RenaissanceRe (RNR) 10-K 21 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 19, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.	'	'
Trading Symbol	'RNR	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000913144	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	41,665,815	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$3,716.70

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value (Amortized cost $4,781,712 and $4,549,112 at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively) (Notes 5 and 6)	$4,809,036	$4,660,168
Fixed maturity investments available for sale, at fair value (Amortized cost $30,273 and $71,445 at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively) (Notes 5 and 6)	34,241	83,442
Short term investments, at fair value (Notes 5 and 6)	1,044,779	821,163
Equity investments trading, at fair value (Notes 5 and 6)	254,776	58,186
Other investments, at fair value (Notes 5 and 6)	573,264	644,711
Investments in other ventures, under equity method (Note 5)	105,616	87,724
Total investments	6,821,712	6,355,394
Cash and cash equivalents	408,032	304,145
Premiums receivable	474,087	491,365
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Note 7)	66,132	77,082
Reinsurance recoverable (Notes 7 and 8)	101,025	192,512
Accrued investment income	34,065	33,478
Deferred acquisition costs	81,684	52,622
Receivable for investments sold	75,845	168,673
Other assets	108,438	110,777
Goodwill and other intangible assets (Note 4)	8,111	8,486
Assets of discontinued operations held for sale (Note 3)	0	134,094
Total assets	8,179,131	7,928,628
Liabilities	'	'
Reserve for claims and claim expenses (Note 8)	1,563,730	1,879,377
Unearned premiums	477,888	399,517
Debt (Note 9)	249,430	349,339
Reinsurance balances payable	293,022	290,419
Payable for investments purchased	193,221	278,787
Other liabilities	397,596	198,434
Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale (Note 3)	0	57,440
Total liabilities	3,174,887	3,453,313
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 20)	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (Note 10)	1,099,860	968,259
Shareholders' Equity (Note 12)	'	'
Preference shares: $1.00 par value – 16,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 – 16,000,000)	400,000	400,000
Common shares: $1.00 par value – 43,646,436 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 – 45,542,203)	43,646	45,542
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,131	13,622
Retained earnings	3,456,607	3,043,901
Total shareholders' equity attributable to RenaissanceRe	3,904,384	3,503,065
Noncontrolling interest (Note 10)	0	3,991
Total shareholders' equity	3,904,384	3,507,056
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders' equity	$8,179,131	$7,928,628

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Amortized cost	$4,781,712	$4,549,112
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Amortized cost	$30,273	$71,445
Preference Shares, Par Value (In dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preference Shares, Shares issued (In shares)	16,000,000	16,000,000
Preference shares, Shares outstanding (In shares)	16,000,000	16,000,000
Common Shares, Par Value (In dollars per share)	$1	$1
Common Shares, Shares issued (In shares)	43,646,436	45,542,203
Common Shares, Shares outstanding (In shares)	43,646,436	45,542,203

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (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
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'		'
Gross premiums written	$84,122	$182,649	$703,223	$635,418	$83,745	$136,359	$667,336	$664,151	$1,605,412	[1]	$1,551,591	[2]	$1,434,976	[3]
Net premiums written (Note 7)	80,784	127,241	559,109	436,813	77,417	105,035	427,630	492,575	1,203,947		1,102,657		1,012,773
Increase in unearned premiums	175,981	167,476	-267,220	-165,558	206,234	157,588	-183,214	-213,910	-89,321		-33,302		-61,724
Net premiums earned (Note 7)	256,765	294,717	291,889	271,255	283,651	262,623	244,416	278,665	1,114,626		1,069,355		951,049
Net investment income (Note 5)	78,732	59,931	26,163	43,202	39,000	46,135	17,648	62,942	208,028		165,725		146,871
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)	1,747	488	-932	614	1,851	3,187	1,587	-1,306	1,917		5,319		-7,844
Equity in earnings (losses) of other ventures (Note 5)	6,274	7,313	3,772	5,835	6,612	4,310	6,846	5,470	23,194		23,238		-36,533
Other (loss) income	-173	651	-1,128	-1,709	-2,850	-1,052	5,414	-3,632	-2,359		-2,120		44,345
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments (Note 5)	61,864	28,472	-69,529	14,269	12,139	75,297	28,071	47,614	35,076		163,121		43,956
Total other-than-temporary impairments	0	0	0	0	0	0	-234	-161	0		-395		-630
Portion recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0		52		78
Net other-than-temporary impairments (Note 5)	0	0	0	0	0	0	-209	-134	0		-343		-552
Total revenues	405,209	391,572	250,235	333,466	340,403	390,500	303,773	389,619	1,380,482		1,424,295		1,141,292
Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'		'
Net claims and claim expenses incurred (Notes 7 and 8)	-20,854	60,928	103,962	27,251	186,893	73,215	49,551	15,552	171,287		325,211		861,179
Acquisition expenses	31,026	37,699	31,767	25,009	39,385	24,438	25,608	24,111	125,501		113,542		97,376
Operational expenses	57,658	44,672	42,789	45,986	53,096	42,357	41,375	42,323	191,105		179,151		169,661
Corporate expenses	3,304	4,307	21,529	4,482	3,889	3,796	4,014	4,757	33,622		16,456		18,156
Interest expense (Note 9)	4,297	4,298	4,300	5,034	5,772	5,891	5,716	5,718	17,929		23,097		23,368
Total expenses	75,431	151,904	204,347	107,762	289,035	149,697	126,264	92,461	539,444		657,457		1,169,740
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	329,778	239,668	45,888	225,704	51,368	240,803	177,509	297,158	841,038		766,838		-28,448
Income tax expense (Note 15)	-1,336	-223	-11	-122	-405	-144	-899	36	-1,692		-1,413		-10,385
Income (loss) from continuing operations	328,442	239,445	45,877	225,582	50,963	240,659	176,610	297,194	839,346		765,425		-38,833
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (Note 3)	0	-9,779	2,427	9,774	9,029	-166	8,034	-33,374	2,422		-16,476		-51,559
Net income (loss)	328,442	229,666	48,304	235,356	59,992	240,493	184,644	263,820	841,768		748,949		-90,392
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 10)	-54,191	-44,331	-14,015	-38,607	-9,692	-51,083	-33,624	-53,641	-151,144		-148,040		33,157
Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	274,251	185,335	34,289	196,749	50,300	189,410	151,020	210,179	690,624		600,909		-57,235
Dividends on preference shares (Note 12)	-5,595	-5,595	-7,483	-6,275	-8,645	-8,750	-8,750	-8,750	-24,948		-34,895		-35,000
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$268,656	$179,740	$26,806	$190,474	$41,655	$180,660	$142,270	$201,429	$665,676		$566,014		($92,235)
Income (loss) from continuing operations available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic, in dollars per share	$6.14	$4.32	$0.55	$4.10	$0.69	$3.67	$2.62	$4.59	$15.08		$11.74		($0.82)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic, in dollars per share	$0	($0.23)	$0.06	$0.22	$0.19	$0	$0.16	($0.66)	$0.06		($0.34)		($1.02)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic (Note 13), in dollars per share	$6.14	$4.09	$0.61	$4.32	$0.88	$3.67	$2.78	$3.93	$15.14		$11.40		($1.84)
Income (loss) from continuing operations available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted, in dollars per share	$6.05	$4.23	$0.55	$4.01	$0.68	$3.62	$2.59	$4.53	$14.82		$11.56		($0.82)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted, in dollars per share	$0	($0.22)	$0.05	$0.22	$0.19	$0	$0.16	($0.65)	$0.05		($0.33)		($1.02)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted (Note 13), in dollars per share	$6.05	$4.01	$0.60	$4.23	$0.87	$3.62	$2.75	$3.88	$14.87		$11.23		($1.84)
Dividends per common share (Note 12), in dollars per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1.12		$1.08		$1.04
[1]	Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $1.0 million.
[2]	Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.5 million.
[3]	Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.1 million

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$841,768	$748,949	($90,392)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	-9,491	1,914	-7,991
Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes	0	-52	-78
Comprehensive income (loss)	832,277	750,811	-98,461
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-151,144	-148,040	33,157
Change in net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	6
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-151,144	-148,040	33,163
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	681,133	602,771	-65,298
Disclosure regarding net unrealized gains	'	'	'
Total net realized and unrealized holding (losses) gains on investments and net other-than-temporary impairments	-1,943	5,100	-2,426
Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale	-7,548	-3,529	-6,111
Net other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings	0	343	552
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	($9,491)	$1,914	($7,985)

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cha

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Preference shares	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Accumulated other comprehensive income	Retained earnings	Noncontrolling interest
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2010	'	$550,000	$54,110	$0	$19,823	$3,312,392	'
Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of shares	'	0	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of shares	'	0	-2,889	-13,923	'	-174,807	'
Offering expenses	'	'	'	0	'	'	'
Change in redeemable noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	-473	'	'	'
Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock awards (Notes 12 and 17)	'	'	322	14,396	'	'	'
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	7,985	'	'	'	-7,985	'	'
Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'	-78	'	'
Net income (loss)	-90,392	'	'	'	'	-90,392	'
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 10)	33,157	'	'	'	'	33,157	'
Dividends on common shares	'	'	'	'	'	-53,460	'
Dividends on preference shares	-35,000	'	'	'	'	-35,000	'
Noncontrolling interest (Note 10)	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,340
Total shareholders' equity	3,608,533	'	'	'	'	'	'
End of period at Dec. 31, 2011	'	550,000	51,543	0	11,760	2,991,890	'
Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of shares	'	0	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of shares	'	-150,000	-6,399	-27,376	'	-460,647	'
Offering expenses	'	'	'	0	'	'	'
Change in redeemable noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	9,091	'	'	'
Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock awards (Notes 12 and 17)	'	'	398	18,285	'	'	'
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	-1,914	'	'	'	1,914	'	'
Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'	-52	'	'
Net income (loss)	748,949	'	'	'	'	748,949	'
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 10)	-148,040	'	'	'	'	-148,040	'
Dividends on common shares	'	'	'	'	'	-53,356	'
Dividends on preference shares	-34,895	'	'	'	'	-34,895	'
Noncontrolling interest (Note 10)	3,991	'	'	'	'	'	3,991
Total shareholders' equity	3,507,056	'	'	'	'	'	'
End of period at Dec. 31, 2012	3,503,065	400,000	45,542	0	13,622	3,043,901	'
Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of shares	'	275,000	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of shares	'	-275,000	-2,451	-1,702	'	-203,703	'
Offering expenses	-9,144	'	'	-9,144	'	'	'
Change in redeemable noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	318	'	'	'
Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock awards (Notes 12 and 17)	'	'	555	10,528	'	'	'
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	9,491	'	'	'	-9,491	'	'
Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Net income (loss)	841,768	'	'	'	'	841,768	'
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 10)	-151,144	'	'	'	'	-151,144	'
Dividends on common shares	'	'	'	'	'	-49,267	'
Dividends on preference shares	-24,948	'	'	'	'	-24,948	'
Noncontrolling interest (Note 10)	0	'	'	'	'	'	0
Total shareholders' equity	3,904,384	'	'	'	'	'	'
End of period at Dec. 31, 2013	$3,904,384	$400,000	$43,646	$0	$4,131	$3,456,607	'

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows provided by operating activities	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$841,768,000	$748,949,000	($90,392,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities	'	'	'
Amortization, accretion and depreciation	51,596,000	59,695,000	42,298,000
Equity in undistributed (earnings) losses of other ventures	-15,450,000	-19,316,000	39,581,000
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	-35,058,000	-163,121,000	-43,956,000
Net other-than-temporary impairments	0	343,000	552,000
Net unrealized (gains) losses included in net investment income	-75,789,000	-38,207,000	-12,706,000
Net unrealized losses (gains) included in other (loss) income	12,782,000	-330,000	1,553,000
Change in:	'	'	'
Premiums receivable	17,278,000	-19,487,000	-149,798,000
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	10,950,000	-18,560,000	2,121,000
Reinsurance recoverable	91,487,000	211,517,000	-302,318,000
Deferred acquisition costs	-29,062,000	-8,901,000	-8,073,000
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	-315,647,000	-112,977,000	734,511,000
Unearned premiums	78,371,000	51,862,000	61,472,000
Reinsurance balances payable	2,603,000	33,536,000	-61,141,000
Other	159,892,000	-8,074,000	-47,771,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	795,721,000	716,929,000	165,933,000
Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities	'	'	'
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	8,251,405,000	8,192,867,000	6,089,468,000
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	-8,466,467,000	-8,536,238,000	-6,271,623,000
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	45,178,000	65,168,000	106,362,000
Purchases of fixed maturity investments available for sale	0	0	-4,107,000
Purchases of equity investments trading	-33,055,000	0	-47,995,000
Net (purchases) sales of short term investments	-246,971,000	68,777,000	103,148,000
Net sales of other investments	76,214,000	150,828,000	50,940,000
Net purchases of investments in other ventures	-4,000,000	0	-39,000,000
Net sales (purchases) of other assets	2,181,000	-4,079,000	58,318,000
Net proceeds (payments) related to sale of discontinued operations	60,000,000	-9,000,000	269,520,000
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-315,515,000	-71,677,000	315,031,000
Cash flows used in financing activities	'	'	'
Dividends paid - RenaissanceRe common shares	-49,267,000	-53,356,000	-53,460,000
Dividends paid - preference shares	-24,948,000	-34,895,000	-35,000,000
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	-207,410,000	-463,309,000	-191,619,000
Net repayment of debt	-102,436,000	-1,937,000	-200,000,000
Redemption of preference shares	'	-150,000,000	'
Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions	-5,750,000	164,927,000	-62,157,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-398,955,000	-538,570,000	-542,236,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	1,423,000	1,692,000	518,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	82,674,000	108,374,000	-60,754,000
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations	21,213,000	13,946,000	16,441,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	304,145,000	181,825,000	226,138,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$408,032,000	$304,145,000	$181,825,000

Organization

Organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Organization	'
	ORGANIZATION
	RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (“RenaissanceRe”) was formed under the laws of Bermuda on June 7, 1993. Together with its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and DaVinciRe (as defined below), which are collectively referred to herein as the “Company”, RenaissanceRe provides reinsurance and insurance coverages and related services to a broad range of customers.
	•	Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. (“Renaissance Reinsurance”), the Company’s principal reinsurance subsidiary, provides property catastrophe and specialty reinsurance coverages to insurers and reinsurers on a worldwide basis.
	•	The Company also manages property catastrophe and specialty reinsurance business written on behalf of joint ventures, which principally include Top Layer Reinsurance Ltd. (“Top Layer Re”), recorded under the equity method of accounting, and DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd. (“DaVinci”). Because the Company owns a noncontrolling equity interest in, but controls a majority of the outstanding voting power of DaVinci’s parent, DaVinciRe Holdings Ltd. (“DaVinciRe”), the results of DaVinci and DaVinciRe are consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. Redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe represents the interests of external parties with respect to the net income and shareholders’ equity of DaVinciRe. Renaissance Underwriting Managers, Ltd. (“RUM”), a wholly owned subsidiary, acts as exclusive underwriting manager for these joint ventures in return for fee-based income and profit participation.
	•	RenaissanceRe Syndicate 1458 (“Syndicate 1458”) is the Company’s Lloyd’s syndicate. RenaissanceRe Corporate Capital (UK) Limited (“RenaissanceRe CCL”), a wholly owned subsidiary of RenaissanceRe, is Syndicate 1458’s sole corporate member and RenaissanceRe Syndicate Management Ltd. (“RSML”), a wholly owned subsidiary of RenaissanceRe, is the managing agent for Syndicate 1458.
	•	RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks Ltd., formerly known as Glencoe Insurance Ltd. (“RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks”), is a Bermuda-domiciled excess and surplus lines insurance company that is listed on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ International Insurance Department’s Quarterly List of Alien Insurers as an eligible surplus lines insurer. RenaissanceRe Underwriting Managers U.S. LLC, a specialty reinsurance agency domiciled in Connecticut, provides specialty treaty reinsurance solutions on both a quota share and excess of loss basis; and writes business on behalf of RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd. (“RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S.”), a Bermuda-domiciled reinsurer launched in June 2013 which operates subject to U.S. federal income tax, and Syndicate 1458.
	•	Effective January 1, 2013, the Company formed and launched a managed joint venture, Upsilon Reinsurance II Ltd. (“Upsilon Re II”), a Bermuda domiciled special purpose insurer (“SPI”), to provide additional capacity to the worldwide aggregate and per-occurrence primary and retrocessional property catastrophe excess of loss market. Effective December 11, 2013, Upsilon Re II was renamed Upsilon Reinsurance Fund Opportunities Ltd. (“Upsilon RFO”). Upsilon RFO is considered a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and the Company is considered the primary beneficiary. As a result, Upsilon RFO is consolidated by the Company and all significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated.
	•	RenaissanceRe Medici Fund Ltd. (“Medici”) is an exempted fund, incorporated under the laws of Bermuda. Medici’s objective is to seek to invest substantially all of its assets in various insurance-based investment instruments that have returns primarily tied to property catastrophe risk. During 2013, third-party investors subscribed for a portion of the participating, non-voting common shares of Medici. Because the Company owns a noncontrolling equity interest in, but controls a majority of the outstanding voting power of Medici’s parent, RenaissanceRe Fund Holdings Ltd. (“Fund Holdings”), the results of Medici and Fund Holdings are consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Medici represents the interests of external parties with respect to the net income and shareholders’ equity of Medici.
	•	On August 30, 2013, the Company entered into a purchase agreement with a subsidiary of Munich-American Holding Corporation (together with applicable affiliates, “Munich”) to sell its U.S.-based weather and weather-related energy risk management unit, which included RenRe Commodity Advisors LLC (“RRCA”), Renaissance Trading Ltd. (“Renaissance Trading”) and RenRe Energy Advisors Ltd. (collectively referred to as “REAL”). REAL offered certain derivative-based risk management products primarily to address weather and energy risk and engaged in hedging and trading activities related to those transactions. On October 1, 2013, the Company closed the sale of REAL to Munich. The Company has classified the assets and liabilities associated with this transaction as held for sale. The financial results for these operations have been presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as “discontinued operations” for all periods presented. Refer to “Note 3. Discontinued Operations”, for more information.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated from these statements. Except as discussed in “Note 3. Discontinued Operations,” and unless otherwise noted, the notes to the consolidated financial statements reflect the Company’s continuing operations.
	Certain comparative information has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
	USE OF ESTIMATES IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported and disclosed amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. The major estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, the reserve for claims and claim expenses; reinsurance recoverables, including allowances for reinsurance recoverables deemed uncollectible; estimates of written and earned premiums; fair value, including the fair value of investments, financial instruments and derivatives; impairment charges; and the Company’s deferred tax valuation allowance.
	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	The results of operations of substantially all of the Company’s U.S.-based insurance operations and REAL, its U.S.-based weather and weather-related energy risk management unit, each of which has been sold to a separate unaffiliated third party, are classified as held for sale and are reported as discontinued operations in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic Discontinued Operations. The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto are presented excluding the operations and cash flows of the discontinued operations from the continuing operations of the Company since the Company will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations after the sale. The financial position and results of operations of discontinued operations are presented as single line items on the consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations, respectively.
	PREMIUMS AND RELATED EXPENSES
	Premiums are recognized as income, net of any applicable reinsurance or retrocessional coverage purchased, over the terms of the related contracts and policies. Premiums written are based on contract and policy terms and include estimates based on information received from both insureds and ceding companies. Subsequent differences arising on such estimates are recorded in the period in which they are determined. Unearned premiums represents the portion of premiums written that relate to the unexpired terms of contracts and policies in force. Amounts are computed by pro-rata methods based on statistical data or reports received from ceding companies. Reinstatement premiums are estimated after the occurrence of a significant loss and are recorded in accordance with the contract terms based upon paid losses and case reserves. Reinstatement premiums are earned when written.
	Acquisition costs are shown net of commissions and profit commissions earned on ceded reinsurance, and consist principally of commissions, brokerage and premium tax expenses incurred at the time a contract or policy is issued and are deferred and amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned. Deferred policy acquisition costs are limited to their estimated realizable value based on the related unearned premiums. Anticipated claims and claim expenses, based on historical and current experience, and anticipated investment income related to those premiums are considered in determining the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs.
	CLAIMS AND CLAIM EXPENSES
	The reserve for claims and claim expenses includes estimates for unpaid claims and claim expenses on reported losses as well as an estimate of losses incurred but not reported. The reserve is based on individual claims, case reserves and other reserve estimates reported by insureds and ceding companies as well as management estimates of ultimate losses. Inherent in the estimates of ultimate losses are expected trends in claim severity and frequency and other factors which could vary significantly as claims are settled. Also, during the past few years, the Company has increased its specialty reinsurance business, but does not have the benefit of a significant amount of its own historical experience in certain of these lines of business. Accordingly, the setting and reserving for incurred losses in these lines of business could be subject to greater variability.
	Ultimate losses may vary materially from the amounts provided in the consolidated financial statements. These estimates are reviewed regularly and, as experience develops and new information becomes known, the reserves are adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments, if any, are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which they become known and are accounted for as changes in estimates.
	REINSURANCE
	Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policies. For multi-year retrospectively rated contracts, the Company accrues amounts (either assets or liabilities) that are due to or from assuming companies based on estimated contract experience. If the Company determines that adjustments to earlier estimates are appropriate, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are determined. Reinsurance recoverables on dual trigger reinsurance contracts require the Company to estimate its ultimate losses applicable to these contracts as well as estimate the ultimate amount of insured industry losses that will be reported by the applicable statistical reporting agency, as per the contract terms. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are recorded net of a valuation allowance for estimated uncollectible recoveries.
	Assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts that lack a significant transfer of risk are treated as deposits.
	INVESTMENTS, CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
	Fixed Maturity Investments
	Investments in fixed maturities are classified as available for sale or trading and are reported at fair value. Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date with balances pending settlement reflected in the balance sheet as a receivable for investments sold or a payable for investments purchased. Net investment income includes interest and dividend income together with amortization of market premiums and discounts and is net of investment management and custody fees. The amortization of premium and accretion of discount for fixed maturity securities is computed using the effective yield method. For mortgage-backed securities and other holdings for which there is prepayment risk, prepayment assumptions are evaluated quarterly and revised as necessary. Any adjustments required due to the change in effective yields and maturities are recognized on a prospective basis through yield adjustments. Fair values of investments are based on quoted market prices, or when such prices are not available, by reference to broker or underwriter bid indications and/or internal pricing valuation techniques. The net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on fixed maturity investments available for sale is included in accumulated other comprehensive income. The net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on fixed maturity investments trading is included in net realized and unrealized gains on investments in the consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the first in first out cost method and, for fixed maturity investments available for sale, include adjustments to the cost basis of investments for declines in value that are considered to be other-than-temporary.
	Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
	The Company recognizes other-than-temporary impairments in earnings for its impaired fixed maturity securities available for sale (i) for which the Company has the intent to sell the security or (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery and (iii) for those securities which have a credit loss. In assessing whether a credit loss exists, the Company compares the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. In instances in which a determination is made that an impairment exists but the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis, the impairment is separated into (i) the amount of the total impairment related to the credit loss and (ii) the amount of the total impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. In periods after the recognition of other-than-temporary impairments on the Company’s fixed maturity securities available for sale, the Company accounts for such securities as if they had been purchased on the measurement date of the other-than-temporary impairment at an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings. For debt securities in which other-than-temporary impairments were recognized in earnings, the difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected will be amortized into net investment income.
	Equity Investments, Classified as Trading
	Equity investments are accounted for at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments. Fair values are primarily priced by pricing services, reflecting the closing price quoted for the final trading day of the period. Net investment income includes dividend income and the net realized and unrealized appreciation or depreciation on equity investments is included in net realized and unrealized gains on investments in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Short Term Investments and Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Short term investments, which are managed as part of the Company’s investment portfolio and have a maturity of one year or less when purchased, are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. The net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on short term investments is included in net realized and unrealized gains on investments in the consolidated statements of operations. Cash equivalents include money market instruments with a maturity of ninety days or less when purchased.
	Other Investments
	The Company accounts for its other investments at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments. The fair value of certain of the Company’s fund investments, which principally include private equity funds, senior secured bank loan funds and hedge funds, is recorded on its balance sheet in other investments, and is generally established on the basis of the net valuation criteria established by the managers of such investments, if applicable. The net valuation criteria established by the managers of such investments is established in accordance with the governing documents of such investments. Certain of the Company’s fund managers, fund administrators, or both, are unable to provide final fund valuations as of the Company’s current reporting date. The typical reporting lag experienced by the Company to receive a final net asset value report is one month for hedge funds and senior secured bank loan funds and three months for private equity funds, although, in the past, in respect of certain of the Company’s private equity funds, the Company has on occasion experienced delays of up to six months at year end, as the private equity funds typically complete their respective year-end audits before releasing their final net asset value statements.
	In circumstances where there is a reporting lag between the current period end reporting date and the reporting date of the latest fund valuation, the Company estimates the fair value of these funds by starting with the prior month or quarter-end fund valuations, adjusting these valuations for actual capital calls, redemptions or distributions, as well as the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and then estimating the return for the current period. In circumstances in which the Company estimates the return for the current period, all information available to the Company is utilized. This principally includes preliminary estimates reported to the Company by its fund managers, obtaining the valuation of underlying portfolio investments where such underlying investments are publicly traded and therefore have a readily observable price, using information that is available to the Company with respect to the underlying investments, reviewing various indices for similar investments or asset classes, as well as estimating returns based on the results of similar types of investments for which the Company has obtained reported results, or other valuation methods, where possible. Actual final fund valuations may differ, perhaps materially so, from the Company’s estimates and these differences are recorded in the Company’s statement of operations in the period in which they are reported to the Company as a change in estimate.
	The Company’s other investments also include investments in catastrophe bonds which are recorded at fair value and based on broker or underwriter bid indications.
	Investments in Other Ventures
	Investments in which the Company has significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee are classified as investments in other ventures, under equity method, and are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the Company records its proportionate share of income or loss from such investments in its results for the period. Any decline in value of investments in other ventures, under equity method considered by management to be other-than-temporary is charged to income in the period in which it is determined.
	STOCK INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
	The Company is authorized to issue restricted stock awards and units, performance shares, stock options and other equity-based awards to its employees and directors. The fair value of the compensation cost is measured at the grant date and expensed over the period for which the employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award.
	In addition, the Company is authorized to issue cash settled restricted stock units (“CSRSU”) to its employees. The fair value of CSRSUs is determined at each reporting date using observable exchange traded prices for the Company’s common shares and is expensed over the period for which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. In addition, the fair value of the award is recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a liability as it is expensed and until the point payment is made to the employee.
	Forfeiture benefits are estimated on a quarterly basis and incorporated in the determination of stock-based compensation.
	DERIVATIVES
	The Company enters into derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps, forward contracts and other derivative contracts in order to manage its foreign currency exposure, obtain exposure to a particular financial market, for yield enhancement, or for trading and speculation. The Company accounts for its derivatives in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Derivatives and Hedging, which requires all derivatives to be recorded at fair value on the Company’s balance sheet as either assets or liabilities, depending on their rights or obligations, with changes in fair value reflected in current earnings. The Company does not currently apply hedge accounting. The fair value of the Company’s derivatives is estimated by reference to quoted prices or broker quotes, where available, or in the absence of quoted prices or broker quotes, the use of industry or internal valuation models.
	FAIR VALUE
	The Company accounts for certain of its assets and liabilities at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.  The Company recognizes the change in unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in fair value in its statements of operations, with the exception of changes in unrealized gains and losses on its fixed maturity investments available for sale, which are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity.
	BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The Company accounts for business combinations in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Business Combinations, and goodwill and other intangible assets that arise from business combinations in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. A purchase price that is in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired arising from a business combination is recorded as goodwill, and is not amortized. Other intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. Other intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized.
	Goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Definite life intangible assets are reviewed for indicators of impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, and tested for impairment if appropriate. For purposes of the annual impairment evaluation, goodwill is assigned to the applicable reporting unit of the acquired entities giving rise to the goodwill. Goodwill and other intangible assets recorded in connection with investments accounted for under the equity method, are recorded as “Investments in other ventures, under equity method” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company has established the beginning of the fourth quarter as the date for performing its annual impairment tests. The Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under this option, the Company would not be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the Company determines, based on its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If goodwill or other intangible assets are impaired, they are written down to their estimated fair value with a corresponding expense reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
	NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
	The Company accounts for noncontrolling interests in the shareholders’ equity section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Consolidations, and presents such noncontrolling shareholders’ interest in the net assets of the subsidiary. Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests is presented separately in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
	In addition, the Company accounts for redeemable noncontrolling interest in DaVinciRe in the mezzanine section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in accordance with United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) guidance which is applicable to SEC registrants. The SEC guidance requires shares, not required to be accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, and having redemption features that are not solely within the control of the issuer, to be classified outside of permanent equity in the mezzanine section of the balance sheet. Because the share classes related to the redeemable noncontrolling interest portion of DaVinciRe are not considered liabilities in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and have redemption features that are not solely within the control of DaVinciRe, the redeemable noncontrolling interest in DaVinciRe is presented in the mezzanine section on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in accordance with the SEC guidance noted above. The SEC guidance does not impact the accounting for redeemable noncontrolling interest on the consolidated statements of operations; therefore, the provisions of FASB ASC Topic Consolidation with respect to the consolidated statements of operations still apply.
	VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
	The Company accounts for VIEs in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Consolidation, which requires the consolidation of all VIEs by the primary beneficiary, that being the investor that has the power to direct the activities of the VIE and will absorb a majority of the VIE’s expected losses or residual returns. The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by performing an analysis that principally considers: (i) the VIE’s purpose and design, including the risks the VIE was designed to create and pass through to its variable interest holders; (ii) the VIE’s capital structure; (iii) the terms between the VIE and its variable interest holders and other parties involved with the VIE; (iv) which variable interest holders have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; (v) which variable interest holders have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE; and (vi) related party relationships. The Company reassesses its initial determination of whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE upon changes in facts and circumstances that could potentially alter the Company’s assessment.
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The Company calculates earnings per share in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Earnings per Share. Basic earnings per share are based on weighted average common shares and exclude any dilutive effects of options and restricted stock. Diluted earnings per share assumes the exercise of all dilutive stock options and restricted stock grants.
	The two-class method is used to determine earnings per share based on dividends declared on common shares and participating securities (i.e. distributed earnings) and participation rights of participating securities in any undistributed earnings. Each unvested restricted share granted by the Company to its employees is considered a participating security and the Company uses the two-class method to calculate its net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic and diluted.
	FOREIGN EXCHANGE
	The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the prevailing exchange rate at the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are remeasured at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, which may result in the recognition of exchange gains or losses which are included in the determination of net income (loss).
	TAXATION
	Income taxes have been provided in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities result from temporary differences between the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Such temporary differences are primarily due to net operating loss carryforwards and GAAP versus tax basis accounting differences relating to interest expense, underwriting results, accrued expenses and investments. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance against deferred tax assets is recorded if it is more likely than not that all, or some portion, of the benefits related to deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	Uncertain tax positions are also accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Income Taxes.  Uncertain tax positions must meet a more likely than not recognition threshold to be recognized.
	RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	Disclosures About Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
	In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2011-11”). The objective of ASU 2011-11 is to enhance disclosures by requiring improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments in relation to netting arrangements. ASU 2011-11 became effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, with retrospective presentation of the new disclosure required. The Company adopted ASU 2011-11 effective January 1, 2013; since this update is disclosure-related only, the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial position.
	In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2013-01”). The guidance clarified that the disclosures in ASU 2011-11 would apply only to derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions, each to the extent that they met specific conditions provided in the initial accounting standard. ASU 2013-01 became effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, with retrospective presentation of the new disclosure required. As this guidance is
	disclosure-related only, the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial position.
	Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment
In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (“ASU 2012-02”). ASU 2012-02 simplifies the guidance for testing the decline in the realizable value of indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill. ASU 2012-02 allows an organization the option to first assess the qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. An organization electing to perform a qualitative assessment is no longer required to calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset unless the organization determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is “more likely than not” that the asset is impaired. ASU 2012-02 became effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The Company adopted ASU 2012-02 effective January 1, 2013 and the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial position.
Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”). The objective of ASU 2013-02 is to improve the reporting of classifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by requiring an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional details about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company prospectively adopted ASU 2013-02 effective January 1, 2013; since this update is disclosure-related only, the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial position.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED
Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). The objective of ASU 2013-11 is to improve the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 seeks to reduce the diversity in practice by providing guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits to better reflect the manner in which an entity would settle at the reporting date any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards exist. ASU 2013-11 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with both early adoption and retrospective application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance; however, it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial position.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	REAL
	On August 30, 2013, the Company entered into a purchase agreement with Munich to sell REAL and, on October 1, 2013, the Company closed the sale of REAL to Munich. The Company has classified the assets and liabilities associated with this transaction as held for sale and the financial results are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as “discontinued operations.”
	Consideration for the transaction was $60.0 million, paid in cash at closing, subject to post-closing adjustments for certain tax and other items. The Company recorded a loss on sale of $8.8 million in conjunction with the sale, including related direct expenses to date.
	See “Note 9. Debt” for additional information related to guarantees provided by RenaissanceRe with respect to certain counterparties of REAL.
	U.S.-Based Insurance Operations
	On November 18, 2010, RenaissanceRe entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with QBE Holdings, Inc. (“QBE”) to sell substantially all of its U.S.-based insurance operations, including its U.S. property and casualty business underwritten through managing general agents, its crop insurance business underwritten through Agro National, its commercial property insurance operations and its claims operations.  At December 31, 2010, the Company classified the assets and liabilities associated with this transaction as held for sale and the assets and liabilities were recorded at the lower of the carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. The financial results for these operations have been presented as discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented.
	Consideration for the transaction was book value at December 31, 2010, for the aforementioned businesses, payable in cash at closing and subject to adjustment for certain tax and other items.
	The transaction closed on March 4, 2011 and net consideration of $269.5 million was received by RenaissanceRe.
	Pursuant to the stock purchase agreement, RenaissanceRe’s U.S.-based insurance operations were subject to a post-closing review following December 31, 2011 of the net reserve for claims and claim expenses for loss events occurring on or prior to December 31, 2010 (the “Reserve Collar”). Effective May 23, 2012, RenaissanceRe and QBE reached an agreement in respect of the Reserve Collar, and RenaissanceRe paid QBE the sum of $9.0 million on June 1, 2012, representing full and final settlement of the Reserve Collar.
	Except as explicitly described as held for sale or as discontinued operations, and unless otherwise noted, all discussions and amounts presented herein relate to the Company’s continuing operations. All prior periods presented have been reclassified to conform to this form of presentation.
	The Company has reclassified the assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations to assets of discontinued operations held for sale and liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale, respectively, on its consolidated balance sheets. Details of the assets, liabilities and shareholder’s equity of discontinued operations held for sale at at December 31, 2013 and 2012, are as follows and relate entirely to REAL.
		At December 31,	2013			2012
		Assets of Discontinued Operations Held for Sale
		Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value (Amortized cost $Nil and $5,250 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively)	$	—		$	5,253
		Cash and cash equivalents	—			21,213
		Other assets	—			107,628
		Total assets of discontinued operations held for sale	$	—		$	134,094
		Liabilities of Discontinued Operations Held for Sale
		Debt	$	—		$	2,436
		Other liabilities	—			55,004
		Total liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	$	—		$	57,440
		Shareholder’s Equity of Discontinued Operations Held for Sale
		Total shareholder’s equity of discontinued operations held for sale	—			76,654
		Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity of discontinued operations held for sale	$	—		$	134,094
	The Company has reclassified the results of operations of the discontinued operations to income (loss) from discontinued operations in its consolidated statements of operations. Details of the income (loss) from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
		Year ended December 31, 2013	REAL
		Revenues
		Net investment income	$	1,150
		Net foreign exchanges gains	849
		Other income	701
		Net realized and unrealized losses on investments	(18		)
		Total revenues	2,682
		Expenses
		Operational expenses	89
		Corporate expenses	104
		Total expenses	193
		Income before taxes	2,489
		Income tax expense	(67		)
		Income from discontinued operations	$	2,422
		Year ended December 31, 2012	REAL			U.S.-based insurance operations			Total
		Revenues
		Net investment income	$	2,517		$	—		$	2,517
		Net foreign exchange losses	(96		)	—			(96		)
		Other (loss) income	(20,785		)	2,730			(18,055		)
		Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	3			—			3
		Total revenues	(18,361		)	2,730			(15,631		)
		Expenses
		Operational expenses	150			436			586
		Corporate expenses	236			—			236
		Total expenses	386			436			822
		(Loss) income before taxes	(18,747		)	2,294			(16,453		)
		Income tax expense	(16		)	(7		)	(23		)
		(Loss) income from discontinued operations	$	(18,763	)	$	2,287		$	(16,476	)
		Year ended December 31, 2011	REAL			U.S.-based insurance operations			Total
		Revenues
		Gross premiums written	$	—		$	21,546		$	21,546
		Net premiums written	$	—		$	(44,935	)	$	(44,935	)
		Decrease in unearned premiums	—			66,137			66,137
		Net premiums earned	$	—		$	21,202		$	21,202
		Net investment (loss) income	(2,159		)	339			(1,820		)
		Net foreign exchange gains	933			—			933
		Other loss	(45,030		)	(9,904		)	(54,934		)
	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	—			42			42
	Total revenues	(46,256		)	11,679			(34,577		)
	Expenses
	Net claims and claim expenses incurred	—			8,430			8,430
	Acquisition expenses	—			6,059			6,059
	Operational expenses	5			7,272			7,277
	Corporate expenses	108			770			878
	Total expenses	113			22,531			22,644
	Loss before taxes	(46,369		)	(10,852		)	(57,221		)
	Income tax benefit (expense)	10,700			(5,038		)	5,662
	Loss from discontinued operations	$	(35,669	)	$	(15,890	)	$	(51,559	)

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The following table shows an analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets:
			Goodwill and other intangible assets
			Goodwill			Other			Total
						intangible
						assets
		Balance as of December 31, 2011
		Gross amount	$	8,160		$	12,999		$	21,159
		Accumulated impairment losses and amortization	(2,299		)	(9,966		)	(12,265		)
			5,861			3,033			8,894
		Amortization	—			(408		)	(408		)
		Balance as of December 31, 2012
		Gross amount	8,160			12,999			21,159
		Accumulated impairment losses and amortization	(2,299		)	(10,374		)	(12,673		)
			5,861			2,625			8,486
		Amortization	—			(375		)	(375		)
		Balance as of December 31, 2013
		Gross amount	8,160			12,999			21,159
		Accumulated impairment losses and amortization	(2,299		)	(10,749		)	(13,048		)
			$	5,861		$	2,250		$	8,111
	The following table shows an analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets included in investments in other ventures, under equity method:
			Goodwill and other intangible assets included
			in investments in other  ventures, under equity method
			Goodwill			Other intangible  assets			Total
		Balance as of December 31, 2011
		Gross amount	$	9,021		$	44,323		$	53,344
		Accumulated impairment losses and amortization	—			(19,820		)	(19,820		)
			9,021			24,503			33,524
		Acquired during the year	1,819			—			1,819
		Amortization	—			(4,949		)	(4,949		)
		Balance as of December 31, 2012
		Gross amount	10,840			44,323			55,163
		Accumulated impairment losses and amortization	—			(24,769		)	(24,769		)
			10,840			19,554			30,394
		Acquired during the year	1,705			1,155			2,860
		Amortization	—			(4,042		)	(4,042		)
		Balance as of December 31, 2013
		Gross amount	12,545			45,478			58,023
		Accumulated impairment losses and amortization	—			(28,811		)	(28,811		)
			$	12,545		$	16,667		$	29,212
	The gross carrying value and accumulated amortization by major category of other intangible assets is shown below:
			Other intangible assets
		At December 31, 2013	Gross			Accumulated			Total
			carrying			amortization and impairment losses
			value
		Customer relationships and customer lists	$	40,640		$	(24,522	)	$	16,118
		Lloyd’s managing agency license	1,867			—			1,867
		Trademarks and trade names	610			(134		)	476
		Covenants not-to-compete	2,130			(1,674		)	456
		Software	8,730			(8,730		)	—
		Patents and intellectual property	4,500			(4,500		)	—
			$	58,477		$	(39,560	)	$	18,917
			Other intangible assets
		At December 31, 2012	Gross			Accumulated			Total
			carrying			amortization and impairment losses
			value
		Customer relationships and customer lists	$	39,485		$	(20,936	)	$	18,549
		Lloyd’s managing agency license	1,867			—			1,867
		Covenants not-to-compete	2,130			(1,369		)	761
		Trademarks and trade names	610			(110		)	500
		Software	8,730			(8,395		)	335
		Patents and intellectual property	4,500			(4,333		)	167
			$	57,322		$	(35,143	)	$	22,179
The useful life of intangible assets with finite lives ranges from one to 25 years, with a weighted-average amortization period of 11 years. Expected amortization of the other intangible assets, including other intangible assets recorded in investments in other ventures, under equity method, is shown below:
		Other			Other			Total
		intangibles			intangible
					assets
					included
					in investments
					in other
					ventures, under
					equity method
	2014	$	209		$	3,669		$	3,878
	2015	174			3,008			3,182
	2016	—			2,309			2,309
	2017	—			1,931			1,931
	2018	—			1,497			1,497
	2019 and thereafter	—			4,253			4,253
	Total remaining amortization expense	$	383		$	16,667		$	17,050
	Indefinite lived	1,867			—			1,867
	Total	$	2,250		$	16,667		$	18,917

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	INVESTMENTS
	Fixed Maturity Investments Trading
	The following table summarizes the fair value of fixed maturity investments trading:
			December 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012
		U.S. treasuries	$	1,352,413		$	1,254,547
		Agencies	186,050			315,154
		Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)	334,580			133,198
		Non-U.S. government-backed corporate	237,479			349,514
		Corporate	1,803,415			1,607,233
		Agency mortgage-backed	336,661			399,619
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	243,795			230,747
		Commercial mortgage-backed	303,214			361,645
		Asset-backed	11,429			8,511
		Total fixed maturity investments trading	$	4,809,036		$	4,660,168
	Fixed Maturity Investments Available For Sale
	The following table summarizes the amortized cost, fair value and related unrealized gains and losses and non-credit other-than-temporary impairments of fixed maturity investments available for sale:
						Included in Accumulated
						Other Comprehensive Income
		At December 31, 2013	Amortized			Gross				Gross				Fair Value				Non-Credit
			Cost			Unrealized				Unrealized								Other-Than-
						Gains				Losses								Temporary
																		Impairments
																		(1)
		Agency mortgage-backed	$	4,880		$	378			$	(11	)		$	5,247			$	—
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	11,735			2,414				(6		)		14,143				(742		)
		Commercial mortgage-backed	10,052			970				—				11,022				—
		Asset-backed	3,606			223				—				3,829				—
		Total fixed maturity investments available for sale	$	30,273		$	3,985			$	(17	)		$	34,241			$	(742	)
						Included in Accumulated
						Other Comprehensive Income
		At December 31, 2012	Amortized Cost			Gross				Gross				Fair Value				Non-Credit
						Unrealized				Unrealized								Other-Than-
						Gains				Losses								Temporary
																		Impairments
																		(1)
		Corporate	$	7,065		$	1,002			$	(93	)		$	7,974			$	(85	)
		Agency mortgage-backed	8,280			632				—				8,912				—
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	14,613			2,989				(10		)		17,592				(835		)
		Commercial mortgage-backed	37,292			7,229				—				44,521				—
		Asset-backed	4,195			248				—				4,443				—
		Total fixed maturity investments available for sale	$	71,445		$	12,100			$	(103	)		$	83,442			$	(920	)
	-1	Represents the non-credit component of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income adjusted for subsequent sales of securities. It does not include the change in fair value subsequent to the impairment measurement date.
	Contractual maturities of fixed maturity investments are described in the following table. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
			Trading							Available for Sale								Total Fixed Maturity Investments
		At December 31, 2013	Amortized			Fair Value				Amortized Cost				Fair Value				Amortized Cost				Fair Value
			Cost
		Due in less than one year	$	160,345		$	160,760			$	—			$	—			$	160,345			$	160,760
		Due after one through five years	3,109,181			3,118,799				—				—				3,109,181				3,118,799
		Due after five through ten years	550,269			551,007				—				—				550,269				551,007
		Due after ten years	76,623			83,371				—				—				76,623				83,371
		Mortgage-backed	874,099			883,670				26,667				30,412				900,766				914,082
		Asset-backed	11,195			11,429				3,606				3,829				14,801				15,258
		Total	$	4,781,712		$	4,809,036			$	30,273			$	34,241			$	4,811,985			$	4,843,277
	Equity Investments Trading
	The following table summarizes the fair value of equity investments trading:
			December 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012
		Financials	$	152,905		$	58,186
		Consumer	44,115			—
		Industrial, utilities and energy	25,350			—
		Healthcare	15,340			—
		Basic materials	12,766			—
	Communications and technology	4,300			—
	Total	$	254,776		$	58,186
Pledged Investments
At December 31, 2013, $2,081.1 million of cash and investments at fair value were on deposit with, or in trust accounts for the benefit of, various counterparties, including with respect to the Company’s syndicated letter of credit facility and bilateral letter of credit facility (2012 - $1,490.9 million). Of this amount, $652.8 million is on deposit with, or in trust accounts for the benefit of, U.S. state regulatory authorities (2012 - $581.2 million).
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
At December 31, 2013, the Company held $37.3 million (2012 - $74.8 million) of reverse repurchase agreements. These loans are fully collateralized, are generally outstanding for a short period of time and are presented on a gross basis as part of short term investments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The required collateral for these loans typically include high-quality, readily marketable instruments at a minimum amount of 102% of the loan principal. Upon maturity, the Company receives principal and interest income.
Net Investment Income, Net Realized and Unrealized Gains on Investments and Net Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
The components of net investment income are as follows:
	Year ended December 31,	2013			2012				2011
	Fixed maturity investments	$	95,907		$	103,330			$	116,570
	Short term investments	1,698			1,007				1,666
	Equity investments	2,295			1,086				471
	Other investments
	Hedge funds and private equity investments	45,810			36,635				27,541
	Other	73,692			35,196				10,585
	Cash and cash equivalents	191			277				195
		219,593			177,531				157,028
	Investment expenses	(11,565		)	(11,806		)		(10,157		)
	Net investment income	$	208,028		$	165,725			$	146,871
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments and net other-than-temporary impairments are as follows:
	Year ended December 31,	2013			2012				2011
	Gross realized gains	$	72,492		$	97,787			$	79,358
	Gross realized losses	(50,206		)	(16,705		)		(30,659		)
	Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments	22,286			81,082				48,699
	Net unrealized (losses) gains on fixed maturity investments trading	(87,827		)	75,279				19,404
	Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments-related derivatives	31,058			(866		)		(26,712		)
	Net realized gains on equity investments trading	26,650			—				—
	Net unrealized gains on equity investments trading	42,909			7,626				2,565
	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	$	35,076		$	163,121			$	43,956
	Total other-than-temporary impairments	$	—		$	(395	)		$	(630	)
	Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes	—			52				78
	Net other-than-temporary impairments	$	—		$	(343	)		$	(552	)
The following table provides an analysis of the components of other comprehensive income and reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income.
		Twelve months ended December 31, 2013
		Investments in other ventures			Fixed maturity investments available for sale				Total
	Beginning balance	$	1,625		$	11,997			$	13,622
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(1,462		)	(481		)		(1,943		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income by statement of operations line item:
	Realized gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments	—			(7,548		)		(7,548		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss	(1,462		)	(8,029		)		(9,491		)
	Ending balance	$	163		$	3,968			$	4,131
The following tables provide an analysis of the length of time the Company’s fixed maturity investments available for sale in an unrealized loss have been in a continual unrealized loss position.
		Less than 12 Months							12 Months or Greater								Total
	At December 31, 2013	Fair Value			Unrealized				Fair Value				Unrealized				Fair Value				Unrealized
					Losses								Losses								Losses
	Agency mortgage-backed	$	726		$	(11	)		$	—			$	—			$	726			$	(11	)
	Non-agency mortgage-backed	—			—				89				(6		)		89				(6		)
	Commercial mortgage-backed	39			—				—				—				39				—
	Total	$	765		$	(11	)		$	89			$	(6	)		$	854			$	(17	)
		Less than 12 Months							12 Months or Greater								Total
	At December 31, 2012	Fair Value			Unrealized				Fair Value				Unrealized				Fair Value				Unrealized
					Losses								Losses								Losses
	Corporate	$	598		$	(30	)		$	440			$	(63	)		$	1,038			$	(93	)
	Non-agency mortgage-backed	—			—				101				(10		)		101				(10		)
	Total	$	598		$	(30	)		$	541			$	(73	)		$	1,139			$	(103	)
At December 31, 2013, the Company held four fixed maturity investments available for sale securities that were in an unrealized loss position (2012 - 28), including two fixed maturity investments available for sale securities that were in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater (2012 - 11). The Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities before the anticipated recovery of the remaining amortized cost basis. The Company performed reviews of its fixed maturity investments available for sale for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, in order to determine whether declines in the fair value below the amortized cost basis were considered other-than-temporary in accordance with the applicable guidance, as discussed below.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Process
The Company’s process for assessing whether declines in the fair value of its fixed maturity investments available for sale represent impairments that are other-than-temporary includes reviewing each fixed maturity investment available for sale that is impaired and determining: (i) if the Company has the intent to sell the debt security or (ii) if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery; and (iii) whether a credit loss exists, that is, where the Company expects that the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security is less than the amortized cost basis of the security.
In assessing the Company’s intent to sell securities, the Company’s procedures may include actions such as discussing planned sales with its third party investment managers, reviewing sales that have occurred shortly after the balance sheet date, and consideration of other qualitative factors that may be indicative of the Company’s intent to sell or hold the relevant securities. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized $Nil other-than-temporary impairments due to the Company’s intent to sell these securities as of December 31, 2013 (2012 – $Nil, 2011 - $Nil).
In assessing whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a security before its anticipated recovery, the Company considers various factors including its future cash flow forecasts and requirements, legal and regulatory requirements, the level of its cash, cash equivalents, short term investments, fixed maturity investments trading and fixed maturity investments available for sale in an unrealized gain position, and other relevant factors. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized $Nil of other-than-temporary impairments due to required sales (2012 – $Nil, 2011 - $Nil).
In evaluating credit losses, the Company considers a variety of factors in the assessment of a security including: (i) the time period during which there has been a significant decline below cost; (ii) the extent of the decline below cost and par; (iii) the potential for the security to recover in value; (iv) an analysis of the financial condition of the issuer; (v) the rating of the issuer; (vi) the implied rating of the issuer based on an analysis of option adjusted spreads; (vii) the absolute level of the option adjusted spread for the issuer; and (viii) an analysis of the collateral structure and credit support of the security, if applicable.
Once the Company determines that it is possible that a credit loss may exist for a security, the Company performs a detailed review of the cash flows expected to be collected from the issuer. The Company estimates expected cash flows by applying estimated default probabilities and recovery rates to the contractual cash flows of the issuer, with such default and recovery rates reflecting long-term historical averages adjusted to reflect current credit, economic and market conditions, giving due consideration to collateral and credit support, if applicable, and discounting the expected cash flows at the purchase yield on the security. In instances in which a determination is made that an impairment exists but the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis, the impairment is separated into: (i) the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss; and (ii) the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized $Nil of other-than-temporary impairments which were recognized in earnings and $Nil related to other factors which were recognized in other comprehensive income (2012 – $0.3 million and $52 thousand, respectively, 2011 - $0.6 million and $78 thousand, respectively).
The following table provides a rollforward of the amount of other-than-temporary impairments related to credit losses recognized in earnings for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:
		2013			2012
	Balance – January 1	$	838		$	2,370
	Additions:
	Amount related to credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized	—			8
	Amount related to credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized	—			110
	Reductions:
	Securities sold during the period	(277		)	(1,650		)
	Securities for which the amount previously recognized in other comprehensive income was recognized in earnings, because the Company intends to sell the security or is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security	—			—
	Increases in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security	—			—
	Balance – December 31	$	561		$	838
Other Investments
The table below shows the fair value of the Company’s portfolio of other investments:
	At December 31,	2013			2012
	Private equity partnerships	$	322,391		$	344,669
	Catastrophe bonds	229,016			91,310
	Senior secured bank loan funds	18,048			202,929
	Hedge funds	3,809			5,803
	Total other investments	$	573,264		$	644,711
Interest income, income distributions and net realized and unrealized gains on other investments are included in net investment income and totaled $119.5 million (2012 – $71.8 million, 2011 – $38.1 million) of which $75.8 million was related to net unrealized gains (2012 – $38.2 million, 2011 – $12.7 million). Included in net investment income for the year ended December 31, 2013 is a loss of $3.7 million (2012 - loss of $4.7 million, 2011 - loss of $1.4 million) representing the change in estimate during the period related to the difference between the Company’s estimated net investment income due to the lag in reporting, as discussed in “Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies”, and the actual amount as reported in the final net asset values provided by the Company’s fund managers.
The Company has committed capital to private equity partnerships and other entities of $662.7 million, of which $544.6 million has been contributed at December 31, 2013. The Company’s remaining commitments to these funds at December 31, 2013 totaled $116.2 million. In the future, the Company may enter into additional commitments in respect of private equity partnerships or individual portfolio company investment opportunities.
Investments in Other Ventures, under Equity Method
The table below shows the Company’s portfolio of investments in other ventures, under equity method:
		2013										2012
	At December 31,	Investment			Ownership %			Carrying  Value				Investment				Ownership %			Carrying  Value
	THIG	$	50,000		25	%		$	25,107			$	50,000			25	%		$	28,303
	Tower Hill	10,000			29.4	%		14,506				10,000				28.6	%		13,969
	Tower Hill Signature	500			25	%		2,515				500				25	%		896
	Total Tower Hill Companies	60,500						42,128				60,500							43,168
	Top Layer Re	65,375			50	%		50,500				65,375				50	%		36,664
	Angus	10,507			42.5	%		9,180				8,226				38.8	%		7,892
	Other	3,000			22	%		3,808				—				—	%		—
	Total investments in other ventures, under equity method	$	139,382					$	105,616			$	134,101						$	87,724
Included in the table above is the Company’s investment in Angus Partners LLC (“Angus”). On December 1, 2013, the Company increased its investment in Angus through the transactions described in “Note 10. Noncontrolling Interests”. As a result of these transactions, the Company has cumulatively invested $10.5 million in Angus, representing a 42.5% ownership.
On July 1, 2008, the Company invested $50.0 million in Tower Hill Insurance Group, LLC. (“THIG”) representing a 25.0% equity ownership. Included in the purchase price was $40.0 million of other intangibles and $7.8 million of goodwill, which, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, are recorded as “Investments in other ventures, under equity method” rather than “Goodwill and other intangibles” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
The Company originally invested $13.1 million in Top Layer Re, representing a 50.0% ownership. In December 2010, March 2011 and December 2011, primarily as a result of net claims and claim expenses incurred by Top Layer Re with respect to the September 2010, February 2011 New Zealand and Tohoku Earthquakes, respectively, the Company invested an additional $13.8 million, $20.5 million and $18.0 million, respectively, in Top Layer Re, maintaining the Company’s 50% ownership interest.
The table below shows the Company’s equity in earnings (losses) of other ventures, under equity method:
	Year ended December 31,	2013			2012				2011
	Top Layer Re	$	13,836		$	20,792			$	(37,471	)
	Tower Hill Companies	10,270			4,965				2,923
	Angus	(858		)	(2,519		)		808
	Other	(54		)	—				(2,793		)
	Total equity in earnings (losses) of other ventures	$	23,194		$	23,238			$	(36,533	)
Undistributed earnings in the Company’s investments in other ventures, under equity method were $15.5 million at December 31, 2013 (2012 - $19.3 million). During 2013, the Company received $9.9 million of dividends from its investments in other ventures, under equity method (2012 – $9.9 million, 2011 – $9.5 million). During the third quarter of 2011, the Company sold its entire ownership interest in NBIC Holdings, Inc. (“NBIC”), a holding company for a specialty underwriter of homeowners’ insurance products and services, for $12.0 million. Included in Other in the table above for the year ended December 31, 2011 is equity in losses of NBIC of $2.8 million, which was accounted for under the equity method of accounting prior to its sale. As a result of the sale, the Company recorded a $4.8 million gain, included in other income for the year ended December 31, 2011. Except for Top Layer Re, the equity in earnings of Tower Hill Insurance Group, LLC., Tower Hill Holdings, Inc. and Tower Hill Signature Insurance Holdings, Inc. (collectively, the “Tower Hill Companies”), Angus and the Company’s other category of investments in other ventures are reported one quarter in arrears.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	The use of fair value to measure certain assets and liabilities with resulting unrealized gains or losses is pervasive within the Company’s financial statements. Fair value is defined under accounting guidance currently applicable to the Company to be the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between open market participants at the measurement date. The Company recognizes the change in unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in fair value in its consolidated statements of operations, with the exception of changes in unrealized gains and losses on its fixed maturity investments available for sale, which are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity.
	FASB ASC Topic Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures prescribes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to the respective valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to valuation techniques that use at least one significant input that is unobservable (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
	•	Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active markets for identical assets or liabilities for which the Company has access. The fair value is determined by multiplying the quoted price by the quantity held by the Company;
	•	Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals, broker quotes and certain pricing indices; and
	•	Level 3 inputs are based all or in part on significant unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In these cases, significant management assumptions can be used to establish management’s best estimate of the assumptions used by other market participants in determining the fair value of the asset or liability.
	In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and the Company considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
	In order to determine if a market is active or inactive for a security, the Company considers a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the spread between what a seller is asking for a security and what a buyer is bidding for the same security, the volume of trading activity for the security in question, the price of the security compared to its par value (for fixed maturity investments), and other factors that may be indicative of market activity.
	Other than the transaction noted below, there have been no material changes in the Company’s valuation techniques, nor have there been any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, or Level 2 and 3 during the period represented by these consolidated financial statements. As discussed in greater detail below, the Company transferred its investment in the common shares of Essent Group Ltd. (“Essent”), a U.S. mortgage guaranty insurance company, from Level 3 to Level 1, effective October 31, 2013, the date which Essent became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”). The fair value transferred from Level 3 to Level 1 was $85.6 million.
	Below is a summary of the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and also represents the carrying amount on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet:
		At December 31, 2013	Total			Quoted			Significant				Significant
						Prices in Active			Other				Unobservable
						Markets for			Observable				Inputs
						Identical			Inputs				(Level 3)
						Assets			(Level 2)
						(Level 1)
		Fixed maturity investments
		U.S. treasuries	$	1,352,413		$	1,352,413		$	—			$	—
		Agencies	186,050			—			186,050				—
		Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)	334,580			—			334,580				—
		Non-U.S. government-backed corporate	237,479			—			237,479				—
		Corporate	1,803,415			—			1,775,835				27,580
		Agency mortgage-backed	341,908			—			341,908				—
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	257,938			—			257,938				—
		Commercial mortgage-backed	314,236			—			314,236				—
		Asset-backed	15,258			—			15,258				—
		Total fixed maturity investments	4,843,277			1,352,413			3,463,284				27,580
		Short term investments	1,044,779			—			1,044,779				—
		Equity investments trading	254,776			254,776			—				—
		Other investments
		Private equity partnerships	322,391			—			—				322,391
		Catastrophe bonds	229,016			—			229,016				—
		Senior secured bank loan funds	18,048			—			—				18,048
		Hedge funds	3,809			—			—				3,809
		Total other investments	573,264			—			229,016				344,248
		Other assets and (liabilities)
		Derivatives (1)	4,758			823			6,425				(2,490		)
		Other	(12,991		)	—			(12,991		)		—
		Total other assets and (liabilities)	(8,233		)	823			(6,566		)		(2,490		)
			$	6,707,863		$	1,608,012		$	4,730,513			$	369,338
	-1	See “Note 19. Derivative Instruments” for additional information related to the fair value by type of contract, of derivatives entered into by the Company.
		At December 31, 2012	Total			Quoted			Significant				Significant
						Prices in Active			Other				Unobservable
						Markets for			Observable				Inputs
						Identical			Inputs				(Level 3)
						Assets			(Level 2)
						(Level 1)
		Fixed maturity investments
		U.S. treasuries	$	1,254,547		$	1,254,547		$	—			$	—
		Agencies	315,154			—			315,154				—
		Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)	133,198			—			133,198				—
		Non-U.S. government-backed corporate	349,514			—			349,514				—
		Corporate	1,615,207			—			1,587,415				27,792
		Agency mortgage-backed	408,531			—			408,531				—
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	248,339			—			248,339				—
		Commercial mortgage-backed	406,166			—			406,166				—
		Asset-backed	12,954			—			12,954				—
		Total fixed maturity investments	4,743,610			1,254,547			3,461,271				27,792
		Short term investments	821,163			—			821,163				—
		Equity investments trading	58,186			58,186			—				—
		Other investments
		Private equity partnerships	344,669			—			—				344,669
		Senior secured bank loan funds	202,929			—			172,334				30,595
	Catastrophe bonds	91,310			—			91,310				—
	Hedge funds	5,803			—			—				5,803
	Total other investments	644,711			—			263,644				381,067
	Other assets and (liabilities)
	Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts	2,647			—			—				2,647
	Derivatives (1)	4,107			402			3,705				—
	Other	7,315			—			(11,551		)		18,866
	Total other assets and (liabilities)	14,069			402			(7,846		)		21,513
		$	6,281,739		$	1,313,135		$	4,538,232			$	430,372
(1) See “Note 19. Derivative Instruments” for additional information related to the fair value by type of contract, of derivatives entered into by the Company.
Level 1 and Level 2 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
Fixed Maturity Investments
Fixed maturity investments included in Level 1 consist of the Company’s investments in U.S. treasuries. Fixed maturity investments included in Level 2 are agencies, non-U.S. government, non-U.S. government-backed corporate, corporate, agency mortgage-backed, non-agency mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed and asset-backed.
The Company’s fixed maturity investments are primarily priced using pricing services, such as index providers and pricing vendors, as well as broker quotations. In general, the pricing vendors provide pricing for a high volume of liquid securities that are actively traded. For securities that do not trade on an exchange, the pricing services generally utilize market data and other observable inputs in matrix pricing models to determine month end prices. Observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, bids, offers, reference data and industry and economic events. Index pricing generally relies on market traders as the primary source for pricing, however models are also utilized to provide prices for all index eligible securities. The models use a variety of observable inputs such as benchmark yields, transactional data, dealer runs, broker-dealer quotes and corporate actions. Prices are generally verified using third party data. Securities which are priced by an index provider are generally included in the index.
In general, broker-dealers value securities through their trading desks based on observable inputs. The methodologies include mapping securities based on trade data, bids or offers, observed spreads, and performance on newly issued securities. Broker-dealers also determine valuations by observing secondary trading of similar securities. Prices obtained from broker quotations are considered non-binding, however they are based on observable inputs and by observing secondary trading of similar securities obtained from active, non-distressed markets.
The Company considers these Level 2 inputs as they are corroborated with other market observable inputs. The techniques generally used to determine the fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity investments are detailed below by asset class.
U.S. treasuries
Level 1 - At December 31, 2013, the Company’s U.S. treasuries fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing services and had a weighted average effective yield of 0.8% and a weighted average credit quality of AA (2012 - 0.4% and AA, respectively). When pricing these securities, the pricing services utilize daily data from many real time market sources, including active broker dealers. Certain data sources are regularly reviewed for accuracy to attempt to ensure the most reliable price source is used for each issue and maturity date.
Agencies
Level 2 - At December 31, 2013, the Company’s agency fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 1.3% and a weighted average credit quality of AA (2012 - 0.7% and AA, respectively). The issuers of the Company’s agency fixed maturity investments primarily consist of the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and other agencies. Fixed maturity investments included in agencies are primarily priced by pricing services. When evaluating these securities, the pricing services gather information from market sources and integrate other observations from markets and sector news. Evaluations are updated by obtaining broker dealer quotes and other market information including actual trade volumes, when available. The fair value of each security is individually computed using analytical models which incorporate option adjusted spreads and other daily interest rate data.
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)
Level 2 - Non-U.S. government fixed maturity investments held by the Company at December 31, 2013, had a weighted average effective yield of 1.3% and a weighted average credit quality of AA (2012 - 1.9% and AA, respectively). The issuers of securities in this sector are non-U.S. governments and their respective agencies as well as supranational organizations. Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing services who employ proprietary discounted cash flow models to value the securities. Key quantitative inputs for these models are daily observed benchmark curves for treasury, swap and high issuance credits. The pricing services then apply a credit spread for each security which is developed by in-depth and real time market analysis. For securities in which trade volume is low, the pricing services utilize data from more frequently traded securities with similar attributes. These models may also be supplemented by daily market and credit research for international markets.
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate
Level 2 - Non-U.S. government-backed corporate fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 1.1% and a weighted average credit quality of AAA at December 31, 2013 (2012 - 0.7% and AAA, respectively). Non-U.S. government-backed fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing services who employ proprietary discounted cash flow models to value the securities. Key quantitative inputs for these models are daily observed benchmark curves for treasury, swap and high issuance credits. The pricing services then apply a credit spread to the respective curve for each security which is developed by in-depth and real time market analysis. For securities in which trade volume is low, the pricing services utilize data from more frequently traded securities with similar attributes. These models may also be supplemented by daily market and credit research for international markets.
Corporate
Level 2 - At December 31, 2013, the Company’s corporate fixed maturity investments principally consist of U.S. and international corporations and had a weighted average effective yield of 2.7% and a weighted average credit quality of BBB (2012 - 2.6% and A, respectively). The Company’s corporate fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing services. When evaluating these securities, the pricing services gather information from market sources regarding the issuer of the security and obtain credit data, as well as other observations, from markets and sector news. Evaluations are updated by obtaining broker dealer quotes and other market information including actual trade volumes, when available. The pricing services also consider the specific terms and conditions of the securities, including any specific features which may influence risk. In certain instances, securities are individually evaluated using a spread which is added to the U.S. treasury curve or a security specific swap curve as appropriate.
Agency mortgage-backed
Level 2 - At December 31, 2013, the Company’s agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments included agency residential mortgage-backed securities with a weighted average effective yield of 2.9%, a weighted average credit quality of AA and a weighted average life of 6.2 years (2012 - 1.3%, AA and 3.3 years, respectively). The Company’s agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing services using a mortgage pool specific model which utilizes daily inputs from the active to be announced market which is very liquid, as well as the U.S. treasury market. The model also utilizes additional information, such as the weighted average maturity, weighted average coupon and other available pool level data which is provided by the sponsoring agency. Valuations are also corroborated with daily active market quotes.
Non-agency mortgage-backed
Level 2 - The Company’s non-agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments include non-agency prime residential mortgage-backed and non-agency Alt-A fixed maturity investments. The Company has no fixed maturity investments classified as sub-prime held in its fixed maturity investments portfolio. At December 31, 2013, the Company’s non-agency prime residential mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments have a weighted average effective yield of 3.7%, a weighted average credit quality of BBB, and a weighted average life of 4.4 years (2012 - 3.6%, BBB and 4.5 years, respectively). The Company’s non-agency Alt-A fixed maturity investments held at December 31, 2013 have a weighted average effective yield of 4.7%, a weighted average credit quality of non-investment grade and a weighted average life of 4.0 years (2012 - 5.2%, non-investment grade and 4.7 years, respectively) . Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing services using an option adjusted spread (“OAS”) model or other relevant models, which principally utilize inputs including benchmark yields, available trade information or broker quotes, and issuer spreads. The pricing services also review collateral prepayment speeds, loss severity and delinquencies among other collateral performance indicators for the securities valuation, when applicable.
Commercial mortgage-backed
Level 2 - The Company’s commercial mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments held at December 31, 2013 have a weighted average effective yield of 2.1%, a weighted average credit quality of AA, and a weighted average life of 3.3 years (2012 - 1.7%, AA and 3.7 years, respectively). Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing services. The pricing services apply dealer quotes and other available trade information such as bid and offers, prepayment speeds which may be adjusted for the underlying collateral or current price data, the U.S. treasury curve and swap curve as well as cash settlement. The pricing services discount the expected cash flows for each security held in this sector using a spread adjusted benchmark yield based on the characteristics of the security.
Asset-backed
Level 2 - At December 31, 2013, the Company’s asset-backed fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 2.0%, a weighted average credit quality of AAA and a weighted average life of 3.5 years (2012 - 1.8%, AAA and 3.5 years, respectively). The underlying collateral for the Company’s asset-backed fixed maturity investments primarily consists of student loans, credit card receivables, auto loans and other receivables. Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing services. The pricing services apply dealer quotes and other available trade information such as bids and offers, prepayment speeds which may be adjusted for the underlying collateral or current price data, the U.S. treasury curve and swap curve as well as cash settlement. The pricing services determine the expected cash flows for each security held in this sector using historical prepayment and default projections for the underlying collateral and current market data. In addition, a spread is applied to the relevant benchmark and used to discount the cash flows noted above to determine the fair value of the securities held in this sector.
Short Term Investments
Level 2 - The fair value of the Company’s portfolio of short term investments is generally determined using amortized cost which approximates fair value and, in certain cases, in a manner similar to the Company’s fixed maturity investments noted above.
Equity Investments, Classified as Trading
Level 1 - The fair value of the Company’s portfolio of equity investments, classified as trading is primarily priced by pricing services, reflecting the closing price quoted for the final trading day of the period. When pricing these securities, the pricing services utilize daily data from many real time market sources, including applicable securities exchanges. All data sources are regularly reviewed for accuracy to attempt to ensure the most reliable price source was used for each security.
At September 30, 2013, the Company had an investment of $48.0 million in the common shares of Essent, a then private U.S. mortgage guaranty insurance company which provides capital to lenders and investors that support financing for homeowner mortgages.  On October 31, 2013, Essent common shares began publicly trading on the NYSE at a share price of $17.00, resulting in a fair value of $85.6 million.  Following the initial public offering, the Company transferred its investment in Essent from other investments to its portfolio of equity investments trading on its consolidated balance sheet and any realized and unrealized gains or losses related to Essent from the initial public offering price are included in net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.  The Company has agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to dispose of or hedge any of the common shares of Essent it holds prior to April 28, 2014.
Other investments
Catastrophe bonds
Level 2 - The Company’s other investments include investments in catastrophe bonds which are recorded at fair value based on broker or underwriter bid indications.
Other assets and liabilities
Derivatives
Level 1 and Level 2 - Other assets and liabilities include certain other derivatives entered into by the Company. The fair value of these transactions includes certain exchange traded foreign currency forward contracts which are considered Level 1, and certain credit derivatives, determined using standard industry valuation models and considered Level 2, as the inputs to the valuation model are based on observable market inputs, including credit spreads, credit ratings of the underlying referenced security, the risk free rate and the contract term.
Other
Level 2 - The liabilities measured at fair value and included in Level 2 at December 31, 2013 of $13.0 million are principally CSRSUs that form part of the Company’s compensation program. The fair value of the Company’s CSRSUs is determined using observable exchange traded prices for the Company’s common shares.
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
Below is a summary of quantitative information regarding the significant observable and unobservable inputs (Level 3) used in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	December 31, 2013	Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable (U)	Low			High			Weighted Average or Actual
		(Level 3)					and Observable (O)
							Inputs
	Fixed maturity investments
	Corporate	$	15,726		Discounted cash flow (“DCF”)		Credit spread (U)	n/a			n/a			2.3	%
							Liquidity discount (U)	n/a			n/a			1	%
							Risk-free rate (O)	n/a			n/a			0.6	%
							Dividend rate (O)	n/a			n/a			6.2	%
	Corporate	11,854			Internal valuation model		Private transaction (U)	n/a			n/a			See below
	Total fixed maturity investments	27,580
	Other investments
	Private equity partnerships	322,391			Net asset valuation		Estimated performance (U)	(100.0	)%		71.8	%		4.8	%
	Senior secured bank loan funds	18,048			Net asset valuation		Estimated performance (U)	0.5	%		0.6	%		0.5	%
	Hedge funds	3,809			Net asset valuation		Estimated performance (U)	0	%		0	%		0	%
	Total other investments	344,248
	Other assets and (liabilities)
	Weather contract	(2,490		)	Internal valuation model		See below	n/a			n/a			See below
	Total other assets and (liabilities)	(2,490		)
		$	369,338
Fixed Maturity Investments
Corporate
Level 3 - Included in the Company’s corporate fixed maturity investments is an investment in the preferred equity of a company with a fair value of $15.7 million. The Company measures the fair value of this investment using a DCF model and seeks to incorporate all relevant information reasonably available. The Company considers the contractual agreement which stipulates the methodology for calculating a dividend rate to be paid upon liquidation, conversion or redemption. At December 31, 2013, the dividend rate was 6.2%. In addition, the Company has estimated a liquidity discount of 1.0%, a risk-free rate of 0.6% and a credit spread of 2.3%. To ensure the estimate for fair value determined using the DCF model is reasonable, the Company reviews private market comparables of similar investments, if available, and in particular, credit ratings of other private market comparables for similar investments to determine the appropriateness of its estimate of fair value using a DCF model. The fair value of the Company’s investment in corporate fixed maturity investments determined by a DCF model is positively correlated to the dividend rate, and inversely correlated to the credit spread, liquidity discount and the risk-free rate.
The Company’s corporate fixed maturity investments also include an investment in the preferred equity of another company with a fair value of $11.9 million at December 31, 2013. The Company measures the fair value of this investment using an internal valuation model and uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative factors, with a focus on third party valuations, which factors may also include, but are not limited to, discounted cash flow analysis, financial statement analysis, budgets and forecasts, and capital transactions. In circumstances where a private market transaction has recently occurred, the Company will evaluate the comparability of that transaction and incorporate it into its internal valuation model accordingly. Recent private market transactions of investments similar to that held by the Company have been used to determine the fair value of $11.9 million at December 31, 2013, as the Company believes the recent market transactions represent the price that would be received upon the sale of the Company’s investment in an orderly transaction among market participants. Consequently, should future relevant private market transactions occur, the Company will re-evaluate the information used to determine fair value of this investment and record any adjustments to fair value in its consolidated statements of operations.
Other investments
Private equity partnerships
Level 3 - Included in the Company’s $322.4 million of investments in private equity partnerships at December 31, 2013 are alternative asset limited partnerships (or similar corporate structures) that invest in certain private equity asset classes including U.S. and global leveraged buyouts; mezzanine investments; distressed securities; real estate; and oil, gas and power. The fair value of private equity partnership investments is based on current estimated net asset values established in accordance with the governing documents of such investments and is obtained from the investment manager or general partner of the respective entity. The type of underlying investments held by the investee which form the basis of the net asset valuation include assets such as private business ventures, for which the Company does not have access to financial information. As a result, the Company is unable to corroborate the fair value measurement of the underlying investments of the private equity partnership and therefore requires significant management judgment to determine the fair value of the private equity partnership. In circumstances where there is a reporting lag between the current period end reporting date and the reporting date of the latest fund valuation, the Company estimates the fair value of these funds by starting with the prior quarter-end fund valuations, adjusting these valuations for actual capital calls, redemptions or distributions, as well as the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and then estimating the return for the current period. In circumstances in which the Company estimates the return for the current period, all relevant information reasonably available to the Company is utilized. This principally includes preliminary estimates reported to the Company by its fund managers, obtaining the valuation of underlying portfolio investments where such underlying investments are publicly traded and therefore have a readily observable price, using information that is available to the Company with respect to the underlying investments, reviewing various indices for similar investments or asset classes, as well as estimating returns based on the results of similar types of investments for which the Company has obtained reported results, or other valuation methods, where possible. The range of such current estimated periodic returns for the three months ended December 31, 2013 was negative 100.0% to positive 71.8% with a weighted average of positive 4.8%. The fair value of the Company’s investment in private equity partnerships is positively correlated to the estimated periodic rate of return. The Company also considers factors such as recent financial information, the value of capital transactions with the partnership and management’s judgment regarding whether any adjustments should be made to the net asset value. For each respective private equity partnership, the Company obtains and reviews the valuation methodology used by the investment manager or general partner and the latest annual audited financial statements to attempt to ensure that the investment partnership is following fair value principles consistent with GAAP in determining the net asset value of each limited partner’s interest.
Senior secured bank loan funds
Level 3 - The Company has $18.0 million invested in closed end funds which invest primarily in loans. The Company has no right to redeem its investment in these funds. The Company’s investments in these funds are valued using estimated monthly net asset valuations received from the investment manager. The lock up provisions in these funds result in a lack of current observable market transactions between the fund participants and the funds, and therefore, the Company considers the fair value of its investment in these funds to be determined using Level 3 inputs. The Company obtains and reviews the latest annual audited financial statements to attempt to ensure that these funds are following fair value principles consistent with GAAP in determining the net asset value. The fair value of the Company’s investment in senior secured bank loan funds is positively correlated to the estimated monthly net asset valuations received from the investment manager.
Hedge funds
Level 3 - The Company has $3.8 million of hedge fund investments that are invested in so called “side pockets” or illiquid investments. In these instances, the Company generally does not have the right to redeem its interest, and as such, the Company classifies this portion of its investment as Level 3. The fair value of these illiquid investments is determined by adjusting the previous periods’ reported net asset value (generally one month in arrears) for an estimated periodic rate of return obtained from the respective investment manager.
For each respective hedge fund investment, the Company obtains and reviews the valuation methodology used by the investment manager and the latest annual audited financial statements to attempt to ensure that the hedge fund investment is following fair value principles consistent with GAAP in determining the net asset value.
Other assets and liabilities
Weather Contract
Level 3 - The Company has a $2.5 million liability related to a weather contract with the fair value determined through the use of an internal valuation model with the inputs to the internal valuation model based on proprietary data as observable market inputs are not available.  The most significant unobservable input is the potential payment that would become due to a counterparty following the occurrence of a triggering event as reported by an external agency.  Generally, an increase (decrease) in the potential payment would result in an increase (decrease) to the fair value of the Company’s weather contract liability.
Below is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, for the periods shown, of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs. Interest and dividend income are included in net investment income and are excluded from the reconciliation.
		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		Fixed maturity			Other			Other assets  and (liabilities)				Total
		investments			investments
		trading
	Balance - January 1, 2012	$	27,761		$	396,526		$	19,628			$	443,915
	Total unrealized gains (losses)
	Included in net investment income	31			24,947			—				24,978
	Included in other (loss) income	—			—			(3,225		)		(3,225		)
	Total realized (losses) gains
	Included in net investment income	—			—			—				—
	Included in other (loss) income	—			—			(12,177		)		(12,177		)
	Total foreign exchange losses	—			699			—				699
	Purchases	—			48,631			17,287				65,918
	Sales	—			(2,842		)	—				(2,842		)
	Settlements	—			(86,894		)	—				(86,894		)
	Balance - December 31, 2012	$	27,792		$	381,067		$	21,513			$	430,372
	Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in net investment income	$	31		$	24,947		$	—			$	24,978
	Change in unrealized losses for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in other (loss) income	$	—		$	—		$	(3,225	)		$	(3,225	)
		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		Fixed maturity			Other			Other assets				Total
		investments trading			investments			and
								(liabilities)
	Balance - January 1, 2013	$	27,792		$	381,067		$	21,513			$	430,372
	Total unrealized gains (losses)
	Included in net investment income	2,288			80,113			(1,331		)		81,070
	Included in other (loss) income	—			—			(625		)		(625		)
	Total realized losses
	Included in net investment income	—			(4,114		)	—				(4,114		)
	Included in other (loss) income	—			—			(2,083		)		(2,083		)
	Total foreign exchange gains	—			1,352			—				1,352
	Purchases	—			48,287			(1,722		)		46,565
	Sales	—			—			—				—
	Settlements	(2,500		)	(95,144		)	—				(97,644		)
	Reclassified from other assets to other investments	—			18,242			(18,242		)		—
	Net transfers out of Level 3	—			(85,555		)	—				(85,555		)
	Balance - December 31, 2013	$	27,580		$	344,248		$	(2,490	)		$	369,338
	Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in net investment income	$	2,288		$	78,903		$	(1,331	)		$	79,860
	Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in other (loss) income	$	—		$	—		$	—			$	—
Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Carried, at Fair Value
The Company uses various financial instruments in the normal course of its business. The Company’s insurance contracts are excluded from fair value of financial instruments accounting guidance, unless the Company elects the fair value option, and therefore, are not included in the amounts discussed herein. The carrying values of cash, accrued interest, receivables for investments sold, certain other assets, payables for investments purchased, certain other liabilities, and other financial instruments not included herein approximated their fair values.
Senior Notes
In March 2010, RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (“RRNAH”) issued $250.0 million of 5.75% Senior Notes due March 15, 2020, with interest on the notes payable on March 15 and September 15 of each year. At December 31, 2013, the fair value of the 5.75% Senior Notes was $273.9 million (2012 - $281.2 million).
The fair value of RRNAH’s 5.75% Senior Notes is determined using indicative market pricing obtained from third-party service providers, which the Company considers Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. There have been no changes during the period in the Company’s valuation technique used to determine the fair value of the Senior Notes.
The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
The Company has elected to account for certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value using the guidance under FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments as the Company believes it represents the most meaningful measurement basis for these assets and liabilities. Below is a summary of the balances the Company has elected to account for at fair value:
		2013			2012
	Other investments	$	573,264		$	644,711
	Other assets	$	—		$	21,513
Included in net investment income for the year ended December 31, 2013 was net unrealized gains of $75.8 million related to the changes in fair value of other investments (2012 – $38.2 million, 2011 – $12.7 million). Net unrealized losses related to the changes in the fair value of other assets and liabilities recorded in other (loss) income was $Nil for the year ended December 31, 2013 (2012 – $3.2 million, 2011 – $2.8 million).
Measuring the Fair Value of Other Investments Using Net Asset Valuations
The table below shows the Company’s portfolio of other investments measured using net asset valuations:
	At December 31, 2013	Fair Value			Unfunded			Redemption Frequency		Redemption		Redemption
					Commitments					Notice Period (Minimum Days)		Notice Period (Maximum Days)
	Private equity partnerships	$	322,391		$	99,610		See below		See below		See below
	Senior secured bank loan funds	18,048			16,635			See below		See below		See below
	Hedge funds	3,809			—			See below		See below		See below
	Total other investments measured using net asset valuations	$	344,248		$	116,245
Private equity partnerships – Included in the Company’s investments in private equity partnerships are alternative asset limited partnerships (or similar corporate structures) that invest in certain private equity asset classes including U.S. and global leveraged buyouts; mezzanine investments; distressed securities; real estate; and oil, gas and power. The fair values of the investments in this category have been estimated using the net asset value of the investments, as discussed in detail above. The Company generally has no right to redeem its interest in any of these private equity partnerships in advance of dissolution of the applicable partnership. Instead, the nature of these investments is that distributions are received by the Company in connection with the liquidation of the underlying assets of the respective private equity partnership. It is estimated that the majority of the underlying assets of the limited partnerships would liquidate over 7 to 10 years from inception of the respective limited partnership.
Senior secured bank loan funds – The Company has $18.0 million invested in closed end funds which invest primarily in loans. The Company has no right to redeem its investment in these funds. The Company’s investments in these funds are valued using estimated monthly net asset valuations received from the investment manager, as discussed in detail above. It is estimated that the majority of the underlying assets in the closed end funds would liquidate over 4 to 5 years from inception of the respective fund.
Hedge funds – The Company invests in hedge funds that pursue multiple strategies. The fair values of the investments in this category are estimated using the net asset value per share of the funds, as discussed in detail above. The Company’s investments in hedge funds at December 31, 2013 are $3.8 million of so called “side pocket” investments which are not redeemable at the option of the shareholder. The Company fully redeemed the remaining non-side pocket investments in hedge funds during June 2012. The Company will retain its interest in the side pocket investments, referred to above, until the underlying investments attributable to such side pockets are liquidated, realized or deemed realized at the discretion of the fund manager.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]	'
Reinsurance	'
	REINSURANCE
	The Company purchases reinsurance and other protection to manage its risk portfolio and to reduce its exposure to large losses. The Company currently has in place contracts that provide for recovery of a portion of certain claims and claim expenses, generally in excess of various retentions or on a proportional basis. In addition to loss recoveries, certain of the Company’s ceded reinsurance contracts provide for recoveries of additional premiums, reinstatement premiums and for lost no-claims bonuses, which are incurred when losses are ceded to other reinsurance contracts. The Company remains liable to the extent that any reinsurance company fails to meet its obligations.
	The following table sets forth the effect of reinsurance and retrocessional activity on premiums written and earned and on net claims and claim expenses incurred:
		Year ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
		Premiums written
		Direct	$	54,334		$	36,367		$	29,725
		Assumed	1,551,078			1,515,224			1,405,251
		Ceded	(401,465		)	(448,934		)	(422,203		)
		Net premiums written	$	1,203,947		$	1,102,657		$	1,012,773
		Premiums earned
		Direct	$	44,530		$	34,028		$	17,794
		Assumed	1,482,511			1,465,701			1,356,205
		Ceded	(412,415		)	(430,374		)	(422,950		)
		Net premiums earned	$	1,114,626		$	1,069,355		$	951,049
		Claims and claim expenses
		Gross claims and claim expenses incurred	$	185,139		$	403,491		$	1,270,487
		Claims and claim expenses recovered	(13,852		)	(78,280		)	(409,308		)
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred	$	171,287		$	325,211		$	861,179
	The reinsurers with the three largest balances accounted for 28.2%, 19.9% and 11.0%, respectively, of the Company’s reinsurance recoverable balance at December 31, 2013 (2012 - 14.3%, 14.3% and 12.6%, respectively). The valuation allowance recorded against reinsurance recoverable was $1.7 million at December 31, 2013 (2012 - $4.5 million). The three largest company-specific components of the valuation allowance represented 14.2%, 12.5% and 3.1%, respectively, of the Company’s total valuation allowance at December 31, 2013 (2012 - 44.1%, 26.7% and 6.1%, respectively).

Reserve_for_Claims_and_Claim_E

Reserve for Claims and Claim Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]	'
Reserve for Claims and Claim Expenses	'
	RESERVE FOR CLAIMS AND CLAIM EXPENSES
	The Company uses statistical and actuarial methods to estimate ultimate expected claims and claim expenses. The period of time from the reporting of a claim to the Company and the settlement of the Company’s liability may be many years. During this period, additional facts and trends will be revealed. As these factors become apparent, case reserves will be adjusted, sometimes requiring an increase or decrease in the overall reserve for claims and claim expenses of the Company, and at other times requiring a reallocation of incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves to specific case reserves or additional case reserves. These estimates are reviewed regularly, and such adjustments, if any, are reflected in the results of operations in the period in which they become known and are accounted for as changes in estimates. Adjustments to the Company’s reserve for claims and claim expenses can impact current year net income (loss) by increasing net income or decreasing net loss if the estimates of prior years claims and claim expense reserves prove to be overstated or by decreasing net income or increasing net loss if the estimates of prior years claims and claim expense reserves prove to be insufficient.
	The Company’s estimates of claims and claim expenses are also based in part upon the estimation of claims resulting from natural and man-made disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, floods, winter storms, terrorist attacks and other catastrophic events. Estimation by the Company of claims resulting from catastrophic events is inherently difficult because of the potential severity of property catastrophe claims. Additionally, the Company has recently increased its specialty reinsurance business but does not have the benefit of a significant amount of its own historical experience in certain of these lines. Therefore, the Company uses both proprietary and commercially available models, as well as historical (re)insurance industry claims experience, for purposes of evaluating future trends and providing an estimate of ultimate claims costs.
	Activity in the liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses is summarized as follows:
		Year ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
		Net reserves as of January 1	$	1,686,865		$	1,588,325		$	1,156,132
		Net incurred related to:
		Current year	315,241			483,180			993,168
		Prior years	(143,954		)	(157,969		)	(131,989		)
		Total net incurred	171,287			325,211			861,179
		Net paid related to:
		Current year	32,212			84,056			299,299
		Prior years	363,235			142,615			129,687
		Total net paid	395,447			226,671			428,986
		Net reserves as of December 31	1,462,705			1,686,865			1,588,325
		Reinsurance recoverable as of December 31	101,025			192,512			404,029
		Gross reserves as of December 31	$	1,563,730		$	1,879,377		$	1,992,354
	The following table details the Company’s prior year development by segment of its liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses:
		Year ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
		Catastrophe Reinsurance	$	(102,037	)	$	(110,568	)	$	(59,137	)
		Specialty Reinsurance	(34,111		)	(34,146		)	(77,761		)
		Lloyd’s	(8,256		)	(16,202		)	478
		Other	450			2,947			4,431
		Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses	$	(143,954	)	$	(157,969	)	$	(131,989	)
	Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment
	The Company reviews substantially all of its catastrophe reinsurance claims and claim expense reserves quarterly. The Company’s quarterly review procedures include identifying events that have occurred up to the latest balance sheet date, determining the Company’s best estimate of the ultimate expected cost to settle all claims and administrative costs associated with those new events which have arisen during the reporting period, reviewing the ultimate expected cost to settle claims and administrative costs associated with those events which occurred during previous periods, and considering new estimation techniques, such as additional actuarial methods or other statistical techniques, that can assist the Company in developing its best estimate. This process is judgmental in that it involves reviewing changes in paid and reported claims each period and adjusting the Company’s estimates of the ultimate expected claims for each event where there are developments that are different from the Company’s previous expectations. If the Company determines that adjustments to an earlier estimate are appropriate, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are identified. The level of the Company’s claims associated with certain catastrophes can be very large. For example, within the Company’s Catastrophe Reinsurance segment, initial estimated ultimate claims associated with the 2005 Hurricanes, Katrina, Rita and Wilma, were over $1.3 billion, the 2008 Hurricanes, Gustav and Ike, were over $530 million and the large losses of 2011 (including the 2011 New Zealand Earthquake, the Tohoku Earthquake, the large U.S. tornadoes, flooding in Australia, certain aggregate losses, Hurricane Irene and the Thailand Floods) were over $1.1 billion. As a result, small percentage changes in the estimated ultimate claims of large catastrophic events can significantly impact the Company’s reserves for claims and claim expenses in subsequent periods.
	Specialty Reinsurance Segment
	When initially developing reserving techniques for the Company’s specialty reinsurance coverages, the Company considered estimating reserves utilizing several actuarial techniques such as paid and reported claims development methods. The Company elected to use the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method because this method is appropriate for lines of business, such as its specialty reinsurance business, where there is a lack of historical claims experience. This method allows for greater weight to be applied to expected results in periods where little or no actual experience is available, and, hence, is less susceptible to the potential pitfall of being excessively impacted by one particular year or quarter of actual paid and/or reported claims data. This method uses initial expected claims ratio expectations to the extent that claims are not paid or reported, and it assumes that past experience is not fully representative of the future. As the Company’s reserves for claims and claim expenses age, and actual claims experience becomes available, this method places less weight on expected experience and places more weight on actual experience. This experience, which represents the difference between expected reported claims and actual reported claims is reflected in the respective reporting period as a change in estimate. The Company reevaluates its actuarial reserving techniques on a periodic basis.
	The Company reviews substantially all of its specialty reinsurance claims and claim expense reserves quarterly. Typically, the quarterly review procedures include reviewing paid and reported claims in the most recent reporting period, reviewing the development of paid and reported claims from prior periods, and reviewing the Company’s overall experience by underwriting year and in the aggregate. The Company monitors its expected ultimate claims and claim expense ratios and expected claims reporting assumptions on a quarterly basis and compares them to its actual experience. These actuarial assumptions are generally reviewed annually, based on input from the Company’s actuaries, underwriters, claims personnel and finance professionals, although adjustments may be made more frequently if needed. Assumption changes are made to adjust for changes in the pricing and terms of coverage the Company provides, changes in industry results for similar business, as well as its actual experience, to the extent the Company has enough data to rely on its own experience. If the Company determines that adjustments to an earlier estimate are appropriate, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are identified.
	Lloyd’s Segment
	The Company uses the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method to estimate claims and claim expenses within its Lloyd’s segment for its property and casualty (re)insurance contracts and quota share reinsurance business. The comments discussed above relating to the Company’s reserving techniques and processes for the Company’s Specialty Reinsurance segment also apply to the Company’s Lloyd’s segment. In addition, certain of the Company’s coverages may be impacted by natural and man-made catastrophes. The Company estimates claim reserves for these claims after the event giving rise to these claims occurs, following a process that is similar to the Company’s Catastrophe Reinsurance segment discussed above.
	Other Category
	The Company uses the Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method to estimate claims and claim expenses within its Other category for its property and casualty insurance contracts and quota share reinsurance business. The comments discussed above relating to the Company’s reserving techniques and processes for its Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments also apply to the Company’s Other category. In addition, certain of the Company’s coverages may be impacted by natural and man-made catastrophes. The Company estimates claim reserves for these claims after the event giving rise to these claims occurs, following a process that is similar to the Company’s Catastrophe Reinsurance segment discussed above.
	Development of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses
	The following table details the development of the Company’s liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for each of its Catastrophe Reinsurance, Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments and Other category, for the year ended December 31, 2013 split between catastrophe net claims and claim expenses and attritional net claims and claim expenses:
		Year ended December 31, 2013	Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment			Specialty Reinsurance Segment			Lloyd's Segment			Other			Total
		Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses
		Large catastrophe events
		Storm Sandy (2012)	$	44,460		$	—		$	3,825		$	—		$	48,285
		Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)	18,033			1,000			—			—			19,033
		Hurricanes Gustav & Ike (2008)	16,261			—			—			404			16,665
		New Zealand Earthquake (2011)	10,944			—			—			—			10,944
		Windstorm Kyrill (2007)	8,244			—			—			—			8,244
		Hurricane Isaac (2012)	(2,610		)	—			—			—			(2,610		)
		New Zealand Earthquake (2010)	(11,040		)	(300		)	—			—			(11,340		)
		Other	776			1,763			1,442			1,325			5,306
		Total large catastrophe events	85,068			2,463			5,267			1,729			94,527
		Small catastrophe events
		U.S. PCS 83 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)	3,500			—			—			—			3,500
		U.S. PCS 76 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)	300			—			—			—			300
		U.S. PCS 70 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)	(8,225		)	—			—			—			(8,225		)
		Other	21,394			—			—			—			21,394
		Total small catastrophe events	16,969			—			—			—			16,969
		Total catastrophe net claims and claim expenses	$	102,037		$	2,463		$	5,267		$	1,729		$	111,496
		Attritional net claims and claim expenses
		Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method - actual reported claims less than expected claims	—			21,216			3,263			(2,179		)	22,300
		Actuarial assumption changes	—			10,432			(274		)	—			10,158
		Total attritional net claims and claim expenses	$	—		$	31,648		$	2,989		$	(2,179	)	$	32,458
		Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses	$	102,037		$	34,111		$	8,256		$	(450	)	$	143,954
	Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment
	The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s Catastrophe Reinsurance segment in 2013 of $102.0 million was primarily due to $44.5 million, $18.0 million, $16.3 million and $10.9 million of favorable development related to reductions in the expected ultimate net loss for Storm Sandy, the Tohoku Earthquake, the 2008 Hurricanes and the 2011 New Zealand Earthquake, respectively, as reported claims came in better than expected, and $34.2 million of net favorable development related to a number of other catastrophes principally the result of reported claims coming in less than expected, resulting in decreases to the ultimate claims for these events through the application of the Company’s formulaic actuarial reserving methodology. Partially offsetting the reductions noted above was adverse development on the 2010 New Zealand Earthquake, U.S. PSC 70 and Hurricane Isaac of $11.0 million, $8.2 million and $2.6 million, respectively, associated with an increase in reported gross ultimate losses.
	Specialty Reinsurance Segment
	The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s Specialty Reinsurance segment in 2013 of $34.1 million was primarily driven by $10.4 million associated with actuarial assumption changes, principally in the Company’s casualty clash and casualty risk lines of business, and primarily as a result of revised claim development factors based on actual loss experience, and $23.7 million due to reported claims coming in lower than expected on prior accident years events, as a result of the application of the Company’s formulaic actuarial reserving methodology.
Lloyd’s Segment
The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s Lloyd’s segment of $8.3 million during 2013 was principally driven by a $5.3 million decrease in the estimated ultimate net claims and claim expenses related to large catastrophes, including $3.8 million related to Storm Sandy, and $3.3 million related to reported claims coming in lower than expected on prior accident years events as a result of the application of the Company’s formulaic actuarial reserving methodology and partially offset by adverse development of $0.3 million related to assumption changes.
Other Category
The net adverse development on prior accident years of $0.5 million for 2013 within the Company’s Other category was principally the result of $2.2 million related to the application of the Company’s formulaic actuarial reserving methodology with the increases being due to actual paid and reported claim activity coming in higher than what was originally anticipated when setting the initial reserves; partially offset by favorable development of $1.7 million related to large catastrophe events.
The following table details the development of the Company’s liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for each of its Catastrophe Reinsurance, Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments and Other category, for the year ended December 31, 2012 split between catastrophe net claims and claim expenses and attritional net claims and claim expenses:
	Year ended December 31, 2012	Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment			Specialty Reinsurance Segment			Lloyd’s Segment			Other			Total
	Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses
	Large catastrophe events
	Chile Earthquake (2010)	$	24,575		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	24,575
	Hurricanes Gustav & Ike (2008)	17,541			—			—			2,926			20,467
	U.K. Floods (2007)	17,271			—			—			—			17,271
	Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005)	6,420			3,000			—			(1,690		)	7,730
	Hurricane Irene (2011)	4,630			—			2,500			—			7,130
	Thailand Floods (2011)	3,933			—			5,500			—			9,433
	Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)	3,896			—			—			—			3,896
	Windstorm Kyrill (2007)	3,417			—			—			—			3,417
	New Zealand Earthquake (2010)	(3,570		)	—			—			—			(3,570		)
	New Zealand Earthquake (2011)	(17,912		)	—			—			—			(17,912		)
	Other	2,542			—			1,476			(65		)	3,953
	Total large catastrophe events	62,743			3,000			9,476			1,171			76,390
	Small catastrophe events
	Danish Floods (2011)	5,000			—			—			—			5,000
	U.S. PCS 63 Winter Storm (2011)	5,000			—			—			—			5,000
	U.S. PCS 42 Winter Storm (2011)	2,560			—			—			—			2,560
	U.S. PCS 53 Winter Storm (2011)	2,558			—			—			—			2,558
	Other	32,707			—			—			—			32,707
	Total small catastrophe events	47,825			—			—			—			47,825
	Total catastrophe net claims and claim expenses	$	110,568		$	3,000		$	9,476		$	1,171		$	124,215
	Attritional net claims and claim expenses
	Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method - actual reported claims less than expected claims	$	—		$	16,747		$	8,011		$	(4,118	)	$	20,640
	Actuarial assumption changes	—			14,399			(1,285		)	—			13,114
	Total attritional net claims and claim expenses	$	—		$	31,146		$	6,726		$	(4,118	)	$	33,754
	Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses	$	110,568		$	34,146		$	16,202		$	(2,947	)	$	157,969
Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment
The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s Catastrophe Reinsurance segment in 2012 of $110.6 million was primarily due to net reductions of $84.2 million arising from the estimated ultimate claims of large catastrophe events, including the 2010 Chilean Earthquake, the 2008 Hurricanes, the 2007 U.K. Flooding, the 2005 Hurricanes, Hurricane Irene of 2011, the 2011 Thailand Floods and the Tohoku Earthquake, as reported claims came in better than expected. The remainder of the favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses of $47.8 million was due to a reduction in ultimate claims on a number of relatively small catastrophes, all principally the result of reported claims coming in less than expected, principally resulting in formulaic decreases to the ultimate claims for these events. Partially offsetting the reductions noted above was a $17.9 million and $3.6 million increase in net claims and claim expenses from the 2011 and 2010 New Zealand Earthquake, respectively, primarily as a result of increased cedant gross ultimate loss estimates.
Specialty Reinsurance Segment
The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s Specialty Reinsurance segment in 2012 of $34.1 million includes $14.4 million associated with actuarial assumption changes, principally in the Company’s casualty and medical malpractice lines of business, and primarily as a result of revised initial expected claims ratios and claim development factors due to actual experience coming in better than expected, and $16.7 million due to reported claims coming in lower than expected on prior accident years events, as a result of the application of the Company’s formulaic actuarial reserving methodology, and $3.0 million related to reductions in the estimated ultimate losses from the 2005 Hurricanes.
Lloyd’s Segment
The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s Lloyd’s segment of $16.2 million during 2012 was principally due to favorable development of $8.0 million due to reported claims coming in lower than expected on a number of prior accident years events, as a result of the application of the Company’s formulaic actuarial reserving methodology, $5.5 million related to the 2011 Thailand Floods, $2.5 million related to Hurricane Irene, and $1.5 million due to lower than expected reported claims for catastrophe losses within the Lloyd’s segment’s property catastrophe reinsurance book of business, partially offset by $1.3 million of adverse development related to actuarial assumption changes.
Other Category
The net adverse development on prior accident years of $2.9 million for 2012 within the Company’s Other category was principally the result of a loss portfolio transfer entered into by the Company on October 1, 2012, in respect of its contractor’s liability book of business within RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks, whereby the Company paid consideration of $36.5 million to transfer net liabilities of $29.1 million, resulting in a loss of $7.4 million which is recorded above as prior accident years attritional net claims and claims expenses in the Company’s Other category, partially offset by reductions in reported losses on certain attritional loss contracts and favorable development related to catastrophe events, primarily the 2008 Hurricanes.
The following table details the development of the Company’s liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for each of its Catastrophe Reinsurance, Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments and Other category, for the year ended December 31, 2011 split between catastrophe net claims and claim expenses and attritional net claims and claim expenses:
	Year ended December 31, 2011	Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment			Specialty Reinsurance Segment			Lloyd’s Segment			Other			Total
	Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses
	Large catastrophe events
	Tropical Cyclone Tasha (2010)	$	13,922		$	3,000		$	—		$	—		$	16,922
	Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005)	10,008			6,215			—			4,633			20,856
	Chilean Earthquake (2010)	8,455			4,688			—			—			13,143
	World Trade Center (2001)	4,701			—			—			—			4,701
	Hurricanes Charley, Francis, Ivan and Jeanne (2004)	4,076			—			—			476			4,552
	U.K. Floods (2007)	3,635			—			—			—			3,635
	Windstorm Kyrill (2007)	2,494			—			—			—			2,494
	Hurricanes Gustav & Ike (2008)	—			—			—			(866		)	(866		)
	New Zealand Earthquake (2010)	(15,179		)	—			—			—			(15,179		)
	Total large catastrophe events	32,112			13,903			—			4,243			50,258
	Small catastrophe events
	U.S. PCS 21 Wildland Fire (2007)	4,554			—			—			—			4,554
	U.S. PCS 33 Great Midwest Storm (2010)	3,125			—			—			—			3,125
	U.S. PCS 31 Wind and Thunderstorm (2010)	3,039			—			—			—			3,039
	U.S. PCS 96 Wind and Thunderstorm (2010)	2,288			—			—			—			2,288
	Other	14,019			—			—			—			14,019
	Total small catastrophe events	27,025			—			—			—			27,025
	Total catastrophe net claims and claim expenses	$	59,137		$	13,903		$	—		$	4,243		$	77,283
	Attritional net claims and claim expenses
	Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method - actual reported claims less than expected claims	$	—		$	37,058		$	(478	)	$	1,389		$	37,969
	Actuarial assumption changes	—			26,800			—			(10,063		)	16,737
	Total attritional net claims and claim expenses	$	—		$	63,858		$	(478	)	$	(8,674	)	$	54,706
	Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses	$	59,137		$	77,761		$	(478	)	$	(4,431	)	$	131,989
Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment
The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s Catastrophe Reinsurance segment in 2011 of $59.1 million was due to net reductions of $47.3 million arising from the estimated ultimate claims of large catastrophe events, including the 2005 Hurricanes and the World Trade Center, for which the claims are principally paid and the amount of additional reported claims has slowed considerably and therefore the ultimate claims were reduced, and Tropical Cyclone Tasha and the Chilean Earthquake, as reported claims came in better than expected in 2011. Partially offsetting the above reductions in estimated ultimate claims during 2011, the Company increased its estimated ultimate claims for the 2010 New Zealand Earthquake by $15.2 million due to additional claims reporting information being available to the Company. The remainder of the favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses of $27.0 million was due to a reduction in ultimate claims on a large number of relatively small catastrophes, all principally the result of reported claims coming in less than expected, resulting in formulaic decreases to the ultimate claims and claim expenses for these events.
Specialty Reinsurance Segment
The favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s Specialty Reinsurance segment in 2011 of $77.8 million includes: $26.8 million associated with actuarial assumption changes, principally in the Company’s workers’ compensation quota share and per risk and property risk and energy lines of business, and primarily as a result of revised initial expected claims ratios and claim development factors due to actual experience coming in better than expected; $13.9 million due to reductions in case reserves and additional case reserves for certain large catastrophe events; and the remainder of $37.1 million due to reported claims coming in better than expected in 2011 on prior accident years events, as a result of the application of the Company’s formulaic actuarial reserving methodology.
Lloyd’s Segment
The Company commenced its Lloyd’s operations in mid-2009 and the net adverse development on prior accident years net claims and claim expenses in this segment for the year ended December 31, 2011 amounted to $0.5 million which principally related to the 2010 New Zealand Earthquake.
Other Category
The net adverse development on prior accident years of $4.4 million in 2011 within the Company’s Other category was principally due to the contractor’s liability book of business, which experienced higher than expected reported losses, and was subsequently subject to a comprehensive actuarial review during the fourth quarter of 2011, which review resulted in an increase of $10.1 million to the estimated ultimate claims and claim expenses related to this book of business due to changes in the actuarial assumptions. The total gross reserve for claims and claim expenses for the construction defect book of business at December 31, 2011 was $58.8 million. Partially offsetting the adverse development on prior accident years within the construction defect book of business, noted above, was favorable development of $4.2 million related to large catastrophe events, principally the 2005 Hurricanes, and $1.4 million related to the application of the Company’s formulaic actuarial reserving methodology with the reductions being due to actual paid and reported claim activity being more favorable to date than what was originally anticipated when setting the initial reserves.
Assumed Reinsurance Contracts Classified As Deposit Contracts
Net claims and claim expenses incurred were reduced by $0.4 million during 2013 (2012 – $0.1 million, 2011 – $0.2 million) related to income earned on assumed reinsurance contracts that were classified as deposit contracts with underwriting risk only.  Other loss was decreased by $0.1 million during 2013 (2012 – other loss decreased by $7.5 million, 2011 – other loss increased by $0.1 million) related to premiums and losses incurred on assumed reinsurance contracts that were classified as deposit contracts with timing risk only.  Aggregate deposit liabilities of $39.7 million are included in reinsurance balances payable at December 31, 2013 (2012 – $41.2 million) and aggregate deposit assets of $Nil are included in other assets at December 31, 2013 (2012 – $Nil) associated with these contracts.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	DEBT
	5.75% Senior Notes
	On March 17, 2010, RRNAH issued $250.0 million of 5.75% Senior Notes due March 15, 2020, with interest on the notes payable on March 15 and September 15 of each year. The notes, which are senior obligations, are guaranteed by RenaissanceRe and can be redeemed by RRNAH prior to maturity, subject to the payment of a “make-whole” premium. The notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2010, by and among RenaissanceRe, RRNAH, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (the “Trustee”), as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2010. The notes, which are senior obligations, contain various covenants, including limitations on mergers and consolidations, restrictions as to the disposition of the stock of designated subsidiaries and limitations on liens of the stock of designated subsidiaries.
	5.875% Senior Notes
	In January 2003, RenaissanceRe issued $100.0 million, which represented the carrying amount on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, of 5.875% Senior Notes due February 15, 2013, with interest on the notes payable on February 15 and August 15 of each year. RenaissanceRe repaid the full $100.0 million of its outstanding 5.875% Senior Notes upon their scheduled maturity of February 15, 2013 using available cash and investments.
	RenaissanceRe Revolving Credit Facility
	RenaissanceRe is a party to a credit agreement, dated as of May 17, 2012 (the “Credit Agreement”), with various banks and financial institutions parties thereto (collectively, the “Lenders”), Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), as fronting bank, letter of credit administrator and administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) for the Lenders, and certain other agents. The Credit Agreement previously provided for commitments from the Lenders in an aggregate amount of $150.0 million, including the issuance of letters of credit for the respective accounts of RenaissanceRe and certain of RenaissanceRe’s subsidiaries. Effective as of May 23, 2013, RenaissanceRe entered into a First Amendment and Joinder to Credit Agreement (the “Amendment”) with the Administrative Agent and the Lenders. Among other items, the Amendment (i) increased the aggregate commitment of the Lenders to $250.0 million, (ii) added an additional bank as a Lender, and (iii) eliminated the commitment of the Lenders to issue letters of credit. After giving effect to the Amendment, RenaissanceRe has the right, subject to certain conditions, to increase the size of the facility up to $350.0 million.
	Amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate selected by RenaissanceRe equal to the Base Rate or LIBOR (each as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus a margin, all as more fully set forth in the Credit Agreement. At December 31, 2013, the Company has not borrowed any amounts under the Credit Agreement.
	The Credit Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants customary for bank loan facilities of this type. In addition to customary covenants which limit RenaissanceRe and its subsidiaries’ ability to merge, consolidate, enter into negative pledge agreements, sell a substantial amount of assets, incur liens and declare or pay dividends under certain circumstances, the Credit Agreement also contains certain financial covenants. These financial covenants generally provide that consolidated debt to capital shall not exceed the ratio of 0.35:1 and that for the year ending December 31, 2014, the consolidated net worth of RenaissanceRe and Renaissance Reinsurance shall equal or exceed approximately $2.3 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively (the “Net Worth Requirements”). The Net Worth Requirements are recalculated effective as of the end of each fiscal year, all as more fully set forth in the Credit Agreement. The commitments under the Credit Agreement expire on May 17, 2015.
	In the event of the occurrence and continuation of certain events of default, the administrative agent shall, at the request of the Required Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement), or may, with the consent of the Required Lenders, among other things, take any or all of the following actions: terminate the Lenders’ obligations to make loans and accelerate the outstanding obligations of RenaissanceRe under the Credit Agreement.
	Syndicated Letter of Credit Facility
	Effective May 17, 2012, RenaissanceRe and certain of its affiliates, Renaissance Reinsurance, Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe (“ROE”), RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks and DaVinci (such affiliates, collectively, the “Account Parties”), entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement with various banks and financial institutions parties thereto (collectively, the “Banks”), Wells Fargo, as issuing bank, administrative agent and collateral agent for the Banks, and certain other agents (the “Reimbursement Agreement”). The Reimbursement Agreement amended and restated in its entirety the Third Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of April 22, 2010, which was terminated concurrently with the effectiveness of the Reimbursement Agreement. The commitments under the Reimbursement Agreement expire on May 17, 2015.
	Effective March 28, 2013, RenaissanceRe reduced the commitments under the facility from $450.0 million to $250.0 million. The reductions were implemented in connection with a reassessment of the future collateral needs of RenaissanceRe, taking into account, among other things, its access to alternative sources of credit enhancement. Prior to the expiration date of May 17, 2015, the commitments under the facility may be increased from time to time up to an amount not to exceed $600.0 million in the aggregate, subject to RenaissanceRe satisfying certain conditions.
	The Reimbursement Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants in respect of RenaissanceRe, the Account Parties and their respective subsidiaries that are customary for facilities of this type, including customary covenants limiting the ability to merge, consolidate and sell a substantial amount of assets. The Reimbursement Agreement contains certain financial covenants requiring RenaissanceRe and DaVinci to maintain for the year ending December 31, 2014, a minimum net worth of approximately $2.0 billion and $781.2 million, respectively, which requirements are recalculated effective as of the end of each fiscal year, all as more fully set forth in the Reimbursement Agreement.
	Under the Reimbursement Agreement, each Account Party is required to pledge eligible collateral having a value sufficient to cover all of its obligations under the Reimbursement Agreement, including reimbursement obligations for outstanding letters of credit issued for its account. In the case of an event of default under the Reimbursement Agreement, and in certain other circumstances set forth in the Reimbursement Agreement, including, among others, a decrease in the net worth of an Account Party below the level specified therein for such Account Party, a decline in collateral value, and certain failures to maintain specified ratings, the Banks may exercise certain remedies, including conversion of collateral into cash.
	At December 31, 2013, the Company had $162.3 million of letters of credit with effective dates on or before December 31, 2013 outstanding under the Reimbursement Agreement.
	Bilateral Letter of Credit Facility (“Bilateral Facility”)
	Effective October 1, 2013, each of ROE and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. became parties to the existing Bilateral Facility provided pursuant to the facility letter, dated September 17, 2010 and amended July 14, 2011 (as so amended, the “Facility Letter”), among Citibank Europe plc (“CEP”) and the existing participants: Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci and RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks (collectively, with ROE and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S., the “Bilateral Facility Participants”).
	The Bilateral Facility provides a commitment from CEP to issue letters of credit for the account of one or more of the Bilateral Facility Participants (inclusive of ROE and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S.) and their respective subsidiaries in multiple currencies and in an aggregate amount of up to $300.0 million, subject to a sublimit of $50.0 million for letters of credit issued for the account of RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. The Bilateral Facility was to expire on December 31, 2013; however effective October 1, 2013, the Bilateral Facility was extended to December 31, 2014. The Bilateral Facility is evidenced by the Facility Letter and five separate master agreements between CEP and each of the Bilateral Facility Participants, as well as certain ancillary agreements. At December 31, 2013, the Bilateral Facility of $258.3 million remained unused and available to the Bilateral Facility Participants.
	Under the Bilateral Facility, each of the Bilateral Facility Participants is severally obligated to pledge to CEP at all times during the term of the Bilateral Facility certain securities with a collateral value (as determined as therein provided) that equals or exceeds 100% of the aggregate amount of its then-outstanding letters of credit. In the case of an event of default under the Bilateral Facility with respect to a Bilateral Facility Participant, CEP may exercise certain remedies with respect to such Bilateral Facility Participant, including terminating its commitment to such Bilateral Facility Participant under the Bilateral Facility and taking certain actions with respect to the collateral pledged by such Bilateral Facility Participant (including the sale thereof). In the Facility Letter, each Bilateral Facility Participant makes, as to itself, representations and warranties that are customary for facilities of this type and severally agrees that it will comply with certain informational and other undertakings, including those regarding the delivery of quarterly and annual financial statements.
	Funds at Lloyd’s Letter of Credit Facility
	On April 26, 2010, Renaissance Reinsurance and CEP entered into an Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement (the “Pledge Agreement”) in respect of its letter of credit facility with CEP which is evidenced by the Master Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2009, which provides for the issuance and renewal of letters of credit which are used to support business written by Syndicate 1458. At December 31, 2013, letters of credit issued by CEP under the Master Reimbursement Agreement were outstanding in the amount of $281.0 million and £60.0 million, respectively. Pursuant to the Pledge Agreement, Renaissance Reinsurance has agreed to pledge to CEP at all times during the term of the Master Reimbursement Agreement certain securities with a collateral value equal to 100% of the aggregate amount of the then-outstanding letters of credit issued under the Master Reimbursement Agreement.
	Letters of Credit
	At December 31, 2013, the Company had total letters of credit outstanding under all facilities of $584.4 million.
	Renaissance Reinsurance is also party to a collateralized letter of credit and reimbursement agreement in the amount of $37.5 million that supports the Company’s Top Layer Re joint venture. Renaissance Reinsurance is obligated to make a mandatory capital contribution of up to $50.0 million in the event that a loss reduces Top Layer Re’s capital below a specified level.
	DaVinciRe Loan Agreement
	On March 30, 2011, DaVinciRe entered into a loan agreement with RenaissanceRe (the “Loan Agreement”) under which RenaissanceRe made a loan to DaVinciRe in the principal amount of $200.0 million on April 1, 2011. The loan matures on March 31, 2021 and interest on the loan is payable at a rate of three month LIBOR plus 3.5% and is due at the end of each March, June, September and December, commencing on June 30, 2011. Under the terms of the Loan Agreement, DaVinciRe is required to maintain a debt to capital ratio of no greater than 0.40:1 and a net worth of no less than $500.0 million. On December 21, 2012, DaVinciRe repaid $100.0 million of principal under the Loan Agreement and at December 31, 2013, $100.0 million remained outstanding under the Loan Agreement. No additional amounts may be borrowed by DaVinciRe under the Loan Agreement.
	Renaissance Trading Guarantees
	At December 31, 2013, RenaissanceRe had provided guarantees in the aggregate amount of $50.8 million to certain counterparties of the weather and energy risk operations of Renaissance Trading, subsequently renamed as Munich Re Trading LLC, one of the entities acquired by Munich in the REAL transaction. Although the guarantees issued by RenaissanceRe to certain counterparties of Renaissance Trading remained in effect at December 31, 2013, in conjunction with the purchase agreement of REAL, Munich has agreed, effective October 1, 2013, to indemnify RenaissanceRe against any liabilities, losses and damages that may arise as a result of any transaction between Renaissance Trading and a counterparty that has been provided a guarantee by RenaissanceRe.
	Interest Paid and Scheduled Debt Maturity
	Interest paid on the Company’s debt totaled $20.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 (2012 – $23.1 million, 2011 – $23.8 million).
	The following table sets forth the scheduled maturity of the Company’s aggregate amount of its debt obligation reflected on its consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013:
		2014	$	—
		2015	—
		2016	—
		2017	—
		2018	—
		After 2018	250,000
		Unamortized debt issuance expenses	(570		)
			$	249,430

Noncontrolling_Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Noncontrolling Interests	'
	NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
	A summary of the Company’s noncontrolling interests on its consolidated balance sheets are detailed below:
			2013			2012
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe	$	1,063,368		$	968,259
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Medici	36,492			—
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest	$	1,099,860		$	968,259
		Noncontrolling interest - Angus Fund	$	—		$	3,991
	A summary of the Company’s noncontrolling interests on its consolidated statements of operations are detailed below:
			2013			2012			2011
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe	$	150,581		$	147,499		$	(33,697	)
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Medici	617			—			—
		Noncontrolling interest - Angus Fund	(54		)	541			540
		Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	151,144		$	148,040		$	(33,157	)
	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest – DaVinciRe
	In October 2001, the Company formed DaVinciRe and DaVinci with other equity investors. RenaissanceRe owns a noncontrolling economic interest in DaVinciRe; however, because RenaissanceRe controls a majority of DaVinciRe’s outstanding voting rights, the consolidated financial statements of DaVinciRe are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The portion of DaVinciRe’s earnings owned by third parties is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests. The Company’s noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe was 27.3% at December 31, 2013 (2012 - 30.8%).
	DaVinciRe shareholders are party to a shareholders agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”) which provides DaVinciRe shareholders, excluding RenaissanceRe, with certain redemption rights that enable each shareholder to notify DaVinciRe of such shareholder’s desire for DaVinciRe to repurchase up to half of such shareholder’s initial aggregate number of shares held, subject to certain limitations, such as limiting the aggregate of all share repurchase requests to 25% of DaVinciRe’s capital in any given year and satisfying all applicable regulatory requirements. If total shareholder requests exceed 25% of DaVinciRe’s capital, the number of shares repurchased will be reduced among the requesting shareholders pro-rata, based on the amounts desired to be repurchased. Shareholders desiring to have DaVinci repurchase their shares must notify DaVinciRe before March 1 of each year. The repurchase price will be based on GAAP book value as of the end of the year in which the shareholder notice is given, and the repurchase will be effective as of such date. Payment will be made by April 1 of the following year, following delivery of the audited financial statements for the year in which the repurchase was effective. The repurchase price is subject to a true-up for development on outstanding loss reserves after settlement of all claims relating to the applicable years.
	Certain third party shareholders of DaVinciRe submitted repurchase notices on or before the required annual redemption notice date of March 1, 2011, in accordance with the Shareholders Agreement. The repurchase notices submitted on or before March 1, 2011, were for shares of DaVinciRe with a GAAP book value of $9.2 million at December 31, 2011. Effective January 1, 2012, DaVinciRe redeemed the shares for $9.2 million, less a $1.8 million reserve holdback.
	Effective January 1, 2012, an existing third party shareholder sold a portion of its shares in DaVinciRe to a new third party shareholder.  In connection with the sale by the existing third party shareholder, DaVinciRe retained a $4.9 million holdback.  In addition, effective January 1, 2012, the Company sold a portion of its shares of DaVinciRe to a separate new third party shareholder.  The Company sold these shares for $98.9 million, net of a $10.0 million reserve holdback due from DaVinciRe.  The Company’s noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe was 42.8% at December 31, 2011 and subsequent to the above transactions, its noncontrolling economic ownership interest in DaVinciRe decreased to 34.7% effective January 1, 2012.
	Certain third party shareholders of DaVinciRe submitted repurchase notices on or before the required annual redemption notice date of March 1, 2012, in accordance with the Shareholders Agreement.  The repurchase notices submitted on or before March 1, 2012, were for shares of DaVinciRe with a GAAP book value of $53.2 million at December 31, 2012.
	On June 1, 2012, DaVinciRe completed an equity raise of $49.3 million from a new third party investor.  In addition, the Company and an existing third party investor each sold $24.7 million in common shares of DaVinciRe to another existing third party investor, for a total of $49.4 million.  In connection with the sale by the Company and the existing third party investor, DaVinciRe retained a $5.0 million holdback.  As a result of the above transactions, the Company’s noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe decreased to 31.5% effective January 1, 2012.
	On October 1, 2012, the Company sold a portion of its shares of DaVinciRe to a new third party shareholder for $9.8 million. The Company’s noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe decreased to 30.8% effective January 1, 2012 as a result of this sale.
	During January 2013, DaVinciRe redeemed shares from certain DaVinciRe shareholders (including those who submitted redemption notices in advance of the March 1, 2012 annual redemption notice date, as discussed above) while certain other DaVinciRe shareholders purchased additional shares in DaVinciRe. The net redemption as a result of these transactions was $150.0 million. In connection with the redemptions, DaVinciRe retained a $20.5 million holdback. The Company’s noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe was 30.8% at December 31, 2012 and subsequent to the above transactions, the Company’s noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe increased to 32.9% effective January 1, 2013.
	Effective October 1, 2013, an existing third party shareholder sold a portion of its shares in DaVinciRe to a new third party shareholder.  In addition, effective October 1, 2013, the Company sold a portion of its shares of DaVinciRe to the same new third party shareholder.  The Company sold these shares for $77.4 million and subsequent to the above transactions, the Company’s noncontrolling economic ownership interest in DaVinciRe decreased, and was 27.3% at December 31, 2013.
	See “Note 23. Subsequent Events” for additional information related to DaVinciRe shareholder transactions which occurred during January 2014.
	The Company expects its noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe to fluctuate over time.
	The activity in redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe is detailed in the table below:
			2013			2012
		Balance – January 1	$	968,259		$	657,727
		Redemption of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest	(209,356		)	—
		Sale of shares to redeemable noncontrolling interest	153,884			163,033
		Comprehensive income:
		Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	150,581			147,499
		Balance – December 31	$	1,063,368		$	968,259
	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest - Medici
	Medici is an exempted fund incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and its objective is to seek to invest substantially all of its assets in various insurance-based investment instruments that have returns primarily tied to property catastrophe risk. Prior to June 1, 2013, Medici was a wholly owned subsidiary of Fund Holdings, which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of RenaissanceRe.
	Subsequent to June 1, 2013, third-party investors subscribed for, and redeemed, an aggregate of $37.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively, of the participating, non-voting common shares of Medici. As a result of the third-party investments during the period from June 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013, the Company’s ownership in Medici was 73.9% at December 31, 2013. The portion of Medici’s earnings owned by third parties is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests. Any shareholder may redeem all or any portion of its shares as of the last day of any calendar month, upon at least 30 calendar days’ prior irrevocable written notice to Medici. As the participating, non-voting common shares of Medici have redemption features which are outside the control of the issuer, the portion related to the redeemable noncontrolling interest in Medici is recorded in the mezzanine section of the consolidated balance sheets of the Company.
	See “Note 23. Subsequent Events” for additional information related to Medici transactions which occurred subsequent to December 31, 2013.
	The Company expects its ownership in Medici to fluctuate over time.
	The activity in redeemable noncontrolling interest – Medici is detailed in the table below:
			2013
		Balance – January 1	$	—
		Redemption of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest	(1,325		)
		Sale of shares to redeemable noncontrolling interest	37,200
		Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	617
		Balance – December 31	$	36,492
	Noncontrolling Interest - Angus Fund L.P. (the “Angus Fund”)
	In December 2010, REAL and RRCA, both formerly wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, formed the Angus Fund with other equity investors. The Angus Fund was formed to provide capital to and make investments in companies primarily in the heating oil and propane distribution industries and Angus was formed to provide commodity related risk management products to third party customers.
	As part of the agreement to sell REAL to Munich (see “Note 3. Discontinued Operations” for additional information), the former general partner of the Angus Fund, REAL, transferred its general partner ownership interest to RRV U.S. Holdings LLC (“RRV U.S.”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, representing a $55 thousand investment in the Angus Fund, or a 1.1% ownership interest at December 1, 2013 (December 31, 2012 - $55 thousand and 1.1%, respectively), and RRCA, the former limited partner, transferred its limited partner ownership interest to RenTech U.S. Holdings LLC (“RenTech”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, representing a $2.0 million investment in the Angus Fund, or a 35.0% ownership interest at December 1, 2013 (December 31, 2012 - $2.0 million and 35.1%, respectively). There was no gain or loss recognized on the above transactions.
	Effective December 1, 2013, both RRV U.S. and RenTech contributed their ownership interests in the Angus Fund to Angus for $2.3 million, in return for equity interests in Angus. The Company previously had an equity interest of 38.8% in Angus, and as a result of these transactions, its equity interest in Angus has increased to 42.5%. In addition, these transactions resulted in $1.7 million of additional goodwill related to the Company’s additional investment in Angus.
	Prior to December 1, 2013, the Angus Fund met the definition of a VIE, therefore the Company evaluated its ownership in the Angus Fund to determine if it was the primary beneficiary. The Company had concluded it was the primary beneficiary of the Angus Fund as it had the power to direct, and had more than insignificant economic interest in, the activities of the Angus Fund and as such, the financial position and results of operations of the Angus Fund were consolidated. The portion of the Angus Fund’s earnings owned by third parties was recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest. Effective December 1, 2013, the Company concluded that it no longer had the power to direct the activities, nor was it the primary beneficiary, of the Angus Fund and as a result, it was deconsolidated. The Company’s equity investment in Angus is recorded under investments in other ventures, under equity method on its consolidated balance sheet. See “Note. 5 Investments” for additional information related to the Company’s investments in other ventures, under equity method.
	The activity in noncontrolling interest is detailed in the table below:
			2013			2012
		Balance – January 1	$	3,991		$	3,340
		Sale of shares to noncontrolling interest	—			300
		Adjustment of ownership interest	(3,709		)	—
		Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(54		)	541
		Dividends on common shares	(228		)	(190		)
		Balance – December 31	$	—		$	3,991

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Variable Interest Entities	'
	VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
	Upsilon Reinsurance Ltd. (“Upsilon Re”)
	Effective January 1, 2012, the Company formed and launched a managed joint venture, Upsilon Re, a Bermuda domiciled SPI, to provide additional capacity to the worldwide aggregate and per-occurrence retrocessional property catastrophe excess of loss market for the 2012 underwriting year. The original business was written by Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe (“ROE”), a wholly owned subsidiary of RenaissanceRe, and included $37.4 million of gross premiums written incepting between January 1, 2012 and June 1, 2012. A portion of this business was in turn ceded to Upsilon Re under a fully-collateralized retrocessional reinsurance contract, effective January 1, 2012. In conjunction with the formation and launch of Upsilon Re, $16.8 million of non-voting Class B shares were sold to external investors, and the Company invested $48.8 million in Upsilon Re’s non-voting Class B shares, representing a 74.5% ownership interest in Upsilon Re. The Class B shareholders participate in substantially all of the profits or losses of Upsilon Re while the Class B shares remain outstanding. The holders of Class B shares indemnify Upsilon Re against losses relating to insurance risk and therefore these shares have been accounted for as prospective reinsurance under FASB ASC Topic Financial Services - Insurance. In addition, another third party investor supplied $17.6 million of capital through a reinsurance participation (a third party quota share agreement) with ROE alongside Upsilon Re. Inclusive of the reinsurance participation, the Company had a 61.4% participation in the original risks assumed by ROE. Both Upsilon Re and the reinsurance participation were managed by RUM in return for an expense override. Through RUM, the Company was eligible to receive a potential underwriting profit commission in respect of Upsilon Re. Upsilon Re is considered a VIE and the Company is considered the primary beneficiary. As a result, Upsilon Re is consolidated by the Company and all significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated.
	During 2013, Upsilon Re redeemed all of its outstanding third party non-voting Class B shares for $23.0 million as a result of the scheduled expiration of certain risks underwritten by Upsilon Re. Following these redemptions, no third-party non-voting Class B Shares remained outstanding.  In addition, the Company has authorized the release of all collateral provided to a third party investor who participated in risks underwritten by ROE related to Upsilon Re through the reinsurance participation. At December 31, 2013, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet included total assets and total liabilities of $Nil and $Nil, respectively, related to Upsilon (2012 - $93.5 million and $93.5 million, respectively).
	Timicuan Reinsurance III Limited (“Tim Re III”)
	Effective June 1, 2012, the Company formed and launched a managed joint venture, Tim Re III, a Bermuda domiciled SPI, to provide collateralized reinsurance in respect of a portfolio of Florida reinstatement premium protection (“RPP”) contracts. The original business was written by Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci, and included $41.1 million of gross premiums written incepting June 1, 2012 and Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci ceded $37.7 million to Tim Re III under a fully-collateralized reinsurance contract. In conjunction with the formation and launch of Tim Re III, $44.8 million of non-voting Class B shares were sold to external investors. Additionally, $10.3 million of the non-voting Class B shares were acquired by the Company, representing an 18.6% ownership interest in Tim Re III. The Class B shareholders participate in substantially all of the profits or losses of Tim Re III while the Class B shares remain outstanding. The holders of Class B shares indemnify Tim Re III against losses relating to insurance risk and therefore these shares have been accounted for as prospective reinsurance under FASB ASC Topic Financial Services - Insurance. In addition, another third party investor supplied $5.2 million of capital through a reinsurance participation with Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci, alongside Tim Re III. Inclusive of the reinsurance participation, the Company had a 17.1% participation in the original risks assumed by Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci related to Tim Re III. Both Tim Re III and the reinsurance participation were managed by RUM. Through RUM, the Company was eligible to receive a potential underwriting profit commission in respect of Tim Re III. Tim Re III is considered a VIE and the Company is considered the primary beneficiary. As a result, Tim Re III is consolidated by the Company and all significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated.
	During 2013, Tim Re III redeemed all of its outstanding third party non-voting Class B shares for $66.5 million as a result of the scheduled expiration of the risks underwritten by Tim Re III.  Following these redemptions, no third-party non-voting Class B Shares remained outstanding.  In addition, the Company has authorized the release of all the collateral provided to a third party investor who participated in risks underwritten by Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci related to Tim Re III through the reinsurance participation. At December 31, 2013, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet included total assets and total liabilities of $Nil and $Nil, respectively, related to Tim Re III (2012 - $90.5 million and $90.5 million, respectively).
	Upsilon RFO Re Ltd. (“Upsilon RFO”)
	Effective January 1, 2013, the Company formed and launched Upsilon RFO (formerly known as Upsilon Reinsurance II Ltd.), a managed joint venture and a Bermuda domiciled SPI, to provide additional capacity to the worldwide aggregate and per-occurrence retrocessional property catastrophe excess of loss market. Original business was written directly by Upsilon RFO and includes $53.5 million of gross premiums written incepting January 1, 2013 under fully-collateralized reinsurance contracts. In conjunction with the formation and launch of Upsilon RFO, $61.0 million of Upsilon RFO non-voting Class B shares were sold to unaffiliated third party investors. Additionally, $76.4 million of the non-voting Class B shares were acquired by the Company, representing a 55.6% participation in the original risks assumed by Upsilon RFO effective January 1, 2013. In addition, another third party investor supplied $17.5 million of capital through an insurance contract with the Company related to Upsilon RFO’s reinsurance portfolio. Inclusive of the insurance contract, the Company had a 42.9% participation in the original risks assumed by Upsilon RFO effective January 1, 2013.
	On July 1, 2013, the Company sold a portion of its shares of Upsilon RFO to a new unaffiliated third party shareholder for $25.0 million. The Company’s participation in the original risks assumed by Upsilon RFO prior to January 1, 2014 was 25.8%, inclusive of the related insurance contract, effective December 31, 2013.
	In conjunction with risks incepting on or after January 1, 2014, $172.4 million of Upsilon RFO non-voting preference shares were sold to unaffiliated third-party investors.  Additionally, $109.7 million of the non-voting preference shares were acquired by the Company, representing a 38.9% participation in the risks assumed by Upsilon RFO incepting on or after January 1, 2014.  In addition, another third party investor supplied $15.0 million of capital through an insurance contract with the Company related to Upsilon RFO’s reinsurance portfolio.  Inclusive of the insurance contract, the Company has a 33.6% participation in the original risks assumed by Upsilon RFO in conjunction with risks incepting on or after January 1, 2014.  At December 31, 2013, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet included total assets and total liabilities of $474.2 million and $474.2 million, respectively, related to Upsilon RFO, including $156.3 million of capital raised from third party investors and received by Upsilon RFO prior to December 31, 2013, which is reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in other liabilities.  The final amount raised by Upsilon RFO, and the amount attributable to third party investors, will be determined during the first quarter of 2014, following the completion of the underwriting portfolio and calculation of the total capital requirements for Upsilon RFO, for risks incepting on or after January 1, 2014.
	The shareholders (other than the Class A shareholder) participate in substantially all of the profits or losses of Upsilon RFO while their shares remain outstanding. The shareholders (other than the Class A shareholder) indemnify Upsilon RFO against losses relating to insurance risk and therefore these shares have been accounted for as prospective reinsurance under FASB ASC Topic Financial Services - Insurance. Both Upsilon RFO and the insurance participation are managed by RUM in return for an expense override. Through RUM, the Company is eligible to receive a potential underwriting profit commission in respect of Upsilon RFO. Upsilon RFO is considered a VIE and the Company is considered the primary beneficiary. As a result, Upsilon RFO is consolidated by the Company and all significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated.
	Upsilon Re, Tim Re III and Upsilon RFO are each considered VIEs as they each have insufficient equity capital to finance their activities without additional financial support. The Company is the primary beneficiary of each of Upsilon Re, Tim Re III and Upsilon RFO as it: (i) has the power over the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of each of Upsilon Re, Tim Re III and Upsilon RFO and (ii) has the obligation to absorb the losses, and right to receive the benefits, in accordance with the accounting guidance, that could be significant to Upsilon Re, Tim Re III and Upsilon RFO, respectively. As a result, the Company consolidates Upsilon Re, Tim Re III and Upsilon RFO and all significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated. The Company has not provided financial or other support to any of Upsilon Re, Tim Re III and Upsilon RFO that was not contractually required to be provided.
	Mona Lisa Re Ltd. (“Mona Lisa Re”)
	On March 14, 2013, Mona Lisa Re was licensed as a Bermuda domiciled SPI to provide reinsurance capacity to subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe, namely Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci, through reinsurance agreements which will be collateralized and funded by Mona Lisa Re through the issuance of one or more series of principal-at-risk variable rate notes (“Notes”) to third-party investors.
	Upon issuance of a series of Notes by Mona Lisa Re, all of the proceeds from the issuance are expected to be deposited into collateral accounts, separated by series, to fund any potential obligation under the reinsurance agreements entered into with Renaissance Reinsurance and/or DaVinci underlying such series of Notes. The outstanding principal amount of each series of Notes generally will be returned to holders of such Notes upon the expiration of the risk period underlying such Notes, unless an event occurs which causes a loss under the applicable series of Notes, in which case the amount returned will be reduced by such noteholder’s pro rata share of such loss, as specified in the applicable governing documents of such Notes. In addition, holders of Notes are generally entitled to interest payments, payable quarterly, as determined by the applicable governing documents of each series of Notes.
	The Company concluded that Mona Lisa Re meets the definition of a VIE as it does not have sufficient equity capital to finance its activities. Therefore, the Company evaluated its relationship with Mona Lisa Re and concluded it does not have a variable interest in Mona Lisa Re. As a result, the financial position and results of operations of Mona Lisa Re are not consolidated by the Company. At December 31, 2013, the total assets and total liabilities of Mona Lisa Re were $209.6 million and $209.6 million, respectively.
	The only transactions related to Mona Lisa Re that are recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements are the ceded reinsurance agreements entered into by Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci which are accounted for as prospective reinsurance under FASB ASC Topic Financial Services - Insurance. During 2013, Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci have together entered into ceded reinsurance contracts with Mona Lisa Re with gross premiums ceded of $9.2 million and $6.5 million, respectively.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity	'
	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	The aggregate authorized capital of RenaissanceRe is 325 million shares consisting of 225 million common shares and 100 million preference shares. The following table is a summary of changes in common shares issued and outstanding:
		Year ended December 31,	2013		2012		2011
		(thousands of shares)
		Issued and outstanding shares – January 1	45,542		51,543		54,110
		Repurchase of shares	(2,451	)	(6,399	)	(2,889	)
		Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock awards	555		398		322
		Issued and outstanding shares – December 31	43,646		45,542		51,543
	The Board of Directors of RenaissanceRe declared, and RenaissanceRe paid, a dividend of $0.28 per common share to shareholders of record on March 15, June 14, September 13 and December 13, 2013, respectively. Dividends declared and paid on common shares amounted to $1.12 per common share for the year ended December 31, 2013 (2012 - $1.08, 2011 - $1.04), or $49.3 million on all common shares outstanding (2012 - $53.4 million, 2011 - $53.5 million).
	The Company’s share repurchase program may be effected from time to time, depending on market conditions and other factors, through open market purchases and privately negotiated transactions. Unless terminated earlier by resolution of RenaissanceRe’s Board of Directors, the program will expire when the Company has repurchased the full value of the shares authorized. The Company’s decision to repurchase common shares will depend on, among other matters, the market price of the common shares and the capital requirements of the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 2.5 million shares in open market transactions and a privately negotiated transaction at an aggregate cost of $207.9 million, and at an average share price of $84.80. On November 14, 2013, RenaissanceRe’s Board of Directors approved a renewal of the authorized share repurchase program to an aggregate amount of $500.0 million. At December 31, 2013, $433.1 million remained available for repurchase under the Board authorized share repurchase program. See “Note 23. Subsequent Events” for additional information related to share repurchases subsequent to December 31, 2013 and an increase in the Company’s authorized share repurchase program.
	In March 2004, RenaissanceRe raised $250.0 million through the issuance of 10 million Series C Preference Shares at $25 per share; in December 2006, RenaissanceRe raised $300.0 million through the issuance of 12 million Series D Preference Shares at $25 per share; and in May 2013, RenaissanceRe raised $275.0 million through the issuance of 11 million Series E Preference Shares at $25 per share. Offering expenses of $9.1 million related to the issuance of the Series E Preference Shares have been included in additional paid in capital on the Company’s consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity. On December 27, 2012, the Company redeemed 6 million Series D Preference Shares for $150.0 million plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. Following the redemption, 6 million Series D Preference Shares remained outstanding. The proceeds of the issuance of the Series E Preference Shares were used to redeem the remaining 6 million outstanding Series D Preference Shares and 5 million of the outstanding Series C Preference Shares, as discussed below.
	The Series E Preference Shares and the remaining Series C Preference Shares may be redeemed at $25 per share plus certain dividends at RenaissanceRe’s option on or after June 1, 2018 and March 23, 2009, respectively. Dividends on the Series C Preference Shares are cumulative from the date of original issuance and are payable quarterly in arrears at 6.08% per annum, when, if, and as declared by the Board of Directors. Dividends on the Series E Preference Shares will be payable from the date of original issuance on a non-cumulative basis, only when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, quarterly in arrears at 5.375% per annum. Unless certain dividend payments are made on the preference shares, RenaissanceRe will be restricted from paying any dividends on its common shares. The preference shares have no stated maturity and are not convertible into any other securities of RenaissanceRe. Generally, the preference shares have no voting rights. Whenever dividends payable on the preference shares are in arrears (whether or not such dividends have been earned or declared) in an amount equivalent to dividends for six full dividend periods (whether or not consecutive), the holders of the preference shares, voting as a single class regardless of class or series, will have the right to elect two directors to the Board of Directors of RenaissanceRe.
	In May 2013, RenaissanceRe announced a mandatory redemption of the remaining 6 million of its outstanding Series D Preference Shares and on June 27, 2013 RenaissanceRe redeemed the remaining 6 million Series D Preference Shares called for redemption for $150.0 million million plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. Following the redemption, no Series D Preference Shares remain outstanding. In addition, in May 2013, RenaissanceRe announced a mandatory partial redemption of 5 million of its outstanding Series C Preference Shares. The partial redemption was allocated by random lottery in accordance with the Depository Trust Company’s rules and procedures and on June 27, 2013 RenaissanceRe redeemed the 5 million Series C Preference Shares called for redemption for $125.0 million plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. Following the redemption, 5 million Series C Preference Shares remain outstanding.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, RenaissanceRe declared and paid $24.9 million in preference share dividends (2012 - $34.9 million, 2011 - $35.0 million).

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:
		Year ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
		(thousands of shares)
		Numerator:
		Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	665,676		$	566,014		$	(92,235	)
		Amount allocated to participating common shareholders (1)	(9,520		)	(8,973		)	(990		)
		Net income (loss) allocated to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	656,156		$	557,041		$	(93,225	)
		Denominator:
		Denominator for basic income (loss) per RenaissanceRe common share - weighted average common shares	43,349			48,873			50,747
		Per common share equivalents of employee stock options and restricted shares	779			730			—
		Denominator for diluted income (loss) per RenaissanceRe common share - adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions	44,128			49,603			50,747
		Basic income (loss) per RenaissanceRe common share	$	15.14		$	11.4		$	(1.84	)
		Diluted income (loss) per RenaissanceRe common share	$	14.87		$	11.23		$	(1.84	)
	-1	Represents earnings attributable to holders of unvested restricted shares issued under the Company’s 2001 Stock Incentive Plan and the Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan.

Related_Party_Transactions_and

Related Party Transactions and Major Customers	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions and Major Customers	'
	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS
	During 2010, the Company issued a $5.0 million promissory note to THIG. Interest was due quarterly and was accrued on the unpaid principal balance at LIBOR plus 6.0%. THIG could voluntarily prepay the loan in whole, or in part, plus accrued interest, without premium or penalty at any time. During 2013, THIG repaid the promissory note in full, and accordingly, the principal balance included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013 was $Nil (2012 - $4.0 million). Interest income earned on the promissory note of $0.2 million (2012 - $0.3 million) is included in other income on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
	The Company has entered into reinsurance agreements with certain subsidiaries and affiliates of Tower Hill and has also entered into reinsurance agreements with respect to business produced by the Tower Hill Companies. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded $46.7 million (2012 - $41.1 million, 2011 - $29.8 million) of gross premium written assumed from Tower Hill and its subsidiaries and affiliates. Gross premiums earned totaled $44.9 million (2012 - $36.1 million, 2011 - $28.9 million) and expenses incurred were $5.3 million (2012 - $3.9 million, 2011 - $3.3 million) for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company had a net related outstanding payable balance of $0.1 million as of December 31, 2013 (2012 - receivable balance of $8.6 million). During 2013, the Company assumed net claims and claims expenses of $4.1 million (2012 - assumed $4.0 million, 2011 - recovered $8.0 million) and, as of December 31, 2013, had a net reserve for claims and claim expenses of $34.1 million (2012 - $33.9 million). In addition, the Company received distributions of $9.8 million from THIG during 2013 (2012 - $9.5 million).
	As a result of the transactions described in “Note 10. Noncontrolling Interests”, the Company has cumulatively invested $10.5 million in Angus, representing a 42.5% equity interest, which is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Angus primarily provides commodity related risk management products to third party customers. The Company had an outstanding net asset position of $Nil at December 31, 2013 (2012 - net asset position of $1.6 million) related to certain derivative trades between Angus and REAL, prior to the sale of REAL to Munich. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company generated other income of $5.0 million (2012 - $7.9 million, 2011 - $3.4 million) associated with Angus related transactions which is reflected in the Company’s discontinued operations with respect to REAL.
	During 2013, the Company received distributions from Top Layer Re of $Nil (2012 - $Nil, 2011 - $Nil), and a management fee of $3.8 million (2012 - $4.1 million, 2011 - $3.7 million). The management fee reimburses the Company for services it provides to Top Layer Re.
	During 2013, the Company received 88.2% of its aggregate Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance segments’ gross premiums written (2012 - 84.6%, 2011 - 90.7%) from three brokers. Subsidiaries and affiliates of AON Benfield, Marsh Inc., and the Willis Group accounted for approximately 48.6%, 22.7% and 16.9%, respectively, of gross premiums written for the aggregate of the Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance segments in 2013 (2012 - 51.5%, 21.4% and 11.7%, respectively, 2011 - 56.1%, 21.9% and 12.7%, respectively).

Taxation

Taxation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Taxation	'
	TAXATION
	Under current Bermuda law, RenaissanceRe and its Bermuda subsidiaries are not subject to any income or capital gains taxes. In the event that such taxes are imposed, RenaissanceRe and its Bermuda subsidiaries would be exempted from any such tax until March 2035 pursuant to the Bermuda Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act 1966, and Amended Acts of 1987 and 2011, respectively.
	RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (“RenRe North America”) and its subsidiaries are subject to income taxes imposed by U.S. federal and state authorities and file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. Should the U.S. subsidiaries pay a dividend to RenaissanceRe, withholding taxes would apply to the extent of current year or accumulated earnings and profits. The Company also has operations in Ireland, the U.K., and Singapore which are subject to income taxes imposed by the respective jurisdictions in which they operate.
	The Company is not subject to income taxation other than as stated above.  There can be no assurance that there will not be changes in applicable laws, regulations or treaties, which might require the Company to change the way it operates or become subject to taxation.
	The following is a summary of the Company’s income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes allocated between domestic and foreign operations:
		Year ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
		Domestic
		Bermuda	$	873,103		$	795,378		$	18,308
		Foreign
		United Kingdom	(12,678		)	(15,404		)	(22,895		)
		U.S.	(20,019		)	(16,467		)	(23,837		)
		Ireland	1,855			3,318			(24		)
		Singapore	(1,223		)	13			—
		Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$	841,038		$	766,838		$	(28,448	)
	Income tax (expense) benefit is comprised as follows:
		Year ended December 31, 2013	Current			Deferred			Total
		Total income tax (expense) benefit	$	(2,005	)	$	313		$	(1,692	)
		Year ended December 31, 2012
		Total income tax (expense) benefit	$	(1,667	)	$	254		$	(1,413	)
		Year ended December 31, 2011
		Total income tax benefit (expense)	$	2,529		$	(12,914	)	$	(10,385	)
	The Company’s expected income tax provision computed on pre-tax income at the weighted average tax rate has been calculated as the sum of the pre-tax income in each jurisdiction multiplied by that jurisdiction’s applicable statutory tax rate. Statutory tax rates of 0.0%, 35.0%, 12.5%, 23.2% and 17.0% have been used for Bermuda, the U.S., Ireland, the U.K. and Singapore, respectively.
	The Company’s effective income tax rate, which it calculates as income tax expense divided by net income before taxes, may fluctuate significantly from period to period depending on the geographic distribution of pre-tax net income in any given period between different jurisdictions with comparatively higher tax rates and those with comparatively lower tax rates. The geographic distribution of pre-tax income (loss) can vary significantly between periods due to, but not limited to, the following factors: the business mix of net premiums written and earned; the geographic location, the size and the nature of net claims and claim expenses incurred; the amount and geographic location of operating expenses, net investment income, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments; outstanding debt and related interest expense; and the amount of specific adjustments to determine the income tax basis in each of the Company’s operating jurisdictions.  In addition, a significant portion of the Company’s gross and net premiums are currently written and earned in Bermuda, which does not have a corporate income tax, including the majority of the Company’s catastrophe business, which can result in significant volatility to its pre-tax income (loss) in any given period.
	A reconciliation of the difference between the provision for income taxes and the expected tax provision at the weighted average tax rate is as follows:
		Year ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
		Expected income tax benefit	$	9,930		$	8,889		$	14,188
		Change in valuation allowance	(8,574		)	(6,212		)	(21,976		)
		Other	(3,048		)	(4,090		)	(2,597		)
		Income tax expense	$	(1,692	)	$	(1,413	)	$	(10,385	)
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below:
		At December 31,	2013			2012
		Deferred tax assets
		Tax loss and credit carryforwards	$	34,429		$	16,548
		Deferred interest expense	12,608			8,448
		Investments	4,694			3,278
		Deferred underwriting results	1,873			4,366
		Amortization and depreciation	1,730			1,597
		Accrued expenses	1,096			1,062
			56,430			35,299
		Deferred tax liabilities
		Amortization and depreciation	(155		)	(369		)
			(155		)	(369		)
		Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance	56,275			34,930
		Valuation allowance	(56,106		)	(35,074		)
		Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	169		$	(144	)
	During 2013, the Company recorded a net increase to the valuation allowance of $21.0 million (2012 – increase of $6.2 million, 2011 – increase of $25.3 million). The Company’s net deferred tax asset primarily relates to net operating loss carryforwards and GAAP versus tax basis accounting differences relating to interest expense, underwriting results, accrued expenses and investments. The Company’s U.S. operations generated a cumulative GAAP taxable loss for the three year periods ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Accordingly, the Company believes that it is more likely than not that the U.S. net deferred tax asset will not be realized and as a result has provided a full valuation allowance against its U.S. net deferred tax asset. In addition, a valuation allowance has been provided against deferred tax assets in Ireland, the U.K., and Singapore. These deferred tax assets relate primarily to net operating loss carryforwards and deferred underwriting results.
	In the U.S., the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of $59.8 million. Under applicable law, the U.S. net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2031. In Ireland, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of $11.5 million. In the U.K., the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of $41.7 million. In Singapore, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of $1.3 million. Under applicable law, the Irish, U.K. and Singapore net operating losses can be carried forward for an indefinite period.
	The Company had a net payment for U.S. federal, Irish, U.K. and Singapore income taxes of $1.2 million for the year ended 2013 (2012 – net refund of $13.2 million, 2011 – net payment of $11.0 million).
	The Company has unrecognized tax benefits of $Nil as of December 31, 2013 (2012 – $Nil). Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits would be recognized in income tax expense.  At December 31, 2013, interest and penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits were $Nil. Income tax returns filed for tax years 2009 through 2012, 2009 through 2012, 2012 and 2012, are open for examination by the Internal Revenue Service, Irish tax authorities, U.K. tax authorities, and Singapore tax authorities, respectively. The Company does not expect the resolution of these open years to have a significant impact on its results from operations and financial condition.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	SEGMENT REPORTING
	In conjunction with changes in the Company’s management structure during 2013, including the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, and with changes in the mix of the Company’s reinsurance business, the Company revised its reportable segments to: (1) Catastrophe Reinsurance, which includes catastrophe reinsurance and certain property catastrophe joint ventures managed by the Company’s ventures unit; (2) Specialty Reinsurance, which includes specialty reinsurance and certain specialty joint ventures managed by the Company’s ventures unit; and (3) Lloyd’s, which includes reinsurance and insurance business written through Syndicate 1458. RenaissanceRe CCL, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of RenaissanceRe, is the sole corporate member of Syndicate 1458. Previously, the Company disclosed Reinsurance and Lloyd’s as its reportable segments. All prior periods presented have been reclassified to conform to this presentation.
	The financial results of the Company’s strategic investments, former Insurance segment, discontinued operations related to REAL and current noncontrolling interests are included in the Other category of the Company’s segment results. Also included in the Other category of the Company’s segment results are the Company’s investments in other ventures, investments unit, corporate expenses and capital servicing costs.
	The Company does not manage its assets by segment; accordingly, net investment income and total assets are not allocated to the segments.
	A summary of the significant components of the Company’s revenues and expenses is as follows:
		Year ended December 31, 2013	Catastrophe Reinsurance			Specialty Reinsurance			Lloyd’s			Other			Total
		Gross premiums written (1)	$	1,120,379		$	259,489		$	226,532		$	(988	)	$	1,605,412
		Net premiums written	$	753,078		$	248,562		$	201,697		$	610		$	1,203,947
		Net premiums earned	$	723,705		$	214,306		$	176,029		$	586		$	1,114,626
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred	7,908			67,236			95,693			450			171,287
		Acquisition expenses	49,161			41,538			34,823			(21		)	125,501
		Operational expenses	108,130			31,780			50,540			655			191,105
		Underwriting income (loss)	$	558,506		$	73,752		$	(5,027	)	$	(498	)	626,733
		Net investment income										208,028			208,028
		Net foreign exchange gains										1,917			1,917
		Equity in earnings of other ventures										23,194			23,194
		Other loss										(2,359		)	(2,359		)
		Net realized and unrealized gains on investments										35,076			35,076
		Corporate expenses										(33,622		)	(33,622		)
		Interest expense										(17,929		)	(17,929		)
		Income from continuing operations before taxes													841,038
		Income tax expense										(1,692		)	(1,692		)
		Income from discontinued operations										2,422			2,422
		Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests										(151,144		)	(151,144		)
		Dividends on preference shares										(24,948		)	(24,948		)
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders													$	665,676
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year	$	109,945		$	101,347		$	103,949		$	—		$	315,241
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years	(102,037		)	(34,111		)	(8,256		)	450			(143,954		)
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total	$	7,908		$	67,236		$	95,693		$	450		$	171,287
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year	15.2		%	47.3		%	59.1		%	—		%	28.3		%
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years	(14.1		)%	(15.9		)%	(4.7		)%	76.8		%	(12.9		)%
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year	1.1		%	31.4		%	54.4		%	76.8		%	15.4		%
		Underwriting expense ratio	21.7		%	34.2		%	48.5		%	108.2		%	28.4		%
		Combined ratio	22.8		%	65.6		%	102.9		%	185		%	43.8		%
	(1) Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $1.0 million.
		Year ended December 31, 2012	Catastrophe Reinsurance			Specialty Reinsurance			Lloyd’s			Other			Total
		Gross premiums written (1)	$	1,182,207		$	209,887		$	159,987		$	(490	)	$	1,551,591
		Net premiums written	$	766,035		$	201,552		$	135,131		$	(61	)	$	1,102,657
		Net premiums earned	$	781,738		$	164,685		$	122,968		$	(36	)	$	1,069,355
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred	165,209			76,813			80,242			2,947			325,211
		Acquisition expenses	66,665			23,826			22,864			187			113,542
		Operational expenses	103,811			29,124			45,680			536			179,151
		Underwriting income (loss)	$	446,053		$	34,922		$	(25,818	)	$	(3,706	)	451,451
		Net investment income										165,725			165,725
		Net foreign exchange gains										5,319			5,319
		Equity in earnings of other ventures										23,238			23,238
		Other loss										(2,120		)	(2,120		)
		Net realized and unrealized gains on investments										163,121			163,121
		Net other-than-temporary impairments										(343		)	(343		)
		Corporate expenses										(16,456		)	(16,456		)
		Interest expense										(23,097		)	(23,097		)
		Income from continuing operations before taxes													766,838
		Income tax expense										(1,413		)	(1,413		)
		Loss from discontinued operations										(16,476		)	(16,476		)
		Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests										(148,040		)	(148,040		)
		Dividends on preference shares										(34,895		)	(34,895		)
		Net income attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders													$	566,014
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year	$	275,777		$	110,959		$	96,444		$	—		$	483,180
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years	(110,568		)	(34,146		)	(16,202		)	2,947			(157,969		)
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total	$	165,209		$	76,813		$	80,242		$	2,947		$	325,211
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year	35.3		%	67.4		%	78.4		%	—		%	45.2		%
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years	(14.2		)%	(20.8		)%	(13.1		)%	(8,186.1		)%	(14.8		)%
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year	21.1		%	46.6		%	65.3		%	(8,186.1		)%	30.4		%
	Underwriting expense ratio	21.8		%	32.2		%	55.7		%	(2,008.3		)%	27.4		%
	Combined ratio	42.9		%	78.8		%	121		%	(10,194.4		)%	57.8		%
(1) Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.5 million.
	Year ended December 31, 2011	Catastrophe Reinsurance			Specialty Reinsurance			Lloyd’s			Other			Total
	Gross premiums written (1)	$	1,177,296		$	145,891		$	111,584		$	205		$	1,434,976
	Net premiums written	$	773,560		$	139,939		$	98,617		$	657		$	1,012,773
	Net premiums earned	$	737,545		$	135,543		$	76,386		$	1,575		$	951,049
	Net claims and claim expenses incurred	770,350			13,354			73,259			4,216			861,179
	Acquisition expenses	62,882			20,096			14,031			367			97,376
	Operational expenses	100,932			30,319			36,732			1,678			169,661
	Underwriting (loss) income	$	(196,619	)	$	71,774		$	(47,636	)	$	(4,686	)	(177,167		)
	Net investment income										146,871			146,871
	Net foreign exchange losses										(7,844		)	(7,844		)
	Equity in losses of other ventures										(36,533		)	(36,533		)
	Other income										44,345			44,345
	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments										43,956			43,956
	Net other-than-temporary impairments										(552		)	(552		)
	Corporate expenses										(18,156		)	(18,156		)
	Interest expense										(23,368		)	(23,368		)
	Loss from continuing operations before taxes													(28,448		)
	Income tax expense										(10,385		)	(10,385		)
	Loss from discontinued operations										(51,559		)	(51,559		)
	Loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe										33,157			33,157
	Dividends on preference shares										(35,000		)	(35,000		)
	Net loss attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders													$	(92,235	)
	Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year	$	829,487		$	91,115		$	72,781		$	(215	)	$	993,168
	Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years	(59,137		)	(77,761		)	478			4,431			(131,989		)
	Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total	$	770,350		$	13,354		$	73,259		$	4,216		$	861,179
	Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year	112.5		%	67.2		%	95.3		%	(13.7		)%	104.4		%
	Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years	(8.1		)%	(57.3		)%	0.6		%	281.4		%	(13.8		)%
	Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year	104.4		%	9.9		%	95.9		%	267.7		%	90.6		%
	Underwriting expense ratio	22.3		%	37.1		%	66.5		%	130.1		%	28		%
	Combined ratio	126.7		%	47		%	162.4		%	397.8		%	118.6		%
(1) Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.1 million.
The following is a summary of the Company’s gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure:
	Year ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	Catastrophe Reinsurance
	U.S. and Caribbean	$	782,211		$	857,740		$	786,721
	Worldwide (excluding U.S.) (1)	146,048			139,265			164,112
	Worldwide	99,179			81,595			124,797
	Japan	39,060			43,238			49,021
	Europe	25,659			37,113			31,888
	Australia and New Zealand	22,460			18,578			16,818
	Other	5,762			4,678			3,939
	Total Catastrophe Reinsurance	1,120,379			1,182,207			1,177,296
	Specialty Reinsurance
	Worldwide	151,879			96,081			91,032
	U.S. and Caribbean	91,203			69,070			49,832
	Australia and New Zealand	12,068			28,307			792
	Europe	2,612			16,429			3,595
	Worldwide (excluding U.S.) (1)	1,661			—			—
	Other	66			—			640
	Total Specialty Reinsurance	259,489			209,887			145,891
	Lloyd’s
	Worldwide	104,249			75,132			47,605
	U.S. and Caribbean	88,535			57,332			48,435
	Europe	14,763			14,456			8,044
	Worldwide (excluding U.S.) (1)	8,071			6,064			238
	Australia and New Zealand	2,948			2,152			2,060
	Other	7,966			4,851			5,202
	Total Lloyd’s	226,532			159,987			111,584
	Other category (2)	(988		)	(490		)	205
	Total gross premiums written	$	1,605,412		$	1,551,591		$	1,434,976
-1	The category “Worldwide (excluding U.S.)” consists of contracts that cover more than one geographic region (other than the U.S.). The exposure in this category for gross premiums written to date is predominantly from Europe and Japan.
-2	The Other category consists of contracts that are primarily exposed to U.S. risks and includes inter-segment gross premiums written of $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 (2012 - $0.5 million, 2011 - $0.1 million).

Stock_Incentive_Compensation_a

Stock Incentive Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Incentive Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans	'
	STOCK INCENTIVE COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	2001 Stock Incentive Plan and Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan
	The Company has a stock incentive plan (the “2001 Stock Incentive Plan”) under which employees of RenaissanceRe and its subsidiaries may be granted stock options and restricted stock awards. A stock option award under the Company’s 2001 Stock Incentive Plan allows for the purchase of RenaissanceRe’s common shares at a price that is equal to the fair market value of RenaissanceRe’s common shares as of the grant effective date. Options to purchase common shares are granted periodically by the Board of Directors, generally vest over four years and generally expire 10 years from the date of grant. Restricted common shares are granted periodically by the Board of Directors and generally vest ratably over a four year period. The Company has also established a Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan to issue stock options and shares of restricted stock to RenaissanceRe’s non-employee directors. The Company’s 2001 Stock Incentive Plan also allows for the issuance of share-based awards, the issuance of restricted common shares and the issuance of shares tendered in connection with option exercises. For purposes of determining the number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2001 Stock Plan, shares tendered to or withheld by the Company in connection with certain option exercises will again be available for issuance. The 2001 Stock Incentive Plan expires on February 6, 2016.
	Premium Option Plan
	In August 2004, RenaissanceRe’s shareholders approved the 2004 Stock Option Incentive Plan (the “Premium Option Plan”) under which 6.0 million common shares were reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options granted under the Premium Option Plan. On August 15, 2007, the Company terminated the Premium Option Plan, such that no further option grants will be made thereunder. However, options outstanding at the time of the termination will, unless otherwise subsequently amended pursuant to the terms of the Premium Option Plan, remain outstanding and unmodified until they expire, subject to the terms of the Premium Option Plan and any applicable award agreement. The Premium Option Plan provides for, among other things, mandatory premium pricing such that options can generally only be issued thereunder with a strike price at a minimum of 150% of the fair market value on the date of grant, minimum five year cliff vesting (subject to waiver by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors), and no discretionary repricing.  The Premium Option Plan includes a dividend protection feature that reduces the strike price for extraordinary dividends and a change in control feature that reduces the strike price based on a pre-established formula in the event of a change in control. Other terms are substantially similar to the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. The Premium Option Plan expires on May 20, 2014.
	2010 Cash Settled Restricted Stock Unit Plan
	In 2010, the Company instituted a restricted stock unit plan (the “2010 Cash Settled Restricted Stock Unit Plan”) allowing for the issuance of equity awards in the form of restricted stock units which will, subject to vesting requirements consistent with those utilized by the Company in respect of restricted shares, be settled in cash. Restricted stock units are liability awards with fair value measurement based on the market price of RenaissanceRe common shares at the end of each reporting period. Restricted share units are granted periodically by the Board of Directors and generally vest ratably over a four year period. During 2010, there were 900,000 restricted stock units reserved under the 2010 Cash Settled Restricted Stock Unit Plan.
	2010 Performance-Based Equity Incentive Plan
	In May 2010, RenaissanceRe’s shareholders approved the 2010 Performance-Based Equity Incentive Plan (“2010 Performance Plan”) under which 750,000 shares have been reserved (the “Performance Shares”). The Compensation Committee determined that, beginning in 2010 with the Company’s annual target-level incentive award grant cycle, 25% of the annual equity incentive award grants to each member of RenaissanceRe’s Executive Committee, which includes the Company’s Named Executive Officers excluding the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), will be subject to vesting conditions based on both continued service and the attainment of pre-established performance goals. If performance goals are achieved, the Performance Shares will vest up to a maximum of 250% of target. The 2010 grants vest over a period of three years and are based on annual performance periods. All subsequent grants cliff vest at the end of a three year vesting period. The Performance Shares have a market condition which is the Company’s total shareholder return relative to its peer group. Total shareholder return is based on the average closing share price over the 20 trading days preceding and including the start and end of the performance period.
	The former CEO, who will retire on February 22, 2014, received 100% of a special retention award in the form of Performance Shares in 2010. If performance goals are achieved, the Performance Shares for the former CEO will vest up to a maximum of 175% of target. This grant vests ratably over a period of four years ending December 31, 2013 and is based on annual performance periods with the final tranche pending approval by the Company’s Compensation Committee. Although the former CEO retires February 22, 2014, the vesting of his other outstanding performance shares will continue under the original terms of the awards with the exception of vesting at the end of each applicable performance period, which had been provided in accordance with his employment agreement, as amended and restated April 5, 2013.
	The current CEO received a special performance award on his promotion to CEO effective July 1, 2013. The special equity award was issued in the form restricted stock and performance shares. The conditions attached to the restricted stock awards are identical to the conditions under the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan and the Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan. If performance goals are achieved, the Performance Shares for the current CEO will vest up to a maximum of 250% of target. This grant vests over a period of four years, ending December 2016, and is based on annual performance periods.
	Valuation Assumptions
	Performance Shares
	The fair value of the Performance Shares is measured on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model which requires certain of the same inputs underlying the Black-Scholes methodology, that being: share price; expected volatility; expected term; expected dividend yield; and risk-free interest rates. The following are the weighted average-assumptions used to estimate the fair value for all Performance Shares issued in each respective year.
			Performance Shares
		Year ended December 31,	2013		2012
		Expected volatility (1)	19.0% - 19.6%		19.8% - 24.4%
		Expected term (in years)	n/a		n/a
		Expected dividend yield	n/a		n/a
		Risk-free interest rate (1)	0.09% - 1.39%		0.16% - 0.64%
	-1	The expected volatility and risk-free interest rate applied are specific to each tranche of Performance Shares.
	Expected volatility:  The expected volatility is estimated by the Company based on RenaissanceRe’s historical stock volatility.
	Expected term: The expected term is not applicable as the length of the performance periods are fixed and not subject to future employee behavior. Each tranche of the Performance Shares has a one year period during which performance is measured.
	Expected dividend yield:  The expected dividend yield is not applicable to Performance Shares as dividends are paid at the end of the vesting period and do not affect the value of the Performance Shares.
	Risk-free interest rate:  The risk free rate is estimated based on the yield on a U.S. treasury zero-coupon issued with a remaining term equal to the vesting period of the Performance Shares.
	The total cost of the Performance Shares is determined on the grant date based on the fair value calculated by the Monte Carlo simulation model. The Company recognizes cost equal to fair value per Performance Share multiplied by the target number of Performance Shares on the grant date. The cost is then recognized over the requisite service period net of estimated service-based forfeitures. When estimating forfeitures, the Company considers its historical forfeitures as well as expectations about employee behavior. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company used a 0% forfeiture rate for performance shares (2012 - 0%).
	Restricted Shares
	The fair value of restricted shares is determined based on the market value of the Company’s shares on the grant date. The estimated fair value of restricted shares, net of estimated forfeitures, is amortized as an expense over the requisite service period. When estimating forfeitures, the Company considers its historical forfeitures as well as expectations about employee behavior. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company used a 2% forfeiture rate for restricted shares (2012 - 8%).
	CSRSUs
	CSRSUs are revalued at the end of each quarterly reporting period based on the then value of RenaissanceRe’s stock price. The total cost is adjusted each quarter for unvested CSRSUs to reflect the current share price, and this total cost is amortized as an expense over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures. When estimating forfeitures, the Company considers its historical forfeitures as well as expectations about employee behavior. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company used a 13% forfeiture rate for its CSRSUs (2012 - 8%).
	Summary of Stock Compensation Activity
	The following is a summary of activity under the Company’s existing stock compensation plans.
	2001 Stock Incentive and Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plans
			Weighted			Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate			Range of exercise prices
			options			average			average		intrinsic
			outstanding			exercise price			remaining		value
									contractual
									life
		Balance, December 31, 2010	2,841,335			$	47.28		4.8		$	46,616		$33.85 – $59.66
		Options granted	—			—								—
		Options forfeited	(40,010	)		52.68
		Options expired	(4,404	)		53.86
		Options exercised	(823,614	)		46.88					$	18,155
		Balance, December 31, 2011	1,973,307			$	47.33		4.6		$	53,363		$37.51 - $59.66
		Options granted	—			—								—
		Options forfeited	—			—
		Options expired	—			—
		Options exercised	(240,668	)		45.3					$	7,910
		Balance, December 31, 2012	1,732,639			$	47.61		3.7		$	58,305		$37.51 - $59.66
		Options granted	—			—								—
		Options forfeited	—			—
		Options expired	—			—
		Options exercised	(904,547	)		$	46.55				$	36,800
		Balance, December 31, 2013	828,092			$	48.77		2.9		$	40,221		$37.51 - $59.66
		Total options exercisable at December 31, 2013	828,092			$	48.77		2.9		$	40,221		$37.51 - $59.66
	Premium Option Plan
			Weighted			Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate			Range of exercise
			options			average			average		intrinsic  value			prices
			outstanding			exercise price			remaining
									contractual
									life
		Balance, December 31, 2010	1,192,000			$	73.94				$	—		$73.06 – $74.24
		Options granted	—			—
	Options forfeited	—			—
	Options expired	—			—
	Options exercised	—			—
	Balance, December 31, 2011	1,192,000			$	73.94				$	—		$73.06 - $74.24
	Options granted	—			—
	Options forfeited	—			—
	Options expired	—			—
	Options exercised	(350,000	)		74.24					1,250
	Balance, December 31, 2012	842,000			$	73.82				$	6,265		$73.06 - $74.24
	Options granted	—			—
	Options forfeited	—			—
	Options expired	—			—
	Options exercised	(270,000	)		74.24					4,921
	Balance, December 31, 2013	572,000			$	73.62		1.1		$	13,567		$73.06 - $74.24
	Total options exercisable at December 31, 2013	572,000			$	73.62		1.1		$	13,567		$73.06 - $74.24
The Premium Option Plan was terminated, as to new issuances, at the August 2007 Board of Directors meeting and consequently, the shares available for grant under the plan are zero.
2010 Cash Settled Restricted Stock Unit Plan and 2010 Performance-Based Equity Incentive Plan
		Cash Settled			Performance Shares (1)
		Restricted
		Stock
		Unit Plan
		Number of			Number of		Weighted
		shares			shares		average
							grant-dated fair value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2010	371,788			275,813		$	56.76
	Awards granted	215,711			89,037		$	79.83
	Awards vested	(98,676	)		(63,562	)
	Awards forfeited	(65,850	)		(11,421	)
	Nonvested at December 31, 2011	422,973			289,867		$	63.24
	Awards granted	225,105			144,635		$	70.43
	Awards vested	(128,401	)		(70,843	)
	Awards forfeited	(26,121	)		(4,139	)
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012	493,556			359,520		$	67.31
	Awards granted	149,760			134,358		$	83.64
	Awards vested	(176,265	)		(24,606	)
	Awards forfeited	(72,906	)		(109,729	)
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	394,145			359,543		$	73.23
(1) For Performance Shares, the number of shares is stated at the maximum number that can be attained if the performance conditions are fully met. Forfeitures represent shares forfeited due to vesting below the maximum attainable as a result of the Company not fully meeting the performance conditions.
Restricted Stock
		Employee						Non-employee director						Total
		restricted stock						restricted stock						restricted stock
		Number of			Weighted			Number of			Weighted			Number of		Weighted
		shares			average  grant-			shares			average  grant-			shares		average  grant-
					dated fair value						dated fair value					dated fair value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2010	1,004,426			$	48.93		42,808			$	51.38		1,047,234		$	49.03
	Awards granted	200,745			66.21			18,272			66.21			219,017		66.21
	Awards vested	(362,234	)		48.74			(21,495	)		50.66			(383,729	)	48.84
	Awards forfeited	(78,176	)		47.71			—			—			(78,176	)	47.71
	Nonvested at December 31, 2011	764,761			$	53.68		39,585			$	58.43		804,346		$	53.91
	Awards granted	226,827			72.46			16,874			71.69			243,701		72.4
	Awards vested	(337,683	)		51.06			(20,536	)		54.62			(358,219	)	51.26
	Awards forfeited	(7,157	)		53.9			—			—			(7,157	)	53.9
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012	646,748			$	61.63		35,923			$	66.83		682,671		$	61.9
	Awards granted	241,071			87.85			17,162			87.4			258,233		87.82
	Awards vested	(311,334	)		55.63			(21,599	)		66.06			(332,933	)	56.31
	Awards forfeited	(6,993	)		58.14			—			—			(6,993	)	58.14
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	569,492			$	76.11		31,486			$	78.57		600,978		$	76.24
Shares available for issuance under the Company’s 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan and 2010 Performance Share Plan totaled 3.0 million in the aggregate at December 31, 2013. The total fair value of shares and share units vested during the year ended December 31, 2013 was $47.0 million (2012 – $43.3 million, 2011 – $36.5 million). Cash in the amount of $1.6 million was received from employees as a result of employee stock option exercises during the year ended December 31, 2013 (2012 – $0.9 million, 2011 – $0.1 million). In connection with share vestings and option exercises, there was no excess windfall tax benefit realized by the Company due to its net operating loss position in the taxable jurisdictions in which it operates. RenaissanceRe issues new shares upon the exercise of an option.
The total stock compensation expense recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $43.4 million (2012 – $38.4 million, 2011 – $33.1 million). As of December 31, 2013, there was $26.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards, $25.2 million related to restricted stock units and $4.8 million related to performance shares expense, which will be recognized, on a weighted average, during the next 1.8, 1.6 and 1.9 years, respectively.
All of the Company’s employees are eligible for defined contribution pension plans. Contributions are primarily based upon a percentage of eligible compensation. The Company contributed $3.5 million to its defined contribution pension plans in 2013 (2012 – $3.4 million, 2011 – $3.2 million).

Statutory_Requirements

Statutory Requirements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Insurance [Abstract]	'
Statutory Requirements	'
	STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
	The Company’s insurance operations are subject to insurance laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate, the most significant of which currently include Bermuda and the U.K. These regulations include certain restrictions on the amount of dividends or other distributions, such as loans or cash advances, available to shareholders without prior approval of the respective regulatory authorities.
	The actual statutory capital and surplus, required statutory capital and surplus and restricted net assets of the Company’s regulated insurance operations in its most significant regulatory jurisdictions are detailed below:
			Bermuda						U.K. (1) (2)
		At December 31,	2013			2012			2013		2012
		Actual statutory capital and surplus	$	3,194,446		$	3,061,736		$	380,336	$	293,519
		Required statutory capital and surplus	562,126			554,809			380,336		293,519
		Restricted net assets	887,083			784,693			—		—
	-1	With respect to actual and required statutory capital and surplus, and as described below, underwriting capacity of a member of Lloyd’s must be supported by providing a deposit in the form of cash, securities or letters of credit, which are referred to as Funds at Lloyd’s (“FAL”). FAL is determined by Lloyd’s and is based on Syndicate 1458’s solvency and capital requirements as calculated through its internal model.
	-2	Syndicate 1458 is capitalized by its FAL, with the related assets not held on its balance sheet. As such, restricted net assets is not applicable to Syndicate 1458; however, the Company can make an application to obtain approval from Lloyd’s to have funds released to RenaissanceRe from Syndicate 1458, subject to passing a Lloyd’s release test.
	Statutory net income (loss) of the Company’s regulated insurance operations in its most significant regulatory jurisdictions are detailed below:
			Statutory Net Income (Loss)
			Bermuda			U.K.
		Year ended December 31, 2013	$	712,820		$	7,745
		Year ended December 31, 2012	693,887			(10,967		)
		Year ended December 31, 2011	(44,327		)	(33,442		)
	The difference between statutory financial statements and statements prepared in accordance with GAAP vary by jurisdiction; however, the primary difference is that for the Company’s regulated entities the statutory financial statements do not reflect deferred acquisition costs.
	The Company does not currently have any U.S. based insurance subsidiaries that would be subject to statutory accounting practices as defined by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. In addition, none of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries used permitted practices that prevented the trigger of a regulatory event during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	Bermuda-Based Insurance Entities
	Under the Insurance Act 1978, amendments thereto and related regulations of Bermuda (collectively, the “Insurance Act”), certain subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe are required to prepare statutory financial statements and to file in Bermuda a statutory financial return. The Insurance Act also requires these Bermuda insurance subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe to maintain certain measures of solvency and liquidity.
	Class 3B and Class 4 Insurers
	Under the Insurance Act, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. are defined as Class 3B insurers, and Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci are classified as Class 4 insurers, and therefore must maintain capital at a level equal to its enhanced capital requirement (“ECR”) which is established by reference to the Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement (the “BSCR”) model. The BSCR is a mathematical model designed to give the Bermuda Monetary Authority (“BMA”) robust methods for determining an insurer’s capital adequacy. Underlying the BSCR is the belief that all insurers should operate on an ongoing basis with a view to maintaining their capital at a prudent level in excess of the minimum solvency margin otherwise prescribed under the Insurance Act. Alternatively, under the Insurance Act, insurers may, subject to the terms of the Insurance Act and to the BMA’s oversight, elect to utilize an approved internal capital model to determine regulatory capital. In either case, ECR shall at all times equal or exceed the respective Class 3B and Class 4 insurer’s minimum solvency margin and may be adjusted in circumstances where the BMA concludes that the insurer’s risk profile deviates significantly from the assumptions underlying its ECR or the insurer’s assessment of its risk management policies and practices used to calculate ECR applicable to it. While not specifically referred to in the Insurance Act, the BMA has also established a target capital level (“TCL”) for each Class 3B and Class 4 insurer equal to 120% of its respective ECR. While a Class 3B and Class 4 insurer is not currently required to maintain its statutory capital and surplus at this level, the TCL serves as an early warning tool for the BMA and failure to maintain statutory capital at least equal to the TCL will likely result in increased BMA regulatory oversight.
	Class 3B and Class 4 insurers are prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends if in breach of the required minimum solvency margin or minimum liquidity ratio (the “Relevant Margins”) or if the declaration or payment of such dividend would cause the insurer to fail to meet the Relevant Margins. Where an insurer fails to meet its Relevant Margins on the last day of any financial year, it is prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends during the next financial year without the prior approval of the BMA. Further, Class 3B and Class 4 insurers are prohibited from declaring or paying in any financial year dividends of more than 25% of its total statutory capital and surplus (as shown on its previous financial year’s statutory balance sheet) unless it files (at least seven days before payment of such dividends) with the BMA an affidavit stating that it will continue to meet its Relevant Margins. Class 3B and Class 4 insurers must obtain the BMA’s prior approval for a reduction by 15% or more of the total statutory capital as set forth in its previous year’s financial statements. These restrictions on declaring or paying dividends and distributions under the Insurance Act are in addition to the solvency requirements under the Bermuda Companies Act 1981 which apply to all Bermuda companies.
	The Company is currently completing its 2013 Bermuda-based statutory filings for Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S., which must be filed with the BMA on or before April 30, 2014, and at this time, the Company believes each of Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. will exceed the target level of required statutory capital.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, Renaissance Reinsurance submitted applications to the BMA, and received approval, to exempt it from recording and recognizing certain third party guarantees as statutory liabilities and corresponding reductions of statutory capital and surplus for purposes of filing its statutory financial statements. The maximum monetary impact of including the third party guarantees in Renaissance Reinsurance’s statutory financial statements at December 31, 2013 would be an increase to statutory liabilities of $168.0 million (2012 - $113.0 million), and a corresponding decrease to statutory capital and surplus. If these amounts were to be included in Renaissance Reinsurance’s statutory financial statements, Renaissance Reinsurance would still exceed the required measures of solvency and liquidity, and the target level of required statutory capital, as discussed above.
	In addition, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks is also eligible as an excess and surplus lines insurer in a number of states in the U.S. and under the various capital and surplus requirements in these states is required to maintain a minimum amount of capital and surplus. In this regard, the declaration of dividends from retained earnings and distributions from additional paid-in capital may be limited to the extent that the applicable above requirements are not met. The Company does not consider these requirements to be material.
	SPIs
	Under the Insurance Act, Upsilon Re, Tim Re III and Upsilon RFO are considered SPIs. See “Note 11. Variable Interest Entities” for additional information related to these entities. Unlike other (re)insurers, such as the Class 3B and Class 4 insurers discussed above, SPIs are fully funded to meet their (re)insurance obligations and are not exposed to insolvency, therefore the application and supervision processes are streamlined to facilitate the transparent structure.  Further, SPIs are currently not required to file annual loss reserve specialist opinions and the BMA has the discretion to modify such insurer’s reporting requirements under the Insurance Act.  Like other (re)insurers, the principal representative of an SPI has a duty to inform the BMA in relation to solvency matters, where applicable. In December 2013, the BMA issued a notice in which it proposed to amend the reporting requirements for SPIs. Under this notice, the BMA will likely require SPI’s to submit additional schedules together with the existing statutory financial return. These enhancements are likely to be effective for the 2013 statutory financial return, to be filed on or before April 30, 2014. The Company currently has in place directions from the BMA that would exempt each of Upsilon Re, Tim Re III and Upsilon RFO from the proposed enhanced filing requirements.
	U.K.-Based Syndicate 1458
	RenaissanceRe CCL and Syndicate 1458 are subject to oversight by the Council of Lloyd’s. RSML is authorized by the U.K.’s Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Underwriting capacity of a member of Lloyd’s must be supported by providing a deposit in the form of cash, securities or letters of credit, which are referred to as FAL. This amount is determined by Lloyd’s and is based on Syndicate 1458’s solvency and capital requirement as calculated through its internal model. In addition, if the FAL are not sufficient to cover all losses, the Lloyd’s Central Fund provides an additional level of security for policyholders.
	Singapore-Based Entities
	A branch of Renaissance Reinsurance based in the Republic of Singapore (the “Singapore Branch”) received a license to carry on insurance business as a general reinsurer on October 28, 2013.  The activities of the Singapore Branch are primarily regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore pursuant to Singapore’s Insurance Act. Additionally, the Singapore Branch is regulated by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority as a foreign company pursuant to Singapore’s Companies Act.  Prior to the establishment of the Singapore Branch, Renaissance Reinsurance had maintained a representative office in Singapore since April 2012. The activities and regulatory requirements of the Singapore Branches are not considered to be material to the Company.
	Dividend Restrictions of RenaissanceRe
	As a Bermuda-domiciled holding company, RenaissanceRe has limited operations of its own and its assets consist primarily of investments in subsidiaries, and to a degree, cash and securities. Accordingly, RenaissanceRe’s future cash flows largely depend on the availability of dividends or other statutorily permissible payments from subsidiaries. The ability to pay such dividends is limited by the applicable laws and regulations of the various countries and states in which these subsidiaries operate, including, among others, Bermuda, the U.S., the U.K. and Ireland. RenaissanceRe’s ability to pay dividends and distribute capital to shareholders is limited by the Bermuda Companies Act 1981, insofar as after the payment, RenaissanceRe must still be able to pay its liabilities as they come due and the realizable value of its assets must be greater than its liabilities. At December 31, 2013, $2.6 billion of RenaissanceRe’s retained earnings would be unrestricted and available for payment of dividends or distribution to shareholders of RenaissanceRe (2012 - $2.3 billion).
	Multi-Beneficiary Reinsurance Trusts
	Effective March 15, 2011, each of Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci was approved as a Trusteed Reinsurer in the state of New York and established a multi-beneficiary reinsurance trust (“MBRT”) to collateralize its (re)insurance liabilities associated with U.S. domiciled cedants. The MBRTs are subject to the rules and regulations of the state of New York and the respective deed of trust, including but not limited to certain minimum capital funding requirements, investment guidelines, capital distribution restrictions and regulatory reporting requirements. Assets held under trust at December 31, 2013 with respect to the MBRTs totaled $505.1 million and $173.9 million for Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci, respectively (2012 – $508.7 million and $180.1 million, respectively), compared to the minimum amount required under U.S. state regulations of $441.7 million and $135.2 million, respectively (2012 – $494.9 million and $169.1 million, respectively).
	Multi-Beneficiary Reduced Collateral Reinsurance Trusts
	Effective December 31, 2012, each of Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci has been approved as an “eligible reinsurer” in the state of Florida.  Therefore they are each authorized to provide reduced collateral equal to 20% of their net outstanding insurance liabilities to Florida-domiciled insurers.  Each of Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci has established a multi-beneficiary reduced collateral reinsurance trust (“RCT”) to collateralize its (re)insurance liabilities associated with Florida-domiciled cedants.  Because the RTCs were established in New York, they are subject to the rules and regulations of the state of New York including but not limited to certain minimum capital funding requirements, investment guidelines, capital distribution restrictions and regulatory reporting requirements. Assets held under trust at December 31, 2013 with respect to the RCTs totaled $21.1 million and $18.6 million for Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci, respectively (2012 - $11.0 million and $11.0 million, respectively), compared to the minimum amount required under U.S. state regulations of $16.3 million and $10.2 million, respectively (2012 - $10.0 million and $10.0 million, respectively).

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
	The Company enters into derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps, forward contracts and other derivative contracts primarily to manage its foreign currency exposure, obtain exposure to a particular financial market, for yield enhancement, or for trading and speculation. The Company accounts for its derivatives in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Derivatives and Hedging, which requires all derivatives to be recorded at fair value on the Company’s balance sheet as either assets or liabilities, depending on the rights or obligations of the derivatives, with changes in fair value reflected in current earnings. The Company does not currently apply hedge accounting in respect of any positions reflected in its consolidated financial statements. The Company’s derivative instruments are generally traded under International Swaps and Derivatives Association master agreements, which establish the terms of the transactions entered into with the Company’s derivative counterparties. In the event one party becomes insolvent or otherwise defaults on its obligations, a master agreement generally permits the non-defaulting party to accelerate and terminate all outstanding transactions and net the transactions’ marked-to-market values so that a single sum in a single currency will be owed by, or owed to, the non-defaulting party. Effectively, this contractual close-out netting reduces credit exposure from gross to net exposure. Where the Company has entered into master netting agreements with counterparties, or the Company has the legal and contractual right to offset positions, the derivative positions are generally netted by counterparty and are reported accordingly in other assets and other liabilities.
	The tables below show the gross and net amounts of recognized derivative assets and liabilities, including the location on the consolidated balance sheets and fair value of the Company’s principal derivative instruments:
			Derivative Assets
		At December 31, 2013	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets				Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet				Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet				Balance Sheet Location	Collateral		Net Amount
		Interest rate futures	$	897			62				$	835			Other assets	$	—	$	835
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	9,612				1,179				8,433				Other assets	—		8,433
		Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	1,013				338				675				Other assets	—		675
		Credit default swaps	806				82				724				Other assets	310		414
		Total	$	12,328			$	1,661			$	10,667				$	310	$	10,357
			Derivative Liabilities
		At December 31, 2013	Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities				Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet				Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet				Balance Sheet Location	Collateral		Net Amount
		Interest rate futures	$	74			62				$	12			Other liabilities	$	12	$	—
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	2,204				28				2,176				Other liabilities	—		2,176
		Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	1,557				338				1,219				Other liabilities	—		1,219
		Credit default swaps	94				82				12				Other liabilities	—		12
		Weather contract	2,490				—				2,490				Other liabilities	—		2,490
		Total	$	6,419			$	510			$	5,909				$	12	$	5,897
	-1	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in underwriting and non-investment operations.
	-2	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in investment operations.
			Derivative Assets
		At December 31, 2012	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets				Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet				Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet				Balance Sheet Location	Collateral		Net Amount
		Interest rate futures	$	441			—				$	441			Other assets	$	—	$	441
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	7,191				—				7,191				Other assets	—		7,191
		Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	2,534				2,296				238				Other assets	—		238
		Credit default swaps	784				333				451				Other assets	310		141
		Total	$	10,950			$	2,629			$	8,321				$	310	$	8,011
			Derivative Liabilities
		At December 31, 2012	Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities				Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet				Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet				Balance Sheet Location	Collateral Pledged		Net Amount
		Interest rate futures	$	41			—				$	41			Other liabilities	$	41	$	—
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	4,173				—				4,173				Other liabilities	—		4,173
		Total	$	4,214			$	—			$	4,214				$	41	$	4,173
	-1	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in underwriting and non-investment operations.
	-2	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in investment operations.
	Refer to “Note 5. Investments” for information on reverse repurchase agreements.
	The location and amount of the gain (loss) recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations related to its principal derivative instruments is shown in the following table:
			Location of gain (loss)		Amount of gain (loss) recognized on
			recognized on derivatives		derivatives
		Year ended December 31,			2013				2012				2011
		Interest rate futures	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments		$	29,695			$	(1,746	)		$	(25,256	)
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	Net foreign exchange gains (losses)		889				13,804				(5,443		)
		Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	Net foreign exchange gains (losses)		(3,015		)		(3,445		)		(4,335		)
		Credit default swaps	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments		1,363				1,074				(1,467		)
		Weather contract	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments		(1,331		)		—				—
		Platinum warrant	Other (loss) income		—				—				2,975
		Total			$	27,601			$	9,687			$	(33,526	)
	-1	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in underwriting and non-investment operations.
	-2	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in investment operations.
	The Company is not aware of the existence of any credit-risk related contingent features that it believes would be triggered in its derivative instruments that are in a net liability position at December 31, 2013.
	Interest Rate Futures
	The Company uses interest rate futures within its portfolio of fixed maturity investments to manage its exposure to interest rate risk, which can include increasing or decreasing its exposure to this risk. At December 31, 2013, the Company had $1,169.3 million of notional long positions and $356.6 million of notional short positions of primarily Eurodollar, U.S. treasury and non-U.S. dollar futures contracts (2012 – $377.8 million and $310.7 million, respectively). The fair value of these derivatives is determined using exchange traded prices.
	Foreign Currency Derivatives
	The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar. The Company writes a portion of its business in currencies other than U.S. dollars and may, from time to time, experience foreign exchange gains and losses in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. All changes in exchange rates, with the exception of non-monetary assets and liabilities, are recognized currently in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
	Underwriting Operations Related Foreign Currency Contracts
	The Company’s foreign currency policy with regard to its underwriting operations is generally to hold foreign currency assets, including cash, investments and receivables that approximate the foreign currency liabilities, including claims and claim expense reserves and reinsurance balances payable. When necessary, the Company may use foreign currency forward and option contracts to minimize the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies on the value of non-U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities associated with its underwriting operations. The fair value of the Company’s underwriting operations related foreign currency contracts is determined using indicative pricing obtained from counterparties or broker quotes. At December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding underwriting related foreign currency contracts of $263.6 million in notional long positions and $139.8 million in notional short positions, denominated in U.S. dollars (2012 – $446.2 million and $119.5 million, respectively).
	Investment Portfolio Related Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	The Company’s investment operations are exposed to currency fluctuations through its investments in non-U.S. dollar fixed maturity investments, short term investments and other investments. To economically hedge its exposure to currency fluctuations from these investments, the Company has entered into foreign currency forward contracts. Foreign exchange gains (losses) associated with the Company’s hedging of these non-U.S. dollar investments are recorded in net foreign exchange gains (losses) in its consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio related foreign currency forward contracts is determined using an interpolated rate based on closing forward market rates. At December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding investment portfolio related foreign currency contracts of $39.6 million in notional long positions and $159.1 million in notional short positions, denominated in U.S. dollars (2012 – $176.7 million and $217.4 million, respectively).
	Credit Derivatives
	The Company’s exposure to credit risk is primarily due to its fixed maturity investments, short term investments, premiums receivable and reinsurance recoverable.  From time to time, the Company purchases credit derivatives to hedge its exposures in the insurance industry, and to assist in managing the credit risk associated with ceded reinsurance.  The Company also employs credit derivatives in its investment portfolio to either assume credit risk or hedge its credit exposure. The fair value of the credit derivatives is determined using industry valuation models, broker bid indications or internal pricing valuation techniques.  The fair value of these credit derivatives can change based on a variety of factors including changes in credit spreads, default rates and recovery rates, the correlation of credit risk between the referenced credit and the counterparty, and market rate inputs such as interest rates. At December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding credit derivatives of $7.1 million in notional long positions and $18.4 million in notional short positions, denominated in U.S. dollars (2012 – $46.1 million and $24.0 million, respectively).
	Weather Contract
	The Company, from time to time, transacts in certain derivative-based risk management products that address weather-related risks. The fair value of these contracts is determined through the use of an internal valuation model with the inputs to the internal valuation model based on proprietary data as observable market inputs are not available.  The most significant unobservable input is the potential payment that would become due to a counterparty following the occurrence of a triggering event as reported by an external agency.  Generally, the Company’s portfolio of such derivatives is relatively small and are frequently seasonal in nature. At December 31, 2013, the Company had an outstanding weather contract of $6.4 million in a notional short position.
	Platinum Warrant
	The Company held a warrant to purchase up to 2.5 million common shares of Platinum Underwriters Holdings Ltd. (“Platinum”) for $27.00 per share. The Company recorded its investment in the Platinum warrant at fair value. The fair value of the warrant was estimated using either the Black-Scholes option pricing model or the in-the-money value, the greater of which the Company considered the best estimate of the exit value of the warrant. On January 20, 2011, the Company sold its warrant to Platinum for an aggregate of $47.9 million, and recognized a $3.0 million gain on the sale, which is included in other income during 2011.

Commitments_Contingencies_and_

Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items	'
	COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER ITEMS
	CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
	Instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of investments, including the Company’s equity method investments, cash, premiums receivable and reinsurance balances. The Company limits the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution and, except for U.S. Government securities, none of the Company’s investments exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2013. See “Note 7. Reinsurance”, for information with respect to reinsurance recoverable.
	EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
	The Board of Directors has authorized the execution of employment agreements between the Company and certain officers. These agreements provide for, among other things, severance payments under certain circumstances, as well as accelerated vesting of options and restricted stock grants, upon a change in control, as defined therein and under the terms of the Company’s 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, Premium Option Plan and 2010 Performance-Based Equity Incentive Plan.
	LETTERS OF CREDIT AND OTHER COMMITMENTS
	At December 31, 2013, the Company’s banks have issued letters of credit of approximately $584.4 million in favor of certain ceding companies. In connection with the Company’s Top Layer Re joint venture, Renaissance Reinsurance has committed $37.5 million of collateral to support a letter of credit and is obligated to make a mandatory capital contribution of up to $50.0 million in the event that a loss reduces Top Layer Re’s capital and surplus below a specified level. The letters of credit are secured by cash and investments of similar amounts. The Company’s syndicated letter of credit facility contains certain financial covenants.
	At December 31, 2013, RenaissanceRe had provided guarantees in the aggregate amount of $50.8 million to certain counterparties of the weather and energy risk operations of Renaissance Trading, subsequently renamed as Munich Re Trading LLC, one of the entities acquired by Munich in the REAL transaction. Although the guarantees issued by RenaissanceRe to certain counterparties of Renaissance Trading remained in effect at December 31, 2013, in conjunction with the purchase agreement of REAL, Munich has agreed, effective October 1, 2013, to indemnify RenaissanceRe against any liabilities, losses and damages that may arise as a result of any transaction between Renaissance Trading and a counterparty that has been provided a guarantee by RenaissanceRe.
	On April 26, 2010, Renaissance Reinsurance and CEP entered into a Pledge Agreement in respect of its letter of credit facility with CEP which is evidenced by the Master Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2009, and provides for the issuance and renewal of letters of credit which are used to support business written by Syndicate 1458. Letter of credit fees will be payable pursuant to the terms of the Reimbursement Agreement. At December 31, 2013, these letters of credit amounted to $281.0 million and £60.0 million, respectively. Pursuant to the Pledge Agreement, Renaissance Reinsurance has agreed to pledge and maintain certain securities with a collateral value equal to 75% of the aggregate amount of the then outstanding letters of credit. In respect of the 25% unsecured portion, Renaissance Reinsurance is required to comply with certain financial covenants, including maintaining a certain minimum financial strength rating, minimum net worth, and a maximum consolidated debt to capital ratio for the consolidated group. In the event Renaissance Reinsurance is unable to satisfy any of these financial covenants, it will be required to pledge additional collateral in respect of the unsecured portion.
	PRIVATE EQUITY AND INVESTMENT COMMITMENTS
	The Company has committed capital to private equity partnerships and other entities of $662.7 million, of which $544.6 million has been contributed at December 31, 2013. The Company’s remaining commitments to these funds at December 31, 2013 totaled $116.2 million. These commitments do not have a defined contractual commitment date.
	INDEMNIFICATIONS AND WARRANTIES
	In the ordinary course of its business, the Company may enter into contracts or agreements that contain indemnifications or warranties. Future events could occur that lead to the execution of these provisions against the Company. Based on past experience, management currently believes that the likelihood of such an event is remote.
	OPERATING AND CAPITAL LEASES
	The Company leases office space under operating leases which expire at various dates through 2023. Future minimum lease payments under existing operating leases are expected to be as follows:
			Minimum
			lease payments
		2014	$	6,040
		2015	5,804
		2016	4,867
		2017	2,258
		2018	2,195
		After 2018	4,335
		Future minimum lease payments under existing operating leases	$	25,499
	The Company’s capital leases primarily relate to office space in Bermuda with an initial lease term of 20 years, ending in 2028, and a bargain renewal option for an additional 30 years. The future minimum lease payments of the Company’s capital leases are detailed below, and relate principally to the transaction noted above, excluding the bargain renewal option.
			Minimum
			lease payments
		2014	$	3,017
		2015	3,017
		2016	3,017
		2017	2,417
		2018	2,417
		After 2018	26,179
		Future minimum lease payments under existing capital leases	$	40,064
	LITIGATION
	The Company and its subsidiaries are 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 or contracts or direct surplus lines insurance policies.  This category of business litigation may involve allegations of underwriting or claims-handling errors or misconduct, employment claims, regulatory actions or disputes arising from the Company’s business ventures.  The Company’s operating subsidiaries are subject to claims litigation involving, among other things, disputed interpretations of policy coverages.  Generally, the Company’s direct surplus lines insurance operations are subject to greater frequency and diversity of claims and claims-related litigation than its reinsurance operations and, in some jurisdictions, may be subject to direct actions by allegedly injured persons or entities seeking damages from policyholders.  These lawsuits, involving claims on policies issued by the Company’s subsidiaries which are typical to the insurance industry in general and in the normal course of business, are considered in its loss and loss expense reserves which are discussed in its loss reserves discussion.  In addition, the Company may from time to time engage in litigation or arbitration related to its claims for payment in respect of ceded reinsurance, including disputes that challenge the Company’s ability to enforce its underwriting intent. Such matters could result, directly or indirectly, in providers of protection not meeting their obligations to the Company or not doing so on a timely basis. The Company may also be subject to other disputes from time to time, relating to operational or other matters distinct from insurance or reinsurance claims. Any litigation or arbitration, or regulatory process, contains an element of uncertainty, and the value of an exposure or a gain contingency related to a dispute is difficult to estimate accordingly. Currently, the Company believes that no individual litigation or arbitration to which it is presently a party is likely to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, business or operations.
	OTHER ITEMS
	On May 15, 2013, RenaissanceRe announced that effective July 1, 2013, Mr. Currie, its Chief Executive Officer, would retire and Mr. Currie’s responsibilities would be assumed by Mr. O’Donnell, RenaissanceRe’s President and Global Chief Underwriting Officer.  As part of this transition, Mr. Currie ceased to serve as an officer and director of RenaissanceRe on July 1, 2013. Mr. Currie will remain an employee of RenaissanceRe through February 22, 2014 (the “Separation Date”), the remaining term of Mr. Currie’s amended and restated employment agreement. Until the Separation Date, Mr. Currie will continue to receive all payments and benefits set forth in his employment agreement.  At the Separation Date, Mr. Currie will be entitled to the separation payments and benefits as provided in his employment agreement.  In conjunction therewith, in the second quarter of 2013, the Company expensed $16.8 million in total compensation, benefits and other related expenses including the unamortized balance of stock-based compensation Mr. Currie is expected to receive under the terms of his employment agreement and the transition agreement entered into between the Company and Mr. Currie in connection with Mr. Currie’s retirement, subject to Mr. Currie’s continued compliance with the non-competition and non-interference covenants set forth therein.

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	'
	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
			Quarter Ended						Quarter Ended						Quarter Ended						Quarter Ended
			March 31,						June 30,						September 30,						December 31,
			2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
		Revenues
		Gross premiums written	$	635,418		$	664,151		$	703,223		$	667,336		$	182,649		$	136,359		$	84,122		$	83,745
		Net premiums written	$	436,813		$	492,575		$	559,109		$	427,630		$	127,241		$	105,035		$	80,784		$	77,417
		(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums	(165,558		)	(213,910		)	(267,220		)	(183,214		)	167,476			157,588			175,981			206,234
		Net premiums earned	271,255			278,665			291,889			244,416			294,717			262,623			256,765			283,651
		Net investment income (loss)	43,202			62,942			26,163			17,648			59,931			46,135			78,732			39,000
		Net foreign exchange gains (losses)	614			(1,306		)	(932		)	1,587			488			3,187			1,747			1,851
		Equity in earnings (losses) of other ventures	5,835			5,470			3,772			6,846			7,313			4,310			6,274			6,612
		Other (loss) income	(1,709		)	(3,632		)	(1,128		)	5,414			651			(1,052		)	(173		)	(2,850		)
		Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments	14,269			47,614			(69,529		)	28,071			28,472			75,297			61,864			12,139
		Total other-than-temporary impairments	—			(161		)	—			(234		)	—			—			—			—
		Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes	—			27			—			25			—			—			—			—
		Net other-than-temporary impairments	—			(134		)	—			(209		)	—			—			—			—
		Total revenues	333,466			389,619			250,235			303,773			391,572			390,500			405,209			340,403
		Expenses
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred	27,251			15,552			103,962			49,551			60,928			73,215			(20,854		)	186,893
		Acquisition costs	25,009			24,111			31,767			25,608			37,699			24,438			31,026			39,385
		Operational expenses	45,986			42,323			42,789			41,375			44,672			42,357			57,658			53,096
		Corporate expenses	4,482			4,757			21,529			4,014			4,307			3,796			3,304			3,889
		Interest expense	5,034			5,718			4,300			5,716			4,298			5,891			4,297			5,772
		Total expenses	107,762			92,461			204,347			126,264			151,904			149,697			75,431			289,035
		Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	225,704			297,158			45,888			177,509			239,668			240,803			329,778			51,368
		Income tax (expense) benefit	(122		)	36			(11		)	(899		)	(223		)	(144		)	(1,336		)	(405		)
		Income from continuing operations	225,582			297,194			45,877			176,610			239,445			240,659			328,442			50,963
		Income (loss) from discontinued operations	9,774			(33,374		)	2,427			8,034			(9,779		)	(166		)	—			9,029
		Net income	235,356			263,820			48,304			184,644			229,666			240,493			328,442			59,992
		Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(38,607		)	(53,641		)	(14,015		)	(33,624		)	(44,331		)	(51,083		)	(54,191		)	(9,692		)
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe	196,749			210,179			34,289			151,020			185,335			189,410			274,251			50,300
		Dividends on preference shares	(6,275		)	(8,750		)	(7,483		)	(8,750		)	(5,595		)	(8,750		)	(5,595		)	(8,645		)
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	190,474		$	201,429		$	26,806		$	142,270		$	179,740		$	180,660		$	268,656		$	41,655
		Income from continuing operations available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic	$	4.1		$	4.59		$	0.55		$	2.62		$	4.32		$	3.67		$	6.14		$	0.69
		Income (loss) from discontinued operations available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic	0.22			(0.66		)	0.06			0.16			(0.23		)	—			—			0.19
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic	$	4.32		$	3.93		$	0.61		$	2.78		$	4.09		$	3.67		$	6.14		$	0.88
		Income from continuing operations available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted	$	4.01		$	4.53		$	0.55		$	2.59		$	4.23		$	3.62		$	6.05		$	0.68
		Income (loss) from discontinued operations available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted	0.22			(0.65		)	0.05			0.16			(0.22		)	—			—			0.19
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted	$	4.23		$	3.88		$	0.6		$	2.75		$	4.01		$	3.62		$	6.05		$	0.87
		Average shares outstanding – basic	43,461			50,377			43,372			50,278			43,330			48,394			43,160			46,442
		Average shares outstanding – diluted	44,290			50,981			44,243			51,012			44,135			49,119			43,769			47,297

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries [Abstract]	'
Condensed Financial Statements	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH OUTSTANDING DEBT OF SUBSIDIARIES
	The following tables present condensed consolidating balance sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012, condensed consolidating statements of operations and condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for RenaissanceRe, RRNAH and RenaissanceRe’s other subsidiaries. RRNAH is a 100% owned subsidiary of RenaissanceRe.
	On March 17, 2010, RRNAH issued, and RenaissanceRe guaranteed, $250.0 million of 5.75% Senior Notes due March 15, 2020, with interest on the notes payable on March 15 and September 15 of each year. The notes can be redeemed by RRNAH prior to maturity, subject to payment of a “make-whole” premium. The notes, which are senior obligations, contain various covenants, including limitations on mergers and consolidations, restrictions as to the disposition of the stock of designated subsidiaries and limitations on liens of the stock of designated subsidiaries.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
		Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Adjustments			Consolidated
		(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.			-2
		Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries and
					Issuer)			Eliminations
								(Non-guarantor
								Subsidiaries)
								-1
	Assets
	Total investments	$	210,719		$	98,784		$	6,512,209		$	—		$	6,821,712
	Cash and cash equivalents	8,796			4,027			395,209			—			408,032
	Investments in subsidiaries	3,294,729			74,718			—			(3,369,447		)	—
	Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	296,752			—			—			(296,752		)	—
	Premiums receivable	—			—			474,087			—			474,087
	Prepaid reinsurance premiums	—			—			66,132			—			66,132
	Reinsurance recoverable	—			—			101,025			—			101,025
	Accrued investment income	—			110			33,955			—			34,065
	Deferred acquisition costs	—			—			81,684			—			81,684
	Receivable for investments sold	14			—			75,831			—			75,845
	Other assets	112,234			1,481			102,834			(100,000		)	116,549
	Total assets	$	3,923,244		$	179,120		$	7,842,966		$	(3,766,199	)	$	8,179,131
	Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests and Shareholders’ Equity
	Liabilities
	Reserve for claims and claim expenses	$	—		$	—		$	1,563,730		$	—		$	1,563,730
	Unearned premiums	—			—			477,888			—			477,888
	Debt	—			249,430			—			—			249,430
	Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	—			3,173			—			(3,173		)	—
	Reinsurance balances payable	—			—			293,022			—			293,022
	Payable for investments purchased	—			—			193,221			—			193,221
	Other liabilities	18,860			6,953			371,783			—			397,596
	Total liabilities	18,860			259,556			2,899,644			(3,173		)	3,174,887
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests	—			—			1,099,860			—			1,099,860
	Shareholders’ Equity
	Total shareholders’ equity	3,904,384			(80,436		)	3,843,462			(3,763,026		)	3,904,384
	Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity	$	3,923,244		$	179,120		$	7,842,966		$	(3,766,199	)	$	8,179,131
	-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
	-2	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet at December 31, 2012	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
		Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Adjustments			Consolidated
		(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.			-2
		Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries and
					Issuer)			Eliminations
								(Non-guarantor
								Subsidiaries)
								-1
	Assets
	Total investments	$	572,139		$	49,618		$	5,733,637		$	—		$	6,355,394
	Cash and cash equivalents	6,298			1,528			296,319			—			304,145
	Investments in subsidiaries	2,864,793			37,202			—			(2,901,995		)	—
	Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	53,296			117			—			(53,413		)	—
	Premiums receivable	—			—			491,365			—			491,365
	Prepaid reinsurance premiums	—			—			77,082			—			77,082
	Reinsurance recoverable	—			—			192,512			—			192,512
	Accrued investment income	2,535			69			30,874			—			33,478
	Deferred acquisition costs	—			—			52,622			—			52,622
	Receivable for investments sold	60,149			—			108,524			—			168,673
	Other assets	114,956			15,754			104,046			(115,493		)	119,263
	Assets of discontinued operations held for sale	—			134,094			—			—			134,094
	Total assets	$	3,674,166		$	238,382		$	7,086,981		$	(3,070,901	)	$	7,928,628
	Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Shareholders’ Equity
Liabilities
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	$	—		$	—		$	1,879,377		$	—		$	1,879,377
Unearned premiums	—			—			399,517			—			399,517
Debt	100,000			249,339			—			—			349,339
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	11,371			5,593			—			(16,964		)	—
Reinsurance balances payable	—			—			290,419			—			290,419
Payable for investments purchased	9,694			—			269,093			—			278,787
Other liabilities	50,036			4,572			145,284			(1,458		)	198,434
Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	—			57,440			—			—			57,440
Total liabilities	171,101			316,944			2,983,690			(18,422		)	3,453,313
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—			—			968,259			—			968,259
Shareholders’ Equity
Total shareholders’ equity	3,503,065			(78,562		)	3,135,032			(3,052,479		)	3,507,056
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and shareholders’ equity	$	3,674,166		$	238,382		$	7,086,981		$	(3,070,901	)	$	7,928,628
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
-2	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
the year ended December 31, 2013	Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Adjustments			Consolidated
	(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.			-2
	Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries and
				Issuer)			Eliminations
							(Non-guarantor
							Subsidiaries)
							-1
Revenues
Net premiums earned	$	—		$	—		$	1,114,626		$	—		$	1,114,626
Net investment income	4,213			488			209,105			(5,778		)	208,028
Net foreign exchange (losses) gains	(7		)	(2		)	1,926			—			1,917
Equity in earnings of other ventures	—			—			23,194			—			23,194
Other income (loss)	106			125			(2,590		)	—			(2,359		)
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments	(483		)	1,196			34,363			—			35,076
Total revenues	3,829			1,807			1,380,624			(5,778		)	1,380,482
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	—			—			171,287			—			171,287
Acquisition expenses	—			—			125,501			—			125,501
Operational expenses	(4,962		)	7,566			189,117			(616		)	191,105
Corporate expenses	31,264			338			2,020			—			33,622
Interest expense	734			14,467			2,728			—			17,929
Total expenses	27,036			22,371			490,653			(616		)	539,444
(Loss) income before equity in net income of subsidiaries and taxes	(23,207		)	(20,564		)	889,971			(5,162		)	841,038
Equity in net income of subsidiaries	713,831			2,142			—			(715,973		)	—
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	690,624			(18,422		)	889,971			(721,135		)	841,038
Income tax expense	—			(1,558		)	(134		)	—			(1,692		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	690,624			(19,980		)	889,837			(721,135		)	839,346
Income from discontinued operations	—			2,422			—			—			2,422
Net income (loss)	690,624			(17,558		)	889,837			(721,135		)	841,768
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(151,144		)	—			(151,144		)
Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	690,624			(17,558		)	738,693			(721,135		)	690,624
Dividends on preference shares	(24,948		)	—			—			—			(24,948		)
Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	665,676		$	(17,558	)	$	738,693		$	(721,135	)	$	665,676
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
-2	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2013	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
	Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Adjustments			Consolidated
	(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.			-2
	Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries
				Issuer)			and
							Eliminations
							(Non-guarantor
							Subsidiaries)
							-1
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income (loss)	$	690,624		$	(17,558	)	$	889,837		$	(721,135	)	$	841,768
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	—			—			(9,491		)	—			(9,491		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	690,624			(17,558		)	880,346			(721,135		)	832,277
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(151,144		)	—			(151,144		)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(151,144		)	—			(151,144		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	$	690,624		$	(17,558	)	$	729,202		$	(721,135	)	$	681,133
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
-2	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
for the year ended December 31, 2012	Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Adjustments			Consolidated
	(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.			-2
	Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries
				Issuer)			and
							Eliminations
							(Non-guarantor
							Subsidiaries)
							-1
Revenues
Net premiums earned	$	—		$	—		$	1,069,355		$	—		$	1,069,355
Net investment income	14,195			619			150,911			—			165,725
Net foreign exchange gains	33			—			5,286			—			5,319
Equity in earnings of other ventures	—			—			23,238			—			23,238
Other income (loss)	2,822			—			(4,942		)	—			(2,120		)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	14,862			1,556			146,703			—			163,121
Net other-than-temporary impairments	—			—			(343		)	—			(343		)
Total revenues	31,912			2,175			1,390,208			—			1,424,295
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	—			—			325,211			—			325,211
Acquisition expenses	—			—			113,542			—			113,542
Operational expenses	(5,103		)	7,013			177,241			—			179,151
Corporate expenses	14,282			273			1,901			—			16,456
Interest expense	5,875			14,467			2,755			—			23,097
Total expenses	15,054			21,753			620,650			—			657,457
Income (loss) before equity in net loss of subsidiaries and taxes	16,858			(19,578		)	769,558			—			766,838
Equity in net income of subsidiaries	584,051			1,860			—			(585,911		)	—
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	600,909			(17,718		)	769,558			(585,911		)	766,838
Income tax expense	—			(499		)	(914		)	—			(1,413		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	600,909			(18,217		)	768,644			(585,911		)	765,425
Loss from discontinued operations	—			(16,476		)	—			—			(16,476		)
Net income (loss)	600,909			(34,693		)	768,644			(585,911		)	748,949
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(148,040		)	—			(148,040		)
Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	600,909			(34,693		)	620,604			(585,911		)	600,909
Dividends on preference shares	(34,895		)	—			—			—			(34,895		)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	566,014		$	(34,693	)	$	620,604		$	(585,911	)	$	566,014
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
-2	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2012	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
	Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Adjustments			Consolidated
	(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.			-2
	Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries
				Issuer)			and
							Eliminations
							(Non-guarantor
							Subsidiaries)
							-1
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income (loss)	$	600,909		$	(34,693	)	$	768,644		$	(585,911	)	$	748,949
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	—			—			1,914			—			1,914
Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive loss	—			—			(52		)	—			(52		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	600,909			(34,693		)	770,506			(585,911		)	750,811
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(148,040		)	—			(148,040		)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(148,040		)	—			(148,040		)
Comprehensive income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe	$	600,909		$	(34,693	)	$	622,466		$	(585,911	)	$	602,771
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
-2	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
for the year ended December 31, 2011	Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Adjustments			Consolidated
	(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.			-2
	Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries
				Issuer)			and
							Eliminations
							(Non-guarantor
							Subsidiaries)
							-1
Revenues
Net premiums earned	$	—		$	—		$	951,049		$	—		$	951,049
Net investment income	20,182			944			131,557			(5,812		)	146,871
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)	112			—			(7,956		)	—			(7,844		)
Equity in losses of other ventures	—			—			(36,533		)	—			(36,533		)
Other loss	(11		)	—			44,356			—			44,345
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	12,040			1,217			30,699			—			43,956
Net other-than-temporary impairments	—			—			(552		)	—			(552		)
Total revenues	32,323			2,161			1,112,620			(5,812		)	1,141,292
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	—			—			861,179			—			861,179
Acquisition expenses	—			—			97,376			—			97,376
Operational expenses	(4,842		)	7,910			166,593			—			169,661
Corporate expenses	11,486			229			6,441			—			18,156
Interest expense	10,472			14,568			3,026			(4,698		)	23,368
Total expenses	17,116			22,707			1,134,615			(4,698		)	1,169,740
Income (loss) before equity in net loss of subsidiaries and taxes	15,207			(20,546		)	(21,995		)	(1,114		)	(28,448		)
Equity in net loss of subsidiaries	(73,066		)	(16,689		)	—			89,755			—
Loss from continuing operations before taxes	(57,859		)	(37,235		)	(21,995		)	88,641			(28,448		)
Income tax benefit (expense)	624			1,677			(12,686		)	—			(10,385		)
Loss from continuing operations	(57,235		)	(35,558		)	(34,681		)	88,641			(38,833		)
Loss from discontinued operations	—			(51,559		)	—			—			(51,559		)
Net loss	(57,235		)	(87,117		)	(34,681		)	88,641			(90,392		)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			33,157			—			33,157
Net loss attributable to RenaissanceRe	(57,235		)	(87,117		)	(1,524		)	88,641			(57,235		)
Dividends on preference shares	(35,000		)	—			—			—			(35,000		)
Net loss attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	(92,235	)	$	(87,117	)	$	(1,524	)	$	88,641		$	(92,235	)
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
-2	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2011	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
	Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Adjustments			Consolidated
	(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.			-2
	Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries
				Issuer)			and
							Eliminations
							(Non-guarantor
							Subsidiaries)
							-1
Comprehensive loss
Net loss	$	(57,235	)	$	(87,117	)	$	(34,681	)	$	88,641		$	(90,392	)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	—			—			(7,991		)	—			(7,991		)
Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive loss	—			—			(78		)	—			(78		)
Comprehensive loss	(57,235		)	(87,117		)	(42,750		)	88,641			(98,461		)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			33,157			—			33,157
Change in net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			6			—			6
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			33,163			—			33,163
Comprehensive loss attributable to RenaissanceRe	$	(57,235	)	$	(87,117	)	$	(9,587	)	$	88,641		$	(65,298	)
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
-2	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			RenaissanceRe
for the year ended December 31, 2013	Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Consolidated
	(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.
	Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries
				Issuer)			and
							Eliminations
							(Non-guarantor
							Subsidiaries)
							-1
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(37,966	)	$	(7,583	)	$	841,270		$	795,721
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	880,749			185,143			7,185,513			8,251,405
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	(491,768		)	(160,422		)	(7,814,277		)	(8,466,467		)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	—			—			45,178			45,178
Net (purchases) sales of equity investments trading	—			(81,437		)	48,382			(33,055		)
Net sales (purchases) of short term investments	21,217			9,399			(277,587		)	(246,971		)
Net sales of other investments	—			—			76,214			76,214
Net purchases of investments in other ventures	—			—			(4,000		)	(4,000		)
Net sales of other assets	—			—			2,181			2,181
Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries	504,241			83,593			(587,834		)	—
Contributions to subsidiaries	(500,652		)	(38,117		)	538,769			—
Due (from) to subsidiary	17,446			(3,761		)	(13,685		)	—
Net proceeds related to sale of discontinued operations	—			—			60,000			60,000
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	431,233			(5,602		)	(741,146		)	(315,515		)
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	(49,267		)	—			—			(49,267		)
Dividends paid – preference shares	(24,948		)	—			—			(24,948		)
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	(207,410		)	—			—			(207,410		)
Net repayment of debt	(100,000		)	—			(2,436		)	(102,436		)
Redemption of 6.08% Series C preference shares	(125,000		)	—			—			(125,000		)
Redemption of 6.60% Series D preference shares	(150,000		)	—			—			(150,000		)
Issuance of 5.375% Series E preference shares, net of expenses	265,856			—			—			265,856
Contribution of capital from parent	—			15,684			(15,684		)	—
Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions	—			—			(5,750		)	(5,750		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(390,769		)	15,684			(23,870		)	(398,955		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	—			—			1,423			1,423
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	2,498			2,499			77,677			82,674
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations	—			—			21,213			21,213
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	6,298			1,528			296,319			304,145
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	8,796		$	4,027		$	395,209		$	408,032
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			RenaissanceRe
for the year ended December 31, 2012	Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Consolidated
	(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.
	Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries
				Issuer)			and
							Eliminations
							(Non-guarantor
							Subsidiaries)
							-1
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	128,567		$	(10,376	)	$	598,738		$	716,929
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	744,211			140,626			7,308,030			8,192,867
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	(692,783		)	(73,800		)	(7,769,655		)	(8,536,238		)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	—			—			65,168			65,168
Net (purchases) sales of short term investments	(80,485		)	(10,624		)	159,886			68,777
Net sales of other investments	—			—			150,828			150,828
Net purchases of other assets	—			—			(4,079		)	(4,079		)
Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries	979,311			9,541			(988,852		)	—
Contributions to subsidiaries	(366,210		)	(50,000		)	416,210			—
Due (from) to subsidiaries	(15,359		)	241			15,118			—
Net payments related to sale of discontinued operations	—			(9,000		)	—			(9,000		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	568,685			6,984			(647,346		)	(71,677		)
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	(53,356		)	—			—			(53,356		)
Dividends paid – preference shares	(34,895		)	—			—			(34,895		)
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	(463,309		)	—			—			(463,309		)
Net repayment of debt	—			—			(1,937		)	(1,937		)
Redemption of 6.60% Series D preference shares	(150,000		)	—			—			(150,000		)
Third party DaVinciRe share transactions	—			—			164,927			164,927
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(701,560		)	—			162,990			(538,570		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	—			—			1,692			1,692
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(4,308		)	(3,392		)	116,074			108,374
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations	—			—			13,946			13,946
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	10,606			4,920			166,299			181,825
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	6,298		$	1,528		$	296,319		$	304,145
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			RenaissanceRe
for the year ended December 31, 2011	Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Consolidated
	(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.
	Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries
				Issuer)			and
							Eliminations
							(Non-guarantor
							Subsidiaries)
							-1
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(58,721	)	$	(56,438	)	$	281,092		$	165,933
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	532,864			221,189			5,335,415			6,089,468
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	(684,951		)	(322,318		)	(5,264,354		)	(6,271,623		)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	—			—			106,362			106,362
Purchases of fixed maturity investments available for sale	—			—			(4,107		)	(4,107		)
Net purchases of equity investments trading	—			—			(47,995		)	(47,995		)
Net (purchases) sales of short term investments	(6,014		)	9,184			99,978			103,148
Net sales (purchases) of other investments	102,717			—			(51,777		)	50,940
Net purchases of investments in other ventures	—			—			(39,000		)	(39,000		)
Net sales of other assets	—			—			58,318			58,318
Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries	945,195			9,306			(954,501		)	—
Contributions to subsidiaries	(272,366		)	(8,294		)	280,660			—
Due to (from) subsidiary	6,059			3,780			(9,839		)	—
Net proceeds from sale of discontinued operations	—			269,520			—			269,520
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	623,504			182,367			(490,840		)	315,031
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	(53,460		)	—			—			(53,460		)
Dividends paid – preference shares	(35,000		)	—			—			(35,000		)
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	(191,619		)	—			—			(191,619		)
Net (repayment) issuance of debt	(277,512		)	(124,949		)	202,461			(200,000		)
Third party DaVinciRe share repurchases	—			—			(62,157		)	(62,157		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(557,591		)	(124,949		)	140,304			(542,236		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	—			—			518			518
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	7,192			980			(68,926		)	(60,754		)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations	—			—			16,441			16,441
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	3,414			3,940			218,784			226,138
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$	10,606		$	4,920		$	166,299		$	181,825
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	Subsequent to December 31, 2013 and through the period ended February 19, 2014, the Company repurchased 2.0 million common shares in open market transactions at an aggregate cost of $185.8 million and at an average share price of $91.66.
	On February 19, 2014, RenaissanceRe’s Board of Directors approved an increase in the authorized share repurchase program to an aggregate amount of $500.0 million. Unless terminated earlier by resolution of RenaissanceRe’s Board of Directors, the program will expire when the Company has repurchased the full value of the shares authorized.
	During January 2014, DaVinciRe redeemed a portion of its outstanding shares from all existing DaVinciRe shareholders, including the Company, while a new DaVinciRe shareholder purchased shares in DaVinciRe. The net redemption as a result of these transactions was $300.0 million. In connection with the redemption, DaVinciRe retained a $60.0 million holdback. The Company’s noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe subsequent to these transactions is 26.5%, effective January 1, 2014. The Company expects its noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe to fluctuate over time.
	Subsequent to December 31, 2013 and through the period ended February 19, 2014, third-party investors subscribed for an aggregate of $42.2 million of the participating, non-voting common shares of Medici. As a result of these subscriptions, the Company’s ownership in Medici decreased to 46.8%, effective February 1, 2014.

Schedule_I_Summary_of_Investme

Schedule I. 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]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties	'
	SCHEDULE I
	RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS
	OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
	(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
		December 31, 2013
		Amortized Cost		Market Value		Amount at
						which shown
						in the
						Balance Sheet
	Type of investment:
	Fixed maturity investments
	U.S. treasuries	$	1,358,094	$	1,352,413	$	1,352,413
	Agencies	187,815		186,050		186,050
	Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)	332,935		334,580		334,580
	Non-U.S. government-backed corporate	234,531		237,479		237,479
	Corporate	1,783,043		1,803,415		1,803,415
	Agency mortgage-backed	346,740		341,908		341,908
	Non-agency mortgage-backed	242,344		257,938		257,938
	Commercial mortgage-backed	311,681		314,236		314,236
	Asset-backed	14,802		15,258		15,258
	Total fixed maturity investments	$	4,811,985	4,843,277		4,843,277
	Short term investments			1,044,779		1,044,779
	Equity investments			254,776		254,776
	Other investments			573,264		573,264
	Investments in other ventures, under equity method			105,616		105,616
	Total investments			$	6,821,712	$	6,821,712

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 Registrant	'
	SCHEDULE II
	RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.
	CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
	RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.
	BALANCE SHEETS
	AT DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
	(PARENT COMPANY)
	(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
		At December 31,
		2013			2012
	Assets
	Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value (Amortized cost $Nil and $324,160 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively)	$	—		$	337,376
	Short term investments, at fair value	210,719			234,763
	Total investments	210,719			572,139
	Cash and cash equivalents	8,796			6,298
	Investments in subsidiaries	3,294,729			2,864,793
	Due from subsidiaries	16,479			32,467
	Dividends due from subsidiaries	280,273			20,829
	Accrued investment income	—			2,535
	Receivable for investments sold	14			60,149
	Other assets	112,234			114,956
	Total Assets	$	3,923,244		$	3,674,166
	Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
	Liabilities
	Notes and bank loans payable	$	—		$	100,000
	Contributions due to subsidiaries	—			11,371
	Payable for investments purchased	—			9,694
	Other liabilities	18,860			50,036
	Total Liabilities	18,860			171,101
	Shareholders’ Equity
	Preference shares: $1.00 par value – 16,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 – 16,000,000)	400,000			400,000
	Common shares: $1.00 par value – 43,646,436 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 – 45,542,203)	43,646			45,542
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,131			13,622
	Retained earnings	3,456,607			3,043,901
	Total Shareholders’ Equity	3,904,384			3,503,065
	Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	3,923,244		$	3,674,166
	SCHEDULE II
	RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.
	CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT – CONTINUED
	RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.
	STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
	FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
	(PARENT COMPANY)
	(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
		Year ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Revenues
	Net investment income	$	4,213		$	14,195		$	20,182
	Net foreign exchange (losses) gains	(7		)	33			112
	Other income (loss)	106			2,822			(11		)
	Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments	(483		)	14,862			12,040
	Total revenues	3,829			31,912			32,323
	Expenses
	Interest expense	734			5,875			10,472
	Operating and corporate expenses	26,302			9,179			6,644
	Total expenses	27,036			15,054			17,116
	(Loss) income before equity in net income (losses) of subsidiaries and taxes	(23,207		)	16,858			15,207
	Equity in net income (losses) of subsidiaries	713,831			584,051			(73,066		)
	Income (loss) before taxes	690,624			600,909			(57,859		)
	Income tax benefit	—			—			624
	Net income (loss)	690,624			600,909			(57,235		)
	Dividends on preference shares	(24,948		)	(34,895		)	(35,000		)
	Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	665,676		$	566,014		$	(92,235	)
RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
(PARENT COMPANY)
(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
	Year ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income (loss)	$	690,624		$	600,909		$	(57,235	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	$	690,624		$	600,909		$	(57,235	)
SCHEDULE II
RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT – CONTINUED
RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
(PARENT COMPANY)
(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
	Year ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	690,624		$	600,909		$	(57,235	)
Less: equity in net (income) loss of subsidiaries	(713,831		)	(584,051		)	73,066
	(23,207		)	16,858			15,831
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
Net unrealized losses (gains) included in net investment income	483			348			(1,696		)
Net unrealized (gains) losses included in other income (loss)	—			(193		)	304
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	(20		)	(14,862		)	(12,040		)
Other	(15,222		)	126,416			(61,120		)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(37,966		)	128,567			(58,721		)
Cash flows provided by investing activities:
Proceeds from maturities and sales of fixed maturity investments trading	880,749			744,211			532,864
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	(491,768		)	(692,783		)	(684,951		)
Net sales (purchases) of short term investments	21,217			(80,485		)	(6,014		)
Net sales (purchases) of other investments	—			—			102,717
Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries	504,241			979,311			945,195
Contributions to subsidiaries	(500,652		)	(366,210		)	(272,366		)
Due (from) to subsidiary	17,446			(15,359		)	6,059
Net cash provided by investing activities	431,233			568,685			623,504
Cash flows used in financing activities:
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	(49,267		)	(53,356		)	(53,460		)
Dividends paid – preference shares	(24,948		)	(34,895		)	(35,000		)
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	(207,410		)	(463,309		)	(191,619		)
Redemption of 6.08% Series C preference shares	(125,000		)	—			—
Redemption of 6.60% Series D preference shares	(150,000		)	(150,000		)	—
Issuance of 5.375% Series E preference share, net of expenses	265,856			—			—
Net repayment of debt	(100,000		)	—			(277,512		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(390,769		)	(701,560		)	(557,591		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	2,498			(4,308		)	7,192
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	6,298			10,606			3,414
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$	8,796		$	6,298		$	10,606

Schedule_III_Supplementary_Ins

Schedule III. Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]	'
Supplementary Insurance Information	'
	SCHEDULE III
	RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
	(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
		December 31, 2013						Year ended December 31, 2013
		Deferred		Future Policy		Unearned		Premium			Net		Benefits,		Amortization			Other		Net Written
		Policy		Benefits,		Premiums		Revenue			Investment		Claims,		of Deferred			Operating		Premiums
		Acquisition		Losses,							Income		Losses and		Policy			Expenses
		Costs		Claims and									Settlement		Acquisition
				Loss Expenses									Expenses		Costs
	Catastrophe Reinsurance	$	37,889	$	780,987	$	279,465	$	723,705		$	—	$	7,908	$	49,161		$	108,130	$	753,078
	Specialty Reinsurance	26,727		506,268		115,278		214,306			—		67,236		41,538			31,780		248,562
	Lloyd’s	17,068		218,367		83,145		176,029			—		95,693		34,823			50,540		201,697
	Other	—		58,108		—		586			208,028		450		(21		)	655		610
	Total	$	81,684	$	1,563,730	$	477,888	$	1,114,626		$	208,028	$	171,287	$	125,501		$	191,105	$	1,203,947
		December 31, 2012						Year ended December 31, 2012
		Deferred		Future Policy		Unearned		Premium			Net		Benefits,		Amortization			Other		Net Written
		Policy		Benefits,		Premiums		Revenue			Investment		Claims,		of Deferred			Operating		Premiums
		Acquisition		Losses,							Income		Losses and		Policy			Expenses
		Costs		Claims and									Settlement		Acquisition
				Loss Expenses									Expenses		Costs
	Catastrophe Reinsurance	$	28,306	$	1,184,258	$	261,456	$	781,738		$	—	$	165,209	$	66,665		$	103,811	$	766,035
	Specialty Reinsurance	15,010		478,313		84,058		164,685			—		76,813		23,826			29,124		201,552
	Lloyd’s	9,306		149,470		54,003		122,968			—		80,242		22,864			45,680		135,131
	Other	—		67,336		—		(36		)	165,725		2,947		187			536		(61		)
	Total	$	52,622	$	1,879,377	$	399,517	$	1,069,355		$	165,725	$	325,211	$	113,542		$	179,151	$	1,102,657
		31-Dec-11						Year ended December 31, 2011
		Deferred		Future Policy		Unearned		Premium			Net		Benefits,		Amortization			Other		Net Written
		Policy		Benefits,		Premiums		Revenue			Investment		Claims,		of Deferred			Operating		Premiums
		Acquisition		Losses,							Income		Losses and		Policy			Expenses
		Costs		Claims and									Settlement		Acquisition
				Loss Expenses									Expenses		Costs
	Catastrophe Reinsurance	$	28,059	$	1,341,908	$	260,746	$	737,545		$	—	$	770,350	$	62,882		$	100,932	$	773,560
	Specialty Reinsurance	6,864		471,618		41,099		135,543			—		13,354		20,096			30,319		139,939
	Lloyd’s	8,039		87,495		43,367		76,386			—		73,259		14,031			36,732		98,617
	Other	759		91,333		2,443		1,575			146,871		4,216		367			1,678		657
	Total	$	43,721	$	1,992,354	$	347,655	$	951,049		$	146,871	$	861,179	$	97,376		$	169,661	$	1,012,773

Schedule_IV_Supplemental_Sched

Schedule IV. Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums	'
	SCHEDULE IV
	RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF REINSURANCE PREMIUMS
	(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
		Gross		Ceded to		Assumed		Net Amount		Percentage
		Amounts		Other		From Other				of Amount
				Companies		Companies				Assumed
										to Net
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Property and liability premiums earned	$	44,530	$	412,415	$	1,482,511	$	1,114,626	133	%
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Property and liability premiums earned	$	34,028	$	430,374	$	1,465,701	$	1,069,355	137	%
	Year ended December 31, 2011
	Property and liability premiums earned	$	17,794	$	422,950	$	1,356,205	$	951,049	143	%

Schedule_VI_Supplementary_Insu

Schedule VI. Supplementary Insurance Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Insurance Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations	'
	SCHEDULE VI
	RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION CONCERNING
	PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS
	(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
	Affiliation with Registrant	Deferred		Reserves for			Discount, if		Unearned		Earned		Net
		Policy		Unpaid Claims			any,		Premiums		Premiums		Investment
		Acquisition		and Claim			Deducted						Income
		Costs		Adjustment
				Expenses
	Consolidated Subsidiaries
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	81,684	$	1,563,730		$	—	$	477,888	$	1,114,626	$	208,028
	Year ended December 31, 2012	$	52,622	$	1,879,377		$	—	$	399,517	$	1,069,355	$	165,725
	Year ended December 31, 2011	$	43,721	$	1,992,354		$	—	$	347,655	$	951,049	$	146,871
		Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to					Amortization		Paid Claims		Net
							of Deferred		and Claim		Premiums
							Policy		Adjustment		Written
							Acquisition		Expenses
	Affiliation with Registrant	Current Year		Prior Year			Costs
	Consolidated Subsidiaries
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	315,241	$	(143,954	)	$	125,501	$	395,447	$	1,203,947
	Year ended December 31, 2012	$	483,180	$	(157,969	)	$	113,542	$	226,671	$	1,102,657
	Year ended December 31, 2011	$	993,168	$	(131,989	)	$	97,376	$	428,986	$	1,012,773

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated from these statements. Except as discussed in “Note 3. Discontinued Operations,” and unless otherwise noted, the notes to the consolidated financial statements reflect the Company’s continuing operations.
	Certain comparative information has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
Use of Estimates in Financial Statements	'
	USE OF ESTIMATES IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported and disclosed amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. The major estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, the reserve for claims and claim expenses; reinsurance recoverables, including allowances for reinsurance recoverables deemed uncollectible; estimates of written and earned premiums; fair value, including the fair value of investments, financial instruments and derivatives; impairment charges; and the Company’s deferred tax valuation allowance.
Discontinued Operations	'
	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	The results of operations of substantially all of the Company’s U.S.-based insurance operations and REAL, its U.S.-based weather and weather-related energy risk management unit, each of which has been sold to a separate unaffiliated third party, are classified as held for sale and are reported as discontinued operations in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic Discontinued Operations. The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto are presented excluding the operations and cash flows of the discontinued operations from the continuing operations of the Company since the Company will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations after the sale. The financial position and results of operations of discontinued operations are presented as single line items on the consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations, respectively.
Premiums and Related Expenses	'
	PREMIUMS AND RELATED EXPENSES
	Premiums are recognized as income, net of any applicable reinsurance or retrocessional coverage purchased, over the terms of the related contracts and policies. Premiums written are based on contract and policy terms and include estimates based on information received from both insureds and ceding companies. Subsequent differences arising on such estimates are recorded in the period in which they are determined. Unearned premiums represents the portion of premiums written that relate to the unexpired terms of contracts and policies in force. Amounts are computed by pro-rata methods based on statistical data or reports received from ceding companies. Reinstatement premiums are estimated after the occurrence of a significant loss and are recorded in accordance with the contract terms based upon paid losses and case reserves. Reinstatement premiums are earned when written.
	Acquisition costs are shown net of commissions and profit commissions earned on ceded reinsurance, and consist principally of commissions, brokerage and premium tax expenses incurred at the time a contract or policy is issued and are deferred and amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned. Deferred policy acquisition costs are limited to their estimated realizable value based on the related unearned premiums. Anticipated claims and claim expenses, based on historical and current experience, and anticipated investment income related to those premiums are considered in determining the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs.
Claims and Claim Expenses	'
	CLAIMS AND CLAIM EXPENSES
	The reserve for claims and claim expenses includes estimates for unpaid claims and claim expenses on reported losses as well as an estimate of losses incurred but not reported. The reserve is based on individual claims, case reserves and other reserve estimates reported by insureds and ceding companies as well as management estimates of ultimate losses. Inherent in the estimates of ultimate losses are expected trends in claim severity and frequency and other factors which could vary significantly as claims are settled. Also, during the past few years, the Company has increased its specialty reinsurance business, but does not have the benefit of a significant amount of its own historical experience in certain of these lines of business. Accordingly, the setting and reserving for incurred losses in these lines of business could be subject to greater variability.
	Ultimate losses may vary materially from the amounts provided in the consolidated financial statements. These estimates are reviewed regularly and, as experience develops and new information becomes known, the reserves are adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments, if any, are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which they become known and are accounted for as changes in estimates.
Reinsurance	'
	REINSURANCE
	Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policies. For multi-year retrospectively rated contracts, the Company accrues amounts (either assets or liabilities) that are due to or from assuming companies based on estimated contract experience. If the Company determines that adjustments to earlier estimates are appropriate, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are determined. Reinsurance recoverables on dual trigger reinsurance contracts require the Company to estimate its ultimate losses applicable to these contracts as well as estimate the ultimate amount of insured industry losses that will be reported by the applicable statistical reporting agency, as per the contract terms. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are recorded net of a valuation allowance for estimated uncollectible recoveries.
	Assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts that lack a significant transfer of risk are treated as deposits.
Fixed Maturity Investments and Equity Investments	'
	INVESTMENTS, CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
	Fixed Maturity Investments
	Investments in fixed maturities are classified as available for sale or trading and are reported at fair value. Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date with balances pending settlement reflected in the balance sheet as a receivable for investments sold or a payable for investments purchased. Net investment income includes interest and dividend income together with amortization of market premiums and discounts and is net of investment management and custody fees. The amortization of premium and accretion of discount for fixed maturity securities is computed using the effective yield method. For mortgage-backed securities and other holdings for which there is prepayment risk, prepayment assumptions are evaluated quarterly and revised as necessary. Any adjustments required due to the change in effective yields and maturities are recognized on a prospective basis through yield adjustments. Fair values of investments are based on quoted market prices, or when such prices are not available, by reference to broker or underwriter bid indications and/or internal pricing valuation techniques. The net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on fixed maturity investments available for sale is included in accumulated other comprehensive income. The net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on fixed maturity investments trading is included in net realized and unrealized gains on investments in the consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the first in first out cost method and, for fixed maturity investments available for sale, include adjustments to the cost basis of investments for declines in value that are considered to be other-than-temporary.
	Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
	The Company recognizes other-than-temporary impairments in earnings for its impaired fixed maturity securities available for sale (i) for which the Company has the intent to sell the security or (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery and (iii) for those securities which have a credit loss. In assessing whether a credit loss exists, the Company compares the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. In instances in which a determination is made that an impairment exists but the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis, the impairment is separated into (i) the amount of the total impairment related to the credit loss and (ii) the amount of the total impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. In periods after the recognition of other-than-temporary impairments on the Company’s fixed maturity securities available for sale, the Company accounts for such securities as if they had been purchased on the measurement date of the other-than-temporary impairment at an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings. For debt securities in which other-than-temporary impairments were recognized in earnings, the difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected will be amortized into net investment income.
	Equity Investments, Classified as Trading
	Equity investments are accounted for at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments. Fair values are primarily priced by pricing services, reflecting the closing price quoted for the final trading day of the period. Net investment income includes dividend income and the net realized and unrealized appreciation or depreciation on equity investments is included in net realized and unrealized gains on investments in the consolidated statements of operations.
Short Term Investments and Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Short Term Investments and Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Short term investments, which are managed as part of the Company’s investment portfolio and have a maturity of one year or less when purchased, are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. The net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on short term investments is included in net realized and unrealized gains on investments in the consolidated statements of operations. Cash equivalents include money market instruments with a maturity of ninety days or less when purchased.
Other Investments	'
	Other Investments
	The Company accounts for its other investments at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments. The fair value of certain of the Company’s fund investments, which principally include private equity funds, senior secured bank loan funds and hedge funds, is recorded on its balance sheet in other investments, and is generally established on the basis of the net valuation criteria established by the managers of such investments, if applicable. The net valuation criteria established by the managers of such investments is established in accordance with the governing documents of such investments. Certain of the Company’s fund managers, fund administrators, or both, are unable to provide final fund valuations as of the Company’s current reporting date. The typical reporting lag experienced by the Company to receive a final net asset value report is one month for hedge funds and senior secured bank loan funds and three months for private equity funds, although, in the past, in respect of certain of the Company’s private equity funds, the Company has on occasion experienced delays of up to six months at year end, as the private equity funds typically complete their respective year-end audits before releasing their final net asset value statements.
	In circumstances where there is a reporting lag between the current period end reporting date and the reporting date of the latest fund valuation, the Company estimates the fair value of these funds by starting with the prior month or quarter-end fund valuations, adjusting these valuations for actual capital calls, redemptions or distributions, as well as the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and then estimating the return for the current period. In circumstances in which the Company estimates the return for the current period, all information available to the Company is utilized. This principally includes preliminary estimates reported to the Company by its fund managers, obtaining the valuation of underlying portfolio investments where such underlying investments are publicly traded and therefore have a readily observable price, using information that is available to the Company with respect to the underlying investments, reviewing various indices for similar investments or asset classes, as well as estimating returns based on the results of similar types of investments for which the Company has obtained reported results, or other valuation methods, where possible. Actual final fund valuations may differ, perhaps materially so, from the Company’s estimates and these differences are recorded in the Company’s statement of operations in the period in which they are reported to the Company as a change in estimate.
	The Company’s other investments also include investments in catastrophe bonds which are recorded at fair value and based on broker or underwriter bid indications.
Investments in Other Ventures	'
	Investments in Other Ventures
	Investments in which the Company has significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee are classified as investments in other ventures, under equity method, and are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the Company records its proportionate share of income or loss from such investments in its results for the period. Any decline in value of investments in other ventures, under equity method considered by management to be other-than-temporary is charged to income in the period in which it is determined.
Stock Incentive Compensation	'
	STOCK INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
	The Company is authorized to issue restricted stock awards and units, performance shares, stock options and other equity-based awards to its employees and directors. The fair value of the compensation cost is measured at the grant date and expensed over the period for which the employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award.
	In addition, the Company is authorized to issue cash settled restricted stock units (“CSRSU”) to its employees. The fair value of CSRSUs is determined at each reporting date using observable exchange traded prices for the Company’s common shares and is expensed over the period for which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. In addition, the fair value of the award is recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a liability as it is expensed and until the point payment is made to the employee.
	Forfeiture benefits are estimated on a quarterly basis and incorporated in the determination of stock-based compensation.
Derivatives	'
	DERIVATIVES
	The Company enters into derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps, forward contracts and other derivative contracts in order to manage its foreign currency exposure, obtain exposure to a particular financial market, for yield enhancement, or for trading and speculation. The Company accounts for its derivatives in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Derivatives and Hedging, which requires all derivatives to be recorded at fair value on the Company’s balance sheet as either assets or liabilities, depending on their rights or obligations, with changes in fair value reflected in current earnings. The Company does not currently apply hedge accounting. The fair value of the Company’s derivatives is estimated by reference to quoted prices or broker quotes, where available, or in the absence of quoted prices or broker quotes, the use of industry or internal valuation models.
Fair Value	'
	FAIR VALUE
	The Company accounts for certain of its assets and liabilities at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.  The Company recognizes the change in unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in fair value in its statements of operations, with the exception of changes in unrealized gains and losses on its fixed maturity investments available for sale, which are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity.
	The use of fair value to measure certain assets and liabilities with resulting unrealized gains or losses is pervasive within the Company’s financial statements. Fair value is defined under accounting guidance currently applicable to the Company to be the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between open market participants at the measurement date. The Company recognizes the change in unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in fair value in its consolidated statements of operations, with the exception of changes in unrealized gains and losses on its fixed maturity investments available for sale, which are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity.
	FASB ASC Topic Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures prescribes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to the respective valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to valuation techniques that use at least one significant input that is unobservable (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
	•	Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active markets for identical assets or liabilities for which the Company has access. The fair value is determined by multiplying the quoted price by the quantity held by the Company;
	•	Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals, broker quotes and certain pricing indices; and
	•	Level 3 inputs are based all or in part on significant unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In these cases, significant management assumptions can be used to establish management’s best estimate of the assumptions used by other market participants in determining the fair value of the asset or liability.
	In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and the Company considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
	In order to determine if a market is active or inactive for a security, the Company considers a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the spread between what a seller is asking for a security and what a buyer is bidding for the same security, the volume of trading activity for the security in question, the price of the security compared to its par value (for fixed maturity investments), and other factors that may be indicative of market activity.
	Other than the transaction noted below, there have been no material changes in the Company’s valuation techniques, nor have there been any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, or Level 2 and 3 during the period represented by these consolidated financial statements. As discussed in greater detail below, the Company transferred its investment in the common shares of Essent Group Ltd. (“Essent”), a U.S. mortgage guaranty insurance company, from Level 3 to Level 1, effective October 31, 2013, the date which Essent became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”). The fair value transferred from Level 3 to Level 1 was $85.6 million.
Business Combinations	'
	BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The Company accounts for business combinations in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Business Combinations, and goodwill and other intangible assets that arise from business combinations in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	A purchase price that is in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired arising from a business combination is recorded as goodwill, and is not amortized. Other intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. Other intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized.
	Goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Definite life intangible assets are reviewed for indicators of impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, and tested for impairment if appropriate. For purposes of the annual impairment evaluation, goodwill is assigned to the applicable reporting unit of the acquired entities giving rise to the goodwill. Goodwill and other intangible assets recorded in connection with investments accounted for under the equity method, are recorded as “Investments in other ventures, under equity method” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company has established the beginning of the fourth quarter as the date for performing its annual impairment tests. The Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under this option, the Company would not be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the Company determines, based on its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If goodwill or other intangible assets are impaired, they are written down to their estimated fair value with a corresponding expense reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Noncontrolling Interests	'
	NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
	The Company accounts for noncontrolling interests in the shareholders’ equity section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Consolidations, and presents such noncontrolling shareholders’ interest in the net assets of the subsidiary. Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests is presented separately in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
	In addition, the Company accounts for redeemable noncontrolling interest in DaVinciRe in the mezzanine section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in accordance with United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) guidance which is applicable to SEC registrants. The SEC guidance requires shares, not required to be accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, and having redemption features that are not solely within the control of the issuer, to be classified outside of permanent equity in the mezzanine section of the balance sheet. Because the share classes related to the redeemable noncontrolling interest portion of DaVinciRe are not considered liabilities in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and have redemption features that are not solely within the control of DaVinciRe, the redeemable noncontrolling interest in DaVinciRe is presented in the mezzanine section on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in accordance with the SEC guidance noted above. The SEC guidance does not impact the accounting for redeemable noncontrolling interest on the consolidated statements of operations; therefore, the provisions of FASB ASC Topic Consolidation with respect to the consolidated statements of operations still apply.
Variable Interest Entities	'
	VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
	The Company accounts for VIEs in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Consolidation, which requires the consolidation of all VIEs by the primary beneficiary, that being the investor that has the power to direct the activities of the VIE and will absorb a majority of the VIE’s expected losses or residual returns. The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by performing an analysis that principally considers: (i) the VIE’s purpose and design, including the risks the VIE was designed to create and pass through to its variable interest holders; (ii) the VIE’s capital structure; (iii) the terms between the VIE and its variable interest holders and other parties involved with the VIE; (iv) which variable interest holders have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; (v) which variable interest holders have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE; and (vi) related party relationships. The Company reassesses its initial determination of whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE upon changes in facts and circumstances that could potentially alter the Company’s assessment.
Earnings Per Share	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The Company calculates earnings per share in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Earnings per Share. Basic earnings per share are based on weighted average common shares and exclude any dilutive effects of options and restricted stock. Diluted earnings per share assumes the exercise of all dilutive stock options and restricted stock grants.
	The two-class method is used to determine earnings per share based on dividends declared on common shares and participating securities (i.e. distributed earnings) and participation rights of participating securities in any undistributed earnings. Each unvested restricted share granted by the Company to its employees is considered a participating security and the Company uses the two-class method to calculate its net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic and diluted.
Foreign Exchange	'
	FOREIGN EXCHANGE
	The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the prevailing exchange rate at the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are remeasured at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, which may result in the recognition of exchange gains or losses which are included in the determination of net income (loss).
Taxation	'
	TAXATION
	Income taxes have been provided in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities result from temporary differences between the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Such temporary differences are primarily due to net operating loss carryforwards and GAAP versus tax basis accounting differences relating to interest expense, underwriting results, accrued expenses and investments. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance against deferred tax assets is recorded if it is more likely than not that all, or some portion, of the benefits related to deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Taxation, Uncertainties	'
	Uncertain tax positions are also accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Income Taxes.  Uncertain tax positions must meet a more likely than not recognition threshold to be recognized.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	'
	RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	Disclosures About Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
	In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2011-11”). The objective of ASU 2011-11 is to enhance disclosures by requiring improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments in relation to netting arrangements. ASU 2011-11 became effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, with retrospective presentation of the new disclosure required. The Company adopted ASU 2011-11 effective January 1, 2013; since this update is disclosure-related only, the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial position.
	In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2013-01”). The guidance clarified that the disclosures in ASU 2011-11 would apply only to derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions, each to the extent that they met specific conditions provided in the initial accounting standard. ASU 2013-01 became effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, with retrospective presentation of the new disclosure required. As this guidance is
	disclosure-related only, the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial position.
	Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment
	In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (“ASU 2012-02”). ASU 2012-02 simplifies the guidance for testing the decline in the realizable value of indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill. ASU 2012-02 allows an organization the option to first assess the qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. An organization electing to perform a qualitative assessment is no longer required to calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset unless the organization determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is “more likely than not” that the asset is impaired. ASU 2012-02 became effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The Company adopted ASU 2012-02 effective January 1, 2013 and the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial position.
	Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”). The objective of ASU 2013-02 is to improve the reporting of classifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by requiring an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional details about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company prospectively adopted ASU 2013-02 effective January 1, 2013; since this update is disclosure-related only, the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial position.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted	'
	RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED
	Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). The objective of ASU 2013-11 is to improve the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 seeks to reduce the diversity in practice by providing guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits to better reflect the manner in which an entity would settle at the reporting date any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards exist. ASU 2013-11 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with both early adoption and retrospective application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance; however, it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial position.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Assets, Liabilities, Shareholder's Equity and Details of the Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations	'
	Details of the assets, liabilities and shareholder’s equity of discontinued operations held for sale at at December 31, 2013 and 2012, are as follows and relate entirely to REAL.
		At December 31,	2013			2012
		Assets of Discontinued Operations Held for Sale
		Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value (Amortized cost $Nil and $5,250 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively)	$	—		$	5,253
		Cash and cash equivalents	—			21,213
		Other assets	—			107,628
		Total assets of discontinued operations held for sale	$	—		$	134,094
		Liabilities of Discontinued Operations Held for Sale
		Debt	$	—		$	2,436
		Other liabilities	—			55,004
		Total liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	$	—		$	57,440
		Shareholder’s Equity of Discontinued Operations Held for Sale
		Total shareholder’s equity of discontinued operations held for sale	—			76,654
		Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity of discontinued operations held for sale	$	—		$	134,094
	The Company has reclassified the results of operations of the discontinued operations to income (loss) from discontinued operations in its consolidated statements of operations. Details of the income (loss) from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
		Year ended December 31, 2013	REAL
		Revenues
		Net investment income	$	1,150
		Net foreign exchanges gains	849
		Other income	701
		Net realized and unrealized losses on investments	(18		)
		Total revenues	2,682
		Expenses
		Operational expenses	89
		Corporate expenses	104
		Total expenses	193
		Income before taxes	2,489
		Income tax expense	(67		)
		Income from discontinued operations	$	2,422
		Year ended December 31, 2012	REAL			U.S.-based insurance operations			Total
		Revenues
		Net investment income	$	2,517		$	—		$	2,517
		Net foreign exchange losses	(96		)	—			(96		)
		Other (loss) income	(20,785		)	2,730			(18,055		)
		Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	3			—			3
		Total revenues	(18,361		)	2,730			(15,631		)
		Expenses
		Operational expenses	150			436			586
		Corporate expenses	236			—			236
		Total expenses	386			436			822
		(Loss) income before taxes	(18,747		)	2,294			(16,453		)
		Income tax expense	(16		)	(7		)	(23		)
		(Loss) income from discontinued operations	$	(18,763	)	$	2,287		$	(16,476	)
		Year ended December 31, 2011	REAL			U.S.-based insurance operations			Total
		Revenues
		Gross premiums written	$	—		$	21,546		$	21,546
		Net premiums written	$	—		$	(44,935	)	$	(44,935	)
		Decrease in unearned premiums	—			66,137			66,137
		Net premiums earned	$	—		$	21,202		$	21,202
		Net investment (loss) income	(2,159		)	339			(1,820		)
		Net foreign exchange gains	933			—			933
		Other loss	(45,030		)	(9,904		)	(54,934		)
		Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	—			42			42
		Total revenues	(46,256		)	11,679			(34,577		)
		Expenses
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred	—			8,430			8,430
		Acquisition expenses	—			6,059			6,059
		Operational expenses	5			7,272			7,277
		Corporate expenses	108			770			878
		Total expenses	113			22,531			22,644
		Loss before taxes	(46,369		)	(10,852		)	(57,221		)
		Income tax benefit (expense)	10,700			(5,038		)	5,662
		Loss from discontinued operations	$	(35,669	)	$	(15,890	)	$	(51,559	)

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill	'
	The following table shows an analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets:
			Goodwill and other intangible assets
			Goodwill			Other			Total
						intangible
						assets
		Balance as of December 31, 2011
		Gross amount	$	8,160		$	12,999		$	21,159
		Accumulated impairment losses and amortization	(2,299		)	(9,966		)	(12,265		)
			5,861			3,033			8,894
		Amortization	—			(408		)	(408		)
		Balance as of December 31, 2012
		Gross amount	8,160			12,999			21,159
		Accumulated impairment losses and amortization	(2,299		)	(10,374		)	(12,673		)
			5,861			2,625			8,486
		Amortization	—			(375		)	(375		)
		Balance as of December 31, 2013
		Gross amount	8,160			12,999			21,159
		Accumulated impairment losses and amortization	(2,299		)	(10,749		)	(13,048		)
			$	5,861		$	2,250		$	8,111
Schedule of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Included In Equity Method Investments	'
	The following table shows an analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets included in investments in other ventures, under equity method:
			Goodwill and other intangible assets included
			in investments in other  ventures, under equity method
			Goodwill			Other intangible  assets			Total
		Balance as of December 31, 2011
		Gross amount	$	9,021		$	44,323		$	53,344
		Accumulated impairment losses and amortization	—			(19,820		)	(19,820		)
			9,021			24,503			33,524
		Acquired during the year	1,819			—			1,819
		Amortization	—			(4,949		)	(4,949		)
		Balance as of December 31, 2012
		Gross amount	10,840			44,323			55,163
		Accumulated impairment losses and amortization	—			(24,769		)	(24,769		)
			10,840			19,554			30,394
		Acquired during the year	1,705			1,155			2,860
		Amortization	—			(4,042		)	(4,042		)
		Balance as of December 31, 2013
		Gross amount	12,545			45,478			58,023
		Accumulated impairment losses and amortization	—			(28,811		)	(28,811		)
			$	12,545		$	16,667		$	29,212
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class	'
	The gross carrying value and accumulated amortization by major category of other intangible assets is shown below:
			Other intangible assets
		At December 31, 2013	Gross			Accumulated			Total
			carrying			amortization and impairment losses
			value
		Customer relationships and customer lists	$	40,640		$	(24,522	)	$	16,118
		Lloyd’s managing agency license	1,867			—			1,867
		Trademarks and trade names	610			(134		)	476
		Covenants not-to-compete	2,130			(1,674		)	456
		Software	8,730			(8,730		)	—
		Patents and intellectual property	4,500			(4,500		)	—
			$	58,477		$	(39,560	)	$	18,917
			Other intangible assets
		At December 31, 2012	Gross			Accumulated			Total
			carrying			amortization and impairment losses
			value
		Customer relationships and customer lists	$	39,485		$	(20,936	)	$	18,549
		Lloyd’s managing agency license	1,867			—			1,867
		Covenants not-to-compete	2,130			(1,369		)	761
		Trademarks and trade names	610			(110		)	500
		Software	8,730			(8,395		)	335
		Patents and intellectual property	4,500			(4,333		)	167
			$	57,322		$	(35,143	)	$	22,179
Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense	'
	Expected amortization of the other intangible assets, including other intangible assets recorded in investments in other ventures, under equity method, is shown below:
			Other			Other			Total
			intangibles			intangible
						assets
						included
						in investments
						in other
						ventures, under
						equity method
		2014	$	209		$	3,669		$	3,878
		2015	174			3,008			3,182
		2016	—			2,309			2,309
		2017	—			1,931			1,931
		2018	—			1,497			1,497
		2019 and thereafter	—			4,253			4,253
		Total remaining amortization expense	$	383		$	16,667		$	17,050
		Indefinite lived	1,867			—			1,867
		Total	$	2,250		$	16,667		$	18,917

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Investments Trading	'
	The following table summarizes the fair value of fixed maturity investments trading:
			December 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012
		U.S. treasuries	$	1,352,413		$	1,254,547
		Agencies	186,050			315,154
		Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)	334,580			133,198
		Non-U.S. government-backed corporate	237,479			349,514
		Corporate	1,803,415			1,607,233
		Agency mortgage-backed	336,661			399,619
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	243,795			230,747
		Commercial mortgage-backed	303,214			361,645
		Asset-backed	11,429			8,511
		Total fixed maturity investments trading	$	4,809,036		$	4,660,168
Schedule of Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Investments Available For Sale	'
	The following table summarizes the amortized cost, fair value and related unrealized gains and losses and non-credit other-than-temporary impairments of fixed maturity investments available for sale:
						Included in Accumulated
						Other Comprehensive Income
		At December 31, 2013	Amortized			Gross				Gross				Fair Value				Non-Credit
			Cost			Unrealized				Unrealized								Other-Than-
						Gains				Losses								Temporary
																		Impairments
																		(1)
		Agency mortgage-backed	$	4,880		$	378			$	(11	)		$	5,247			$	—
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	11,735			2,414				(6		)		14,143				(742		)
		Commercial mortgage-backed	10,052			970				—				11,022				—
		Asset-backed	3,606			223				—				3,829				—
		Total fixed maturity investments available for sale	$	30,273		$	3,985			$	(17	)		$	34,241			$	(742	)
						Included in Accumulated
						Other Comprehensive Income
		At December 31, 2012	Amortized Cost			Gross				Gross				Fair Value				Non-Credit
						Unrealized				Unrealized								Other-Than-
						Gains				Losses								Temporary
																		Impairments
																		(1)
		Corporate	$	7,065		$	1,002			$	(93	)		$	7,974			$	(85	)
		Agency mortgage-backed	8,280			632				—				8,912				—
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	14,613			2,989				(10		)		17,592				(835		)
		Commercial mortgage-backed	37,292			7,229				—				44,521				—
		Asset-backed	4,195			248				—				4,443				—
		Total fixed maturity investments available for sale	$	71,445		$	12,100			$	(103	)		$	83,442			$	(920	)
	-1	Represents the non-credit component of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income adjusted for subsequent sales of securities. It does not include the change in fair value subsequent to the impairment measurement date.
Schedule of Contractual Maturities of Fixed Maturity Investments	'
	Contractual maturities of fixed maturity investments are described in the following table. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
			Trading							Available for Sale								Total Fixed Maturity Investments
		At December 31, 2013	Amortized			Fair Value				Amortized Cost				Fair Value				Amortized Cost				Fair Value
			Cost
		Due in less than one year	$	160,345		$	160,760			$	—			$	—			$	160,345			$	160,760
		Due after one through five years	3,109,181			3,118,799				—				—				3,109,181				3,118,799
		Due after five through ten years	550,269			551,007				—				—				550,269				551,007
		Due after ten years	76,623			83,371				—				—				76,623				83,371
		Mortgage-backed	874,099			883,670				26,667				30,412				900,766				914,082
		Asset-backed	11,195			11,429				3,606				3,829				14,801				15,258
		Total	$	4,781,712		$	4,809,036			$	30,273			$	34,241			$	4,811,985			$	4,843,277
Schedule of Fair Value of Equity Investments Trading	'
	The following table summarizes the fair value of equity investments trading:
			December 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012
		Financials	$	152,905		$	58,186
		Consumer	44,115			—
		Industrial, utilities and energy	25,350			—
		Healthcare	15,340			—
		Basic materials	12,766			—
		Communications and technology	4,300			—
		Total	$	254,776		$	58,186
Schedule of Net Investment Income	'
	The components of net investment income are as follows:
		Year ended December 31,	2013			2012				2011
		Fixed maturity investments	$	95,907		$	103,330			$	116,570
		Short term investments	1,698			1,007				1,666
		Equity investments	2,295			1,086				471
		Other investments
		Hedge funds and private equity investments	45,810			36,635				27,541
		Other	73,692			35,196				10,585
		Cash and cash equivalents	191			277				195
			219,593			177,531				157,028
		Investment expenses	(11,565		)	(11,806		)		(10,157		)
		Net investment income	$	208,028		$	165,725			$	146,871
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Gains On Investments and Net Other-Than-Temporary Impairments	'
	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments and net other-than-temporary impairments are as follows:
		Year ended December 31,	2013			2012				2011
		Gross realized gains	$	72,492		$	97,787			$	79,358
		Gross realized losses	(50,206		)	(16,705		)		(30,659		)
		Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments	22,286			81,082				48,699
		Net unrealized (losses) gains on fixed maturity investments trading	(87,827		)	75,279				19,404
		Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments-related derivatives	31,058			(866		)		(26,712		)
		Net realized gains on equity investments trading	26,650			—				—
		Net unrealized gains on equity investments trading	42,909			7,626				2,565
		Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	$	35,076		$	163,121			$	43,956
		Total other-than-temporary impairments	$	—		$	(395	)		$	(630	)
		Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes	—			52				78
		Net other-than-temporary impairments	$	—		$	(343	)		$	(552	)
Schedule of Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The following table provides an analysis of the components of other comprehensive income and reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income.
			Twelve months ended December 31, 2013
			Investments in other ventures			Fixed maturity investments available for sale				Total
		Beginning balance	$	1,625		$	11,997			$	13,622
		Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(1,462		)	(481		)		(1,943		)
		Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income by statement of operations line item:
		Realized gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments	—			(7,548		)		(7,548		)
		Net current-period other comprehensive loss	(1,462		)	(8,029		)		(9,491		)
		Ending balance	$	163		$	3,968			$	4,131
Schedule of Fixed Maturity Investments Available For Sale In Continual Unrealized Loss Position	'
	The following tables provide an analysis of the length of time the Company’s fixed maturity investments available for sale in an unrealized loss have been in a continual unrealized loss position.
			Less than 12 Months							12 Months or Greater								Total
		At December 31, 2013	Fair Value			Unrealized				Fair Value				Unrealized				Fair Value				Unrealized
						Losses								Losses								Losses
		Agency mortgage-backed	$	726		$	(11	)		$	—			$	—			$	726			$	(11	)
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	—			—				89				(6		)		89				(6		)
		Commercial mortgage-backed	39			—				—				—				39				—
		Total	$	765		$	(11	)		$	89			$	(6	)		$	854			$	(17	)
			Less than 12 Months							12 Months or Greater								Total
		At December 31, 2012	Fair Value			Unrealized				Fair Value				Unrealized				Fair Value				Unrealized
						Losses								Losses								Losses
		Corporate	$	598		$	(30	)		$	440			$	(63	)		$	1,038			$	(93	)
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	—			—				101				(10		)		101				(10		)
		Total	$	598		$	(30	)		$	541			$	(73	)		$	1,139			$	(103	)
Rollforward of the Amount of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments Related To Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings For Which A Portion Of An Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Was Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The following table provides a rollforward of the amount of other-than-temporary impairments related to credit losses recognized in earnings for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:
			2013			2012
		Balance – January 1	$	838		$	2,370
		Additions:
		Amount related to credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized	—			8
		Amount related to credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized	—			110
		Reductions:
		Securities sold during the period	(277		)	(1,650		)
		Securities for which the amount previously recognized in other comprehensive income was recognized in earnings, because the Company intends to sell the security or is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security	—			—
		Increases in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security	—			—
		Balance – December 31	$	561		$	838
Schedule of Other Investments	'
	The table below shows the fair value of the Company’s portfolio of other investments:
		At December 31,	2013			2012
		Private equity partnerships	$	322,391		$	344,669
		Catastrophe bonds	229,016			91,310
		Senior secured bank loan funds	18,048			202,929
		Hedge funds	3,809			5,803
		Total other investments	$	573,264		$	644,711
Schedule of Equity Method Investments	'
	The table below shows the Company’s portfolio of investments in other ventures, under equity method:
			2013										2012
		At December 31,	Investment			Ownership %			Carrying  Value				Investment				Ownership %			Carrying  Value
		THIG	$	50,000		25	%		$	25,107			$	50,000			25	%		$	28,303
		Tower Hill	10,000			29.4	%		14,506				10,000				28.6	%		13,969
		Tower Hill Signature	500			25	%		2,515				500				25	%		896
		Total Tower Hill Companies	60,500						42,128				60,500							43,168
		Top Layer Re	65,375			50	%		50,500				65,375				50	%		36,664
		Angus	10,507			42.5	%		9,180				8,226				38.8	%		7,892
		Other	3,000			22	%		3,808				—				—	%		—
		Total investments in other ventures, under equity method	$	139,382					$	105,616			$	134,101						$	87,724
Schedule of Equity In Earnings (Losses) of Equity Method Investments	'
	The table below shows the Company’s equity in earnings (losses) of other ventures, under equity method:
		Year ended December 31,	2013			2012				2011
		Top Layer Re	$	13,836		$	20,792			$	(37,471	)
		Tower Hill Companies	10,270			4,965				2,923
		Angus	(858		)	(2,519		)		808
		Other	(54		)	—				(2,793		)
		Total equity in earnings (losses) of other ventures	$	23,194		$	23,238			$	(36,533	)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis	'
	Below is a summary of the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and also represents the carrying amount on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet:
		At December 31, 2013	Total			Quoted			Significant				Significant
						Prices in Active			Other				Unobservable
						Markets for			Observable				Inputs
						Identical			Inputs				(Level 3)
						Assets			(Level 2)
						(Level 1)
		Fixed maturity investments
		U.S. treasuries	$	1,352,413		$	1,352,413		$	—			$	—
		Agencies	186,050			—			186,050				—
		Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)	334,580			—			334,580				—
		Non-U.S. government-backed corporate	237,479			—			237,479				—
		Corporate	1,803,415			—			1,775,835				27,580
		Agency mortgage-backed	341,908			—			341,908				—
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	257,938			—			257,938				—
		Commercial mortgage-backed	314,236			—			314,236				—
		Asset-backed	15,258			—			15,258				—
		Total fixed maturity investments	4,843,277			1,352,413			3,463,284				27,580
		Short term investments	1,044,779			—			1,044,779				—
		Equity investments trading	254,776			254,776			—				—
		Other investments
		Private equity partnerships	322,391			—			—				322,391
		Catastrophe bonds	229,016			—			229,016				—
		Senior secured bank loan funds	18,048			—			—				18,048
		Hedge funds	3,809			—			—				3,809
		Total other investments	573,264			—			229,016				344,248
		Other assets and (liabilities)
		Derivatives (1)	4,758			823			6,425				(2,490		)
		Other	(12,991		)	—			(12,991		)		—
		Total other assets and (liabilities)	(8,233		)	823			(6,566		)		(2,490		)
			$	6,707,863		$	1,608,012		$	4,730,513			$	369,338
	-1	See “Note 19. Derivative Instruments” for additional information related to the fair value by type of contract, of derivatives entered into by the Company.
		At December 31, 2012	Total			Quoted			Significant				Significant
						Prices in Active			Other				Unobservable
						Markets for			Observable				Inputs
						Identical			Inputs				(Level 3)
						Assets			(Level 2)
						(Level 1)
		Fixed maturity investments
		U.S. treasuries	$	1,254,547		$	1,254,547		$	—			$	—
		Agencies	315,154			—			315,154				—
		Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)	133,198			—			133,198				—
		Non-U.S. government-backed corporate	349,514			—			349,514				—
		Corporate	1,615,207			—			1,587,415				27,792
		Agency mortgage-backed	408,531			—			408,531				—
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	248,339			—			248,339				—
		Commercial mortgage-backed	406,166			—			406,166				—
		Asset-backed	12,954			—			12,954				—
		Total fixed maturity investments	4,743,610			1,254,547			3,461,271				27,792
		Short term investments	821,163			—			821,163				—
		Equity investments trading	58,186			58,186			—				—
		Other investments
		Private equity partnerships	344,669			—			—				344,669
		Senior secured bank loan funds	202,929			—			172,334				30,595
		Catastrophe bonds	91,310			—			91,310				—
		Hedge funds	5,803			—			—				5,803
		Total other investments	644,711			—			263,644				381,067
		Other assets and (liabilities)
		Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts	2,647			—			—				2,647
		Derivatives (1)	4,107			402			3,705				—
		Other	7,315			—			(11,551		)		18,866
		Total other assets and (liabilities)	14,069			402			(7,846		)		21,513
			$	6,281,739		$	1,313,135		$	4,538,232			$	430,372
(1) See “Note 19. Derivative Instruments” for additional information related to the fair value by type of contract, of derivatives entered into by the Company.
Schedule Of Quantitative Information Used As Level 3 Inputs	'
	Below is a summary of quantitative information regarding the significant observable and unobservable inputs (Level 3) used in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		December 31, 2013	Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable (U)	Low			High			Weighted Average or Actual
			(Level 3)					and Observable (O)
								Inputs
		Fixed maturity investments
		Corporate	$	15,726		Discounted cash flow (“DCF”)		Credit spread (U)	n/a			n/a			2.3	%
								Liquidity discount (U)	n/a			n/a			1	%
								Risk-free rate (O)	n/a			n/a			0.6	%
								Dividend rate (O)	n/a			n/a			6.2	%
		Corporate	11,854			Internal valuation model		Private transaction (U)	n/a			n/a			See below
		Total fixed maturity investments	27,580
		Other investments
		Private equity partnerships	322,391			Net asset valuation		Estimated performance (U)	(100.0	)%		71.8	%		4.8	%
		Senior secured bank loan funds	18,048			Net asset valuation		Estimated performance (U)	0.5	%		0.6	%		0.5	%
		Hedge funds	3,809			Net asset valuation		Estimated performance (U)	0	%		0	%		0	%
		Total other investments	344,248
		Other assets and (liabilities)
		Weather contract	(2,490		)	Internal valuation model		See below	n/a			n/a			See below
		Total other assets and (liabilities)	(2,490		)
			$	369,338
Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis Using Level 3 Inputs	'
	Below is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, for the periods shown, of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs. Interest and dividend income are included in net investment income and are excluded from the reconciliation.
			Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
			Fixed maturity			Other			Other assets  and (liabilities)				Total
			investments			investments
			trading
		Balance - January 1, 2012	$	27,761		$	396,526		$	19,628			$	443,915
		Total unrealized gains (losses)
		Included in net investment income	31			24,947			—				24,978
		Included in other (loss) income	—			—			(3,225		)		(3,225		)
		Total realized (losses) gains
		Included in net investment income	—			—			—				—
		Included in other (loss) income	—			—			(12,177		)		(12,177		)
		Total foreign exchange losses	—			699			—				699
		Purchases	—			48,631			17,287				65,918
		Sales	—			(2,842		)	—				(2,842		)
		Settlements	—			(86,894		)	—				(86,894		)
		Balance - December 31, 2012	$	27,792		$	381,067		$	21,513			$	430,372
		Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in net investment income	$	31		$	24,947		$	—			$	24,978
		Change in unrealized losses for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in other (loss) income	$	—		$	—		$	(3,225	)		$	(3,225	)
			Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
			Fixed maturity			Other			Other assets				Total
			investments trading			investments			and
									(liabilities)
		Balance - January 1, 2013	$	27,792		$	381,067		$	21,513			$	430,372
		Total unrealized gains (losses)
		Included in net investment income	2,288			80,113			(1,331		)		81,070
		Included in other (loss) income	—			—			(625		)		(625		)
		Total realized losses
		Included in net investment income	—			(4,114		)	—				(4,114		)
		Included in other (loss) income	—			—			(2,083		)		(2,083		)
		Total foreign exchange gains	—			1,352			—				1,352
		Purchases	—			48,287			(1,722		)		46,565
		Sales	—			—			—				—
		Settlements	(2,500		)	(95,144		)	—				(97,644		)
		Reclassified from other assets to other investments	—			18,242			(18,242		)		—
		Net transfers out of Level 3	—			(85,555		)	—				(85,555		)
		Balance - December 31, 2013	$	27,580		$	344,248		$	(2,490	)		$	369,338
		Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in net investment income	$	2,288		$	78,903		$	(1,331	)		$	79,860
		Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in other (loss) income	$	—		$	—		$	—			$	—
Schedule Of The Balances The Company Has Elected To Account For At Fair Value	'
	Below is a summary of the balances the Company has elected to account for at fair value:
			2013			2012
		Other investments	$	573,264		$	644,711
		Other assets	$	—		$	21,513
Schedule Of Other Investments Measured Using Net Asset Valuations	'
	The table below shows the Company’s portfolio of other investments measured using net asset valuations:
		At December 31, 2013	Fair Value			Unfunded			Redemption Frequency		Redemption		Redemption
						Commitments					Notice Period (Minimum Days)		Notice Period (Maximum Days)
		Private equity partnerships	$	322,391		$	99,610		See below		See below		See below
		Senior secured bank loan funds	18,048			16,635			See below		See below		See below
		Hedge funds	3,809			—			See below		See below		See below
		Total other investments measured using net asset valuations	$	344,248		$	116,245

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]	'
Effect Of Reinsurance And Retrocessional Activity On Premiums Written And Earned And On Net Claims And Claim Expenses Incurred	'
	The following table sets forth the effect of reinsurance and retrocessional activity on premiums written and earned and on net claims and claim expenses incurred:
		Year ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
		Premiums written
		Direct	$	54,334		$	36,367		$	29,725
		Assumed	1,551,078			1,515,224			1,405,251
		Ceded	(401,465		)	(448,934		)	(422,203		)
		Net premiums written	$	1,203,947		$	1,102,657		$	1,012,773
		Premiums earned
		Direct	$	44,530		$	34,028		$	17,794
		Assumed	1,482,511			1,465,701			1,356,205
		Ceded	(412,415		)	(430,374		)	(422,950		)
		Net premiums earned	$	1,114,626		$	1,069,355		$	951,049
		Claims and claim expenses
		Gross claims and claim expenses incurred	$	185,139		$	403,491		$	1,270,487
		Claims and claim expenses recovered	(13,852		)	(78,280		)	(409,308		)
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred	$	171,287		$	325,211		$	861,179

Reserve_for_Claims_and_Claim_E1

Reserve for Claims and Claim Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013																	Dec. 31, 2012																Dec. 31, 2011
Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]	'																	'																'
Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses	'																	'																'
	Activity in the liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses is summarized as follows:
		Year ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
		Net reserves as of January 1	$	1,686,865		$	1,588,325		$	1,156,132
		Net incurred related to:
		Current year	315,241			483,180			993,168
		Prior years	(143,954		)	(157,969		)	(131,989		)
		Total net incurred	171,287			325,211			861,179
		Net paid related to:
		Current year	32,212			84,056			299,299
		Prior years	363,235			142,615			129,687
		Total net paid	395,447			226,671			428,986
		Net reserves as of December 31	1,462,705			1,686,865			1,588,325
		Reinsurance recoverable as of December 31	101,025			192,512			404,029
		Gross reserves as of December 31	$	1,563,730		$	1,879,377		$	1,992,354
Schedule of Prior Year Development of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses by Segment	'																	'																'
	The following table details the Company’s prior year development by segment of its liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses:
		Year ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
		Catastrophe Reinsurance	$	(102,037	)	$	(110,568	)	$	(59,137	)
		Specialty Reinsurance	(34,111		)	(34,146		)	(77,761		)
		Lloyd’s	(8,256		)	(16,202		)	478
		Other	450			2,947			4,431
		Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses	$	(143,954	)	$	(157,969	)	$	(131,989	)
Schedule of Details of Development of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses by Segment	'																	'																'
	The following table details the development of the Company’s liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for each of its Catastrophe Reinsurance, Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments and Other category, for the year ended December 31, 2013 split between catastrophe net claims and claim expenses and attritional net claims and claim expenses:																	The following table details the development of the Company’s liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for each of its Catastrophe Reinsurance, Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments and Other category, for the year ended December 31, 2012 split between catastrophe net claims and claim expenses and attritional net claims and claim expenses:																The following table details the development of the Company’s liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses for each of its Catastrophe Reinsurance, Specialty Reinsurance and Lloyd’s segments and Other category, for the year ended December 31, 2011 split between catastrophe net claims and claim expenses and attritional net claims and claim expenses:
		Year ended December 31, 2013	Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment			Specialty Reinsurance Segment			Lloyd's Segment			Other			Total				Year ended December 31, 2012	Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment			Specialty Reinsurance Segment		Lloyd’s Segment			Other			Total				Year ended December 31, 2011	Catastrophe Reinsurance Segment			Specialty Reinsurance Segment		Lloyd’s Segment			Other			Total
		Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses																	Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses																Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses
		Large catastrophe events																	Large catastrophe events																Large catastrophe events
		Storm Sandy (2012)	$	44,460		$	—		$	3,825		$	—		$	48,285			Chile Earthquake (2010)	$	24,575		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	24,575			Tropical Cyclone Tasha (2010)	$	13,922		$	3,000	$	—		$	—		$	16,922
		Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)	18,033			1,000			—			—			19,033				Hurricanes Gustav & Ike (2008)	17,541			—		—			2,926			20,467				Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005)	10,008			6,215		—			4,633			20,856
		Hurricanes Gustav & Ike (2008)	16,261			—			—			404			16,665				U.K. Floods (2007)	17,271			—		—			—			17,271				Chilean Earthquake (2010)	8,455			4,688		—			—			13,143
		New Zealand Earthquake (2011)	10,944			—			—			—			10,944				Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005)	6,420			3,000		—			(1,690		)	7,730				World Trade Center (2001)	4,701			—		—			—			4,701
		Windstorm Kyrill (2007)	8,244			—			—			—			8,244				Hurricane Irene (2011)	4,630			—		2,500			—			7,130				Hurricanes Charley, Francis, Ivan and Jeanne (2004)	4,076			—		—			476			4,552
		Hurricane Isaac (2012)	(2,610		)	—			—			—			(2,610		)		Thailand Floods (2011)	3,933			—		5,500			—			9,433				U.K. Floods (2007)	3,635			—		—			—			3,635
		New Zealand Earthquake (2010)	(11,040		)	(300		)	—			—			(11,340		)		Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)	3,896			—		—			—			3,896				Windstorm Kyrill (2007)	2,494			—		—			—			2,494
		Other	776			1,763			1,442			1,325			5,306				Windstorm Kyrill (2007)	3,417			—		—			—			3,417				Hurricanes Gustav & Ike (2008)	—			—		—			(866		)	(866		)
		Total large catastrophe events	85,068			2,463			5,267			1,729			94,527				New Zealand Earthquake (2010)	(3,570		)	—		—			—			(3,570		)		New Zealand Earthquake (2010)	(15,179		)	—		—			—			(15,179		)
		Small catastrophe events																	New Zealand Earthquake (2011)	(17,912		)	—		—			—			(17,912		)		Total large catastrophe events	32,112			13,903		—			4,243			50,258
		U.S. PCS 83 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)	3,500			—			—			—			3,500
																			Other	2,542			—		1,476			(65		)	3,953				Small catastrophe events
		U.S. PCS 76 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)	300			—			—			—			300
																			Total large catastrophe events	62,743			3,000		9,476			1,171			76,390				U.S. PCS 21 Wildland Fire (2007)	4,554			—		—			—			4,554
		U.S. PCS 70 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)	(8,225		)	—			—			—			(8,225		)
																			Small catastrophe events																U.S. PCS 33 Great Midwest Storm (2010)	3,125			—		—			—			3,125
		Other	21,394			—			—			—			21,394				Danish Floods (2011)	5,000			—		—			—			5,000
																																			U.S. PCS 31 Wind and Thunderstorm (2010)	3,039			—		—			—			3,039
		Total small catastrophe events	16,969			—			—			—			16,969				U.S. PCS 63 Winter Storm (2011)	5,000			—		—			—			5,000
																																			U.S. PCS 96 Wind and Thunderstorm (2010)	2,288			—		—			—			2,288
		Total catastrophe net claims and claim expenses	$	102,037		$	2,463		$	5,267		$	1,729		$	111,496			U.S. PCS 42 Winter Storm (2011)	2,560			—		—			—			2,560
																																			Other	14,019			—		—			—			14,019
		Attritional net claims and claim expenses																	U.S. PCS 53 Winter Storm (2011)	2,558			—		—			—			2,558
		Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method - actual reported claims less than expected claims	—			21,216			3,263			(2,179		)	22,300																				Total small catastrophe events	27,025			—		—			—			27,025
																			Other	32,707			—		—			—			32,707
		Actuarial assumption changes	—			10,432			(274		)	—			10,158																				Total catastrophe net claims and claim expenses	$	59,137		$	13,903	$	—		$	4,243		$	77,283
																			Total small catastrophe events	47,825			—		—			—			47,825
		Total attritional net claims and claim expenses	$	—		$	31,648		$	2,989		$	(2,179	)	$	32,458																			Attritional net claims and claim expenses
																			Total catastrophe net claims and claim expenses	$	110,568		$	3,000	$	9,476		$	1,171		$	124,215
		Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses	$	102,037		$	34,111		$	8,256		$	(450	)	$	143,954																			Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method - actual reported claims less than expected claims	$	—		$	37,058	$	(478	)	$	1,389		$	37,969
																			Attritional net claims and claim expenses
																			Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method - actual reported claims less than expected claims	$	—		$	16,747	$	8,011		$	(4,118	)	$	20,640			Actuarial assumption changes	—			26,800		—			(10,063		)	16,737
																			Actuarial assumption changes	—			14,399		(1,285		)	—			13,114				Total attritional net claims and claim expenses	$	—		$	63,858	$	(478	)	$	(8,674	)	$	54,706
																			Total attritional net claims and claim expenses	$	—		$	31,146	$	6,726		$	(4,118	)	$	33,754			Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses	$	59,137		$	77,761	$	(478	)	$	(4,431	)	$	131,989
																			Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses	$	110,568		$	34,146	$	16,202		$	(2,947	)	$	157,969

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Aggregate Amount of Maturities Related to the Company's Debt Obligations	'
	The following table sets forth the scheduled maturity of the Company’s aggregate amount of its debt obligation reflected on its consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013:
		2014	$	—
		2015	—
		2016	—
		2017	—
		2018	—
		After 2018	250,000
		Unamortized debt issuance expenses	(570		)
			$	249,430

Noncontrolling_Interests_Table

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Schedule Of Noncontrolling Interest	'
	The activity in noncontrolling interest is detailed in the table below:
			2013			2012
		Balance – January 1	$	3,991		$	3,340
		Sale of shares to noncontrolling interest	—			300
		Adjustment of ownership interest	(3,709		)	—
		Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(54		)	541
		Dividends on common shares	(228		)	(190		)
		Balance – December 31	$	—		$	3,991
	A summary of the Company’s noncontrolling interests on its consolidated balance sheets are detailed below:
			2013			2012
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe	$	1,063,368		$	968,259
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Medici	36,492			—
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest	$	1,099,860		$	968,259
		Noncontrolling interest - Angus Fund	$	—		$	3,991
	A summary of the Company’s noncontrolling interests on its consolidated statements of operations are detailed below:
			2013			2012			2011
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe	$	150,581		$	147,499		$	(33,697	)
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Medici	617			—			—
		Noncontrolling interest - Angus Fund	(54		)	541			540
		Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	151,144		$	148,040		$	(33,157	)
DaVinciRe	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Schedule Of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	'
	The activity in redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe is detailed in the table below:
			2013			2012
		Balance – January 1	$	968,259		$	657,727
		Redemption of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest	(209,356		)	—
		Sale of shares to redeemable noncontrolling interest	153,884			163,033
		Comprehensive income:
		Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	150,581			147,499
		Balance – December 31	$	1,063,368		$	968,259
Medici	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Schedule Of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	'
	The activity in redeemable noncontrolling interest – Medici is detailed in the table below:
			2013
		Balance – January 1	$	—
		Redemption of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest	(1,325		)
		Sale of shares to redeemable noncontrolling interest	37,200
		Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	617
		Balance – December 31	$	36,492

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Rollforward of Common Stock Issued and Outstanding	'
	The following table is a summary of changes in common shares issued and outstanding:
		Year ended December 31,	2013		2012		2011
		(thousands of shares)
		Issued and outstanding shares – January 1	45,542		51,543		54,110
		Repurchase of shares	(2,451	)	(6,399	)	(2,889	)
		Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock awards	555		398		322
		Issued and outstanding shares – December 31	43,646		45,542		51,543

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:
		Year ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
		(thousands of shares)
		Numerator:
		Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	665,676		$	566,014		$	(92,235	)
		Amount allocated to participating common shareholders (1)	(9,520		)	(8,973		)	(990		)
		Net income (loss) allocated to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	656,156		$	557,041		$	(93,225	)
		Denominator:
		Denominator for basic income (loss) per RenaissanceRe common share - weighted average common shares	43,349			48,873			50,747
		Per common share equivalents of employee stock options and restricted shares	779			730			—
		Denominator for diluted income (loss) per RenaissanceRe common share - adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions	44,128			49,603			50,747
		Basic income (loss) per RenaissanceRe common share	$	15.14		$	11.4		$	(1.84	)
		Diluted income (loss) per RenaissanceRe common share	$	14.87		$	11.23		$	(1.84	)
	-1	Represents earnings attributable to holders of unvested restricted shares issued under the Company’s 2001 Stock Incentive Plan and the Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan.

Taxation_Tables

Taxation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	'
	The following is a summary of the Company’s income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes allocated between domestic and foreign operations:
		Year ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
		Domestic
		Bermuda	$	873,103		$	795,378		$	18,308
		Foreign
		United Kingdom	(12,678		)	(15,404		)	(22,895		)
		U.S.	(20,019		)	(16,467		)	(23,837		)
		Ireland	1,855			3,318			(24		)
		Singapore	(1,223		)	13			—
		Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$	841,038		$	766,838		$	(28,448	)
Schedule of Components of Income Tax (Expense) Benefit	'
	Income tax (expense) benefit is comprised as follows:
		Year ended December 31, 2013	Current			Deferred			Total
		Total income tax (expense) benefit	$	(2,005	)	$	313		$	(1,692	)
		Year ended December 31, 2012
		Total income tax (expense) benefit	$	(1,667	)	$	254		$	(1,413	)
		Year ended December 31, 2011
		Total income tax benefit (expense)	$	2,529		$	(12,914	)	$	(10,385	)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	'
	A reconciliation of the difference between the provision for income taxes and the expected tax provision at the weighted average tax rate is as follows:
		Year ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
		Expected income tax benefit	$	9,930		$	8,889		$	14,188
		Change in valuation allowance	(8,574		)	(6,212		)	(21,976		)
		Other	(3,048		)	(4,090		)	(2,597		)
		Income tax expense	$	(1,692	)	$	(1,413	)	$	(10,385	)
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below:
		At December 31,	2013			2012
		Deferred tax assets
		Tax loss and credit carryforwards	$	34,429		$	16,548
		Deferred interest expense	12,608			8,448
		Investments	4,694			3,278
		Deferred underwriting results	1,873			4,366
		Amortization and depreciation	1,730			1,597
		Accrued expenses	1,096			1,062
			56,430			35,299
		Deferred tax liabilities
		Amortization and depreciation	(155		)	(369		)
			(155		)	(369		)
		Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance	56,275			34,930
		Valuation allowance	(56,106		)	(35,074		)
		Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	169		$	(144	)

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Significant Components Of The Company's Revenues And Expenses	'
	A summary of the significant components of the Company’s revenues and expenses is as follows:
		Year ended December 31, 2013	Catastrophe Reinsurance			Specialty Reinsurance			Lloyd’s			Other			Total
		Gross premiums written (1)	$	1,120,379		$	259,489		$	226,532		$	(988	)	$	1,605,412
		Net premiums written	$	753,078		$	248,562		$	201,697		$	610		$	1,203,947
		Net premiums earned	$	723,705		$	214,306		$	176,029		$	586		$	1,114,626
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred	7,908			67,236			95,693			450			171,287
		Acquisition expenses	49,161			41,538			34,823			(21		)	125,501
		Operational expenses	108,130			31,780			50,540			655			191,105
		Underwriting income (loss)	$	558,506		$	73,752		$	(5,027	)	$	(498	)	626,733
		Net investment income										208,028			208,028
		Net foreign exchange gains										1,917			1,917
		Equity in earnings of other ventures										23,194			23,194
		Other loss										(2,359		)	(2,359		)
		Net realized and unrealized gains on investments										35,076			35,076
		Corporate expenses										(33,622		)	(33,622		)
		Interest expense										(17,929		)	(17,929		)
		Income from continuing operations before taxes													841,038
		Income tax expense										(1,692		)	(1,692		)
		Income from discontinued operations										2,422			2,422
		Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests										(151,144		)	(151,144		)
		Dividends on preference shares										(24,948		)	(24,948		)
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders													$	665,676
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year	$	109,945		$	101,347		$	103,949		$	—		$	315,241
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years	(102,037		)	(34,111		)	(8,256		)	450			(143,954		)
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total	$	7,908		$	67,236		$	95,693		$	450		$	171,287
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year	15.2		%	47.3		%	59.1		%	—		%	28.3		%
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years	(14.1		)%	(15.9		)%	(4.7		)%	76.8		%	(12.9		)%
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year	1.1		%	31.4		%	54.4		%	76.8		%	15.4		%
		Underwriting expense ratio	21.7		%	34.2		%	48.5		%	108.2		%	28.4		%
		Combined ratio	22.8		%	65.6		%	102.9		%	185		%	43.8		%
	(1) Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $1.0 million.
		Year ended December 31, 2012	Catastrophe Reinsurance			Specialty Reinsurance			Lloyd’s			Other			Total
		Gross premiums written (1)	$	1,182,207		$	209,887		$	159,987		$	(490	)	$	1,551,591
		Net premiums written	$	766,035		$	201,552		$	135,131		$	(61	)	$	1,102,657
		Net premiums earned	$	781,738		$	164,685		$	122,968		$	(36	)	$	1,069,355
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred	165,209			76,813			80,242			2,947			325,211
		Acquisition expenses	66,665			23,826			22,864			187			113,542
		Operational expenses	103,811			29,124			45,680			536			179,151
		Underwriting income (loss)	$	446,053		$	34,922		$	(25,818	)	$	(3,706	)	451,451
		Net investment income										165,725			165,725
		Net foreign exchange gains										5,319			5,319
		Equity in earnings of other ventures										23,238			23,238
		Other loss										(2,120		)	(2,120		)
		Net realized and unrealized gains on investments										163,121			163,121
		Net other-than-temporary impairments										(343		)	(343		)
		Corporate expenses										(16,456		)	(16,456		)
		Interest expense										(23,097		)	(23,097		)
		Income from continuing operations before taxes													766,838
		Income tax expense										(1,413		)	(1,413		)
		Loss from discontinued operations										(16,476		)	(16,476		)
		Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests										(148,040		)	(148,040		)
		Dividends on preference shares										(34,895		)	(34,895		)
		Net income attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders													$	566,014
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year	$	275,777		$	110,959		$	96,444		$	—		$	483,180
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years	(110,568		)	(34,146		)	(16,202		)	2,947			(157,969		)
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total	$	165,209		$	76,813		$	80,242		$	2,947		$	325,211
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year	35.3		%	67.4		%	78.4		%	—		%	45.2		%
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years	(14.2		)%	(20.8		)%	(13.1		)%	(8,186.1		)%	(14.8		)%
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year	21.1		%	46.6		%	65.3		%	(8,186.1		)%	30.4		%
		Underwriting expense ratio	21.8		%	32.2		%	55.7		%	(2,008.3		)%	27.4		%
		Combined ratio	42.9		%	78.8		%	121		%	(10,194.4		)%	57.8		%
	(1) Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.5 million.
		Year ended December 31, 2011	Catastrophe Reinsurance			Specialty Reinsurance			Lloyd’s			Other			Total
	Gross premiums written (1)	$	1,177,296		$	145,891		$	111,584		$	205		$	1,434,976
	Net premiums written	$	773,560		$	139,939		$	98,617		$	657		$	1,012,773
	Net premiums earned	$	737,545		$	135,543		$	76,386		$	1,575		$	951,049
	Net claims and claim expenses incurred	770,350			13,354			73,259			4,216			861,179
	Acquisition expenses	62,882			20,096			14,031			367			97,376
	Operational expenses	100,932			30,319			36,732			1,678			169,661
	Underwriting (loss) income	$	(196,619	)	$	71,774		$	(47,636	)	$	(4,686	)	(177,167		)
	Net investment income										146,871			146,871
	Net foreign exchange losses										(7,844		)	(7,844		)
	Equity in losses of other ventures										(36,533		)	(36,533		)
	Other income										44,345			44,345
	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments										43,956			43,956
	Net other-than-temporary impairments										(552		)	(552		)
	Corporate expenses										(18,156		)	(18,156		)
	Interest expense										(23,368		)	(23,368		)
	Loss from continuing operations before taxes													(28,448		)
	Income tax expense										(10,385		)	(10,385		)
	Loss from discontinued operations										(51,559		)	(51,559		)
	Loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe										33,157			33,157
	Dividends on preference shares										(35,000		)	(35,000		)
	Net loss attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders													$	(92,235	)
	Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year	$	829,487		$	91,115		$	72,781		$	(215	)	$	993,168
	Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years	(59,137		)	(77,761		)	478			4,431			(131,989		)
	Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total	$	770,350		$	13,354		$	73,259		$	4,216		$	861,179
	Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year	112.5		%	67.2		%	95.3		%	(13.7		)%	104.4		%
	Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years	(8.1		)%	(57.3		)%	0.6		%	281.4		%	(13.8		)%
	Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year	104.4		%	9.9		%	95.9		%	267.7		%	90.6		%
	Underwriting expense ratio	22.3		%	37.1		%	66.5		%	130.1		%	28		%
	Combined ratio	126.7		%	47		%	162.4		%	397.8		%	118.6		%
(1) Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.1 million.
Schedule of Gross Premiums Written Allocated to the Territory of Coverage Exposure	'
	The following is a summary of the Company’s gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure:
		Year ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
		Catastrophe Reinsurance
		U.S. and Caribbean	$	782,211		$	857,740		$	786,721
		Worldwide (excluding U.S.) (1)	146,048			139,265			164,112
		Worldwide	99,179			81,595			124,797
		Japan	39,060			43,238			49,021
		Europe	25,659			37,113			31,888
		Australia and New Zealand	22,460			18,578			16,818
		Other	5,762			4,678			3,939
		Total Catastrophe Reinsurance	1,120,379			1,182,207			1,177,296
		Specialty Reinsurance
		Worldwide	151,879			96,081			91,032
		U.S. and Caribbean	91,203			69,070			49,832
		Australia and New Zealand	12,068			28,307			792
		Europe	2,612			16,429			3,595
		Worldwide (excluding U.S.) (1)	1,661			—			—
		Other	66			—			640
		Total Specialty Reinsurance	259,489			209,887			145,891
		Lloyd’s
		Worldwide	104,249			75,132			47,605
		U.S. and Caribbean	88,535			57,332			48,435
		Europe	14,763			14,456			8,044
		Worldwide (excluding U.S.) (1)	8,071			6,064			238
		Australia and New Zealand	2,948			2,152			2,060
		Other	7,966			4,851			5,202
		Total Lloyd’s	226,532			159,987			111,584
		Other category (2)	(988		)	(490		)	205
		Total gross premiums written	$	1,605,412		$	1,551,591		$	1,434,976
	-1	The category “Worldwide (excluding U.S.)” consists of contracts that cover more than one geographic region (other than the U.S.). The exposure in this category for gross premiums written to date is predominantly from Europe and Japan.
	-2	The Other category consists of contracts that are primarily exposed to U.S. risks and includes inter-segment gross premiums written of $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 (2012 - $0.5 million, 2011 - $0.1 million).

Stock_Incentive_Compensation_a1

Stock Incentive Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Performance Shares, Valuation Assumptions	'
	The following are the weighted average-assumptions used to estimate the fair value for all Performance Shares issued in each respective year.
			Performance Shares
		Year ended December 31,	2013		2012
		Expected volatility (1)	19.0% - 19.6%		19.8% - 24.4%
		Expected term (in years)	n/a		n/a
		Expected dividend yield	n/a		n/a
		Risk-free interest rate (1)	0.09% - 1.39%		0.16% - 0.64%
	-1	The expected volatility and risk-free interest rate applied are specific to each tranche of Performance Shares.
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan and Premium Option Plan	'
	2001 Stock Incentive and Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plans
			Weighted			Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate			Range of exercise prices
			options			average			average		intrinsic
			outstanding			exercise price			remaining		value
									contractual
									life
		Balance, December 31, 2010	2,841,335			$	47.28		4.8		$	46,616		$33.85 – $59.66
		Options granted	—			—								—
		Options forfeited	(40,010	)		52.68
		Options expired	(4,404	)		53.86
		Options exercised	(823,614	)		46.88					$	18,155
		Balance, December 31, 2011	1,973,307			$	47.33		4.6		$	53,363		$37.51 - $59.66
		Options granted	—			—								—
		Options forfeited	—			—
		Options expired	—			—
		Options exercised	(240,668	)		45.3					$	7,910
		Balance, December 31, 2012	1,732,639			$	47.61		3.7		$	58,305		$37.51 - $59.66
		Options granted	—			—								—
		Options forfeited	—			—
		Options expired	—			—
		Options exercised	(904,547	)		$	46.55				$	36,800
		Balance, December 31, 2013	828,092			$	48.77		2.9		$	40,221		$37.51 - $59.66
		Total options exercisable at December 31, 2013	828,092			$	48.77		2.9		$	40,221		$37.51 - $59.66
	Premium Option Plan
			Weighted			Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate			Range of exercise
			options			average			average		intrinsic  value			prices
			outstanding			exercise price			remaining
									contractual
									life
		Balance, December 31, 2010	1,192,000			$	73.94				$	—		$73.06 – $74.24
		Options granted	—			—
		Options forfeited	—			—
		Options expired	—			—
		Options exercised	—			—
		Balance, December 31, 2011	1,192,000			$	73.94				$	—		$73.06 - $74.24
		Options granted	—			—
		Options forfeited	—			—
		Options expired	—			—
		Options exercised	(350,000	)		74.24					1,250
		Balance, December 31, 2012	842,000			$	73.82				$	6,265		$73.06 - $74.24
		Options granted	—			—
		Options forfeited	—			—
		Options expired	—			—
		Options exercised	(270,000	)		74.24					4,921
		Balance, December 31, 2013	572,000			$	73.62		1.1		$	13,567		$73.06 - $74.24
		Total options exercisable at December 31, 2013	572,000			$	73.62		1.1		$	13,567		$73.06 - $74.24
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, 2010 Cash Settled Restricted Stock Unit Plan and 2010 Performance-Based Equity Incentive Plan	'
	2010 Cash Settled Restricted Stock Unit Plan and 2010 Performance-Based Equity Incentive Plan
			Cash Settled			Performance Shares (1)
			Restricted
			Stock
			Unit Plan
			Number of			Number of		Weighted
			shares			shares		average
								grant-dated fair value
		Nonvested at December 31, 2010	371,788			275,813		$	56.76
		Awards granted	215,711			89,037		$	79.83
		Awards vested	(98,676	)		(63,562	)
		Awards forfeited	(65,850	)		(11,421	)
		Nonvested at December 31, 2011	422,973			289,867		$	63.24
		Awards granted	225,105			144,635		$	70.43
		Awards vested	(128,401	)		(70,843	)
		Awards forfeited	(26,121	)		(4,139	)
		Nonvested at December 31, 2012	493,556			359,520		$	67.31
		Awards granted	149,760			134,358		$	83.64
		Awards vested	(176,265	)		(24,606	)
		Awards forfeited	(72,906	)		(109,729	)
		Nonvested at December 31, 2013	394,145			359,543		$	73.23
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock	'
	Restricted Stock
			Employee						Non-employee director						Total
			restricted stock						restricted stock						restricted stock
			Number of			Weighted			Number of			Weighted			Number of		Weighted
			shares			average  grant-			shares			average  grant-			shares		average  grant-
						dated fair value						dated fair value					dated fair value
		Nonvested at December 31, 2010	1,004,426			$	48.93		42,808			$	51.38		1,047,234		$	49.03
		Awards granted	200,745			66.21			18,272			66.21			219,017		66.21
		Awards vested	(362,234	)		48.74			(21,495	)		50.66			(383,729	)	48.84
		Awards forfeited	(78,176	)		47.71			—			—			(78,176	)	47.71
		Nonvested at December 31, 2011	764,761			$	53.68		39,585			$	58.43		804,346		$	53.91
		Awards granted	226,827			72.46			16,874			71.69			243,701		72.4
		Awards vested	(337,683	)		51.06			(20,536	)		54.62			(358,219	)	51.26
		Awards forfeited	(7,157	)		53.9			—			—			(7,157	)	53.9
		Nonvested at December 31, 2012	646,748			$	61.63		35,923			$	66.83		682,671		$	61.9
		Awards granted	241,071			87.85			17,162			87.4			258,233		87.82
		Awards vested	(311,334	)		55.63			(21,599	)		66.06			(332,933	)	56.31
		Awards forfeited	(6,993	)		58.14			—			—			(6,993	)	58.14
		Nonvested at December 31, 2013	569,492			$	76.11		31,486			$	78.57		600,978		$	76.24

Statutory_Requirements_Tables

Statutory Requirements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Insurance [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Statutory Capital and Restricted Net Assets	'
	The actual statutory capital and surplus, required statutory capital and surplus and restricted net assets of the Company’s regulated insurance operations in its most significant regulatory jurisdictions are detailed below:
			Bermuda						U.K. (1) (2)
		At December 31,	2013			2012			2013		2012
		Actual statutory capital and surplus	$	3,194,446		$	3,061,736		$	380,336	$	293,519
		Required statutory capital and surplus	562,126			554,809			380,336		293,519
		Restricted net assets	887,083			784,693			—		—
Schedule of Statutory Net Income (Loss)	'
	Statutory net income (loss) of the Company’s regulated insurance operations in its most significant regulatory jurisdictions are detailed below:
			Statutory Net Income (Loss)
			Bermuda			U.K.
		Year ended December 31, 2013	$	712,820		$	7,745
		Year ended December 31, 2012	693,887			(10,967		)
		Year ended December 31, 2011	(44,327		)	(33,442		)

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Location on Consolidated Balance Sheets and Fair Value Of Principal Derivative Instruments	'
	The tables below show the gross and net amounts of recognized derivative assets and liabilities, including the location on the consolidated balance sheets and fair value of the Company’s principal derivative instruments:
			Derivative Assets
		At December 31, 2013	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets				Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet				Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet				Balance Sheet Location	Collateral		Net Amount
		Interest rate futures	$	897			62				$	835			Other assets	$	—	$	835
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	9,612				1,179				8,433				Other assets	—		8,433
		Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	1,013				338				675				Other assets	—		675
		Credit default swaps	806				82				724				Other assets	310		414
		Total	$	12,328			$	1,661			$	10,667				$	310	$	10,357
			Derivative Liabilities
		At December 31, 2013	Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities				Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet				Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet				Balance Sheet Location	Collateral		Net Amount
		Interest rate futures	$	74			62				$	12			Other liabilities	$	12	$	—
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	2,204				28				2,176				Other liabilities	—		2,176
		Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	1,557				338				1,219				Other liabilities	—		1,219
		Credit default swaps	94				82				12				Other liabilities	—		12
		Weather contract	2,490				—				2,490				Other liabilities	—		2,490
		Total	$	6,419			$	510			$	5,909				$	12	$	5,897
	-1	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in underwriting and non-investment operations.
	-2	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in investment operations.
			Derivative Assets
		At December 31, 2012	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets				Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet				Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet				Balance Sheet Location	Collateral		Net Amount
		Interest rate futures	$	441			—				$	441			Other assets	$	—	$	441
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	7,191				—				7,191				Other assets	—		7,191
		Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	2,534				2,296				238				Other assets	—		238
		Credit default swaps	784				333				451				Other assets	310		141
		Total	$	10,950			$	2,629			$	8,321				$	310	$	8,011
			Derivative Liabilities
		At December 31, 2012	Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities				Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet				Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet				Balance Sheet Location	Collateral Pledged		Net Amount
		Interest rate futures	$	41			—				$	41			Other liabilities	$	41	$	—
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	4,173				—				4,173				Other liabilities	—		4,173
		Total	$	4,214			$	—			$	4,214				$	41	$	4,173
	-1	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in underwriting and non-investment operations.
	-2	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in investment operations.
Schedule of Gain (Loss) Recognized In Consolidated Statements Of Operations Related To Principal Derivative Instruments	'
	The location and amount of the gain (loss) recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations related to its principal derivative instruments is shown in the following table:
			Location of gain (loss)		Amount of gain (loss) recognized on
			recognized on derivatives		derivatives
		Year ended December 31,			2013				2012				2011
		Interest rate futures	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments		$	29,695			$	(1,746	)		$	(25,256	)
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	Net foreign exchange gains (losses)		889				13,804				(5,443		)
		Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	Net foreign exchange gains (losses)		(3,015		)		(3,445		)		(4,335		)
		Credit default swaps	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments		1,363				1,074				(1,467		)
		Weather contract	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments		(1,331		)		—				—
		Platinum warrant	Other (loss) income		—				—				2,975
		Total			$	27,601			$	9,687			$	(33,526	)
	-1	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in underwriting and non-investment operations.
	-2	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in investment operations.

Commitments_Contingencies_and_1

Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Operating Leases	'
	Future minimum lease payments under existing operating leases are expected to be as follows:
			Minimum
			lease payments
		2014	$	6,040
		2015	5,804
		2016	4,867
		2017	2,258
		2018	2,195
		After 2018	4,335
		Future minimum lease payments under existing operating leases	$	25,499
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases	'
	The future minimum lease payments of the Company’s capital leases are detailed below, and relate principally to the transaction noted above, excluding the bargain renewal option.
			Minimum
			lease payments
		2014	$	3,017
		2015	3,017
		2016	3,017
		2017	2,417
		2018	2,417
		After 2018	26,179
		Future minimum lease payments under existing capital leases	$	40,064

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	'
			Quarter Ended						Quarter Ended						Quarter Ended						Quarter Ended
			March 31,						June 30,						September 30,						December 31,
			2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
		Revenues
		Gross premiums written	$	635,418		$	664,151		$	703,223		$	667,336		$	182,649		$	136,359		$	84,122		$	83,745
		Net premiums written	$	436,813		$	492,575		$	559,109		$	427,630		$	127,241		$	105,035		$	80,784		$	77,417
		(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums	(165,558		)	(213,910		)	(267,220		)	(183,214		)	167,476			157,588			175,981			206,234
		Net premiums earned	271,255			278,665			291,889			244,416			294,717			262,623			256,765			283,651
		Net investment income (loss)	43,202			62,942			26,163			17,648			59,931			46,135			78,732			39,000
		Net foreign exchange gains (losses)	614			(1,306		)	(932		)	1,587			488			3,187			1,747			1,851
		Equity in earnings (losses) of other ventures	5,835			5,470			3,772			6,846			7,313			4,310			6,274			6,612
		Other (loss) income	(1,709		)	(3,632		)	(1,128		)	5,414			651			(1,052		)	(173		)	(2,850		)
		Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments	14,269			47,614			(69,529		)	28,071			28,472			75,297			61,864			12,139
		Total other-than-temporary impairments	—			(161		)	—			(234		)	—			—			—			—
		Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes	—			27			—			25			—			—			—			—
		Net other-than-temporary impairments	—			(134		)	—			(209		)	—			—			—			—
		Total revenues	333,466			389,619			250,235			303,773			391,572			390,500			405,209			340,403
		Expenses
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred	27,251			15,552			103,962			49,551			60,928			73,215			(20,854		)	186,893
		Acquisition costs	25,009			24,111			31,767			25,608			37,699			24,438			31,026			39,385
		Operational expenses	45,986			42,323			42,789			41,375			44,672			42,357			57,658			53,096
		Corporate expenses	4,482			4,757			21,529			4,014			4,307			3,796			3,304			3,889
		Interest expense	5,034			5,718			4,300			5,716			4,298			5,891			4,297			5,772
		Total expenses	107,762			92,461			204,347			126,264			151,904			149,697			75,431			289,035
		Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	225,704			297,158			45,888			177,509			239,668			240,803			329,778			51,368
		Income tax (expense) benefit	(122		)	36			(11		)	(899		)	(223		)	(144		)	(1,336		)	(405		)
		Income from continuing operations	225,582			297,194			45,877			176,610			239,445			240,659			328,442			50,963
		Income (loss) from discontinued operations	9,774			(33,374		)	2,427			8,034			(9,779		)	(166		)	—			9,029
		Net income	235,356			263,820			48,304			184,644			229,666			240,493			328,442			59,992
		Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(38,607		)	(53,641		)	(14,015		)	(33,624		)	(44,331		)	(51,083		)	(54,191		)	(9,692		)
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe	196,749			210,179			34,289			151,020			185,335			189,410			274,251			50,300
		Dividends on preference shares	(6,275		)	(8,750		)	(7,483		)	(8,750		)	(5,595		)	(8,750		)	(5,595		)	(8,645		)
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	190,474		$	201,429		$	26,806		$	142,270		$	179,740		$	180,660		$	268,656		$	41,655
		Income from continuing operations available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic	$	4.1		$	4.59		$	0.55		$	2.62		$	4.32		$	3.67		$	6.14		$	0.69
		Income (loss) from discontinued operations available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic	0.22			(0.66		)	0.06			0.16			(0.23		)	—			—			0.19
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic	$	4.32		$	3.93		$	0.61		$	2.78		$	4.09		$	3.67		$	6.14		$	0.88
		Income from continuing operations available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted	$	4.01		$	4.53		$	0.55		$	2.59		$	4.23		$	3.62		$	6.05		$	0.68
		Income (loss) from discontinued operations available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted	0.22			(0.65		)	0.05			0.16			(0.22		)	—			—			0.19
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted	$	4.23		$	3.88		$	0.6		$	2.75		$	4.01		$	3.62		$	6.05		$	0.87
		Average shares outstanding – basic	43,461			50,377			43,372			50,278			43,330			48,394			43,160			46,442
		Average shares outstanding – diluted	44,290			50,981			44,243			51,012			44,135			49,119			43,769			47,297

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ1

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	'
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
		Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Adjustments			Consolidated
		(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.			-2
		Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries and
					Issuer)			Eliminations
								(Non-guarantor
								Subsidiaries)
								-1
	Assets
	Total investments	$	210,719		$	98,784		$	6,512,209		$	—		$	6,821,712
	Cash and cash equivalents	8,796			4,027			395,209			—			408,032
	Investments in subsidiaries	3,294,729			74,718			—			(3,369,447		)	—
	Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	296,752			—			—			(296,752		)	—
	Premiums receivable	—			—			474,087			—			474,087
	Prepaid reinsurance premiums	—			—			66,132			—			66,132
	Reinsurance recoverable	—			—			101,025			—			101,025
	Accrued investment income	—			110			33,955			—			34,065
	Deferred acquisition costs	—			—			81,684			—			81,684
	Receivable for investments sold	14			—			75,831			—			75,845
	Other assets	112,234			1,481			102,834			(100,000		)	116,549
	Total assets	$	3,923,244		$	179,120		$	7,842,966		$	(3,766,199	)	$	8,179,131
	Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests and Shareholders’ Equity
	Liabilities
	Reserve for claims and claim expenses	$	—		$	—		$	1,563,730		$	—		$	1,563,730
	Unearned premiums	—			—			477,888			—			477,888
	Debt	—			249,430			—			—			249,430
	Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	—			3,173			—			(3,173		)	—
	Reinsurance balances payable	—			—			293,022			—			293,022
	Payable for investments purchased	—			—			193,221			—			193,221
	Other liabilities	18,860			6,953			371,783			—			397,596
	Total liabilities	18,860			259,556			2,899,644			(3,173		)	3,174,887
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests	—			—			1,099,860			—			1,099,860
	Shareholders’ Equity
	Total shareholders’ equity	3,904,384			(80,436		)	3,843,462			(3,763,026		)	3,904,384
	Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity	$	3,923,244		$	179,120		$	7,842,966		$	(3,766,199	)	$	8,179,131
	-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
	-2	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet at December 31, 2012	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
		Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Adjustments			Consolidated
		(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.			-2
		Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries and
					Issuer)			Eliminations
								(Non-guarantor
								Subsidiaries)
								-1
	Assets
	Total investments	$	572,139		$	49,618		$	5,733,637		$	—		$	6,355,394
	Cash and cash equivalents	6,298			1,528			296,319			—			304,145
	Investments in subsidiaries	2,864,793			37,202			—			(2,901,995		)	—
	Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	53,296			117			—			(53,413		)	—
	Premiums receivable	—			—			491,365			—			491,365
	Prepaid reinsurance premiums	—			—			77,082			—			77,082
	Reinsurance recoverable	—			—			192,512			—			192,512
	Accrued investment income	2,535			69			30,874			—			33,478
	Deferred acquisition costs	—			—			52,622			—			52,622
	Receivable for investments sold	60,149			—			108,524			—			168,673
	Other assets	114,956			15,754			104,046			(115,493		)	119,263
	Assets of discontinued operations held for sale	—			134,094			—			—			134,094
	Total assets	$	3,674,166		$	238,382		$	7,086,981		$	(3,070,901	)	$	7,928,628
	Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Shareholders’ Equity
	Liabilities
	Reserve for claims and claim expenses	$	—		$	—		$	1,879,377		$	—		$	1,879,377
	Unearned premiums	—			—			399,517			—			399,517
Debt	100,000			249,339			—			—			349,339
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	11,371			5,593			—			(16,964		)	—
Reinsurance balances payable	—			—			290,419			—			290,419
Payable for investments purchased	9,694			—			269,093			—			278,787
Other liabilities	50,036			4,572			145,284			(1,458		)	198,434
Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	—			57,440			—			—			57,440
Total liabilities	171,101			316,944			2,983,690			(18,422		)	3,453,313
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—			—			968,259			—			968,259
Shareholders’ Equity
Total shareholders’ equity	3,503,065			(78,562		)	3,135,032			(3,052,479		)	3,507,056
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and shareholders’ equity	$	3,674,166		$	238,382		$	7,086,981		$	(3,070,901	)	$	7,928,628
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
-2	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
	the year ended December 31, 2013	Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Adjustments			Consolidated
		(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.			-2
		Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries and
					Issuer)			Eliminations
								(Non-guarantor
								Subsidiaries)
								-1
	Revenues
	Net premiums earned	$	—		$	—		$	1,114,626		$	—		$	1,114,626
	Net investment income	4,213			488			209,105			(5,778		)	208,028
	Net foreign exchange (losses) gains	(7		)	(2		)	1,926			—			1,917
	Equity in earnings of other ventures	—			—			23,194			—			23,194
	Other income (loss)	106			125			(2,590		)	—			(2,359		)
	Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments	(483		)	1,196			34,363			—			35,076
	Total revenues	3,829			1,807			1,380,624			(5,778		)	1,380,482
	Expenses
	Net claims and claim expenses incurred	—			—			171,287			—			171,287
	Acquisition expenses	—			—			125,501			—			125,501
	Operational expenses	(4,962		)	7,566			189,117			(616		)	191,105
	Corporate expenses	31,264			338			2,020			—			33,622
	Interest expense	734			14,467			2,728			—			17,929
	Total expenses	27,036			22,371			490,653			(616		)	539,444
	(Loss) income before equity in net income of subsidiaries and taxes	(23,207		)	(20,564		)	889,971			(5,162		)	841,038
	Equity in net income of subsidiaries	713,831			2,142			—			(715,973		)	—
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	690,624			(18,422		)	889,971			(721,135		)	841,038
	Income tax expense	—			(1,558		)	(134		)	—			(1,692		)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	690,624			(19,980		)	889,837			(721,135		)	839,346
	Income from discontinued operations	—			2,422			—			—			2,422
	Net income (loss)	690,624			(17,558		)	889,837			(721,135		)	841,768
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(151,144		)	—			(151,144		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	690,624			(17,558		)	738,693			(721,135		)	690,624
	Dividends on preference shares	(24,948		)	—			—			—			(24,948		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	665,676		$	(17,558	)	$	738,693		$	(721,135	)	$	665,676
	-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
	-2	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2012	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
		Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Adjustments			Consolidated
		(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.			-2
		Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries
					Issuer)			and
								Eliminations
								(Non-guarantor
								Subsidiaries)
								-1
	Comprehensive income (loss)
	Net income (loss)	$	600,909		$	(34,693	)	$	768,644		$	(585,911	)	$	748,949
	Change in net unrealized gains on investments	—			—			1,914			—			1,914
	Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive loss	—			—			(52		)	—			(52		)
	Comprehensive income (loss)	600,909			(34,693		)	770,506			(585,911		)	750,811
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(148,040		)	—			(148,040		)
	Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(148,040		)	—			(148,040		)
	Comprehensive income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe	$	600,909		$	(34,693	)	$	622,466		$	(585,911	)	$	602,771
	-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
	-2	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
	for the year ended December 31, 2011	Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Adjustments			Consolidated
		(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.			-2
		Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries
					Issuer)			and
								Eliminations
								(Non-guarantor
								Subsidiaries)
							-1
Revenues
Net premiums earned	$	—		$	—		$	951,049		$	—		$	951,049
Net investment income	20,182			944			131,557			(5,812		)	146,871
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)	112			—			(7,956		)	—			(7,844		)
Equity in losses of other ventures	—			—			(36,533		)	—			(36,533		)
Other loss	(11		)	—			44,356			—			44,345
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	12,040			1,217			30,699			—			43,956
Net other-than-temporary impairments	—			—			(552		)	—			(552		)
Total revenues	32,323			2,161			1,112,620			(5,812		)	1,141,292
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	—			—			861,179			—			861,179
Acquisition expenses	—			—			97,376			—			97,376
Operational expenses	(4,842		)	7,910			166,593			—			169,661
Corporate expenses	11,486			229			6,441			—			18,156
Interest expense	10,472			14,568			3,026			(4,698		)	23,368
Total expenses	17,116			22,707			1,134,615			(4,698		)	1,169,740
Income (loss) before equity in net loss of subsidiaries and taxes	15,207			(20,546		)	(21,995		)	(1,114		)	(28,448		)
Equity in net loss of subsidiaries	(73,066		)	(16,689		)	—			89,755			—
Loss from continuing operations before taxes	(57,859		)	(37,235		)	(21,995		)	88,641			(28,448		)
Income tax benefit (expense)	624			1,677			(12,686		)	—			(10,385		)
Loss from continuing operations	(57,235		)	(35,558		)	(34,681		)	88,641			(38,833		)
Loss from discontinued operations	—			(51,559		)	—			—			(51,559		)
Net loss	(57,235		)	(87,117		)	(34,681		)	88,641			(90,392		)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			33,157			—			33,157
Net loss attributable to RenaissanceRe	(57,235		)	(87,117		)	(1,524		)	88,641			(57,235		)
Dividends on preference shares	(35,000		)	—			—			—			(35,000		)
Net loss attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	(92,235	)	$	(87,117	)	$	(1,524	)	$	88,641		$	(92,235	)
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
-2	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2011	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
	Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Adjustments			Consolidated
	(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.			-2
	Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries
				Issuer)			and
							Eliminations
							(Non-guarantor
							Subsidiaries)
							-1
Comprehensive loss
Net loss	$	(57,235	)	$	(87,117	)	$	(34,681	)	$	88,641		$	(90,392	)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	—			—			(7,991		)	—			(7,991		)
Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive loss	—			—			(78		)	—			(78		)
Comprehensive loss	(57,235		)	(87,117		)	(42,750		)	88,641			(98,461		)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			33,157			—			33,157
Change in net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			6			—			6
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			33,163			—			33,163
Comprehensive loss attributable to RenaissanceRe	$	(57,235	)	$	(87,117	)	$	(9,587	)	$	88,641		$	(65,298	)
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
-2	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2013	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
	Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Adjustments			Consolidated
	(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.			-2
	Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries
				Issuer)			and
							Eliminations
							(Non-guarantor
							Subsidiaries)
							-1
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income (loss)	$	690,624		$	(17,558	)	$	889,837		$	(721,135	)	$	841,768
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	—			—			(9,491		)	—			(9,491		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	690,624			(17,558		)	880,346			(721,135		)	832,277
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(151,144		)	—			(151,144		)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(151,144		)	—			(151,144		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	$	690,624		$	(17,558	)	$	729,202		$	(721,135	)	$	681,133
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
-2	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
for the year ended December 31, 2012	Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Adjustments			Consolidated
	(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.			-2
	Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries
				Issuer)			and
							Eliminations
							(Non-guarantor
							Subsidiaries)
							-1
Revenues
Net premiums earned	$	—		$	—		$	1,069,355		$	—		$	1,069,355
Net investment income	14,195			619			150,911			—			165,725
Net foreign exchange gains	33			—			5,286			—			5,319
Equity in earnings of other ventures	—			—			23,238			—			23,238
Other income (loss)	2,822			—			(4,942		)	—			(2,120		)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	14,862			1,556			146,703			—			163,121
Net other-than-temporary impairments	—			—			(343		)	—			(343		)
Total revenues	31,912			2,175			1,390,208			—			1,424,295
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	—			—			325,211			—			325,211
Acquisition expenses	—			—			113,542			—			113,542
Operational expenses	(5,103		)	7,013			177,241			—			179,151
Corporate expenses	14,282			273			1,901			—			16,456
Interest expense	5,875			14,467			2,755			—			23,097
Total expenses	15,054			21,753			620,650			—			657,457
Income (loss) before equity in net loss of subsidiaries and taxes	16,858			(19,578		)	769,558			—			766,838
Equity in net income of subsidiaries	584,051			1,860			—			(585,911		)	—
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	600,909			(17,718		)	769,558			(585,911		)	766,838
Income tax expense	—			(499		)	(914		)	—			(1,413		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	600,909			(18,217		)	768,644			(585,911		)	765,425
Loss from discontinued operations	—			(16,476		)	—			—			(16,476		)
Net income (loss)	600,909			(34,693		)	768,644			(585,911		)	748,949
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(148,040		)	—			(148,040		)
Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	600,909			(34,693		)	620,604			(585,911		)	600,909
Dividends on preference shares	(34,895		)	—			—			—			(34,895		)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	566,014		$	(34,693	)	$	620,604		$	(585,911	)	$	566,014
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
-2	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			RenaissanceRe
	for the year ended December 31, 2013	Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Consolidated
		(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.
		Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries
					Issuer)			and
								Eliminations
								(Non-guarantor
								Subsidiaries)
								-1
	Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities
	Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(37,966	)	$	(7,583	)	$	841,270		$	795,721
	Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
	Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	880,749			185,143			7,185,513			8,251,405
	Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	(491,768		)	(160,422		)	(7,814,277		)	(8,466,467		)
	Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	—			—			45,178			45,178
	Net (purchases) sales of equity investments trading	—			(81,437		)	48,382			(33,055		)
	Net sales (purchases) of short term investments	21,217			9,399			(277,587		)	(246,971		)
	Net sales of other investments	—			—			76,214			76,214
	Net purchases of investments in other ventures	—			—			(4,000		)	(4,000		)
	Net sales of other assets	—			—			2,181			2,181
	Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries	504,241			83,593			(587,834		)	—
	Contributions to subsidiaries	(500,652		)	(38,117		)	538,769			—
	Due (from) to subsidiary	17,446			(3,761		)	(13,685		)	—
	Net proceeds related to sale of discontinued operations	—			—			60,000			60,000
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	431,233			(5,602		)	(741,146		)	(315,515		)
	Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities
	Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	(49,267		)	—			—			(49,267		)
	Dividends paid – preference shares	(24,948		)	—			—			(24,948		)
	RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	(207,410		)	—			—			(207,410		)
	Net repayment of debt	(100,000		)	—			(2,436		)	(102,436		)
	Redemption of 6.08% Series C preference shares	(125,000		)	—			—			(125,000		)
	Redemption of 6.60% Series D preference shares	(150,000		)	—			—			(150,000		)
	Issuance of 5.375% Series E preference shares, net of expenses	265,856			—			—			265,856
	Contribution of capital from parent	—			15,684			(15,684		)	—
	Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions	—			—			(5,750		)	(5,750		)
	Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(390,769		)	15,684			(23,870		)	(398,955		)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	—			—			1,423			1,423
	Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	2,498			2,499			77,677			82,674
	Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations	—			—			21,213			21,213
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	6,298			1,528			296,319			304,145
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	8,796		$	4,027		$	395,209		$	408,032
	-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			RenaissanceRe
	for the year ended December 31, 2012	Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Consolidated
		(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.
		Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries
					Issuer)			and
								Eliminations
								(Non-guarantor
								Subsidiaries)
								-1
	Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	128,567		$	(10,376	)	$	598,738		$	716,929
	Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
	Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	744,211			140,626			7,308,030			8,192,867
	Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	(692,783		)	(73,800		)	(7,769,655		)	(8,536,238		)
	Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	—			—			65,168			65,168
	Net (purchases) sales of short term investments	(80,485		)	(10,624		)	159,886			68,777
	Net sales of other investments	—			—			150,828			150,828
	Net purchases of other assets	—			—			(4,079		)	(4,079		)
	Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries	979,311			9,541			(988,852		)	—
	Contributions to subsidiaries	(366,210		)	(50,000		)	416,210			—
	Due (from) to subsidiaries	(15,359		)	241			15,118			—
Net payments related to sale of discontinued operations	—			(9,000		)	—			(9,000		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	568,685			6,984			(647,346		)	(71,677		)
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	(53,356		)	—			—			(53,356		)
Dividends paid – preference shares	(34,895		)	—			—			(34,895		)
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	(463,309		)	—			—			(463,309		)
Net repayment of debt	—			—			(1,937		)	(1,937		)
Redemption of 6.60% Series D preference shares	(150,000		)	—			—			(150,000		)
Third party DaVinciRe share transactions	—			—			164,927			164,927
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(701,560		)	—			162,990			(538,570		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	—			—			1,692			1,692
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(4,308		)	(3,392		)	116,074			108,374
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations	—			—			13,946			13,946
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	10,606			4,920			166,299			181,825
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	6,298		$	1,528		$	296,319		$	304,145
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			RenaissanceRe
for the year ended December 31, 2011	Holdings Ltd.			America			RenaissanceRe			Consolidated
	(Parent			Holdings Inc.			Holdings Ltd.
	Guarantor)			(Subsidiary			Subsidiaries
				Issuer)			and
							Eliminations
							(Non-guarantor
							Subsidiaries)
							-1
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(58,721	)	$	(56,438	)	$	281,092		$	165,933
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	532,864			221,189			5,335,415			6,089,468
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	(684,951		)	(322,318		)	(5,264,354		)	(6,271,623		)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	—			—			106,362			106,362
Purchases of fixed maturity investments available for sale	—			—			(4,107		)	(4,107		)
Net purchases of equity investments trading	—			—			(47,995		)	(47,995		)
Net (purchases) sales of short term investments	(6,014		)	9,184			99,978			103,148
Net sales (purchases) of other investments	102,717			—			(51,777		)	50,940
Net purchases of investments in other ventures	—			—			(39,000		)	(39,000		)
Net sales of other assets	—			—			58,318			58,318
Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries	945,195			9,306			(954,501		)	—
Contributions to subsidiaries	(272,366		)	(8,294		)	280,660			—
Due to (from) subsidiary	6,059			3,780			(9,839		)	—
Net proceeds from sale of discontinued operations	—			269,520			—			269,520
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	623,504			182,367			(490,840		)	315,031
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	(53,460		)	—			—			(53,460		)
Dividends paid – preference shares	(35,000		)	—			—			(35,000		)
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	(191,619		)	—			—			(191,619		)
Net (repayment) issuance of debt	(277,512		)	(124,949		)	202,461			(200,000		)
Third party DaVinciRe share repurchases	—			—			(62,157		)	(62,157		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(557,591		)	(124,949		)	140,304			(542,236		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	—			—			518			518
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	7,192			980			(68,926		)	(60,754		)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations	—			—			16,441			16,441
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	3,414			3,940			218,784			226,138
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$	10,606		$	4,920		$	166,299		$	181,825
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 02, 2013	Mar. 04, 2011	Jun. 01, 2012
				REAL	U.S.-based insurance operations	U.S.-based insurance operations
						Reserve Collar
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses	'	'	'	$60,000,000	'	'
Loss on sale	'	'	'	8,800,000	'	'
Consideration	60,000,000	-9,000,000	269,520,000	'	269,500,000	'
Payment related to Reserve Collar	'	'	'	'	'	$9,000,000

Discontinued_Operations_Assets

Discontinued Operations (Assets, Liabilities, Shareholders Equity of Discontinued Operations, Held for Sale) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets of Discontinued Operations Held for Sale	'	'
Total assets of discontinued operations held for sale	$0	$134,094
Liabilities of Discontinued Operations Held for Sale	'	'
Total liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	0	57,440
REAL	'	'
Assets of Discontinued Operations Held for Sale	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value (Amortized cost $Nil and $5,250 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively)	0	5,253
Amortized Cost	0	5,250
Cash and cash equivalents	0	21,213
Other assets	0	107,628
Total assets of discontinued operations held for sale	0	134,094
Liabilities of Discontinued Operations Held for Sale	'	'
Debt	0	2,436
Other liabilities	0	55,004
Total liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	0	57,440
Total shareholder’s equity of discontinued operations held for sale	0	76,654
Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity of discontinued operations held for sale	$0	$134,094

Discontinued_Operations_Income

Discontinued Operations (Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations) (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	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross premiums written	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$21,546
Net premiums written	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-44,935
Decrease in unearned premiums	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	66,137
Net premiums earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,202
Net investment (loss) income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,517	-1,820
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-96	933
Other (loss) income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-18,055	-54,934
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3	42
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-15,631	-34,577
Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,430
Acquisition expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,059
Operational expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	586	7,277
Corporate expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	236	878
Total expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	822	22,644
(Loss) income before taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-16,453	-57,221
Income tax benefit (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-23	5,662
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	0	-9,779	2,427	9,774	9,029	-166	8,034	-33,374	2,422	-16,476	-51,559
REAL	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross premiums written	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Net premiums written	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Decrease in unearned premiums	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Net premiums earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Net investment (loss) income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,150	2,517	-2,159
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	849	-96	933
Other (loss) income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	701	-20,785	-45,030
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-18	3	0
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,682	-18,361	-46,256
Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Acquisition expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Operational expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	89	150	5
Corporate expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	104	236	108
Total expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	193	386	113
(Loss) income before taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,489	-18,747	-46,369
Income tax benefit (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-67	-16	10,700
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,422	-18,763	-35,669
U.S.-based insurance operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross premiums written	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,546
Net premiums written	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-44,935
Decrease in unearned premiums	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	66,137
Net premiums earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,202
Net investment (loss) income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	339
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0
Other (loss) income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,730	-9,904
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	42
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,730	11,679
Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,430
Acquisition expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,059
Operational expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	436	7,272
Corporate expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	770
Total expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	436	22,531
(Loss) income before taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,294	-10,852
Income tax benefit (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-7	-5,038
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$2,287	($15,890)

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Excluding Equity Method Investments	Excluding Equity Method Investments
Goodwill	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, Gross amount, Beginning of Period	'	'	$8,160	'
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization, Beginning of Period	'	'	-2,299	'
Goodwill, Net, Beginning of Period	'	'	5,861	'
Goodwill, Gross amount, End of Period	'	'	8,160	8,160
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization, End of Period	'	'	-2,299	-2,299
Goodwill, Net, End of Period	'	'	5,861	5,861
Other intangible assets	'	'	'	'
Gross amount, Beginning of Period	58,477	57,322	12,999	'
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization, Beginning of Period	-39,560	-35,143	-10,374	'
Other intangible assets, Net, Beginning of Period	18,917	22,179	2,625	'
Amortization	'	'	-375	-408
Gross amount, End of Period	58,477	57,322	12,999	12,999
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization, End of Period	-39,560	-35,143	-10,749	-9,966
Other intangible assets, Net, End of Period	18,917	22,179	2,250	3,033
Goodwill and Other intangible assets, Total	'	'	'	'
Gross amount, Beginning of Period	'	'	21,159	'
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization, Beginning of Period	'	'	-12,673	'
Goodwill and Other intangible assets, Net, Beginning of Period	8,111	8,486	8,486	'
Amortization	'	'	-375	-408
Gross amount, End of Period	'	'	21,159	21,159
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization, End of Period	'	'	-13,048	-12,265
Goodwill and Other intangible assets, Net, End of Period	$8,111	$8,486	$8,111	$8,894

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Included in Equity Method Investments) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other intangible assets	'	'
Gross amount, End of Period	$58,477	$57,322
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization, End of Period	-39,560	-35,143
Other intangible assets, Net, End of Period	18,917	22,179
Goodwill and Other intangible assets, Total	'	'
Goodwill and Other intangible assets, Net, End of Period	8,111	8,486
Investments in other ventures	'	'
Goodwill	'	'
Goodwill, Gross amount, Beginning of Period	10,840	9,021
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization, Beginning of Period	0	0
Goodwill, Net, Beginning of Period	10,840	9,021
Acquired during the year	1,705	1,819
Goodwill, Gross amount, End of Period	12,545	10,840
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization, End of Period	0	0
Goodwill, Net, End of Period	12,545	10,840
Other intangible assets	'	'
Gross amount, Beginning of Period	44,323	44,323
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization, Beginning of Period	-24,769	-19,820
Other intangible assets, Net, Beginning of Period	19,554	24,503
Acquired during the year	1,155	0
Amortization	-4,042	-4,949
Gross amount, End of Period	45,478	44,323
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization, End of Period	-28,811	-24,769
Other intangible assets, Net, End of Period	16,667	19,554
Goodwill and Other intangible assets, Total	'	'
Gross amount, Beginning of Period	55,163	53,344
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization, Beginning of Period	-24,769	-19,820
Goodwill and Other intangible assets, Net, Beginning of Period	30,394	33,524
Acquired during the year	2,860	1,819
Amortization	-4,042	-4,949
Gross amount, End of Period	58,023	55,163
Accumulated impairment losses and amortization, End of Period	-28,811	-24,769
Goodwill and Other intangible assets, Net, End of Period	$29,212	$30,394

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class) (Details) (USD $)

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, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Customer relationships and customer lists

Customer relationships and customer lists

Lloyd's managing agency license

Lloyd's managing agency license

Covenants not-to-compete

Covenants not-to-compete

Trademarks and trade names

Trademarks and trade names

Software

Software

Patents and intellectual property

Patents and intellectual property

Minimum

Maximum

Weighted Average

Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross carrying value

$58,477

$57,322

$40,640

$39,485

$1,867

$1,867

$2,130

$2,130

$610

$610

$8,730

$8,730

$4,500

$4,500

'

'

'

Accumulated amortization and impairment losses

-39,560

-35,143

-24,522

-20,936

0

0

-1,674

-1,369

-134

-110

-8,730

-8,395

-4,500

-4,333

'

'

'

Other intangible assets, Net

$18,917

$22,179

$16,118

$18,549

$1,867

$1,867

$456

$761

$476

$500

$0

$335

$0

$167

'

'

'

Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'25 years

'11 years

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Expected Impairment Charges and Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
2014	$3,878
2015	3,182
2016	2,309
2017	1,931
2018	1,497
2019 and thereafter	4,253
Total remaining amortization expense	17,050
Indefinite lived	1,867
Total	18,917
Other Intangible Assets	'
Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
2014	209
2015	174
2016	0
2017	0
2018	0
2019 and thereafter	0
Total remaining amortization expense	383
Indefinite lived	1,867
Total	2,250
Other Intangible Assets | Investments in other ventures	'
Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
2014	3,669
2015	3,008
2016	2,309
2017	1,931
2018	1,497
2019 and thereafter	4,253
Total remaining amortization expense	16,667
Indefinite lived	0
Total	$16,667

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Cash and investments at fair value on deposit with, or in trust accounts for the benefit of, various counterparties	$2,081.10	$1,490.90
Cash and investments at fair value on deposit with, or in trust accounts for the benefit of, U.S. state regulatory authorities	652.8	581.2
Reverse repurchase agreements	$37.30	$74.80
Minimum percentage of collateral required	102.00%	'

Investments_Schedule_of_Fair_V

Investments (Schedule of Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Investments Trading) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Fair value	$4,809,036	$4,660,168
U.S. treasuries	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Fair value	1,352,413	1,254,547
Agencies	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Fair value	186,050	315,154
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign Debt)	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Fair value	334,580	133,198
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Fair value	237,479	349,514
Corporate	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Fair value	1,803,415	1,607,233
Agency mortgage-backed	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Fair value	336,661	399,619
Non-agency mortgage-backed	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Fair value	243,795	230,747
Commercial mortgage-backed	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Fair value	303,214	361,645
Asset-backed	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Fair value	$11,429	$8,511

Investments_Schedule_of_Fair_V1

Investments (Schedule of Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Investments Available for Sale) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Amortized cost	$30,273		$71,445
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Fair value	34,241		83,442
Fixed maturity investments	'		'
Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Amortized cost	30,273		71,445
Gross Unrealized Gains	3,985		12,100
Gross Unrealized Losses	-17		-103
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Fair value	34,241		83,442
Non-Credit Other-Than-Temporary Impairments	742	[1]	920	[1]
Corporate	'		'
Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Amortized cost	'		7,065
Gross Unrealized Gains	'		1,002
Gross Unrealized Losses	'		-93
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Fair value	'		7,974
Non-Credit Other-Than-Temporary Impairments	'		85	[1]
Agency mortgage-backed	'		'
Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Amortized cost	4,880		8,280
Gross Unrealized Gains	378		632
Gross Unrealized Losses	-11		0
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Fair value	5,247		8,912
Non-Credit Other-Than-Temporary Impairments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Non-agency mortgage-backed	'		'
Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Amortized cost	11,735		14,613
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,414		2,989
Gross Unrealized Losses	-6		-10
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Fair value	14,143		17,592
Non-Credit Other-Than-Temporary Impairments	742	[1]	835	[1]
Asset-backed	'		'
Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Amortized cost	3,606		4,195
Gross Unrealized Gains	223		248
Gross Unrealized Losses	0		0
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Fair value	3,829		4,443
Non-Credit Other-Than-Temporary Impairments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Commercial mortgage-backed	'		'
Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Amortized cost	10,052		37,292
Gross Unrealized Gains	970		7,229
Gross Unrealized Losses	0		0
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Fair value	11,022		44,521
Non-Credit Other-Than-Temporary Impairments	$0	[1]	$0	[1]
[1]	Represents the non-credit component of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income adjusted for subsequent sales of securities. It does not include the change in fair value subsequent to the impairment measurement date.

Investments_Schedule_of_Contra

Investments (Schedule of Contractual Maturities of Fixed Maturity Investments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Trading Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Due in less than one year, Amortized cost	$160,345	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Due after one through five years, Amortized cost	3,109,181	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Due after five through ten years, Amortized cost	550,269	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Due after ten years, Amortized cost	76,623	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Amortized cost	4,781,712	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Due in less than one year, Fair value	160,760	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Due after one through five years, Fair value	3,118,799	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Due after five through ten years, Fair value	551,007	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Due after ten years, Fair value	83,371	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Fair value	4,809,036	'
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Due in less than one year, Amortized Cost	0	'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Due after one through five years, Amortized cost	0	'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Due after five through ten years, Amortized cost	0	'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Due after ten years, Amortized cost	0	'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Amortized cost	30,273	71,445
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Due in less than one year, Fair value	0	'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Due after one through five years, Fair value	0	'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Due after five through ten years, Fair value	0	'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Due after ten years, Fair value	0	'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Fair value	34,241	83,442
Fixed Maturity Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments, Due in less than one year, Amortized cost	160,345	'
Fixed maturity investments, Due after one through five years, Amortized cost	3,109,181	'
Fixed maturity investments, Due after five through ten years, Amortized cost	550,269	'
Fixed maturity investments, Due after ten years, Amortized cost	76,623	'
Fixed maturity investments, Amortized cost	4,811,985	'
Fixed maturity investments, Due in less than one year, Fair value	160,760	'
Fixed maturity investments, Due after one through give years, Fair value	3,118,799	'
Fixed maturity investments, Due after five through ten years, Fair value	551,007	'
Fixed maturity investments, Due after ten years, Fair value	83,371	'
Fixed maturity investments, Fair value	4,843,277	'
Mortgage-backed	'	'
Trading Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Amortized cost	874,099	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Fair value	883,670	'
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Amortized cost	26,667	'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Fair value	30,412	'
Fixed Maturity Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments, Amortized cost	900,766	'
Fixed maturity investments, Fair value	914,082	'
Asset-backed	'	'
Trading Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Amortized cost	11,195	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Fair value	11,429	'
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Amortized cost	3,606	'
Fixed maturity investments available-for-sale, Fair value	3,829	'
Fixed Maturity Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity investments, Amortized cost	14,801	'
Fixed maturity investments, Fair value	$15,258	'

Investments_Schedule_of_Fair_V2

Investments (Schedule of Fair Value of Equity Investments Trading) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Equity investments trading	$254,776	$58,186
Consumer	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Equity investments trading	44,115	0
Financials	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Equity investments trading	152,905	58,186
Industrial, utilities and energy	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Equity investments trading	25,350	0
Basic materials	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Equity investments trading	12,766	0
Healthcare	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Equity investments trading	15,340	0
Communications and technology	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Equity investments trading	$4,300	$0

Investments_Schedule_of_Net_In

Investments (Schedule of Net Investment Income) (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
Net Investment Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$219,593	$177,531	$157,028
Investment expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-11,565	-11,806	-10,157
Net investment income	78,732	59,931	26,163	43,202	39,000	46,135	17,648	62,942	208,028	165,725	146,871
Fixed maturity investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	95,907	103,330	116,570
Short term investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,698	1,007	1,666
Equity investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,295	1,086	471
Other investments, Hedge funds and private equity investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	45,810	36,635	27,541
Other investments, Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	73,692	35,196	10,585
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$191	$277	$195

Investments_Schedule_of_Net_Re

Investments (Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Gains on Investments and Net Other-Than-Temporary Impairments) (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
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	$61,864	$28,472	($69,529)	$14,269	$12,139	$75,297	$28,071	$47,614	$35,076	$163,121	$43,956
Total other-than-temporary impairments	0	0	0	0	0	0	-234	-161	0	-395	-630
Portion recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	52	78
Net other-than-temporary impairments	0	0	0	0	0	0	-209	-134	0	-343	-552
Fixed maturity investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross realized gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	72,492	97,787	79,358
Gross realized losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-50,206	-16,705	-30,659
Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,286	81,082	48,699
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments trading	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-87,827	75,279	19,404
Investments-related derivatives	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments-related derivatives	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31,058	-866	-26,712
Equity investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments trading	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	42,909	7,626	2,565
Net realized gains on equity investments trading	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$26,650	$0	$0

Investments_Schedule_of_Compon

Investments (Schedule of Components of Other Comprehensive Income and Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Beginning balance	$13,622
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-1,943
Realized gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments	-7,548
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	-9,491
Ending balance	4,131
Fixed maturity investments available for sale	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Beginning balance	11,997
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-481
Realized gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments	-7,548
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	-8,029
Ending balance	3,968
Investments in other ventures	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Beginning balance	1,625
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-1,462
Realized gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments	0
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	-1,462
Ending balance	$163

Investments_Schedule_of_Fixed_

Investments (Schedule of Fixed Maturity Investments Available For Sale In Continual Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed Maturity Investments Available-For-Sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions	4	28
Fixed Maturity Investments Available-For-Sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year	2	11
Fixed maturity investments	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	$765	$598
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	-11	-30
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	89	541
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	-6	-73
Total, Fair Value	854	1,139
Total, Unrealized Losses	-17	-103
Agency mortgage-backed	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	726	'
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	-11	'
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	0	'
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	0	'
Total, Fair Value	726	'
Total, Unrealized Losses	-11	'
Non-agency mortgage-backed	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	0
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	0	0
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	89	101
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	-6	-10
Total, Fair Value	89	101
Total, Unrealized Losses	-6	-10
Commercial mortgage-backed	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	39	'
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	0	'
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	0	'
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	0	'
Total, Fair Value	39	'
Total, Unrealized Losses	0	'
Corporate	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	'	598
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	'	-30
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	'	440
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	'	-63
Total, Fair Value	'	1,038
Total, Unrealized Losses	'	($93)

Investments_Rollforward_of_The

Investments (Rollforward of The Amount of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments Related to Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings for Which a Portion of an Other-Than-Temporary Impairment was Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (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
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0	$52	$78
Net other-than-temporary impairments	0	0	0	0	0	0	-209	-134	0	-343	-552
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning	'	'	'	838	'	'	'	2,370	838	2,370	'
Additions:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount related to credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	8	'
Amount related to credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	110	'
Reductions:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Securities sold during the period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-277	-1,650	'
Securities for which the amount previously recognized in other comprehensive income was recognized in earnings, because the Company intends to sell the security or is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	'
Increases in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	'
Balance, ending	561	'	'	'	838	'	'	'	561	838	2,370
Recognized Due To Intent To Sell Securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Recognized Due To Required Sales Of Securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0	$0	$0

Investments_Schedule_of_Other_

Investments (Schedule of Other Investments) (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
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other investments	$573,264,000	'	'	'	$644,711,000	'	'	'	$573,264,000	$644,711,000	'
Net investment income	78,732,000	59,931,000	26,163,000	43,202,000	39,000,000	46,135,000	17,648,000	62,942,000	208,028,000	165,725,000	146,871,000
Net unrealized gains (losses) recognized in earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	75,789,000	38,207,000	12,706,000
Initial commitments	662,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	662,700,000	'	'
Fulfilled commitments	544,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	544,600,000	'	'
Unfunded commitments	116,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	116,200,000	'	'
Other Investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	119,500,000	71,800,000	38,100,000
Investment Income | Other Investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net unrealized gains (losses) recognized in earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	75,800,000	38,200,000	12,700,000
Private equity partnerships	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other investments	322,391,000	'	'	'	344,669,000	'	'	'	322,391,000	344,669,000	'
Catastrophe bonds	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other investments	229,016,000	'	'	'	91,310,000	'	'	'	229,016,000	91,310,000	'
Senior secured bank loan funds	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other investments	18,048,000	'	'	'	202,929,000	'	'	'	18,048,000	202,929,000	'
Hedge funds	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other investments	3,809,000	'	'	'	5,803,000	'	'	'	3,809,000	5,803,000	'
Change in estimate | Other Investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($3,700,000)	($4,700,000)	($1,400,000)

Investments_Schedule_of_Invest

Investments (Schedule of Investments in Other Ventures, under Equity Method) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 01, 2008

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 06, 1999

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Tower Hill Companies

Tower Hill Companies

THIG

THIG

THIG

Tower Hill

Tower Hill

Tower Hill Signature

Tower Hill Signature

Top Layer Re

Top Layer Re

Top Layer Re

Top Layer Re

Top Layer Re

Top Layer Re

Angus

Angus

Angus

Other

Other

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investment

$139,382,000

$134,101,000

'

$60,500,000

$60,500,000

$50,000,000

$50,000,000

$50,000,000

$10,000,000

$10,000,000

$500,000

$500,000

'

'

'

$65,375,000

$65,375,000

$13,100,000

$10,507,000

'

$8,226,000

$3,000,000

$0

Ownership %

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

25.00%

25.00%

29.40%

28.60%

25.00%

25.00%

'

'

'

50.00%

50.00%

50.00%

42.50%

38.80%

38.80%

22.00%

0.00%

Equity method investee, additional contribution

4,000,000

0

39,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,000,000

20,500,000

13,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investments in other ventures, under equity method

105,616,000

87,724,000

'

42,128,000

43,168,000

'

25,107,000

28,303,000

14,506,000

13,969,000

2,515,000

896,000

'

'

'

50,500,000

36,664,000

'

9,180,000

'

7,892,000

3,808,000

0

Intangible Assets, Net

'

'

'

'

'

40,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

$7,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,705,000

'

'

'

'

Investments_Schedule_of_Equity

Investments (Schedule of Equity In (Losses) Earnings Of Other Ventures, Under Equity Method) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 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

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Top Layer Re

Top Layer Re

Top Layer Re

Tower Hill Companies

Tower Hill Companies

Tower Hill Companies

Angus

Angus

Angus

Other

Other

Other

NBIC

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity in earnings (losses) of other ventures

$6,274,000

$7,313,000

$3,772,000

$5,835,000

$6,612,000

$4,310,000

$6,846,000

$5,470,000

$23,194,000

$23,238,000

($36,533,000)

$13,836,000

$20,792,000

($37,471,000)

$10,270,000

$4,965,000

$2,923,000

($858,000)

($2,519,000)

$808,000

($54,000)

$0

($2,793,000)

($2,800,000)

Undistributed earnings (losses) from equity method investments

15,500,000

'

'

'

19,300,000

'

'

'

15,500,000

19,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method investment, dividends or distributions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,900,000

9,900,000

9,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sale of equity method investment, Net sales proceeds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,000,000

Sale of equity method investment, Realized gain (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4,800,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 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, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 17, 2010

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

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Other Investments

Other Investments

Other Investments

Other Assets and Liabilities

Other Assets and Liabilities

Other Assets and Liabilities

5.75% Senior Notes Due March 15, 2020

5.75% Senior Notes Due March 15, 2020

5.75% Senior Notes Due March 15, 2020

5.75% Senior Notes Due March 15, 2020

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)

U.S. treasuries

U.S. treasuries

Agencies

Agencies

Non-U.S. government (Sovereign Debt)

Non-U.S. government (Sovereign Debt)

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

Corporate

Corporate

Agency mortgage-backed

Agency mortgage-backed

Non-agency prime residential mortgage-backed

Non-agency prime residential mortgage-backed

AltA non-agency mortgage-backed

AltA non-agency mortgage-backed

Commercial mortgage-backed

Commercial mortgage-backed

Asset-backed

Asset-backed

Senior secured bank loan funds

Private equity partnerships

Hedge funds

Trading Securities

Trading Securities

Miscellaneous Investments

Private equity partnerships

Corporate

Corporate

Weighted Average or Actual

Weighted Average or Actual

Minimum

Maximum

Investment Income

Investment Income

Investment Income

Other income (loss)

Other income (loss)

Other income (loss)

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

Cash Settled Restricted Stock Unit

Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)

Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique

Net Asset Valuation Technique

Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique

Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique

Private equity partnerships

Corporate

Private equity partnerships

Private equity partnerships

Essent Group Ltd.

Essent Group Ltd.

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Net Asset Valuation Technique

Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique

Net Asset Valuation Technique

Net Asset Valuation Technique

Essent Group Ltd.

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average effective yield

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.80%

0.40%

1.30%

0.70%

1.30%

1.90%

1.10%

0.70%

2.70%

2.60%

2.90%

1.30%

3.70%

3.60%

4.70%

5.20%

2.10%

1.70%

2.00%

1.80%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'6 years 2 months 12 days

'3 years 3 months 18 days

'4 years 4 months 24 days

'4 years 6 months

'4 years

'4 years 8 months 12 days

'3 years 3 months 18 days

'3 years 8 months 12 days

'3 years 6 months

'3 years 6 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assets and (liabilities) at fair value

($8,233,000)

$14,069,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($6,566,000)

($7,846,000)

($13,000,000)

($2,490,000)

$21,513,000

$823,000

$402,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assets, fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

369,338,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

47,966,000

322,391,000

15,726,000

11,854,000

'

'

'

'

Dividend rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.20%

'

'

Liquidity discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.60%

'

'

Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.30%

'

'

Fair Value Inputs, Estimated Performance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.80%

'

-100.00%

71.80%

Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,490,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.75% Senior notes issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior notes interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'March 15, 2020

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior Notes, fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

273,900,000

281,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net unrealized gains (losses) recognized in earnings

75,789,000

38,207,000

12,706,000

75,800,000

38,200,000

12,700,000

0

-3,200,000

-2,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated liquidation period of limited partnership assets, Minimum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated liquidation period of limited partnership assets, Maximum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investment in closed end fund

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Hedge fund side pocket investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value transfers out of level 3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$85,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets

Fair Value Measurements (Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (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 maturity investments	$4,843,277		$4,743,610
Short-term investments	1,044,779		821,163
Equity investments trading	254,776		58,186
Other investments	573,264		644,711
Total other assets and (liabilities)	-8,233		14,069
Total assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	6,707,863		6,281,739
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	1,352,413		1,254,547
Short-term investments	0		0
Equity investments trading	254,776		58,186
Other investments	0		0
Total other assets and (liabilities)	823		402
Total assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	1,608,012		1,313,135
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	3,463,284		3,461,271
Short-term investments	1,044,779		821,163
Equity investments trading	0		0
Other investments	229,016		263,644
Total other assets and (liabilities)	-6,566		-7,846
Total assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	4,730,513		4,538,232
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets, fair value	369,338		'
Fixed maturity investments	27,580		27,792
Short-term investments	0		0
Equity investments trading	0		0
Other investments	344,248		381,067
Total other assets and (liabilities)	-2,490		21,513
Total assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	369,338		430,372
U.S. treasuries	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	1,352,413		1,254,547
U.S. treasuries | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	1,352,413		1,254,547
U.S. treasuries | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	0		0
U.S. treasuries | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	0		0
Agencies	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	186,050		315,154
Agencies | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	0		0
Agencies | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	186,050		315,154
Agencies | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	0		0
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign Debt)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	334,580		133,198
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign Debt) | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	0		0
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign Debt) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	334,580		133,198
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign Debt) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	0		0
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	237,479		349,514
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	0		0
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	237,479		349,514
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	0		0
Corporate	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	1,803,415		1,615,207
Corporate | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	0		0
Corporate | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	1,775,835		1,587,415
Corporate | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	27,580		27,792
Agency mortgage-backed	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	341,908		408,531
Agency mortgage-backed | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	0		0
Agency mortgage-backed | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	341,908		408,531
Agency mortgage-backed | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	0		0
Non-agency mortgage-backed	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	257,938		248,339
Non-agency mortgage-backed | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	0		0
Non-agency mortgage-backed | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	257,938		248,339
Non-agency mortgage-backed | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	0		0
Commercial mortgage-backed	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	314,236		406,166
Commercial mortgage-backed | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	0		0
Commercial mortgage-backed | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	314,236		406,166
Commercial mortgage-backed | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	0		0
Asset-backed	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	15,258		12,954
Asset-backed | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	0		0
Asset-backed | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	15,258		12,954
Asset-backed | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fixed maturity investments	0		0
Private equity partnerships	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Other investments	322,391		344,669
Private equity partnerships | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Other investments	0		0
Private equity partnerships | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Other investments	0		0
Private equity partnerships | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Other investments	322,391		344,669
Catastrophe bonds	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Other investments	229,016		91,310
Catastrophe bonds | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Other investments	0		0
Catastrophe bonds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Other investments	229,016		91,310
Catastrophe bonds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Other investments	0		0
Senior secured bank loan funds	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Other investments	18,048		202,929
Senior secured bank loan funds | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Other investments	0		0
Senior secured bank loan funds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Other investments	0		172,334
Senior secured bank loan funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Other investments	18,048		30,595
Hedge funds	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Other investments	3,809		5,803
Hedge funds | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Other investments	0		0
Hedge funds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Other investments	0		0
Hedge funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Other investments	3,809		5,803
Assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total other assets and (liabilities)	'		2,647
Assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total other assets and (liabilities)	'		0
Assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total other assets and (liabilities)	'		0
Assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total other assets and (liabilities)	'		2,647
Derivatives	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total other assets and (liabilities)	4,758	[1]	4,107	[1]
Derivatives | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total other assets and (liabilities)	823		402
Derivatives | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total other assets and (liabilities)	6,425		3,705
Derivatives | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total other assets and (liabilities)	-2,490		0
Other	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total other assets and (liabilities)	-12,991		7,315
Other | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total other assets and (liabilities)	0		0
Other | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total other assets and (liabilities)	-12,991		-11,551
Other | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total other assets and (liabilities)	$0		$18,866
[1]	See “Note 19. Derivative Instruments” for additional information related to the fair value by type of contract, of derivatives entered into by the Company.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Quanti

Fair Value Measurements (Quantitative Information Used As Level 3 Inputs) (Details) (Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3), USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Assets, fair value	369,338
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	-2,490
Private equity partnerships | Net Asset Valuation Technique	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Assets, fair value	322,391
Senior secured bank loan funds | Net Asset Valuation Technique	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Assets, fair value	18,048
Hedge funds | Net Asset Valuation Technique	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Assets, fair value	3,809
Corporate | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Assets, fair value	15,726
Corporate | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique | Weighted Average or Actual	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Credit spread	2.30%
Liquidity discount	1.00%
Risk-free rate	0.60%
Dividend rate	6.20%
Corporate | Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Assets, fair value	11,854
Fixed maturity investments	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Assets, fair value	27,580
Private equity partnerships | Net Asset Valuation Technique	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Assets, fair value	322,391
Private equity partnerships | Net Asset Valuation Technique | Low	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Estimated performance	-100.00%
Private equity partnerships | Net Asset Valuation Technique | Maximum	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Estimated performance	71.80%
Private equity partnerships | Net Asset Valuation Technique | Weighted Average or Actual	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Estimated performance	4.80%
Senior secured bank loan funds | Net Asset Valuation Technique	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Assets, fair value	18,048
Senior secured bank loan funds | Net Asset Valuation Technique | Low	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Estimated performance	0.50%
Senior secured bank loan funds | Net Asset Valuation Technique | Maximum	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Estimated performance	0.60%
Senior secured bank loan funds | Net Asset Valuation Technique | Weighted Average or Actual	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Estimated performance	0.50%
Hedge funds | Net Asset Valuation Technique	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Assets, fair value	3,809
Hedge funds | Net Asset Valuation Technique | Low	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Estimated performance	0.00%
Hedge funds | Net Asset Valuation Technique | Maximum	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Estimated performance	0.00%
Hedge funds | Net Asset Valuation Technique | Weighted Average or Actual	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Estimated performance	0.00%
Other investments	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Assets, fair value	344,248
Weather Contract | Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	-2,490

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets1

Fair Value Measurements (Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Level 3 Inputs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at beginning of the period	$430,372	$443,915
Total unrealized gains (losses)	'	'
Included in net investment income	81,070	24,978
Included in other income (loss)	-625	-3,225
Total realized gains (losses)	'	'
Included in net investment income	-4,114	0
Included in other income (loss)	-2,083	-12,177
Total foreign exchange gains (losses)	1,352	699
Purchases	46,565	65,918
Sales	0	-2,842
Settlements	-97,644	-86,894
Reclassified from other assets to other investments	0	'
Net transfers out of Level 3	-85,555	'
Balance at end of the period	369,338	430,372
Fixed maturity investments	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at beginning of the period	27,792	27,761
Total unrealized gains (losses)	'	'
Included in net investment income	2,288	31
Included in other income (loss)	0	0
Total realized gains (losses)	'	'
Included in net investment income	0	0
Included in other income (loss)	0	0
Total foreign exchange gains (losses)	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Settlements	-2,500	0
Reclassified from other assets to other investments	0	'
Net transfers out of Level 3	0	'
Balance at end of the period	27,580	27,792
Other investments	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at beginning of the period	381,067	396,526
Total unrealized gains (losses)	'	'
Included in net investment income	80,113	24,947
Included in other income (loss)	0	0
Total realized gains (losses)	'	'
Included in net investment income	-4,114	0
Included in other income (loss)	0	0
Total foreign exchange gains (losses)	1,352	699
Purchases	48,287	48,631
Sales	0	-2,842
Settlements	-95,144	-86,894
Reclassified from other assets to other investments	18,242	'
Net transfers out of Level 3	-85,555	'
Balance at end of the period	344,248	381,067
Other Assets and Liabilities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at beginning of the period	21,513	19,628
Total unrealized gains (losses)	'	'
Included in net investment income	-1,331	0
Included in other income (loss)	-625	-3,225
Total realized gains (losses)	'	'
Included in net investment income	0	0
Included in other income (loss)	-2,083	-12,177
Total foreign exchange gains (losses)	0	0
Purchases	-1,722	17,287
Sales	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Reclassified from other assets to other investments	-18,242	'
Net transfers out of Level 3	0	'
Balance at end of the period	-2,490	21,513
Investment Income	'	'
Total realized gains (losses)	'	'
Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period	79,860	24,978
Investment Income | Fixed maturity investments	'	'
Total realized gains (losses)	'	'
Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period	2,288	31
Investment Income | Other investments	'	'
Total realized gains (losses)	'	'
Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period	78,903	24,947
Investment Income | Other Assets and Liabilities	'	'
Total realized gains (losses)	'	'
Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period	-1,331	0
Other income (loss)	'	'
Total realized gains (losses)	'	'
Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period	0	-3,225
Other income (loss) | Fixed maturity investments	'	'
Total realized gains (losses)	'	'
Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period	0	0
Other income (loss) | Other investments	'	'
Total realized gains (losses)	'	'
Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period	0	0
Other income (loss) | Other Assets and Liabilities	'	'
Total realized gains (losses)	'	'
Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period	$0	($3,225)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Summar

Fair Value Measurements (Summary Of The Balances Company Has Elected To Account For At Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Other investments	$573,264	$644,711
Other assets	$0	$21,513

Fair_Value_Measurements_Compan

Fair Value Measurements (Company's Portfolio of Other Investments Measured Using Net Asset Valuations) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]	'
Fair Value	$344,248
Unfunded Commitments	116,245
Private equity partnerships	'
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]	'
Fair Value	322,391
Unfunded Commitments	99,610
Senior secured bank loan funds	'
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]	'
Fair Value	18,048
Unfunded Commitments	16,635
Hedge funds	'
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]	'
Fair Value	3,809
Unfunded Commitments	$0

Reinsurance_Effect_Of_Reinsura

Reinsurance (Effect Of Reinsurance And Retrocessional Activity On Premiums Written And Earned And On Net Claims And Claim Expenses) (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
Premiums written	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Direct	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$54,334	$36,367	$29,725
Assumed	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,551,078	1,515,224	1,405,251
Ceded	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-401,465	-448,934	-422,203
Net premiums written	80,784	127,241	559,109	436,813	77,417	105,035	427,630	492,575	1,203,947	1,102,657	1,012,773
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Direct	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	44,530	34,028	17,794
Assumed	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,482,511	1,465,701	1,356,205
Ceded	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-412,415	-430,374	-422,950
Net premiums earned (Note 7)	256,765	294,717	291,889	271,255	283,651	262,623	244,416	278,665	1,114,626	1,069,355	951,049
Claims and claim expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross claims and claim expenses incurred	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	185,139	403,491	1,270,487
Claims and claim expenses recovered	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-13,852	-78,280	-409,308
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	($20,854)	$60,928	$103,962	$27,251	$186,893	$73,215	$49,551	$15,552	$171,287	$325,211	$861,179

Reinsurance_Narrative_Details

Reinsurance (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reinsurance Recoverable | Largest reinsurance recoverable, Customer One	'	'
Concentration risk percentage	28.20%	14.30%
Reinsurance Recoverable | Largest reinsurance recoverable, Customer Two	'	'
Concentration risk percentage	19.90%	14.30%
Reinsurance Recoverable | Largest reinsurance recoverable, Customer Three	'	'
Concentration risk percentage	11.00%	12.60%
Allowance for Reinsurance Recoverable | Largest reinsurance recoverable, Customer One	'	'
Concentration risk percentage	14.20%	44.10%
Allowance for Reinsurance Recoverable | Largest reinsurance recoverable, Customer Two	'	'
Concentration risk percentage	12.50%	26.70%
Allowance for Reinsurance Recoverable | Largest reinsurance recoverable, Customer Three	'	'
Concentration risk percentage	3.10%	6.10%
Allowance for Reinsurance Recoverable	'	'
Valuation allowance recorded against reinsurance recoverable	1.7	4.5

Reserve_for_Claims_and_Claim_E2

Reserve for Claims and Claim Expenses (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	$143,954,000	$157,969,000	$131,989,000
Reinsurance Balances Payable	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Aggregate deposit liabilities	39,700,000	41,200,000	'
Aggregate deposit assets	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Aggregate deposit assets	0	0	'
Deposit Contracts With Underwriting Risk Only	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Increase (decrease) in net claims and claim expenses related to assumed reinsurance contracts	-400,000	-100,000	-200,000
Deposit Contracts With Timing Risk Only	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Increase (decrease) in other income related to assumed reinsurance contracts	-100,000	-7,500,000	100,000
Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	111,496,000	124,215,000	77,283,000
Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Large Catastrophe Event	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	94,527,000	76,390,000	50,258,000
Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	7,730,000	20,856,000
Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricanes Gustav & Ike (2008)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	16,665,000	20,467,000	-866,000
Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Storm Sandy (2012)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	48,285,000	'	'
Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	19,033,000	3,896,000	'
Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | New Zealand Earthquake (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	10,944,000	-17,912,000	'
Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | New Zealand Earthquake (2010)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	-11,340,000	-3,570,000	-15,179,000
Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricane Isaac (2012)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	-2,610,000	'	'
Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Thailand Floods (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	9,433,000	'
Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricane Irene (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	7,130,000	'
Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Other	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	5,306,000	3,953,000	'
Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Small Catastrophe Event	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	16,969,000	47,825,000	27,025,000
Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | U.S. PCS 70 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	-8,225,000	'	'
Actual Reported Claims Less than Expected Claims	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	22,300,000	20,640,000	37,969,000
Actuarial Assumption Changes	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	10,158,000	13,114,000	16,737,000
Attritional Claims and Claim Expenses	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	32,458,000	33,754,000	54,706,000
Catastrophe Reinsurance	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	102,037,000	110,568,000	59,137,000
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	102,037,000	110,568,000	59,137,000
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Large Catastrophe Event	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	85,068,000	62,743,000	32,112,000
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Initial estimated ultimate claim	1,300,000,000	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	6,420,000	10,008,000
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricanes Gustav & Ike (2008)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Initial estimated ultimate claim	530,000,000	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	16,261,000	17,541,000	0
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | New Zealand Earthquake, Tohoku Earthquake, United States Tornadoes, Australian Floods, Hurricane Irene, Thailand Floods	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Initial estimated ultimate claim	1,100,000,000	'	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Storm Sandy (2012)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	44,460,000	'	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	18,033,000	3,896,000	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | New Zealand Earthquake (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	10,944,000	-17,912,000	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | New Zealand Earthquake (2010)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	-11,040,000	-3,570,000	-15,179,000
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricane Isaac (2012)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	-2,610,000	'	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Thailand Floods (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	3,933,000	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricane Irene (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	4,630,000	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Other	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	776,000	2,542,000	47,291,000
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Small Catastrophe Event	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	16,969,000	47,825,000	27,025,000
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | U.S. PCS 70 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	-8,225,000	'	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense Excluding Certain Specific Events	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	34,214,000	-84,225,000	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Actual Reported Claims Less than Expected Claims	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	0	0
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Actuarial Assumption Changes	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	0	0
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Attritional Claims and Claim Expenses	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	0	0
Specialty Reinsurance	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	34,111,000	34,146,000	77,761,000
Specialty Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	2,463,000	3,000,000	13,903,000
Specialty Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Large Catastrophe Event	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	2,463,000	3,000,000	13,903,000
Specialty Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	3,000,000	6,215,000
Specialty Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricanes Gustav & Ike (2008)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	0	0
Specialty Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Storm Sandy (2012)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	'	'
Specialty Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	1,000,000	0	'
Specialty Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | New Zealand Earthquake (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	0	'
Specialty Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | New Zealand Earthquake (2010)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	-300,000	0	0
Specialty Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricane Isaac (2012)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	'	'
Specialty Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Thailand Floods (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	0	'
Specialty Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricane Irene (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	0	'
Specialty Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Other	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	1,763,000	0	'
Specialty Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Small Catastrophe Event	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	0	0
Specialty Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | U.S. PCS 70 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	'	'
Specialty Reinsurance | Actual Reported Claims Less than Expected Claims	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	21,216,000	16,747,000	37,058,000
Specialty Reinsurance | Actuarial Assumption Changes	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	10,432,000	14,399,000	26,800,000
Specialty Reinsurance | Reported Claims Less than Expected Including Catastrophe Events	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	23,679,000	'	'
Specialty Reinsurance | Attritional Claims and Claim Expenses	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	31,648,000	31,146,000	63,858,000
Lloyd's	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	8,256,000	16,202,000	-478,000
Lloyd's | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	5,267,000	9,476,000	0
Lloyd's | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Large Catastrophe Event	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	5,267,000	9,476,000	0
Lloyd's | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	0	0
Lloyd's | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricanes Gustav & Ike (2008)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	0	0
Lloyd's | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Storm Sandy (2012)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	3,825,000	'	'
Lloyd's | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	0	'
Lloyd's | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | New Zealand Earthquake (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	0	'
Lloyd's | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | New Zealand Earthquake (2010)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	0	0
Lloyd's | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricane Isaac (2012)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	'	'
Lloyd's | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Thailand Floods (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	5,500,000	'
Lloyd's | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricane Irene (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	2,500,000	'
Lloyd's | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Other	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	1,442,000	1,476,000	'
Lloyd's | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Small Catastrophe Event	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	0	0
Lloyd's | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | U.S. PCS 70 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	'	'
Lloyd's | Actual Reported Claims Less than Expected Claims	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	3,263,000	8,011,000	-478,000
Lloyd's | Actuarial Assumption Changes	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	-274,000	-1,285,000	0
Lloyd's | Attritional Claims and Claim Expenses	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	2,989,000	6,726,000	-478,000
Other	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	-450,000	-2,947,000	-4,431,000
Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	1,729,000	1,171,000	4,243,000
Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Large Catastrophe Event	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	1,729,000	1,171,000	4,243,000
Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	-1,690,000	4,633,000
Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricanes Gustav & Ike (2008)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	404,000	2,926,000	-866,000
Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Storm Sandy (2012)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	'	'
Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	0	'
Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | New Zealand Earthquake (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	0	'
Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | New Zealand Earthquake (2010)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	0	0
Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricane Isaac (2012)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	'	'
Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Thailand Floods (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	0	'
Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Hurricane Irene (2011)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	0	'
Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Other	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	1,325,000	-65,000	'
Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | Small Catastrophe Event	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	0	0
Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense | U.S. PCS 70 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012)	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	'	'
Other | Actual Reported Claims Less than Expected Claims	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	-2,179,000	-4,118,000	1,389,000
Other | Actuarial Assumption Changes	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	0	0	-10,063,000
Other | Construction Defect Book of Business	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	'	-58,800,000
Other | Attritional Claims and Claim Expenses	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	-2,179,000	-4,118,000	-8,674,000
Other | Loss Portfolio Transfer, Cash Consideration Paid	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	-36,500,000	'
Other | Loss Portfolio Transfer, Attritional Claims and Claim Expenses	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	-29,100,000	'
Other | Loss Portfolio Transfer, Loss Recognized	'	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses	'	($7,383,000)	'

Reserve_for_Claims_and_Claim_E3

Reserve for Claims and Claim Expenses (Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Net reserves as of January 1	$1,686,865	$1,588,325	$1,156,132
Net incurred related to:	'	'	'
Current year	315,241	483,180	993,168
Prior accident years	-143,954	-157,969	-131,989
Total net incurred	171,287	325,211	861,179
Net paid related to:	'	'	'
Current year	32,212	84,056	299,299
Prior years	363,235	142,615	129,687
Total net paid	395,447	226,671	428,986
Net reserves as of December 31	1,462,705	1,686,865	1,588,325
Reinsurance recoverable as of December 31	101,025	192,512	404,029
Gross reserves as of December 31	$1,563,730	$1,879,377	$1,992,354

Reserve_for_Claims_and_Claim_E4

Reserve for Claims and Claim Expenses (Liability for Catastrophe Claims) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	$143,954	$157,969	$131,989
Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	111,496	124,215	77,283
Attritional Claims and Claim Expenses	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	32,458	33,754	54,706
Actual Reported Claims Less than Expected Claims	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	22,300	20,640	37,969
Actuarial Assumption Changes	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	10,158	13,114	16,737
Large Catastrophe Event | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	94,527	76,390	50,258
Storm Sandy (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	48,285	'	'
Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	19,033	3,896	'
Hurricanes Gustav & Ike (2008) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	16,665	20,467	-866
New Zealand Earthquake (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	10,944	-17,912	'
Windstorm Kyrill (2007) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	8,244	3,417	2,494
Hurricane Isaac (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	-2,610	'	'
New Zealand Earthquake (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	-11,340	-3,570	-15,179
Chile Earthquake (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	24,575	13,143
U.K. Floods (2007) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	17,271	3,635
Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	7,730	20,856
Hurricane Irene (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	7,130	'
Thailand Floods (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	9,433	'
Tropical Cyclone Tasha, 2010 | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	16,922
World Trade Center (2001) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	4,701
Hurricanes Charley, Francis, Ivan and Jeanne (2004) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	4,552
Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	5,306	3,953	'
Small Catastrophe Event | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	16,969	47,825	27,025
U.S. PCS 83 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	3,500	'	'
U.S. PCS 76 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	300	'	'
U.S. PCS 70 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	-8,225	'	'
Danish Floods (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	5,000	'
U.S. PCS 63 Winter Storm (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	5,000	'
U.S. PCS 42 Winter Storm (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	2,560	'
U.S. PCS 53 Winter Storm (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	2,558	'
U.S. PCS 21 California Wildland Fire (2007) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	4,554
U.S. PCS 33 Great Midwest Storm (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	3,125
U.S. PCS 31 Wind and Thunderstorm (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	3,039
U.S. PCS 96 Wind and Thunderstorm (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	2,288
Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	21,394	32,707	14,019
Catastrophe Reinsurance	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	102,037	110,568	59,137
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	102,037	110,568	59,137
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Attritional Claims and Claim Expenses	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	0
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Actual Reported Claims Less than Expected Claims	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	0
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Actuarial Assumption Changes	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	0
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Large Catastrophe Event | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	85,068	62,743	32,112
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Storm Sandy (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	44,460	'	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	18,033	3,896	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Hurricanes Gustav & Ike (2008) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	16,261	17,541	0
Catastrophe Reinsurance | New Zealand Earthquake (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	10,944	-17,912	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Windstorm Kyrill (2007) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	8,244	3,417	2,494
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Hurricane Isaac (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	-2,610	'	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | New Zealand Earthquake (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	-11,040	-3,570	-15,179
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Chile Earthquake (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	24,575	8,455
Catastrophe Reinsurance | U.K. Floods (2007) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	17,271	3,635
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	6,420	10,008
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Hurricane Irene (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	4,630	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Thailand Floods (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	3,933	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Tropical Cyclone Tasha, 2010 | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	13,922
Catastrophe Reinsurance | World Trade Center (2001) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	4,701
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Hurricanes Charley, Francis, Ivan and Jeanne (2004) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	4,076
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	776	2,542	47,291
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Small Catastrophe Event | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	16,969	47,825	27,025
Catastrophe Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 83 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	3,500	'	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 76 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	300	'	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 70 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	-8,225	'	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Danish Floods (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	5,000	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 63 Winter Storm (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	5,000	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 42 Winter Storm (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	2,560	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 53 Winter Storm (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	2,558	'
Catastrophe Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 21 California Wildland Fire (2007) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	4,554
Catastrophe Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 33 Great Midwest Storm (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	3,125
Catastrophe Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 31 Wind and Thunderstorm (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	3,039
Catastrophe Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 96 Wind and Thunderstorm (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	2,288
Catastrophe Reinsurance | Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	21,394	32,707	14,019
Specialty Reinsurance	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	34,111	34,146	77,761
Specialty Reinsurance | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	2,463	3,000	13,903
Specialty Reinsurance | Attritional Claims and Claim Expenses	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	31,648	31,146	63,858
Specialty Reinsurance | Actual Reported Claims Less than Expected Claims	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	21,216	16,747	37,058
Specialty Reinsurance | Actuarial Assumption Changes	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	10,432	14,399	26,800
Specialty Reinsurance | Large Catastrophe Event | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	2,463	3,000	13,903
Specialty Reinsurance | Storm Sandy (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	'	'
Specialty Reinsurance | Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	1,000	0	'
Specialty Reinsurance | Hurricanes Gustav & Ike (2008) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	0
Specialty Reinsurance | New Zealand Earthquake (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	'
Specialty Reinsurance | Windstorm Kyrill (2007) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	0
Specialty Reinsurance | Hurricane Isaac (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	'	'
Specialty Reinsurance | New Zealand Earthquake (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	-300	0	0
Specialty Reinsurance | Chile Earthquake (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	4,688
Specialty Reinsurance | U.K. Floods (2007) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	0
Specialty Reinsurance | Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	3,000	6,215
Specialty Reinsurance | Hurricane Irene (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	'
Specialty Reinsurance | Thailand Floods (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	'
Specialty Reinsurance | Tropical Cyclone Tasha, 2010 | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	3,000
Specialty Reinsurance | World Trade Center (2001) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Specialty Reinsurance | Hurricanes Charley, Francis, Ivan and Jeanne (2004) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Specialty Reinsurance | Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	1,763	0	'
Specialty Reinsurance | Small Catastrophe Event | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	0
Specialty Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 83 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	'	'
Specialty Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 76 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	'	'
Specialty Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 70 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	'	'
Specialty Reinsurance | Danish Floods (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	'
Specialty Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 63 Winter Storm (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	'
Specialty Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 42 Winter Storm (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	'
Specialty Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 53 Winter Storm (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	'
Specialty Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 21 California Wildland Fire (2007) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Specialty Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 33 Great Midwest Storm (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Specialty Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 31 Wind and Thunderstorm (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Specialty Reinsurance | U.S. PCS 96 Wind and Thunderstorm (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Specialty Reinsurance | Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	0
Lloyd's	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	8,256	16,202	-478
Lloyd's | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	5,267	9,476	0
Lloyd's | Attritional Claims and Claim Expenses	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	2,989	6,726	-478
Lloyd's | Actual Reported Claims Less than Expected Claims	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	3,263	8,011	-478
Lloyd's | Actuarial Assumption Changes	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	-274	-1,285	0
Lloyd's | Large Catastrophe Event | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	5,267	9,476	0
Lloyd's | Storm Sandy (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	3,825	'	'
Lloyd's | Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	'
Lloyd's | Hurricanes Gustav & Ike (2008) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	0
Lloyd's | New Zealand Earthquake (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	'
Lloyd's | Windstorm Kyrill (2007) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	0
Lloyd's | Hurricane Isaac (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	'	'
Lloyd's | New Zealand Earthquake (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	0
Lloyd's | Chile Earthquake (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	0
Lloyd's | U.K. Floods (2007) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	0
Lloyd's | Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	0
Lloyd's | Hurricane Irene (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	2,500	'
Lloyd's | Thailand Floods (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	5,500	'
Lloyd's | Tropical Cyclone Tasha, 2010 | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Lloyd's | World Trade Center (2001) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Lloyd's | Hurricanes Charley, Francis, Ivan and Jeanne (2004) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Lloyd's | Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	1,442	1,476	'
Lloyd's | Small Catastrophe Event | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	0
Lloyd's | U.S. PCS 83 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	'	'
Lloyd's | U.S. PCS 76 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	'	'
Lloyd's | U.S. PCS 70 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	'	'
Lloyd's | Danish Floods (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	'
Lloyd's | U.S. PCS 63 Winter Storm (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	'
Lloyd's | U.S. PCS 42 Winter Storm (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	'
Lloyd's | U.S. PCS 53 Winter Storm (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	'
Lloyd's | U.S. PCS 21 California Wildland Fire (2007) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Lloyd's | U.S. PCS 33 Great Midwest Storm (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Lloyd's | U.S. PCS 31 Wind and Thunderstorm (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Lloyd's | U.S. PCS 96 Wind and Thunderstorm (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Lloyd's | Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	0
Other	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	-450	-2,947	-4,431
Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	1,729	1,171	4,243
Other | Attritional Claims and Claim Expenses	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	-2,179	-4,118	-8,674
Other | Actual Reported Claims Less than Expected Claims	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	-2,179	-4,118	1,389
Other | Actuarial Assumption Changes	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	-10,063
Other | Large Catastrophe Event | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	1,729	1,171	4,243
Other | Storm Sandy (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	'	'
Other | Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	'
Other | Hurricanes Gustav & Ike (2008) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	404	2,926	-866
Other | New Zealand Earthquake (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	'
Other | Windstorm Kyrill (2007) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	0
Other | Hurricane Isaac (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	'	'
Other | New Zealand Earthquake (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	0
Other | Chile Earthquake (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	0
Other | U.K. Floods (2007) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	0
Other | Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma (2005) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	-1,690	4,633
Other | Hurricane Irene (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	'
Other | Thailand Floods (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	'
Other | Tropical Cyclone Tasha, 2010 | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Other | World Trade Center (2001) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Other | Hurricanes Charley, Francis, Ivan and Jeanne (2004) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	476
Other | Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	1,325	-65	'
Other | Small Catastrophe Event | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	0	0
Other | U.S. PCS 83 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	'	'
Other | U.S. PCS 76 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	'	'
Other | U.S. PCS 70 Wind and Thunderstorm (2012) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	0	'	'
Other | Danish Floods (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	'
Other | U.S. PCS 63 Winter Storm (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	'
Other | U.S. PCS 42 Winter Storm (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	'
Other | U.S. PCS 53 Winter Storm (2011) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	0	'
Other | U.S. PCS 21 California Wildland Fire (2007) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Other | U.S. PCS 33 Great Midwest Storm (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Other | U.S. PCS 31 Wind and Thunderstorm (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Other | U.S. PCS 96 Wind and Thunderstorm (2010) | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	'	'	0
Other | Other | Catastrophe Claims and Claim Expense	'	'	'
Liability for Catastrophe Claims [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prior accident years	$0	$0	$0

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Feb. 15, 2013

Jan. 03, 2003

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 17, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

5.875% Senior Notes Due February 15, 2013

5.875% Senior Notes Due February 15, 2013

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Reimbursement Agreement

Letter of Credit

Letter of Credit

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

Renaissance Reinsurance

Renaissance Reinsurance

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci and Glencoe

Specialty Reinsurance

Renaissance Trading

Letter of Credit

Letter of Credit

Capital Support Agreement

Citibank Europe PLC

Citibank Europe PLC

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Reimbursement Agreement

Reimbursement Agreement

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

5.75% Senior Notes Due March 15, 2020

5.75% Senior Notes Due March 15, 2020

5.75% Senior Notes Due March 15, 2020

Credit Agreement

Letter of Credit

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Letter of Credit

Letter of Credit

Letter of Credit

USD ($)

USD ($)

Top Layer Re

Letter of Credit

Letter of Credit

Letter of Credit

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Lloyd's Letter of Credit Facility

Reimbursement Agreement

Bilateral Facility

Bilateral Facility

USD ($)

Top Layer Re

Syndicate 1458

Syndicate 1458

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

GBP (£)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior Notes

'

'

'

'

$100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior notes interest rate

'

'

'

5.88%

5.88%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument maturity date

'

'

'

'February 15, 2013

'February 15, 2013

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'March 15, 2020

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net repayment of debt

-102,436,000

-1,937,000

-200,000,000

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

-124,949,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.75% Senior notes issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letter of credit aggregate commitment

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

150,000,000

'

'

450,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit faciltiy, maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

350,000,000

'

'

600,000,000

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt to capital ratio

'

'

'

'

'

0.35

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum net worth requirements

'

'

'

'

'

2,300,000,000

'

'

2,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000,000

'

'

500,000,000

'

781,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Collateral percentage requirement of aggregate debt outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loan agreement with related party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loan agreement, remaining borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

258,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis spread on variable rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loan agreement repayment with related party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of credit outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

162,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

584,400,000

'

'

'

'

Collateralized letter of credit and reimbursement agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,500,000

'

'

'

Mandatory capital contribution in the event of capital and surplus reduction below a specified level

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

'

'

Guarantees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

Margin facility amount outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

281,000,000

60,000,000

Interest Paid

$20,100,000

$23,100,000

$23,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Schedule_of_Maturities_of

Debt (Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$0
2015	0
2016	0
2017	0
2018	0
After 2018	250,000
Unamortized debt issuance expense	-570
Total	$249,430

Noncontrolling_Interests_Sched

Noncontrolling Interests (Schedule Of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jun. 01, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 02, 2013

Jan. 02, 2012

Jun. 01, 2013

Jan. 02, 2012

Jun. 01, 2012

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jan. 02, 2013

Oct. 02, 2012

Jan. 02, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

Medici

Medici

Medici

Angus Fund

Angus Fund

Angus Fund

Retroactive Adjustment

Retroactive Adjustment

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

Notice Submitted in Advance of Deadline

Notice Submitted in Advance of Deadline

Maximum

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Parent Company Ownership in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

'

'

'

'

27.30%

30.80%

42.80%

32.90%

34.70%

31.50%

30.80%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

73.90%

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption rights, percentage of aggregate shares held, maximum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share repurchase requests, limit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redeemable noncontrolling interest, Reserve holdback

'

'

'

$5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$20,500,000

'

'

'

'

$10,000,000

'

$1,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Holdback provision

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from sale of partial interest in consolidated subsidiary

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

77,400,000

98,900,000

9,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sale of parent equity to third party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sale of third party equity to another third party

'

'

'

24,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from equity raised

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redeemable noncontrolling interest, net redemptions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling interest, value subscribed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

Activity in redeemable noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, Beginning

968,259,000

'

'

'

968,259,000

657,727,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

53,200,000

9,200,000

'

0

'

'

3,991,000

'

'

Redemption of shares from noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

-209,356,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,325,000

'

'

'

'

'

Sale of shares to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

153,884,000

163,033,000

'

'

'

'

'

49,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,200,000

'

'

0

300,000

'

Comprehensive income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

151,144,000

148,040,000

-33,157,000

'

150,581,000

147,499,000

-33,697,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

617,000

0

0

-54,000

541,000

540,000

Balance, Ending

$1,099,860,000

$968,259,000

'

'

$1,063,368,000

$968,259,000

$657,727,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$53,200,000

$9,200,000

'

$36,492,000

$0

'

$0

$3,991,000

'

Noncontrolling_Interests_Sched1

Noncontrolling Interests (Schedule Of Noncontrolling Interest) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 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

Dec. 01, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Angus

Angus

Angus

Angus

Angus Fund

Angus Fund

Angus Fund

Angus Fund

Angus Fund

Angus Fund

RRV U.S. Holdings LLC

RRV U.S. Holdings LLC

RenTech U.S. Holdings LLC

RenTech U.S. Holdings LLC

Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership interest with other equity investors, Amount

$0

'

'

'

$0

'

'

'

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$55,000

$55,000

$2,000,000

$2,000,000

Parent Company Ownership in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.10%

1.10%

35.00%

35.10%

Equity method investee, noncash contribution

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership %

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

42.50%

38.80%

38.80%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,705,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, Beginning

'

'

'

3,991,000

'

'

'

'

3,991,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,991,000

3,340,000

'

'

'

'

Sale of shares to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

300,000

'

'

'

'

Adjustment in ownership interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,709,000

0

'

'

'

'

Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest

54,191,000

44,331,000

14,015,000

38,607,000

9,692,000

51,083,000

33,624,000

53,641,000

151,144,000

148,040,000

-33,157,000

'

'

'

'

-54,000

541,000

'

'

'

'

Dividends on common shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-228,000

-190,000

'

'

'

'

Balance, Ending

$0

'

'

'

$3,991,000

'

'

'

$0

$3,991,000

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$3,991,000

'

'

'

'

Variable_Interest_Entities_Det

Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

2 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

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 20, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 02, 2013

Feb. 20, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Upsilon Re

Upsilon Re

Upsilon Re

Upsilon Re

Tim Re III

Tim Re III

Tim Re III

Tim Re III

Upsilon RFO

Upsilon RFO

Upsilon RFO

Upsilon RFO

Upsilon RFO

Upsilon RFO

Mona Lisa Re

Renaissance Reinsurance

DaVinciRe

Non-voting shares

Primary Beneficiary

Primary Beneficiary

Primary Beneficiary

Non-voting shares

Primary Beneficiary

Primary Beneficiary

Primary Beneficiary

Primary Beneficiary

Primary Beneficiary

Primary Beneficiary

Primary Beneficiary

Primary Beneficiary

Primary Beneficiary

Not Primary Beneficiary

Mona Lisa Re

Mona Lisa Re

Non-voting shares

Non-voting shares

Subsequent Event

Non-voting shares

Non-voting shares

Non-voting shares

Subsequent Event

Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

$84,122,000

$182,649,000

$703,223,000

$635,418,000

$83,745,000

$136,359,000

$667,336,000

$664,151,000

$1,605,412,000

[1]

$1,551,591,000

[2]

$1,434,976,000

[3]

'

$37,400,000

'

'

'

$41,100,000

'

'

'

$53,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

$9,200,000

$6,500,000

Non-voting shares issued to third parties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,800,000

'

'

'

44,800,000

'

'

'

61,000,000

'

172,400,000

'

'

'

Investment in variable interest entity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

'

'

'

48,800,000

'

'

'

10,300,000

'

'

'

76,400,000

'

109,700,000

'

'

'

Variable interest entity, ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

74.50%

'

'

'

18.60%

'

'

25.80%

55.60%

38.90%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital provided through an insurance contract

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,600,000

'

'

'

5,200,000

'

'

'

17,500,000

15,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Risk participation percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

61.40%

'

'

'

17.10%

'

'

'

42.90%

33.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

8,179,131,000

'

'

'

7,928,628,000

'

'

'

8,179,131,000

7,928,628,000

'

'

0

93,488,000

'

'

0

90,460,000

'

474,239,000

474,239,000

'

'

'

'

209,615,000

'

'

Total liabilities

3,174,887,000

'

'

'

3,453,313,000

'

'

'

3,174,887,000

3,453,313,000

'

'

0

93,487,000

'

'

0

90,459,000

'

474,238,000

474,238,000

'

'

'

'

209,615,000

'

'

Other liabilities

397,596,000

'

'

'

198,434,000

'

'

'

397,596,000

198,434,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

156,250,000

156,250,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-voting shares redeemed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23,000,000

'

'

'

66,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding

43,646,436

'

'

'

45,542,203

'

'

'

43,646,436

45,542,203

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ceded premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

401,465,000

448,934,000

422,203,000

'

'

'

'

'

37,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from sale of partial interest in consolidated subsidiary

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$25,000,000

'

'

'

'

[1]

Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $1.0 million.

[2]

Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.5 million.

[3]

Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.1 million

Shareholders_Equity_Narrative_

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 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

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 13, 2013

Nov. 14, 2013

Sep. 13, 2013

Jun. 14, 2013

Mar. 15, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 27, 2013

Mar. 31, 2004

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 23, 2009

Jun. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2012

Dec. 31, 2006

31-May-13

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

director

director

Common stock

Common stock

Common stock

Retained earnings

Retained earnings

Retained earnings

Common stock

Common stock

Common stock

Common stock

Common stock

Common stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series D Preferred Stock

Series D Preferred Stock

Series D Preferred Stock

Series E Preferred Stock

Series E Preferred Stock

Series E Preferred Stock

Series E Preferred Stock

period

period

Class of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate authorized shares

325,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

325,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Authorized common shares

225,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

225,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Authorized preference shares

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends declared, Per common share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1.12

$1.08

$1.04

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.28

'

$0.28

$0.28

$0.28

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends, Common Stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$49,267,000

$53,356,000

$53,460,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends paid, Per common share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.28

'

$0.28

$0.28

$0.28

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common shares repurchased during period, Average cost per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$84.80

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common shares repurchased during period, Aggregate value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,451,000

-6,399,000

-2,889,000

-203,703,000

-460,647,000

-174,807,000

'

'

'

'

'

-207,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share repurchase program, Authorized aggregate amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share repurchase program, Remaining authorized aggregate amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

433,055,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of preference shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

275,000,000

265,856,000

0

0

Preference shares, Shares issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

12,000,000

11,000,000

'

'

'

Preference shares, Issuance price per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$25

'

'

'

'

$25

$25

'

'

'

Preference shares, Issuance costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,144,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preference shares, Redemption price per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$25

'

'

'

'

$25

'

'

Preference shares, Dividend rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.08%

'

'

'

'

5.38%

'

'

'

Preference shares, Amount of preferred dividends in arrears, equivalent number of periods, trigger

6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preference shares, Preferred stock dividends in arrears, triggered shareholder election right, number of directors

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preference shares, Shares redeemed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

6,000,000

6,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred Stock, Redemption Amount, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preference shares, Redemption amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125,000,000

'

'

'

150,000,000

150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Preference shares, Shares outstanding

16,000,000

'

'

'

16,000,000

'

'

'

16,000,000

16,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

0

6,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Preference shares, Dividends declared and paid

$5,595,000

$5,595,000

$7,483,000

$6,275,000

$8,645,000

$8,750,000

$8,750,000

$8,750,000

$24,948,000

$34,895,000

$35,000,000

'

'

'

$24,948,000

$34,895,000

$35,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shareholders_Equity_Shares_Iss

Shareholders' Equity (Shares Issued and Outstanding) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Weighted options outstanding:	'	'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	43,646,436	45,542,203	'
Common stock	'	'	'
Weighted options outstanding:	'	'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	45,542,000	51,543,000	54,110,000
Repurchase of shares	2,451,000	6,399,000	2,889,000
Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock awards	555,000	398,000	322,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	43,646,000	45,542,000	51,543,000

Earnings_Per_Share_Computation

Earnings Per Share (Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Common Share) (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
Numerator:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$268,656	$179,740	$26,806	$190,474	$41,655	$180,660	$142,270	$201,429	$665,676	$566,014	($92,235)
Amount allocated to participating common shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-9,520	-8,973	-990	[1]
Net income (loss) allocated to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$656,156	$557,041	($93,225)
Denominator:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Denominator for basic income (loss) per RenaissanceRe common share - weighted average common shares (In shares)	43,160	43,330	43,372	43,461	46,442	48,394	50,278	50,377	43,349	48,873	50,747
Per common share equivalents of employee stock options and restricted shares (In shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	779	730	0
Denominator for diluted income (loss) per RenaissanceRe common share - adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions (In shares)	43,769	44,135	44,243	44,290	47,297	49,119	51,012	50,981	44,128	49,603	50,747
Basic income (loss) per RenaissanceRe common share (In dollars per share)	$6.14	$4.09	$0.61	$4.32	$0.88	$3.67	$2.78	$3.93	$15.14	$11.40	($1.84)
Diluted income (loss) per RenaissanceRe common share (In dollars per share)	$6.05	$4.01	$0.60	$4.23	$0.87	$3.62	$2.75	$3.88	$14.87	$11.23	($1.84)
[1]	Represents earnings attributable to holders of unvested restricted shares issued under the Company’s 2001 Stock Incentive Plan and the Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan.

Related_Party_Transactions_and1

Related Party Transactions and Major Customers (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 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

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance

Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance

Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance

Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance

Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance

Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance

Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance

Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance

Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance

Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance

Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance

Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance

Tower Hill

Tower Hill

Tower Hill

Tower Hill

Angus

Angus

Angus

Top Layer Re

Top Layer Re

Top Layer Re

Gross Premiums Written

Gross Premiums Written

Gross Premiums Written

Gross Premiums Written

Gross Premiums Written

Gross Premiums Written

Gross Premiums Written

Gross Premiums Written

Gross Premiums Written

Gross Premiums Written

Gross Premiums Written

Gross Premiums Written

customer

AON Benfield

AON Benfield

AON Benfield

Marsh Inc.

Marsh Inc.

Marsh Inc.

Willis Group

Willis Group

Willis Group

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Promissory notes issued to related parties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$4,000,000

'

$5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loans receivable, basis spread on variable rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Related party income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

300,000

'

'

5,000,000

7,900,000

3,400,000

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

84,122,000

182,649,000

703,223,000

635,418,000

83,745,000

136,359,000

667,336,000

664,151,000

1,605,412,000

[1]

1,551,591,000

[2]

1,434,976,000

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

46,700,000

41,100,000

29,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,482,511,000

1,465,701,000

1,356,205,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

44,900,000

36,100,000

28,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition expenses

31,026,000

37,699,000

31,767,000

25,009,000

39,385,000

24,438,000

25,608,000

24,111,000

125,501,000

113,542,000

97,376,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,300,000

3,900,000

3,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Related party payables

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Related party receivables

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net reinsurance costs and recoveries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-13,852,000

-78,280,000

-409,308,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,100,000

4,000,000

-8,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reserve for claims and claim expenses

1,563,730,000

'

'

'

1,879,377,000

'

'

'

1,563,730,000

1,879,377,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

34,100,000

33,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distributions received

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,900,000

9,900,000

9,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,800,000

9,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Equity interest investment in related party

139,382,000

'

'

'

134,101,000

'

'

'

139,382,000

134,101,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership %

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

42.50%

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative trades, net asset position

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

1,600,000

'

'

'

'

Management fees revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,800,000

$4,100,000

$3,700,000

Concentration risk percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

88.20%

84.60%

90.70%

48.60%

51.50%

56.10%

22.70%

21.40%

21.90%

16.90%

11.70%

12.70%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of significant customers

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $1.0 million.

[2]

Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.5 million.

[3]

Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.1 million

Taxation_Income_Before_Income_

Taxation (Income Before Income Taxes, Foreign and Domestic) (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
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$329,778	$239,668	$45,888	$225,704	$51,368	$240,803	$177,509	$297,158	$841,038	$766,838	($28,448)
Bermuda | Domestic Country	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Domestic	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	873,103	795,378	18,308
United Kingdom | Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-12,678	-15,404	-22,895
U.S. | Internal Revenue Service (IRS)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-20,019	-16,467	-23,837
Ireland | Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,855	3,318	-24
Singapore | Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($1,223)	$13	$0

Taxation_Components_of_Income_

Taxation (Components of Income Tax Benefit (Expense)) (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
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($2,005)	($1,667)	$2,529
Deferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	313	254	-12,914
Income tax (expense) benefit	($1,336)	($223)	($11)	($122)	($405)	($144)	($899)	$36	($1,692)	($1,413)	($10,385)

Taxation_Income_Tax_Reconcilia

Taxation (Income Tax Reconciliation) (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
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected income tax benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$9,930	$8,889	$14,188
Change in valuation allowance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-8,574	-6,212	-21,976
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,048	-4,090	-2,597
Income tax (expense) benefit	($1,336)	($223)	($11)	($122)	($405)	($144)	($899)	$36	($1,692)	($1,413)	($10,385)
Bermuda | Domestic Country	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statutory income tax rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.00%	'	'
U.S. | Internal Revenue Service (IRS)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign statutory income tax rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35.00%	'	'
Ireland | Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign statutory income tax rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12.50%	'	'
United Kingdom | Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign statutory income tax rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	23.20%	'	'
Singapore | Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign statutory income tax rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	17.00%	'	'

Taxation_Deferred_Tax_Assets_a

Taxation (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Tax Assets	'	'
Tax loss and credit carryforwards	$34,429	$16,548
Deferred interest expense	12,608	8,448
Investments	4,694	3,278
Deferred underwriting results	1,873	4,366
Amortization and depreciation	1,730	1,597
Accrued expenses	1,096	1,062
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	56,430	35,299
Deferred Tax Liabilities	'	'
Amortization and depreciation	-155	-369
Deferred Tax Liabilities	-155	-369
Net deferred tax asset before valuation and allowance	56,275	34,930
Valuation allowance	-56,106	-35,074
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$169	($144)

Taxation_Narrative_Details

Taxation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	$21	$6.20	$25.30
Income Taxes Paid	1.2	'	11
Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds	'	-13.2	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	0	0	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	0	'	'
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	59.8	'	'
Ireland	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	11.5	'	'
United Kingdom	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	41.7	'	'
Singapore	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$1.30	'	'

Segment_Reporting_Schedule_Of_

Segment Reporting (Schedule Of Significant Components Of The Company's Revenues And Expenses) (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

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

$84,122

$182,649

$703,223

$635,418

$83,745

$136,359

$667,336

$664,151

$1,605,412

[1]

$1,551,591

[2]

$1,434,976

[3]

Net premiums written

80,784

127,241

559,109

436,813

77,417

105,035

427,630

492,575

1,203,947

1,102,657

1,012,773

Net premiums earned

256,765

294,717

291,889

271,255

283,651

262,623

244,416

278,665

1,114,626

1,069,355

951,049

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

-20,854

60,928

103,962

27,251

186,893

73,215

49,551

15,552

171,287

325,211

861,179

Acquisition expenses

31,026

37,699

31,767

25,009

39,385

24,438

25,608

24,111

125,501

113,542

97,376

Operational expenses

57,658

44,672

42,789

45,986

53,096

42,357

41,375

42,323

191,105

179,151

169,661

Underwriting income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

626,733

451,451

-177,167

Net investment income

78,732

59,931

26,163

43,202

39,000

46,135

17,648

62,942

208,028

165,725

146,871

Net foreign exchange gains (losses)

1,747

488

-932

614

1,851

3,187

1,587

-1,306

1,917

5,319

-7,844

Equity in earnings (losses) of other ventures

6,274

7,313

3,772

5,835

6,612

4,310

6,846

5,470

23,194

23,238

-36,533

Other (loss) income

-173

651

-1,128

-1,709

-2,850

-1,052

5,414

-3,632

-2,359

-2,120

44,345

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

61,864

28,472

-69,529

14,269

12,139

75,297

28,071

47,614

35,076

163,121

43,956

Net other-than-temporary impairments

0

0

0

0

0

0

-209

-134

0

-343

-552

Corporate expenses

3,304

4,307

21,529

4,482

3,889

3,796

4,014

4,757

33,622

16,456

18,156

Interest expense

4,297

4,298

4,300

5,034

5,772

5,891

5,716

5,718

17,929

23,097

23,368

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes

329,778

239,668

45,888

225,704

51,368

240,803

177,509

297,158

841,038

766,838

-28,448

Income tax (expense) benefit

-1,336

-223

-11

-122

-405

-144

-899

36

-1,692

-1,413

-10,385

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

0

-9,779

2,427

9,774

9,029

-166

8,034

-33,374

2,422

-16,476

-51,559

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

-54,191

-44,331

-14,015

-38,607

-9,692

-51,083

-33,624

-53,641

-151,144

-148,040

33,157

Dividends on preference shares

-5,595

-5,595

-7,483

-6,275

-8,645

-8,750

-8,750

-8,750

-24,948

-34,895

-35,000

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

268,656

179,740

26,806

190,474

41,655

180,660

142,270

201,429

665,676

566,014

-92,235

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

315,241

483,180

993,168

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-143,954

-157,969

-131,989

Total net incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

171,287

325,211

861,179

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28.30%

45.20%

104.40%

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-12.90%

-14.80%

-13.80%

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15.40%

30.40%

90.60%

Underwriting expense ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28.40%

27.40%

28.00%

Combined ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

43.80%

57.80%

118.60%

Catastrophe Reinsurance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,120,379

[1]

1,182,207

[2]

1,177,296

[3]

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

753,078

766,035

773,560

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

723,705

781,738

737,545

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,908

165,209

770,350

Acquisition expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49,161

66,665

62,882

Operational expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

108,130

103,811

100,932

Underwriting income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

558,506

446,053

-196,619

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

109,945

275,777

829,487

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-102,037

-110,568

-59,137

Total net incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,908

165,209

770,350

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15.20%

35.30%

112.50%

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-14.10%

-14.20%

-8.10%

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.10%

21.10%

104.40%

Underwriting expense ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21.70%

21.80%

22.30%

Combined ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22.80%

42.90%

126.70%

Specialty Reinsurance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

259,489

[1]

209,887

[2]

145,891

[3]

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

248,562

201,552

139,939

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

214,306

164,685

135,543

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

67,236

76,813

13,354

Acquisition expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

41,538

23,826

20,096

Operational expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31,780

29,124

30,319

Underwriting income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

73,752

34,922

71,774

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

101,347

110,959

91,115

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-34,111

-34,146

-77,761

Total net incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

67,236

76,813

13,354

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

47.30%

67.40%

67.20%

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-15.90%

-20.80%

-57.30%

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31.40%

46.60%

9.90%

Underwriting expense ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

34.20%

32.20%

37.10%

Combined ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

65.60%

78.80%

47.00%

Lloyd's

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

226,532

[1]

159,987

[2]

111,584

[3]

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

201,697

135,131

98,617

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

176,029

122,968

76,386

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

95,693

80,242

73,259

Acquisition expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

34,823

22,864

14,031

Operational expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,540

45,680

36,732

Underwriting income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,027

-25,818

-47,636

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

103,949

96,444

72,781

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-8,256

-16,202

478

Total net incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

95,693

80,242

73,259

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

59.10%

78.40%

95.30%

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4.70%

-13.10%

0.60%

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

54.40%

65.30%

95.90%

Underwriting expense ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

48.50%

55.70%

66.50%

Combined ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

102.90%

121.00%

162.40%

Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-988

[1],[4]

-490

[2],[4]

205

[3],[4]

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

610

-61

657

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

586

-36

1,575

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

450

2,947

4,216

Acquisition expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21

187

367

Operational expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

655

536

1,678

Underwriting income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-498

-3,706

-4,686

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

208,028

165,725

146,871

Net foreign exchange gains (losses)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,917

5,319

-7,844

Equity in earnings (losses) of other ventures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23,194

23,238

-36,533

Other (loss) income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,359

-2,120

44,345

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35,076

163,121

43,956

Net other-than-temporary impairments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-343

-552

Corporate expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

33,622

16,456

18,156

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,929

23,097

23,368

Income tax (expense) benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,692

-1,413

-10,385

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,422

-16,476

-51,559

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-151,144

-148,040

33,157

Dividends on preference shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-24,948

-34,895

-35,000

Net claims and claim expenses incurred - current accident year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

-215

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

450

2,947

4,431

Total net incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

450

2,947

4,216

Net claims and claim expense ratio - current accident year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

0.00%

-13.70%

Net claims and claim expense ratio - prior accident years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

76.80%

-8186.10%

281.40%

Net claims and claim expense ratio - calendar year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

76.80%

-8186.10%

267.70%

Underwriting expense ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

108.20%

-2008.30%

130.10%

Combined ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

185.00%

-10194.40%

397.80%

Intersegment Eliminations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($1,000)

($500)

$100

[1]

Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $1.0 million.

[2]

Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.5 million.

[3]

Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.1 million

[4]

The Other category consists of contracts that are primarily exposed to U.S. risks and includes inter-segment gross premiums written of $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 (2012 - $0.5 million, 2011 - $0.1 million).

Segment_Reporting_Schedule_Of_1

Segment Reporting (Schedule Of Gross Premiums Written Allocated To the Territory Of Coverage Exposure) (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 from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

$84,122

$182,649

$703,223

$635,418

$83,745

$136,359

$667,336

$664,151

$1,605,412

[1]

$1,551,591

[2]

$1,434,976

[3]

Catastrophe Reinsurance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,120,379

[1]

1,182,207

[2]

1,177,296

[3]

Catastrophe Reinsurance | U.S. and Caribbean

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

782,211

857,740

786,721

Catastrophe Reinsurance | Worldwide (excluding U.S.)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

146,048

[4]

139,265

[4]

164,112

[4]

Catastrophe Reinsurance | Worldwide

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

99,179

81,595

124,797

Catastrophe Reinsurance | Japan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

39,060

43,238

49,021

Catastrophe Reinsurance | Europe

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,659

37,113

31,888

Catastrophe Reinsurance | Australia and New Zealand

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,460

18,578

16,818

Catastrophe Reinsurance | Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,762

4,678

3,939

Specialty Reinsurance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

259,489

[1]

209,887

[2]

145,891

[3]

Specialty Reinsurance | U.S. and Caribbean

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

91,203

69,070

49,832

Specialty Reinsurance | Worldwide (excluding U.S.)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,661

[4]

0

[4]

0

[4]

Specialty Reinsurance | Worldwide

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

151,879

96,081

91,032

Specialty Reinsurance | Europe

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,612

16,429

3,595

Specialty Reinsurance | Australia and New Zealand

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,068

28,307

792

Specialty Reinsurance | Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

66

0

640

Lloyd's

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

226,532

[1]

159,987

[2]

111,584

[3]

Lloyd's | U.S. and Caribbean

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

88,535

57,332

48,435

Lloyd's | Worldwide (excluding U.S.)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,071

[4]

6,064

[4]

238

[4]

Lloyd's | Worldwide

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

104,249

75,132

47,605

Lloyd's | Europe

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,763

14,456

8,044

Lloyd's | Australia and New Zealand

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,948

2,152

2,060

Lloyd's | Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,966

4,851

5,202

Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-988

[1],[5]

-490

[2],[5]

205

[3],[5]

Intersegment Eliminations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($1,000)

($500)

$100

[1]

Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $1.0 million.

[2]

Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.5 million.

[3]

Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.1 million

[4]

The category “Worldwide (excluding U.S.)” consists of contracts that cover more than one geographic region (other than the U.S.). The exposure in this category for gross premiums written to date is predominantly from Europe and Japan.

[5]

The Other category consists of contracts that are primarily exposed to U.S. risks and includes inter-segment gross premiums written of $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 (2012 - $0.5 million, 2011 - $0.1 million).

Stock_Incentive_Compensation_a2

Stock Incentive Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2004

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

31-May-10

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Premium Option Plan

Premium Option Plan

Performance Shares

Performance Shares

Performance Shares

Employee Stock Option

Restricted Stock

Restricted Stock

Restricted Stock

Special Retention Award

Special Retention Award

Special Retention Award

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Performance Shares

Performance Shares

2001 Stock Incentive Plans and Nonemployee Directors

2001 Stock Incentive Plans and Nonemployee Directors

Performance Shares

Performance Shares

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected forfeiture rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

8.00%

'

'

'

'

13.00%

8.00%

'

0.00%

0.00%

Shares reserved for issuance under Premium Option Plan

'

'

'

'

6,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock incentive compensation, vesting period

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'3 years

'3 years

'

'4 years

'

'

'4 years

'4 years

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

Share-based payment award, Expiration period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares available for grant

3,000,000

'

'

0

'

'

'

750,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000

'

'

Total fair value of shares and share units vested

$47,000,000

$43,300,000

$36,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum strike price as a percentage of market value on grant date

'

'

'

150.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of annual equity incentive award grants, subject to vesting conditions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vesting maximum as a percentage of target if performance goal are achieved

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

175.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Period for average closing share price to determine total shareholder return

'

'

'

'

'

'20 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of special retention award tendered in shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash received from exercises of stock options during the period

1,600,000

900,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Excess windfall tax benefit realized by the Company due to its net operating loss position in the taxable jurisdictions in which it operates

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total stock compensation expense recognized

43,400,000

38,400,000

33,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted stock awards

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

26,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

25,200,000

'

'

4,800,000

'

Periods for recognition of compensation costs not yet recognized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year 9 months 18 days

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year 7 months 6 days

'

'

'1 year 10 months 24 days

'

Contributions to defined contribution pension plans

$3,500,000

$3,400,000

$3,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock_Incentive_Compensation_a3

Stock Incentive Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Valuation Assumptions) (Details) (Performance Shares)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Performance Shares	'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Performance Period	'1 year		'
Expected volatility rate, minimum	19.00%	[1]	19.80%	[1]
Expected volatility rate, maximum	19.60%	[1]	24.40%	[1]
Risk free interest rate, minimum	0.90%	[1]	0.16%	[1]
Risk free interest rate, maximum	1.40%	[1]	0.64%	[1]
Expected forfeiture rate	0.00%		0.00%
[1]	(1)The expected volatility and risk-free interest rate applied are specific to each tranche of Performance Shares.

Stock_Incentive_Compensation_a4

Stock Incentive Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2010
	2001 Stock Incentive Plans and Nonemployee Directors	2001 Stock Incentive Plans and Nonemployee Directors	2001 Stock Incentive Plans and Nonemployee Directors	2001 Stock Incentive Plans and Nonemployee Directors	Premium Option Plan	Premium Option Plan	Premium Option Plan	Premium Option Plan	Premium Option Plan
Weighted options outstanding:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance, Beginning of Period (shares)	1,732,639	1,973,307	2,841,335	'	842,000	1,192,000	1,192,000	'	'
Options granted	0	0	0	'	0	0	0	'	'
Options forfeited	0	0	-40,010	'	0	0	0	'	'
Options expired	0	0	-4,404	'	0	0	0	'	'
Options exercised	-904,547	-240,668	-823,614	'	-270,000	-350,000	0	'	'
Balance, End of Period (shares)	828,092	1,732,639	1,973,307	2,841,335	572,000	842,000	1,192,000	'	'
Weighted average exercise price:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average exercise price, Beginning of Period (In dollars per share)	$47.61	$47.33	$47.28	'	$73.82	$73.94	$73.94	'	'
Options granted, Weighted average exercise price (In dollars per share)	$0	$0	$0	'	$0	$0	$0	'	'
Options forfeited, Weighted average exercise price (In dollars per share)	$0	$0	$52.68	'	$0	$0	$0	'	'
Options expired, Weighted average exercise price (In dollars per share)	$0	$0	$53.86	'	$0	$0	$0	'	'
Options exercised, Weighted average exercise price (In dollars per share)	$46.55	$45.30	$46.88	'	$74.24	$74.24	$0	'	'
Weighted average exercise price, End of Period (In dollars per share)	$48.77	$47.61	$47.33	$47.28	$73.62	$73.82	$73.94	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life	'2 years 10 months 24 days	'3 years 8 months	'4 years 7 months	'4 years 9 months	'1 year 1 month 6 days	'	'	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Options exercised, Aggregate intrinsic value	$36,800	$7,910	$18,155	'	$4,921	$1,250	'	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value	40,221	58,305	53,363	46,616	13,567	6,265	0	'	0
Range of Exercise Prices [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise price range, lower range limit (In dollars per share)	$37.51	$37.51	$37.51	$33.85	$73.06	$73.06	$73.06	$73.06	'
Exercise price range, upper range limit (In dollars per share)	$59.66	$59.66	$59.66	$59.66	$74.24	$74.24	$74.24	$74.24	'
Total options exercisable, minimum (In dollars per share)	$37.51	'	'	'	$73.06	'	'	'	'
Total options exercisable, maximum (In dollars per share)	$59.66	'	'	'	$74.24	'	'	'	'
Total options exercisable	828,092	'	'	'	572,000	'	'	'	'
Total options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price (In dollars per share)	$48.77	'	'	'	$73.62	'	'	'	'
Total options exercisable, Weighted average remaining contractual life	'2 years 10 months 24 days	'	'	'	'1 year 1 month 6 days	'	'	'	'
Total options exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value	$40,221	'	'	'	$13,567	'	'	'	'

Stock_Incentive_Compensation_a5

Stock Incentive Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Equity Compensation Other than Options) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Number of shares:	'	'	'
Nonvested at Beginning of Period	682,671	804,346	1,047,234
Awards granted	258,233	243,701	219,017
Awards vested	-332,933	-358,219	-383,729
Awards forfeited	-6,993	-7,157	-78,176
Nonvested at End of Period	600,978	682,671	804,346
Weighted average grant-dated fair value:	'	'	'
Nonvested, Weighted average grant-dated fair value, at Beginning of Period (In dollars per share)	$61.90	$53.91	$49.03
Awards granted, Weighted average grant-dated fair value (In dollars per share)	$87.82	$72.40	$66.21
Awards vested, Weighted average grant-dated fair value (In dollars per share)	$56.31	$51.26	$48.84
Awards forfeited, Weighted average grant-dated fair value (In dollars per share)	$58.14	$53.90	$47.71
Nonvested, Weighted average grant-dated fair value, at End of Period (In dollars per share)	$76.24	$61.90	$53.91
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'	'	'
Number of shares:	'	'	'
Nonvested at Beginning of Period	493,556	422,973	371,788
Awards granted	149,760	225,105	215,711
Awards vested	-176,265	-128,401	-98,676
Awards forfeited	-72,906	-26,121	-65,850
Nonvested at End of Period	394,145	493,556	422,973
Employee restricted stock	'	'	'
Number of shares:	'	'	'
Nonvested at Beginning of Period	646,748	764,761	1,004,426
Awards granted	241,071	226,827	200,745
Awards vested	-311,334	-337,683	-362,234
Awards forfeited	-6,993	-7,157	-78,176
Nonvested at End of Period	569,492	646,748	764,761
Weighted average grant-dated fair value:	'	'	'
Nonvested, Weighted average grant-dated fair value, at Beginning of Period (In dollars per share)	$61.63	$53.68	$48.93
Awards granted, Weighted average grant-dated fair value (In dollars per share)	$87.85	$72.46	$66.21
Awards vested, Weighted average grant-dated fair value (In dollars per share)	$55.63	$51.06	$48.74
Awards forfeited, Weighted average grant-dated fair value (In dollars per share)	$58.14	$53.90	$47.71
Nonvested, Weighted average grant-dated fair value, at End of Period (In dollars per share)	$76.11	$61.63	$53.68
Non-employee director restricted stock	'	'	'
Number of shares:	'	'	'
Nonvested at Beginning of Period	35,923	39,585	42,808
Awards granted	17,162	16,874	18,272
Awards vested	-21,599	-20,536	-21,495
Awards forfeited	0	0	0
Nonvested at End of Period	31,486	35,923	39,585
Weighted average grant-dated fair value:	'	'	'
Nonvested, Weighted average grant-dated fair value, at Beginning of Period (In dollars per share)	$66.83	$58.43	$51.38
Awards granted, Weighted average grant-dated fair value (In dollars per share)	$87.40	$71.69	$66.21
Awards vested, Weighted average grant-dated fair value (In dollars per share)	$66.06	$54.62	$50.66
Awards forfeited, Weighted average grant-dated fair value (In dollars per share)	$0	$0	$0
Nonvested, Weighted average grant-dated fair value, at End of Period (In dollars per share)	$78.57	$66.83	$58.43
Performance Shares	'	'	'
Number of shares:	'	'	'
Nonvested at Beginning of Period	359,520	289,867	275,813
Awards granted	134,358	144,635	89,037
Awards vested	-24,606	-70,843	-63,562
Awards forfeited	-109,729	-4,139	-11,421
Nonvested at End of Period	359,543	359,520	289,867
Weighted average grant-dated fair value:	'	'	'
Nonvested, Weighted average grant-dated fair value, at Beginning of Period (In dollars per share)	$67.31	$63.24	$56.76
Awards granted, Weighted average grant-dated fair value (In dollars per share)	$83.64	$70.43	$79.83
Nonvested, Weighted average grant-dated fair value, at End of Period (In dollars per share)	$73.23	$67.31	$63.24

Statutory_Requirements_Statuto

Statutory Requirements (Statutory Capital and Surplus) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Bermuda	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'
Actual statutory capital and surplus	$3,194,446	$3,061,736
Required statutory capital and surplus	562,126	554,809
Restricted net assets	887,083	784,693
United Kingdom	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'
Actual statutory capital and surplus	380,336	293,519
Required statutory capital and surplus	380,336	293,519
Restricted net assets	$0	$0

Statutory_Requirements_Statuto1

Statutory Requirements (Statutory Net Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Bermuda	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'
Statutory net income (loss) or regulated operations	$712,820	$693,887	($44,327)
United Kingdom	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'
Statutory net income (loss) or regulated operations	$7,745	($10,967)	($33,442)

Statutory_Requirements_Narrati

Statutory Requirements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

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

Multi-Beneficiary Reinsurance Trust

Multi-Beneficiary Reinsurance Trust

Multi-Beneficiary Reinsurance Trust

Multi-Beneficiary Reinsurance Trust

Multi-Beneficiary Reduced Collateral Reinsurance Trust

Multi-Beneficiary Reduced Collateral Reinsurance Trust

Multi-Beneficiary Reduced Collateral Reinsurance Trust

Multi-Beneficiary Reduced Collateral Reinsurance Trust

Multi-Beneficiary Reduced Collateral Reinsurance Trust

Maximum

Maximum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

Renaissance Reinsurance

Renaissance Reinsurance

New York

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

Renaissance Reinsurance

Renaissance Reinsurance

Bermuda

Bermuda

Multi-Beneficiary Reinsurance Trust

Multi-Beneficiary Reinsurance Trust

Multi-Beneficiary Reinsurance Trust

Multi-Beneficiary Reinsurance Trust

Multi-Beneficiary Reduced Collateral Reinsurance Trust

Multi-Beneficiary Reduced Collateral Reinsurance Trust

Multi-Beneficiary Reduced Collateral Reinsurance Trust

Multi-Beneficiary Reduced Collateral Reinsurance Trust

New York

New York

New York

New York

New York

New York

New York

New York

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

Renaissance Reinsurance

Renaissance Reinsurance

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

Renaissance Reinsurance

Renaissance Reinsurance

New York

New York

New York

New York

New York

New York

New York

New York

Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecorded liabilities, exempt by regulatory authority

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$168,000,000

$113,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Retained earnings available for payment of dividends or distribution to shareholders

2,600,000,000

2,300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assets held in trust

$2,081,100,000

$1,490,900,000

$173,900,000

$180,100,000

$505,100,000

$508,700,000

'

$18,600,000

$11,000,000

$21,100,000

$11,000,000

'

'

$135,200,000

$169,100,000

$441,700,000

$494,900,000

$10,200,000

$10,000,000

$16,300,000

$10,000,000

Multi-beneficiary reduced collateral reinsurance trust collateral reduction

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative_Instruments_Consoli

Derivative Instruments (Consolidated Balance Sheets And Fair Value Of The Principal Derivative Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Assets [Abstract]	'		'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	$12,328		$10,950
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet	1,661		2,629
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet	10,667		8,321
Collateral	310		310
Net Amount	10,357		8,011
Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]	'		'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	6,419		4,214
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet	510		0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet	5,909		4,214
Collateral	12		41
Net Amount	5,897		4,173
Other Assets | Interest Rate Futures	'		'
Derivative Assets [Abstract]	'		'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	897		441
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet	62		0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet	835		441
Collateral	0		0
Net Amount	835		441
Other Assets | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Underwriting and Non-investment Operations	'		'
Derivative Assets [Abstract]	'		'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	9,612	[1]	7,191	[1]
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet	1,179	[1]	0	[1]
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet	8,433	[1]	7,191	[1]
Collateral	0	[1]	0	[1]
Net Amount	8,433	[1]	7,191	[1]
Other Assets | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Investment Operations	'		'
Derivative Assets [Abstract]	'		'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	1,013	[2]	2,534	[2]
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet	338	[2]	2,296	[2]
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet	675	[2]	238	[2]
Collateral	0	[2]	0	[2]
Net Amount	675	[2]	238	[2]
Other Assets | Credit Default Swaps	'		'
Derivative Assets [Abstract]	'		'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	806		784
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet	82		333
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet	724		451
Collateral	310		310
Net Amount	414		141
Other Liabilities | Interest Rate Futures	'		'
Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]	'		'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	74		41
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet	62		0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet	12		41
Collateral	12		41
Net Amount	0		0
Other Liabilities | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Underwriting and Non-investment Operations	'		'
Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]	'		'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	2,204	[1]	4,173	[1]
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet	28	[1]	0	[1]
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet	2,176	[1]	4,173	[1]
Collateral	0	[1]	0	[1]
Net Amount	2,176	[1]	4,173	[1]
Other Liabilities | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Investment Operations	'		'
Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]	'		'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	1,557	[2]	'
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet	338	[2]	'
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet	1,219	[2]	'
Collateral	0	[2]	'
Net Amount	1,219	[2]	'
Other Liabilities | Credit Default Swaps	'		'
Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]	'		'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	94		'
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet	82		'
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet	12		'
Collateral	0		'
Net Amount	12		'
Other Liabilities | Weather Contract	'		'
Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]	'		'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	2,490		'
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet	0		'
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet	2,490		'
Collateral	0		'
Net Amount	$2,490		'
[1]	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in underwriting and non-investment operations.
[2]	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in investment operations.

Derivative_Instruments_Gain_Lo

Derivative Instruments (Gain (Loss) Recognized In The Consolidated Statements Of Operations Related To Its Derivative Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 20, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Amount of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	'	$27,601		$9,687		($33,526)
Investment Income | Interest Rate Futures	'	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Amount of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	'	29,695		-1,746		-25,256
Investment Income | Credit Default Swaps	'	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Amount of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	'	1,363		1,074		-1,467
Investment Income | Weather Contract	'	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Amount of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	'	-1,331		0		0
Net foreign exchange gains (losses) | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Underwriting and Non-investment Operations	'	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Amount of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	'	889	[1]	13,804	[1]	-5,443	[1]
Net foreign exchange gains (losses) | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Investment Operations	'	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Amount of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	'	-3,015	[2]	-3,445	[2]	-4,335	[2]
Other income (loss) | Platinum Warrant	'	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Amount of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	$3,000	$0		$0		$2,975
[1]	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in underwriting and non-investment operations.
[2]	Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in investment operations.

Derivative_Instruments_Narrati

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 20, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	'	$27,601,000	$9,687,000	($33,526,000)
Platinum Warrant	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Platinum Warrant, shares	2.5	'	'	'
Platinum Warrant, in dollars per share	$27	'	'	'
Platinum Warrant	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Aggregate proceeds from sale of Platinum Warrant	47,900,000	'	'	'
Platinum Warrant | Other income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	3,000,000	0	0	2,975,000
Long | Interest Rate Futures	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	'	1,169,300,000	377,800,000	'
Long | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Underwriting and Non-investment Operations	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	'	263,600,000	446,200,000	'
Long | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Investment Operations	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	'	39,600,000	176,700,000	'
Long | Credit Default Swaps	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	'	7,100,000	46,100,000	'
Short | Interest Rate Futures	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	'	356,600,000	310,700,000	'
Short | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Underwriting and Non-investment Operations	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	'	139,800,000	119,500,000	'
Short | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Investment Operations	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	'	159,100,000	217,400,000	'
Short | Credit Default Swaps	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	'	18,400,000	24,000,000	'
Short | Weather Contract	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	'	$6,400,000	'	'

Commitments_Contingencies_and_2

Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	Maximum	Letter of Credit	Top Layer Re	Renaissance Trading	Capital Support Agreement	Citibank Europe PLC	Citibank Europe PLC	Chief Executive Officer
		Investments as a Percentage of Shareholders' Equity	USD ($)	Letter of Credit	USD ($)	Top Layer Re	Syndicate 1458	Syndicate 1458	USD ($)
				USD ($)		Letter of Credit	Letter of Credit	Letter of Credit
						USD ($)	USD ($)	GBP (£)
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk percentage	'	10.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Letters of credit outstanding	'	'	$584,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Collateral pledged to support letter of credit	'	'	'	37,500,000	'	'	'	'	'
Mandatory capital contribution in the event of capital and surplus reduction below a specified level	'	'	'	'	'	50,000,000	'	'	'
Guarantees	'	'	'	'	50,800,000	'	'	'	'
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	281,000,000	60,000,000	'
Percentage of aggregate outstanding letters of credit secured	75.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of aggregate outstanding letters of credit subject to certain financial covenants	25.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Initial commitments	662,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fulfilled commitments	544,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unfunded commitments	116,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Compensation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$16,800,000

Commitments_Contingencies_and_3

Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items (Future Minimum Payments, Operating Leases) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$6,040
2015	5,804
2016	4,867
2017	2,258
2018	2,195
After 2018	4,335
Future minimum lease payments under existing operating leases	$25,499

Commitments_Contingencies_and_4

Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items (Capital Leases) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Capital Lease, Term	'20 years
Capital Lease, Term, Renewal Option	'30 years
2014	$3,017
2015	3,017
2016	3,017
2017	2,417
2018	2,417
After 2018	26,179
Future minimum lease payments under existing capital leases	$40,064

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (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
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'		'
Gross premiums written	$84,122	$182,649	$703,223	$635,418	$83,745	$136,359	$667,336	$664,151	$1,605,412	[1]	$1,551,591	[2]	$1,434,976	[3]
Net premiums written	80,784	127,241	559,109	436,813	77,417	105,035	427,630	492,575	1,203,947		1,102,657		1,012,773
(Increase) decrease in unearned premiums	175,981	167,476	-267,220	-165,558	206,234	157,588	-183,214	-213,910	-89,321		-33,302		-61,724
Net premiums earned (Note 7)	256,765	294,717	291,889	271,255	283,651	262,623	244,416	278,665	1,114,626		1,069,355		951,049
Net investment income (loss)	78,732	59,931	26,163	43,202	39,000	46,135	17,648	62,942	208,028		165,725		146,871
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)	1,747	488	-932	614	1,851	3,187	1,587	-1,306	1,917		5,319		-7,844
Equity in earnings (losses) of other ventures	6,274	7,313	3,772	5,835	6,612	4,310	6,846	5,470	23,194		23,238		-36,533
Other (loss) income	-173	651	-1,128	-1,709	-2,850	-1,052	5,414	-3,632	-2,359		-2,120		44,345
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	61,864	28,472	-69,529	14,269	12,139	75,297	28,071	47,614	35,076		163,121		43,956
Total other-than-temporary impairments	0	0	0	0	0	0	-234	-161	0		-395		-630
Portion recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes	0	0	0	0	0	0	25	27	'		'		'
Net other-than-temporary impairments	0	0	0	0	0	0	-209	-134	0		-343		-552
Total revenues	405,209	391,572	250,235	333,466	340,403	390,500	303,773	389,619	1,380,482		1,424,295		1,141,292
Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'		'
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	-20,854	60,928	103,962	27,251	186,893	73,215	49,551	15,552	171,287		325,211		861,179
Acquisition costs	31,026	37,699	31,767	25,009	39,385	24,438	25,608	24,111	125,501		113,542		97,376
Operational expenses	57,658	44,672	42,789	45,986	53,096	42,357	41,375	42,323	191,105		179,151		169,661
Corporate expenses	3,304	4,307	21,529	4,482	3,889	3,796	4,014	4,757	33,622		16,456		18,156
Interest expense	4,297	4,298	4,300	5,034	5,772	5,891	5,716	5,718	17,929		23,097		23,368
Total expenses	75,431	151,904	204,347	107,762	289,035	149,697	126,264	92,461	539,444		657,457		1,169,740
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	329,778	239,668	45,888	225,704	51,368	240,803	177,509	297,158	841,038		766,838		-28,448
Income tax (expense) benefit	-1,336	-223	-11	-122	-405	-144	-899	36	-1,692		-1,413		-10,385
Income (loss) from continuing operations	328,442	239,445	45,877	225,582	50,963	240,659	176,610	297,194	839,346		765,425		-38,833
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	-9,779	2,427	9,774	9,029	-166	8,034	-33,374	2,422		-16,476		-51,559
Net income (loss)	328,442	229,666	48,304	235,356	59,992	240,493	184,644	263,820	841,768		748,949		-90,392
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-54,191	-44,331	-14,015	-38,607	-9,692	-51,083	-33,624	-53,641	-151,144		-148,040		33,157
Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	274,251	185,335	34,289	196,749	50,300	189,410	151,020	210,179	690,624		600,909		-57,235
Dividends on preference shares	-5,595	-5,595	-7,483	-6,275	-8,645	-8,750	-8,750	-8,750	-24,948		-34,895		-35,000
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$268,656	$179,740	$26,806	$190,474	$41,655	$180,660	$142,270	$201,429	$665,676		$566,014		($92,235)
Income (loss) from continuing operations available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic, in dollars per share	$6.14	$4.32	$0.55	$4.10	$0.69	$3.67	$2.62	$4.59	$15.08		$11.74		($0.82)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic, in dollars per share	$0	($0.23)	$0.06	$0.22	$0.19	$0	$0.16	($0.66)	$0.06		($0.34)		($1.02)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic (Note 13), in dollars per share	$6.14	$4.09	$0.61	$4.32	$0.88	$3.67	$2.78	$3.93	$15.14		$11.40		($1.84)
Income (loss) from continuing operations available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted, in dollars per share	$6.05	$4.23	$0.55	$4.01	$0.68	$3.62	$2.59	$4.53	$14.82		$11.56		($0.82)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted, in dollars per share	$0	($0.22)	$0.05	$0.22	$0.19	$0	$0.16	($0.65)	$0.05		($0.33)		($1.02)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted (Note 13), in dollars per share	$6.05	$4.01	$0.60	$4.23	$0.87	$3.62	$2.75	$3.88	$14.87		$11.23		($1.84)
Average shares outstanding - basic (shares)	43,160	43,330	43,372	43,461	46,442	48,394	50,278	50,377	43,349		48,873		50,747
Average shares outstanding - diluted (shares)	43,769	44,135	44,243	44,290	47,297	49,119	51,012	50,981	44,128		49,603		50,747
[1]	Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $1.0 million.
[2]	Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.5 million.
[3]	Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.1 million

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries (Narrative) (Details) (RenRe North America Holdings Inc., USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 17, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Subsidiary, ownership percentage	'	'	100.00%
5.75% Senior Notes Due March 15, 2020	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Senior notes issuance date	17-Mar-10	'	'
5.75% Senior notes issued	$250,000,000	'	'
Senior notes interest rate	'	'	5.75%
Senior notes maturity date	'	'March 15, 2020	'

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ3

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries (Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Assets	'		'		'		'
Total investments	$6,821,712,000		$6,355,394,000		'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	408,032,000		304,145,000		181,825,000		226,138,000
Investments in subsidiaries	0		0		'		'
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	0		0		'		'
Premiums receivable	474,087,000		491,365,000		'		'
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	66,132,000		77,082,000		'		'
Reinsurance recoverable	101,025,000		192,512,000		404,029,000		'
Accrued investment income	34,065,000		33,478,000		'		'
Deferred acquisition costs	81,684,000		52,622,000		'		'
Receivable for investments sold	75,845,000		168,673,000		'		'
Other assets	116,549,000		119,263,000		'		'
Assets of discontinued operations held for sale	0		134,094,000		'		'
Total assets	8,179,131,000		7,928,628,000		'		'
Liabilities	'		'		'		'
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	1,563,730,000		1,879,377,000		'		'
Unearned premiums	477,888,000		399,517,000		'		'
Notes and bank loans payable	249,430,000		349,339,000		'		'
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	0		0		'		'
Reinsurance balances payable	293,022,000		290,419,000		'		'
Payable for investments purchased	193,221,000		278,787,000		'		'
Other liabilities	397,596,000		198,434,000		'		'
Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	0		57,440,000		'		'
Total liabilities	3,174,887,000		3,453,313,000		'		'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	1,099,860,000		968,259,000		'		'
Shareholders' Equity	'		'		'		'
Total shareholders' equity	3,904,384,000		3,507,056,000		3,608,533,000		'
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders' equity	8,179,131,000		7,928,628,000		'		'
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)	'		'		'		'
Assets	'		'		'		'
Total investments	210,719,000		572,139,000		'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	8,796,000		6,298,000		10,606,000		3,414,000
Investments in subsidiaries	3,294,729,000		2,864,793,000		'		'
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	296,752,000		53,296,000		'		'
Premiums receivable	0		0		'		'
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	0		0		'		'
Reinsurance recoverable	0		0		'		'
Accrued investment income	0		2,535,000		'		'
Deferred acquisition costs	0		0		'		'
Receivable for investments sold	14,000		60,149,000		'		'
Other assets	112,234,000		114,956,000		'		'
Assets of discontinued operations held for sale	'		0		'		'
Total assets	3,923,244,000		3,674,166,000		'		'
Liabilities	'		'		'		'
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	0		0		'		'
Unearned premiums	0		0		'		'
Notes and bank loans payable	0		100,000,000		'		'
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	0		11,371,000		'		'
Reinsurance balances payable	0		0		'		'
Payable for investments purchased	'		9,694,000		'		'
Other liabilities	'		50,036,000		'		'
Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	'		0		'		'
Total liabilities	18,860,000		171,101,000		'		'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0		0		'		'
Shareholders' Equity	'		'		'		'
Total shareholders' equity	3,904,384,000		3,503,065,000		'		'
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders' equity	3,923,244,000		3,674,166,000		'		'
RenRe North America Holdings Inc.	'		'		'		'
Assets	'		'		'		'
Total investments	98,784,000		49,618,000		'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	4,027,000		1,528,000		4,920,000		3,940,000
Investments in subsidiaries	74,718,000		37,202,000		'		'
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	0		117,000		'		'
Premiums receivable	0		0		'		'
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	0		0		'		'
Reinsurance recoverable	0		0		'		'
Accrued investment income	110,000		69,000		'		'
Deferred acquisition costs	0		0		'		'
Receivable for investments sold	0		0		'		'
Other assets	1,481,000		15,754,000		'		'
Assets of discontinued operations held for sale	'		134,094,000		'		'
Total assets	179,120,000		238,382,000		'		'
Liabilities	'		'		'		'
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	0		0		'		'
Unearned premiums	0		0		'		'
Notes and bank loans payable	249,430,000		249,339,000		'		'
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	3,173,000		5,593,000		'		'
Reinsurance balances payable	0		0		'		'
Payable for investments purchased	0		0		'		'
Other liabilities	6,953,000		4,572,000		'		'
Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	'		57,440,000		'		'
Total liabilities	259,556,000		316,944,000		'		'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0		0		'		'
Shareholders' Equity	'		'		'		'
Total shareholders' equity	-80,436,000		-78,562,000		'		'
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders' equity	179,120,000		238,382,000		'		'
Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries And Eliminations (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries)	'		'		'		'
Assets	'		'		'		'
Total investments	6,512,209,000		5,733,637,000		'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	395,209,000	[1]	296,319,000	[1]	166,299,000	[1]	218,784,000	[1]
Investments in subsidiaries	0		0		'		'
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	0		0		'		'
Premiums receivable	474,087,000		491,365,000		'		'
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	66,132,000		77,082,000		'		'
Reinsurance recoverable	101,025,000		192,512,000		'		'
Accrued investment income	33,955,000		30,874,000		'		'
Deferred acquisition costs	81,684,000		52,622,000		'		'
Receivable for investments sold	75,831,000		108,524,000		'		'
Other assets	102,834,000		104,046,000		'		'
Assets of discontinued operations held for sale	'		0		'		'
Total assets	7,842,966,000	[1]	7,086,981,000	[1]	'		'
Liabilities	'		'		'		'
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	1,563,730,000		1,879,377,000		'		'
Unearned premiums	477,888,000		399,517,000		'		'
Notes and bank loans payable	0		0		'		'
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	0		0		'		'
Reinsurance balances payable	293,022,000		290,419,000		'		'
Payable for investments purchased	193,221,000		269,093,000		'		'
Other liabilities	371,783,000		145,284,000		'		'
Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	'		0		'		'
Total liabilities	2,899,644,000	[1]	2,983,690,000	[1]	'		'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	1,099,860,000		968,259,000		'		'
Shareholders' Equity	'		'		'		'
Total shareholders' equity	3,843,462,000		3,135,032,000		'		'
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders' equity	7,842,966,000	[1]	7,086,981,000	[1]	'		'
Consolidating Adjustments	'		'		'		'
Assets	'		'		'		'
Total investments	0		0		'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0		'		'
Investments in subsidiaries	-3,369,447,000		-2,901,995,000		'		'
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	-296,752,000		-53,413,000		'		'
Premiums receivable	0		0		'		'
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	0		0		'		'
Reinsurance recoverable	0		0		'		'
Accrued investment income	0		0		'		'
Deferred acquisition costs	0		0		'		'
Receivable for investments sold	0		0		'		'
Other assets	-100,000,000		-115,493,000		'		'
Assets of discontinued operations held for sale	'		0		'		'
Total assets	-3,766,199,000	[2]	-3,070,901,000	[2]	'		'
Liabilities	'		'		'		'
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	0		0		'		'
Unearned premiums	0		0		'		'
Notes and bank loans payable	0		0		'		'
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	-3,173,000		-16,964,000		'		'
Reinsurance balances payable	0		0		'		'
Payable for investments purchased	0		0		'		'
Other liabilities	0		-1,458,000		'		'
Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	'		0		'		'
Total liabilities	-3,173,000	[2]	-18,422,000	[2]	'		'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0		0		'		'
Shareholders' Equity	'		'		'		'
Total shareholders' equity	-3,763,026,000		-3,052,479,000		'		'
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders' equity	($3,766,199,000)	[2]	($3,070,901,000)	[2]	'		'
[1]	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
[2]	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ4

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries (Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations) (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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

$256,765

$294,717

$291,889

$271,255

$283,651

$262,623

$244,416

$278,665

$1,114,626

$1,069,355

$951,049

Net investment income

78,732

59,931

26,163

43,202

39,000

46,135

17,648

62,942

208,028

165,725

146,871

Net foreign exchange gains (losses)

1,747

488

-932

614

1,851

3,187

1,587

-1,306

1,917

5,319

-7,844

Equity in earnings (losses) of other ventures

6,274

7,313

3,772

5,835

6,612

4,310

6,846

5,470

23,194

23,238

-36,533

Other (loss) income

-173

651

-1,128

-1,709

-2,850

-1,052

5,414

-3,632

-2,359

-2,120

44,345

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

61,864

28,472

-69,529

14,269

12,139

75,297

28,071

47,614

35,076

163,121

43,956

Net other-than-temporary impairments

0

0

0

0

0

0

-209

-134

0

-343

-552

Total revenues

405,209

391,572

250,235

333,466

340,403

390,500

303,773

389,619

1,380,482

1,424,295

1,141,292

Expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

-20,854

60,928

103,962

27,251

186,893

73,215

49,551

15,552

171,287

325,211

861,179

Acquisition expenses

31,026

37,699

31,767

25,009

39,385

24,438

25,608

24,111

125,501

113,542

97,376

Operational expenses

57,658

44,672

42,789

45,986

53,096

42,357

41,375

42,323

191,105

179,151

169,661

Corporate expenses

3,304

4,307

21,529

4,482

3,889

3,796

4,014

4,757

33,622

16,456

18,156

Interest expense

4,297

4,298

4,300

5,034

5,772

5,891

5,716

5,718

17,929

23,097

23,368

Total expenses

75,431

151,904

204,347

107,762

289,035

149,697

126,264

92,461

539,444

657,457

1,169,740

Income (loss) before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries and taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

841,038

766,838

-28,448

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes

329,778

239,668

45,888

225,704

51,368

240,803

177,509

297,158

841,038

766,838

-28,448

Income tax (expense) benefit

-1,336

-223

-11

-122

-405

-144

-899

36

-1,692

-1,413

-10,385

Income (loss) from continuing operations

328,442

239,445

45,877

225,582

50,963

240,659

176,610

297,194

839,346

765,425

-38,833

Income from discontinued operations

0

-9,779

2,427

9,774

9,029

-166

8,034

-33,374

2,422

-16,476

-51,559

Net income (loss)

328,442

229,666

48,304

235,356

59,992

240,493

184,644

263,820

841,768

748,949

-90,392

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

-54,191

-44,331

-14,015

-38,607

-9,692

-51,083

-33,624

-53,641

-151,144

-148,040

33,157

Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

274,251

185,335

34,289

196,749

50,300

189,410

151,020

210,179

690,624

600,909

-57,235

Dividends on preference shares

-5,595

-5,595

-7,483

-6,275

-8,645

-8,750

-8,750

-8,750

-24,948

-34,895

-35,000

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

268,656

179,740

26,806

190,474

41,655

180,660

142,270

201,429

665,676

566,014

-92,235

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,213

14,195

20,182

Net foreign exchange gains (losses)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7

33

112

Equity in earnings (losses) of other ventures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Other (loss) income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

106

2,822

-11

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-483

14,862

12,040

Net other-than-temporary impairments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,829

31,912

32,323

Expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Acquisition expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Operational expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,962

-5,103

-4,842

Corporate expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31,264

14,282

11,486

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

734

5,875

10,472

Total expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,036

15,054

17,116

Income (loss) before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries and taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-23,207

16,858

15,207

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

713,831

584,051

-73,066

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

690,624

600,909

-57,859

Income tax (expense) benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

624

Income (loss) from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

690,624

600,909

-57,235

Income from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

690,624

600,909

-57,235

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

690,624

600,909

-57,235

Dividends on preference shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-24,948

-34,895

-35,000

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

665,676

566,014

-92,235

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

488

619

944

Net foreign exchange gains (losses)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2

0

0

Equity in earnings (losses) of other ventures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Other (loss) income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125

0

0

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,196

1,556

1,217

Net other-than-temporary impairments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,807

2,175

2,161

Expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Acquisition expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Operational expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,566

7,013

7,910

Corporate expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

338

273

229

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,467

14,467

14,568

Total expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,371

21,753

22,707

Income (loss) before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries and taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,564

-19,578

-20,546

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,142

1,860

-16,689

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-18,422

-17,718

-37,235

Income tax (expense) benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,558

-499

1,677

Income (loss) from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-19,980

-18,217

-35,558

Income from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,422

-16,476

-51,559

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-17,558

-34,693

-87,117

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-17,558

-34,693

-87,117

Dividends on preference shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-17,558

-34,693

-87,117

Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries And Eliminations (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,114,626

1,069,355

951,049

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

209,105

150,911

131,557

Net foreign exchange gains (losses)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,926

5,286

-7,956

Equity in earnings (losses) of other ventures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23,194

23,238

-36,533

Other (loss) income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,590

-4,942

44,356

[1]

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

34,363

146,703

30,699

Net other-than-temporary impairments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-343

-552

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,380,624

[1]

1,390,208

[1]

1,112,620

Expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

171,287

325,211

861,179

[1]

Acquisition expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125,501

113,542

97,376

Operational expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

189,117

177,241

166,593

Corporate expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,020

1,901

6,441

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,728

2,755

3,026

Total expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

490,653

[1]

620,650

[1]

1,134,615

Income (loss) before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries and taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

889,971

769,558

-21,995

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

889,971

[1]

769,558

[1]

-21,995

Income tax (expense) benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-134

-914

-12,686

Income (loss) from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

889,837

[1]

768,644

[1]

-34,681

Income from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

889,837

[1]

768,644

[1]

-34,681

[1]

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-151,144

-148,040

33,157

Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

738,693

[1]

620,604

[1]

-1,524

Dividends on preference shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

738,693

[1]

620,604

[1]

-1,524

Consolidating Adjustments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,778

0

-5,812

Net foreign exchange gains (losses)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Equity in earnings (losses) of other ventures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Other (loss) income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

[2]

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net other-than-temporary impairments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,778

[2]

0

[2]

-5,812

Expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

[2]

Acquisition expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Operational expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-616

0

0

Corporate expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

-4,698

Total expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-616

[2]

0

[2]

-4,698

Income (loss) before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries and taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,162

0

-1,114

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-715,973

-585,911

89,755

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-721,135

[2]

-585,911

[2]

88,641

Income tax (expense) benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Income (loss) from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-721,135

[2]

-585,911

[2]

88,641

Income from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-721,135

[2]

-585,911

[2]

88,641

[2]

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-721,135

[2]

-585,911

[2]

88,641

Dividends on preference shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($721,135)

[2]

($585,911)

[2]

$88,641

[1]

Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

[2]

Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ5

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries (Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (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

Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss)

$328,442

$229,666

$48,304

$235,356

$59,992

$240,493

$184,644

$263,820

$841,768

$748,949

($90,392)

Change in net unrealized gains on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-9,491

1,914

-7,991

Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

-52

-78

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

832,277

750,811

-98,461

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-151,144

-148,040

33,157

Change in net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

6

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

151,144

148,040

-33,163

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

681,133

602,771

-65,298

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

690,624

600,909

-57,235

Change in net unrealized gains on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

690,624

600,909

-57,235

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Change in net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

690,624

600,909

-57,235

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-17,558

-34,693

-87,117

Change in net unrealized gains on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-17,558

-34,693

-87,117

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Change in net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-17,558

-34,693

-87,117

Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries And Eliminations (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

889,837

[1]

768,644

[1]

-34,681

[1]

Change in net unrealized gains on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-9,491

[1]

1,914

[1]

'

Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-52

[1]

'

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

880,346

770,506

-42,750

[1]

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-151,144

-148,040

33,157

[1]

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

151,144

148,040

-33,163

[1]

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

729,202

622,466

-9,587

[1]

Consolidating Adjustments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-721,135

[2]

-585,911

[2]

88,641

[2]

Change in net unrealized gains on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

[2]

Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

[2]

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-721,135

-585,911

88,641

[2]

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

[2]

Change in net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[2]

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

[2]

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($721,135)

($585,911)

$88,641

[2]

[1]

Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

[2]

Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ6

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries (Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

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, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries And Eliminations (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries)

Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries And Eliminations (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries)

Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries And Eliminations (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries)

Series C Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series D Preferred Stock

Series D Preferred Stock

Series D Preferred Stock

Series D Preferred Stock

Series D Preferred Stock

Series D Preferred Stock

Series E Preferred Stock

Series E Preferred Stock

Series E Preferred Stock

Series E Preferred Stock

Series E Preferred Stock

Series E Preferred Stock

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries And Eliminations (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries)

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries And Eliminations (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries)

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries And Eliminations (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries)

Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

$795,721,000

$716,929,000

$165,933,000

($37,966,000)

$128,567,000

($58,721,000)

($7,583,000)

($10,376,000)

($56,438,000)

$841,270,000

$598,738,000

[1]

$281,092,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading

8,251,405,000

8,192,867,000

6,089,468,000

880,749,000

744,211,000

532,864,000

185,143,000

140,626,000

221,189,000

7,185,513,000

7,308,030,000

[1]

5,335,415,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading

-8,466,467,000

-8,536,238,000

-6,271,623,000

-491,768,000

-692,783,000

-684,951,000

-160,422,000

-73,800,000

-322,318,000

-7,814,277,000

-7,769,655,000

[1]

-5,264,354,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale

45,178,000

65,168,000

106,362,000

0

0

0

0

0

0

45,178,000

65,168,000

[1]

106,362,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchases of fixed maturity investments available for sale

0

0

-4,107,000

'

'

0

'

'

0

'

'

-4,107,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchases of equity investments trading

-33,055,000

0

-47,995,000

0

'

0

-81,437,000

'

0

48,382,000

'

-47,995,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net (purchases) sales of short term investments

-246,971,000

68,777,000

103,148,000

21,217,000

-80,485,000

-6,014,000

9,399,000

-10,624,000

9,184,000

-277,587,000

159,886,000

[1]

99,978,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net sales of other investments

76,214,000

150,828,000

50,940,000

0

0

102,717,000

0

0

0

76,214,000

150,828,000

[1]

-51,777,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net purchases of investments in other ventures

-4,000,000

0

-39,000,000

0

'

0

0

'

0

-4,000,000

'

-39,000,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net sales (purchases) of other assets

2,181,000

-4,079,000

58,318,000

0

0

0

0

0

0

2,181,000

-4,079,000

[1]

58,318,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries

0

0

0

504,241,000

979,311,000

945,195,000

83,593,000

9,541,000

9,306,000

-587,834,000

-988,852,000

[1]

-954,501,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contributions to subsidiaries

0

0

0

-500,652,000

-366,210,000

-272,366,000

-38,117,000

-50,000,000

-8,294,000

538,769,000

416,210,000

[1]

280,660,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Due to (from) subsidiary

0

0

0

17,446,000

-15,359,000

6,059,000

-3,761,000

241,000

3,780,000

-13,685,000

15,118,000

[1]

-9,839,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net proceeds (payments) related to sale of discontinued operations

60,000,000

-9,000,000

269,520,000

0

0

0

0

-9,000,000

269,520,000

60,000,000

0

[1]

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

-315,515,000

-71,677,000

315,031,000

431,233,000

568,685,000

623,504,000

-5,602,000

6,984,000

182,367,000

-741,146,000

[1]

-647,346,000

[1]

-490,840,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends paid - RenaissanceRe common shares

-49,267,000

-53,356,000

-53,460,000

-49,267,000

-53,356,000

-53,460,000

0

0

0

0

0

[1]

0

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends paid - preference shares

-24,948,000

-34,895,000

-35,000,000

-24,948,000

-34,895,000

-35,000,000

0

0

0

0

0

[1]

0

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

RenaissanceRe common share repurchases

-207,410,000

-463,309,000

-191,619,000

-207,410,000

-463,309,000

-191,619,000

0

0

0

0

0

[1]

0

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net repayment of debt

-102,436,000

-1,937,000

-200,000,000

-100,000,000

0

-277,512,000

0

0

-124,949,000

-2,436,000

-1,937,000

[1]

202,461,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption of preference shares

'

-150,000,000

'

'

-150,000,000

'

'

0

'

'

0

[1]

'

-125,000,000

0

0

-125,000,000

0

0

-150,000,000

-150,000,000

0

-150,000,000

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of preference shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

265,856,000

0

0

265,856,000

0

0

Contribution of capital from parent

0

'

'

0

'

'

15,684,000

'

'

-15,684,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions

-5,750,000

164,927,000

-62,157,000

0

0

0

0

0

0

-5,750,000

164,927,000

[1]

-62,157,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net cash used in financing activities

-398,955,000

-538,570,000

-542,236,000

-390,769,000

-701,560,000

-557,591,000

15,684,000

0

-124,949,000

-23,870,000

[1]

162,990,000

[1]

140,304,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash

1,423,000

1,692,000

518,000

0

0

0

0

0

0

1,423,000

1,692,000

[1]

518,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

82,674,000

108,374,000

-60,754,000

2,498,000

-4,308,000

7,192,000

2,499,000

-3,392,000

980,000

77,677,000

116,074,000

[1]

-68,926,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations

21,213,000

13,946,000

16,441,000

0

0

0

0

0

0

21,213,000

[1]

13,946,000

[1]

16,441,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

304,145,000

181,825,000

226,138,000

6,298,000

10,606,000

3,414,000

1,528,000

4,920,000

3,940,000

296,319,000

[1]

166,299,000

[1]

218,784,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$408,032,000

$304,145,000

$181,825,000

$8,796,000

$6,298,000

$10,606,000

$4,027,000

$1,528,000

$4,920,000

$395,209,000

[1]

$296,319,000

[1]

$166,299,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Nov. 14, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 19, 2014

Feb. 18, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 02, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 01, 2012

Jan. 02, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 31, 2014

Jan. 01, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 18, 2014

Feb. 19, 2014

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 02, 2012

Jan. 31, 2014

Common stock

Common stock

Common stock

Common stock

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

Medici

Medici

Medici

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repurchase of shares

'

2,500

'

2,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common shares repurchased during period, Aggregate value

'

($207,900,000)

'

($185,800,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common shares repurchased during period, Average cost per share

'

$84.80

'

$91.66

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share repurchase program, Authorized aggregate amount

500,000,000

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redeemable noncontrolling interest, net redemptions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,000,000

'

300,000,000

Redeemable noncontrolling interest, Reserve holdback

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

60,000,000

'

'

'

'

20,500,000

10,000,000

'

Parent Company Ownership in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

'

'

'

'

27.30%

32.90%

30.80%

'

34.70%

42.80%

'

26.50%

73.90%

'

46.80%

'

'

'

Noncontrolling interest, value subscribed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$37,200,000

$42,200,000

'

'

'

'

Schedule_I_Summary_of_Investme1

Schedule I. Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'
Market Value	$6,821,712	'
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	6,821,712	'
Short-term investments	1,044,779	821,163
Equity investments trading	254,776	58,186
Other investments	573,264	644,711
Investments in other ventures, under equity method	105,616	87,724
U.S. treasuries	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	1,358,094	'
Market Value	1,352,413	'
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	1,352,413	'
Agencies	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	187,815	'
Market Value	186,050	'
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	186,050	'
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign Debt)	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	332,935	'
Market Value	334,580	'
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	334,580	'
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	234,531	'
Market Value	237,479	'
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	237,479	'
Corporate	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	1,783,043	'
Market Value	1,803,415	'
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	1,803,415	'
Agency mortgage-backed	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	346,740	'
Market Value	341,908	'
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	341,908	'
Non-agency mortgage-backed	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	242,344	'
Market Value	257,938	'
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	257,938	'
Commercial mortgage-backed	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	311,681	'
Market Value	314,236	'
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	314,236	'
Asset-backed	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	14,802	'
Market Value	15,258	'
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	15,258	'
Fixed maturity investments	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	4,811,985	'
Market Value	4,843,277	'
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	$4,843,277	'

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia1

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information Of Registrant (Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets	'	'	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value (Amortized cost $Nil and $324,160 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively)	$4,809,036,000	$4,660,168,000	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Amortized cost	4,781,712,000	4,549,112,000	'	'
Short-term investments	1,044,779,000	821,163,000	'	'
Total investments	6,821,712,000	6,355,394,000	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	408,032,000	304,145,000	181,825,000	226,138,000
Investments in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Due from subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Accrued investment income	34,065,000	33,478,000	'	'
Receivable for investments sold	75,845,000	168,673,000	'	'
Other assets	108,438,000	110,777,000	'	'
Total assets	8,179,131,000	7,928,628,000	'	'
Liabilities	'	'	'	'
Notes and bank loans payable	249,430,000	349,339,000	'	'
Contributions due to subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Payable for investments purchased	193,221,000	278,787,000	'	'
Other liabilities	397,596,000	198,434,000	'	'
Total liabilities	3,174,887,000	3,453,313,000	'	'
Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'
Preference shares: $1.00 par value – 16,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 – 16,000,000)	400,000,000	400,000,000	'	'
Common shares: $1.00 par value – 43,646,436 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 – 45,542,203)	43,646,000	45,542,000	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,131,000	13,622,000	'	'
Retained earnings	3,456,607,000	3,043,901,000	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	3,904,384,000	3,507,056,000	3,608,533,000	'
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders' equity	8,179,131,000	7,928,628,000	'	'
Parent	'	'	'	'
Assets	'	'	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value (Amortized cost $Nil and $324,160 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively)	0	337,376,000	'	'
Fixed maturity investments trading, Amortized cost	0	324,160,000	'	'
Short-term investments	210,719,000	234,763,000	'	'
Total investments	210,719,000	572,139,000	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	8,796,000	6,298,000	10,606,000	3,414,000
Investments in subsidiaries	3,294,729,000	2,864,793,000	'	'
Due from subsidiaries	16,479,000	32,467,000	'	'
Dividends due from subsidiaries	280,273,000	20,829,000	'	'
Accrued investment income	0	2,535,000	'	'
Receivable for investments sold	14,000	60,149,000	'	'
Other assets	112,234,000	114,956,000	'	'
Total assets	3,923,244,000	3,674,166,000	'	'
Liabilities	'	'	'	'
Notes and bank loans payable	0	100,000,000	'	'
Contributions due to subsidiaries	0	11,371,000	'	'
Payable for investments purchased	0	9,694,000	'	'
Other liabilities	18,860,000	50,036,000	'	'
Total liabilities	18,860,000	171,101,000	'	'
Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'
Preference shares: $1.00 par value – 16,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 – 16,000,000)	400,000,000	400,000,000	'	'
Common shares: $1.00 par value – 43,646,436 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 – 45,542,203)	43,646,000	45,542,000	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,131,000	13,622,000	'	'
Retained earnings	3,456,607,000	3,043,901,000	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	3,904,384,000	3,503,065,000	'	'
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders' equity	$3,923,244,000	$3,674,166,000	'	'

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia2

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information Of Registrant (Statements of Operations) (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	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	$78,732	$59,931	$26,163	$43,202	$39,000	$46,135	$17,648	$62,942	$208,028	$165,725	$146,871
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)	1,747	488	-932	614	1,851	3,187	1,587	-1,306	1,917	5,319	-7,844
Other income (loss)	-173	651	-1,128	-1,709	-2,850	-1,052	5,414	-3,632	-2,359	-2,120	44,345
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	61,864	28,472	-69,529	14,269	12,139	75,297	28,071	47,614	35,076	163,121	43,956
Total revenues	405,209	391,572	250,235	333,466	340,403	390,500	303,773	389,619	1,380,482	1,424,295	1,141,292
Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	4,297	4,298	4,300	5,034	5,772	5,891	5,716	5,718	17,929	23,097	23,368
Operating and corporate expenses	3,304	4,307	21,529	4,482	3,889	3,796	4,014	4,757	33,622	16,456	18,156
Total expenses	75,431	151,904	204,347	107,762	289,035	149,697	126,264	92,461	539,444	657,457	1,169,740
Income (loss) before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries and taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	841,038	766,838	-28,448
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	329,778	239,668	45,888	225,704	51,368	240,803	177,509	297,158	841,038	766,838	-28,448
Income tax (expense) benefit	-1,336	-223	-11	-122	-405	-144	-899	36	-1,692	-1,413	-10,385
Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	274,251	185,335	34,289	196,749	50,300	189,410	151,020	210,179	690,624	600,909	-57,235
Dividends on preference shares	-5,595	-5,595	-7,483	-6,275	-8,645	-8,750	-8,750	-8,750	-24,948	-34,895	-35,000
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	268,656	179,740	26,806	190,474	41,655	180,660	142,270	201,429	665,676	566,014	-92,235
Parent	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,213	14,195	20,182
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-7	33	112
Other income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	106	2,822	-11
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-483	14,862	12,040
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,829	31,912	32,323
Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	734	5,875	10,472
Operating and corporate expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	26,302	9,179	6,644
Total expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	27,036	15,054	17,116
Income (loss) before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries and taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-23,207	16,858	15,207
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	713,831	584,051	-73,066
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	690,624	600,909	-57,859
Income tax (expense) benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	624
Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	690,624	600,909	-57,235
Dividends on preference shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-24,948	-34,895	-35,000
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$665,676	$566,014	($92,235)

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia3

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information Of Registrant (Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (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
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$328,442	$229,666	$48,304	$235,356	$59,992	$240,493	$184,644	$263,820	$841,768	$748,949	($90,392)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	681,133	602,771	-65,298
Parent	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	690,624	600,909	-57,235
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$690,624	$600,909	($57,235)

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia4

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information Of Registrant (Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Parent

Parent

Parent

Parent

Parent

Parent

Parent

Parent

Parent

Series C Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series D Preferred Stock

Series D Preferred Stock

Series D Preferred Stock

Series D Preferred Stock

Series D Preferred Stock

Series D Preferred Stock

Series E Preferred Stock

Series E Preferred Stock

Series E Preferred Stock

Series E Preferred Stock

Series E Preferred Stock

Series E Preferred Stock

Fixed maturity investments

Fixed maturity investments

Fixed maturity investments

Investment Income

Investment Income

Investment Income

Parent

Parent

Parent

Parent

Parent

Parent

Parent

Parent

Parent

Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

$690,624,000

$600,909,000

($57,235,000)

$690,624,000

$600,909,000

($57,235,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Less: equity in net (income) loss of subsidiaries

0

0

0

-713,831,000

-584,051,000

73,066,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income (loss) before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries and taxes

'

'

'

-23,207,000

16,858,000

15,831,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net unrealized (gains) losses included in net investment income

-75,789,000

-38,207,000

-12,706,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

483,000

348,000

-1,696,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net unrealized losses (gains) included in other (loss) income

12,782,000

-330,000

1,553,000

0

-193,000

304,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

35,076,000

163,121,000

43,956,000

-483,000

14,862,000

12,040,000

20,000

14,862,000

12,040,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other

159,892,000

-8,074,000

-47,771,000

-15,222,000

126,416,000

-61,120,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net cash provided by operating activities

795,721,000

716,929,000

165,933,000

-37,966,000

128,567,000

-58,721,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from maturities and sales of fixed maturity investments trading

8,251,405,000

8,192,867,000

6,089,468,000

880,749,000

744,211,000

532,864,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading

-8,466,467,000

-8,536,238,000

-6,271,623,000

-491,768,000

-692,783,000

-684,951,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net (purchases) sales of short term investments

-246,971,000

68,777,000

103,148,000

21,217,000

-80,485,000

-6,014,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net sales of other investments

76,214,000

150,828,000

50,940,000

0

0

102,717,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries

'

'

'

504,241,000

979,311,000

945,195,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contributions to subsidiaries

0

0

0

-500,652,000

-366,210,000

-272,366,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Due to (from) subsidiary

'

'

'

17,446,000

-15,359,000

6,059,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

-315,515,000

-71,677,000

315,031,000

431,233,000

568,685,000

623,504,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash flows used in financing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends paid - RenaissanceRe common shares

-49,267,000

-53,356,000

-53,460,000

-49,267,000

-53,356,000

-53,460,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends paid - preference shares

-24,948,000

-34,895,000

-35,000,000

-24,948,000

-34,895,000

-35,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

RenaissanceRe common share repurchases

-207,410,000

-463,309,000

-191,619,000

-207,410,000

-463,309,000

-191,619,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption of preference shares

'

-150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-125,000,000

0

0

-125,000,000

0

0

-150,000,000

-150,000,000

0

-150,000,000

-150,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of preference shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

265,856,000

0

0

265,856,000

0

0

Net repayment of debt

-102,436,000

-1,937,000

-200,000,000

-100,000,000

0

-277,512,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net cash used in financing activities

-398,955,000

-538,570,000

-542,236,000

-390,769,000

-701,560,000

-557,591,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

82,674,000

108,374,000

-60,754,000

2,498,000

-4,308,000

7,192,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

304,145,000

181,825,000

226,138,000

6,298,000

10,606,000

3,414,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$408,032,000

$304,145,000

$181,825,000

$8,796,000

$6,298,000

$10,606,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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	$81,684	$52,622	$43,721
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses	1,563,730	1,879,377	1,992,354
Unearned Premiums	477,888	399,517	347,655
Premium Revenue	1,114,626	1,069,355	951,049
Net Investment Income	208,028	165,725	146,871
Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	171,287	325,211	861,179
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	125,501	113,542	97,376
Other Operating Expenses	191,105	179,151	169,661
Net Written Premiums	1,203,947	1,102,657	1,012,773
Catastrophe Reinsurance	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	37,889	28,306	28,059
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses	780,987	1,184,258	1,341,908
Unearned Premiums	279,465	261,456	260,746
Premium Revenue	723,705	781,738	737,545
Net Investment Income	0	0	0
Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	7,908	165,209	770,350
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	49,161	66,665	62,882
Other Operating Expenses	108,130	103,811	100,932
Net Written Premiums	753,078	766,035	773,560
Specialty Reinsurance	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	26,727	15,010	6,864
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses	506,268	478,313	471,618
Unearned Premiums	115,278	84,058	41,099
Premium Revenue	214,306	164,685	135,543
Net Investment Income	0	0	0
Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	67,236	76,813	13,354
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	41,538	23,826	20,096
Other Operating Expenses	31,780	29,124	30,319
Net Written Premiums	248,562	201,552	139,939
Lloyd's	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	17,068	9,306	8,039
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses	218,367	149,470	87,495
Unearned Premiums	83,145	54,003	43,367
Premium Revenue	176,029	122,968	76,386
Net Investment Income	0	0	0
Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	95,693	80,242	73,259
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	34,823	22,864	14,031
Other Operating Expenses	50,540	45,680	36,732
Net Written Premiums	201,697	135,131	98,617
Other	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0	0	759
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses	58,108	67,336	91,333
Unearned Premiums	0	0	2,443
Premium Revenue	586	-36	1,575
Net Investment Income	208,028	165,725	146,871
Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	450	2,947	4,216
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-21	187	367
Other Operating Expenses	655	536	1,678
Net Written Premiums	$610	($61)	$657

Schedule_IV_Supplemental_Sched1

Schedule IV. Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums (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
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Amounts	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$44,530	$34,028	$17,794
Ceded to Other Companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	412,415	430,374	422,950
Assumed	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,482,511	1,465,701	1,356,205
Net premiums earned	$256,765	$294,717	$291,889	$271,255	$283,651	$262,623	$244,416	$278,665	$1,114,626	$1,069,355	$951,049
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	133.00%	137.00%	143.00%

Schedule_VI_Supplementary_Insu1

Schedule VI. Supplementary Insurance Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations (Details) (Consolidated Subsidiaries, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Subsidiaries	'	'	'
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	$81,684	$52,622	$43,721
Reserves for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses	1,563,730	1,879,377	1,992,354
Discount, if any, Deducted	0	0	0
Unearned Premiums	477,888	399,517	347,655
Earned Premiums	1,114,626	1,069,355	951,049
Net Investment Income	208,028	165,725	146,871
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Current Year	315,241	483,180	993,168
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Year	-143,954	-157,969	-131,989
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	125,501	113,542	97,376
Paid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expenses	395,447	226,671	428,986
Net Premiums Written	$1,203,947	$1,102,657	$1,012,773