Partnerre (PREJF) 10-K 27 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 21, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document type	'10-K	'	'
Document period end date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment flag	'false	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Entity registrant name	'PARTNERRE LTD.	'	'
Entity central index key	'0000911421	'	'
Entity current reporting status	'Yes	'	'
Entity voluntary filers	'No	'	'
Current fiscal year end date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity filer category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity well known seasoned issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity public float	'	'	$4,928,998,593
Entity common stock shares outstanding	'	51,645,126	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2013, $13,376,455; 2012, $13,653,615)	$13,593,303	$14,395,315
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2013, $13,543; 2012, $150,634)	13,546	150,552
Equities, at fair value (cost: 2013, $1,009,286; 2012, $1,000,326)	1,221,053	1,094,002
Other invested assets	320,981	333,361
Total investments	15,148,883	15,973,230
Funds held - directly managed (cost: 2013, $778,569; 2012, $895,261)	785,768	930,741
Cash and cash equivalents, at fair value, which approximates amortized cost	1,496,485	1,121,705
Accrued investment income	185,717	184,315
Reinsurance balances receivable	2,465,713	1,991,991
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses	308,892	348,086
Funds held by reinsured companies	843,081	805,489
Deferred acquisition costs	644,952	568,391
Deposit assets	351,905	257,208
Net tax assets	14,133	25,098
Goodwill	456,380	456,380
Intangible assets	187,090	214,270
Other assets	149,296	103,528
Total assets	23,038,295	22,980,432
Liabilities	'	'
Unpaid losses and loss expenses	10,646,318	10,709,371
Policy benefits for life and annuity contracts	1,974,133	1,813,244
Unearned premiums	1,723,767	1,534,625
Other reinsurance balances payable	202,549	238,578
Deposit liabilities	328,588	252,217
Net tax liabilities	284,442	387,647
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other	291,350	290,265
Debt related to senior notes	750,000	750,000
Debt related to capital efficient notes	70,989	70,989
Total liabilities	16,272,136	16,046,936
Shareholders' Equity	'	'
Common shares (par value $1.00; issued: 2013, 86,657,045 shares; 2012, 85,459,905 shares)	86,657	85,460
Preferred shares (par value $1.00; issued and outstanding: 2013, 34,150,000 shares; 2012, 35,750,000 shares; aggregate liquidation value: 2013, $853,750; 2012, $893,750)	34,150	35,750
Additional paid-in capital	3,901,627	3,861,844
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-12,238	10,597
Retained earnings	5,406,797	4,952,002
Common shares held in treasury, at cost (2013, 34,213,611 shares; 2012, 26,550,530 shares)	-2,707,461	-2,012,157
Total shareholders' equity attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	6,709,532	6,933,496
Noncontrolling interests	56,627	0
Total shareholders' equity	6,766,159	6,933,496
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$23,038,295	$22,980,432

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities, amortized cost	$13,376,455	$13,653,615
Short-term investments, trading securities, amortized cost	13,543	150,634
Equities, trading securities, cost	1,009,286	1,000,326
Funds held - directly managed, cost	778,569	895,261
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Common shares, par value	$1	$1
Common shares, shares issued	86,657,045	85,459,905
Common shares held in treasury, shares	34,213,611	26,550,530
Preferred shares, par value	$1	$1
Number of preferred shares issued	34,150,000	35,750,000
Preferred shares, shares outstanding	34,150,000	35,750,000
Aggregate liquidation value	$853,750	$893,750

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross premiums written	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$5,569,706	$4,718,235	$4,633,054
Net premiums written	1,186,000	1,265,000	1,309,000	1,636,000	920,000	1,043,000	1,136,000	1,473,000	5,396,526	4,572,860	4,486,329
(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-198,316	-86,921	161,425
Net premiums earned	1,421,000	1,421,000	1,209,000	1,147,000	1,168,000	1,237,000	1,091,000	990,000	5,198,210	4,485,939	4,647,754
Net investment income	114,000	122,000	125,000	124,000	136,000	135,000	153,000	147,000	484,367	571,338	629,148
Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains	99,000	16,000	-299,000	23,000	5,000	257,000	38,000	193,000	-160,735	493,409	66,692
Other income	3,000	5,000	4,000	4,000	3,000	3,000	3,000	2,000	16,565	11,920	7,915
Total revenues	1,637,000	1,564,000	1,039,000	1,298,000	1,312,000	1,632,000	1,285,000	1,332,000	5,538,407	5,562,606	5,351,509
Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits	879,000	751,000	867,000	661,000	801,000	721,000	706,000	576,000	3,157,808	2,804,610	4,372,570
Acquisition costs	318,000	283,000	242,000	235,000	245,000	247,000	233,000	212,000	1,077,628	936,909	938,361
Other operating expenses	131,000	108,000	145,000	116,000	112,000	95,000	106,000	98,000	500,466	411,374	434,846
Interest expense	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	48,929	48,895	48,949
Amortization of intangible assets	6,000	7,000	7,000	7,000	5,000	9,000	9,000	9,000	27,180	31,799	36,405
Net foreign exchange losses (gains)	8,000	1,000	11,000	-2,000	3,000	2,000	-8,000	3,000	18,203	175	-34,675
Total expenses	1,354,000	1,162,000	1,284,000	1,029,000	1,178,000	1,086,000	1,058,000	910,000	4,830,214	4,233,762	5,796,456
Income (loss) before taxes and interest in earnings (losses) of equity investments	283,000	402,000	-245,000	269,000	134,000	546,000	227,000	422,000	708,193	1,328,844	-444,947
Income tax expense	11,000	70,000	-75,000	42,000	23,000	64,000	50,000	67,000	48,416	204,284	68,972
Interest in earnings (losses) of equity investments	4,000	6,000	-4,000	7,000	1,000	5,000	-1,000	5,000	13,665	9,954	-6,372
Net income (loss)	276,000	338,000	-174,000	234,000	112,000	487,000	176,000	360,000	673,442	1,134,514	-520,291
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-4,000	-4,000	-1,000	0	0	0	0	0	-9,434	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	272,000	334,000	-175,000	234,000	112,000	487,000	176,000	360,000	664,008	1,134,514	-520,291
Preferred dividends	14,000	14,000	15,000	15,000	15,000	15,000	15,000	15,000	57,861	61,622	47,020
Loss on redemption of preferred shares	0	0	0	9,000	0	0	0	0	9,135	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders	258,000	320,000	-190,000	210,000	97,000	472,000	161,000	345,000	597,012	1,072,892	-567,311
Comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	272,000	334,000	-175,000	234,000	112,000	487,000	176,000	360,000	664,008	1,134,514	-520,291
Change in currency translation adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-31,778	28,488	-11,834
Change in unfunded pension obligation, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,861	-4,294	-3,917
Change in unrealized losses on investments, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-918	-953	-949
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-22,835	23,241	-16,700
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$641,173	$1,157,755	($536,991)
Per share data attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.common shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic net income (loss)	$4.86	$5.95	($3.37)	$3.60	$1.58	$7.62	$2.52	$5.27	$10.78	$17.05	($8.40)
Diluted net income (loss)	$4.76	$5.84	($3.37)	$3.53	$1.56	$7.53	$2.50	$5.24	$10.58	$16.87	($8.40)	[1]
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	55,378,980	62,915,992	67,558,732
Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	56,448,105	63,615,748	67,558,732
[1]	At December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, share based awards to purchase 14.8 thousand, 554.7 thousand and 2,854.4 thousand common shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding because their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares. In addition, dilutive securities, in the form of share options and other, of 687.3 thousand shares were not included in the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding for the purpose of computing the diluted net loss per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2011.

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 [Member]	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income [Member]	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income [Member]	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Common shares held in treasury [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest Member
In Thousands						Currency translation adjustment [Member]	Unfunded pension obligation [Member]	Unrealized gains losses on investments [Member]
Balance at beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2010	'	$84,033	$20,800	$3,419,864	$4,056	$16,101	($19,159)	$7,114	$4,761,178	($1,083,012)	'
Issuance of common shares	'	734	'	37,160	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of preferred shares	'	'	14,950	346,772	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Redemption of preferred shares	'	'	0	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in currency translation adjustment	-11,834	'	'	'	'	-11,834	'	'	'	'	'
Change in unfunded pension obligation	-3,917	'	'	'	'	'	-3,917	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized losses on investments, net of tax	-949	'	'	'	'	'	'	-949	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-520,291	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-520,291	'	'
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Dividends on common shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-158,764	'	'
Dividends on preferred shares	-47,020	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-47,020	'	'
Loss on redemption of preferred shares	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Repurchase of common shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-396,218	'
Noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Total shareholders' equity	6,467,542	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at end of year at Dec. 31, 2011	6,467,542	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	-4,294	'	'	'	'	'	-4,294	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized losses on investments, net of tax	-953	'	'	'	'	'	'	-953	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	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	'
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	0
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	9,861	'	'	'	'	'	9,861	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized losses on investments, net of tax	-918	'	'	'	'	'	'	-918	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	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	'
Noncontrolling interests	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)	$56,627

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Unfunded pension obligation [Member]	'	'	'
Shareholders Equity Parentheticals	'	'	'
Balance at end of year, unfunded pension obligation, tax impact	$5,029	$7,731	$6,590
Unrealized gains losses on investments [Member]	'	'	'
Shareholders Equity Parentheticals	'	'	'
Balance at end of year, 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, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$673,442	$1,134,514	($520,291)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Amortization of net premium on investments	151,666	137,313	91,339
Amortization of intangible assets	27,180	31,799	36,405
Net realized and unrealized investment losses (gains)	160,735	-493,409	-66,692
Changes in:	'	'	'
Reinsurance balances, net	-507,346	-102,009	-21,036
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses, net of ceded premiums payable	45,422	31,730	625
Funds held by reinsured companies and funds held - directly managed	99,394	381,733	606,266
Deferred acquisition costs	-72,956	-13,437	52,069
Net tax assets and liabilities	-99,067	80,628	-58,970
Unpaid losses and loss expenses including life policy benefits	41,956	-634,736	606,698
Unearned premiums	198,316	86,921	-161,425
Other net changes in operating assets and liabilities	108,525	52,246	8,647
Net cash provided by operating activities	827,267	693,293	573,635
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Redemptions of fixed maturities	1,167,483	1,000,181	1,211,016
Payments/ proceeds from trading securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales and redemptions of short-term investments	312,376	110,360	336,456
Purchases of short-term investments	-176,339	-215,473	-331,432
Consideration paid, related to the acquisition of Presidio, net of cash acquired	0	-9,242	0
Other, net	-786	995	-186,823
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	417,993	-219,538	-1,080,378
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders	-200,078	-217,615	-205,784
Repurchase of common shares	-715,421	-504,991	-413,737
Issuance of common shares	51,111	34,323	16,041
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred shares	241,265	0	361,722
Redemption of preferred shares	-290,000	0	0
Sale of shares to noncontrolling interests	47,193	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-865,930	-688,283	-241,758
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	-4,550	-6,024	-20,326
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	374,780	-220,552	-768,827
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	1,121,705	1,342,257	2,111,084
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year	1,496,485	1,121,705	1,342,257
Supplemental cash flow information:	'	'	'
Taxes paid	174,031	186,970	197,610
Interest paid	49,259	49,259	49,259
Fixed maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Payments/ proceeds from trading securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales of fixed maturities and sales of equities	7,887,186	6,969,074	8,328,352
Purchases of fixed maturities and equities	-8,872,874	-8,067,087	-10,549,343
Equity securities [Member]	'	'	'
Payments/ proceeds from trading securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales of fixed maturities and sales of equities	796,403	821,977	730,929
Purchases of fixed maturities and equities	($695,456)	($830,323)	($619,533)

Organization

Organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
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) and Partner Reinsurance Company of the U.S. (PartnerRe U.S.). 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.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
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 or investment company 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 of PartnerRe SA, Winterthur Re, Paris Re and PartnerRe Health. 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, U.S. licenses and fronting arrangements arising from the acquisitions of Paris Re and PartnerRe Health. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives, generally ranging from eleven to thirteen years. The Company recognizes the amortization of all intangible assets in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization. The carrying values of intangible assets are reviewed for indicators of impairment on at least an annual basis. Impairment is recognized if the carrying values of the intangible assets are not recoverable from their undiscounted cash flows and are 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 must be recognized for any tax benefit (along with any interest and penalty, if applicable) claimed in a tax return in excess of the amount allowed to be 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.
	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 derivatives employed by the Company to hedge currency exposure related to other reinsurance assets and liabilities, except for any hedges of the Company's net investment in non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries and branches, are not designated as hedges. The changes in fair value of these non-designated 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 non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries and branches. 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 non-U.S. dollar functional currency of subsidiaries and branches, 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 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 operating 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 carrying amount of each investment that is 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, 2013. 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 July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued new guidance aimed at harmonizing presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosures.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Fair Value [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; catastrophe bonds; mortality bonds; asset-backed securities; mortgage-backed securities; certain equities traded on foreign exchanges; certain fixed income mutual funds; foreign exchange forward contracts; 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; privately issued corporate securities; 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 classified as trading securities, certain other invested assets and the segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held – directly managed account (see Notes 4 and 5). At December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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):
				Quoted prices in								Significant
				active markets for				Significant other				unobservable
				identical assets				observable inputs				inputs
	31-Dec-13			(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)			Total
	Fixed maturities
		U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	0			$	1,623,859			$	0		$	1,623,859
		U.S. states, territories and municipalities			0				16,207				108,380			124,587
		Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational
			and government related		0				2,353,699				0			2,353,699
		Corporate			0				6,048,663				0			6,048,663
		Asset-backed securities			0				691,654				446,577			1,138,231
		Residential mortgage-backed securities			0				2,268,517				0			2,268,517
		Other mortgage-backed securities			0				35,747				0			35,747
	Fixed maturities			$	0			$	13,038,346			$	554,957		$	13,593,303
	Short-term investments			$	0			$	13,546			$	0		$	13,546
	Equities
		Real estate investment trusts		$	175,796			$	0			$	0		$	175,796
		Energy			159,509				0				0			159,509
		Insurance			144,020				0				0			144,020
		Finance			108,944				9,556				20,207			138,707
		Consumer noncyclical			108,663				0				0			108,663
		Communications			70,792				0				2,199			72,991
		Technology			53,768				0				7,752			61,520
		Industrials			47,677				0				0			47,677
		Consumer cyclical			45,915				0				0			45,915
		Utilities			37,151				0				0			37,151
		Other			19,993				0				0			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	$	0			$	1,249			$	0		$	1,249
			Futures contracts		41,031				0				0			41,031
			Total return swaps		0				0				79			79
			Interest rate swaps		0				2,147				0			2,147
			TBAs		0				2				0			2
		Other
			Notes and loan receivables and notes securitization		0				0				41,446			41,446
			Annuities and residuals		0				0				24,064			24,064
			Private equities		0				0				39,131			39,131
		Derivative liabilities
			Foreign exchange forward contracts		0				-8,648				0			-8,648
			Foreign currency option contracts		0				-535				0			-535
			Credit default swaps (protection purchased)		0				-71				0			-71
			Insurance-linked securities		0				0				-268			-268
			Total return swaps		0				0				-599			-599
			Interest rate swaps		0				-2,558				0			-2,558
			TBAs		0				-1,331				0			-1,331
	Other invested assets			$	41,031			$	-9,745			$	103,853		$	135,139
	Funds held – directly managed
		U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	0			$	157,296			$	0		$	157,296
		U.S. states, territories and municipalities			0				0				286			286
	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational
		and government related		0				137,186				0			137,186
	Corporate			0				248,947				0			248,947
	Short-term investments			0				2,426				0			2,426
	Other invested assets			0				0				15,165			15,165
Funds held – directly managed			$	0			$	545,855			$	15,451		$	561,306
Total			$	1,075,161			$	13,736,880			$	712,306		$	15,524,347
			Quoted prices in								Significant
			active markets for				Significant other				unobservable
			identical assets				observable inputs				inputs
31-Dec-12			(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)			Total
Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	0			$	1,130,924			$	0		$	1,130,924
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities			0				10,151				233,235			243,386
	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational
		and government related		0				2,375,673				0			2,375,673
	Corporate			0				6,554,934				100,904			6,655,838
	Asset-backed securities			0				400,336				323,134			723,470
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			0				3,199,924				0			3,199,924
	Other mortgage-backed securities			0				66,100				0			66,100
Fixed maturities			$	0			$	13,738,042			$	657,273		$	14,395,315
Short-term investments			$	0			$	150,552			$	0		$	150,552
Equities
	Consumer noncyclical		$	130,526			$	0			$	0		$	130,526
	Energy			118,213				0				0			118,213
	Finance			79,456				7,472				13,477			100,405
	Technology			71,927				0				6,987			78,914
	Real estate investment trusts			66,846				0				0			66,846
	Communications			65,722				0				0			65,722
	Consumer cyclical			62,526				0				0			62,526
	Industrials			59,242				0				0			59,242
	Insurance			39,132				0				0			39,132
	Other			60,913				0				0			60,913
	Mutual funds and exchange traded funds			34,053				270,246				7,264			311,563
Equities			$	788,556			$	277,718			$	27,728		$	1,094,002
Other invested assets
	Derivative assets
		Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	0			$	7,889			$	0		$	7,889
		Foreign currency option contracts		0				1,410				0			1,410
		Futures contracts		1,956				0				0			1,956
		Credit default swaps (protection purchased)		0				6				0			6
		Credit default swaps (assumed risks)		0				512				0			512
		Total return swaps		0				0				6,630			6,630
		TBAs		0				115				0			115
	Other
		Notes and loan receivables and notes securitization		0				0				34,902			34,902
		Annuities and residuals		0				0				46,882			46,882
		Private equities		0				0				1,404			1,404
	Derivative liabilities
		Foreign exchange forward contracts		0				-17,395				0			-17,395
		Foreign currency option contracts		0				-186				0			-186
		Futures contracts		-1,352				0				0			-1,352
		Credit default swaps (protection purchased)		0				-807				0			-807
		Insurance-linked securities		0				0				-2,173			-2,173
		Total return swaps		0				0				-546			-546
		Interest rate swaps		0				-7,880				0			-7,880
		TBAs		0				-163				0			-163
Other invested assets			$	604			$	-16,499			$	87,099		$	71,204
Funds held – directly managed
	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	0			$	218,696			$	0		$	218,696
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities			0				0				345			345
	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational
		and government related		0				233,987				0			233,987
	Corporate			0				362,243				0			362,243
	Other invested assets			0				0				17,976			17,976
Funds held – directly managed			$	0			$	814,926			$	18,321		$	833,247
Total			$	789,160			$	14,964,739			$	790,421		$	16,544,320
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the aggregate carrying amounts of items included in Other invested assets that the Company did not measure at fair value were $185.8 million and $262.2 million, respectively, which related to the Company's investments that are accounted for using the cost method of accounting, equity method of accounting or investment company accounting.
In addition to the investments underlying the funds held – directly managed account held at fair value of $561.3 million and $833.2 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the funds held – directly managed account also included cash and cash equivalents, carried at fair value, of $84.8 million and $53.7 million, respectively, and accrued investment income of $6.7 million and $10.2 million, respectively. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the aggregate carrying amounts of items included in the funds held – directly managed account that the Company did not measure at fair value were $133.0 million and $33.6 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, 2013 and 2012, substantially all of the accrued investment income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets relate 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 year ended December 31, 2013, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. During the year ended December 31, 2012, certain equities traded on foreign exchanges with a fair value of $1.1 million were transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 given they were trading in an active market at December 31, 2012.
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, 2013 and 2012, 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, 2013 and 2012, were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
																				Change in
								Realized and													unrealized
								unrealized													investment
								investment									Net				gains (losses)
				Balance at				(losses) gains				Purchases			Settlements		transfers		Balance		relating to
For the year ended			beginning				included in				and			and		into/ (out of)		at end		assets held at
31-Dec-13			of year				net income				issuances (1)			sales (2)		Level 3		of year		end of year
Fixed maturities
	U.S. states, territories
		and municipalities	$	233,235			$	-4,440			$	103,860		$	-224,275	$	0	$	108,380	$	1,234
	Corporate			100,904				-2,271				0			-98,633		0		0		0
	Asset-backed securities			323,134				-1,339				301,477			-176,695		0		446,577		-9,018
Fixed maturities			$	657,273			$	-8,050			$	405,337		$	-499,603	$	0	$	554,957	$	-7,784
Equities
	Finance		$	13,477			$	1,730			$	5,000		$	0	$	0	$	20,207	$	1,730
	Communications			0				159				2,040			0		0		2,199		159
	Technology			6,987				765				0			0		0		7,752		765
	Mutual funds and exchange
		traded funds		7,264				623				0			0		0		7,887		623
Equities			$	27,728			$	3,277			$	7,040		$	0	$	0	$	38,045	$	3,277
Other invested assets
	Derivatives, net		$	3,911			$	-6,136			$	121		$	1,316	$	0	$	-788	$	-69
	Notes and loan receivables and
		notes securitization		34,902				936				15,732			-10,124		0		41,446		936
	Annuities and residuals			46,882				1,107				0			-23,925		0		24,064		877
	Private equities			1,404				-6,358				44,085			0		0		39,131		-6,358
Other invested assets			$	87,099			$	-10,451			$	59,938		$	-32,733	$	0	$	103,853	$	-4,614
Funds held – directly managed
	U.S. states, territories
		and municipalities	$	345			$	-59			$	0		$	0	$	0	$	286	$	-59
	Other invested assets			17,976				-2,054				0			-757		0		15,165		-990
Funds held – directly managed			$	18,321			$	-2,113			$	0		$	-757	$	0	$	15,451	$	-1,049
Total			$	790,421			$	-17,337			$	472,315		$	-533,093	$	0	$	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.
																				Change in
								Realized and													unrealized
								unrealized													investment
								investment									Net				gains (losses)
				Balance at				gains (losses)				Purchases			Settlements		transfers		Balance		relating to
For the year ended			beginning				included in				and			and		out of		at end		assets held at
31-Dec-12			of year				net income				issuances (1)			sales (2)		Level 3		of year		end of year
Fixed maturities
	U.S. states, territories
		and municipalities	$	111,415			$	4,854			$	117,650		$	-684	$	0	$	233,235	$	4,854
	Corporate			111,700				-948				120			-9,968		0		100,904		-1,066
	Asset-backed securities			257,415				12,241				235,402			-181,924		0		323,134		8,334
Fixed maturities			$	480,530			$	16,147			$	353,172		$	-192,576	$	0	$	657,273	$	12,122
Equities
	Finance		$	9,670			$	3,816			$	6,800		$	-9	$	-6,800	$	13,477	$	3,809
	Technology			0				-205				7,192			0		0		6,987		-205
	Mutual funds and exchange
		traded funds		6,495				769				0			0		0		7,264		769
Equities			$	16,165			$	4,380			$	13,992		$	-9	$	-6,800	$	27,728	$	4,373
Other invested assets
	Derivatives, net		$	5,622			$	3,832			$	-5,543		$	0	$	0	$	3,911	$	2,306
	Notes and loan receivables
		and notes securitization		63,565				6,773				63,894			-99,330		0		34,902		-984
	Annuities and residuals			27,840				11,621				30,683			-23,262		0		46,882		5,944
	Private equities			0				-46				1,450			0		0		1,404		-46
Other invested assets			$	97,027			$	22,180			$	90,484		$	-122,592	$	0	$	87,099	$	7,220
Funds held – directly managed
	U.S. states, territories
		and municipalities	$	334			$	11			$	0		$	0	$	0	$	345	$	11
	Other invested assets			15,433				2,543				0			0		0		17,976		2,543
Funds held – directly managed			$	15,767			$	2,554			$	0		$	0	$	0	$	18,321	$	2,554
Total			$	609,489			$	45,261			$	457,648		$	-315,177	$	-6,800	$	790,421	$	26,269
Purchases and issuances of derivatives includes issuances of $5.8 million.
Settlements and sales of notes and loan receivables and notes securitization include sales of $4.7 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, an equity traded on a foreign exchange with a fair value of $6.8 million was transferred from Level 3 into Level 2 given it was valued using observable inputs at December 31, 2012.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of financial instruments measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (fair value in thousands of U.S. dollars):
												Range
31-Dec-13				Fair value		Valuation techniques				Unobservable inputs		(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				Net income multiple		14.6 (14.6)
							comparables			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				Adjusted earnings multiple		9.4 (9.4)
							comparables			Comparable return		0% (0%)
	Technology			7,752		Weighted market				Revenue multiple		0.9 (0.9)
							comparables			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				Net income multiple		8.3 (8.3)
							weighted market			Tangible book value multiple		1.6 (1.6)
								comparables		Recoverability of intangible assets		0% (0%)
	Private equity funds			8,993		Lag 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		Lag reported market value				Net asset value, as reported		100.0% (100.0%)
										Market adjustments		-22.9% - 0% (-15.5%)
												Range
31-Dec-12				Fair value		Valuation techniques				Unobservable inputs		(Weighted average)
Fixed maturities
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities		$	233,235		Discounted cash flow				Credit spreads		2.8% - 4.5% (3.7%)
	Asset-backed securities – interest only			12,625		Discounted cash flow				Credit spreads		6.8% - 11.7% (9.1%)
										Prepayment speed		20.0% (20.0%)
	Asset-backed securities – other			310,509		Discounted cash flow				Credit spreads		4.0% - 12.2% (7.6%)
Equities
	Finance			13,477		Weighted market
							comparables			Comparable return		0.8% (0.8%)
	Technology			6,987		Weighted market
							comparables			Comparable return		-1.5% (-1.5%)
Other invested assets
	Total return swaps			6,084		Discounted cash flow				Credit spreads		2.6% - 4.6% (3.2%)
	Notes and loan receivables			24,902		Discounted cash flow				Credit spreads		17.5% (17.5%)
										Gross revenue/fair value		1.7 - 2.1 (1.8)
	Notes securitization			10,000		Discounted cash flow				Credit spreads		6.5% (6.5%)
	Annuities and residuals			46,882		Discounted cash flow				Credit spreads		4.7% - 9.9% (7.2%)
										Prepayment speed		0% - 15.0% (7.6%)
										Constant default rate		2.3% - 35.0% (13.2%)
	Private equity fund			1,404		Lag reported market value				Net asset value, as reported		100.0% (100.0%)
										Market adjustments		7.3% (7.3%)
Funds held – directly managed
	Other invested assets			17,976		Lag reported market value				Net asset value, as reported		100.0% (100.0%)
										Market adjustments		-38.1% - 0% (-12.1%)
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), certain insurance-linked securities (included within other invested assets) and mortality bonds (included within corporate fixed maturities).
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 of Directors (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, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	2013			2012				2011
Fixed maturities and short-term investments	$	-525,787		$	186,063			$	128,224
Equities		118,010			66,253				-101,860
Other invested assets		-6,970			18,732				-24,839
Funds held – directly managed		-27,850			7,969				5,853
Total	$	-442,597		$	279,017			$	7,378
All of the above changes in fair value are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations under the caption Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains.
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, corporate debt securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal Home Loan Bank and the Private Export Funding Corporation. 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 inputs used in the fair value measurement of these asset-backed securities classified as Level 3 are prepayment speeds and credit spreads. Significant increases (decreases) in these prepayment speeds and 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 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 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, 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 increase (decrease) 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 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. Significant increases (decreases) 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, 2013 and 2012, 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 capital efficient notes (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, 2013 and 2012; 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, 2013 and 2012.
The carrying values and fair values of the Senior Notes and CENts at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
	31-Dec-13							31-Dec-12
	Carrying Value			Fair Value				Carrying Value				Fair Value
Debt related to senior notes (1)	$	750,000		$	844,331			$	750,000			$	859,367
Debt related to capital efficient notes (2)		63,384			61,094				63,384				66,990
(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, 2013 and 2012.
(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, 2013 and 2012.
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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, 2013
Disclosure - Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments Disclosure	'
	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, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
										Gross				Gross
										Unrealized				Unrealized		Fair
	31-Dec-13				Cost (1)				Gains				Losses		Value
	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
										Gross				Gross
										Unrealized				Unrealized		Fair
	31-Dec-12				Cost (1)				Gains				Losses		Value
	Fixed maturities
		U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises			$	1,108,513			$	23,173			$	-762	$	1,130,924
		U.S. states, territories and municipalities				232,433				11,057				-104		243,386
		Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and
			government related			2,221,272				155,144				-743		2,375,673
		Corporate				6,197,594				463,221				-4,977		6,655,838
		Asset-backed securities				701,264				23,972				-1,766		723,470
		Residential mortgage-backed securities				3,128,618				118,988				-47,682		3,199,924
		Other mortgage-backed securities				63,921				2,850				-671		66,100
	Fixed maturities					13,653,615				798,405				-56,705		14,395,315
	Short-term investments					150,634				9				-91		150,552
	Equities					1,000,326				115,351				-21,675		1,094,002
	Total				$	14,804,575			$	913,765			$	-78,471	$	15,639,869
	_______________
	(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, 2013, 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		$	373,899			$	377,568
	More than one year through five years			4,915,255				5,056,690
	More than five years through ten years			3,920,421				3,961,736
	More than ten years			723,842				768,360
	Subtotal			9,933,417				10,164,354
	Mortgage/asset-backed securities			3,456,581				3,442,495
	Total		$	13,389,998			$	13,606,849
	(c) Net Realized and Unrealized Investment (Losses) Gains
	The components of the net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
					2013				2012				2011
	Net realized investment gains on fixed maturities and short-term investments			$	118,575			$	172,987			$	157,207
	Net realized investment gains on equities				75,217				72,155				90,866
	Net realized gains (losses) on other invested assets				20,497				-16,691				-176,295
	Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on other invested assets				56,652				-9,568				-46,278
	Change in net unrealized investment (losses) gains on fixed maturities and short-term investments				-525,787				186,063				128,224
	Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) on equities				118,010				66,253				-101,860
	Net other realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains				-2,107				5,843				3,617
	Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains on funds held – directly managed				-21,792				16,367				11,211
	Total net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains			$	-160,735			$	493,409			$	66,692
	(d) Net Investment Income
	The components of net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
				2013				2012				2011
	Fixed maturities		$	446,299			$	512,833			$	561,576
Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents			1,886				2,905				3,843
Equities			32,989				26,207				19,815
Funds held and other			34,215				44,109				49,502
Funds held – directly managed			20,502				29,031				37,919
Investment expenses			-51,524				-43,747				-43,507
Net investment income		$	484,367			$	571,338			$	629,148
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 1.8% to 4.3% for the year ended December 31, 2013 and from 2.0% to 5.0% for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. See Note 5 for additional information on the funds held – directly managed account.
(e) Pledged and Restricted Assets
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, approximately $200.6 million and $167.5 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents and approximately $2,477.8 million and $2,532.0 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 $121 million, which is included in equities, prior to April 28, 2014.
(f) Net Receivable (Payable) for Securities Sold/Purchased
Included within Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 and Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2012 were amounts of gross receivable balances for securities sold and gross payable balances for securities purchased as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
			2013				2012
Receivable for securities sold		$	150,816			$	22,133
Payable for securities purchased			-60,153				-32,944
Net receivable (payable) for securities sold/purchased		$	90,663			$	-10,811

Funds_Held_Directly_Managed

Funds Held - Directly Managed	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
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 December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013 in the fair value of the investment portfolio underlying the funds held – directly managed account from $833 million to $561 million was primarily related to the run-off of the underlying loss reserves associated with this account and increases in U.S. and European risk-free interest rates.
	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, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
										Gross				Gross
										Unrealized				Unrealized		Fair
	31-Dec-13				Cost (1)					Gains				Losses		Value
	Fixed maturities
		U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises			$	153,951			$	3,789			$	-444	$	157,296
		U.S. states, territories and municipalities				372				0				-86		286
		Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational
			and government related			131,488				6,708				-1,010		137,186
		Corporate				237,947				11,000				0		248,947
	Fixed maturities					523,758				21,497				-1,540		543,715
	Short -term investments					2,426				0				0		2,426
	Other invested assets					28,091				0				-12,787		15,304
	Total				$	554,275			$	21,497			$	-14,327	$	561,445
										Gross				Gross
										Unrealized				Unrealized		Fair
	31-Dec-12				Cost (1)					Gains				Losses		Value
	Fixed maturities
		U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises			$	211,104			$	7,669			$	-77	$	218,696
		U.S. states, territories and municipalities				373				0				-28		345
		Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational
			and government related			217,961				16,039				-13		233,987
		Corporate				341,705				20,555				-17		362,243
	Fixed maturities					771,143				44,263				-135		815,271
	Other invested assets					26,777				619				-9,297		18,099
	Total				$	797,920			$	44,882			$	-9,432	$	833,370
	____________
	(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, 2013 and 2012, were cash and cash equivalents of $84.8 million and $53.7 million, respectively, other assets and liabilities of $132.9 million and $33.4 million, respectively, and accrued investment income of $6.7 million and $10.2 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, 2013, 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		$	88,453			$	89,436
	More than one year through five years			317,214				330,805
	More than five years through ten years			103,231				108,761
	More than ten years			17,286				17,139
	Total		$	526,184			$	546,141
	(c) Net Realized and Unrealized Investment (Losses) Gains
	The components of the net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains on the funds held – directly managed account for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
				2013				2012				2011
	Net realized investment gains on fixed maturities and short-term investments		$	6,021			$	8,405			$	5,369
	Net realized investment gains (losses) on other invested assets			19				0				-42
	Change in net unrealized investment (losses) gains on fixed maturities and short-term investments			-24,176				6,583				12,314
	Change in net unrealized investment (losses) gains on other invested assets			-3,656				1,379				-6,430
	Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains on funds held – directly managed		$	-21,792			$	16,367			$	11,211
	(d) Net Investment Income
	The components of net investment income underlying the funds held – directly managed account for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
				2013				2012				2011
	Fixed maturities		$	18,804			$	27,760			$	31,542
	Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents			1,246				1,046				1,906
	Other			1,287				1,647				5,402
	Investment expenses			-835				-1,422				-931
	Net investment income on funds held – directly managed		$	20,502			$	29,031			$	37,919

Derivatives

Derivatives	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Derivatives [Abstract]	'
Derivatives	'
	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. While the Company would be required to perform under exposure assumed through credit default swaps in the event of a default on the underlying issuer, no issuer was in default at December 31, 2013. The counterparties on the Company's assumed credit default swaps are all investment grade rated financial institutions.
	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, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		Asset			Liability		Net derivatives
		derivatives			derivatives		Net notional
	31-Dec-13	at fair value			at fair value		exposure		Fair value
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	1,249		$	-8,648	$	1,957,409	$	-7,399
	Foreign currency option contracts		0			-535		87,620		-535
	Futures contracts		41,031			0		3,266,004		41,031
	Credit default swaps (protection purchased)		0			-71		14,000		-71
	Insurance-linked securities(1)		0			-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
		Asset			Liability		Net derivatives
		derivatives			derivatives		Net notional
	31-Dec-12	at fair value			at fair value		exposure		Fair value
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	7,889		$	-17,395	$	2,170,914	$	-9,506
	Foreign currency option contracts		1,410			-186		133,377		1,224
	Futures contracts		1,956			-1,352		3,981,107		604
	Credit default swaps (protection purchased)		6			-807		55,000		-801
	Credit default swaps (assumed risks)		512			0		17,500		512
	Insurance-linked securities(1)		0			-2,173		135,964		-2,173
	Total return swaps		6,630			-546		68,730		6,084
	Interest rate swaps(2)		0			-7,880		0		-7,880
	TBAs		115			-163		155,760		-48
	Total derivatives	$	18,518		$	-30,502			$	-11,984
	_______________
	(1)       At December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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, 2013 and 2012 is recorded in Other invested assets in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, none of the Company's derivatives were designated as hedges.
	The gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for derivatives not designated as hedges for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
				2013			2012			2011
	Foreign exchange forward contracts			$	-59,019		$	23,474		$	98,089
	Foreign currency option contracts				-5,164			3,789			-9,927
	Total included in net foreign exchange gains and losses			$	-64,183		$	27,263		$	88,162
	Futures contracts			$	78,841		$	-31,757		$	-185,816
	Credit default swaps (protection purchased)				-134			-907			-352
	Credit default swaps (assumed risks)				123			2,016			886
	Insurance-linked securities				-707			4,343			-9,584
	Total return swaps				-6,597			-749			2,473
	Interest rate swaps				7,469			112			-2,200
	TBAs				-8,808			7,045			15,366
	Total included in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses			$	70,187		$	-19,897		$	-179,227
	Total derivatives			$	6,004		$	7,366		$	-91,065
	Offsetting of Derivatives
	The gross and net fair values of derivatives that are subject to offsetting in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
					Gross		Net amounts of		Gross amounts not offset
		Gross			amounts		assets/ liabilities		in the balance sheet
	amounts			offset in the		presented in the		Financial			Cash collateral
31-Dec-13	recognized (1)			balance sheet		balance sheet		instruments			received/pledged		Net amount
Total derivative assets	$	44,508		$	0	$	44,508	$	-2		$	0	$	44,506
Total derivative liabilities	$	-14,010		$	0	$	-14,010	$	2		$	4,341	$	-9,667
31-Dec-12
Total derivative assets	$	18,518		$	0	$	18,518	$	-115		$	0	$	18,403
Total derivative liabilities	$	-30,502		$	0	$	-30,502	$	115		$	0	$	-30,387
_______________
(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, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Goodwill And Intangible Assets	'
	7. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The Company's goodwill and intangible assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
							Definite-		Indefinite-
							lived intangible		lived intangible		Total
	2013				Goodwill		assets		asset	intangible assets
	Balance at January 1			$	456,380	$	206,920	$	7,350	$	214,270
	Intangible assets amortization				0		-27,180		0		-27,180
	Balance at December 31			$	456,380	$	179,740	$	7,350	$	187,090
							Definite-		Indefinite-
							lived intangible		lived intangible		Total
	2012				Goodwill		assets		asset	intangible assets
	Balance at January 1			$	455,533	$	126,517	$	7,350	$	133,867
	Acquired during the year				847		112,202		0		112,202
	Intangible assets amortization				0		-31,799		0		-31,799
	Balance at December 31			$	456,380	$	206,920	$	7,350	$	214,270
	On December 31, 2012, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of PartnerRe Health for $72 million plus tangible book value, consistent with the Company's diversified strategy.
	Intangible asset amortization during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 totaled $27.2 million, $31.8 million and $44.8 million, respectively, of which $nil, $nil and $8.4 million, respectively, is recorded within acquisition costs and $27.2 million, $31.8 million and $36.4 million, respectively, is recorded within amortization of intangible assets in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The amount recorded within acquisition costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations approximates the amount of Paris Re's deferred acquisition costs that would have been recorded as acquisition costs had they not been fair valued under purchase accounting.
	The gross carrying value and accumulated amortization of intangible assets by type at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
				2013				2012
					Gross carrying		Accumulated		Gross carrying		Accumulated
					value		amortization		value		amortization
	Definite-lived intangible assets:
		Unpaid losses and loss expenses		$	191,196	$	115,958	$	191,196	$	96,478
		Renewal rights			80,863		38,132		80,863		32,700
		Customer relationships			63,408		1,637		63,408		0
		Fronting arrangements			631		631		631		0
	Total definite-lived intangible assets			$	336,098	$	156,358	$	336,098	$	129,178
	Indefinite-lived intangible asset:
		U.S. insurance licenses			7,350		n/a		7,350		n/a
	Total intangible assets			$	343,448	$	156,358	$	343,448	$	129,178
	_______________
	n/a: not applicable
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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
	2014		$	27,486
	2015			26,593
	2016			25,919
	2017			22,818
	2018			21,247
	Total		$	124,063

Unpaid_Losses_and_Loss_Expense

Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses and Policy Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses and Policy Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts [Abstract]	'
Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses and Policy Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts	'
	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, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
				2013			2012
	Case reserves		$	4,663,164		$	4,872,591
	ACRs			403,145			354,382
	IBNR reserves			5,580,009			5,482,398
	Total unpaid losses and loss expenses		$	10,646,318		$	10,709,371
	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, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
					2013			2012		2011
	Gross liability at beginning of year			$	10,709,371		$	11,273,091	$	10,666,604
	Reinsurance recoverable at beginning of year				291,330			353,105		348,747
	Net liability at beginning of year				10,418,041			10,919,986		10,317,857
	Net incurred losses related to:
		Current year			3,118,755			2,785,694		4,252,766
		Prior years			-721,499			-628,065		-530,457
					2,397,256			2,157,629		3,722,309
	Change in Paris Re Reserve Agreement				-49,544			-86,163		-61,383
	Net paid losses related to:
		Current year			242,053			237,783		930,407
		Prior years			2,159,506			2,467,279		2,060,152
					2,401,559			2,705,062		2,990,559
	Effects of foreign exchange rate changes				14,740			131,651		-68,238
	Net liability at end of year				10,378,934			10,418,041		10,919,986
	Reinsurance recoverable at end of year				267,384			291,330		353,105
	Gross liability at end of year			$	10,646,318		$	10,709,371	$	11,273,091
	The reconciliation of losses and loss expenses including life policy benefits for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
					2013			2012		2011
	Net incurred losses related to:
		Non-life		$	2,397,256		$	2,157,629	$	3,722,309
		Life and Health			760,552			646,981		650,261
	Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits			$	3,157,808		$	2,804,610	$	4,372,570
	The net favorable prior year loss development for each of the Company's Non-life sub-segments for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
					2013			2012		2011
	Net favorable prior year loss development:
	Non-life sub-segment
		North America		$	222,839		$	218,483	$	189,180
		Global (Non-U.S.) P&C			180,052			114,279		115,995
		Global Specialty			227,383			250,523		128,975
		Catastrophe			91,225			44,780		96,307
	Total net favorable prior year loss development			$	721,499		$	628,065	$	530,457
	Within the Company's North America sub-segment, the Company reported net favorable loss development for prior accident years in 2013, 2012 and 2011. The net favorable loss development for prior accident years in 2013, 2012 and 2011 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 2013, 2012 and 2011. The net favorable loss development for prior accident years in 2013 was driven by all lines of business, with the property line being the most pronounced, and included favorable loss emergence related to certain catastrophic and large loss events. The net favorable loss development for prior accident years in 2012 was driven by all lines of business, with the property line being the most pronounced. The net favorable loss development for prior accident years in 2011 was driven by all lines of business, most notably by the motor line. 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 2013, 2012 and 2011. 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, while the engineering line experienced adverse loss development for prior accident years of $6 million. The net favorable loss development for prior accident years in 2011 was driven by most lines of business, except for the energy and engineering lines, which experienced combined adverse loss development for prior accident years of $13 million. 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 2013, 2012 and 2011. The net favorable loss development in each year 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 and Other reinsurance balances payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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, 2013, 2012 and 2011 includes the change in the Reserve Agreement. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company's net liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses includes $727 million and $857 million, respectively, of guaranteed reserves, with the decrease from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013 being primarily related to the run-off of the underlying loss reserves.
	(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, and there remains a considerable degree of uncertainty related to the range of possible ultimate losses related to 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, 2013.
	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 additional 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 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, 2013 and 2012 included $193 million and $199 million, respectively, that represent estimates of its net ultimate liability for asbestos and environmental claims. The gross liability for such claims at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $203 million and $205 million, respectively, which primarily relate to Paris Re's gross liability for asbestos and environmental claims for accident years 2005 and prior of $123 million and $125 million, respectively, with any favorable or adverse development being subject to the Reserve Agreement. Of the remaining $80 million in gross reserves at December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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 $39 million, $14 million and $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	The net favorable prior year loss development of $39 million in 2013 was primarily related to the guaranteed minimum death benefit (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 modest net favorable prior year loss development of $1 million in 2011 was the net result of favorable prior year loss development on certain mortality treaties and the GMDB business, which were almost entirely offset by adverse prior year loss development related to disability riders on certain short-term non-proportional treaties in the mortality line following the receipt of updated information from cedants.
	The Company used interest rate assumptions to estimate its liabilities for policy benefits for life and annuity contracts which ranged from 0.1% to 6.8% and 0.2% to 6.6% at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Reinsurance [Abstract]	'
Reinsurance	'
	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 $15 million and $13 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
							Losses and Loss
			Premiums		Premiums		Expenses and Life
			Written		Earned		Policy Benefits
	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
	2011
	Assumed	$	4,633,054	$	4,789,293	$	4,456,094
	Ceded		146,725		141,539		83,524
	Net	$	4,486,329	$	4,647,754	$	4,372,570

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	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, 2013, 2012 and 2011, 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, 2013, 2012 and 2011, 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, 2013 and 2012, 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, 2013, 2012 and 2011, 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, 2013
Disclosure - Shareholders Equity [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	11. Shareholders' Equity
	Authorized Shares
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the total authorized shares of the Company were 200 million shares, par value $1.00 per share, as follows (in millions of shares):
			2013			2012
	Designated common shares		130			130
	Designated 6.75% Series C cumulative redeemable preferred shares		0			11.6
	Designated 6.5% Series D cumulative redeemable preferred shares		9.2			9.2
	Designated 7.25% Series E cumulative redeemable preferred shares		15			15
	Designated 5.875% Series F non-cumulative redeemable preferred shares		10			0
	Designated and redeemed preference shares		25.6			14
	Undesignated		10.2			20.2
			200			200
	Common Shares
	Share repurchases
	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. At December 31, 2013, the Company had approximately 5.0 million common shares remaining under its current share repurchase authorization and approximately 34.2 million common shares were held in treasury and are available for reissuance.
	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.
	During 2011, the Company repurchased, under its authorized share repurchase program, 5.4 million of its common shares at a total cost of $396.2 million, representing an average cost of $73.41 per share.
	Redeemable Preferred Shares
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company had outstanding Series C, Series D and Series E cumulative redeemable preferred shares (Series C preferred shares, Series D preferred shares, Series E preferred shares) and during the year ended December 31, 2013 issued Series F non-cumulative redeemable preferred shares (Series F preferred shares) 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-03			Nov-04			Jun-11			Feb-13
	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		Mar-13			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_Loss_Per_Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Net Income (Loss) Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income Per Share	'
	12. Net Income (Loss) per Share
	The reconciliation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share and dividends declared per common share for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data):
				2013		2012		2011
	Numerator:
		Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.		$	664,008	$	1,134,514	$	-520,291
		Less: preferred dividends			57,861		61,622		47,020
		Less: loss on redemption of preferred shares			9,135		0		0
		Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders		$	597,012	$	1,072,892	$	-567,311
	Denominator:
		Weighted number of common shares outstanding - basic			55,378,980		62,915,992		67,558,732
		Share options and other (1)			1,069,125		699,756		0
		Weighted average number of common shares and common
			share equivalents outstanding - diluted		56,448,105		63,615,748		67,558,732
	Basic net income (loss) per share			$	10.78	$	17.05	$	-8.4
	Diluted net income (loss) per share(1)			$	10.58	$	16.87	$	-8.4
	Dividends declared per common share			$	2.56	$	2.48	$	2.35
	_______________
	(1)       At December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, share based awards to purchase 14.8 thousand, 554.7 thousand and 2,854.4 thousand common shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding because their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares.  In addition, dilutive securities, in the form of share options and other, of 687.3 thousand shares were not included in the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding for the purpose of computing the diluted net loss per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Noncontrolling_interests

Noncontrolling interests	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [TextBlock]	'
	13. Noncontrolling Interests
	In March 2013, the Company formed with other third party investors, 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. The original business was written by the Company and was ceded to Lorenz Re effective April 1, 2013.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company and third party investors contributed approximately $28 million and $47 million, respectively, of Lorenz Re's non-voting redeemable preferred share capital, which is redeemable at the option of the Company. Lorenz Re's preferred shares are expected to be redeemed following the commutation of the portfolio back to the Company on or before June 1, 2016.
	At December 31, 2013, the total assets of Lorenz Re were $99.6 million, primarily consisting of cash and investments, and the total liabilities were $11.1 million, primarily consisting of unearned premiums and unpaid losses and loss expenses. 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 year ended December 31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		2013
	Balance at January 1	$	0
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		9,434
	Sale of shares to noncontrolling interests		47,193
	Balance at December 31	$	56,627

Dividend_Restrictions_and_Stat

Dividend Restrictions and Statutory Requirements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
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, 2013, 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, 2013, 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, 2013, the maximum dividend that PartnerRe Bermuda could pay without prior regulatory approval was approximately $1,009 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, 2013, the maximum dividend that PartnerRe Europe could pay without prior regulatory approval was approximately $565 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 preceeding 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, 2013, 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 2013.
	The statutory financial statements and returns of the Company's reinsurance subsidiaries at, and for the year ended, December 31, 2013 are due to be submitted to the relevant regulatory authorities later in 2014, 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 (loss) of the Company's reinsurance subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows (in millions of U.S. dollars):
			2013		2012		2011
	PartnerRe Bermuda	$	616	$	659	$	-524
	PartnerRe Europe		8		323		2
	PartnerRe U.S.		123		181		98
	The required and actual statutory capital and surplus of the Company's reinsurance subsidiaries at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in millions of U.S. dollars):
		PartnerRe Bermuda				PartnerRe Europe				PartnerRe U.S.
			2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Required statutory capital and surplus	$	2,283	$	2,402	$	947	$	911	$	852	$	699
	Actual statutory capital and surplus		3,292		3,771		1,512		1,589		1,332		1,260
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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 $6.7 billion at December 31, 2013, the total amount of restricted net assets for the Company's consolidated subsidiaries was $4.9 billion and primarily related to the statutory dividend restrictions described above.

Taxation

Taxation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
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 2008-2013 in Canada and Switzerland, 2009-2013 in Ireland, 2010-2013 in the United States, 2011-2013 in France and 2012-2013 in Singapore. 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, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
				2013				2012				2011
	Current income tax expense
	U.S.		$	55,993			$	29,196			$	82,065
	Non U.S.			73,599				115,669				72,268
	Total current income tax expense		$	129,592			$	144,865			$	154,333
	Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
	U.S.		$	-13,693			$	48,740			$	-36,780
	Non U.S.			-70,886				6,717				-8,112
	Total deferred income tax (benefit) expense		$	-84,579			$	55,457			$	-44,892
	Unrecognized tax expense (benefit)
	U.S.		$	-335			$	-623			$	81
	Non U.S.			3,738				4,585				-40,550
	Total unrecognized tax expense (benefit)		$	3,403			$	3,962			$	-40,469
	Total income tax expense
	U.S.		$	41,965			$	77,313			$	45,366
	Non U.S.			6,451				126,971				23,606
	Total income tax expense		$	48,416			$	204,284			$	68,972
	Income (loss) 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 (loss) before taxes was as follows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
				2013				2012				2011
	Domestic (Bermuda)		$	611,900			$	661,648			$	-634,310
	Foreign			109,958				677,150				182,991
	Income (loss) before taxes		$	721,858			$	1,338,798			$	-451,319
	Reconciliation of effective tax rate (% of income (loss) before taxes)
	Expected tax rate			0	%			0	%			0	%
	Foreign taxes at local expected tax rates			5.1				14.6				-7.2
	Impact of foreign exchange (losses) gains			-1.1				-0.4				0.4
	Unrecognized tax benefit			0.5				0.3				9
	Tax-exempt income and expenses not deductible			-0.9				-0.3				-11.6
	Impact of enacted changes in tax laws			1.8				0.7				0
	Foreign branch tax			-1.4				-0.7				-5.7
	Valuation allowance			1.3				1.2				-1.9
	Other			1.4				-0.1				1.7
	Actual tax rate			6.7	%			15.3	%			-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, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
							2013				2012
	Deferred tax assets
	Discounting of loss reserves and adjustment to life policy reserves					$	78,999			$	50,341
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards						42,620				37,569
	Tax loss carryforwards						23,940				47,373
	Unearned premiums						23,022				17,856
	Other deferred tax assets						33,648				36,424
							202,229				189,563
	Valuation allowance						-46,111				-47,412
	Deferred tax assets						156,118				142,151
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Deferred acquisition costs						52,165				46,311
	Goodwill and other intangibles						102,619				106,445
	Equalization reserves						128,132				122,930
	Unrealized appreciation and timing differences on investments						72,769				141,856
	Other deferred tax liabilities						23,866				24,968
	Deferred tax liabilities						379,551				442,510
	Net deferred tax liabilities					$	-223,433			$	-300,359
	The components of net tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
				2013				2012
	Net tax assets		$	14,133			$	25,098
	Net tax liabilities			-284,442				-387,647
	Net tax liabilities		$	-270,309			$	-362,549
				2013				2012
Net current tax liabilities		$	-26,308			$	-45,606
Net deferred tax liabilities			-223,433				-300,359
Net unrecognized tax benefit			-20,568				-16,584
Net tax liabilities		$	-270,309			$	-362,549
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, 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. The valuation allowance recorded at December 31, 2012 related to a tax loss carryforward of $34.2 million in Singapore and to a foreign tax credit carryforward of $13.2 million in Ireland.
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. At December 31, 2012, the deferred tax assets (after valuation allowance) included foreign tax credit carryforwards of $14.6 million in Ireland, which can be carried forward for an unlimited period of time, and $9.7 million in the United States, which can be carried forward for 10 years, and tax loss carryforwards of $9.9 million in Canada, which can be carried forward for 20 years.
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
							Changes in tax				Tax positions		Change as a		Impact of the
							positions taken				taken		result of a lapse		change in
			January 1,				during a prior				during the		of the statute		foreign currency		December 31,
			2013				period				current period		of limitations		exchange rates		2013
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
							Changes in tax				Tax positions		Change as a		Impact of the
							positions taken				taken		result of a lapse		change in
			January 1,				during a prior				during the		of the statute		foreign currency		December 31,
			2012				period				current period		of limitations		exchange rates		2012
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
							Changes in tax				Tax positions		Change as a		Impact of the
							positions taken				taken		result of a lapse		change in
			January 1,				during a prior				during the		of the statute		foreign currency		December 31,
			2011				period				current period		of limitations		exchange rates		2011
Unrecognized tax benefits
	that, if recognized, would impact
	the effective tax rate		$	51,529			$	3,194			$	3,788	$	-47,886	$	1,254	$	11,879
Interest and penalties recognized
	on the above			0				435				0		0		-24		411
Total unrecognized tax benefits, including
	interest and penalties		$	51,529			$	3,629			$	3,788	$	-47,886	$	1,230	$	12,290
For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, 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, 2013, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits for which it is reasonably possible to change within twelve months was $7.3 million, which primarily relates to the expected expiration of the statute of limitations related to certain tax positions.

ShareBased_Awards

Share-Based Awards	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Share Based Awards [Abstract]	'
Share Based Awards	'
	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, 2013, 4.4 million shares, of which a total of 1.6 million shares can be issued as either RS, RSUs or PSUs and 2.8 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, 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, 2013, 0.4 million shares, of which a total of 0.1 million shares can be issued as either RS or RSUs and 0.3 million shares can be issued as share options or SSARs, 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, 2013, 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, 2013, 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, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company's share-based compensation expense was $29.8 million, $26.8 million and $24.2 million, respectively, with a tax benefit of $3.3 million, $3.6 million and $2.4 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's U.S. subsidiaries of $7.0 million, $1.6 million and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Share Options
	The activity related to share options granted and exercised for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:
				2013			2012			2011
	Options granted			0			120,210			123,162
	Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted		$	0		$	7.9		$	7.43
	Options exercised			819,764			518,548			194,201
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised (in millions of U.S. dollars)		$	24.8		$	8.8		$	4.6
	Proceeds from option exercises (in millions of U.S. dollars)		$	49.6		$	29.3		$	10.6
		The activity related to the Company’s share options for the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
								Weighted Average
					Options			Exercise Price
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013				1,457,853			65.66
	Granted				0			0
	Exercised				-819,764			61.97
	Forfeited or expired				-1,810			108.2
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013				636,279			70.28
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2013				569,301			70.23
	Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013				633,748			70.28
	The weighted average remaining contractual term and the aggregate intrinsic value of share options outstanding, exercisable, vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013, was 5.1 years and $22.4 million, respectively.
	The Company values share options issued with a Black-Scholes valuation model and used the following assumptions for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
				2013			2012			2011
	Expected life			0			6 years			6 years
	Expected volatility			0			17.70%			14.90%
	Risk-free interest rate			0			1.00%			2.00%
	Dividend yield			0			2.70%			2.70%
	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, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company issued 329,174 RSUs and PSUs, 294,184 RSUs and 314,182 RSUs with a weighted average grant date fair value of $89.44, $65.33 and $81.20, 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, 2013 was as follows:
			RSUs and PSUs
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013		869,495
	Granted		329,174
	Released		-290,277
	Forfeited		-53,494
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		854,898
	The RSUs that vested during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 had a fair value of $22.8 million, $5.5 million and $18.3 million, respectively.
	The total unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to unvested RSUs and PSUs was approximately $27.3 million at December 31, 2013, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years.
	Share-Settled Share Appreciation Rights (SSARs)
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company issued 125,561 SSARs, 356,900 SSARs, and 210,582 SSARs with a weighted average grant date fair value of $11.25, $7.34 and $10.32, respectively.
	The activity related to the Company's SSARs for the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
				SSARs
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013			1,820,594
	Granted			125,561
	Exercised			-314,390
	Forfeited or expired			-9,950
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			1,621,815
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013			1,202,541
The total unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to unvested SSARs was approximately $2.0 million at December 31, 2013, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.
The Company values SSARs issued with a Black-Scholes valuation model and used the following assumptions for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
			2013			2012			2011
Expected life			6 years			6 years			6 years
Expected volatility			18.30%			17.60%			15.60%
Risk-free interest rate			1.00%			1.10%			2.70%
Dividend yield			2.30%			2.80%			2.80%
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, 2013, 8,853 warrants are outstanding and fully vested with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.0 years and a weighted average exercise price of $32.34. During the year ended December 31, 2013, 2,390 warrants were exercised with a weighted average exercise price of $32.90.

Retirement_Benefit_Arrangement

Retirement Benefit Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
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, 2013 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 $14.5 million, $15.7 million and $16.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, 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, 2013 and 2012, the funded status of the Zurich Plan was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
						2013			2012
	Funded status
	Unfunded pension obligation at beginning of year				$	32,262		$	25,162
	Change in pension obligation
	Service cost					6,934			6,474
	Interest cost					2,314			2,976
	Plan participants’ contributions					1,938			1,998
	Actuarial (gain) loss					-8,408			7,046
	Plan amendments					0			-707
	Benefits paid					-216			-8,582
	Foreign currency adjustments					2,901			4,349
	Settlements					-13,783			0
	Change in pension obligation					-8,320			13,554
	Change in fair value of plan assets
	Actual return on plan assets					3,119			3,782
	Employer contributions					5,922			5,941
	Plan participants’ contributions					1,938			1,998
	Benefits paid					-216			-8,582
	Foreign currency adjustments					2,348			3,315
	Settlements					-13,783			0
	Change in fair value of plan assets					-672			6,454
	Funded status
	Unfunded pension obligation at end of year				$	24,614		$	32,262
	Additional information:
	Projected benefit obligation at end of year				$	126,390		$	134,710
	Accumulated pension obligation at end of year					123,524			129,492
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year					101,776			102,448
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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) income at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $12.9 million (net of $3.4 million of taxes) and $22.8 million (net of $6.1 million of taxes), respectively.
	The net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $10.7 million, $8.3 million and $10.0 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, 2013 and 2012 were insured funds and cash (Level 2) of $101.8 million and $102.4 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, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
			2013							2012					2011
				Pension			Net periodic				Pension		Net periodic			Pension		Net periodic
				obligation			benefit cost				obligation		benefit cost			obligation		benefit cost
	Discount rate			2.25	%		1.75	%			1.75	%	2.5	%		2.5	%	2.75	%
	Expected return on plan assets			0			1.75				0		2.5			0		3
	Rate of compensation increase			2.5			2.5				2.5		3.5			3.5		3.5
	At December 31, 2013, estimated employer contributions to be paid in 2014 related to the Zurich Plan were $5.8 million and future benefit payments were estimated to be paid as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		Year			Amount
		2014		$	4,417
		2015			4,807
		2016			5,046
		2017			4,925
		2018			4,722
		2019 to 2023			28,714
	The Company does not believe that any of the Zurich Plan's assets will be returned to the Company during 2014.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure- Commitments and Contingencies [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, 2013 and 2012, 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.
	Financing receivables
	Included in the Company's Other invested assets are certain notes receivable which meet the definition of financing receivables and are accounted for using the cost method of accounting. These notes receivable are collateralized by commercial or residential property. The Company utilizes a third party consultant to determine the initial investment criteria and to monitor the subsequent performance of the notes receivable. The process undertaken prior to the investment in these notes receivable includes an examination of the underlying collateral. The Company reviews its receivable positions on at least a quarterly basis using actual redemption experience. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, based on the latest available information, the Company recorded an allowance for credit losses related to these notes receivable of $2.8 million and $3.0 million, respectively.
	The Company monitors the performance of the notes receivable based on the type of underlying collateral and by assigning a “performing” or a “non-performing” indicator of credit quality to each individual receivable. At December 31, 2013, the Company's notes receivable of $24.5 million were all performing and were collateralized by residential property and commercial property of $19.8 million and $4.7 million, respectively. At December 31, 2012, the Company's notes receivable of $46.7 million were all performing and were collateralized by residential property and commercial property of $31.3 million and $15.4 million, respectively.
	The Company purchased $29.4 million and $37.8 million of financing receivables during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. There were no significant sales of financing receivables during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, however, the outstanding balances were reduced by settlements of the underlying debt.
	Underwriting operations
	The Company is also exposed to credit risk in its underwriting operations, most notably in the credit/surety line and for alternative risk products. 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, 2013 and 2012, the Company has recorded a provision for uncollectible premiums receivable of $8 million and $9 million, respectively. 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 2019. 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, 2013 (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
		Year		Amount
		2014	$	30,075
		2015		29,109
		2016		26,313
		2017		21,391
		2018		6,614
		2019		397
		Total future minimum rental payments	$	113,899
	Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $33.0 million, $36.3 million, and $37.0 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 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 includes involuntary and voluntary employee termination plans in certain jurisdictions (collectively, termination plans) and certain real estate costs. Employees affected by the termination plans have varying leaving dates, largely through to mid-2014.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $58 million related to the expected costs of the restructuring, which was primarily related to the termination plans and certain real estate costs, within other operating 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.
	In connection with the restructuring, and included within the total expected costs of between $60 million and $70 million announced by the Company in April 2013, the Company expects to incur further real estate costs totaling between $5 million and $10 million in the first half of 2014.
	(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 $15 million through 2018.
	The Company has entered into strategic investments with unfunded capital commitments. In the next five years, the Company expects to fund capital commitments totaling $162 million with $67 million, $52 million, $31 million, $12 million and $nil to be paid during 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.
	The Company has committed to a $100 million participation in 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, 2013, the letter of credit facility has not been drawn down and it can only be drawn down in the event of certain specific scenarios, which the Company considers remote. Unless cancelled 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, 2013, 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, 2013
Disclosure - Credit Agreements [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Line Of Credit Facilities [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 credit facilities. At December 31, 2013, the total amount of such credit facilities available to the Company was approximately $850 million, with each of the significant facilities described below. These facilities are used primarily for the issuance of letters of credit, although a portion of these facilities may also be used for liquidity purposes. Under the terms of certain reinsurance agreements, irrevocable letters of credit were issued on an unsecured and secured basis in the amount of $137 million and $410 million, respectively, at December 31, 2013, in respect of reported loss and unearned premium reserves.
	On November 14, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement to renew and modify an existing credit facility. Under the terms of the agreement, this credit facility was increased from a $250 million to 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, 2014.
	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, 2013 is a $250 million secured credit facility, which matures on December 4, 2016, and a $200 million secured credit facility, which matures on December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2013, no conditions of default existed under these facilities.

Agreements_with_Related_Partie

Agreements with Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Agreements With Related Parties [Abstract]	'
Agreements with related parties	'
	20. Agreements with Related Parties
	The Company was party to agreements with Atradius N.V. (a company in which a board member was a supervisory director until May 2012) and ING Group N.V. (a company in which a board member is a supervisory director since May 2012). All agreements entered into with Atradius N.V. and ING Group N.V. were completed on an arm's-length basis.
	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. The activity included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to Atradius N.V. for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
			2012		2011
	Net premiums written	$	80,292	$	75,991
	Net premiums earned		75,714		77,230
	Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits		35,197		32,595
	Acquisition costs		28,475		33,906
	Included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were the following balances related to Atradius N.V. at December 31, 2012 (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
			2012
	Reinsurance balances receivable	$	11,974
	Unpaid losses and loss expenses		82,711
	Unearned premiums		40,312
	Other net assets		12,135
	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. The activity included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to ING Group N.V. for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 includes net premiums earned of $2.6 million and $3.4 million, respectively, and losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits of $1.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively. Included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were unpaid losses and loss expenses of $12.9 million and $12.7 million, respectively.
	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, 2013
Disclosure - Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	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 operating 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 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 operating 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 operating expenses.
	The following tables provide a summary of the segment results for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in millions of U.S. dollars, except ratios):
	Segment Information
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
									Global												Total				Life
					North				(Non-U.S.)				Global								Non-life				and Health			Corporate
					America				P&C				Specialty				Catastrophe				segment				segment			and Other			Total
	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			0			-1,078
	Technical result				$	207			$	174			$	224			$	277			$	882			$	72		$	8		$	962
	Other income																					3				11			3			17
	Other operating expenses																					-259				-71			-170			-500
	Underwriting result																				$	626			$	12			n/a		$	479
	Net investment income																									61			423			484
	Allocated underwriting result (1)																								$	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 investments																												14			14
	Net income																												n/a		$	673
	Loss ratio(2)					63.6	%			50.2	%			61.1	%			29	%			56.7	%
	Acquisition ratio(3)					22.9				26.4				24				9.7				22.5
	Technical ratio(4)					86.5	%			76.6	%			85.1	%			38.7	%			79.2	%
	Other operating expense ratio(5)																					6.1
	Combined ratio(6)																					85.3	%
	_______________
	(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 operating 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 operating expense ratio is obtained by dividing other operating expenses by net premiums earned.
	(6)       Combined ratio is defined as the sum of the technical ratio and the other operating expense ratio.
	Segment Information
	For the year ended December 31, 2012
										Global												Total				Life
						North				(Non-U.S.)				Global								Non-life				and Health			Corporate
						America				P&C				Specialty				Catastrophe				segment				segment			and Other			Total
	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			0			-937
	Technical result					$	69			$	96			$	231			$	312			$	708			$	32		$	4		$	744
	Other income																						5				4			3			12
	Other operating 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 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				9.3				22.3
Technical ratio						94.1	%			85.9	%			83.2	%			31.7	%			80.8	%
Other operating expense ratio																						7
Combined ratio																						87.8	%
Segment Information
For the year ended December 31, 2011
									Global												Total				Life
					North				(Non-U.S.)				Global								Non-life				and Health			Corporate
					America				P&C				Specialty				Catastrophe				segment				segment			and Other			Total
Gross premiums written					$	1,104			$	682			$	1,446			$	599			$	3,831			$	790		$	12		$	4,633
Net premiums written					$	1,104			$	678			$	1,344			$	562			$	3,688			$	786		$	12		$	4,486
Decrease in unearned premiums						31				81				32				12				156				6			0			162
Net premiums earned					$	1,135			$	759			$	1,376			$	574			$	3,844			$	792		$	12		$	4,648
Losses and loss expenses and
life policy benefits						-741				-567				-950				-1,459				-3,717				-650			-6			-4,373
Acquisition costs						-276				-191				-328				-26				-821				-117			0			-938
Technical result					$	118			$	1			$	98			$	-911			$	-694			$	25		$	6		$	-663
Other income																						4				1			3			8
Other operating expenses																						-283				-53			-99			-435
Underwriting result																					$	-973			$	-27			n/a		$	-1,090
Net investment income																										66			563			629
Allocated underwriting result																									$	39			n/a			n/a
Net realized and unrealized investment gains																													67			67
Interest expense																													-49			-49
Amortization of intangible assets																													-36			-36
Net foreign exchange gains																													34			34
Income tax expense																													-69			-69
Interest in losses of equity investments																													-6			-6
Net loss																													n/a		$	-520
Loss ratio						65.3	%			74.7	%			69.1	%			254.2	%			96.7	%
Acquisition ratio						24.3				25.1				23.8				4.5				21.3
Technical ratio						89.6	%			99.8	%			92.9	%			258.7	%			118	%
Other operating expense ratio																						7.4
Combined ratio																						125.4	%
The following table provides the distribution of net premiums written by line of business for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
					2013				2012				2011
Non-life
	Property and casualty
		Casualty			12	%			13	%			11	%
		Motor			7				5				5
		Multiline and other			4				3				2
		Property			12				14				15
	Specialty
		Agriculture			11				7				7
		Aviation/Space			4				5				5
		Catastrophe			8				10				13
		Credit/Surety			6				7				7
		Energy			2				2				2
		Engineering			4				4				4
		Marine			6				7				6
		Specialty casualty			3				2				2
		Specialty property			3				4				3
Life and Health					18				17				18
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, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
			2013				2012				2011
Asia, Australia and New Zealand			11	%			11	%			12	%
Europe			40				41				41
Latin America, Caribbean and Africa			10				11				11
North America			39				37				36
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 5% of total gross premiums written during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
The Company had two brokers that individually accounted for 10% or more of its gross premiums written during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. The brokers accounted for 22%, 24%, and 26% and 21%, 22%, and 21% of gross premiums written for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, 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, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
				2013				2012				2011
Non-life
	North America			60	%			70	%			64	%
	Global (Non-U.S.) P&C			29				28				29
	Global Specialty			41				42				43
	Catastrophe			74				74				81
Life and Health				12				13				16

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information	'
	22. Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information
				2013												2012
	(in millions of U.S. dollars,			Fourth			Third			Second			First			Fourth			Third			Second			First
	except per share amounts)			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	Net premiums written		$		1,186	$		1,265	$		1,309	$		1,636	$		920	$		1,043	$		1,136	$		1,473
	Net premiums earned				1,421			1,421			1,209			1,147			1,168			1,237			1,091			990
	Net investment income				114			122			125			124			136			135			153			147
	Net realized and unrealized
		investment gains (losses)			99			16			-299			23			5			257			38			193
	Other income				3			5			4			4			3			3			3			2
	Total revenues				1,637			1,564			1,039			1,298			1,312			1,632			1,285			1,332
	Losses and loss expenses
		and life policy benefits			879			751			867			661			801			721			706			576
	Acquisition costs				318			283			242			235			245			247			233			212
	Other operating expenses				131			108			145			116			112			95			106			98
	Interest expense				12			12			12			12			12			12			12			12
	Amortization of intangible assets				6			7			7			7			5			9			9			9
	Net foreign exchange losses (gains)				8			1			11			-2			3			2			-8			3
	Total expenses				1,354			1,162			1,284			1,029			1,178			1,086			1,058			910
	Income (loss) before taxes and interest in
		earnings (losses) of equity investments			283			402			-245			269			134			546			227			422
	Income tax expense (benefit)				11			70			-75			42			23			64			50			67
	Interest in earnings (losses) of equity
		investments			4			6			-4			7			1			5			-1			5
	Net income (loss)				276			338			-174			234			112			487			176			360
	Net income attributable to
		noncontrolling interests			-4			-4			-1			0			0			0			0			0
	Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.				272			334			-175			234			112			487			176			360
	Preferred dividends				14			14			15			15			15			15			15			15
	Loss on redemption of preferred shares				0			0			0			9			0			0			0			0
	Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe
		Ltd. common shareholders	$		258	$		320	$		-190	$		210	$		97	$		472	$		161	$		345
	Basic net income (loss) per common share		$		4.86	$		5.95	$		-3.37	$		3.6	$		1.58	$		7.62	$		2.52	$		5.27
	Diluted net income (loss) per common share				4.76			5.84			-3.37			3.53			1.56			7.53			2.5			5.24
	Dividends declared per common share				0.64			0.64			0.64			0.64			0.62			0.62			0.62			0.62

SCHEDULE_I_Consolidated_Summar

SCHEDULE I - Consolidated Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]	'
Consolidated summary of investments other than investments in related parties	'
	SCHEDULE I
	PartnerRe Ltd.
	Consolidated Summary of Investments
	Other Than Investments in Related Parties
	at December 31, 2013
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
								Amount at which
								shown in the
	Type of investment			Cost(1) (2)		Fair Value(2)		balance sheet(2)
	Fixed maturities
		U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	1,635,578	$	1,623,859	$	1,623,859
		U.S. states, territories and municipalities			121,697		124,587		124,587
		Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and
			government related		2,295,608		2,353,699		2,353,699
		Corporate			5,866,991		6,048,663		6,048,663
		Asset-backed securities			1,126,812		1,138,231		1,138,231
		Residential mortgage-backed securities			2,294,870		2,268,517		2,268,517
		Other mortgage-backed securities			34,899		35,747		35,747
	Fixed maturities				13,376,455		13,593,303		13,593,303
	Equities
		Banks, trust and insurance companies			170,367		282,727		282,727
		Public utilities			35,562		37,151		37,151
		Industrial, miscellaneous and all other			803,357		901,175		901,175
	Equities				1,009,286		1,221,053		1,221,053
	Short-term investments			$	13,543		13,546		13,546
	Other invested assets(3)						135,139		135,139
	Total					$	14,963,041	$	14,963,041
	(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 $186 million.

SCHEDULE_II_Condensed_Financia

SCHEDULE II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	SCHEDULE II
	PartnerRe Ltd.
	Condensed Balance Sheets—Parent Company Only
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except parenthetical share and per share data)
						December 31,			December 31,
						2013			2012
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents, at fair value, which approximates amortized cost					$	1,286		$	30,372
	Investments in subsidiaries						8,170,653			8,533,423
	Intercompany loans and balances receivable						730,450			361,408
	Other						3,961			4,283
	Total assets					$	8,906,350		$	8,929,486
	Liabilities
	Intercompany loans and balances payable (1)					$	2,175,401		$	1,952,737
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other						21,417			43,253
	Total liabilities						2,196,818			1,995,990
	Shareholders’ Equity
	Common shares (par value $1.00; issued: 2013, 86,657,045 shares; 2012, 84,459,905 shares)						86,657			85,460
	Preferred shares (par value $1.00; issued and outstanding: 2013, 34,150,000 shares;
		2012, 35,750,000 shares; aggregate liquidation value: 2013, $853,750; 2012, $893,750)					34,150			35,750
	Additional paid-in capital						3,901,627			3,861,844
	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income						-12,238			10,597
	Retained earnings						5,406,797			4,952,002
	Common shares held in treasury, at cost (2013, 34,213,611 shares; 2012, 26,550,530 shares)						-2,707,461			-2,012,157
	Total shareholders’ equity attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.						6,709,532			6,933,496
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.					$	8,906,350		$	8,929,486
	(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
	PartnerRe Ltd.
	Condensed Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)—Parent Company Only
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
			For the year			For the year			For the year
			ended			ended			ended
			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Revenues
	Net investment income		$	18		$	1,152		$	2,452
	Interest income on intercompany loans			11,039			0			0
	Net realized and unrealized investment gains			0			2,208			5,499
	Total revenues			11,057			3,360			7,951
	Expenses
	Other operating expenses			91,800			82,137			76,690
	Interest expense on intercompany loans			1,867			730			739
	Net foreign exchange losses (gains)			9,895			1,085			-9,540
	Total expenses			103,562			83,952			67,889
	Loss before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries			-92,505			-80,592			-59,938
	Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries			756,513			1,215,106			-460,353
	Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.		$	664,008		$	1,134,514		$	-520,291
	Comprehensive income (loss)
	Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.		$	664,008		$	1,134,514		$	-520,291
	Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax			-22,835			23,241			-16,700
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.		$	641,173		$	1,157,755		$	-536,991
	SCHEDULE II
	PartnerRe Ltd.
	Condensed Statements of Cash Flows—Parent Company Only
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
			For the year			For the year			For the year
			ended			ended			ended
			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Cash flows from operating activities
	Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.			$	664,008		$	1,134,514		$	-520,291
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used
	in operating activities:
Equity in net (income) loss of subsidiaries				-756,513			-1,215,106			460,353
Other, net				27,397			30,573			7,663
Net cash used in operating activities				-65,108			-50,019			-52,275
Cash flows from investing activities
Advances to/from subsidiaries, net				666,444			190,017			3,511
Net issue of intercompany loans receivable and payable				14,473			132,797			379,676
Sales and redemptions of fixed maturities				0			184,516			446,452
Sales and redemptions of short-term investments				0			8,543			154,473
Purchases of short-term investments				0			0			-99,955
Dividends received from subsidiaries				0			200,000			0
Investments in subsidiaries				0			0			-860,000
Foreign exchange forward contracts				0			3			-6,750
Other, net				196			772			2,408
Net cash provided by investing activities				681,113			716,648			19,815
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders (2)				-103,311			-217,615			-205,784
Repurchase of common shares (2)				-546,617			-504,991			-413,737
Issuance of common shares				51,111			34,323			16,041
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred shares				241,265			0			361,722
Redemption of preferred shares				-290,000			0			0
Net cash used in financing activities				-647,552			-688,283			-241,758
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash				2,461			297			-3,107
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents			-29,086			-21,357			-277,325
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year				30,372			51,729			329,054
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year			$	1,286		$	30,372		$	51,729
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid			$	1,528		$	579		$	743
The parent received non-cash dividends from its subsidiaries of $1,100 million, $200 million and $274 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, which have been excluded from the Condensed Statements of Cash Flows—Parent Company Only.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders of $97 million and the repurchase of common shares of $169 million 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, 2013
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]	'
Supplementary insurance information	'
	SCHEDULE III
	PartnerRe Ltd.
	Supplementary Insurance Information
	For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
	(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 Operating Expenses(2)		Premiums Written
	2013
	Non-life	$	434,109	$	10,646,318	$	1,699,393	$	0	$	4,234,850	$	N/A	$	2,399,867	$	952,570	$	258,997	$	4,426,719
	Life and Health		210,841		0		24,337		1,974,133		957,146		60,897		760,552		124,631		71,092		123,936
	Corporate and Other		2		0		37		0		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	$	0	$	3,684,069	$	N/A	$	2,155,147	$	820,464	$	257,256	$	3,768,111
	Life and Health		205,203		0		17,267		1,813,244		794,598		64,223		646,981		115,887		52,352		N/A
	Corporate and Other		14		0		141		0		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
	2011
	Non-life	$	339,010	$	11,273,091	$	1,432,476	$	0	$	3,844,270	$	N/A	$	3,717,171	$	820,747	$	283,450	$	3,688,185
	Life and Health		208,108		0		15,316		1,645,662		792,148		66,069		650,261		116,884		52,905		N/A
	Corporate and Other		84		0		1,049		0		11,336		563,079		5,138		730		98,491		12,390
	Total	$	547,202	$	11,273,091	$	1,448,841	$	1,645,662	$	4,647,754	$	629,148	$	4,372,570	$	938,361	$	434,846	$	3,700,575
	(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 operating expenses are a component of underwriting result for the Non-life and Life and Health segments. Other operating expenses included in Corporate and Other represent corporate expenses and other operating 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, 2013
Supplemental Schedule Of Reinsurance Premiums For Insurance Companies [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Schedule Of Reinsurance Premiums For Insurance Companies [Text Block]	'
	SCHEDULE IV
	PartnerRe Ltd.
	Reinsurance
	For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
	(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
	2013
	Life reinsurance in force			$	0	$	1,629,920	$	211,247,212	$	209,617,292	101	%
	Premiums earned
		Life			0		5,000		821,737		816,737	101	%
		Accident and health			0		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			$	0	$	1,782,549	$	214,006,823	$	212,224,274	101	%
	Premiums earned
		Life			0		5,400		780,279		774,879	101	%
		Accident and health			0		0		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	%
	2011
	Life reinsurance in force			$	0	$	1,673,196	$	199,347,294	$	197,674,098	101	%
	Premiums earned
		Life			0		3,470		774,383		770,913	100	%
		Accident and health			0		0		21,235		21,235	100	%
		Property and casualty			73,567		138,069		3,920,108		3,855,606	102	%
			Total premiums	$	73,567	$	141,539	$	4,715,726	$	4,647,754	101	%

SCHEDULE_VI_Supplemental_Infor

SCHEDULE VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Information For Property Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations	'
	SCHEDULE VI
	PartnerRe Ltd.
	Supplemental Information
	Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations
	For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
	(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
	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
	2011		339,094		11,273,091		1,433,525		3,855,606		3,722,309		821,477		2,990,559		3,700,575

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
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	'
	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 or investment company 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 of PartnerRe SA, Winterthur Re, Paris Re and PartnerRe Health. 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, U.S. licenses and fronting arrangements arising from the acquisitions of Paris Re and PartnerRe Health. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives, generally ranging from eleven to thirteen years. The Company recognizes the amortization of all intangible assets in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization. The carrying values of intangible assets are reviewed for indicators of impairment on at least an annual basis. Impairment is recognized if the carrying values of the intangible assets are not recoverable from their undiscounted cash flows and are 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 must be recognized for any tax benefit (along with any interest and penalty, if applicable) claimed in a tax return in excess of the amount allowed to be 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.
	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 derivatives employed by the Company to hedge currency exposure related to other reinsurance assets and liabilities, except for any hedges of the Company's net investment in non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries and branches, are not designated as hedges. The changes in fair value of these non-designated 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 non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries and branches. 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 non-U.S. dollar functional currency of subsidiaries and branches, 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 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 operating 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 carrying amount of each investment that is 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, 2013. 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 July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued new guidance aimed at harmonizing presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosures.

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Financial instruments measured at fair value and categorized between Levels 1, 2 and 3	'
				Quoted prices in								Significant
				active markets for				Significant other				unobservable
				identical assets				observable inputs				inputs
	31-Dec-13			(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)			Total
	Fixed maturities
		U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	0			$	1,623,859			$	0		$	1,623,859
		U.S. states, territories and municipalities			0				16,207				108,380			124,587
		Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational
			and government related		0				2,353,699				0			2,353,699
		Corporate			0				6,048,663				0			6,048,663
		Asset-backed securities			0				691,654				446,577			1,138,231
		Residential mortgage-backed securities			0				2,268,517				0			2,268,517
		Other mortgage-backed securities			0				35,747				0			35,747
	Fixed maturities			$	0			$	13,038,346			$	554,957		$	13,593,303
	Short-term investments			$	0			$	13,546			$	0		$	13,546
	Equities
		Real estate investment trusts		$	175,796			$	0			$	0		$	175,796
		Energy			159,509				0				0			159,509
		Insurance			144,020				0				0			144,020
		Finance			108,944				9,556				20,207			138,707
		Consumer noncyclical			108,663				0				0			108,663
		Communications			70,792				0				2,199			72,991
		Technology			53,768				0				7,752			61,520
		Industrials			47,677				0				0			47,677
		Consumer cyclical			45,915				0				0			45,915
		Utilities			37,151				0				0			37,151
		Other			19,993				0				0			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	$	0			$	1,249			$	0		$	1,249
			Futures contracts		41,031				0				0			41,031
			Total return swaps		0				0				79			79
			Interest rate swaps		0				2,147				0			2,147
			TBAs		0				2				0			2
		Other
			Notes and loan receivables and notes securitization		0				0				41,446			41,446
			Annuities and residuals		0				0				24,064			24,064
			Private equities		0				0				39,131			39,131
		Derivative liabilities
			Foreign exchange forward contracts		0				-8,648				0			-8,648
			Foreign currency option contracts		0				-535				0			-535
			Credit default swaps (protection purchased)		0				-71				0			-71
			Insurance-linked securities		0				0				-268			-268
			Total return swaps		0				0				-599			-599
			Interest rate swaps		0				-2,558				0			-2,558
			TBAs		0				-1,331				0			-1,331
	Other invested assets			$	41,031			$	-9,745			$	103,853		$	135,139
	Funds held – directly managed
		U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	0			$	157,296			$	0		$	157,296
		U.S. states, territories and municipalities			0				0				286			286
		Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational
			and government related		0				137,186				0			137,186
		Corporate			0				248,947				0			248,947
		Short-term investments			0				2,426				0			2,426
		Other invested assets			0				0				15,165			15,165
	Funds held – directly managed			$	0			$	545,855			$	15,451		$	561,306
	Total			$	1,075,161			$	13,736,880			$	712,306		$	15,524,347
				Quoted prices in								Significant
				active markets for				Significant other				unobservable
				identical assets				observable inputs				inputs
	31-Dec-12			(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)			Total
Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	0			$	1,130,924			$	0		$	1,130,924
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities			0				10,151				233,235			243,386
	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational
		and government related		0				2,375,673				0			2,375,673
	Corporate			0				6,554,934				100,904			6,655,838
	Asset-backed securities			0				400,336				323,134			723,470
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			0				3,199,924				0			3,199,924
	Other mortgage-backed securities			0				66,100				0			66,100
Fixed maturities			$	0			$	13,738,042			$	657,273		$	14,395,315
Short-term investments			$	0			$	150,552			$	0		$	150,552
Equities
	Consumer noncyclical		$	130,526			$	0			$	0		$	130,526
	Energy			118,213				0				0			118,213
	Finance			79,456				7,472				13,477			100,405
	Technology			71,927				0				6,987			78,914
	Real estate investment trusts			66,846				0				0			66,846
	Communications			65,722				0				0			65,722
	Consumer cyclical			62,526				0				0			62,526
	Industrials			59,242				0				0			59,242
	Insurance			39,132				0				0			39,132
	Other			60,913				0				0			60,913
	Mutual funds and exchange traded funds			34,053				270,246				7,264			311,563
Equities			$	788,556			$	277,718			$	27,728		$	1,094,002
Other invested assets
	Derivative assets
		Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	0			$	7,889			$	0		$	7,889
		Foreign currency option contracts		0				1,410				0			1,410
		Futures contracts		1,956				0				0			1,956
		Credit default swaps (protection purchased)		0				6				0			6
		Credit default swaps (assumed risks)		0				512				0			512
		Total return swaps		0				0				6,630			6,630
		TBAs		0				115				0			115
	Other
		Notes and loan receivables and notes securitization		0				0				34,902			34,902
		Annuities and residuals		0				0				46,882			46,882
		Private equities		0				0				1,404			1,404
	Derivative liabilities
		Foreign exchange forward contracts		0				-17,395				0			-17,395
		Foreign currency option contracts		0				-186				0			-186
		Futures contracts		-1,352				0				0			-1,352
		Credit default swaps (protection purchased)		0				-807				0			-807
		Insurance-linked securities		0				0				-2,173			-2,173
		Total return swaps		0				0				-546			-546
		Interest rate swaps		0				-7,880				0			-7,880
		TBAs		0				-163				0			-163
Other invested assets			$	604			$	-16,499			$	87,099		$	71,204
Funds held – directly managed
	U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises		$	0			$	218,696			$	0		$	218,696
	U.S. states, territories and municipalities			0				0				345			345
	Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational
		and government related		0				233,987				0			233,987
	Corporate			0				362,243				0			362,243
	Other invested assets			0				0				17,976			17,976
Funds held – directly managed			$	0			$	814,926			$	18,321		$	833,247
Total			$	789,160			$	14,964,739			$	790,421		$	16,544,320
Reconciliation of beginning and ending balances for all financial instruments measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs	'
																					Change in
									Realized and													unrealized
									unrealized													investment
									investment									Net				gains (losses)
					Balance at				(losses) gains				Purchases			Settlements		transfers		Balance		relating to
	For the year ended			beginning				included in				and			and		into/ (out of)		at end		assets held at
	31-Dec-13			of year				net income				issuances (1)			sales (2)		Level 3		of year		end of year
	Fixed maturities
		U.S. states, territories
			and municipalities	$	233,235			$	-4,440			$	103,860		$	-224,275	$	0	$	108,380	$	1,234
		Corporate			100,904				-2,271				0			-98,633		0		0		0
		Asset-backed securities			323,134				-1,339				301,477			-176,695		0		446,577		-9,018
	Fixed maturities			$	657,273			$	-8,050			$	405,337		$	-499,603	$	0	$	554,957	$	-7,784
	Equities
		Finance		$	13,477			$	1,730			$	5,000		$	0	$	0	$	20,207	$	1,730
		Communications			0				159				2,040			0		0		2,199		159
		Technology			6,987				765				0			0		0		7,752		765
		Mutual funds and exchange
			traded funds		7,264				623				0			0		0		7,887		623
	Equities			$	27,728			$	3,277			$	7,040		$	0	$	0	$	38,045	$	3,277
	Other invested assets
		Derivatives, net		$	3,911			$	-6,136			$	121		$	1,316	$	0	$	-788	$	-69
		Notes and loan receivables and
			notes securitization		34,902				936				15,732			-10,124		0		41,446		936
		Annuities and residuals			46,882				1,107				0			-23,925		0		24,064		877
		Private equities			1,404				-6,358				44,085			0		0		39,131		-6,358
	Other invested assets			$	87,099			$	-10,451			$	59,938		$	-32,733	$	0	$	103,853	$	-4,614
	Funds held – directly managed
		U.S. states, territories
			and municipalities	$	345			$	-59			$	0		$	0	$	0	$	286	$	-59
		Other invested assets			17,976				-2,054				0			-757		0		15,165		-990
	Funds held – directly managed			$	18,321			$	-2,113			$	0		$	-757	$	0	$	15,451	$	-1,049
	Total			$	790,421			$	-17,337			$	472,315		$	-533,093	$	0	$	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.
																					Change in
									Realized and													unrealized
									unrealized													investment
									investment									Net				gains (losses)
					Balance at				gains (losses)				Purchases			Settlements		transfers		Balance		relating to
	For the year ended			beginning				included in				and			and		out of		at end		assets held at
	31-Dec-12			of year				net income				issuances (1)			sales (2)		Level 3		of year		end of year
	Fixed maturities
		U.S. states, territories
			and municipalities	$	111,415			$	4,854			$	117,650		$	-684	$	0	$	233,235	$	4,854
		Corporate			111,700				-948				120			-9,968		0		100,904		-1,066
		Asset-backed securities			257,415				12,241				235,402			-181,924		0		323,134		8,334
	Fixed maturities			$	480,530			$	16,147			$	353,172		$	-192,576	$	0	$	657,273	$	12,122
	Equities
		Finance		$	9,670			$	3,816			$	6,800		$	-9	$	-6,800	$	13,477	$	3,809
		Technology			0				-205				7,192			0		0		6,987		-205
		Mutual funds and exchange
			traded funds		6,495				769				0			0		0		7,264		769
	Equities			$	16,165			$	4,380			$	13,992		$	-9	$	-6,800	$	27,728	$	4,373
	Other invested assets
		Derivatives, net		$	5,622			$	3,832			$	-5,543		$	0	$	0	$	3,911	$	2,306
		Notes and loan receivables
			and notes securitization		63,565				6,773				63,894			-99,330		0		34,902		-984
		Annuities and residuals			27,840				11,621				30,683			-23,262		0		46,882		5,944
		Private equities			0				-46				1,450			0		0		1,404		-46
	Other invested assets			$	97,027			$	22,180			$	90,484		$	-122,592	$	0	$	87,099	$	7,220
	Funds held – directly managed
		U.S. states, territories
		and municipalities	$	334			$	11			$	0		$	0	$	0	$	345	$	11
	Other invested assets			15,433				2,543				0			0		0		17,976		2,543
Funds held – directly managed			$	15,767			$	2,554			$	0		$	0	$	0	$	18,321	$	2,554
Total			$	609,489			$	45,261			$	457,648		$	-315,177	$	-6,800	$	790,421	$	26,269
Purchases and issuances of derivatives includes issuances of $5.8 million.
Settlements and sales of notes and loan receivables and notes securitization include sales of $4.7 million.
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Table Text Block]	'
													Range
	31-Dec-13				Fair value		Valuation techniques				Unobservable inputs		(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				Net income multiple		14.6 (14.6)
								comparables			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				Adjusted earnings multiple		9.4 (9.4)
								comparables			Comparable return		0% (0%)
		Technology			7,752		Weighted market				Revenue multiple		0.9 (0.9)
								comparables			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				Net income multiple		8.3 (8.3)
								weighted market			Tangible book value multiple		1.6 (1.6)
									comparables		Recoverability of intangible assets		0% (0%)
		Private equity funds			8,993		Lag 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		Lag reported market value				Net asset value, as reported		100.0% (100.0%)
											Market adjustments		-22.9% - 0% (-15.5%)
													Range
	31-Dec-12				Fair value		Valuation techniques				Unobservable inputs		(Weighted average)
	Fixed maturities
		U.S. states, territories and municipalities		$	233,235		Discounted cash flow				Credit spreads		2.8% - 4.5% (3.7%)
		Asset-backed securities – interest only			12,625		Discounted cash flow				Credit spreads		6.8% - 11.7% (9.1%)
											Prepayment speed		20.0% (20.0%)
		Asset-backed securities – other			310,509		Discounted cash flow				Credit spreads		4.0% - 12.2% (7.6%)
	Equities
		Finance			13,477		Weighted market
								comparables			Comparable return		0.8% (0.8%)
		Technology			6,987		Weighted market
								comparables			Comparable return		-1.5% (-1.5%)
	Other invested assets
		Total return swaps			6,084		Discounted cash flow				Credit spreads		2.6% - 4.6% (3.2%)
		Notes and loan receivables			24,902		Discounted cash flow				Credit spreads		17.5% (17.5%)
											Gross revenue/fair value		1.7 - 2.1 (1.8)
		Notes securitization			10,000		Discounted cash flow				Credit spreads		6.5% (6.5%)
		Annuities and residuals			46,882		Discounted cash flow				Credit spreads		4.7% - 9.9% (7.2%)
											Prepayment speed		0% - 15.0% (7.6%)
											Constant default rate		2.3% - 35.0% (13.2%)
		Private equity fund			1,404		Lag reported market value				Net asset value, as reported		100.0% (100.0%)
											Market adjustments		7.3% (7.3%)
	Funds held – directly managed
		Other invested assets			17,976		Lag reported market value				Net asset value, as reported		100.0% (100.0%)
											Market adjustments		-38.1% - 0% (-12.1%)
Change in fair value of financial instruments subject to fair value option	'
		2013			2012				2011
	Fixed maturities and short-term investments	$	-525,787		$	186,063			$	128,224
	Equities		118,010			66,253				-101,860
	Other invested assets		-6,970			18,732				-24,839
	Funds held – directly managed		-27,850			7,969				5,853
	Total	$	-442,597		$	279,017			$	7,378
Carrying values and fair values of financial instrument liabilities	'
		31-Dec-13							31-Dec-12
		Carrying Value			Fair Value				Carrying Value				Fair Value
	Debt related to senior notes (1)	$	750,000		$	844,331			$	750,000			$	859,367
	Debt related to capital efficient notes (2)		63,384			61,094				63,384				66,990
	(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, 2013 and 2012.
	(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, 2013 and 2012.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Investments [Abstract]	'
Fixed Maturities, Short-Term Investments and Equities	'
										Gross				Gross
										Unrealized				Unrealized		Fair
	31-Dec-13				Cost (1)				Gains				Losses		Value
	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
										Gross				Gross
										Unrealized				Unrealized		Fair
	31-Dec-12				Cost (1)				Gains				Losses		Value
	Fixed maturities
		U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises			$	1,108,513			$	23,173			$	-762	$	1,130,924
		U.S. states, territories and municipalities				232,433				11,057				-104		243,386
		Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational and
			government related			2,221,272				155,144				-743		2,375,673
		Corporate				6,197,594				463,221				-4,977		6,655,838
		Asset-backed securities				701,264				23,972				-1,766		723,470
		Residential mortgage-backed securities				3,128,618				118,988				-47,682		3,199,924
		Other mortgage-backed securities				63,921				2,850				-671		66,100
	Fixed maturities					13,653,615				798,405				-56,705		14,395,315
	Short-term investments					150,634				9				-91		150,552
	Equities					1,000,326				115,351				-21,675		1,094,002
	Total				$	14,804,575			$	913,765			$	-78,471	$	15,639,869
	_______________
	(1)       Cost is amortized cost for fixed maturities and short-term investments and cost for equity securities.
Maturity Distribution of Fixed Maturities and Short-Term Investments	'
	(b) Maturity Distribution of Fixed Maturities and Short-Term Investments
	The distribution of fixed maturities and short-term investments at December 31, 2013, 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		$	373,899			$	377,568
	More than one year through five years			4,915,255				5,056,690
	More than five years through ten years			3,920,421				3,961,736
	More than ten years			723,842				768,360
	Subtotal			9,933,417				10,164,354
	Mortgage/asset-backed securities			3,456,581				3,442,495
	Total		$	13,389,998			$	13,606,849
Net Realized and Unrealized Investment (Losses) Gains	'
	c) Net Realized and Unrealized Investment (Losses) Gains
	The components of the net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
					2013				2012				2011
	Net realized investment gains on fixed maturities and short-term investments			$	118,575			$	172,987			$	157,207
	Net realized investment gains on equities				75,217				72,155				90,866
	Net realized gains (losses) on other invested assets				20,497				-16,691				-176,295
	Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on other invested assets				56,652				-9,568				-46,278
	Change in net unrealized investment (losses) gains on fixed maturities and short-term investments				-525,787				186,063				128,224
	Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) on equities				118,010				66,253				-101,860
	Net other realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains				-2,107				5,843				3,617
	Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains on funds held – directly managed				-21,792				16,367				11,211
	Total net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains			$	-160,735			$	493,409			$	66,692
Net investment income Note 4	'
				2013				2012				2011
	Fixed maturities		$	446,299			$	512,833			$	561,576
	Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents			1,886				2,905				3,843
	Equities			32,989				26,207				19,815
	Funds held and other			34,215				44,109				49,502
	Funds held – directly managed			20,502				29,031				37,919
	Investment expenses			-51,524				-43,747				-43,507
	Net investment income		$	484,367			$	571,338			$	629,148
Net Receivable (Payable) for Securities Sold/Purchased	'
				2013				2012
	Receivable for securities sold		$	150,816			$	22,133
	Payable for securities purchased			-60,153				-32,944
	Net receivable (payable) for securities sold/purchased		$	90,663			$	-10,811

Funds_Held_Directly_Managed_Ta

Funds Held - Directly Managed (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Funds Held-Directly Managed [Abstract]	'
Fixed Maturities, Short-Term Investments and Other Invested Assets	'
										Gross				Gross
										Unrealized				Unrealized		Fair
	31-Dec-13				Cost (1)					Gains				Losses		Value
	Fixed maturities
		U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises			$	153,951			$	3,789			$	-444	$	157,296
		U.S. states, territories and municipalities				372				0				-86		286
		Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational
			and government related			131,488				6,708				-1,010		137,186
		Corporate				237,947				11,000				0		248,947
	Fixed maturities					523,758				21,497				-1,540		543,715
	Short -term investments					2,426				0				0		2,426
	Other invested assets					28,091				0				-12,787		15,304
	Total				$	554,275			$	21,497			$	-14,327	$	561,445
										Gross				Gross
										Unrealized				Unrealized		Fair
	31-Dec-12				Cost (1)					Gains				Losses		Value
	Fixed maturities
		U.S. government and government sponsored enterprises			$	211,104			$	7,669			$	-77	$	218,696
		U.S. states, territories and municipalities				373				0				-28		345
		Non-U.S. sovereign government, supranational
			and government related			217,961				16,039				-13		233,987
		Corporate				341,705				20,555				-17		362,243
	Fixed maturities					771,143				44,263				-135		815,271
	Other invested assets					26,777				619				-9,297		18,099
	Total				$	797,920			$	44,882			$	-9,432	$	833,370
	____________
	(1)       Cost is amortized cost for fixed maturities and short-term investments.
Maturity Distribution of Fixed maturities	'
				Cost				Fair Value
	One year or less		$	88,453			$	89,436
	More than one year through five years			317,214				330,805
	More than five years through ten years			103,231				108,761
	More than ten years			17,286				17,139
	Total		$	526,184			$	546,141
Net Realized and Unrealized Investment (Losses) Gains	'
				2013				2012				2011
	Net realized investment gains on fixed maturities and short-term investments		$	6,021			$	8,405			$	5,369
	Net realized investment gains (losses) on other invested assets			19				0				-42
	Change in net unrealized investment (losses) gains on fixed maturities and short-term investments			-24,176				6,583				12,314
	Change in net unrealized investment (losses) gains on other invested assets			-3,656				1,379				-6,430
	Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains on funds held – directly managed		$	-21,792			$	16,367			$	11,211
Net investment income	'
				2013				2012				2011
	Fixed maturities		$	18,804			$	27,760			$	31,542
	Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents			1,246				1,046				1,906
	Other			1,287				1,647				5,402
	Investment expenses			-835				-1,422				-931
	Net investment income on funds held – directly managed		$	20,502			$	29,031			$	37,919

Derivatives_Tables

Derivatives (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Derivatives [Abstract]	'
Fair Values and Related Notional Values of Derivatives [Table Text Block]	'
		Asset			Liability		Net derivatives
		derivatives			derivatives		Net notional
	31-Dec-13	at fair value			at fair value		exposure		Fair value
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	1,249		$	-8,648	$	1,957,409	$	-7,399
	Foreign currency option contracts		0			-535		87,620		-535
	Futures contracts		41,031			0		3,266,004		41,031
	Credit default swaps (protection purchased)		0			-71		14,000		-71
	Insurance-linked securities(1)		0			-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
		Asset			Liability		Net derivatives
		derivatives			derivatives		Net notional
	31-Dec-12	at fair value			at fair value		exposure		Fair value
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	7,889		$	-17,395	$	2,170,914	$	-9,506
	Foreign currency option contracts		1,410			-186		133,377		1,224
	Futures contracts		1,956			-1,352		3,981,107		604
	Credit default swaps (protection purchased)		6			-807		55,000		-801
	Credit default swaps (assumed risks)		512			0		17,500		512
	Insurance-linked securities(1)		0			-2,173		135,964		-2,173
	Total return swaps		6,630			-546		68,730		6,084
	Interest rate swaps(2)		0			-7,880		0		-7,880
	TBAs		115			-163		155,760		-48
	Total derivatives	$	18,518		$	-30,502			$	-11,984
	_______________
	(1)       At December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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]	'
				2013			2012			2011
	Foreign exchange forward contracts			$	-59,019		$	23,474		$	98,089
	Foreign currency option contracts				-5,164			3,789			-9,927
	Total included in net foreign exchange gains and losses			$	-64,183		$	27,263		$	88,162
	Futures contracts			$	78,841		$	-31,757		$	-185,816
	Credit default swaps (protection purchased)				-134			-907			-352
	Credit default swaps (assumed risks)				123			2,016			886
	Insurance-linked securities				-707			4,343			-9,584
	Total return swaps				-6,597			-749			2,473
	Interest rate swaps				7,469			112			-2,200
	TBAs				-8,808			7,045			15,366
	Total included in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses			$	70,187		$	-19,897		$	-179,227
	Total derivatives			$	6,004		$	7,366		$	-91,065
Offsetting Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
					Gross		Net amounts of		Gross amounts not offset
		Gross			amounts		assets/ liabilities		in the balance sheet
		amounts			offset in the		presented in the		Financial			Cash collateral
	31-Dec-13	recognized (1)			balance sheet		balance sheet		instruments			received/pledged		Net amount
	Total derivative assets	$	44,508		$	0	$	44,508	$	-2		$	0	$	44,506
	Total derivative liabilities	$	-14,010		$	0	$	-14,010	$	2		$	4,341	$	-9,667
	31-Dec-12
	Total derivative assets	$	18,518		$	0	$	18,518	$	-115		$	0	$	18,403
	Total derivative liabilities	$	-30,502		$	0	$	-30,502	$	115		$	0	$	-30,387
	_______________
	(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, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets Rollforward [Table Text Block]	'
							Definite-		Indefinite-
							lived intangible		lived intangible		Total
	2013				Goodwill		assets		asset	intangible assets
	Balance at January 1			$	456,380	$	206,920	$	7,350	$	214,270
	Intangible assets amortization				0		-27,180		0		-27,180
	Balance at December 31			$	456,380	$	179,740	$	7,350	$	187,090
							Definite-		Indefinite-
							lived intangible		lived intangible		Total
	2012				Goodwill		assets		asset	intangible assets
	Balance at January 1			$	455,533	$	126,517	$	7,350	$	133,867
	Acquired during the year				847		112,202		0		112,202
	Intangible assets amortization				0		-31,799		0		-31,799
	Balance at December 31			$	456,380	$	206,920	$	7,350	$	214,270
Schedule Of Definite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	'
				2013				2012
					Gross carrying		Accumulated		Gross carrying		Accumulated
					value		amortization		value		amortization
	Definite-lived intangible assets:
		Unpaid losses and loss expenses		$	191,196	$	115,958	$	191,196	$	96,478
		Renewal rights			80,863		38,132		80,863		32,700
		Customer relationships			63,408		1,637		63,408		0
		Fronting arrangements			631		631		631		0
	Total definite-lived intangible assets			$	336,098	$	156,358	$	336,098	$	129,178
	Indefinite-lived intangible asset:
		U.S. insurance licenses			7,350		n/a		7,350		n/a
	Total intangible assets			$	343,448	$	156,358	$	343,448	$	129,178
Allocation of Goodwill by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
				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
	2014		$	27,486
	2015			26,593
	2016			25,919
	2017			22,818
	2018			21,247
	Total		$	124,063

Unpaid_Losses_and_Loss_Expense1

Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses and Policy Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses and Policy Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Unpaid Losses And Loss Expenses By Type Table [Text Block]	'
				2013			2012
	Case reserves		$	4,663,164		$	4,872,591
	ACRs			403,145			354,382
	IBNR reserves			5,580,009			5,482,398
	Total unpaid losses and loss expenses		$	10,646,318		$	10,709,371
Schedule Of Liability For Unpaid Claims And Claims Adjustment Expense [Text Block]	'
					2013			2012		2011
	Gross liability at beginning of year			$	10,709,371		$	11,273,091	$	10,666,604
	Reinsurance recoverable at beginning of year				291,330			353,105		348,747
	Net liability at beginning of year				10,418,041			10,919,986		10,317,857
	Net incurred losses related to:
		Current year			3,118,755			2,785,694		4,252,766
		Prior years			-721,499			-628,065		-530,457
					2,397,256			2,157,629		3,722,309
	Change in Paris Re Reserve Agreement				-49,544			-86,163		-61,383
	Net paid losses related to:
		Current year			242,053			237,783		930,407
		Prior years			2,159,506			2,467,279		2,060,152
					2,401,559			2,705,062		2,990,559
	Effects of foreign exchange rate changes				14,740			131,651		-68,238
	Net liability at end of year				10,378,934			10,418,041		10,919,986
	Reinsurance recoverable at end of year				267,384			291,330		353,105
	Gross liability at end of year			$	10,646,318		$	10,709,371	$	11,273,091
Reconciliation Of Loss And Loss Expenses Including Life Policy Benefits Table [Text Block]	'
					2013			2012		2011
	Net incurred losses related to:
		Non-life		$	2,397,256		$	2,157,629	$	3,722,309
		Life and Health			760,552			646,981		650,261
	Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits			$	3,157,808		$	2,804,610	$	4,372,570
Net Non Life Prior Year Loss Development Table [Text Block]	'
					2013			2012		2011
	Net favorable prior year loss development:
	Non-life sub-segment
		North America		$	222,839		$	218,483	$	189,180
		Global (Non-U.S.) P&C			180,052			114,279		115,995
		Global Specialty			227,383			250,523		128,975
		Catastrophe			91,225			44,780		96,307
	Total net favorable prior year loss development			$	721,499		$	628,065	$	530,457

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Reinsurance [Abstract]	'
Ceded reinsurance	'
							Losses and Loss
			Premiums		Premiums		Expenses and Life
			Written		Earned		Policy Benefits
	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
	2011
	Assumed	$	4,633,054	$	4,789,293	$	4,456,094
	Ceded		146,725		141,539		83,524
	Net	$	4,486,329	$	4,647,754	$	4,372,570

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Shareholders Equity [Abstract]	'
Total Authorized Shares Table [Text Block]	'
			2013			2012
	Designated common shares		130			130
	Designated 6.75% Series C cumulative redeemable preferred shares		0			11.6
	Designated 6.5% Series D cumulative redeemable preferred shares		9.2			9.2
	Designated 7.25% Series E cumulative redeemable preferred shares		15			15
	Designated 5.875% Series F non-cumulative redeemable preferred shares		10			0
	Designated and redeemed preference shares		25.6			14
	Undesignated		10.2			20.2
			200			200
Preferred Stock [Table Text Block]	'
		Series C			Series D			Series E			Series F
	Date of issuance		May-03			Nov-04			Jun-11			Feb-13
	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		Mar-13			n/a			n/a			n/a

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Tabl

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Net Income (Loss) Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income Per Share Table [Text Block]	'
				2013		2012		2011
	Numerator:
		Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.		$	664,008	$	1,134,514	$	-520,291
		Less: preferred dividends			57,861		61,622		47,020
		Less: loss on redemption of preferred shares			9,135		0		0
		Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders		$	597,012	$	1,072,892	$	-567,311
	Denominator:
		Weighted number of common shares outstanding - basic			55,378,980		62,915,992		67,558,732
		Share options and other (1)			1,069,125		699,756		0
		Weighted average number of common shares and common
			share equivalents outstanding - diluted		56,448,105		63,615,748		67,558,732
	Basic net income (loss) per share			$	10.78	$	17.05	$	-8.4
	Diluted net income (loss) per share(1)			$	10.58	$	16.87	$	-8.4
	Dividends declared per common share			$	2.56	$	2.48	$	2.35
	_______________
	(1)       At December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, share based awards to purchase 14.8 thousand, 554.7 thousand and 2,854.4 thousand common shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding because their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares.  In addition, dilutive securities, in the form of share options and other, of 687.3 thousand shares were not included in the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding for the purpose of computing the diluted net loss per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Noncontrolling_interests_Table

Noncontrolling interests (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Equity Carrying Amount [Abstract]	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block]	'
		2013
	Balance at January 1	$	0
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		9,434
	Sale of shares to noncontrolling interests		47,193
	Balance at December 31	$	56,627

Dividend_Restrictions_and_Stat1

Dividend Restrictions and Statutory Requirements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Dividend Restrictions and Statutory Requirements [Abstract]	'
Statutory measurements	'
			2013		2012		2011
	PartnerRe Bermuda	$	616	$	659	$	-524
	PartnerRe Europe		8		323		2
	PartnerRe U.S.		123		181		98
		PartnerRe Bermuda				PartnerRe Europe				PartnerRe U.S.
			2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Required statutory capital and surplus	$	2,283	$	2,402	$	947	$	911	$	852	$	699
	Actual statutory capital and surplus		3,292		3,771		1,512		1,589		1,332		1,260

Taxation_Tables

Taxation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Taxation [Abstract]	'
Components of income tax expense	'
				2013				2012				2011
	Current income tax expense
	U.S.		$	55,993			$	29,196			$	82,065
	Non U.S.			73,599				115,669				72,268
	Total current income tax expense		$	129,592			$	144,865			$	154,333
	Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
	U.S.		$	-13,693			$	48,740			$	-36,780
	Non U.S.			-70,886				6,717				-8,112
	Total deferred income tax (benefit) expense		$	-84,579			$	55,457			$	-44,892
	Unrecognized tax expense (benefit)
	U.S.		$	-335			$	-623			$	81
	Non U.S.			3,738				4,585				-40,550
	Total unrecognized tax expense (benefit)		$	3,403			$	3,962			$	-40,469
	Total income tax expense
	U.S.		$	41,965			$	77,313			$	45,366
	Non U.S.			6,451				126,971				23,606
	Total income tax expense		$	48,416			$	204,284			$	68,972
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	'
				2013				2012				2011
	Domestic (Bermuda)		$	611,900			$	661,648			$	-634,310
	Foreign			109,958				677,150				182,991
	Income (loss) before taxes		$	721,858			$	1,338,798			$	-451,319
Reconciliation of effective tax rate	'
	Reconciliation of effective tax rate (% of income (loss) before taxes)
	Expected tax rate			0	%			0	%			0	%
	Foreign taxes at local expected tax rates			5.1				14.6				-7.2
	Impact of foreign exchange (losses) gains			-1.1				-0.4				0.4
	Unrecognized tax benefit			0.5				0.3				9
	Tax-exempt income and expenses not deductible			-0.9				-0.3				-11.6
	Impact of enacted changes in tax laws			1.8				0.7				0
	Foreign branch tax			-1.4				-0.7				-5.7
	Valuation allowance			1.3				1.2				-1.9
	Other			1.4				-0.1				1.7
	Actual tax rate			6.7	%			15.3	%			-15.3	%
Significant components of net deferred tax assets and liabilities	'
							2013				2012
	Deferred tax assets
	Discounting of loss reserves and adjustment to life policy reserves					$	78,999			$	50,341
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards						42,620				37,569
	Tax loss carryforwards						23,940				47,373
	Unearned premiums						23,022				17,856
	Other deferred tax assets						33,648				36,424
							202,229				189,563
	Valuation allowance						-46,111				-47,412
	Deferred tax assets						156,118				142,151
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Deferred acquisition costs						52,165				46,311
	Goodwill and other intangibles						102,619				106,445
	Equalization reserves						128,132				122,930
	Unrealized appreciation and timing differences on investments						72,769				141,856
	Other deferred tax liabilities						23,866				24,968
	Deferred tax liabilities						379,551				442,510
	Net deferred tax liabilities					$	-223,433			$	-300,359
Schedule Of Net Tax Assets And Liabilities Table [Text Block]	'
				2013				2012
	Net tax assets		$	14,133			$	25,098
	Net tax liabilities			-284,442				-387,647
	Net tax liabilities		$	-270,309			$	-362,549
				2013				2012
	Net current tax liabilities		$	-26,308			$	-45,606
	Net deferred tax liabilities			-223,433				-300,359
	Net unrecognized tax benefit			-20,568				-16,584
	Net tax liabilities		$	-270,309			$	-362,549
Total amount of unrecognized tax benefits	'
								Changes in tax				Tax positions		Change as a		Impact of the
								positions taken				taken		result of a lapse		change in
				January 1,				during a prior				during the		of the statute		foreign currency		December 31,
				2013				period				current period		of limitations		exchange rates		2013
	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
								Changes in tax				Tax positions		Change as a		Impact of the
								positions taken				taken		result of a lapse		change in
				January 1,				during a prior				during the		of the statute		foreign currency		December 31,
				2012				period				current period		of limitations		exchange rates		2012
	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
								Changes in tax				Tax positions		Change as a		Impact of the
								positions taken				taken		result of a lapse		change in
				January 1,				during a prior				during the		of the statute		foreign currency		December 31,
				2011				period				current period		of limitations		exchange rates		2011
	Unrecognized tax benefits
		that, if recognized, would impact
		the effective tax rate		$	51,529			$	3,194			$	3,788	$	-47,886	$	1,254	$	11,879
	Interest and penalties recognized
		on the above			0				435				0		0		-24		411
	Total unrecognized tax benefits, including
		interest and penalties		$	51,529			$	3,629			$	3,788	$	-47,886	$	1,230	$	12,290

ShareBased_Awards_Tables

Share-Based Awards (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Share Based Awards [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	'
				2013			2012			2011
	Options granted			0			120,210			123,162
	Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted		$	0		$	7.9		$	7.43
	Options exercised			819,764			518,548			194,201
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised (in millions of U.S. dollars)		$	24.8		$	8.8		$	4.6
	Proceeds from option exercises (in millions of U.S. dollars)		$	49.6		$	29.3		$	10.6
		The activity related to the Company’s share options for the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
								Weighted Average
					Options			Exercise Price
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013				1,457,853			65.66
	Granted				0			0
	Exercised				-819,764			61.97
	Forfeited or expired				-1,810			108.2
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013				636,279			70.28
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2013				569,301			70.23
	Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013				633,748			70.28
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	'
				2013			2012			2011
	Expected life			0			6 years			6 years
	Expected volatility			0			17.70%			14.90%
	Risk-free interest rate			0			1.00%			2.00%
	Dividend yield			0			2.70%			2.70%
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	'
			RSUs and PSUs
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013		869,495
	Granted		329,174
	Released		-290,277
	Forfeited		-53,494
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		854,898
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Appreciation Rights Award Activity [Table Text Block]	'
				SSARs
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013			1,820,594
	Granted			125,561
	Exercised			-314,390
	Forfeited or expired			-9,950
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			1,621,815
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013			1,202,541
Schedule Of Share Based Payment Award Share Appreciation Rights Valuation Assumptions Table [Text Block]	'
				2013			2012			2011
	Expected life			6 years			6 years			6 years
	Expected volatility			18.30%			17.60%			15.60%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.00%			1.10%			2.70%
	Dividend yield			2.30%			2.80%			2.80%

Retirement_Benefit_Arrangement1

Retirement Benefit Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Retirement Benefit Arrangements [Abstract]	'
Funded status of Zurich plan	'
						2013			2012
	Funded status
	Unfunded pension obligation at beginning of year				$	32,262		$	25,162
	Change in pension obligation
	Service cost					6,934			6,474
	Interest cost					2,314			2,976
	Plan participants’ contributions					1,938			1,998
	Actuarial (gain) loss					-8,408			7,046
	Plan amendments					0			-707
	Benefits paid					-216			-8,582
	Foreign currency adjustments					2,901			4,349
	Settlements					-13,783			0
	Change in pension obligation					-8,320			13,554
	Change in fair value of plan assets
	Actual return on plan assets					3,119			3,782
	Employer contributions					5,922			5,941
	Plan participants’ contributions					1,938			1,998
	Benefits paid					-216			-8,582
	Foreign currency adjustments					2,348			3,315
	Settlements					-13,783			0
	Change in fair value of plan assets					-672			6,454
	Funded status
	Unfunded pension obligation at end of year				$	24,614		$	32,262
	Additional information:
	Projected benefit obligation at end of year				$	126,390		$	134,710
	Accumulated pension obligation at end of year					123,524			129,492
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year					101,776			102,448
Assumptions used	'
			2013							2012					2011
				Pension			Net periodic				Pension		Net periodic			Pension		Net periodic
				obligation			benefit cost				obligation		benefit cost			obligation		benefit cost
	Discount rate			2.25	%		1.75	%			1.75	%	2.5	%		2.5	%	2.75	%
	Expected return on plan assets			0			1.75				0		2.5			0		3
	Rate of compensation increase			2.5			2.5				2.5		3.5			3.5		3.5
Expected future benefit payments	'
		Year			Amount
		2014		$	4,417
		2015			4,807
		2016			5,046
		2017			4,925
		2018			4,722
		2019 to 2023			28,714

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure- Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Lease arrangements	'
		Year		Amount
		2014	$	30,075
		2015		29,109
		2016		26,313
		2017		21,391
		2018		6,614
		2019		397
		Total future minimum rental payments	$	113,899

Agreements_with_Related_Partie1

Agreements with Related Parties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure - Agreements With Related Parties [Abstract]	'
Agreement with related parties	'
			2012		2011
	Net premiums written	$	80,292	$	75,991
	Net premiums earned		75,714		77,230
	Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits		35,197		32,595
	Acquisition costs		28,475		33,906
			2012
	Reinsurance balances receivable	$	11,974
	Unpaid losses and loss expenses		82,711
	Unearned premiums		40,312
	Other net assets		12,135

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment reporting table	'
	Segment Information
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
									Global												Total				Life
					North				(Non-U.S.)				Global								Non-life				and Health			Corporate
					America				P&C				Specialty				Catastrophe				segment				segment			and Other			Total
	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			0			-1,078
	Technical result				$	207			$	174			$	224			$	277			$	882			$	72		$	8		$	962
	Other income																					3				11			3			17
	Other operating expenses																					-259				-71			-170			-500
	Underwriting result																				$	626			$	12			n/a		$	479
	Net investment income																									61			423			484
	Allocated underwriting result (1)																								$	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 investments																												14			14
	Net income																												n/a		$	673
	Loss ratio(2)					63.6	%			50.2	%			61.1	%			29	%			56.7	%
	Acquisition ratio(3)					22.9				26.4				24				9.7				22.5
	Technical ratio(4)					86.5	%			76.6	%			85.1	%			38.7	%			79.2	%
	Other operating expense ratio(5)																					6.1
	Combined ratio(6)																					85.3	%
	_______________
	(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 operating 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 operating expense ratio is obtained by dividing other operating expenses by net premiums earned.
	(6)       Combined ratio is defined as the sum of the technical ratio and the other operating expense ratio.
	Segment Information
	For the year ended December 31, 2012
										Global												Total				Life
						North				(Non-U.S.)				Global								Non-life				and Health			Corporate
						America				P&C				Specialty				Catastrophe				segment				segment			and Other			Total
	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			0			-937
	Technical result					$	69			$	96			$	231			$	312			$	708			$	32		$	4		$	744
	Other income																						5				4			3			12
	Other operating 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 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				9.3				22.3
Technical ratio						94.1	%			85.9	%			83.2	%			31.7	%			80.8	%
Other operating expense ratio																						7
Combined ratio																						87.8	%
Segment Information
For the year ended December 31, 2011
									Global												Total				Life
					North				(Non-U.S.)				Global								Non-life				and Health			Corporate
					America				P&C				Specialty				Catastrophe				segment				segment			and Other			Total
Gross premiums written					$	1,104			$	682			$	1,446			$	599			$	3,831			$	790		$	12		$	4,633
Net premiums written					$	1,104			$	678			$	1,344			$	562			$	3,688			$	786		$	12		$	4,486
Decrease in unearned premiums						31				81				32				12				156				6			0			162
Net premiums earned					$	1,135			$	759			$	1,376			$	574			$	3,844			$	792		$	12		$	4,648
Losses and loss expenses and
life policy benefits						-741				-567				-950				-1,459				-3,717				-650			-6			-4,373
Acquisition costs						-276				-191				-328				-26				-821				-117			0			-938
Technical result					$	118			$	1			$	98			$	-911			$	-694			$	25		$	6		$	-663
Other income																						4				1			3			8
Other operating expenses																						-283				-53			-99			-435
Underwriting result																					$	-973			$	-27			n/a		$	-1,090
Net investment income																										66			563			629
Allocated underwriting result																									$	39			n/a			n/a
Net realized and unrealized investment gains																													67			67
Interest expense																													-49			-49
Amortization of intangible assets																													-36			-36
Net foreign exchange gains																													34			34
Income tax expense																													-69			-69
Interest in losses of equity investments																													-6			-6
Net loss																													n/a		$	-520
Loss ratio						65.3	%			74.7	%			69.1	%			254.2	%			96.7	%
Acquisition ratio						24.3				25.1				23.8				4.5				21.3
Technical ratio						89.6	%			99.8	%			92.9	%			258.7	%			118	%
Other operating expense ratio																						7.4
Combined ratio																						125.4	%
Segment line of business distribution of premiums table	'
						2013				2012				2011
	Non-life
		Property and casualty
			Casualty			12	%			13	%			11	%
			Motor			7				5				5
			Multiline and other			4				3				2
			Property			12				14				15
		Specialty
			Agriculture			11				7				7
			Aviation/Space			4				5				5
			Catastrophe			8				10				13
			Credit/Surety			6				7				7
			Energy			2				2				2
			Engineering			4				4				4
			Marine			6				7				6
			Specialty casualty			3				2				2
			Specialty property			3				4				3
	Life and Health					18				17				18
	Total					100	%			100	%			100	%
Segment geographic distribution of premiums table	'
				2013				2012				2011
	Asia, Australia and New Zealand			11	%			11	%			12	%
	Europe			40				41				41
	Latin America, Caribbean and Africa			10				11				11
	North America			39				37				36
	Total			100	%			100	%			100	%
Segment disclosure for major brokers	'
					2013				2012				2011
	Non-life
		North America			60	%			70	%			64	%
		Global (Non-U.S.) P&C			29				28				29
		Global Specialty			41				42				43
		Catastrophe			74				74				81
	Life and Health				12				13				16

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_1

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	'
				2013												2012
	(in millions of U.S. dollars,			Fourth			Third			Second			First			Fourth			Third			Second			First
	except per share amounts)			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	Net premiums written		$		1,186	$		1,265	$		1,309	$		1,636	$		920	$		1,043	$		1,136	$		1,473
	Net premiums earned				1,421			1,421			1,209			1,147			1,168			1,237			1,091			990
	Net investment income				114			122			125			124			136			135			153			147
	Net realized and unrealized
		investment gains (losses)			99			16			-299			23			5			257			38			193
	Other income				3			5			4			4			3			3			3			2
	Total revenues				1,637			1,564			1,039			1,298			1,312			1,632			1,285			1,332
	Losses and loss expenses
		and life policy benefits			879			751			867			661			801			721			706			576
	Acquisition costs				318			283			242			235			245			247			233			212
	Other operating expenses				131			108			145			116			112			95			106			98
	Interest expense				12			12			12			12			12			12			12			12
	Amortization of intangible assets				6			7			7			7			5			9			9			9
	Net foreign exchange losses (gains)				8			1			11			-2			3			2			-8			3
	Total expenses				1,354			1,162			1,284			1,029			1,178			1,086			1,058			910
	Income (loss) before taxes and interest in
		earnings (losses) of equity investments			283			402			-245			269			134			546			227			422
	Income tax expense (benefit)				11			70			-75			42			23			64			50			67
	Interest in earnings (losses) of equity
		investments			4			6			-4			7			1			5			-1			5
	Net income (loss)				276			338			-174			234			112			487			176			360
	Net income attributable to
		noncontrolling interests			-4			-4			-1			0			0			0			0			0
	Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.				272			334			-175			234			112			487			176			360
	Preferred dividends				14			14			15			15			15			15			15			15
	Loss on redemption of preferred shares				0			0			0			9			0			0			0			0
	Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe
		Ltd. common shareholders	$		258	$		320	$		-190	$		210	$		97	$		472	$		161	$		345
	Basic net income (loss) per common share		$		4.86	$		5.95	$		-3.37	$		3.6	$		1.58	$		7.62	$		2.52	$		5.27
	Diluted net income (loss) per common share				4.76			5.84			-3.37			3.53			1.56			7.53			2.5			5.24
	Dividends declared per common share				0.64			0.64			0.64			0.64			0.62			0.62			0.62			0.62

Fair_Value_Details

Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	$13,593,303	$14,395,315
Short-term investments, trading securities, at fair value	13,546	150,552
Equities, trading securities	1,221,053	1,094,002
Other invested assets	135,139	71,204
Funds held - directly managed	561,306	833,247
Total	15,524,347	16,544,320
Short-term investments [Member]	'	'
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	1,249	7,889
Derivative assets [Member] | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	'	1,410
Derivative assets [Member] | Futures contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	41,031	1,956
Derivative assets [Member] | Credit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	'	6
Derivative assets [Member] | Credit default swaps (assumed risks) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	'	512
Derivative assets [Member] | Total return swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	79	6,630
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	2	115
Derivative liabilities [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	-8,648	-17,395
Derivative liabilities [Member] | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	-535	-186
Derivative liabilities [Member] | Futures contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	'	-1,352
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	-807
Derivative liabilities [Member] | Insurance-linked securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	-268	-2,173
Derivative liabilities [Member] | Total return swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	-599	-546
Derivative liabilities [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	-2,558	-7,880
Derivative liabilities [Member] | TBAs [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	-1,331	-163
Notes And Loan Receivables And Notes Securitization [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	41,446	34,902
Annuities and residuals [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	24,064	46,882
Private Equities Total [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	39,131	1,404
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	15,165	17,976
Real estate investment trust [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	175,796	66,846
Energy [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	159,509	118,213
Insurance [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	144,020	39,132
Finance [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	138,707	100,405
Consumer noncyclical [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	108,663	130,526
Communications [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	72,991	65,722
Technology [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	61,520	78,914
Industrials [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	47,677	59,242
Consumer cyclical [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	45,915	62,526
Utilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	37,151	'
Other equities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	19,993	60,913
Mutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	209,111	311,563
US Government and government sponsored enterpises [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	1,623,859	1,130,924
Funds held - directly managed	157,296	218,696
US states, territories and municipalities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	124,587	243,386
Funds held - directly managed	286	345
Non US sovereign government supranational and government related [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	2,353,699	2,375,673
Funds held - directly managed	137,186	233,987
Corporate [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	6,048,663	6,655,838
Funds held - directly managed	248,947	362,243
Asset-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	1,138,231	723,470
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	2,268,517	3,199,924
Other mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	35,747	66,100
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, trading securities	0	0
Short-term investments, trading securities, at fair value	0	0
Equities, trading securities	1,034,130	788,556
Other invested assets	41,031	604
Funds held - directly managed	0	0
Total	1,075,161	789,160
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Short-term investments [Member]	'	'
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] | Foreign currency option contracts [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] | Futures contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	41,031	1,956
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Derivative assets [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 assets [Member] | Credit default swaps (assumed risks) [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	'	-1,352
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	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 Total [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, trading securities	175,796	66,846
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, trading securities	159,509	118,213
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, trading securities	144,020	39,132
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, trading securities	108,944	79,456
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, trading securities	108,663	130,526
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, trading securities	70,792	65,722
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, trading securities	53,768	71,927
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, trading securities	47,677	59,242
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, trading securities	45,915	62,526
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, trading securities	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, trading securities	19,993	60,913
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, trading securities	61,902	34,053
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | US Government and government sponsored enterpises [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	0	0
Funds held - directly managed	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | US states, territories and municipalities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	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, trading securities	0	0
Funds held - directly managed	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Corporate [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	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, trading securities	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Other mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	13,038,346	13,738,042
Short-term investments, trading securities, at fair value	13,546	150,552
Equities, trading securities	148,878	277,718
Other invested assets	-9,745	-16,499
Funds held - directly managed	545,855	814,926
Total	13,736,880	14,964,739
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Short-term investments [Member]	'	'
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	1,249	7,889
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative assets [Member] | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	'	1,410
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] | Credit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	'	6
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative assets [Member] | Credit default swaps (assumed risks) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	'	512
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	2	115
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	-8,648	-17,395
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	-535	-186
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	-807
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	-2,558	-7,880
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	-1,331	-163
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 Total [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, trading securities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Energy [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Insurance [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Finance [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	9,556	7,472
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Consumer noncyclical [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Communications [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Technology [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Industrials [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	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, trading securities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Utilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	0	'
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Other equities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	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, trading securities	139,322	270,246
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | US Government and government sponsored enterpises [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	1,623,859	1,130,924
Funds held - directly managed	157,296	218,696
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | US states, territories and municipalities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	16,207	10,151
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, trading securities	2,353,699	2,375,673
Funds held - directly managed	137,186	233,987
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Corporate [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	6,048,663	6,554,934
Funds held - directly managed	248,947	362,243
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, trading securities	691,654	400,336
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	2,268,517	3,199,924
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Other mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	35,747	66,100
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	554,957	657,273
Short-term investments, trading securities, at fair value	0	0
Equities, trading securities	38,045	27,728
Other invested assets	103,853	87,099
Funds held - directly managed	15,451	18,321
Total	712,306	790,421
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Short-term investments [Member]	'	'
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] | Foreign currency option 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 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] | 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 assets [Member] | Credit default swaps (assumed risks) [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] | Total return swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	79	6,630
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	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	-268	-2,173
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	-599	-546
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	41,446	34,902
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	24,064	46,882
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Private Equities Total [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets	39,131	1,404
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	15,165	17,976
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, trading securities	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Energy [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Insurance [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Finance [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	20,207	13,477
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Consumer noncyclical [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Communications [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	2,199	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Technology [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	7,752	6,987
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Industrials [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	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, trading securities	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Utilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	0	'
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other equities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	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, trading securities	7,887	7,264
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | US Government and government sponsored enterpises [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	0	0
Funds held - directly managed	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | US states, territories and municipalities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	108,380	233,235
Funds held - directly managed	286	345
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, trading securities	0	0
Funds held - directly managed	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	0	100,904
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, trading securities	446,577	323,134
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Details_Level_3_nar

Fair Value (Details - Level 3 narrative items) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Fair Value - Other Details [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,496,485,000	$1,121,705,000	$1,342,257,000	$2,111,084,000
Accrued investment income	185,717,000	184,315,000	'	'
Funds held directly managed [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value - Other Details [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	84,800,000	53,700,000	'	'
Accrued investment income	6,700,000	10,200,000	'	'
Other net assets	133,000,000	33,600,000	'	'
Trading securities [Member] | Other invested assets [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value - Other Details [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Aggregate carrying amount of other invested assets not carried at fair value	185,800,000	262,200,000	'	'
Trading securities [Member] | Equity securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value - Other Details [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value Assets Level 2 To Level 1 Transfers Amount	$0	$1,100,000	'	'

Fair_Value_Details_Level_3_inp

Fair Value (Details - Level 3 inputs and transfers) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2006

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Senior Notes Debt [Member]

Senior Notes Debt [Member]

Senior Notes Debt [Member]

Senior Notes Debt [Member]

Capital efficient notes [Member]

Capital efficient notes [Member]

Capital efficient notes [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Carrying value [Member]

Carrying value [Member]

Carrying value [Member]

Carrying value [Member]

Fixed maturities [Member]

Fixed maturities [Member]

Fixed maturities [Member]

Fixed maturities [Member]

Fixed maturities [Member]

Fixed maturities [Member]

Fixed maturities [Member]

Fixed maturities [Member]

Equity securities [Member]

Equity securities [Member]

Equity securities [Member]

Equity securities [Member]

Equity securities [Member]

Equity securities [Member]

Equity securities [Member]

Equity securities [Member]

Equity securities [Member]

Other invested assets [Member]

Other invested assets [Member]

Other invested assets [Member]

Other invested assets [Member]

Other invested assets [Member]

Other invested assets [Member]

Other invested assets [Member]

Other invested assets [Member]

Other invested assets [Member]

Other invested assets [Member]

Funds Held - Directly Managed investment [Member]

Funds Held - Directly Managed investment [Member]

Funds Held - Directly Managed investment [Member]

Funds Held - Directly Managed investment [Member]

Funds Held - Directly Managed investment [Member]

Funds Held - Directly Managed investment [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance A LLC [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance A LLC [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance B LLC [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance B LLC [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]

US states, territories and municipalities [Member]

US states, territories and municipalities [Member]

Corporate [Member]

Corporate [Member]

Asset-backed securities [Member]

Asset-backed securities [Member]

Finance [Member]

Finance [Member]

Communications [Member]

Technology [Member]

Technology [Member]

Mutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member]

Mutual funds and exchange traded funds [Member]

Derivatives, net [Member]

Derivatives, net [Member]

Notes And Loan Receivables And Notes Securitization [Member]

Notes And Loan Receivables And Notes Securitization [Member]

Annuities and residuals [Member]

Annuities and residuals [Member]

Private equities [Member]

Private equities [Member]

Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]

Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]

US states, territories and municipalities [Member]

US states, territories and municipalities [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]

Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, beginning of year

$790,421,000

$609,489,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$657,273,000

$480,530,000

$233,235,000

$111,415,000

$100,904,000

$111,700,000

$323,134,000

$257,415,000

$27,728,000

$16,165,000

$13,477,000

$9,670,000

$0

$6,987,000

$0

$7,264,000

$6,495,000

$87,099,000

$97,027,000

$3,911,000

$5,622,000

$34,902,000

$63,565,000

$46,882,000

$27,840,000

$1,404,000

$0

$18,321,000

$15,767,000

$17,976,000

$15,433,000

$345,000

$334,000

Realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains included in net income

-17,337,000

45,261,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-8,050,000

16,147,000

-4,440,000

4,854,000

-2,271,000

-948,000

-1,339,000

12,241,000

3,277,000

4,380,000

1,730,000

3,816,000

159,000

765,000

-205,000

623,000

769,000

-10,451,000

22,180,000

-6,136,000

3,832,000

936,000

6,773,000

1,107,000

11,621,000

-6,358,000

-46,000

-2,113,000

2,554,000

-2,054,000

2,543,000

-59,000

11,000

Purchases

472,315,000

457,648,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

405,337,000

353,172,000

103,860,000

117,650,000

0

120,000

301,477,000

235,402,000

7,040,000

13,992,000

5,000,000

6,800,000

2,040,000

0

7,192,000

0

0

59,938,000

90,484,000

121,000

[1]

-5,543,000

[2]

15,732,000

63,894,000

0

30,683,000

44,085,000

1,450,000

0

0

0

0

0

0

Settlements

-533,093,000

-315,177,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-499,603,000

-192,576,000

-224,275,000

[3]

-684,000

-98,633,000

-9,968,000

-176,695,000

[3]

-181,924,000

0

-9,000

0

-9,000

0

0

0

0

0

-32,733,000

-122,592,000

1,316,000

[3]

0

-10,124,000

-99,330,000

[4]

-23,925,000

[3]

-23,262,000

0

0

-757,000

0

-757,000

0

0

0

Sales

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-223,700,000

'

'

'

-13,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,200,000

'

'

-4,700,000

-6,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuances

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

800,000

5,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net transfers (out of)/ into Level 3

0

-6,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

-6,800,000

0

-6,800,000

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Balance, end of year

712,306,000

790,421,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

554,957,000

657,273,000

108,380,000

233,235,000

0

100,904,000

446,577,000

323,134,000

38,045,000

27,728,000

20,207,000

13,477,000

2,199,000

7,752,000

6,987,000

7,887,000

7,264,000

103,853,000

87,099,000

-788,000

3,911,000

41,446,000

34,902,000

24,064,000

46,882,000

39,131,000

1,404,000

15,451,000

18,321,000

15,165,000

17,976,000

286,000

345,000

Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of period

-10,170,000

26,269,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,784,000

12,122,000

1,234,000

4,854,000

0

-1,066,000

-9,018,000

8,334,000

3,277,000

4,373,000

1,730,000

3,809,000

159,000

765,000

-205,000

623,000

769,000

-4,614,000

7,220,000

-69,000

2,306,000

936,000

-984,000

877,000

5,944,000

-6,358,000

-46,000

-1,049,000

2,554,000

-990,000

2,543,000

-59,000

11,000

Fair value of financial instrument liabilities [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt related to senior notes

750,000,000

750,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

844,331,000

[5]

859,367,000

[5]

'

'

750,000,000

[5]

750,000,000

[5]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt related to capital efficient notes

70,989,000

70,989,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

61,094,000

[6]

66,990,000

[6]

'

'

63,384,000

[6]

63,384,000

[6]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face amount of debt instrument

'

'

$250,000,000

$250,000,000

$500,000,000

$500,000,000

$63,000,000

$63,000,000

$250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Purchases and issuances of derivatives includes issuances of $0.8 million.

[2]

Purchases and issuances of derivatives includes issuances of $5.8 million.

[3]

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.

[4]

Settlements and sales of notes and loan receivables and notes securitization include sales of $4.7 million.

[5]

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, 2013 and 2012.

[6]

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, 2013 and 2012.

Fair_Value_Details_Valuation_T

Fair Value (Details - Valuation Technique and Inputs) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	13,593,303	14,395,315
Equities, trading securities	1,221,053	1,094,002
Other invested assets carried at fair value	135,139	71,204
Funds held directly managed investments carried at fair value	561,306	833,247
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	554,957	657,273
Equities, trading securities	38,045	27,728
Other invested assets carried at fair value	103,853	87,099
Funds held directly managed investments carried at fair value	15,451	18,321
US states, territories and municipalities [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities	108,380	233,235
US states, territories and municipalities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Credit spreads	2.90%	2.80%
US states, territories and municipalities [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Credit spreads	9.90%	4.50%
US states, territories and municipalities [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Credit spreads	5.30%	3.70%
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, trading securities	21	12,625
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%	6.80%
Prepayment speed	'	20.00%
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%	11.70%
Prepayment speed	'	20.00%
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%	9.10%
Prepayment speed	'	20.00%
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, trading securities	446,556	310,509
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	12.20%	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%	7.60%
Finance [Member] | Weighted market comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	15,483	13,477
Finance [Member] | Profitability Analysis [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	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	14.6	'
Tangible book value multiple	1.1	'
Liquidity discount	25.00%	'
Comparable return	8.50%	0.80%
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%	'
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	14.6	'
Tangible book value multiple	1.1	'
Liquidity discount	25.00%	'
Comparable return	8.50%	0.80%
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%	'
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	14.6	'
Tangible book value multiple	1.1	'
Liquidity discount	25.00%	'
Comparable return	8.50%	0.80%
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%	'
Communications [Member] | Weighted market comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	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	'
Comparable return	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	'
Comparable return	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	'
Comparable return	0.00%	'
Technology [Member] | Weighted market comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Equities, trading securities	7,752	6,987
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	4.4	'
Comparable return	'	-1.50%
Gross revenue/fair value	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	4.4	'
Comparable return	'	-1.50%
Gross revenue/fair value	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	4.4	'
Comparable return	'	-1.50%
Gross revenue/fair value	0.9	'
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	-520	6,084
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	2.80%	2.60%
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	18.90%	4.60%
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	17.00%	3.20%
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	21,280	24,902
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	1.7
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	1.5	2.1
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	1.5	1.8
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	20,166	10,000
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	6.20%	6.50%
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	6.20%	6.50%
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	6.20%	6.50%
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	24,064	46,882
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	4.00%	4.70%
Prepayment speed	0.00%	0.00%
Constant default rate	0.30%	2.30%
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	7.90%	9.90%
Prepayment speed	15.00%	15.00%
Constant default rate	35.00%	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	5.80%	7.20%
Prepayment speed	6.40%	7.60%
Constant default rate	12.40%	13.20%
Private Equity-Direct [Member] | 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	11,742	'
Private Equity-Direct [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Weighted market comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net income multiple	8.3	'
Tangible book value multiple	1.6	'
Recoverability of intangible assets	0	'
Private Equity-Direct [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Weighted market comparables [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net income multiple	8.3	'
Tangible book value multiple	1.6	'
Recoverability of intangible assets	0	'
Private Equity-Direct [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	8.3	'
Tangible book value multiple	1.6	'
Recoverability of intangible assets	0	'
Private equity funds [Member] | Lag reported market value | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Other invested assets carried at fair value	8,993	1,404
Private equity funds [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Lag 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	1.80%	7.30%
Private equity funds [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Lag 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	9.80%	7.30%
Private equity funds [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Lag 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	8.30%	7.30%
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	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%	'
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%	'
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%	'
Other invested assets funds held directly managed lag reported net asset values [Member] | Lag 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	15,165	17,976
Other invested assets funds held directly managed lag reported net asset values [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Lag 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	-22.90%	-38.10%
Other invested assets funds held directly managed lag reported net asset values [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Lag 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 funds held directly managed lag reported net asset values [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Lag 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	-15.50%	-12.10%

Fair_Value_Details_Change_in_f

Fair Value (Details - Change in fair value option table) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gain/loss	($442,597)	$279,017	$7,378
Fixed maturities and short term investments [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gain/loss	-525,787	186,063	128,224
Equity securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gain/loss	118,010	66,253	-101,860
Other invested assets [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gain/loss	-6,970	18,732	-24,839
Funds Held - Directly Managed investment [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gain/loss	($27,850)	$7,969	$5,853

Investments_Details_cost_unrea

Investments (Details - cost, unrealized gains and losses and fair value) (Trading securities [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	$14,399,284	[1]	$14,804,575	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	621,505		913,765
Gross unrealized losses	-192,887		-78,471
Fair value	14,827,902		15,639,869
Fixed maturities [Member]	'		'
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	13,376,455	[1]	13,653,615	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	371,213		798,405
Gross unrealized losses	-154,365		-56,705
Fair value	13,593,303		14,395,315
Fixed maturities [Member] | US Government and government sponsored enterpises [Member]	'		'
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	1,635,578	[1]	1,108,513	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	7,211		23,173
Gross unrealized losses	-18,930		-762
Fair value	1,623,859		1,130,924
Fixed maturities [Member] | US states, territories and municipalities [Member]	'		'
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	121,697	[1]	232,433	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	4,395		11,057
Gross unrealized losses	-1,505		-104
Fair value	124,587		243,386
Fixed maturities [Member] | Non US Sovereign Government Supranational And Government Related Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	2,295,608	[1]	2,221,272	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	67,453		155,144
Gross unrealized losses	-9,362		-743
Fair value	2,353,699		2,375,673
Fixed maturities [Member] | Corporate [Member]	'		'
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	5,866,991	[1]	6,197,594	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	243,522		463,221
Gross unrealized losses	-61,850		-4,977
Fair value	6,048,663		6,655,838
Fixed maturities [Member] | Asset-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	1,126,812	[1]	701,264	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	15,232		23,972
Gross unrealized losses	-3,813		-1,766
Fair value	1,138,231		723,470
Fixed maturities [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	2,294,870	[1]	3,128,618	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	31,810		118,988
Gross unrealized losses	-58,163		-47,682
Fair value	2,268,517		3,199,924
Fixed maturities [Member] | Other mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	34,899	[1]	63,921	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	1,590		2,850
Gross unrealized losses	-742		-671
Fair value	35,747		66,100
Short-term investments [Member]	'		'
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	13,543	[1]	150,634	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	4		9
Gross unrealized losses	-1		-91
Fair value	13,546		150,552
Equity securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	1,009,286	[1]	1,000,326	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	250,288		115,351
Gross unrealized losses	-38,521		-21,675
Fair value	$1,221,053		$1,094,002
[1]	Cost is amortized cost for fixed maturities and short-term investments and cost for equity securities.

Investments_Details_Maturity_p

Investments (Details - Maturity profile, securities purchased, sold and pledged assets) (Trading securities [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Interest Rate Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Low end of interest rate on funds held	1.80%	2.00%	2.00%
High end of interest rate on funds held	4.30%	5.00%	5.00%
Pledged Assets	'	'	'
Restricted cash	$200,600,000	$167,500,000	'
Restricted securities	2,477,800,000	2,532,000,000	'
Equity securities [Member]	'	'	'
Pledged Assets	'	'	'
Restricted securities	121,000,000	'	'
Cost [Member]	'	'	'
Maturity Profile [Abstract]	'	'	'
One year or less	373,899,000	'	'
More than one year through five years	4,915,255,000	'	'
More than five years through ten years	3,920,421,000	'	'
More than ten years	723,842,000	'	'
Subtotal	9,933,417,000	'	'
Mortgage/asset-backed securities	3,456,581,000	'	'
Total	13,389,998,000	'	'
Fair value [Member]	'	'	'
Maturity Profile [Abstract]	'	'	'
One year or less	377,568,000	'	'
More than one year through five years	5,056,690,000	'	'
More than five years through ten years	3,961,736,000	'	'
More than ten years	768,360,000	'	'
Subtotal	10,164,354,000	'	'
Mortgage/asset-backed securities	3,442,495,000	'	'
Total	13,606,849,000	'	'
Net Receivable (Payable) for Securites Sold/Purchased	'	'	'
Receivable for securities sold	150,816,000	22,133,000	'
Payable for securities purchased	-60,153,000	-32,944,000	'
Net receivable (payable) for securities sold/purchased	$90,663,000	($10,811,000)	'

Investments_Details_Net_Realiz

Investments (Details - Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment (Losses) Gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains	$99,000	$16,000	($299,000)	$23,000	$5,000	$257,000	$38,000	$193,000	($160,735)	$493,409	$66,692
Trading securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment (Losses) Gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-160,735	493,409	66,692
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities and short term investments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment (Losses) Gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net realized gains (losses) on trading securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	118,575	172,987	157,207
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-525,787	186,063	128,224
Trading securities [Member] | Other invested assets [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment (Losses) Gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net realized gains (losses) on trading securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20,497	-16,691	-176,295
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	56,652	-9,568	-46,278
Trading securities [Member] | Equity securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment (Losses) Gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net realized gains (losses) on trading securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	75,217	72,155	90,866
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	118,010	66,253	-101,860
Trading securities [Member] | Other investment income [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment (Losses) Gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other net realized gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,107	5,843	3,617
Trading securities [Member] | Funds Held - Directly Managed investment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment (Losses) Gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($21,792)	$16,367	$11,211

Investments_Details_Investment

Investments (Details - Investment Income) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income	$114,000	$122,000	$125,000	$124,000	$136,000	$135,000	$153,000	$147,000	$484,367	$571,338	$629,148
Trading securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	484,367	571,338	629,148
Trading securities [Member] | Fixed maturities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	446,299	512,833	561,576
Trading securities [Member] | Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,886	2,905	3,843
Trading securities [Member] | Equity securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	32,989	26,207	19,815
Trading securities [Member] | Funds held and other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	34,215	44,109	49,502
Trading securities [Member] | Funds Held - Directly Managed investment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20,502	29,031	37,919
Trading securities [Member] | Investment Expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($51,524)	($43,747)	($43,507)

Funds_Held_Directly_Managed_De

Funds Held - Directly Managed (Details - cost, unrealized gains and losses and fair value) (Funds held directly managed [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	$554,275	[1]	$797,920	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	21,497		44,882
Gross unrealized losses	-14,327		-9,432
Fair value	561,445		833,370
Fixed maturities [Member]	'		'
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	523,758	[1]	771,143	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	21,497		44,263
Gross unrealized losses	-1,540		-135
Fair value	543,715		815,271
Fixed maturities [Member] | US Government and government sponsored enterpises [Member]	'		'
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	153,951	[1]	211,104	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	3,789		7,669
Gross unrealized losses	-444		-77
Fair value	157,296		218,696
Fixed maturities [Member] | US states, territories and municipalities [Member]	'		'
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	372	[1]	373	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	0		0
Gross unrealized losses	-86		-28
Fair value	286		345
Fixed maturities [Member] | Non US Sovereign Government Supranational And Government Related Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	131,488	[1]	217,961	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	6,708		16,039
Gross unrealized losses	-1,010		-13
Fair value	137,186		233,987
Fixed maturities [Member] | Corporate [Member]	'		'
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	237,947	[1]	341,705	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	11,000		20,555
Gross unrealized losses	0		-17
Fair value	248,947		362,243
Short-term investments [Member]	'		'
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	2,426	[1]	'
Gross unrealized gains	0		'
Gross unrealized losses	0		'
Fair value	2,426		'
Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]	'		'
Schedule Of Trading Securities And Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Cost	28,091	[1]	26,777	[1]
Gross unrealized gains	0		619
Gross unrealized losses	-12,787		-9,297
Fair value	$15,304		$18,099
[1]	Cost is amortized cost for fixed maturities and short-term investments.

Funds_Held_Directly_Managed_De1

Funds Held - Directly Managed (Details - Maturity Profile) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Funds Held Directly Managed Other Details [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,496,485,000	$1,121,705,000	$1,342,257,000	$2,111,084,000
Accrued investment income	185,717,000	184,315,000	'	'
Funds held directly managed [Member]	'	'	'	'
Funds Held Directly Managed Other Details [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	84,800,000	53,700,000	'	'
Other assets	132,900,000	33,400,000	'	'
Accrued investment income	6,700,000	10,200,000	'	'
Funds held directly managed [Member] | Cost [Member]	'	'	'	'
Maturity Profile [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
One year or less	88,453,000	'	'	'
More than one year through five years	317,214,000	'	'	'
More than five years through ten years	103,231,000	'	'	'
More than ten years	17,286,000	'	'	'
Total	526,184,000	'	'	'
Funds held directly managed [Member] | Fair value [Member]	'	'	'	'
Maturity Profile [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
One year or less	89,436,000	'	'	'
More than one year through five years	330,805,000	'	'	'
More than five years through ten years	108,761,000	'	'	'
More than ten years	17,139,000	'	'	'
Total	$546,141,000	'	'	'

Funds_Held_Directly_Managed_De2

Funds Held - Directly Managed (Details - Realized and Unrealized Gains and Investment Income) (Funds held directly managed [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment (Losses) Gains	'	'	'
Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains	($21,792)	$16,367	$11,211
Fixed maturities and short term investments [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment (Losses) Gains	'	'	'
Net realized gains (losses) on trading securities	6,021	8,405	5,369
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	-24,176	6,583	12,314
Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Investment (Losses) Gains	'	'	'
Net realized gains (losses) on trading securities	19	0	-42
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	($3,656)	$1,379	($6,430)

Funds_Held_Directly_Managed_De3

Funds Held - Directly Managed (Details - Investment Income) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	$114,000	$122,000	$125,000	$124,000	$136,000	$135,000	$153,000	$147,000	$484,367	$571,338	$629,148
Funds held directly managed [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20,502	29,031	37,919
Funds held directly managed [Member] | Fixed maturities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	18,804	27,760	31,542
Funds held directly managed [Member] | Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,246	1,046	1,906
Funds held directly managed [Member] | Other invested assets funds held directly managed [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,287	1,647	5,402
Funds held directly managed [Member] | Investment Expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($835)	($1,422)	($931)

Derivatives_Details

Derivatives (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	$44,508	[1]	$18,518	[1]
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	-14,010	[1]	-30,502	[1]
Fair value net	30,498		-11,984
Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	1,249		7,889
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	-8,648		-17,395
Net notional exposure	1,957,409		2,170,914
Fair value net	-7,399		-9,506
Foreign currency option contracts [Member]	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	0		1,410
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	-535		-186
Net notional exposure	87,620		133,377
Fair value net	-535		1,224
Futures contracts [Member]	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	41,031		1,956
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	0		-1,352
Net notional exposure	3,266,004		3,981,107
Fair value net	41,031		604
Credit default swaps (protection purchased) [Member]	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	0		6
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	-71		-807
Net notional exposure	14,000		55,000
Fair value net	-71		-801
Credit default swaps (assumed risks) [Member]	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	'		512
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	'		0
Net notional exposure	'		17,500
Fair value net	'		512
Insurance-linked securities [Member]	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	0	[2]	0	[2]
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	-268	[2]	-2,173	[2]
Net notional exposure	168,724	[2]	135,964	[2]
Fair value net	-268	[2]	-2,173	[2]
Total return swaps [Member]	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	79		6,630
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	-599		-546
Net notional exposure	31,740		68,730
Fair value net	-520		6,084
Interest rate swaps [Member]	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	2,147	[3]	0	[3]
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	-2,558	[3]	-7,880	[3]
Net notional exposure	202,859	[3]	0	[3]
Fair value net	-411	[3]	-7,880	[3]
TBAs [Member]	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	2		115
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	-1,331		-163
Net notional exposure	183,835		155,760
Fair value net	($1,329)		($48)
[1]	Amounts include all derivative instruments, irrespective of whether there is a legally enforceable master netting arrangement in place.
[2]	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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_Details_Income_Sta

Derivatives (Details - Income Statement) (Derivates not designated as hedges [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	$6,004	$7,366	($91,065)
Included in net foreign exchange gains and losses [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	-64,183	27,263	88,162
Included in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	70,187	-19,897	-179,227
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	-59,019	23,474	98,089
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	-5,164	3,789	-9,927
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	78,841	-31,757	-185,816
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	-134	-907	-352
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	123	2,016	886
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	-707	4,343	-9,584
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	-6,597	-749	2,473
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	7,469	112	-2,200
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	($8,808)	$7,045	$15,366

Offsetting_Details

Offsetting (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Gross amounts of recognized, asset	$44,508	[1]	$18,518	[1]
Gross amount offset in the balance sheet	0		0
Net amounts of asset/ liabilities presented in the balance sheet, asset	44,508		18,518
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, financial instruments, asset	-2		-115
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, cash collateral received/ pledged	0		0
Net amount, asset	44,506		18,403
Gross amounts of recognized, liability	-14,010	[1]	-30,502	[1]
Gross amount offset in the balance sheet	0		0
Net amounts presented in the balance sheet, liability	-14,010		-30,502
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, financial instruments, liability	2		115
Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet, cash collateral received	4,341		0
Net amount, liability	($9,667)		($30,387)
[1]	Amounts include all derivative instruments, irrespective of whether there is a legally enforceable master netting arrangement in place.

Derivatives_Details_narrative_

Derivatives (Details - narrative items)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	issuers	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
				derivatives	derivatives
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative number of instruments held	'	'	'	0	0
Credit derivative term	'	'0 years 0 months 0 days	'5 years 0 months 0 days	'	'
Number Of Credit Default Swaps Issuers In Default	0	'	'	'	'

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]	'	'	'
2014	$27,486	'	'
2015	26,593	'	'
2016	25,919	'	'
2017	22,818	'	'
2018	21,247	'	'
Total	124,063	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross intangible assets excluding goodwill	343,448	343,448	'
Accumulated amortization	156,358	129,178	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	456,380	456,380	'
North America Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	82,026	82,026	'
Global (Non-US) P&C [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	149,895	149,895	'
Global Specialty [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	179,641	179,641	'
Catastrophe Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	26,014	26,014	'
Life and Health [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	18,804	18,804	'
Goodwill [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at January 1	456,380	455,533	'
Acquired during the year	'	847	'
Intangible assets amortization	0	0	'
Balance at December 31	456,380	456,380	'
Definite Lived Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at January 1	206,920	126,517	'
Acquired during the year	'	112,202	'
Intangible assets amortization	-27,180	-31,799	-44,800
Balance at December 31	179,740	206,920	126,517
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross	336,098	336,098	'
Accumulated amortization	156,358	129,178	'
Definite Lived Intangible Assets [Member] | Unpaid Losses And Loss Expenses [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross	191,196	191,196	'
Accumulated amortization	115,958	96,478	'
Definite Lived Intangible Assets [Member] | Renewal Rights [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross	80,863	80,863	'
Accumulated amortization	38,132	32,700	'
Definite Lived Intangible Assets [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross	63,408	63,408	'
Accumulated amortization	1,637	0	'
Definite Lived Intangible Assets [Member] | Fronting Arrangements [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross	631	631	'
Accumulated amortization	631	0	'
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at January 1	7,350	7,350	'
Acquired during the year	'	0	'
Intangible assets amortization	0	0	'
Balance at December 31	7,350	7,350	'
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Member] | Insurance Licenses [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Indefinite lived intangible assets	7,350	7,350	'
Total intangible assets [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at January 1	214,270	133,867	'
Acquired during the year	'	112,202	'
Intangible assets amortization	-27,180	-31,799	'
Balance at December 31	$187,090	$214,270	'

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details - Other Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Other Details [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization Of Intangible Assets	$6,000,000	$7,000,000	$7,000,000	$7,000,000	$5,000,000	$9,000,000	$9,000,000	$9,000,000	$27,180,000	$31,799,000	$36,405,000
Amortization of acquisition costs of acquired entity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0	$0	$8,400,000

Unpaid_Losses_and_Loss_Expense2

Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses and Policy Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses by type	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Case reserves	$4,663,164,000	'	'	'	$4,872,591,000	'	'	'	$4,663,164,000	$4,872,591,000	'
Additional case reserves (ACRs)	403,145,000	'	'	'	354,382,000	'	'	'	403,145,000	354,382,000	'
IBNR reserves	5,580,009,000	'	'	'	5,482,398,000	'	'	'	5,580,009,000	5,482,398,000	'
Total unpaid losses and loss expenses	10,646,318,000	'	'	'	10,709,371,000	'	'	'	10,646,318,000	10,709,371,000	11,273,091,000
Rollforward of Liability For Net Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross liability at beginning of year	'	'	'	10,709,371,000	'	'	'	11,273,091,000	10,709,371,000	11,273,091,000	10,666,604,000
Reinsurance recoverables at beginning of year	'	'	'	291,330,000	'	'	'	353,105,000	291,330,000	353,105,000	348,747,000
Net liability at beginning of year	'	'	'	10,418,041,000	'	'	'	10,919,986,000	10,418,041,000	10,919,986,000	10,317,857,000
Net incurred losses related to:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current Year	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,118,755,000	2,785,694,000	4,252,766,000
Prior Years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-721,499,000	-628,065,000	-530,457,000
Total incurred losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,397,256,000	2,157,629,000	3,722,309,000
Change in Paris Re Reserve Agreement	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-49,544,000	-86,163,000	-61,383,000
Net paid losses related to:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current Year	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	242,053,000	237,783,000	930,407,000
Prior Years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,159,506,000	2,467,279,000	2,060,152,000
Total paid losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,401,559,000	2,705,062,000	2,990,559,000
Effects of foreign exchange rate changes	14,740,000	'	'	'	131,651,000	'	'	'	14,740,000	131,651,000	-68,238,000
Net liability at end of year	10,378,934,000	'	'	'	10,418,041,000	'	'	'	10,378,934,000	10,418,041,000	10,919,986,000
Reinsurance recoverable at end of year	267,384,000	'	'	'	291,330,000	'	'	'	267,384,000	291,330,000	353,105,000
Gross liability at end of year	10,646,318,000	'	'	'	10,709,371,000	'	'	'	10,646,318,000	10,709,371,000	11,273,091,000
Losses And Loss Expenses And LifePolicy Benefits [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Policyholder Benefits And Claims Incurred Net	879,000,000	751,000,000	867,000,000	661,000,000	801,000,000	721,000,000	706,000,000	576,000,000	3,157,808,000	2,804,610,000	4,372,570,000
Paris Re Reserve Agreement	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Guaranteed reserves related to Paris Re	727,000,000	'	'	'	857,000,000	'	'	'	727,000,000	857,000,000	'
Non Life [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Losses And Loss Expenses And LifePolicy Benefits [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Policyholder Benefits And Claims Incurred Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,397,256,000	2,157,629,000	3,722,309,000
Life and Health [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Losses And Loss Expenses And LifePolicy Benefits [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Policyholder Benefits And Claims Incurred Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$760,552,000	$646,981,000	$650,261,000

Unpaid_Losses_and_Loss_Expense3

Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses and Policy Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts (Details - Other Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Prior Year Development [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total net Non-life prior year loss development	$721,499,000	$628,065,000	$530,457,000
Liability For Asbestos And Environmental Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net liability for asbestos and environmental claims	193,000,000	199,000,000	'
Gross liability for asbestos and environmental claims	203,000,000	205,000,000	'
Liability For Future Policy Benefits [Line Items]	'	'	'
Development from prior accident years	39,000,000	14,000,000	1,000,000
Interest rate assumptions	'	'	'
Low end interest rate assumption	0.10%	0.20%	'
High end interest rate assumption	6.80%	6.60%	'
Asbestos Liabilities Of Paris Re [Member]	'	'	'
Liability For Asbestos And Environmental Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross liability for asbestos and environmental claims	123,000,000	125,000,000	'
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	80,000,000	80,000,000	'
North America Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Prior Year Development [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total net Non-life prior year loss development	222,839,000	218,483,000	189,180,000
Global (Non-US) P&C [Member]	'	'	'
Prior Year Development [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total net Non-life prior year loss development	180,052,000	114,279,000	115,995,000
Global Specialty [Member]	'	'	'
Prior Year Development [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total net Non-life prior year loss development	227,383,000	250,523,000	128,975,000
Global Specialty [Member] | Engineering [Member]	'	'	'
Prior Year Development [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total net Non-life prior year loss development	'	-6,000,000	'
Global Specialty [Member] | Energy and Engineering Combined [Member]	'	'	'
Prior Year Development [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total net Non-life prior year loss development	'	'	-13,000,000
Catastrophe Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Prior Year Development [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total net Non-life prior year loss development	$91,225,000	$44,780,000	$96,307,000

Reinsurance_Details

Reinsurance (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Premiums written	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assumed	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$5,569,706,000	$4,718,235,000	$4,633,054,000
Ceded	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	173,180,000	145,375,000	146,725,000
Net	1,186,000,000	1,265,000,000	1,309,000,000	1,636,000,000	920,000,000	1,043,000,000	1,136,000,000	1,473,000,000	5,396,526,000	4,572,860,000	4,486,329,000
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assumed	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,373,866,000	4,640,949,000	4,789,293,000
Ceded	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	175,656,000	155,010,000	141,539,000
Net	1,421,000,000	1,421,000,000	1,209,000,000	1,147,000,000	1,168,000,000	1,237,000,000	1,091,000,000	990,000,000	5,198,210,000	4,485,939,000	4,647,754,000
Loss and Loss Expenses and Life Policy Benefits	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assumed	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,207,860,000	2,838,117,000	4,456,094,000
Ceded	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	50,052,000	33,507,000	83,524,000
Net	879,000,000	751,000,000	867,000,000	661,000,000	801,000,000	721,000,000	706,000,000	576,000,000	3,157,808,000	2,804,610,000	4,372,570,000
Allowance For Reinsurance Recoverable [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for uncollectible reinsurance recoverable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for uncollectible reinsurance recoverable	$15,000,000	'	'	'	$13,000,000	'	'	'	$15,000,000	$13,000,000	'

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2006

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

PartnerRe Finance B [Member]

PartnerRe Finance A [Member]

PartnerRe Finance II [Member]

Senior Notes Debt [Member]

Senior Notes Debt [Member]

Senior Notes Debt [Member]

Senior Notes Debt [Member]

Senior Notes Debt [Member]

Senior Notes Debt [Member]

Senior Notes Debt [Member]

Senior Notes Debt [Member]

Senior Notes Debt [Member]

Senior Notes Debt [Member]

Capital efficient notes [Member]

Capital efficient notes [Member]

Capital efficient notes [Member]

Capital efficient notes [Member]

Capital efficient notes [Member]

Capital efficient notes [Member]

Capital efficient notes [Member]

Capital efficient notes [Member]

Capital efficient notes [Member]

Capital efficient notes [Member]

Capital efficient notes [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance B LLC [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance B LLC [Member]

Notes Issued To Partner Re Finance B LLC [Member]

Notes Issued To Partner Re Finance B LLC [Member]

Notes Issued To Partner Re Finance B LLC [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance A LLC [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance A LLC [Member]

Notes Issued To Partner Re Finance A LLC [Member]

Notes Issued To Partner Re Finance A LLC [Member]

Notes Issued To Partner Re Finance A LLC [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]

Notes Issued By Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]

Notes Issued To Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]

Notes Issued To Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]

Notes Issued To Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]

Notes Issued To Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]

Notes Issued To Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]

Notes Issued To Partner Re Finance II Inc [Member]

June 1, 2007 - December 1, 2016 [Member]

December 1, 2016 - December 1, 2066 [Member]

June 1, 2007 - December 1, 2016 [Member]

December 1, 2016 - December 1, 2066 [Member]

Debt Instruments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage Of Indirect Ownership In Subsidiary

'

'

'

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated interest rate of debt instrument

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.50%

'

5.50%

'

'

6.88%

'

6.88%

'

'

'

'

'

6.44%

'

'

'

'

'

6.44%

'

Face amount of debt instrument

'

'

'

'

'

'

$500,000,000

$500,000,000

$500,000,000

'

'

$250,000,000

$250,000,000

$250,000,000

'

'

$63,000,000

$63,000,000

$250,000,000

'

'

$257,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Jun-20

'

1-Jun-20

'

'

1-Jun-18

'

1-Jun-18

'

'

1-Dec-66

'

'

'

'

1-Dec-66

'

'

'

'

'

Payment frequency

'

'

'

'

'

'

'semi-annual

'

'semi-annual

'

'

'semi-annual

'

'semi-annual

'

'

'

'

'

'semi-annual

'quarterly

'

'

'

'

'semi-annual

'quarterly

Date of first required interest payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Jun-10

'

1-Jun-10

'

'

1-Dec-08

'

1-Dec-08

'

'

1-Jun-07

'

'

'

'

1-Jun-07

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense incurred (debt-related)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,500,000

27,500,000

27,500,000

'

'

17,200,000

17,200,000

17,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

4,600,000

4,600,000

4,600,000

'

'

'

Interest paid during period (debt - related)

49,259,000

49,259,000

49,259,000

'

'

'

'

'

27,500,000

27,500,000

27,500,000

'

'

17,200,000

17,200,000

17,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

4,600,000

4,600,000

4,600,000

'

'

'

Earliest date that debt may be redeemed other than upon occurrence of specific rating agency or tax events

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2016-12-01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate in excess of LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.33%

'

'

'

'

'

2.33%

Carrying amount at balance sheet date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

63,400,000

63,400,000

'

'

'

71,000,000

71,000,000

'

'

'

'

Repayments of debt during the period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

93,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

93,300,000

'

'

Net realized gain on purchase of capital efficient notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

88,400,000

'

'

Amount of debt extinguished

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

186,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

186,600,000

'

'

Percentage of outstanding debt extinguished

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash tender offer

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shareholders_Equity_Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Authorized Shares [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total authorized shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	200,000,000	200,000,000	'
Par value per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1	$1	'
Preferred Shares [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of preferred shares issued	34,150,000	'	'	'	35,750,000	'	'	'	34,150,000	35,750,000	'
Total consideration	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$241,265,000	$0	$361,722,000
Aggregate liquidation value	853,750,000	'	'	'	893,750,000	'	'	'	853,750,000	893,750,000	'
Loss on redemption of preferred shares	0	0	0	9,000,000	0	0	0	0	9,135,000	0	0
Common Shares [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Authorized Shares [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total authorized shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	130,000,000	130,000,000	'
Common Shares [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares repurchased	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,700,000	7,100,000	5,400,000
Total cost of shares repurchased	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	695,300,000	532,900,000	396,200,000
Average cost per share of shares repurchased	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$90.73	$75	$73.41
Current share repurchase authorization outstanding	5,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,000,000	'	'
Designated 6.75% Series C cumulative redeemable preferred shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Authorized Shares [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total authorized shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	11,600,000	'
Preferred Shares [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Date of issuance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8-May-03	'
Number of preferred shares issued	'	'	'	'	11,600,000	'	'	'	'	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	'	'	'	'	290,000,000	'
Distribution on liquidation	$25	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$25	'	'
Redemption date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	18-Mar-03	'	'
Designated 6.5% Series D cumulative redeemable preferred shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Authorized Shares [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
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	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	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	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	230,000,000	'	'
Distribution on liquidation	$25	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$25	'	'
Designated 7.25% Series E cumulative redeemable preferred shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Authorized Shares [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
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	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	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	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	373,800,000	'	'
Distribution on liquidation	$25	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$25	'	'
Designated 5.875% Series F non-cumulative redeemable preferred shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Authorized Shares [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total authorized shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,000,000	0	'
Preferred Shares [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Date of issuance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14-Feb-13	'	'
Number of preferred shares issued	10,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	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	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$250,000,000	'	'
Distribution on liquidation	$25	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$25	'	'
Designated and redeemed preference shares [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Authorized Shares [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total authorized shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	25,600,000	14,000,000	'
Undesignated [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Authorized Shares [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total authorized shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,200,000	20,200,000	'

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Deta

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Numerator [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'		'
Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	$272,000	$334,000	($175,000)	$234,000	$112,000	$487,000	$176,000	$360,000	$664,008		$1,134,514		($520,291)
Dividends on preferred shares	14,000	14,000	15,000	15,000	15,000	15,000	15,000	15,000	57,861		61,622		47,020
Loss on redemption of preferred shares	0	0	0	9,000	0	0	0	0	9,135		0		0
Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders	$258,000	$320,000	($190,000)	$210,000	$97,000	$472,000	$161,000	$345,000	$597,012		$1,072,892		($567,311)
Denominator [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'		'
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	55,378,980		62,915,992		67,558,732
Share options and other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,069,125	[1]	699,756	[1]	0	[1]
Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	56,448,105		63,615,748		67,558,732
Basic net income (loss)	$4.86	$5.95	($3.37)	$3.60	$1.58	$7.62	$2.52	$5.27	$10.78		$17.05		($8.40)
Diluted net income (loss)	$4.76	$5.84	($3.37)	$3.53	$1.56	$7.53	$2.50	$5.24	$10.58		$16.87		($8.40)	[1]
Dividends declared per common share	$0.64	$0.64	$0.64	$0.64	$0.62	$0.62	$0.62	$0.62	$2.56		$2.48		$2.35
Share options excluded from computation of weighted average number of common share and common share equivalents outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14,800		554,700		2,854,400
Weighted average number of potentially dilutive common shares and common share equivalents outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'		687,300
[1]	At December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, share based awards to purchase 14.8 thousand, 554.7 thousand and 2,854.4 thousand common shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding because their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares. In addition, dilutive securities, in the form of share options and other, of 687.3 thousand shares were not included in the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding for the purpose of computing the diluted net loss per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Noncontrolling_interests_Detai

Noncontrolling interests (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	$23,038,295,000	'	'	'	$22,980,432,000	'	'	'	$23,038,295,000	$22,980,432,000	'
Total liabilities	16,272,136,000	'	'	'	16,046,936,000	'	'	'	16,272,136,000	16,046,936,000	'
Movement In Minority Interest [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at January 1	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	4,000,000	4,000,000	1,000,000	0	0	0	0	0	9,434,000	0	0
Balance at December 31	56,627,000	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	56,627,000	0	'
Lorenz Re [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Minority Interest Contributed Amount By Parent	28,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	28,000,000	'	'
Sale of shares to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	47,193,000	'	'
Total assets	99,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	99,600,000	'	'
Total liabilities	11,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11,100,000	'	'
Movement In Minority Interest [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at January 1	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,434,000	'	'
Sale of shares to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	47,193,000	'	'
Balance at December 31	$56,627,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$56,627,000	'	'

Dividend_Restrictions_and_Stat2

Dividend Restrictions and Statutory Requirements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total net assets	$6,709,532,000	$6,933,496,000	$6,467,542,000
Restricted Net Assets For Consolidated And Unconsolidated Subsidiaries	4,900,000,000	'	'
Partner Reinsurance [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percent of enhanced capital requirement	120.00%	'	'
Statutory Amount Available For Dividend Payments	1,009,000,000	'	'
Statutory net income (loss)	616,000,000	659,000,000	-524,000,000
Required statutory capital and surplus	2,283,000,000	2,402,000,000	'
Actual statutory capital and surplus	3,292,000,000	3,771,000,000	'
PartnerRe Europe [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'
Statutory Amount Available For Dividend Payments	565,000,000	'	'
Statutory net income (loss)	8,000,000	323,000,000	2,000,000
Required statutory capital and surplus	947,000,000	911,000,000	'
Actual statutory capital and surplus	1,512,000,000	1,589,000,000	'
Partner Re US [Member]	'	'	'
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 (loss)	123,000,000	181,000,000	98,000,000
Required statutory capital and surplus	852,000,000	699,000,000	'
Actual statutory capital and surplus	$1,332,000,000	$1,260,000,000	'

Taxation_Details

Taxation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current income tax expense [abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$129,592	$144,865	$154,333
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) [abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-84,579	55,457	-44,892
Unrecognized tax expense (benefit) [abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax expense (benefit)	3,403	'	'	'	3,962	'	'	'	3,403	3,962	-40,469
Total income tax expense [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total income tax expense	11,000	70,000	-75,000	42,000	23,000	64,000	50,000	67,000	48,416	204,284	68,972
Income Before Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) before taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	721,858	1,338,798	-451,319
Reconciliation of effective tax rate (% of income (loss) before taxes)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected tax rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Foreign taxes at local expected tax rates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5.10%	14.60%	-7.20%
Impact of foreign exchange (losses) gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1.10%	-0.40%	0.40%
Unrecognized tax benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.50%	0.30%	9.00%
Tax-exempt income and expenses not deductible	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-0.90%	-0.30%	-11.60%
Impact of enacted changes in tax laws	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.80%	0.70%	0.00%
Foreign branch tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1.40%	-0.70%	-5.70%
Valuation allowance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.30%	1.20%	-1.90%
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.40%	-0.10%	1.70%
Actual tax rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6.70%	15.30%	-15.30%
US [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current income tax expense [abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	55,993	29,196	82,065
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) [abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-13,693	48,740	-36,780
Unrecognized tax expense (benefit) [abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax expense (benefit)	-335	'	'	'	-623	'	'	'	-335	-623	81
Total income tax expense [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	41,965	77,313	45,366
Non-US [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current income tax expense [abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	73,599	115,669	72,268
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) [abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-70,886	6,717	-8,112
Unrecognized tax expense (benefit) [abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax expense (benefit)	3,738	'	'	'	4,585	'	'	'	3,738	4,585	-40,550
Total income tax expense [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,451	126,971	23,606
Domestic (Bermuda)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income Before Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) before taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	611,900	661,648	-634,310
Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income Before Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) before taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$109,958	$677,150	$182,991

Taxation_Details_Components_of

Taxation (Details - Components of Tax Assets and Tax Liabilities) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets [abstract]	'	'
Discounting of loss reserves and adjustment to life policy reserves	$78,999	$50,341
Foreign tax credits carryforward	42,620	37,569
Tax loss carryforwards	23,940	47,373
Unearned premiums	23,022	17,856
Other deferred tax assets	33,648	36,424
Deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	202,229	189,563
Valuation allowance	-46,111	-47,412
Deferred tax assets	156,118	142,151
Deferred tax liabilities	'	'
Deferred acquisition costs	52,165	46,311
Goodwill and other intangibles	102,619	106,445
Equalization reserves	128,132	122,930
Unrealized appreciation and timing differences on investments	72,769	141,856
Other deferred tax liabilities	23,866	24,968
Deferred tax liabilities	379,551	442,510
Net deferred tax liabilities	223,433	300,359
Components Of Net Tax Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Net Tax Assets	14,133	25,098
Net tax liabilities	-284,442	-387,647
Net tax liabilities	-270,309	-362,549
Net Tax Liabilities By Type [Abstract]	'	'
Net current tax liabilities	-26,308	-45,606
Net deferred tax liabilities	223,433	300,359
Net unrecognized tax benefit	-20,568	-16,584
Net tax liabilities	($270,309)	($362,549)

Taxation_Details_Income_Tax_Un

Taxation (Details - Income Tax Uncertainties) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
1-Jan	$16,584	$12,290	$51,529
Changes in tax positions taken during a prior period - Increase	'	2,075	3,629
Changes in tax positions taken during a prior period - decrease	-4,531	'	'
Tax positions taken during the current period - increase	10,215	3,088	3,788
Change as a result of a lapse in the statute of limitations	-2,281	-1,201	-47,886
Impact of the change in foreign currency exchange rates - increase	581	332	1,230
31-Dec	20,568	16,584	12,290
Unrecognized tax benefit that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
1-Jan	15,784	11,879	51,529
Changes in tax positions taken during a prior period - Increase	'	1,571	3,194
Changes in tax positions taken during a prior period - decrease	-5,038	'	'
Tax positions taken during the current period - increase	10,164	3,080	3,788
Change as a result of a lapse in the statute of limitations	-2,102	-1,057	-47,886
Impact of the change in foreign currency exchange rates - increase	545	311	1,254
31-Dec	19,353	15,784	11,879
Interest and penalties recognized on the above [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
1-Jan	800	411	0
Changes in tax positions taken during a prior period - Increase	507	504	435
Tax positions taken during the current period - increase	51	8	0
Change as a result of a lapse in the statute of limitations	-179	-144	0
Impact of the change in foreign currency exchange rates - decrease	'	'	-24
Impact of the change in foreign currency exchange rates - increase	36	21	'
31-Dec	$1,215	$800	$411

Taxation_Details_Other_Details

Taxation (Details - Other Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
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	7,300,000	'	'
Tax loss carryforwards	23,940,000	47,373,000	'
Valuation allowance	-46,111,000	-47,412,000	'
US [Member]	'	'	'
Deferred tax asset carryforwards components	'	'	'
Deferred tax on foreign tax credit carryforwards	3,600,000	9,700,000	'
Carryforward period	10	10	'
Ireland [Member]	'	'	'
Taxation - Other Details [Line Items]	'	'	'
Valuation allowance	-24,700,000	-13,200,000	'
Deferred tax asset carryforwards components	'	'	'
Deferred tax on foreign tax credit carryforwards	14,400,000	14,600,000	'
Singapore [Member]	'	'	'
Taxation - Other Details [Line Items]	'	'	'
Valuation allowance	-21,400,000	-34,200,000	'
Canada [Member]	'	'	'
Taxation - Other Details [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax loss carryforwards	'	$9,900,000	'
Deferred tax asset carryforwards components	'	'	'
Carryforward period	'	20	'

ShareBased_Awards_Details_Othe

Share-Based Awards (Details - Other Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share Based Compensation Arrangements - Other details	'	'	'
Share based compensation expense	$29.80	$26.80	$24.20
Tax benefit of share-based compensation expense	3.3	3.6	2.4
Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options	7	1.6	3.1
Employee Equity Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Equity Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total shares authorized under the plan	8,300,000	'	'
Shares remaining for issuance	4,400,000	'	'
Maximum individual award in unit terms	500,000	'	'
Maximum individual award in dollar terms	5	'	'
Share Options and SSARs [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Equity Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total shares authorized under the plan	4,900,000	'	'
Vesting period for EEP shares	'3 years 0 months 0 days	'	'
Shares remaining for issuance	2,800,000	'	'
Contractual term, in years	'10 years 0 months 0 days	'	'
Share Options [Member]	'	'	'
Assumptions:	'	'	'
Expected life	'	'6 years 0 months 0 days	'6 years 0 months 0 days
Expected volatility	'	17.70%	14.90%
Risk-free interest rate	'	1.00%	2.00%
Dividend yield	'	2.70%	2.70%
RSUs and PSUs [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Equity Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total shares authorized under the plan	3,400,000	'	'
Vesting period for EEP shares	'3 years 0 months 0 days	'	'
Shares remaining for issuance	1,600,000	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements - Other details	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value	$89.44	'	'
Fair value of units vested	22.8	'	'
Unrecognized share-based compensation expense	27.3	'	'
Weighted average period of recognition	'2 years 0 months 0 days	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Roll Forward	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of year	869,495	'	'
Granted	329,174	'	'
Released	-290,277	'	'
Forfeited	-53,494	'	'
Outstanding at end of year	854,898	'	'
RSU [Member]	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements - Other details	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value	'	$65.33	$81.20
Fair value of units vested	'	5.5	18.3
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Roll Forward	'	'	'
Granted	'	294,184	314,182
SSARs [Member]	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements - Other details	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value	$11.25	$7.34	$10.32
Unrecognized share-based compensation expense	$2	'	'
Weighted average period of recognition	'1 year 7 months 0 days	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Roll Forward	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of year	1,820,594	'	'
Granted	125,561	356,900	210,582
Exercised	-314,390	'	'
Forfeited or expired	-9,950	'	'
Outstanding at end of year	1,621,815	1,820,594	'
Exercisable	1,202,541	'	'
Assumptions:	'	'	'
Expected life	'6 years 0 months 0 days	'6 years 0 months 0 days	'6 years 0 months 0 days
Expected volatility	18.30%	17.60%	15.60%
Risk-free interest rate	1.00%	1.10%	2.70%
Dividend yield	2.30%	2.80%	2.80%
Warrants [Member]	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements - Other details	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual term	'3 years 0 months 0 days	'	'
Weighted average exercise price, exercises during period	$32.90	'	'
Weighted average exercise price	$32.34	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Roll Forward	'	'	'
Granted	27,655	'	'
Released	-2,390	'	'
Outstanding at end of year	8,853	'	'

ShareBased_Awards_Details_Opti

Share-Based Awards (Details - Options) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary Of Option Activity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	'	$7.90	$7.43
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$24.80	$8.80	$4.60
Proceeds from options exercised	49.6	29.3	10.6
Weighted average remaining contractual term	'5 years 1 month 0 days	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding, exercisable, vested and expected to vest	$22.40	'	'
Activity related to share options	'	'	'
Outstanding at January 1, 2013	1,457,853	'	'
Granted	0	120,210	123,162
Exercised	-819,764	-518,548	-194,201
Forfeited or expired	-1,810	'	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2013	636,279	1,457,853	'
Options exercisable at December 31, 2013	569,301	'	'
Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013	633,748	'	'
The weighted average exercise price is as follows:	'	'	'
Outstanding at January 1, 2013	$65.66	'	'
Exercised	$61.97	'	'
Forfeited or expired	$108	'	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2013	$70.28	$65.66	'
Exercisable at December 31, 2013	$70.23	'	'
Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013	$70.28	'	'

ShareBased_Awards_Details_Narr

Share-Based Awards (Details - Narrative) (CHF)	12 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Share Purchase Plan [Member]	'
Employee Share Purchase Plans [Line Items]	'
Length of offering period, in months	'0 years 12 months 0 days
Number of purchase periods allowed under the plan	2
Length of purchase periods, in months	'0 years 6 months 0 days
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	'0 years 6 months 0 days
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 0 months 0 days
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	2.8
Director Member	'
Non-employee directors stock plan [Line Items]	'
Number of share-based awards authorized	1.2
Number of share-based awards available for issuance	0.4
Director Member | RSU [Member]	'
Non-employee directors stock plan [Line Items]	'
Number of share-based awards authorized	0.8
Number of share-based awards available for issuance	0.1
Directors Percentage of RSUs Elected	60.00%
Directors Percentage Cash Elected In Lieu Of RSUs	40.00%
Director Member | Share Options and SSARs [Member]	'
Non-employee directors stock plan [Line Items]	'
Number of share-based awards authorized	0.4
Number of share-based awards available for issuance	0.3
Contractual term, in years	'10 years 0 months 0 days
Director Member | RSU Granted Prior To May 2010 [Member]	'
Non-employee directors stock plan [Line Items]	'
Vesting period, in years	'0 years 0 months 0 days
Delivery date restrictions, in years	'1 year 0 months 0 days
Director Member | RSU Granted Post May 2010 [Member]	'
Non-employee directors stock plan [Line Items]	'
Vesting period, in years	'5 years 0 months 0 days
Delivery date restrictions, in years	'0 years 0 months 0 days

Retirement_Benefit_Arrangement2

Retirement Benefit Arrangements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure - Defined contribution plan	'	'	'
Incurred expense for defined contribution arrangements	$14,500,000	$15,700,000	$16,000,000
Zurich Plan	'	'	'
Funded status:	'	'	'
Unfunded pension obligation at beginning of year	32,262,000	25,162,000	'
Change in pension obligation:	'	'	'
Service cost	6,934,000	6,474,000	'
Interest cost	2,314,000	2,976,000	'
Plan participants' contributions	1,938,000	1,998,000	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-8,408,000	7,046,000	'
Plan amendments	0	-707,000	'
Benefits paid	-216,000	-8,582,000	'
Foreign currency adjustments	2,901,000	4,349,000	'
Settlements	-13,783,000	0	'
Change in pension obligation	-8,320,000	13,554,000	'
Change in fair value of plan assets:	'	'	'
Actual return on plan assets	3,119,000	3,782,000	'
Employer contributions	5,922,000	5,941,000	'
Plan participants' contributions	1,938,000	1,998,000	'
Benefits paid	-216,000	-8,582,000	'
Foreign currency adjustments	2,348,000	3,315,000	'
Settlement	13,783,000	0	'
Change in fair value of plan assets	-672,000	6,454,000	'
Funded status:	'	'	'
Unfunded pension obligation at end of year	24,614,000	32,262,000	25,162,000
Additional information:	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	126,390,000	134,710,000	'
Accumulated pension obligation	123,524,000	129,492,000	'
Fair value of plan assets	101,776,000	102,448,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan Estimated Future Benefit Payments Abstract	'	'	'
2014	4,417,000	'	'
2015	4,807,000	'	'
2016	5,046,000	'	'
2017	4,925,000	'	'
2018	4,722,000	'	'
2019 to 2023	$28,714,000	'	'
Pension obligation - assumptions used	'	'	'
Discount rate	2.25%	1.75%	2.50%
Rate of compensation increase	2.50%	2.50%	3.50%
Net periodic benefit cost - assumptions used	'	'	'
Discount Rate	1.75%	2.50%	2.75%
Return on plan assets	1.75%	2.50%	3.00%
Rate of Compensation increase	2.50%	3.50%	3.50%

Retirement_Benefit_Arrangement3

Retirement Benefit Arrangements (Details - Other Details) (Zurich Plan, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Plan Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	$101,776,000	$102,448,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan Other Details [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	12,900,000	22,800,000	'
Tax on amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	3,400,000	6,100,000	'
Net periodic benefit cost	10,700,000	8,300,000	10,000,000
Estimated contributions for next fiscal year	5,800,000	'	'
Plan assets to be returned	'The Company does not believe that any plan assets will be returned to the Company during 2014.	'	'
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Insured Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Plan Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	$101,800,000	$102,400,000	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable allowance for credit losses	$2,800,000	$3,000,000
Financing receivable acquired during period	29,400,000	37,800,000
Financing receivable significant sales	0	0
Performing Financing Receivable [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	24,500,000	46,700,000
Performing Financing Receivable [Member] | Residential, Prime, Financing Receivable [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	19,800,000	31,300,000
Performing Financing Receivable [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Other Receivable [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	4,700,000	15,400,000
Nonperforming Financing Receivable [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Financing receivable	$0	$0

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details - Other Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended					21 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	21 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
				Structured Letter Of Credit [Member]	Forecast [Member]	Forecast [Member]	Forecast [Member]	Forecast [Member]
					Minimum [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Other commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rent expense	$33,000,000	$36,300,000	$37,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring costs incurred	58,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and related cost expected cost	'	'	'	'	'	60,000,000	'	70,000,000
Restructuring cost expected cost remaining	'	'	'	'	5,000,000	'	10,000,000	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2014	67,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2015	52,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2016	31,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2017	12,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2018	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total	162,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Lease arrangements [abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2014	30,075,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2015	29,109,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2016	26,313,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2017	21,391,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2018	6,614,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2019	397,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total future minimum lease payments	113,899,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies Other Details [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Provision for uncollectible premiums receivable	8,000,000	9,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
IT and computer agreements and lease contracts	15,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
LOC obligations guaranteed as of balance sheet date	'	'	'	100,000,000	'	'	'	'
Line Of Credit Facility Term	'	'	'	10	'	'	'	'
Maturity date of facility	'	'	'	29-Dec-20	'	'	'	'
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	'	'	'	$0	'	'	'	'

Credit_Agreements_Details

Credit Agreements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
Credit Agreements Details [Line Items]	'	'
Total amount of credit facilities available	$850	'
Outstanding Unsecured Letter Of Credit [Member]	'	'
Credit Agreements Details [Line Items]	'	'
Letters Of Credit Outstanding Amount	137	'
Outstanding Secured Letter Of Credit [Member]	'	'
Credit Agreements Details [Line Items]	'	'
Letters Of Credit Outstanding Amount	410	'
Combined Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Credit Agreements Details [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity date of facility	14-Nov-14	'
Modification date	'11/14/2012	'
Amount of unsecured borrowing capacity	100	'
Total amount of credit facilities available	300	250
Committed Secured Letter Of Credit Facility A [Member]	'	'
Credit Agreements Details [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity date of facility	4-Dec-16	'
Total amount of credit facilities available	250	'
Committed Secured Letter Of Credit Facility B [Member]	'	'
Credit Agreements Details [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity date of facility	31-Dec-14	'
Total amount of credit facilities available	$200	'

Agreements_with_Related_Partie2

Agreements with Related Parties (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Atradius NV [Member]	Atradius NV [Member]	ING Group N.V. [Member]	ING Group N.V. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net premiums written	$80,292	$75,991	'	'
Net premiums earned	75,714	77,230	2,600	3,400
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits	35,197	32,595	1,300	800
Acquisition costs	28,475	33,906	'	'
Reinsurance balances receivable	11,974	'	'	'
Unpaid losses and loss expenses	82,711	'	12,900	12,700
Unearned premiums	40,312	'	'	'
Other net assets	$12,135	'	'	'

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment Reporting [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$5,569,706,000

$4,718,235,000

$4,633,054,000

Net premiums written

1,186,000,000

1,265,000,000

1,309,000,000

1,636,000,000

920,000,000

1,043,000,000

1,136,000,000

1,473,000,000

5,396,526,000

4,572,860,000

4,486,329,000

(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-198,316,000

-86,921,000

161,425,000

Net premiums earned

1,421,000,000

1,421,000,000

1,209,000,000

1,147,000,000

1,168,000,000

1,237,000,000

1,091,000,000

990,000,000

5,198,210,000

4,485,939,000

4,647,754,000

Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,158,000,000

-2,805,000,000

-4,373,000,000

Acquisition costs

-318,000,000

-283,000,000

-242,000,000

-235,000,000

-245,000,000

-247,000,000

-233,000,000

-212,000,000

-1,077,628,000

-936,909,000

-938,361,000

Technical result

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

962,000,000

744,000,000

-663,000,000

Other income

3,000,000

5,000,000

4,000,000

4,000,000

3,000,000

3,000,000

3,000,000

2,000,000

16,565,000

11,920,000

7,915,000

Other operating expenses

-131,000,000

-108,000,000

-145,000,000

-116,000,000

-112,000,000

-95,000,000

-106,000,000

-98,000,000

-500,466,000

-411,374,000

-434,846,000

Underwriting result

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

479,000,000

345,000,000

-1,090,000,000

Net investment income

114,000,000

122,000,000

125,000,000

124,000,000

136,000,000

135,000,000

153,000,000

147,000,000

484,367,000

571,338,000

629,148,000

Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains

99,000,000

16,000,000

-299,000,000

23,000,000

5,000,000

257,000,000

38,000,000

193,000,000

-160,735,000

493,409,000

66,692,000

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

-48,929,000

-48,895,000

-48,949,000

Amortization of intangible assets

-6,000,000

-7,000,000

-7,000,000

-7,000,000

-5,000,000

-9,000,000

-9,000,000

-9,000,000

-27,180,000

-31,799,000

-36,405,000

Net foreign exchange losses (gains)

-8,000,000

-1,000,000

-11,000,000

2,000,000

-3,000,000

-2,000,000

8,000,000

-3,000,000

-18,203,000

-175,000

34,675,000

Income tax expense

-11,000,000

-70,000,000

75,000,000

-42,000,000

-23,000,000

-64,000,000

-50,000,000

-67,000,000

-48,416,000

-204,284,000

-68,972,000

Interest in earnings (losses) of equity investments

4,000,000

6,000,000

-4,000,000

7,000,000

1,000,000

5,000,000

-1,000,000

5,000,000

13,665,000

9,954,000

-6,372,000

Net income (loss)

276,000,000

338,000,000

-174,000,000

234,000,000

112,000,000

487,000,000

176,000,000

360,000,000

673,442,000

1,134,514,000

-520,291,000

Non Life [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,590,000,000

3,910,000,000

3,831,000,000

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,427,000,000

3,768,000,000

3,688,000,000

(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-192,000,000

-84,000,000

156,000,000

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,235,000,000

3,684,000,000

3,844,000,000

Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,400,000,000

-2,155,000,000

-3,717,000,000

Acquisition costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-953,000,000

-821,000,000

-821,000,000

Technical result

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

882,000,000

708,000,000

-694,000,000

Other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

5,000,000

4,000,000

Other operating expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-259,000,000

-257,000,000

-283,000,000

Underwriting result

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

626,000,000

456,000,000

-973,000,000

Reinsurance Ratios [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

56.70%

[1]

58.50%

[1]

96.70%

[1]

Acquisition ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22.50%

[2]

22.30%

[2]

21.30%

[2]

Technical ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

79.20%

[3]

80.80%

[3]

118.00%

[3]

Other operating expense ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.10%

[4]

7.00%

[4]

7.40%

[4]

Combined ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

85.30%

[4],[5]

87.80%

[5]

125.40%

[5]

Non Life [Member] | North America Segment [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,601,000,000

1,221,000,000

1,104,000,000

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,587,000,000

1,219,000,000

1,104,000,000

(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-54,000,000

-43,000,000

31,000,000

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,533,000,000

1,176,000,000

1,135,000,000

Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-975,000,000

-816,000,000

-741,000,000

Acquisition costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-351,000,000

-291,000,000

-276,000,000

Technical result

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

207,000,000

69,000,000

118,000,000

Reinsurance Ratios [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

63.60%

[1]

69.40%

[1]

65.30%

[1]

Acquisition ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22.90%

[2]

24.70%

[2]

24.30%

[2]

Technical ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

86.50%

[3]

94.10%

[3]

89.60%

[3]

Non Life [Member] | Global (Non-US) P&C [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

818,000,000

684,000,000

682,000,000

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

811,000,000

681,000,000

678,000,000

(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-68,000,000

-3,000,000

81,000,000

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

743,000,000

678,000,000

759,000,000

Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-373,000,000

-415,000,000

-567,000,000

Acquisition costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-196,000,000

-167,000,000

-191,000,000

Technical result

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

174,000,000

96,000,000

1,000,000

Reinsurance Ratios [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.20%

[1]

61.30%

[1]

74.70%

[1]

Acquisition ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

26.40%

[2]

24.60%

[2]

25.10%

[2]

Technical ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

76.60%

[3]

85.90%

[3]

99.80%

[3]

Non Life [Member] | Global Specialty [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,676,000,000

1,505,000,000

1,446,000,000

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,579,000,000

1,415,000,000

1,344,000,000

(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-73,000,000

-42,000,000

32,000,000

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,506,000,000

1,373,000,000

1,376,000,000

Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-920,000,000

-821,000,000

-950,000,000

Acquisition costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-362,000,000

-321,000,000

-328,000,000

Technical result

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

224,000,000

231,000,000

98,000,000

Reinsurance Ratios [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

61.10%

[1]

59.80%

[1]

69.10%

[1]

Acquisition ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24.00%

[2]

23.40%

[2]

23.80%

[2]

Technical ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

85.10%

[3]

83.20%

[3]

92.90%

[3]

Non Life [Member] | Catastrophe Segment [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

495,000,000

500,000,000

599,000,000

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

450,000,000

453,000,000

562,000,000

(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

4,000,000

12,000,000

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

453,000,000

457,000,000

574,000,000

Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-132,000,000

-103,000,000

-1,459,000,000

Acquisition costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-44,000,000

-42,000,000

-26,000,000

Technical result

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

277,000,000

312,000,000

-911,000,000

Reinsurance Ratios [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29.00%

[1]

22.40%

[1]

254.20%

[1]

Acquisition ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9.70%

[2]

9.30%

[2]

4.50%

[2]

Technical ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

38.70%

[3]

31.70%

[3]

258.70%

[3]

Life and Health [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

972,000,000

802,000,000

790,000,000

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

964,000,000

799,000,000

786,000,000

(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,000,000

-4,000,000

6,000,000

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

957,000,000

795,000,000

792,000,000

Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-760,000,000

-647,000,000

-650,000,000

Acquisition costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-125,000,000

-116,000,000

-117,000,000

Technical result

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

72,000,000

32,000,000

25,000,000

Other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,000,000

4,000,000

1,000,000

Other operating expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-71,000,000

-52,000,000

-53,000,000

Underwriting result

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,000,000

-16,000,000

-27,000,000

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

61,000,000

64,000,000

66,000,000

Allocated underwriting result

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

73,000,000

[6]

48,000,000

[6]

39,000,000

[6]

Corporate And Other [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,000,000

6,000,000

12,000,000

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,000,000

6,000,000

12,000,000

(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

1,000,000

0

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,000,000

7,000,000

12,000,000

Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

-3,000,000

-6,000,000

Acquisition costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Technical result

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,000,000

4,000,000

6,000,000

Other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

3,000,000

3,000,000

Other operating expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-170,000,000

-102,000,000

-99,000,000

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

423,000,000

507,000,000

563,000,000

Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-161,000,000

494,000,000

67,000,000

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-49,000,000

-49,000,000

-49,000,000

Amortization of intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-27,000,000

-32,000,000

-36,000,000

Net foreign exchange losses (gains)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-18,000,000

0

34,000,000

Income tax expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-49,000,000

-204,000,000

-69,000,000

Interest in earnings (losses) of equity investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$14,000,000

$10,000,000

($6,000,000)

[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 operating expense ratio is obtained by dividing other operating expenses by net premiums earned.

[5]

Combined ratio is defined as the sum of the technical ratio and the other operating 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 operating expenses.

Segment_Information_Distributi

Segment Information (Distribution of gross and net written premium) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
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 [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Of Gross Premiums Written [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution of gross premiums written	11.00%	11.00%	12.00%
Europe [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Of Gross Premiums Written [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution of gross premiums written	40.00%	41.00%	41.00%
Latin America, Caribbean, and Africa [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Of Gross Premiums Written [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution of gross premiums written	10.00%	11.00%	11.00%
North America [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Of Gross Premiums Written [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution of gross premiums written	39.00%	37.00%	36.00%
Non Life [Member] | Property and Casualty [Member] | Casualty [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution of net premiums written	12.00%	13.00%	11.00%
Non Life [Member] | Property and Casualty [Member] | Motor [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution of net premiums written	7.00%	5.00%	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	4.00%	3.00%	2.00%
Non Life [Member] | Property and Casualty [Member] | Property [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution of net premiums written	12.00%	14.00%	15.00%
Non Life [Member] | Specialty [Member] | Agriculture [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution of net premiums written	11.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Non Life [Member] | Specialty [Member] | Aviation/Space [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution of net premiums written	4.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Non Life [Member] | Specialty [Member] | Catastrophe Line Of Business [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution of net premiums written	8.00%	10.00%	13.00%
Non Life [Member] | Specialty [Member] | Credit Surety [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution of net premiums written	6.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Non Life [Member] | Specialty [Member] | Energy [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution of net premiums written	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Non Life [Member] | Specialty [Member] | Engineering [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution of net premiums written	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Non Life [Member] | Specialty [Member] | Marine [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution of net premiums written	6.00%	7.00%	6.00%
Non Life [Member] | Specialty [Member] | Specialty casualty [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution of net premiums written	3.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Non Life [Member] | Specialty [Member] | Specialty property [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution of net premiums written	3.00%	4.00%	3.00%
Life and Health [Member]	'	'	'
Distribution Of Net Premiums Written [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distribution of net premiums written	18.00%	17.00%	18.00%

Segment_Information_Broker_det

Segment Information (Broker details) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Economic Dependence [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cedant Percentage Of Gross Written Premium	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
North America Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Economic Dependence [Line Items]	'	'	'
Broker Percentage Of Gross Written Premium	60.00%	70.00%	64.00%
Global (Non-US) P&C [Member]	'	'	'
Economic Dependence [Line Items]	'	'	'
Broker Percentage Of Gross Written Premium	29.00%	28.00%	29.00%
Global Specialty [Member]	'	'	'
Economic Dependence [Line Items]	'	'	'
Broker Percentage Of Gross Written Premium	41.00%	42.00%	43.00%
Catastrophe Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Economic Dependence [Line Items]	'	'	'
Broker Percentage Of Gross Written Premium	74.00%	74.00%	81.00%
Life and Health [Member]	'	'	'
Economic Dependence [Line Items]	'	'	'
Broker Percentage Of Gross Written Premium	12.00%	13.00%	16.00%
Broker A [Member]	'	'	'
Economic Dependence [Line Items]	'	'	'
Broker Percentage Of Gross Written Premium	22.00%	24.00%	26.00%
Broker B [Member]	'	'	'
Economic Dependence [Line Items]	'	'	'
Broker Percentage Of Gross Written Premium	21.00%	22.00%	21.00%

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_2

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net premiums written	$1,186,000	$1,265,000	$1,309,000	$1,636,000	$920,000	$1,043,000	$1,136,000	$1,473,000	$5,396,526	$4,572,860	$4,486,329
Net premiums earned	1,421,000	1,421,000	1,209,000	1,147,000	1,168,000	1,237,000	1,091,000	990,000	5,198,210	4,485,939	4,647,754
Net investment income	114,000	122,000	125,000	124,000	136,000	135,000	153,000	147,000	484,367	571,338	629,148
Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains	99,000	16,000	-299,000	23,000	5,000	257,000	38,000	193,000	-160,735	493,409	66,692
Other income	3,000	5,000	4,000	4,000	3,000	3,000	3,000	2,000	16,565	11,920	7,915
Total revenues	1,637,000	1,564,000	1,039,000	1,298,000	1,312,000	1,632,000	1,285,000	1,332,000	5,538,407	5,562,606	5,351,509
Losses and loss expenses and life policy benefits	879,000	751,000	867,000	661,000	801,000	721,000	706,000	576,000	3,157,808	2,804,610	4,372,570
Acquisition costs	318,000	283,000	242,000	235,000	245,000	247,000	233,000	212,000	1,077,628	936,909	938,361
Other operating expenses	131,000	108,000	145,000	116,000	112,000	95,000	106,000	98,000	500,466	411,374	434,846
Interest expense	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	48,929	48,895	48,949
Amortization of intangible assets	6,000	7,000	7,000	7,000	5,000	9,000	9,000	9,000	27,180	31,799	36,405
Net foreign exchange losses (gains)	8,000	1,000	11,000	-2,000	3,000	2,000	-8,000	3,000	18,203	175	-34,675
Total expenses	1,354,000	1,162,000	1,284,000	1,029,000	1,178,000	1,086,000	1,058,000	910,000	4,830,214	4,233,762	5,796,456
Income (loss) before taxes and interest in earnings (losses) of equity investments	283,000	402,000	-245,000	269,000	134,000	546,000	227,000	422,000	708,193	1,328,844	-444,947
Income tax expense (benefit)	11,000	70,000	-75,000	42,000	23,000	64,000	50,000	67,000	48,416	204,284	68,972
Interest in earnings (losses) of equity investments	4,000	6,000	-4,000	7,000	1,000	5,000	-1,000	5,000	13,665	9,954	-6,372
Net income (loss)	276,000	338,000	-174,000	234,000	112,000	487,000	176,000	360,000	673,442	1,134,514	-520,291
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-4,000	-4,000	-1,000	0	0	0	0	0	-9,434	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	272,000	334,000	-175,000	234,000	112,000	487,000	176,000	360,000	664,008	1,134,514	-520,291
Dividends on preferred shares	14,000	14,000	15,000	15,000	15,000	15,000	15,000	15,000	57,861	61,622	47,020
Loss on redemption of preferred shares	0	0	0	9,000	0	0	0	0	9,135	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd. common shareholders	$258,000	$320,000	($190,000)	$210,000	$97,000	$472,000	$161,000	$345,000	$597,012	$1,072,892	($567,311)
Basic net income (loss)	$4.86	$5.95	($3.37)	$3.60	$1.58	$7.62	$2.52	$5.27	$10.78	$17.05	($8.40)
Diluted net income (loss)	$4.76	$5.84	($3.37)	$3.53	$1.56	$7.53	$2.50	$5.24	$10.58	$16.87	($8.40)	[1]
Dividends declared per common share	$0.64	$0.64	$0.64	$0.64	$0.62	$0.62	$0.62	$0.62	$2.56	$2.48	$2.35
[1]	At December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, share based awards to purchase 14.8 thousand, 554.7 thousand and 2,854.4 thousand common shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding because their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares. In addition, dilutive securities, in the form of share options and other, of 687.3 thousand shares were not included in the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding for the purpose of computing the diluted net loss per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2011.

SCHEDULE_I_Consolidated_Summar1

SCHEDULE I - Consolidated Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Fair Value	$14,963,041,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	14,963,041,000	[1]
Fixed maturities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Cost	13,376,455,000	[1],[2]
Fair Value	13,593,303,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	13,593,303,000	[1]
Fixed maturities [Member] | US Government and government sponsored enterpises [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Cost	1,635,578,000	[1],[2]
Fair Value	1,623,859,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	1,623,859,000	[1]
Fixed maturities [Member] | US states, territories and municipalities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Cost	121,697,000	[1],[2]
Fair Value	124,587,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	124,587,000	[1]
Fixed maturities [Member] | Non US sovereign government supranational and government related [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Cost	2,295,608,000	[1],[2]
Fair Value	2,353,699,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	2,353,699,000	[1]
Fixed maturities [Member] | Corporate [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Cost	5,866,991,000	[1],[2]
Fair Value	6,048,663,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	6,048,663,000	[1]
Fixed maturities [Member] | Asset-backed securities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Cost	1,126,812,000	[1],[2]
Fair Value	1,138,231,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	1,138,231,000	[1]
Fixed maturities [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Cost	2,294,870,000	[1],[2]
Fair Value	2,268,517,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	2,268,517,000	[1]
Fixed maturities [Member] | Other mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Cost	34,899,000	[1],[2]
Fair Value	35,747,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	35,747,000	[1]
Equity securities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Cost	1,009,286,000	[1],[2]
Fair Value	1,221,053,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	1,221,053,000	[1]
Equity securities [Member] | Banks, trust and insurance companies [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Cost	170,367,000	[1],[2]
Fair Value	282,727,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	282,727,000	[1]
Equity securities [Member] | Public utilities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Cost	35,562,000	[1],[2]
Fair Value	37,151,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	37,151,000	[1]
Equity securities [Member] | Industrial, miscellaneous and all others [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Cost	803,357,000	[1],[2]
Fair Value	901,175,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	901,175,000	[1]
Short-term investments [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Cost	13,543,000	[1],[2]
Fair Value	13,546,000	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	13,546,000	[1]
Other invested assets [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Fair Value	135,139,000	[1],[3]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	135,139,000	[1],[3]
Investments Not Carried At Fair Value	$186,000,000
[1]	Excludes the investment portfolio underlying the funds held b 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 Companybs investments accounted for using the cost method of accounting, equity method of accounting or investment company accounting of $186 million.

SCHEDULE_II_Condensed_Balance_

SCHEDULE II - Condensed Balance Sheets - Parent Company Only (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2013, $Nil; 2012, $nil)	$13,593,303,000		$14,395,315,000		'	'
Short-term investments, trading securities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2013, $nil; 2012, $nil)	13,546,000		150,552,000		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, at fair value, which approximates amortized cost	1,496,485,000		1,121,705,000		1,342,257,000	2,111,084,000
Other	149,296,000		103,528,000		'	'
Total assets	23,038,295,000		22,980,432,000		'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other	291,350,000		290,265,000		'	'
Total liabilities	16,272,136,000		16,046,936,000		'	'
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Common shares (par value $1.00; issued: 2013, 86,657,045 shares; 2012, 85,459,905 shares)	86,657,000		85,460,000		'	'
Preferred shares (par value $1.00; issued and outstanding: 2013, 34,150,000 shares; 2012, 35,750,000 shares; aggregate liquidation value: 2013, $853,750; 2012, $893,750)	34,150,000		35,750,000		'	'
Additional paid-in capital	3,901,627,000		3,861,844,000		'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-12,238,000		10,597,000		'	'
Retained earnings	5,406,797,000		4,952,002,000		'	'
Common shares held in treasury, at cost (2013, 34,213,611 shares; 2012, 26,550,530 shares)	-2,707,461,000		-2,012,157,000		'	'
Total shareholders' equity attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	6,709,532,000		6,933,496,000		6,467,542,000	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	23,038,295,000		22,980,432,000		'	'
Condensed Financial Statements Parentheticals [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Fixed maturities, trading securities, amortized cost	13,376,455,000		13,653,615,000		'	'
Short-term investments, trading securities, amortized cost	13,543,000		150,634,000		'	'
Common shares, par value	$1		$1		'	'
Common shares, shares issued	86,657,045		85,459,905		'	'
Preferred shares, par value	$1		$1		'	'
Number of preferred shares issued	34,150,000		35,750,000		'	'
Preferred shares, shares outstanding	34,150,000		35,750,000		'	'
Aggregate liquidation value	853,750,000		893,750,000		'	'
Common shares held in treasury, shares	34,213,611		26,550,530		'	'
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 [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, at fair value, which approximates amortized cost	1,286,000		30,372,000		51,729,000	329,054,000
Investment in subsidiaries	8,170,653,000		8,533,423,000		'	'
Intercompany loans and balances receivable	730,450,000		361,408,000		'	'
Other	3,961,000		4,283,000		'	'
Total assets	8,906,350,000		8,929,486,000		'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Intercompany loans and balances payable	2,175,401,000	[1]	1,952,737,000	[1]	'	'
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other	21,417,000		43,253,000		'	'
Total liabilities	2,196,818,000		1,995,990,000		'	'
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Common shares (par value $1.00; issued: 2013, 86,657,045 shares; 2012, 85,459,905 shares)	86,657,000		85,460,000		'	'
Preferred shares (par value $1.00; issued and outstanding: 2013, 34,150,000 shares; 2012, 35,750,000 shares; aggregate liquidation value: 2013, $853,750; 2012, $893,750)	34,150,000		35,750,000		'	'
Additional paid-in capital	3,901,627,000		3,861,844,000		'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-12,238,000		10,597,000		'	'
Retained earnings	5,406,797,000		4,952,002,000		'	'
Common shares held in treasury, at cost (2013, 34,213,611 shares; 2012, 26,550,530 shares)	-2,707,461,000		-2,012,157,000		'	'
Total shareholders' equity attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	6,709,532,000		6,933,496,000		'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	8,906,350,000		8,929,486,000		'	'
Condensed Financial Statements Parentheticals [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Common shares, par value	$1		$1		'	'
Common shares, shares issued	86,657,045		84,459,905		'	'
Preferred shares, par value	$1		$1		'	'
Number of preferred shares issued	34,150,000		35,750,000		'	'
Preferred shares, shares outstanding	34,150,000		35,750,000		'	'
Aggregate liquidation value	853,750,000		893,750,000		'	'
Common shares held in treasury, shares	34,213,611		26,550,530		'	'
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%		'		'	'
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%		'		'	'
[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 parentbs obligations under this guarantee are unsecured and rank junior in priority of payments to the parentbs 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 parentbs 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, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income	$114,000	$122,000	$125,000	$124,000	$136,000	$135,000	$153,000	$147,000	$484,367	$571,338	$629,148
Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains	99,000	16,000	-299,000	23,000	5,000	257,000	38,000	193,000	-160,735	493,409	66,692
Total revenues	1,637,000	1,564,000	1,039,000	1,298,000	1,312,000	1,632,000	1,285,000	1,332,000	5,538,407	5,562,606	5,351,509
Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other operating expenses	131,000	108,000	145,000	116,000	112,000	95,000	106,000	98,000	500,466	411,374	434,846
Interest Expense	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	12,000	48,929	48,895	48,949
Net foreign exchange losses (gains)	8,000	1,000	11,000	-2,000	3,000	2,000	-8,000	3,000	18,203	175	-34,675
Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	272,000	334,000	-175,000	234,000	112,000	487,000	176,000	360,000	664,008	1,134,514	-520,291
Comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	272,000	334,000	-175,000	234,000	112,000	487,000	176,000	360,000	664,008	1,134,514	-520,291
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-22,835	23,241	-16,700
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	641,173	1,157,755	-536,991
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	18	1,152	2,452
Interest income on intercompany loans	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11,039	0	0
Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	2,208	5,499
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11,057	3,360	7,951
Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	91,800	82,137	76,690
Interest expense on intercompany loans	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,867	730	739
Net foreign exchange losses (gains)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,895	1,085	-9,540
Total expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	103,562	83,952	67,889
Loss before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-92,505	-80,592	-59,938
Equity in net (income) loss of subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	756,513	1,215,106	-460,353
Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	664,008	1,134,514	-520,291
Comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	664,008	1,134,514	-520,291
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-22,835	23,241	-16,700
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to PartnerRe Ltd.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$641,173	$1,157,755	($536,991)

SCHEDULE_II_Condensed_Statemen1

SCHEDULE II - Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - Parent Company Only (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities	'		'		'
Net income (loss)	$673,442,000		$1,134,514,000		($520,291,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:	'		'		'
Other, net	-108,525,000		-52,246,000		-8,647,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	827,267,000		693,293,000		573,635,000
Payments/ proceeds from trading securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Sales and redemptions of short-term investments	312,376,000		110,360,000		336,456,000
Purchases of short-term investments	-176,339,000		-215,473,000		-331,432,000
Other, net	-786,000		995,000		-186,823,000
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	417,993,000		-219,538,000		-1,080,378,000
Cash flows from financing activities	'		'		'
Dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders	-200,078,000		-217,615,000		-205,784,000
Repurchase of common shares	-715,421,000		-504,991,000		-413,737,000
Issuance of common shares	51,111,000		34,323,000		16,041,000
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred shares	241,265,000		0		361,722,000
Redemption of preferred shares	-290,000,000		0		0
Net cash used in financing activities	-865,930,000		-688,283,000		-241,758,000
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	-4,550,000		-6,024,000		-20,326,000
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	374,780,000		-220,552,000		-768,827,000
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	1,121,705,000		1,342,257,000		2,111,084,000
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year	1,496,485,000		1,121,705,000		1,342,257,000
Supplemental cash flow information:	'		'		'
Interest paid	49,259,000		49,259,000		49,259,000
Fixed maturities [Member]	'		'		'
Payments/ proceeds from trading securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Sales of fixed maturities and sales of equities	7,887,186,000		6,969,074,000		8,328,352,000
Purchases of fixed maturities and equities	8,872,874,000		8,067,087,000		10,549,343,000
Equity securities [Member]	'		'		'
Payments/ proceeds from trading securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Sales of fixed maturities and sales of equities	796,403,000		821,977,000		730,929,000
Purchases of fixed maturities and equities	695,456,000		830,323,000		619,533,000
Parent Company [Member]	'		'		'
Cash flows from operating activities	'		'		'
Net income (loss)	664,008,000		1,134,514,000		-520,291,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:	'		'		'
Equity in net (income) loss of subsidiaries	-756,513,000		-1,215,106,000		460,353,000
Other, net	27,397,000		30,573,000		7,663,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	-65,108,000		-50,019,000		-52,275,000
Cash flows from investing activities	'		'		'
Advances to/from subsidiaries, net	666,444,000		190,017,000		3,511,000
Net issue of intercompany loans receivable and payable	14,473,000		132,797,000		379,676,000
Sales and redemptions of fixed maturities	0		184,516,000		446,452,000
Payments/ proceeds from trading securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Sales and redemptions of short-term investments	0		8,543,000		154,473,000
Purchases of short-term investments	0		0		-99,955,000
Dividends received from subsidiaries	0		200,000,000		0
Investments in subsidiaries	0		0		-860,000,000
Foreign exchange forward contracts	0		3,000		-6,750,000
Other, net	196,000		772,000		2,408,000
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	681,113,000		716,648,000		19,815,000
Cash flows from financing activities	'		'		'
Dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders	-103,311,000		-217,615,000		-205,784,000
Repurchase of common shares	-546,617,000		-504,991,000		-413,737,000
Issuance of common shares	51,111,000		34,323,000		16,041,000
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred shares	241,265,000		0		361,722,000
Redemption of preferred shares	-290,000,000		0		0
Net cash used in financing activities	-647,552,000		-688,283,000		-241,758,000
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	2,461,000		297,000		-3,107,000
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-29,086,000		-21,357,000		-277,325,000
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	30,372,000		51,729,000		329,054,000
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year	1,286,000		30,372,000		51,729,000
Supplemental cash flow information:	'		'		'
Interest paid	1,528,000		579,000		743,000
Non-cash dividends received from subsidiary	1,100,000,000	[1]	200,000,000	[1]	274,000,000	[1]
Subsidiaries [Member]	'		'		'
Cash flows from financing activities	'		'		'
Repurchase of common shares	-169,000,000	[2]	'		'
Supplemental cash flow information:	'		'		'
Payment Of Dividends By Subsidiary On Behalf Of Parent	$97,000,000	[2]	'		'
[1]	The parent received non-cash dividends from its subsidiaries of $1,100 million, $200 million and $274 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, which have been excluded from the Condensed Statements of Cash FlowsbParent Company Only.
[2]	During the year ended December 31, 2013, dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders of $97 million and the repurchase of common shares of $169 million were paid by a subsidiary on behalf of the parent and have been excluded from the Condensed Statements of Cash FlowsbParent Company Only.

SCHEDULE_III_Supplementary_Ins1

SCHEDULE III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Supplementary Insurance Information By Segment [Line Items]	'		'		'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	$644,952		$568,391		$547,202
Gross Reserves	10,646,318		10,709,371		11,273,091
Unearned Premiums	1,723,767		1,534,625		1,448,841
Other Benefits Payable	1,974,133		1,813,244		1,645,662
Premium Revenue	5,198,210		4,485,939		4,647,754
Net Investment Income.	484,367	[1]	571,338	[1]	629,148	[1]
Losses Incurred	3,157,808		2,804,610		4,372,570
Amortization of DAC	1,077,628		936,909		938,361
Other Operating Expenses	500,466	[2]	411,374	[2]	434,846	[2]
Premiums Written	4,556,765		3,774,474		3,700,575
Non Life [Member]	'		'		'
Supplementary Insurance Information By Segment [Line Items]	'		'		'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	434,109		363,174		339,010
Gross Reserves	10,646,318		10,709,371		11,273,091
Unearned Premiums	1,699,393		1,517,217		1,432,476
Other Benefits Payable	0		0		0
Premium Revenue	4,234,850		3,684,069		3,844,270
Losses Incurred	2,399,867		2,155,147		3,717,171
Amortization of DAC	952,570		820,464		820,747
Other Operating Expenses	258,997	[2]	257,256	[2]	283,450	[2]
Premiums Written	4,426,719		3,768,111		3,688,185
Life and Health [Member]	'		'		'
Supplementary Insurance Information By Segment [Line Items]	'		'		'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	210,841		205,203		208,108
Gross Reserves	0		0		0
Unearned Premiums	24,337		17,267		15,316
Other Benefits Payable	1,974,133		1,813,244		1,645,662
Premium Revenue	957,146		794,598		792,148
Net Investment Income.	60,897	[1]	64,223	[1]	66,069	[1]
Losses Incurred	760,552		646,981		650,261
Amortization of DAC	124,631		115,887		116,884
Other Operating Expenses	71,092	[2]	52,352	[2]	52,905	[2]
Premiums Written	123,936		'		'
Corporate And Other [Member]	'		'		'
Supplementary Insurance Information By Segment [Line Items]	'		'		'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	2		14		84
Gross Reserves	0		0		0
Unearned Premiums	37		141		1,049
Other Benefits Payable	0		0		0
Premium Revenue	6,214		7,272		11,336
Net Investment Income.	423,470	[1]	507,115	[1]	563,079	[1]
Losses Incurred	-2,611		2,482		5,138
Amortization of DAC	427		558		730
Other Operating Expenses	170,377	[2]	101,766	[2]	98,491	[2]
Premiums Written	$6,110		$6,363		$12,390
[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 Companybs Life products, net investment income is considered in Managementbs assessment of the profitability of the Life and Heatlth segment.
[2]	Other operating expenses are a component of underwriting result for the Non-life and Life and Health segments. Other operating expenses included in Corporate and Other represent corporate expenses and other operating expenses related to the Companybs 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, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reinsurance Premiums For Insurance Companies By Product Segment Net Amount [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$93,091	$84,815	$73,567
Ceded Premiums Earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	175,656	155,010	141,539
Assumed Premiums Earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,280,775	4,556,134	4,715,726
Net amount	1,421,000	1,421,000	1,209,000	1,147,000	1,168,000	1,237,000	1,091,000	990,000	5,198,210	4,485,939	4,647,754
Percentage of amount assumed to net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	102.00%	102.00%	101.00%
Life reinsurance in force	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Ceded to other companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,629,920	1,782,549	1,673,196
Assumed from other companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	211,247,212	214,006,823	199,347,294
Net amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	209,617,292	212,224,274	197,674,098
Percentage of amount assumed to net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	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 Premiums Earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,000	5,400	3,470
Assumed Premiums Earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	821,737	780,279	774,383
Net amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	816,737	774,879	770,913
Percentage of amount assumed to net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	101.00%	101.00%	100.00%
Accident and health [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums For Insurance Companies By Product Segment Net Amount [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Ceded Premiums Earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,912	0	0
Assumed Premiums Earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	143,321	19,719	21,235
Net amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	140,409	19,719	21,235
Percentage of amount assumed to net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	102.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Property and casualty [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums For Insurance Companies By Product Segment Net Amount [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	93,091	84,815	73,567
Ceded Premiums Earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	167,744	149,610	138,069
Assumed Premiums Earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,315,717	3,756,136	3,920,108
Net amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$4,241,064	$3,691,341	$3,855,606
Percentage of amount assumed to net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	102.00%	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, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$434,111	$363,188	$339,094
Liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses	10,646,318	10,709,371	11,273,091
Unearned premiums	1,699,430	1,517,358	1,433,525
Premiums earned	4,241,064	3,691,341	3,855,606
Losses and loss expenses incurred	2,397,256	2,157,629	3,722,309
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	952,997	821,022	821,477
Paid losses and loss expenses	2,401,559	2,705,062	2,990,559
Premiums written	$4,432,829	$3,774,474	$3,700,575