| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 06, 2020 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000913144 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 6, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | D0 |
| Entity File Number | 001-14428 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0141974 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | Renaissance House 12 Crow Lane |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Pembroke |
| Entity Address, Country | BM |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | HM 19 |
| City Area Code | (441) |
| Local Phone Number | 295-4513 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common Shares, Par Value $1.00 per share |
| Trading Symbol | RNR |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series C 6.08 Preference Shares Par Value 1.00pershare [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Series C 6.08% Preference Shares, Par Value $1.00 per share |
| Trading Symbol | RNR PRC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series E 5.375 Preference Shares Par Value 1.00pershare [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Series E 5.375% Preference Shares, Par Value $1.00 per share |
| Trading Symbol | RNR PRE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series F Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a Series F 5.750% Preference Share, Par Value $1.00 per share |
| Trading Symbol | RNR PRF |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
