes the investment portfolio underlying the funds held – directly managed account. While the net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains and losses inure to the benefit of the Company, the Company does not legally own the investments.
[2]	Original cost of fixed maturities reduced by repayments and adjusted for amortization of premiums or accrual of discounts. Original cost of equity securities.
[3]	Other invested assets excludes the Company’s investments accounted for using the cost method of accounting and the equity method of accounting of $187 million.

SCHEDULE_II_Condensed_Balance_

SCHEDULE II - Condensed Balance Sheets - Parent Company Only (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,313,468,000		$1,496,485,000		$1,121,705,000	$1,342,257,000
Other	45,603,000		149,296,000
Total assets	22,270,357,000		23,038,295,000
Liabilities
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other	304,728,000		291,350,000
Total liabilities	15,165,946,000		16,272,136,000
Shareholders’ Equity
Common shares (par value $1.00; issued: 2014, 87,237,220 shares; 2013, 86,657,045 shares)	87,237,000		86,657,000
Preferred shares (par value $1.00; issued and outstanding: 2014 and 2013: 34,150,000 shares; aggregate liquidation value: 2014 and 2013: $853,750)	34,150,000		34,150,000
Additional paid-in capital	3,949,665,000		3,901,627,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-34,083,000		-12,238,000
Retained earnings	6,270,811,000		5,406,797,000
Common shares held in treasury, at cost (2014, 39,400,936 shares; 2013, 34,213,611 shares)	-3,258,870,000		-2,707,461,000
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	7,048,910,000		6,709,532,000		6,933,496,000
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	22,270,357,000		23,038,295,000
CondensedFinancialStatementsParentheticals [Abstract]
Common shares, par value	$1		$1
Common shares, shares issued	87,237,220		86,657,045
Preferred shares, par value	$1		$1
Number of preferred shares issued	34,150,000		34,150,000
Preferred shares, shares outstanding	34,150,000		34,150,000
Aggregate liquidation value	853,750,000		853,750,000
Common shares held in treasury, shares	39,400,936		34,213,611
Senior Notes Debt [Member] | Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance A LLC [Member]
Parent Company Guarantee Disclosures [Abstract]
Interest rate on obligations guaranteed by the Parent Company	6.88%
Senior Notes Debt [Member] | Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance B LLC [Member]
Parent Company Guarantee Disclosures [Abstract]
Interest rate on obligations guaranteed by the Parent Company	5.50%
Parent Company [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	371,000		1,286,000		30,372,000	51,729,000
Investments in subsidiaries	8,242,199,000		8,170,653,000
Intercompany loans and balances receivable	675,408,000		730,450,000
Other	2,476,000		3,961,000
Total assets	8,920,454,000		8,906,350,000
Liabilities
Intercompany loans and balances payable (1)	1,845,690,000	[1]	2,175,401,000	[1]
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other	25,854,000		21,417,000
Total liabilities	1,871,544,000		2,196,818,000
Shareholders’ Equity
Common shares (par value $1.00; issued: 2014, 87,237,220 shares; 2013, 86,657,045 shares)	87,237,000		86,657,000
Preferred shares (par value $1.00; issued and outstanding: 2014 and 2013: 34,150,000 shares; aggregate liquidation value: 2014 and 2013: $853,750)	34,150,000		34,150,000
Additional paid-in capital	3,949,665,000		3,901,627,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-34,083,000		-12,238,000
Retained earnings	6,270,811,000		5,406,797,000
Common shares held in treasury, at cost (2014, 39,400,936 shares; 2013, 34,213,611 shares)	-3,258,870,000		-2,707,461,000
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	7,048,910,000		6,709,532,000
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	8,920,454,000		8,906,350,000
CondensedFinancialStatementsParentheticals [Abstract]
Common shares, par value	$1		$1
Common shares, shares issued	87,237,220		86,657,045
Preferred shares, par value	$1		$1
Number of preferred shares issued	34,150,000		34,150,000
Preferred shares, shares outstanding	34,150,000		34,150,000
Aggregate liquidation value	853,750,000		853,750,000
Common shares held in treasury, shares	39,400,936		34,213,611
Parent Company [Member] | Capital efficient notes [Member] | Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member] | FinancialGuaranteeMember
Parent Company Guarantee Disclosures [Abstract]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	63,400,000
Interest rate on obligations guaranteed by the Parent Company	6.44%
Parent Company [Member] | Senior Notes Debt [Member] | Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance A LLC [Member] | FinancialGuaranteeMember
Parent Company Guarantee Disclosures [Abstract]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	250,000,000
Interest rate on obligations guaranteed by the Parent Company	6.88%
Parent Company [Member] | Senior Notes Debt [Member] | Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance B LLC [Member] | FinancialGuaranteeMember
Parent Company Guarantee Disclosures [Abstract]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	$500,000,000
Interest rate on obligations guaranteed by the Parent Company	5.50%
[1]	The parent has fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a subordinated basis all obligations of PartnerRe Finance II Inc., an indirect 100% owned finance subsidiary of the parent, related to the remaining $63.4 million aggregate principal amount of 6.440% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Capital Efficient Notes (CENts). The parent’s obligations under this guarantee are unsecured and rank junior in priority of payments to the parent’s Senior Notes.The parent has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all obligations of PartnerRe Finance A and PartnerRe Finance B, indirect 100% owned finance subsidiaries of the parent, related to the issuance of $250 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes and $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.500% Senior Notes. The parent’s obligations under these guarantees are senior and unsecured and rank equally with all other senior unsecured indebtedness of the parent.

SCHEDULE_II_Condensed_Statemen

SCHEDULE II - Condensed Statements of Operations - Parent Company Only (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues
Net investment income	$115,000	$118,000	$130,000	$117,000	$114,000	$122,000	$125,000	$124,000	$479,696	$484,367	$571,338
Net realized and unrealized investment gains	98,000	-34,000	166,000	142,000	99,000	16,000	-299,000	23,000	371,796	-160,735	493,409
Total revenues	1,663,000	1,643,000	1,658,000	1,513,000	1,637,000	1,564,000	1,039,000	1,298,000	6,476,877	5,538,407	5,562,606
Expenses
Other expenses	123,000	108,000	107,000	111,000	131,000	108,000	145,000	116,000	449,688	500,466	411,374
Net foreign exchange (gains) losses	-7,000	-8,000	-2,000	0	8,000	1,000	11,000	-2,000	-18,201	18,203	175
Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	277,000	196,000	272,000	310,000	272,000	334,000	-175,000	234,000	1,054,974	664,008	1,134,514
Preferred dividends	14,000	14,000	14,000	14,000	14,000	14,000	15,000	15,000	56,735	57,861	61,622
Loss on redemption of preferred shares	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	9,000	0	9,135	0
Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders	263,000	182,000	258,000	296,000	258,000	320,000	-190,000	210,000	998,239	597,012	1,072,892
Comprehensive income
Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	277,000	196,000	272,000	310,000	272,000	334,000	-175,000	234,000	1,054,974	664,008	1,134,514
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax									-21,845	-22,835	23,241
Comprehensive income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.									1,033,129	641,173	1,157,755
Parent Company [Member]
Revenues
Net investment income									0	18	1,152
Interest income on intercompany loans									14,669	11,039	0
Net realized and unrealized investment gains									0	0	2,208
Total revenues									14,669	11,057	3,360
Expenses
Other expenses									58,076	91,800	82,137
Interest expense on intercompany loans									1,696	1,867	730
Net foreign exchange (gains) losses									-3,192	9,895	1,085
Total expenses									56,580	103,562	83,952
Loss before equity in net income of subsidiaries									-41,911	-92,505	-80,592
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									1,096,885	756,513	1,215,106
Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.									1,054,974	664,008	1,134,514
Preferred dividends									56,735	57,861	61,622
Loss on redemption of preferred shares									0	9,135	0
Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders									998,239	597,012	1,072,892
Comprehensive income
Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.									1,054,974	664,008	1,134,514
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax									-21,845	-22,835	23,241
Comprehensive income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.									$1,033,129	$641,173	$1,157,755

SCHEDULE_II_Condensed_Statemen1

SCHEDULE II - Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - Parent Company Only (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	$1,068,113,000		$673,442,000		$1,134,514,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Other, net	52,796,000		108,525,000		52,246,000
Net cash used in operating activities	852,599,000		827,267,000		693,293,000
Cash flows from investing activities
Sales and redemptions of short-term investments	92,956,000		312,376,000		110,360,000
Other, net	-58,840,000		-786,000		995,000
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-250,007,000		417,993,000		-219,538,000
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders (2)	-190,960,000		-200,078,000		-217,615,000
Repurchase of common shares	-547,120,000		-715,421,000		-504,991,000
Issuance of common shares, net of taxes paid	16,785,000		51,111,000		34,323,000
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred shares	0		241,265,000		0
Redemption of preferred shares	0		-290,000,000		0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-735,560,000		-865,930,000		-688,283,000
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	-50,049,000		-4,550,000		-6,024,000
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-183,017,000		374,780,000		-220,552,000
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	1,496,485,000		1,121,705,000		1,342,257,000
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	1,313,468,000		1,496,485,000		1,121,705,000
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	49,259,000		49,259,000		49,259,000
Parent Company [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	1,054,974,000		664,008,000		1,134,514,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Equity in net income of subsidiaries	-1,096,885,000		-756,513,000		-1,215,106,000
Other, net	33,598,000		27,397,000		30,573,000
Net cash used in operating activities	-8,313,000		-65,108,000		-50,019,000
Cash flows from investing activities
Advances to/from subsidiaries, net	-12,635,000		666,444,000		190,017,000
Net issue of intercompany loans receivable and payable	2,500,000		14,473,000		132,797,000
Sales and redemptions of fixed maturities	0		0		184,516,000
Sales and redemptions of short-term investments	0		0		8,543,000
Dividends received from subsidiaries	0		0		200,000,000
Other, net	60,000		196,000		775,000
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-10,075,000	[1]	681,113,000	[1]	716,648,000	[1]
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders (2)	0	[2]	-103,311,000	[2]	-217,615,000	[2]
Repurchase of common shares	0	[2]	-546,617,000	[2]	-504,991,000	[2]
Issuance of common shares, net of taxes paid	16,785,000		51,111,000		34,323,000
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred shares	0		241,265,000		0
Redemption of preferred shares	0		-290,000,000		0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	16,785,000		-647,552,000		-688,283,000
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	688,000		2,461,000		297,000
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-915,000		-29,086,000		-21,357,000
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	1,286,000		30,372,000		51,729,000
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	371,000		1,286,000		30,372,000
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	0		1,528,000		579,000
Non Cash Transactions [Abstract]
Non-cash dividends received from subsidiary	833,000,000		1,100,000,000		200,000,000
Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities
Repurchase of common shares	-547,000,000		-169,000,000
Non Cash Transactions [Abstract]
Payment Of Dividends By Subsidiary On Behalf Of Parent	$191,000,000		$97,000,000
[1]	The parent received non-cash dividends from its subsidiaries of $833 million, $1,100 million and $200 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which have been excluded from the Condensed Statements of Cash Flows—Parent Company Only.
[2]	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders of $191 million and $97 million, respectively, and the repurchase of common shares of $547 million and $169 million, respectively, were paid by a subsidiary on behalf of the parent and have been excluded from the Condensed Statements of Cash Flows—Parent Company Only.

SCHEDULE_III_Supplementary_Ins1

SCHEDULE III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	$661,186		$644,952		$568,391
Gross Reserves	9,745,806		10,646,318		10,709,371
Unearned Premiums	1,750,607		1,723,767		1,534,625
Other Benefits Payable	2,050,107		1,974,133		1,813,244
Premium Revenue	5,609,195		5,198,210		4,485,939
Net Investment Income(1)	479,696	[1]	484,367	[1]	571,338	[1]
Losses Incurred	3,462,770		3,157,808		2,804,610
Amortization of DAC	1,213,822		1,077,628		936,909
Other Expenses(2)	449,688	[2]	500,466	[2]	411,374	[2]
Premiums Written	4,765,907		4,556,765		3,774,474
Non Life [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	463,958		434,109		363,174
Gross Reserves	9,745,806		10,646,318		10,709,371
Unearned Premiums	1,731,212		1,699,393		1,517,217
Other Benefits Payable	0		0		0
Premium Revenue	4,387,406		4,234,850		3,684,069
Losses Incurred	2,462,568		2,399,867		2,155,147
Amortization of DAC	1,065,117		952,570		820,464
Other Expenses(2)	252,322	[2]	258,997	[2]	257,256	[2]
Premiums Written	4,500,214		4,426,719		3,768,111
Life and Health [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	197,228		210,841		205,203
Gross Reserves	0		0		0
Unearned Premiums	19,395		24,337		17,267
Other Benefits Payable	2,050,107		1,974,133		1,813,244
Premium Revenue	1,221,751		957,146		794,598
Net Investment Income(1)	60,369	[1]	60,897	[1]	64,223	[1]
Losses Incurred	1,000,202		760,552		646,981
Amortization of DAC	148,689		124,631		115,887
Other Expenses(2)	67,811	[2]	71,092	[2]	52,352	[2]
Premiums Written	265,693		123,936
Corporate and Other [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0		2		14
Gross Reserves	0		0		0
Unearned Premiums	0		37		141
Other Benefits Payable	0		0		0
Premium Revenue	38		6,214		7,272
Net Investment Income(1)	419,327	[1]	423,470	[1]	507,115	[1]
Losses Incurred	0		-2,611		2,482
Amortization of DAC	16		427		558
Other Expenses(2)	129,555	[2]	170,377	[2]	101,766	[2]
Premiums Written	$0		$6,110		$6,363
[1]	Because the Company does not manage its assets by segment, net investment income is not allocated to the Non-life segment of the reinsurance operations. However, because of the interest-sensitive nature of some of the Company’s Life products, net investment income is considered in Management’s assessment of the profitability of the Life and Health segment.
[2]	Other expenses are a component of underwriting result for the Non-life and Life and Health segments. Other expenses included in Corporate and Other represent corporate expenses and other expenses related to the Company’s principal finance transactions, insurance-linked securities and strategic investments.

SCHEDULE_IV_Reinsurance_Detail

SCHEDULE IV - Reinsurance (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reinsurance Premiums For Insurance Companies By Product Segment Net Amount [Abstract]
Gross amount									$209,479	$93,091	$84,815
Ceded to other companies									215,203	175,656	155,010
Assumed from other companies									5,614,919	5,280,775	4,556,134
Net amount	1,446,000	1,557,000	1,353,000	1,254,000	1,421,000	1,421,000	1,209,000	1,147,000	5,609,195	5,198,210	4,485,939
Percentage of amount assumed to net									100.00%	102.00%	102.00%
Life reinsurance in force
Gross amount	0				0				0	0	0
Ceded to other companies	2,322,845				1,629,920				2,322,845	1,629,920	1,782,549
Assumed from other companies	198,284,805				211,247,212				198,284,805	211,247,212	214,006,823
Net amount	195,961,960				209,617,292				195,961,960	209,617,292	212,224,274
Percentage of amount assumed to net	101.00%				101.00%				101.00%	101.00%	101.00%
Life [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums For Insurance Companies By Product Segment Net Amount [Abstract]
Gross amount									0	0	0
Ceded to other companies									5,031	5,000	5,400
Assumed from other companies									943,054	821,737	780,279
Net amount									938,023	816,737	774,879
Percentage of amount assumed to net									101.00%	101.00%	101.00%
Accident and health [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums For Insurance Companies By Product Segment Net Amount [Abstract]
Gross amount									66,090	0	0
Ceded to other companies									40,065	2,912	0
Assumed from other companies									257,703	143,321	19,719
Net amount									283,728	140,409	19,719
Percentage of amount assumed to net									91.00%	102.00%	100.00%
Property and casualty [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums For Insurance Companies By Product Segment Net Amount [Abstract]
Gross amount									143,389	93,091	84,815
Ceded to other companies									170,107	167,744	149,610
Assumed from other companies									4,414,162	4,315,717	3,756,136
Net amount									$4,387,444	$4,241,064	$3,691,341
Percentage of amount assumed to net									101.00%	102.00%	102.00%

SCHEDULE_VI_Supplemental_Infor1

SCHEDULE VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations (Details) (Consolidated subsidiaries [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated subsidiaries [Member]
Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$463,958	$434,111	$363,188
Liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses	9,745,806	10,646,318	10,709,371
Unearned premiums	1,731,212	1,699,430	1,517,358
Premiums earned	4,387,444	4,241,064	3,691,341
Losses and loss expenses incurred	2,462,568	2,397,256	2,157,629
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	1,065,133	952,997	821,022
Paid losses and loss expenses	2,798,549	2,401,559	2,705,062
Premiums written	$4,500,214	$4,432,829	$3,774,474