RenaissanceRe (RNR) 10-Q 6 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	4-May-15
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.
Trading Symbol	RNR
Entity Central Index Key	913144
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		46,052,001

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value (Amortized cost $5,960,109 and $4,749,613 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively)	$5,982,843	$4,756,685
Fixed maturity investments available for sale, at fair value (Amortized cost $22,156 and $23,772 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively)	25,086	26,885
Short term investments, at fair value	1,775,819	1,013,222
Equity investments trading, at fair value	261,656	322,098
Other investments, at fair value	514,906	504,147
Investments in other ventures, under equity method	123,743	120,713
Total investments	8,684,053	6,743,750
Cash and cash equivalents	557,618	525,584
Premiums receivable	866,418	440,007
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	233,062	94,810
Reinsurance recoverable	82,696	66,694
Accrued investment income	40,583	26,509
Deferred acquisition costs	146,053	110,059
Receivable for investments sold	121,530	52,390
Other assets	273,851	135,845
Goodwill and other intangible assets	281,334	7,902
Total assets	11,287,198	8,203,550
Liabilities
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	2,781,568	1,412,510
Unearned premiums	983,137	512,386
Debt	826,774	249,522
Reinsurance balances payable	495,045	454,580
Payable for investments purchased	217,986	203,021
Other liabilities	231,968	374,108
Total liabilities	5,536,478	3,206,127
Commitments and Contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	968,431	1,131,708
Shareholders’ Equity
Preference shares: $1.00 par value – 16,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – 16,000,000)	400,000	400,000
Common shares: $1.00 par value – 46,025,698 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – 38,441,972)	46,026	38,442
Additional paid-in capital	754,941	0
Accumulated other comprehensive income	3,342	3,416
Retained earnings	3,577,980	3,423,857
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to RenaissanceRe	4,782,289	3,865,715
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity	$11,287,198	$8,203,550

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fixed maturity investments trading, amortized cost	$5,960,109	$4,749,613
Fixed maturity investments available for sale, amortized cost	$22,156	$23,772
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)	46,025,698	38,441,972
Common Shares, Shares outstanding (In shares)	46,025,698	38,441,972

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues
Gross premiums written	$643,578	$705,260
Net premiums written	404,035	450,347
Increase in unearned premiums	-107,275	-163,813
Net premiums earned	296,760	286,534
Net investment income	39,707	38,948
Net foreign exchange losses	-3,130	-1,061
Equity in earnings of other ventures	5,295	4,199
Other income	1,539	62
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	41,749	14,927
Total revenues	381,920	343,609
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	76,853	58,915
Acquisition expenses	43,401	33,700
Operational expenses	45,621	42,624
Corporate expenses	45,598	4,545
Interest expense	5,251	4,293
Total expenses	216,724	144,077
Income before taxes	165,196	199,532
Income tax benefit (expense)	47,904	-166
Net income	213,100	199,366
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-39,662	-42,768
Net income attributable to RenaissanceRe	173,438	156,598
Dividends on preference shares	-5,595	-5,595
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$167,843	$151,003
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic (in usd per share)	$4.18	$3.61
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted (in usd per share)	$4.14	$3.56
Dividends per common share, in usd per share	$0.30	$0.29

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Comprehensive income
Net income	$213,100	$199,366
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	-74	-168
Comprehensive income	213,026	199,198
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-39,662	-42,768
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-39,662	-42,768
Comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe	173,364	156,430
Disclosure regarding net unrealized gains
Total net realized and unrealized holding (gains) losses on investments and net other-than-temporary impairments	-23	-168
Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments available for sale	-51	0
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	($74)	($168)

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cha

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Preference Shares	Common Shares	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Retained Earnings
In Thousands
Beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2013		$400,000	$43,646	$0	$4,131	$3,456,607
Issuance of shares			0	0
Repurchase of shares			-2,978	4,179		-278,252
Change in noncontrolling interests				-35
Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock awards			188	-4,144
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	168				-168
Net income	199,366					199,366
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-42,768					-42,768
Dividends on common shares						-11,899
Dividends on preference shares	-5,595					-5,595
Total shareholders’ equity	3,762,278
End of period at Mar. 31, 2014		400,000	40,856	0	3,963	3,317,459
Beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014	3,865,715	400,000	38,442	0	3,416	3,423,857
Issuance of shares			7,435	754,384
Repurchase of shares			0	0		0
Change in noncontrolling interests				-260
Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock awards			149	817
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	74				-74
Net income	213,100					213,100
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-39,662					-39,662
Dividends on common shares						-13,720
Dividends on preference shares	-5,595					-5,595
Total shareholders’ equity	4,782,289
End of period at Mar. 31, 2015	$4,782,289	$400,000	$46,026	$754,941	$3,342	$3,577,980

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows provided by operating activities
Net income	$213,100	$199,366
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
Amortization, accretion and depreciation	4,813	8,305
Equity in undistributed earnings of other ventures	-3,676	-1,204
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	-41,749	-14,927
Net unrealized gains included in net investment income	-4,885	-4,980
Change in:
Premiums receivable	-193,690	-194,701
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	-130,801	-141,620
Reinsurance recoverable	-12,274	2,063
Deferred acquisition costs	-35,914	-40,206
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	-28,787	-30,847
Unearned premiums	238,075	305,433
Reinsurance balances payable	35,995	175,622
Other	-158,812	-215,665
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-118,605	46,639
Cash flows provided by investing activities
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	2,075,678	1,996,035
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	-1,490,123	-1,768,996
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	1,757	4,090
Net sales (purchases) of equity investments trading	50,627	-279
Net sales of short term investments	112,795	67,313
Net (purchases) sales of other investments	-7,952	2,116
Net (purchases) sales of investments in other ventures	-126	915
Net purchases of other assets	-2,500	0
Net purchase of Platinum	-678,152	0
Net cash provided by investing activities	62,004	301,194
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	-13,720	-11,899
Dividends paid – preference shares	-5,595	-5,595
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	-446	-262,736
Issuance of debt, net of expenses	297,823	0
Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions	-180,285	-147,943
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	97,777	-428,173
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	-9,142	-529
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	32,034	-80,869
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	525,584	408,032
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$557,618	$327,163

Organization

Organization	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization	ORGANIZATION
	This report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
	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.
	•	On March 2, 2015, RenaissanceRe completed its acquisition of Platinum. As a result of the acquisition, Platinum and its subsidiaries became wholly owned subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe, including Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. ("Platinum Bermuda") and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc., formerly known as Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc. ("Renaissance Reinsurance U.S."). The Company accounted for the acquisition of Platinum under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic Business Combinations and the Company's consolidated results of operations include those of Platinum from March 2, 2015. Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Platinum” for additional information with respect to the acquisition of Platinum.
	•	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. (“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 Fund Opportunities Ltd., formerly known as Upsilon Reinsurance II Ltd. (“Upsilon RFO”), 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. 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.
	•	Effective November 13, 2014, the Company incorporated RenaissanceRe Upsilon Fund Ltd. (“Upsilon Fund”), an exempted Bermuda limited segregated accounts company. Upsilon Fund was formed to provide a fund structure through which third party investors can invest in reinsurance risk managed by the Company. As a segregated accounts company, Upsilon Fund is permitted to establish segregated accounts to invest in and hold identified pools of assets and liabilities. Each pool of assets and liabilities in each segregated account is structured to be ring-fenced from any claims from the creditors of Upsilon Fund’s general account and from the creditors of other segregated accounts within Upsilon Fund. Third party investors purchase redeemable, non-voting preference shares linked to specific segregated accounts of Upsilon Fund and own 100% of these shares. Upsilon Fund is an investment company and is considered a VIE. The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of Upsilon Fund and as a result Upsilon Fund is not consolidated by the Company.
	•	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. Third-party investors have 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.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	There have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies as described in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, except as noted below.
	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in conformity with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations as at the end of and for the periods presented. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated from these statements.
	Certain comparative information has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Because of the seasonality of the Company’s business, the results of operations and cash flows for any interim period will not necessarily be indicative of the results of operations and cash flows for the full fiscal year or subsequent quarters.
	USE OF ESTIMATES IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	The preparation of consolidated 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 consolidated 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.
	RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED
	Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period
	In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (“ASU 2014-12”). The objective of ASU 2014-12 is to resolve the diverse accounting treatment of share-based payment awards in situations where an employee would be eligible to vest in the award regardless of whether the employee is rendering service on the date the performance target is achieved. For example, whether an employee is eligible to retire or otherwise terminate employment before the end of the period in which a performance target could be achieved and still be eligible to vest in the award. ASU 2014-12 will resolve if and when the performance target is achieved. ASU 2014-12 is effective for all entities in annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Entities may apply the amendments in ASU 2014-12 either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. 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.
	Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”). The objective of ASU 2015-03 is to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in ASU 2015-03. ASU 2015-03 is effective for public business entities in annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2015-03 should be applied retrospectively, and upon transition, applicable disclosures for a change in an accounting principle shall be provided, including the transition method, a description of the prior period information that has been retroactively adjusted, and the effect of the change on the applicable financial statement line items. 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.

Acquisition_of_Platinum

Acquisition of Platinum	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition of Platinum	ACQUISITION OF PLATINUM
	Overview
	On November 23, 2014, RenaissanceRe entered into a definitive merger agreement with Platinum to acquire 100% of the outstanding common shares of Platinum for $76 per Platinum common share, or aggregate consideration of $1.93 billion.  The transaction was completed on March 2, 2015.
	Prior to the closing of the acquisition of Platinum, Platinum was a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and headquartered in Bermuda. Platinum, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, provides property and casualty reinsurance coverage through reinsurance brokers to insurers and select reinsurers on a worldwide basis. The acquisition of Platinum is expected to benefit the combined companies’ clients through an expanded product offering and enhanced broker relationships and it is also expected to accelerate the growth of the Company’s U.S. specialty and casualty reinsurance platform.
	The aggregate consideration for the transaction consisted of the issuance of 7.435 million RenaissanceRe common shares valued at $761.8 million and $1.16 billion of cash. The cash consideration was partially funded through a pre-closing dividend from Platinum of $10 per share, or $253.2 million (the “Special Dividend”), RenaissanceRe available funds of $604.4 million and a short term bridge loan of $300.0 million. On March 24, 2015, RenaissanceRe Finance Inc. (“RenaissanceRe Finance”), a wholly owned subsidiary of RenaissanceRe, issued $300.0 million of its 3.700% Senior Notes due 2025 (together with cash on hand) to replace the short term bridge loan used to fund part of the cash consideration. Refer to “Note 7. Debt and Credit Facilities” for additional information related to the 3.700% Senior Notes due 2025.
	In connection with the acquisition of Platinum, RenaissanceRe incurred transaction-related expenses of $40.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, which includes $11.5 million related to transaction costs, including due diligence, legal, accounting and investment banking fees and expenses, $0.9 million of costs related to the integration of Platinum within the RenaissanceRe organization, and $28.0 million of compensation-related costs associated with terminating employees of Platinum. In the fourth quarter of 2014, RenaissanceRe also incurred $6.7 million of transaction-related expenses. These expenses have all been reported as a component of corporate expenses.
	Purchase Price
	The Company's total purchase price for Platinum at March 2, 2015 was calculated as follows:
		Special Dividend
		Number of Platinum common shares and Platinum equity awards canceled in the acquisition of Platinum	25,320,312
		Special Dividend per outstanding common share of Platinum and Platinum equity award	$	10
		Special Dividend paid to common shareholders of Platinum and holders of Platinum equity awards					$	253,203
		RenaissanceRe common shares
		Common shares issued by RenaissanceRe	7,434,561
		Common share price of RenaissanceRe as of March 2, 2015	$	102.47
		Market value of RenaissanceRe common shares issued by RenaissanceRe to common shareholders of Platinum and holders of Platinum equity awards					761,819
		Platinum common shares
		Fair value of Platinum common shares owned by RenaissanceRe and canceled in connection with the acquisition of Platinum					12,950
		Cash consideration
		Number of Platinum common shares and Platinum equity awards canceled in the acquisition of Platinum	25,320,312
		Platinum common shares owned by RenaissanceRe and canceled in connection with the acquisition of Platinum	(169,220		)
		Number of Platinum common shares and Platinum equity awards canceled in the acquisition of Platinum excluding those owned by RenaissanceRe and canceled in connection with the acquisition of Platinum	25,151,092
		Agreed cash price paid to common shareholders of Platinum and holders of Platinum equity awards	$	35.96
		Cash consideration paid by RenaissanceRe to common shareholders of Platinum and holders of Platinum equity awards					904,433
		Total purchase price					1,932,405
		Less: Special Dividend paid by Platinum					(253,203		)
		Net purchase price					$	1,679,202
	Fair Value of Net Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
	The purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities of Platinum based on estimated fair values on March 2, 2015, the date the transaction closed, as detailed below. The Company recognized goodwill of $191.7 million primarily attributable to Platinum’s assembled workforce and synergies expected to result upon integration of Platinum into the Company’s operations. There were no other adjustments to carried goodwill during the period ended March 31, 2015 reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2015. The Company recognized identifiable finite lived intangible assets of $75.2 million, which will be amortized over a weighted average period of 8 years, identifiable indefinite lived intangible assets of $8.4 million, and certain other adjustments to the fair values of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and shareholders’ equity of Platinum at March 2, 2015 as summarized in the table below:
		Shareholders’ equity of Platinum prior to Special Dividend			$	1,737,278
		Cash and cash equivalents (Special Dividend on Platinum common shares and Platinum equity awards)			(253,203		)
		Adjusted shareholders’ equity of Platinum at March 2, 2015			1,484,075
		Adjustments for fair value, by applicable balance sheet caption:
		Deferred acquisition costs			(44,486		)
		Debt			(28,899		)
		Reserve for claims and claim expenses			(21,725		)
		Other assets - deferred debt issuance costs			(1,046		)
		Total adjustments for fair value by applicable balance sheet caption before tax impact			(96,156		)
		Other assets - net deferred tax asset related to fair value adjustments			29,069
		Total adjustments for fair value by applicable balance sheet caption			(67,087		)
		Adjustments for fair value of the identifiable intangible assets:
		Identifiable indefinite lived intangible assets (insurance licenses)			8,400
		Identifiable finite lived intangible assets (non-contractual relationships, renewal rights, value of business acquired, trade name, internally developed and used computer software and covenants not to compete)			75,200
		Identifiable intangible assets before tax impact			83,600
		Other liabilities - deferred tax liability on identifiable intangible assets			(13,115		)
		Total adjustments for fair value of the identifiable intangible assets			70,485
		Total adjustments for fair value by applicable balance sheet caption and identifiable intangible assets			3,398
		Shareholders’ equity of Platinum at fair value			1,487,473
		Total net purchase price paid by RenaissanceRe			1,679,202
		Excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired assigned to goodwill			$	191,729
	An explanation of the significant fair value adjustments is as follows:
	•	Deferred acquisition costs - To eliminate Platinum’s deferred acquisition costs;
	•	Debt - To reflect Platinum’s existing senior notes at fair value using indicative market pricing obtained from third-party service providers;
	•	Reserve for claims and claim expenses - To reflect an increase in net claims and claim expenses due to the addition of a market based risk margin which represents the cost of capital required by a market participant to assume the net claims and claim expenses of Platinum, partially offset by a deduction which represents the discount due to the present value calculation of the unpaid claims and claim expenses based on the expected payout of the net unpaid claims and claim expenses;
	•	Other assets - To eliminate deferred debt issuance costs related to Platinum’s existing senior notes and to reflect net deferred tax assets related to fair value adjustments;
	•	Identifiable indefinite lived and finite lived intangible assets - To establish the fair value of identifiable intangible assets related to the acquisition of Platinum described in detail below; and
	•	Other liabilities - To reflect the deferred tax liability on identifiable intangible assets.
	Identifiable intangible assets at March 2, 2015 and at March 31, 2015, consisted of the following, and are included in goodwill and other intangible assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet:
			Amount				Economic Useful Life
		Key non-contractual relationships	$	30,400			10 years
		Value of business acquired	20,200				2 years
		Renewal rights	15,800				15 years
		Insurance licenses	8,400				Indefinite
		Internally developed and used computer software	3,500				2 years
	Other non-contractual relationships	2,300				3 years
	Non-compete agreements	1,900				2.5 years
	Trade name	1,100				6 months
	Identifiable intangible assets, before amortization, at March 2, 2015	83,600
	Amortization (from March 2, 2015 through March 31, 2015)	(1,846		)
	Net identifiable intangible assets at March 31, 2015 related to the acquisition of Platinum	$	81,754
An explanation of the identifiable intangible assets is as follows:
•	Key non-contractual relationships - these relationships included Platinum’s top four brokers (Aon plc, Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company and Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc.) and consideration was given to the expectation of the renewal of these relationships and the associated expenses;
•	Value of business acquired (“VOBA”) - the expected future losses and expenses associated with the policies that were in-force as of the closing date of the transaction were estimated and compared to the future premium remaining expected to be earned. The difference between the risk-adjusted future loss and expenses, discounted to present value and the unearned premium reserve, was estimated to be the VOBA;
•	Renewal rights - the value of policy renewal rights taking into consideration written premium on assumed retention ratios and the insurance cash flows and the associated equity cash flows from these renewal policies over the expected life of the renewals;
•	Insurance licenses - the value of insurance licenses acquired providing the ability to write reinsurance in all 50 states of the U.S. and the District of Columbia;
•	Internally developed and used computer software - represents the value of internally developed and used computer software to be utilized by the Company;
•	Other non-contractual relationships - these relationships consisted of Platinum’s brokers with the exception of those previously listed above as key non-contractual relationships and consideration was given to the expectation of the renewal of these relationships and the associated expenses;
•	Non-compete agreements - represent non-compete agreements with key employees of Platinum; and
•	Trade name - represents the value of the Platinum brand acquired.
As part of the allocation of the purchase price, included in the adjustment to other assets in the table above is a deferred tax asset of $29.1 million related to certain other adjustments to the fair values of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and shareholders’ equity, summarized in the table above, which was partially offset by a deferred tax liability of $13.1 million related to the estimated fair value of the intangible assets recorded. Other net deferred tax assets recorded primarily relate to differences between financial reporting and tax bases of the acquired assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date, March 2, 2015. The Company estimates that none of the goodwill that was recorded will be deductible for income tax purposes.
Financial Results
The following table summarizes the results of Platinum since March 2, 2015 that have been included in the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
		For the period from March 2, 2015 to March 31, 2015
	Total revenues	$	40,139
	Net loss attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders (1)	$	(19,439	)
-1	Includes $28.0 million of compensation-related costs associated with terminating employees of Platinum.
Taxation
During the first quarter of 2015, the income tax benefit recorded by the Company was primarily the result of a reduction in the Company’s U.S. deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $47.4 million. A valuation allowance was previously provided against the Company’s U.S. deferred tax assets as in the opinion of management, it was more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax asset would not be realized. However, with the acquisition of Platinum and the expected profits to be experienced in its U.S.-based operations, the Company believes that it is more likely than not that the U.S. deferred tax asset will be realized and has reduced its valuation allowance against such asset.
A valuation allowance continues to be 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.
Supplemental Pro Forma Information
Platinum’s results have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from March 2, 2015 to March 31, 2015. The following table presents unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 and assumes the acquisition of Platinum occurred on January 1, 2014. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is provided for informational purposes only and is not necessarily, and should not be assumed to be, an indication of the results that would have been achieved had the transaction been completed as of January 1, 2014 or that may be achieved in the future. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information does not give consideration to the impact of possible revenue enhancements, expense efficiencies, synergies or asset dispositions that may result from the acquisition of Platinum. In addition, unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information does not include the effects of costs associated with any restructuring or integration activities resulting from the acquisition of Platinum, as they are nonrecurring.
		Three months ended
		March 31,				March 31, 2014
		2015
	Total revenues	$	460,553			$	514,017
	Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	182,806				199,094
Among other adjustments, and in addition to the fair value adjustments and recognition of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets noted above, other material nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the acquisition of Platinum principally included certain adjustments to recognize transaction related costs, align accounting policies, amortize fair value adjustments, amortize identifiable indefinite lived intangible assets and recognize related tax impacts.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	INVESTMENTS
	Fixed Maturity Investments Trading
	The following table summarizes the fair value of fixed maturity investments trading:
			March 31,			December 31,
			2015			2014
		U.S. treasuries	$	1,535,746		$	1,671,471
		Agencies	152,272			96,208
		Municipals	1,220,206			—
		Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)	329,626			280,651
		Non-U.S. government-backed corporate	151,446			146,467
		Corporate	1,603,024			1,610,442
		Agency mortgage-backed	339,279			312,333
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	257,114			241,590
		Commercial mortgage-backed	353,944			373,117
		Asset-backed	40,186			24,406
		Total fixed maturity investments trading	$	5,982,843		$	4,756,685
	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
		31-Mar-15	Amortized			Gross			Gross			Fair Value			Non-Credit
			Cost			Unrealized Gains			Unrealized Losses						Other-Than-
															Temporary
															Impairments
															(1)
		Agency mortgage-backed	$	2,877		$	305		$	—		$	3,182		$	—
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	9,054			1,937			(3		)	10,988			640
		Commercial mortgage-backed	7,287			581			—			7,868			—
		Asset-backed	2,938			110			—			3,048			—
		Total fixed maturity investments available for sale	$	22,156		$	2,933		$	(3	)	$	25,086		$	640
						Included in Accumulated
						Other Comprehensive Income
		31-Dec-14	Amortized Cost			Gross			Gross			Fair Value			Non-Credit
						Unrealized Gains			Unrealized Losses						Other-Than-
															Temporary
															Impairments
															(1)
		Agency mortgage-backed	$	3,928		$	359		$	—		$	4,287		$	—
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	9,478			1,985			(3		)	11,460			656
		Commercial mortgage-backed	7,291			643			—			7,934			—
		Asset-backed	3,075			129			—			3,204			—
		Total fixed maturity investments available for sale	$	23,772		$	3,116		$	(3	)	$	26,885		$	656
	-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
		31-Mar-15	Amortized			Fair Value			Amortized Cost			Fair Value			Amortized Cost		Fair Value
			Cost
		Due in less than one year	$	211,238		$	209,392		$	—		$	—		$	211,238	$	209,392
		Due after one through five years	3,219,374			3,220,154			—			—			3,219,374		3,220,154
		Due after five through ten years	1,018,158			1,018,252			—			—			1,018,158		1,018,252
		Due after ten years	538,096			544,522			—			—			538,096		544,522
		Mortgage-backed	933,152			950,337			19,218			22,038			952,370		972,375
		Asset-backed	40,091			40,186			2,938			3,048			43,029		43,234
		Total	$	5,960,109		$	5,982,843		$	22,156		$	25,086		$	5,982,265	$	6,007,929
	Equity Investments Trading
	The following table summarizes the fair value of equity investments trading:
			March 31,			December 31,
			2015			2014
		Financials	$	204,540		$	222,190
		Communications and technology	17,905			31,376
		Industrial, utilities and energy	15,735			28,859
		Consumer	11,346			19,522
		Healthcare	10,042			16,582
		Basic materials	2,088			3,569
	Total	$	261,656		$	322,098
Pledged Investments
At March 31, 2015, $2,549.8 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 standby letter of credit facility and bilateral letter of credit facility (December 31, 2014 - $2,379.4 million). Of this amount, $700.4 million is on deposit with, or in trust accounts for the benefit of, U.S. state regulatory authorities (December 31, 2014 - $691.9 million).
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
At March 31, 2015, the Company held $116.1 million (December 31, 2014 - $49.3 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:
		Three months ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014
	Fixed maturity investments	$	25,939		$	23,860
	Short term investments	197			190
	Equity investments	2,604			796
	Other investments
	Hedge funds and private equity investments	10,413			12,317
	Other	3,508			4,528
	Cash and cash equivalents	148			91
		42,809			41,782
	Investment expenses	(3,102		)	(2,834		)
	Net investment income	$	39,707		$	38,948
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments are as follows:
		Three months ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014
	Gross realized gains	$	21,532		$	13,467
	Gross realized losses	(4,871		)	(5,564		)
	Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments	16,661			7,903
	Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments trading	25,972			27,882
	Net realized and unrealized losses on investments-related derivatives	(4,208		)	(10,899		)
	Net realized gains (losses) on equity investments trading	7,481			(79		)
	Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity investments trading	(4,157		)	(9,880		)
	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	$	41,749		$	14,927
The following tables provide an analysis of the components of other comprehensive income and reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income.
		Three months ended March 31, 2015
		Investments in other ventures			Fixed maturity investments available for sale			Total
	Beginning balance	$	303		$	3,113		$	3,416
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	109			(132		)	(23		)
	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 on investments	—			(51		)	(51		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	109			(183		)	(74		)
	Ending balance	$	412		$	2,930		$	3,342
		Three months ended March 31, 2014
		Investments in other ventures			Fixed maturity investments available for sale			Total
	Beginning balance	$	163		$	3,968		$	4,131
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(3		)	(165		)	(168		)
	Ending balance	$	160		$	3,803		$	3,963
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 March 31, 2015	Fair Value			Unrealized			Fair Value			Unrealized			Fair Value		Unrealized
					Losses						Losses					Losses
	Non-agency mortgage-backed	$	—		$	—		$	68		$	(3	)	$	68	$	(3	)
	Total	$	—		$	—		$	68		$	(3	)	$	68	$	(3	)
		Less than 12 Months						12 Months or Greater						Total
	31-Dec-14	Fair Value			Unrealized			Fair Value			Unrealized			Fair Value		Unrealized
					Losses						Losses					Losses
	Non-agency mortgage-backed	$	—		$	—		$	69		$	(3	)	$	69	$	(3	)
	Total	$	—		$	—		$	69		$	(3	)	$	69	$	(3	)
At March 31, 2015, the Company held two fixed maturity investments available for sale securities that were in an unrealized loss position (December 31, 2014 - two), including two fixed maturity investments available for sale securities that were in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater (December 31, 2014 - two). 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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 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.
For the three months ended March 31, 2015, 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 (2014 – $Nil and $Nil, 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:
		Three months ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014
	Beginning balance	$	498		$	561
	Reductions:
	Securities sold during the period	(13		)	(16		)
	Ending balance	$	485		$	545

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 consolidated 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.
	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.
	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 sheets:
		At March 31, 2015	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	$	1,535,746		$	1,535,746		$	—		$	—
		Agencies	152,272			—			152,272			—
		Municipal	1,220,206			—			1,220,206			—
		Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)	329,626			—			329,626			—
		Non-U.S. government-backed corporate	151,446			—			151,446			—
		Corporate	1,603,024			—			1,587,550			15,474
		Agency mortgage-backed	342,461			—			342,461			—
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	268,102			—			268,102			—
		Commercial mortgage-backed	361,812			—			361,812			—
		Asset-backed	43,234			—			43,234			—
		Total fixed maturity investments	6,007,929			1,535,746			4,456,709			15,474
		Short term investments	1,775,819			—			1,775,819			—
		Equity investments trading	261,656			261,656			—			—
		Other investments
		Private equity partnerships	271,074			—			—			271,074
		Catastrophe bonds	221,780			—			221,780			—
		Senior secured bank loan fund	19,679			—			—			19,679
		Hedge funds	2,373			—			—			2,373
		Total other investments	514,906			—			221,780			293,126
		Other assets and (liabilities)
		Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts	72,993			—			—			72,993
		Derivatives (1)	7,376			(492		)	7,892			(24		)
		Other	(1,547		)	—			(1,547		)	—
		Total other assets and (liabilities)	78,822			(492		)	6,345			72,969
			$	8,639,132		$	1,796,910		$	6,460,653		$	381,569
	(1) See “Note 13. Derivative Instruments” for additional information related to the fair value by type of contract, of derivatives entered into by the Company.
		At December 31, 2014	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	$	1,671,471		$	1,671,471		$	—		$	—
		Agencies	96,208			—			96,208			—
		Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)	280,651			—			280,651			—
		Non-U.S. government-backed corporate	146,467			—			146,467			—
		Corporate	1,610,442			—			1,594,782			15,660
		Agency mortgage-backed	316,620			—			316,620			—
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	253,050			—			253,050			—
		Commercial mortgage-backed	381,051			—			381,051			—
		Asset-backed	27,610			—			27,610			—
		Total fixed maturity investments	4,783,570			1,671,471			3,096,439			15,660
		Short term investments	1,013,222			—			1,013,222			—
		Equity investments trading	322,098			322,098			—			—
		Other investments
		Private equity partnerships	281,932			—			—			281,932
	Catastrophe bonds	200,329			—			200,329			—
	Senior secured bank loan funds	19,316			—			—			19,316
	Hedge funds	2,570			—			—			2,570
	Total other investments	504,147			—			200,329			303,818
	Other assets and (liabilities)
	Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts	(8,744		)	—			—			(8,744		)
	Derivatives (1)	6,345			(569		)	7,104			(190		)
	Other	(11,509		)	—			(11,509		)	—
	Total other assets and (liabilities)	(13,908		)	(569		)	(4,405		)	(8,934		)
		$	6,609,129		$	1,993,000		$	4,305,585		$	310,544
(1) See “Note 13. 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, municipal, 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 March 31, 2015, the Company’s U.S. treasuries fixed maturity investments were primarily priced by pricing services and had a weighted average effective yield of 0.8% and a weighted average credit quality of AA (December 31, 2014 - 1.0% 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 March 31, 2015, the Company’s agency fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 1.6% and a weighted average credit quality of AA (December 31, 2014 - 1.2% 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.
Municipal
Level 2 - In connection with the acquisition of Platinum, the Company acquired a portfolio of municipal fixed maturity investments. At March 31, 2015, the Company’s municipal fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 2.4% and a weighted average credit quality of AA. The Company’s municipal fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing services. When evaluating these securities, the pricing services gather information regarding the security from third party sources such as trustees, paying agents or issuers.  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 over widely accepted market benchmarks.
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)
Level 2 - Non-U.S. government fixed maturity investments held by the Company at March 31, 2015 had a weighted average effective yield of 1.0% and a weighted average credit quality of AA (December 31, 2014 - 1.1% 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 that 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 0.9% and a weighted average credit quality of AA at March 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 - 1.1% and AAA, respectively). Non-U.S. government-backed fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing services that 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 March 31, 2015, the Company’s corporate fixed maturity investments principally consist of U.S. and international corporations and had a weighted average effective yield of 3.0% and a weighted average credit quality of BBB (December 31, 2014 - 3.2% and BBB, 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 March 31, 2015, the Company’s agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments included agency residential mortgage-backed securities with a weighted average effective yield of 1.7%, a weighted average credit quality of AA and a weighted average life of 5.4 years (December 31, 2014 - 2.3%, AA and 5.6 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 March 31, 2015, the Company’s non-agency prime residential mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 3.4%, a weighted average credit quality of non-investment grade, and a weighted average life of 4.0 years (December 31, 2014 - 3.4%, non-investment grade and 4.1 years, respectively). The Company’s non-agency Alt-A fixed maturity investments held at March 31, 2015 had a weighted average effective yield of 4.0%, a weighted average credit quality of BBB and a weighted average life of 5.0 years (December 31, 2014 - 4.3%, BBB and 5.0 years, respectively). Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing services using an option adjusted spread 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 March 31, 2015 had a weighted average effective yield of 1.9%, a weighted average credit quality of AA, and a weighted average life of 3.1 years (December 31, 2014 - 2.1%, AAA and 3.5 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 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 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 March 31, 2015, the Company’s asset-backed fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 1.3%, a weighted average credit quality of AAA and a weighted average life of 2.6 years (December 31, 2014 - 1.5%, AAA and 2.5 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.
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 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 March 31, 2015 of $1.5 million were principally comprised of cash settled restricted stock units (“CSRSU”) 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:
	At March 31, 2015	Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable (U)	Low			High			Weighted Average or Actual
		(Level 3)					and Observable (O)
							Inputs
	Fixed maturity investments
	Corporate	$	15,474		Discounted cash flow (“DCF”)		Credit spread (U)	n/a			n/a			1.2		%
							Liquidity discount (U)	n/a			n/a			1		%
							Risk-free rate (O)	n/a			n/a			0.2		%
							Dividend rate (O)	n/a			n/a			6.5		%
	Total fixed maturity investments	15,474
	Other investments
	Private equity partnerships	271,074			Net asset valuation		Estimated performance (U)	(12.6		)%	23		%	4.7		%
	Senior secured bank loan fund	19,679			Net asset valuation		Estimated performance (U)	n/a			n/a			0.7		%
	Hedge funds	2,373			Net asset valuation		Estimated performance (U)	0		%	0		%	0		%
	Total other investments	293,126
	Other assets and (liabilities)
	Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts	82,298			Internal valuation model		Estimated contract period (U)	n/a			n/a			746
							Credit spread above risk-free rate (U)	n/a			n/a			2.4		%
							Net claims and claim expenses ceded (U)	n/a			n/a			$	—
	Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts	(1,116		)	Internal valuation model		Bond price (U)	$	98.19		$	98.81		$	98.52
							Liquidity premium (U)	n/a			n/a			1.3		%
	Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts	(8,189		)	Internal valuation model		Net undiscounted cash flows (U)	n/a			n/a			$	(10,790	)
							Expected loss ratio (U)	n/a			n/a			34		%
							Net acquisition expense ratio (O)	1		%	13		%	10		%
							Contract period (O)	549			1,100			830
							Discount rate (U)	n/a			n/a			0.9		%
	Total assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts	72,993
	Weather contract	(24		)	Internal valuation model		See below	n/a			n/a			See below
	Total other assets and (liabilities)	72,969
		$	381,569
Fixed Maturity Investments
Corporate
Level 3 - Included in the Company’s corporate fixed maturity investments is an investment in the preferred equity of an insurance holding company with a fair value of $15.5 million at March 31, 2015. 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 March 31, 2015, the dividend rate was 6.5%. In addition, the Company has estimated a liquidity discount of 1.0%, a risk-free rate of 0.2% and a credit spread of 1.2%. 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 this corporate fixed maturity investment 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.
Other investments
Private equity partnerships
Level 3 - Included in the Company’s $271.1 million of investments in private equity partnerships at March 31, 2015 were 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 March 31, 2015 was negative 12.6% to positive 23.0% with a weighted average of positive 4.7%. 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 audited annual 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 fund
Level 3 - At March 31, 2015 the Company had $19.7 million invested in a closed end fund which invests primarily in loans. The Company has no right to redeem its investment in this fund. The Company’s investment in this fund is valued using the estimated monthly net asset valuation received from the investment manager. The lock up provisions in this fund result in a lack of current observable market transactions between the fund participants and the fund, and therefore the Company considers the fair value of its investment in this fund to be determined using Level 3 inputs. The Company obtains and reviews the latest audited annual financial statements to attempt to ensure that the fund is following fair value principles consistent with GAAP in determining the net asset value. The fair value of the Company’s investment in the senior secured bank loan fund is positively correlated to the estimated monthly net asset valuations received from the investment manager.
Hedge funds
Level 3 - At March 31, 2015 the Company had $2.4 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 hedge fund investment, the Company obtains and reviews the valuation methodology used by the investment manager and the latest audited annual 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
Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts
Level 3 - At March 31, 2015 the Company had an $82.3 million asset related to a reinsurance deposit asset accounted for at fair value with the fair value obtained through the use of an internal model. The inputs to the internal valuation model are principally based on proprietary data as observable market inputs are generally not available. The most significant unobservable inputs include the estimated contract period remaining, the credit spread above the risk-free rate and net claims and claim expenses ceded. The credit spread above the risk-free rate is determined by reviewing the credit spreads of fixed maturity investments through observable market data, as well as considering illiquidity and the structure of these contracts. The fair value of the reinsurance deposit assets may increase or decrease due to changes in the estimated contract period remaining, the credit spread and net claims and claim expenses ceded. Generally, a decrease in the credit spread or a decrease in net claims and claim expenses ceded would result in an increase in the fair value of the reinsurance deposit assets. Conversely, an increase in the credit spread or an increase in net claims and claim expenses ceded would result in a decrease in the fair value of the reinsurance deposit assets.
Level 3 - At March 31, 2015 the Company had a $1.1 million liability related to an assumed reinsurance contract accounted for at fair value, with the fair value obtained through the use of an internal valuation model.  The inputs to the internal valuation model are principally based on indicative pricing obtained from independent brokers and pricing vendors for similarly structured marketable securities. The most significant unobservable inputs include prices for similar marketable securities and a liquidity premium. The Company considers the prices for similar securities to be unobservable, as there is little, if any market activity for these similar assets. In addition, the Company has estimated a liquidity premium that would be required if the Company attempted to effectively exit its position by executing a short sale of these securities. Generally, an increase in the prices for similar marketable securities or a decrease in the liquidity premium would result in an increase in the expected profit and ultimate fair value of this assumed reinsurance contract.
Level 3 - At March 31, 2015 the Company had an $8.2 million net liability related to assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts accounted for at fair value, with the fair value obtained through the use of an internal valuation model.  The inputs to the internal valuation model are principally based on proprietary data as observable market inputs are generally not available.  The most significant unobservable inputs include the assumed and ceded expected net cash flows related to the contracts, including the expected premium, acquisition expenses and losses; the expected loss ratio and the relevant discount rate used to present value the net cash flows.  The contract period and acquisition expense ratio are considered observable input as each is defined in the contract. Generally, an increase in the net expected cash flows and expected term of the contract and a decrease in the discount rate, expected loss ratio or acquisition expense ratio, would result in an increase in the expected profit and ultimate fair value of these assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts.
Weather Contract
Level 3 - At March 31, 2015 the Company had a $24 thousand liability related to a weather contract entered into with an insurance company, with the fair value determined through the use of an internal valuation model. Inputs to the internal valuation model are 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			Total
		investments			investments			and
		trading						(liabilities)
	Balance - January 1, 2015	$	15,660		$	303,818		$	(8,934	)	$	310,544
	Total unrealized (losses) gains
	Included in net investment income	(186		)	5,014			160			4,988
	Total realized gains
	Included in other income	—			—			1,316			1,316
	Total foreign exchange (losses) gains	—			(2,498		)	6			(2,492		)
	Purchases	—			5,738			80,421			86,159
	Settlements	—			(18,946		)	—			(18,946		)
	Balance - March 31, 2015	$	15,474		$	293,126		$	72,969		$	381,569
	Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in net investment income	$	(186	)	$	5,014		$	160		$	4,988
		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		Fixed maturity			Other			Other assets  and (liabilities)			Total
		investments			investments
		trading
	Balance - January 1, 2014	$	27,580		$	344,248		$	(2,490	)	$	369,338
	Total unrealized gains (losses)
	Included in net investment income	9,558			7,876			1,216			18,650
	Total foreign exchange gains (losses)	—			6			(33		)	(27		)
	Purchases	—			15,001			—			15,001
	Settlements	—			(24,353		)	—			(24,353		)
	Balance - March 31, 2014	$	37,138		$	342,778		$	(1,307	)	$	378,609
	Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in net investment income	$	9,558		$	7,876		$	1,216		$	18,650
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 the 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 investment income, 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.
Debt
Included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2015 were debt obligations of $826.8 million (December 31, 2014 - $249.5 million). At March 31, 2015, the fair value of the Company’s debt obligations was $863.6 million (December 31, 2014 – $279.0 million).
The fair value of the Company’s debt obligations 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 Company’s debt obligations. Refer to “Note 7. Debt and Credit Facilities” for additional information related to the Company’s debt obligations.
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:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Other investments	$	514,906		$	504,147
	Other assets	$	86,676		$	5,664
	Other liabilities	$	13,683		$	14,408
Included in net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was net unrealized gains of $4.9 million related to the changes in fair value of other investments (2014 – gains of $5.0 million). Net unrealized gains related to the changes in the fair value of other assets and liabilities recorded in other income was $Nil for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (2014 - $Nil).
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 March 31, 2015	Fair Value			Unfunded			Redemption Frequency		Redemption	Redemption
					Commitments					Notice Period (Minimum Days)	Notice Period (Maximum Days)
	Private equity partnerships	$	271,074		$	157,729		See below		See below	See below
	Senior secured bank loan fund	19,679			5,924			See below		See below	See below
	Hedge funds	2,373			—			See below		See below	See below
	Total other investments measured using net asset valuations	$	293,126		$	163,653
Private equity partnerships – Included in the Company’s investments in private equity partnerships were 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 in respect of 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 private equity 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 fund – The Company has $19.7 million invested in a closed end fund which invests primarily in loans. The Company has no right to redeem its investment in this fund. The Company’s investment in this fund is valued using the estimated monthly net asset valuation received from the investment manager, as discussed in detail above. It is estimated that the majority of the underlying assets in this closed end fund would liquidate over 4 to 5 years from inception of the 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 March 31, 2015 were $2.4 million of so called “side pocket” investments which are not redeemable at the option of the shareholder. 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, for 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:
			Three months ended
			March 31, 2015			March 31, 2014
		Premiums written
		Direct	$	30,813		$	13,855
		Assumed	612,765			691,405
		Ceded	(239,543		)	(254,913		)
		Net premiums written	$	404,035		$	450,347
		Premiums earned
		Direct	$	22,901		$	14,229
		Assumed	382,603			385,598
		Ceded	(108,744		)	(113,293		)
		Net premiums earned	$	296,760		$	286,534
		Claims and claim expenses
		Gross claims and claim expenses incurred	$	88,995		$	68,150
		Claims and claim expenses recovered	(12,142		)	(9,235		)
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred	$	76,853		$	58,915

Debt_and_Credit_Facilities

Debt and Credit Facilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt and Credit Facilities	DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES
	Debt Obligations
	A summary of the Company’s debt obligations on its consolidated balance sheets is set forth below:
			March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
			Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
		3.700% Senior Notes due 2025	$	300,450	$	299,400	$	—	$	—
		5.75% Senior Notes due 2020	285,000		249,545		279,000		249,522
		Series B 7.50% Senior Notes due 2017	278,116		277,829		—		—
			$	863,566	$	826,774	$	279,000	$	249,522
	3.700% Senior Notes due 2025 of RenaissanceRe Finance
	On March 24, 2015, RenaissanceRe Finance issued $300.0 million of its 3.700% Senior Notes due April 1, 2025, with interest on the notes payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The notes are guaranteed by RenaissanceRe and may be redeemed by RenaissanceRe Finance prior to maturity, subject to the payment of a “make-whole” premium if the notes are redeemed prior to January 1, 2025. The notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of March 24, 2015, by and among RenaissanceRe, RenaissanceRe Finance, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, as supplemented by a First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 24, 2015. The notes 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.
	The net proceeds from the offering of the notes (together with cash on hand) were applied by RenaissanceRe to repay in full a $300.0 million bridge loan that Barclays Bank PLC provided to RenaissanceRe on February 25, 2015 in order to finance a portion of the cash consideration paid by RenaissanceRe in connection with the acquisition of Platinum. Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Platinum” for additional information related to the cash consideration paid by RenaissanceRe in connection with the acquisition of Platinum.
	5.75% Senior Notes due 2020 of RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (“RRNAH”)
	On March 17, 2010, RRNAH issued $250.0 million of its 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 may 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, as supplemented by a First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2010. The notes 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.
	Series B 7.50% Notes due 2017 of Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc.
	Subsequent to the acquisition of Platinum, Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc., as issuer (“Platinum Finance”), Platinum, as guarantor, RenaissanceRe, as parent guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, entered into a Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 3, 2015 (the “Third Supplemental Indenture”). The Third Supplemental Indenture amends the Indenture, dated as of May 26, 2005 (as supplemented by a First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 26, 2005 and a Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2005 (collectively, the “Platinum Finance Indenture”)), pursuant to which Platinum Finance previously issued $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its Series B 7.50% Notes due June 1, 2017 (the “Platinum Finance Notes”). Pursuant to the Third Supplemental Indenture and the Guarantee, dated as of March 3, 2015, executed by RenaissanceRe (the “RenRe Guaranty”), RenaissanceRe became an additional guarantor of Platinum Finance’s obligations under the Platinum Finance Notes and the Platinum Finance Indenture.
	Interest on the Platinum Finance Notes is payable on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The Platinum Finance Notes, which are senior obligations, are guaranteed by RenaissanceRe and Platinum and may be redeemed by Platinum Finance prior to maturity, subject to the payment of a “make-whole” premium. The Platinum Finance Notes 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.
	Credit Facilities
	A summary of the Company’s credit facilities is set forth below:
		At March 31, 2015	Issued or Drawn
		RenaissanceRe Revolving Credit Facility	$	—
		Uncommitted Standby Letter of Credit Facility with Wells Fargo	73,584
		Bilateral Letter of Credit Facility with Citibank Europe	139,463
		Funds at Lloyd’s Letter of Credit Facilities
		Renaissance Reinsurance Master Reimbursement Agreement	300,000
		Specialty Risks Master Agreement	8,609
		Platinum Syndicated Letter of Credit Facility	88,833
		Platinum Letter of Credit Facility with NAB and ING	6,931
		Total credit facilities in U.S. dollars	$	617,420
		Funds at Lloyd’s Letter of Credit Facilities
		Renaissance Reinsurance Master Reimbursement Agreement	£	70,000
		Total credit facilities in pound sterling	£	70,000
	RenaissanceRe Revolving Credit Facility
	RenaissanceRe is a party to a credit agreement, dated as of May 17, 2012 (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”), with various banks and financial institutions parties thereto (collectively, the “Revolving Lenders”), Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), as fronting bank, letter of credit administrator and administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) for the Revolving Lenders, and certain other agents. The Revolving Credit Agreement previously provided for commitments from the Revolving 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 Revolving Lenders. Among other items, the Amendment (i) increased the aggregate commitment of the Revolving Lenders to $250.0 million, (ii) added an additional bank as a Revolving Lender, and (iii) eliminated the commitment of the Revolving 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 Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate selected by RenaissanceRe equal to the Base Rate or LIBOR (each as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) plus a margin, as more fully set forth in the Revolving Credit Agreement. At March 31, 2015, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
	The Revolving 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 Revolving 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 three months ended March 31, 2015, 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, as more fully set forth in the Revolving Credit Agreement.
	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 Revolving Credit Agreement), or may, with the consent of the Required Lenders, among other things, take any or all of the following actions: terminate the Revolving Lenders’ obligations to make loans and accelerate the outstanding obligations of RenaissanceRe under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
	The commitments under the Revolving Credit Agreement expire on May 17, 2015. Our ability to renew the Revolving Credit Agreement, and the terms of such renewal, if any, will depend upon the facts and circumstances at the time, including our financial position, operating results and credit and capital market conditions. In the event that RenaissanceRe is unable to renew the Revolving Credit Agreement at a reasonable price and otherwise on terms satisfactory to it or at all, or if RenaissanceRe decides not to renew the Revolving Credit Agreement in whole or in part, it may pursue alternative financing arrangements in order to meet its ongoing liquidity needs.
	Uncommitted Standby Letter of Credit Facility with Wells Fargo
	Effective as of December 23, 2014, RenaissanceRe and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, Renaissance Reinsurance, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks and DaVinci (such affiliates, collectively, the “Applicants”), entered into a Standby Letter of Credit Agreement (the “Standby Letter of Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo. The Standby Letter of Credit Agreement provides for a secured, uncommitted facility under which letters of credit may be issued from time to time for the respective accounts of the Applicants. RenaissanceRe has unconditionally guaranteed the payment obligations of Renaissance Reinsurance and Renaissance Specialty Risks under the Standby Letter of Credit Agreement and all other related credit documents.
	In the Standby Letter of Credit Agreement, each of RenaissanceRe and the Applicants makes, as to itself, certain representations and warranties and severally agrees to comply with certain covenants, in each case, that are customary for facilities of this type. Under the Standby Letter of Credit Agreement, each Applicant is severally required to pledge to Wells Fargo at all times during the term of the Standby Letter of Credit Agreement eligible collateral having a value (as determined as therein provided) that equals or exceeds the aggregate face amount of the outstanding letters of credit issued for its account plus all such Applicant’s payment and reimbursement obligations in respect of such letters of credit and under the Standby Letter of Credit Agreement. In the case of an event of default under the Standby Letter of Credit Agreement, Wells Fargo may exercise certain remedies, including conversion of collateral of a defaulting Applicant into cash.
	At March 31, 2015, the Applicants had $73.6 million of letters of credit with effective dates on or before March 31, 2015 outstanding under the Standby Letter of Credit Agreement.
	Bilateral Letter of Credit Facility with Citibank Europe
	Pursuant to the facility letter, dated September 17, 2010 (as amended on July 14, 2011, October 1, 2013, December 23, 2014 and March 31, 2015, the “Facility Letter”), among Citibank Europe plc (“CEP”) and certain subsidiaries and affiliates of RenaissanceRe, CEP has established a letter of credit facility (the “Bilateral Facility”) under which CEP provides a commitment to issue letters of credit for the account of one or more of the Bilateral Facility Participants (as defined below) and their respective subsidiaries in multiple currencies. The “Bilateral Facility Participants” include Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci and RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks (each of which were original signatories to the Facility Letter), Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. (each of which became parties to the Facility Letter effective October 1, 2013) and Platinum Bermuda and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. (each of which became parties to the Facility Letter effective March 31, 2015). The aggregate commitment amount is $300.0 million, subject to (i) a sublimit of $50.0 million for letters of credit issued for the account of RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. and (ii) a combined sublimit of $25.0 million for letters of credit issued for the accounts of Platinum Bermuda and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S.
	Effective March 31, 2015, with the exception of certain ancillary collateral documents, the agreements evidencing the bilateral letter of credit facility that had previously been in place among CEP, Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US (the “Platinum/CEP Bilateral Facility”) were terminated. In addition, effective March 31, 2015, certain letters of credit issued on behalf of Platinum Bermuda and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. under the Platinum/CEP Bilateral Facility are deemed to be letters of credit issued under the Bilateral Facility and the terms of the Bilateral Facility apply to such letters of credit.
	The Bilateral Facility is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2015. The Bilateral Facility is evidenced by the Facility Letter and seven separate master agreements between CEP and each of the Bilateral Facility Participants, as well as certain ancillary collateral agreements.
	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 value (as determined as therein provided) that equals or exceeds the aggregate face 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.
	At March 31, 2015, $139.5 million aggregate face amount of letters of credit was outstanding and, subject to the sublimits described above, $160.5 million remained unused and available to the Bilateral Facility Participants under the Bilateral Facility.
	Funds at Lloyd’s Letter of Credit Facilities
	Effective November 24, 2014, Renaissance Reinsurance and CEP entered into a Second Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement (the “Renaissance Reinsurance Pledge Agreement”) in respect of its letter of credit facility with CEP which is evidenced by the Master Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2009 (the “Renaissance Reinsurance Master Agreement”), and which provides for the issuance and renewal of letters of credit that are used to support business written by Syndicate 1458. Pursuant to the Renaissance Reinsurance Pledge Agreement, Renaissance Reinsurance has agreed to pledge to CEP at all times during the term of the Renaissance Reinsurance Master Agreement certain qualifying securities with a value (as determined as therein provided) that equals or exceeds the aggregate face amount of the then-outstanding letters of credit issued under the Renaissance Reinsurance Master Agreement. At March 31, 2015, letters of credit issued by CEP under the Renaissance Reinsurance Master Reimbursement Agreement were outstanding in the face amount of $300.0 million and £70.0 million, respectively.
	Effective November 24, 2014, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks and CEP entered into the Master Agreement (the “Specialty Risks Master Agreement” and, together with the Renaissance Reinsurance Master Agreement, the “Master Agreements”), which provides for the issuance and renewal by CEP for the account of RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks of letters of credit that are used to support business written by Syndicate 1458, and a related Pledge Agreement (the “Specialty Risks Pledge Agreement” and, together with the Renaissance Reinsurance Pledge Agreement, the “Pledge Agreements”). Pursuant to the Specialty Risks Pledge Agreement, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks has agreed to pledge to CEP at all times during the term of the Specialty Risks Master Agreement certain qualifying securities with a value (as determined as therein provided) equal to the aggregate face amount of the then-outstanding letters of credit issued under the Specialty Risks Master Agreement. At March 31, 2015, letters of credit issued by CEP under the Specialty Risks Master Agreement were outstanding in the face amount of $8.6 million.
	Each of the Master Agreements and the Pledge Agreements contains representations, warranties and covenants that are customary for facilities of this type.
	Platinum Syndicated Letter of Credit Facility
	Effective March 2, 2015 and subsequent to the acquisition of Platinum, Platinum entered into a Consent and Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement Amendment”) with Wells Fargo, the lenders party thereto and certain subsidiaries of Platinum party thereto (the “Platinum Subsidiary Borrowers”). The Credit Agreement Amendment amends the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 9, 2014, by and among Platinum, the Platinum Subsidiary Borrowers, Wells Fargo and the lenders party thereto (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Platinum Credit Agreement”). Among other things, the Credit Agreement Amendment (i) evidences the consent to the acquisition of Platinum of the lenders under the Platinum Credit Agreement, (ii) reduces the aggregate amount available under the Platinum Credit Agreement to $100.0 million, all of which is available for letters of credit, (iii) eliminates the sublimit under the Platinum Credit Agreement for revolver borrowings, (iv) reflects the addition of RenaissanceRe as a guarantor of the obligations of Platinum and the Platinum Subsidiary Borrowers under the Platinum Credit Agreement and (v) eliminates or modifies certain of the covenants and events of default under the Platinum Credit Agreement.
	Effective March 2, 2015, RenaissanceRe entered into a Guaranty for the benefit of the lenders under the Platinum Credit Agreement pursuant to which RenaissanceRe guaranteed the obligations of Platinum and the Platinum Subsidiary Borrowers under the Platinum Credit Agreement and agreed to certain information reporting and financial covenants. The financial covenants are the same financial covenants as in effect as of March 2, 2015 under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
	At March 31, 2015, $88.8 million aggregate face amount of letters of credit was outstanding and $11.2 million remained unused and available to the Platinum Subsidiary Borrowers under the Platinum Credit Agreement.
	Platinum Letter of Credit Facility with National Australia Bank Limited and ING Bank, N.V.
	Effective March 2, 2015 and subsequent to the acquisition of Platinum, Platinum Bermuda, as borrower, and Platinum, as guarantor, entered into a Consent and Amendment to Facility Agreement (the “Facility Agreement Amendment”) with National Australia Bank Limited (“NAB”) and ING Bank, N.V. (“ING”). The Facility Agreement Amendment amends the Uncommitted $125.0 million Facility Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2012, by and among Platinum Bermuda, Platinum, National Australia Bank Limited and ING Bank, N.V. (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Facility Agreement”). Among other things, the Facility Agreement Amendment (i) evidences the consent of NAB and ING to the acquisition of Platinum, (ii) reflects the addition of RenaissanceRe as a guarantor of the obligations of Platinum and Platinum Bermuda under the Facility Agreement and (iii) eliminates or modifies certain of the covenants and events of default under the Facility Agreement.
	Effective March 2, 2015, RenaissanceRe entered into a Guaranty for the benefit of NAB and ING pursuant to which RenaissanceRe guaranteed the obligations of Platinum Bermuda and Platinum under the Facility Agreement and agreed to certain information reporting and financial covenants. The financial covenants are the same financial covenants as in effect as of March 2, 2015 under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
	At March 31, 2015, $6.9 million aggregate face amount of letters of credit was outstanding under the Facility Agreement and $118.1 million remained unused and available to Platinum Bermuda under the Facility Agreement.
	Top Layer Re
	Renaissance Reinsurance is 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 “DaVinciRe 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 DaVinciRe 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. At March 31, 2015, $100.0 million remained outstanding under the DaVinciRe Loan Agreement. Refer to “Note 16. Subsequent Events” for additional information with respect to the DaVinciRe Loan Agreement and its payment in full on May 4, 2015.

Noncontrolling_Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 is set forth below:
			March 31,			December 31, 2014
			2015
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe	$	867,734		$	1,037,306
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Medici	100,697			94,402
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest	$	968,431		$	1,131,708
	A summary of the Company’s noncontrolling interests on its consolidated statements of operations set forth below:
			Three months ended
			March 31,			March 31,
			2015			2014
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe	$	38,326		$	41,180
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Medici	1,336			1,588
		Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	39,662		$	42,768
	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 attributable to noncontrolling interests. The Company’s noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe was 26.3% at March 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 - 23.4%).
	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 January 1 of the following year. Payment will be made by April 1, 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.
	2014
	During January 2014, DaVinciRe redeemed a portion of its outstanding shares from all existing DaVinciRe shareholders, including RenaissanceRe, 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 $30.0 million holdback. The Company’s noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe subsequent to these transactions was 26.5%, effective January 1, 2014.
	Effective July 1, 2014, RenaissanceRe sold a portion of its shares of DaVinciRe to an existing third party shareholder. RenaissanceRe sold these shares for $38.9 million. The Company's ownership in DaVinciRe was 26.5% at June 30, 2014 and subsequent to the above transaction, its ownership interest in DaVinciRe decreased to 23.4% effective July 1, 2014.
	2015
	During January 2015, DaVinciRe redeemed a portion of its outstanding shares from certain existing DaVinciRe shareholders, including the Company. The net redemption as a result of these transactions was $225.0 million. In connection with the redemption, DaVinciRe retained a $22.5 million holdback. The Company’s noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe subsequent to these transactions was 26.3%, effective January 1, 2015.
	Refer to “Note 16. Subsequent Events” for additional information with respect to DaVinciRe’s issuance of its senior notes.
	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:
			Three months ended
			March 31,			March 31,
			2015			2014
		Beginning balance	$	1,037,306		$	1,063,368
		Redemption of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest	(207,898		)	(218,879		)
		Sale of shares to redeemable noncontrolling interests	—			9,722
		Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	38,326			41,180
		Ending balance	$	867,734		$	895,391
	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest - RenaissanceRe Medici Fund Ltd. (“Medici”)
	Medici is an exempted company 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. RenaissanceRe owns a noncontrolling economic interest in Medici; however, because RenaissanceRe controls all of Medici’s outstanding voting rights, the financial statements of Medici are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The portion of Medici’s earnings owned by third parties is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as net income 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.
	2014
	During 2014, third-party investors subscribed for and redeemed an aggregate of $57.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively, of the participating, non-voting common shares of Medici. As a result of these net subscriptions, the Company’s economic ownership in Medici was 53.2%, effective December 31, 2014.
	2015
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, third-party investors subscribed for and redeemed an aggregate of $19.6 million and $14.7 million, respectively, of the participating, non-voting common shares of Medici. As a result of these net subscriptions, the Company’s economic ownership in Medici was 48.6%, effective March 31, 2015.
	The Company expects its ownership in Medici to fluctuate over time.
	The activity in redeemable noncontrolling interest – Medici is detailed in the table below:
			Three months ended
			March 31,			March 31,
			2015			2014
		Beginning balance	$	94,402		$	36,492
		Redemption of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest	(14,684		)	(1,875		)
		Sale of shares to redeemable noncontrolling interests	19,643			55,385
		Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	1,336			1,588
		Ending balance	$	100,697		$	91,590

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
	Upsilon Fund
	Effective November 13, 2014, the Company incorporated Upsilon Fund, an exempted Bermuda limited segregated accounts company. Upsilon Fund was formed to provide a fund structure through which third party investors can invest in reinsurance risk managed by the Company. As a segregated accounts company, Upsilon Fund is permitted to establish segregated accounts to invest in and hold identified pools of assets and liabilities. Each pool of assets and liabilities in each segregated account is structured to be ring-fenced from any claims from the creditors of Upsilon Fund’s general account and from the creditors of other segregated accounts within Upsilon Fund. Third party investors purchase redeemable, non-voting preference shares linked to specific segregated accounts of Upsilon Fund and own 100% of these shares.
	Upsilon Fund is considered a VIE as the voting rights of the equity investors are not proportionate with the respective obligation to absorb expected losses or the right to receive expected residual returns. The Company does not have the obligation to absorb the losses, nor the right to receive the benefits, in accordance with the accounting guidance, that could be significant to Upsilon Fund. However, the Company does have the power over the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Upsilon Fund. Since the Company does not meet both criteria noted above, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of Upsilon Fund, and accordingly, does not consolidate Upsilon Fund. The Company has not provided any financial or other support to Upsilon Fund that was not contractually required to be provided.
	Upsilon RFO
	Effective January 1, 2013, the Company formed and launched Upsilon RFO, 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.
	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 and profit commission.
	Upsilon RFO is considered a VIE as it has insufficient equity capital to finance its activities without additional financial support. The Company is the primary beneficiary of Upsilon RFO as it: (i) has the power over the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Upsilon RFO and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits, in accordance with the accounting guidance, that could be significant to Upsilon RFO. As a result, the Company consolidates Upsilon RFO and all significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated. The Company has not provided financial or other support to Upsilon RFO that was not contractually required to be provided.
	2014
	In conjunction with risks incepting during the first quarter of 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 during the first quarter of 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 had a 33.6% participation in the original risks assumed by Upsilon RFO in conjunction with risks incepting during the first quarter of 2014.
	In conjunction with risks incepting during the second quarter of 2014, $43.1 million of Upsilon RFO non-voting preference shares were sold to unaffiliated third-party investors.  Additionally, $13.5 million of the non-voting preference shares were acquired by the Company, representing a 23.9% participation in the risks assumed by Upsilon RFO incepting during the second quarter of 2014.  In addition, another third party investor supplied $5.0 million of capital through an insurance contract with the Company related to Upsilon RFO’s reinsurance portfolio.  Inclusive of the insurance contract, the Company had a 15.0% participation in the original risks assumed by Upsilon RFO in conjunction with risks incepting during the second quarter of 2014.
	2015
	During January 2015, Upsilon RFO returned capital to all of the investors who participated in risks incepting on January 1, 2014 and expiring on December 31, 2014, including the Company. The total amount of capital agreed to be returned was $352.8 million, with $317.5 million of this repaid during January 2015.
	In conjunction with risks incepting during the first quarter of 2015, $128.7 million of Upsilon RFO non-voting preference shares were sold to unaffiliated third-party investors through their investment in Upsilon Fund.  Additionally, $41.3 million of the non-voting preference shares were acquired by the Company, representing a 24.3% participation in the risks assumed by Upsilon RFO incepting during the first quarter of 2015.
	At March 31, 2015, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet included total assets and total liabilities of Upsilon RFO of $343.6 million and $343.6 million, respectively, including $10.0 million of capital raised from third party investors and received by Upsilon RFO prior to March 31, 2015 for risks incepted during the second quarter of 2015 (December 31, 2014 - $621.3 million and $621.3 million, respectively, including $135.7 million of capital raised from third party investors and received by Upsilon RFO prior to December 31, 2014 for risks incepted during the first quarter of 2015).
	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 such 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 March 31, 2015, the total assets and total liabilities of Mona Lisa Re were $181.1 million and $181.1 million, respectively (December 31, 2014 - $184.0 million and $184.0 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. Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci have together entered into ceded reinsurance contracts with Mona Lisa Re with gross premiums ceded of $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, during the three months ended March 31, 2015 (2014 - $Nil and $Nil, respectively). In addition, Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci recognized ceded premiums earned related to the ceded reinsurance contracts with Mona Lisa Re of $1.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively, during the three months ended March 31, 2015 (2014 - $2.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively).

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Dividends
	The Board of Directors of RenaissanceRe declared a dividend of $0.30 per common share to common shareholders of record on March 13, 2015, and RenaissanceRe paid a dividend of $0.30 per common share to common shareholders on March 31, 2015. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company declared and paid $5.6 million in preference share dividends (2014 - $5.6 million) and $13.7 million in common share dividends (2014 - $11.9 million).
	Share Repurchases
	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 three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company did not repurchase any shares under its authorized share repurchase program. At March 31, 2015, $500.0 million remained available for repurchase under the Board authorized share repurchase program. See “Part II, Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and use of Proceeds” for additional information. Refer to “Note 16. Subsequent Events” for additional information with respect to share repurchases after March 31, 2015.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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:
			Three months ended
		(thousands of shares)	March 31,			March 31,
			2015			2014
		Numerator:
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	167,843		$	151,003
		Amount allocated to participating common shareholders (1)	(2,025		)	(2,031		)
		Net income allocated to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	165,818		$	148,972
		Denominator:
		Denominator for basic income per RenaissanceRe common share - weighted average common shares	39,631			41,238
		Per common share equivalents of employee stock options and restricted shares	390			665
		Denominator for diluted income per RenaissanceRe common share - adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions	40,021			41,903
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic	$	4.18		$	3.61
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted	$	4.14		$	3.56
	-1	Represents earnings attributable to holders of unvested restricted shares issued under the Company’s 2001 Stock Incentive Plan and Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	SEGMENT REPORTING
	The Company has the following reportable segments: (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.
	The underwriting results of Platinum are included in the Company’s Catastrophe Reinsurance and Specialty Reinsurance segments from March 2, 2015.
	The financial results of the Company’s strategic investments, former Insurance segment 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, capital servicing costs and certain acquisition related expenses.
	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:
		Three months ended March 31, 2015	Catastrophe Reinsurance			Specialty Reinsurance			Lloyd’s			Other			Total
		Gross premiums written (1)	$	389,247		$	124,291		$	130,130		$	(90	)	$	643,578
		Net premiums written	$	222,640		$	103,915		$	77,569		$	(89	)	$	404,035
		Net premiums earned	$	143,767		$	94,876		$	58,206		$	(89	)	$	296,760
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred	7,594			39,588			29,843			(172		)	76,853
		Acquisition expenses	7,654			20,689			14,693			365			43,401
		Operational expenses	20,363			13,290			11,940			28			45,621
		Underwriting income (loss)	$	108,156		$	21,309		$	1,730		$	(310	)	130,885
		Net investment income										39,707			39,707
		Net foreign exchange losses										(3,130		)	(3,130		)
		Equity in earnings of other ventures										5,295			5,295
		Other income										1,539			1,539
		Net realized and unrealized gains on investments										41,749			41,749
		Corporate expenses										(45,598		)	(45,598		)
		Interest expense										(5,251		)	(5,251		)
		Income before taxes and noncontrolling interests													165,196
		Income tax benefit										47,904			47,904
		Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests										(39,662		)	(39,662		)
		Dividends on preference shares										(5,595		)	(5,595		)
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders													$	167,843
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year	$	24,124		$	49,264		$	25,610		$	—		$	98,998
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years	(16,530		)	(9,676		)	4,233			(172		)	(22,145		)
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total	$	7,594		$	39,588		$	29,843		$	(172	)	$	76,853
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year	16.8		%	51.9		%	44		%	—		%	33.4		%
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years	(11.5		)%	(10.2		)%	7.3		%	193.3		%	(7.5		)%
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year	5.3		%	41.7		%	51.3		%	193.3		%	25.9		%
		Underwriting expense ratio	19.5		%	35.8		%	45.7		%	(441.6		)%	30		%
		Combined ratio	24.8		%	77.5		%	97		%	(248.3		)%	55.9		%
	(1) Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is the elimination of inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
		Three months ended March 31, 2014	Catastrophe Reinsurance			Specialty Reinsurance			Lloyd’s			Other			Total
		Gross premiums written	$	467,711		$	154,290		$	83,259		$	—		$	705,260
		Net premiums written	$	259,489		$	125,489		$	65,369		$	—		$	450,347
		Net premiums earned	$	164,584		$	69,630		$	52,297		$	23		$	286,534
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred	6,455			26,081			26,281			98			58,915
		Acquisition expenses	7,126			16,547			10,567			(540		)	33,700
		Operational expenses	20,419			10,106			12,033			66			42,624
		Underwriting income	$	130,584		$	16,896		$	3,416		$	399		151,295
		Net investment income										38,948			38,948
		Net foreign exchange losses										(1,061		)	(1,061		)
		Equity in earnings of other ventures										4,199			4,199
		Other income										62			62
		Net realized and unrealized gains on investments										14,927			14,927
		Corporate expenses										(4,545		)	(4,545		)
		Interest expense										(4,293		)	(4,293		)
		Income before taxes and noncontrolling interests													199,532
		Income tax expense										(166		)	(166		)
		Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests										(42,768		)	(42,768		)
		Dividends on preference shares										(5,595		)	(5,595		)
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders													$	151,003
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year	$	12,529		$	41,922		$	21,157		$	—		$	75,608
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years	(6,074		)	(15,841		)	5,124			98			(16,693		)
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total	$	6,455		$	26,081		$	26,281		$	98		$	58,915
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year	7.6		%	60.2		%	40.5		%	—		%	26.4		%
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years	(3.7		)%	(22.7		)%	9.8		%	426.1		%	(5.8		)%
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year	3.9		%	37.5		%	50.3		%	426.1		%	20.6		%
		Underwriting expense ratio	16.8		%	38.2		%	43.2		%	(2,060.9		)%	26.6		%
		Combined ratio	20.7		%	75.7		%	93.5		%	(1,634.8		)%	47.2		%

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015	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	$	2,079			2,043				$	36	Other assets	$	—	$	36
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	16,646				5,808				10,838		Other assets	—		10,838
		Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	1,774				106				1,668		Other assets	290		1,378
		Credit default swaps	464				13				451		Other assets	310		141
		Total	$	20,963			$	7,970			$	12,993		$	600	$	12,393
			Derivative Liabilities
		At March 31, 2015	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	$	2,571			2,043				$	528	Other liabilities	$	528	$	—
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	6,377				1,415				4,962		Other liabilities	—		4,962
		Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	208				106				102		Other liabilities	—		102
		Credit default swaps	14				13				1		Other liabilities	—		1
		Weather contract	24				—				24		Other liabilities	24		—
		Total	$	9,194			$	3,577			$	5,617		$	552	$	5,065
	-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, 2014	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	$	468			468				$	—	Other assets	$	—	$	—
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	5,740				1,737				4,003		Other assets	—		4,003
		Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	3,959				648				3,311		Other assets	—		3,311
		Credit default swaps	468				88				380		Other assets	310		70
		Total	$	10,635			$	2,941			$	7,694		$	310	$	7,384
			Derivative Liabilities
		At December 31, 2014	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	$	1,037			468				$	569	Other liabilities	$	569	$	—
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	1,319				967				352		Other liabilities	—		352
		Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	724				649				75		Other liabilities	—		75
		Credit default swaps	251				88				163		Other liabilities	—		163
		Weather contract	190				—				190		Other liabilities	190		—
		Total	$	3,521			$	2,172			$	1,349		$	759	$	590
	-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 4. 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 are shown in the following table:
			Location of gain (loss)		Amount of gain (loss) recognized on
			recognized on derivatives		derivatives
		Three months ended March 31,			2015				2014
		Interest rate futures	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments		$	(4,408	)		$	(12,274	)
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	Net foreign exchange losses		3,611				4,099
		Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	Net foreign exchange losses		9,210				(1,399		)
		Credit default swaps	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments		40				159
		Weather contract	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments		160				1,216
		Total			$	8,613			$	(8,199	)
	-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 March 31, 2015.
	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 March 31, 2015, the Company had $1,624.5 million of notional long positions and $1,378.0 million of notional short positions of primarily Eurodollar, U.S. treasury and non-U.S. dollar futures contracts (December 31, 2014 - $587.0 million and $617.4 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 March 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding underwriting related foreign currency contracts of $281.5 million in notional long positions and $255.2 million in notional short positions, denominated in U.S. dollars (December 31, 2014 - $144.8 million and $121.6 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. 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 March 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding investment portfolio related foreign currency contracts of $13.7 million in notional long positions and $107.7 million in notional short positions, denominated in U.S. dollars (December 31, 2014 - $35.8 million and $150.1 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 March 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding credit derivatives of $Nil in notional long positions and $31.3 million in notional short positions, denominated in U.S. dollars (December 31, 2014 - $4.6 million and $19.4 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 such derivatives are frequently seasonal in nature. At March 31, 2015, the Company had an outstanding weather contract with an insurance company of $2.0 million in a notional short position (December 31, 2014 - $2.2 million).

Commitments_Contingencies_and_

Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items	COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER ITEMS
	There are no material changes from the commitments and contingencies previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, other than those discussed below and in “Note 7. Debt and Credit Facilities.”
	Legal Proceedings
	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.  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.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided in Connection with Outstanding Debt of Subsidiaries	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH OUTSTANDING DEBT OF SUBSIDIARIES
	The following tables present condensed consolidating balance sheets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, condensed consolidating statements of operations and condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, and condensed consolidating statements of cash flow for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Each of RRNAH, Platinum Finance and RenaissanceRe Finance is a 100% owned subsidiary of RenaissanceRe. Refer to “Note 7. Debt and Credit Facilities” for information related to the Company’s debt obligations.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet at March 31, 2015	RenaissanceRe			Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (Subsidiary Guarantor)			RenRe North			Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)			RenaissanceRe Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)			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	$	92,165		$	—		$	79,313		$	291,674		$	—		$	8,220,901		$	—		$	8,684,053
	Cash and cash equivalents	4,885			63,257			329			1,229			451			487,467			—			557,618
	Investments in subsidiaries	4,548,612			1,398,517			270,948			611,015			830,466			(2,839,998		)	(4,819,560		)	—
	Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	135,592			29,934			25			—			—			(29,934		)	(135,617		)	—
	Premiums receivable	—			—			—			—			—			866,418			—			866,418
	Prepaid reinsurance premiums	—			—			—			—			—			233,062			—			233,062
	Reinsurance recoverable	—			—			—			—			—			82,696			—			82,696
	Accrued investment income	—			—			87			—			—			40,496			—			40,583
	Deferred acquisition costs	—			—			—			—			—			184,168			(38,115		)	146,053
	Receivable for investments sold	12			—			—			—			—			121,518			—			121,530
	Other assets	120,981			—			31,813			2,966			120,095			215,240			(217,244		)	273,851
	Goodwill and other intangible assets	273,484			—			—			—			—			7,850			—			281,334
	Total assets	$	5,175,731		$	1,491,708		$	382,515		$	906,884		$	951,012		$	7,589,884		$	(5,210,536	)	$	11,287,198
	Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests and Shareholders’ Equity
	Liabilities
	Reserve for claims and claim expenses	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	2,760,402		$	21,166		$	2,781,568
	Unearned premiums	—			—			—			—			—			983,137			—			983,137
	Debt	117,000			—			249,545			250,000			299,400			—			(89,171		)	826,774
	Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	179,414			26,107			1,931			75			227			(26,409		)	(181,345		)	—
	Reinsurance balances payable	—			—			—			—			—			495,045			—			495,045
	Payable for investments purchased	—			—			2			—			—			217,984			—			217,986
	Other liabilities	97,028			1,086			(1,097		)	6,343			1,039			214,923			(87,354		)	231,968
	Total liabilities	393,442			27,193			250,381			256,418			300,666			4,645,082			(336,704		)	5,536,478
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			—			—			968,431			—			968,431
	Shareholders’ Equity
	Total shareholders’ equity	4,782,289			1,464,515			132,134			650,466			650,346			1,976,371			(4,873,832		)	4,782,289
	Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity	$	5,175,731		$	1,491,708		$	382,515		$	906,884		$	951,012		$	7,589,884		$	(5,210,536	)	$	11,287,198
	-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
	-2	Includes Parent Guarantor, Subsidiary Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014	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	$	137,006		$	88,150		$	6,518,594		$	—		$	6,743,750
	Cash and cash equivalents	5,986			1,033			518,565			—			525,584
	Investments in subsidiaries	3,509,974			71,796			—			(3,581,770		)	—
	Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	126,548			23			—			(126,571		)	—
	Premiums receivable	—			—			440,007			—			440,007
	Prepaid reinsurance premiums	—			—			94,810			—			94,810
	Reinsurance recoverable	—			—			66,694			—			66,694
	Accrued investment income	—			121			26,388			—			26,509
	Deferred acquisition costs	—			—			110,059			—			110,059
	Receivable for investments sold	10			—			52,380			—			52,390
	Other assets	112,400			1,242			123,661			(101,458		)	135,845
	Goodwill and other intangible assets	—			—			7,902			—			7,902
	Total assets	$	3,891,924		$	162,365		$	7,959,060		$	(3,809,799	)	$	8,203,550
	Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Shareholders’ Equity
	Liabilities
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	$	—		$	—		$	1,412,510		$	—		$	1,412,510
Unearned premiums	—			—			512,386			—			512,386
Debt	—			249,522			—			—			249,522
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	6,000			233			—			(6,233		)	—
Reinsurance balances payable	—			—			454,580			—			454,580
Payable for investments purchased	—			—			203,021			—			203,021
Other liabilities	20,209			4,013			351,344			(1,458		)	374,108
Total liabilities	26,209			253,768			2,933,841			(7,691		)	3,206,127
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—			—			1,131,708			—			1,131,708
Shareholders’ Equity
Total shareholders’ equity	3,865,715			(91,403		)	3,893,511			(3,802,108		)	3,865,715
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and shareholders’ equity	$	3,891,924		$	162,365		$	7,959,060		$	(3,809,799	)	$	8,203,550
-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			Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (Subsidiary Guarantor)			RenRe North			Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)			RenaissanceRe Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
the three months ended March 31, 2015	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	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	296,760		$	—		$	296,760
Net investment income (loss)	2,624			—			331			(40		)	36			37,730			(974		)	39,707
Net foreign exchange losses	(10		)	—			—			—			—			(3,120		)	—			(3,130		)
Equity in earnings of other ventures	—			—			—			—			—			5,295			—			5,295
Other income	6,189			166			—			—			—			1,208			(6,024		)	1,539
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	39			—			406			1			—			41,303			—			41,749
Total revenues	8,842			166			737			(39		)	36			379,176			(6,998		)	381,920
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	—			—			—			—			—			77,412			(559		)	76,853
Acquisition expenses	—			—			—			—			—			48,318			(4,917		)	43,401
Operational expenses	(1,178		)	4,987			1,890			1			—			34,515			5,406			45,621
Corporate expenses	16,304			8,182			98			35			7			21,007			(35		)	45,598
Interest expense	295			—			3,617			1,563			216			594			(1,034		)	5,251
Total expenses	15,421			13,169			5,605			1,599			223			181,846			(1,139		)	216,724
(Loss) income before equity in net income of subsidiaries and taxes	(6,579		)	(13,003		)	(4,868		)	(1,638		)	(187		)	197,330			(5,859		)	165,196
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	183,680			(6,557		)	17,399			(2,146		)	(3,213		)	11,916			(201,079		)	—
Income (loss) before taxes	177,101			(19,560		)	12,531			(3,784		)	(3,400		)	209,246			(206,938		)	165,196
Income tax (expense) benefit	(3,663		)	—			31,005			571			65			19,926			—			47,904
Net income (loss)	173,438			(19,560		)	43,536			(3,213		)	(3,335		)	229,172			(206,938		)	213,100
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			—			—			(39,662		)	—			(39,662		)
Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	173,438			(19,560		)	43,536			(3,213		)	(3,335		)	189,510			(206,938		)	173,438
Dividends on preference shares	(5,595		)	—			—			—			—			—			—			(5,595		)
Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	167,843		$	(19,560	)	$	43,536		$	(3,213	)	$	(3,335	)	$	189,510		$	(206,938	)	$	167,843
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
-2	Includes Parent Guarantor, Subsidiary Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2015	RenaissanceRe			Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (Subsidiary Guarantor)			RenRe North			Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)			RenaissanceRe Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)			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
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income (loss)	$	173,438		$	(19,560	)	$	43,536		$	(3,213	)	$	(3,335	)	$	229,172		$	(206,938	)	$	213,100
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	—			—			—			—			—			(74		)	—			(74		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	173,438			(19,560		)	43,536			(3,213		)	(3,335		)	229,098			(206,938		)	213,026
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			—			—			(39,662		)	—			(39,662		)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			—			—			(39,662		)	—			(39,662		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	$	173,438		$	(19,560	)	$	43,536		$	(3,213	)	$	(3,335	)	$	189,436		$	(206,938	)	$	173,364
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
-2	Includes Parent Guarantor, Subsidiary Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
for the three months ended March 31, 2014	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	$	—		$	—		$	286,534		$	—		$	286,534
Net investment income	625			474			38,786			(937		)	38,948
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)	1			—			(1,062		)	—			(1,061		)
Equity in earnings of other ventures	—			—			4,199			—			4,199
Other (loss) income	—			(8		)	70			—			62
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments	(106		)	377			14,656			—			14,927
Total revenues	520			843			343,183			(937		)	343,609
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	—			—			58,915			—			58,915
Acquisition expenses	—			—			33,700			—			33,700
Operational expenses	(880		)	1,894			41,688			(78		)	42,624
Corporate expenses	4,002			59			484			—			4,545
Interest expense	—			3,617			676			—			4,293
Total expenses	3,122			5,570			135,463			(78		)	144,077
(Loss) income before equity in net income of subsidiaries and taxes	(2,602		)	(4,727		)	207,720			(859		)	199,532
Equity in net income of subsidiaries	159,200			853			—			(160,053		)	—
Income (loss) before taxes	156,598			(3,874		)	207,720			(160,912		)	199,532
Income tax benefit (expense)	—			684			(850		)	—			(166		)
Net income (loss)	156,598			(3,190		)	206,870			(160,912		)	199,366
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(42,768		)	—			(42,768		)
Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	156,598			(3,190		)	164,102			(160,912		)	156,598
Dividends on preference shares	(5,595		)	—			—			—			(5,595		)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	151,003		$	(3,190	)	$	164,102		$	(160,912	)	$	151,003
-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 three months ended March 31, 2014	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)	$	156,598		$	(3,190	)	$	206,870		$	(160,912	)	$	199,366
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	—			—			(168		)	—			(168		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	156,598			(3,190		)	206,702			(160,912		)	199,198
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(42,768		)	—			(42,768		)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(42,768		)	—			(42,768		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	$	156,598		$	(3,190	)	$	163,934		$	(160,912	)	$	156,430
-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			Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (Subsidiary Guarantor)			RenRe North			Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)			RenaissanceRe Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)			Other			RenaissanceRe
for the three months ended March 31, 2015	Holdings Ltd.						America									RenaissanceRe			Consolidated
	(Parent						Holdings Inc.									Holdings Ltd.
	Guarantor)						(Subsidiary									Subsidiaries and
							Issuer)									Eliminations
																(Non-guarantor
																Subsidiaries)
																-1
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(32,160	)	$	837		$	(13,573	)	$	(295	)	$	(118,949	)	$	45,535		$	(118,605	)
Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	—			—			5,007			45,029			—			2,025,642			2,075,678
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	—			—			—			—			—			(1,490,123		)	(1,490,123		)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	—			—			—			—			—			1,757			1,757
Net sales of equity investments trading	—			—			13,763			—			—			36,864			50,627
Net sales (purchases) of short term investments	44,839			—			(5,848		)	(45,042		)	—			118,846			112,795
Net purchases of other investments	—			—			—			—			—			(7,952		)	(7,952		)
Net purchases of investments in other ventures	—			—			—			—			—			(126		)	(126		)
Net purchases of other assets	—			—			—			—			—			(2,500		)	(2,500		)
Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries	641,434			—			—			—			—			(641,434		)	—
Contributions to subsidiaries	148,674			—			(1,753		)	—			(180,000		)	33,079			—
Due to (from) subsidiary	3,306			—			1,700			—			—			(5,006		)	—
Net purchase of Platinum	(904,433		)	62,420			—			1,537			—			162,324			(678,152		)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(66,180		)	62,420			12,869			1,524			(180,000		)	231,371			62,004
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	(13,720		)	—			—			—			—			—			(13,720		)
Dividends paid – preference shares	(5,595		)	—			—			—			—			—			(5,595		)
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	(446		)	—			—			—			—			—			(446		)
Net issuance (repayment) of debt	117,000			—			—			—			299,400			(118,577		)	297,823
Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions	—			—			—			—			—			(180,285		)	(180,285		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	97,239			—			—			—			299,400			(298,862		)	97,777
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	—			—			—			—			—			(9,142		)	(9,142		)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(1,101		)	63,257			(704		)	1,229			451			(31,098		)	32,034
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	5,986			—			1,033			—			—			518,565			525,584
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	4,885		$	63,257		$	329		$	1,229		$	451		$	487,467		$	557,618
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			RenaissanceRe
for the three months ended March 31, 2014	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	$	(17,579	)	$	(8,334	)	$	72,552		$	46,639
Cash flows provided by investing activities
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	—			5,353			1,990,682			1,996,035
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	(74,733		)	—			(1,694,263		)	(1,768,996		)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	—			—			4,090			4,090
Net purchases (sales) of equity investments trading	—			(370		)	91			(279		)
Net sales (purchases) of short term investments	79,551			175			(12,413		)	67,313
Net sales of other investments	—			—			2,116			2,116
Net sales of investments in other ventures	—			—			915			915
Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries	142,423			2,701			(145,124		)	—
Contributions to subsidiaries	136,421			(1,950		)	(134,471		)	—
Due to (from) subsidiaries	8,630			(971		)	(7,659		)	—
Net cash provided by investing activities	292,292			4,938			3,964			301,194
Cash flows used in financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	(11,899		)	—			—			(11,899		)
Dividends paid – preference shares	(5,595		)	—			—			(5,595		)
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	(262,736		)	—			—			(262,736		)
Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions	—			—			(147,943		)	(147,943		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(280,230		)	—			(147,943		)	(428,173		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	—			—			(529		)	(529		)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(5,517		)	(3,396		)	(71,956		)	(80,869		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	8,796			4,027			395,209			408,032
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	3,279		$	631		$	323,253		$	327,163
(1) Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	On May 4, 2015, DaVinciRe issued $150.0 million of its 4.750% Senior Notes due May 1, 2025, with interest on the notes payable on May 1 and November 1, commencing with November 1, 2015. The notes may be redeemed prior to maturity, subject to the payment of a “make-whole” premium if the notes are redeemed before February 1, 2025. The notes contain various covenants including, among others, limitations on mergers, amalgamations and consolidations, limitations on third party investor redemptions, a leverage covenant and maintenance of certain ratings. The net proceeds from this offering were used to repay, in full, $100.0 million outstanding under the DaVinciRe Loan Agreement, and the remainder of the net proceeds may be used to repurchase DaVinciRe shares or for general corporate purposes.
	Subsequent to March 31, 2015 and through the period ended May 4, 2015, the Company repurchased 3 thousand common shares in open market transactions at an aggregate cost of $0.3 million and at an average share price of $99.91.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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”) for interim financial information and in conformity with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations as at the end of and for the periods presented. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated from these statements.
	Certain comparative information has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Because of the seasonality of the Company’s business, the results of operations and cash flows for any interim period will not necessarily be indicative of the results of operations and cash flows for the full fiscal year or subsequent quarters.
Use of Estimates in Financial Statements	USE OF ESTIMATES IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	The preparation of consolidated 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 consolidated 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.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted	RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED
	Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period
	In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (“ASU 2014-12”). The objective of ASU 2014-12 is to resolve the diverse accounting treatment of share-based payment awards in situations where an employee would be eligible to vest in the award regardless of whether the employee is rendering service on the date the performance target is achieved. For example, whether an employee is eligible to retire or otherwise terminate employment before the end of the period in which a performance target could be achieved and still be eligible to vest in the award. ASU 2014-12 will resolve if and when the performance target is achieved. ASU 2014-12 is effective for all entities in annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Entities may apply the amendments in ASU 2014-12 either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. 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.
	Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”). The objective of ASU 2015-03 is to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in ASU 2015-03. ASU 2015-03 is effective for public business entities in annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2015-03 should be applied retrospectively, and upon transition, applicable disclosures for a change in an accounting principle shall be provided, including the transition method, a description of the prior period information that has been retroactively adjusted, and the effect of the change on the applicable financial statement line items. 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.

Acquisition_of_Platinum_Tables

Acquisition of Platinum (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions	The following table summarizes the results of Platinum since March 2, 2015 that have been included in the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
			For the period from March 2, 2015 to March 31, 2015
		Total revenues	$	40,139
		Net loss attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders (1)	$	(19,439	)
	-1	Includes $28.0 million of compensation-related costs associated with terminating employees of Platinum.
	The Company's total purchase price for Platinum at March 2, 2015 was calculated as follows:
		Special Dividend
		Number of Platinum common shares and Platinum equity awards canceled in the acquisition of Platinum	25,320,312
		Special Dividend per outstanding common share of Platinum and Platinum equity award	$	10
		Special Dividend paid to common shareholders of Platinum and holders of Platinum equity awards					$	253,203
		RenaissanceRe common shares
		Common shares issued by RenaissanceRe	7,434,561
		Common share price of RenaissanceRe as of March 2, 2015	$	102.47
		Market value of RenaissanceRe common shares issued by RenaissanceRe to common shareholders of Platinum and holders of Platinum equity awards					761,819
		Platinum common shares
		Fair value of Platinum common shares owned by RenaissanceRe and canceled in connection with the acquisition of Platinum					12,950
		Cash consideration
		Number of Platinum common shares and Platinum equity awards canceled in the acquisition of Platinum	25,320,312
		Platinum common shares owned by RenaissanceRe and canceled in connection with the acquisition of Platinum	(169,220		)
		Number of Platinum common shares and Platinum equity awards canceled in the acquisition of Platinum excluding those owned by RenaissanceRe and canceled in connection with the acquisition of Platinum	25,151,092
		Agreed cash price paid to common shareholders of Platinum and holders of Platinum equity awards	$	35.96
		Cash consideration paid by RenaissanceRe to common shareholders of Platinum and holders of Platinum equity awards					904,433
		Total purchase price					1,932,405
		Less: Special Dividend paid by Platinum					(253,203		)
		Net purchase price					$	1,679,202
	The Company recognized identifiable finite lived intangible assets of $75.2 million, which will be amortized over a weighted average period of 8 years, identifiable indefinite lived intangible assets of $8.4 million, and certain other adjustments to the fair values of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and shareholders’ equity of Platinum at March 2, 2015 as summarized in the table below:
		Shareholders’ equity of Platinum prior to Special Dividend			$	1,737,278
		Cash and cash equivalents (Special Dividend on Platinum common shares and Platinum equity awards)			(253,203		)
		Adjusted shareholders’ equity of Platinum at March 2, 2015			1,484,075
		Adjustments for fair value, by applicable balance sheet caption:
		Deferred acquisition costs			(44,486		)
		Debt			(28,899		)
		Reserve for claims and claim expenses			(21,725		)
		Other assets - deferred debt issuance costs			(1,046		)
		Total adjustments for fair value by applicable balance sheet caption before tax impact			(96,156		)
		Other assets - net deferred tax asset related to fair value adjustments			29,069
		Total adjustments for fair value by applicable balance sheet caption			(67,087		)
		Adjustments for fair value of the identifiable intangible assets:
		Identifiable indefinite lived intangible assets (insurance licenses)			8,400
		Identifiable finite lived intangible assets (non-contractual relationships, renewal rights, value of business acquired, trade name, internally developed and used computer software and covenants not to compete)			75,200
		Identifiable intangible assets before tax impact			83,600
		Other liabilities - deferred tax liability on identifiable intangible assets			(13,115		)
		Total adjustments for fair value of the identifiable intangible assets			70,485
		Total adjustments for fair value by applicable balance sheet caption and identifiable intangible assets			3,398
		Shareholders’ equity of Platinum at fair value			1,487,473
		Total net purchase price paid by RenaissanceRe			1,679,202
		Excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired assigned to goodwill			$	191,729
Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired	Identifiable intangible assets at March 2, 2015 and at March 31, 2015, consisted of the following, and are included in goodwill and other intangible assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet:
			Amount				Economic Useful Life
		Key non-contractual relationships	$	30,400			10 years
		Value of business acquired	20,200				2 years
		Renewal rights	15,800				15 years
		Insurance licenses	8,400				Indefinite
		Internally developed and used computer software	3,500				2 years
		Other non-contractual relationships	2,300				3 years
		Non-compete agreements	1,900				2.5 years
		Trade name	1,100				6 months
		Identifiable intangible assets, before amortization, at March 2, 2015	83,600
		Amortization (from March 2, 2015 through March 31, 2015)	(1,846		)
		Net identifiable intangible assets at March 31, 2015 related to the acquisition of Platinum	$	81,754
Pro Forma Information	The following table presents unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 and assumes the acquisition of Platinum occurred on January 1, 2014. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is provided for informational purposes only and is not necessarily, and should not be assumed to be, an indication of the results that would have been achieved had the transaction been completed as of January 1, 2014 or that may be achieved in the future. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information does not give consideration to the impact of possible revenue enhancements, expense efficiencies, synergies or asset dispositions that may result from the acquisition of Platinum. In addition, unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information does not include the effects of costs associated with any restructuring or integration activities resulting from the acquisition of Platinum, as they are nonrecurring.
			Three months ended
			March 31,				March 31, 2014
			2015
		Total revenues	$	460,553			$	514,017
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	182,806				199,094

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Investments Trading	The following table summarizes the fair value of fixed maturity investments trading:
			March 31,			December 31,
			2015			2014
		U.S. treasuries	$	1,535,746		$	1,671,471
		Agencies	152,272			96,208
		Municipals	1,220,206			—
		Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)	329,626			280,651
		Non-U.S. government-backed corporate	151,446			146,467
		Corporate	1,603,024			1,610,442
		Agency mortgage-backed	339,279			312,333
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	257,114			241,590
		Commercial mortgage-backed	353,944			373,117
		Asset-backed	40,186			24,406
		Total fixed maturity investments trading	$	5,982,843		$	4,756,685
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
		31-Mar-15	Amortized			Gross			Gross			Fair Value			Non-Credit
			Cost			Unrealized Gains			Unrealized Losses						Other-Than-
															Temporary
															Impairments
															(1)
		Agency mortgage-backed	$	2,877		$	305		$	—		$	3,182		$	—
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	9,054			1,937			(3		)	10,988			640
		Commercial mortgage-backed	7,287			581			—			7,868			—
		Asset-backed	2,938			110			—			3,048			—
		Total fixed maturity investments available for sale	$	22,156		$	2,933		$	(3	)	$	25,086		$	640
						Included in Accumulated
						Other Comprehensive Income
		31-Dec-14	Amortized Cost			Gross			Gross			Fair Value			Non-Credit
						Unrealized Gains			Unrealized Losses						Other-Than-
															Temporary
															Impairments
															(1)
		Agency mortgage-backed	$	3,928		$	359		$	—		$	4,287		$	—
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	9,478			1,985			(3		)	11,460			656
		Commercial mortgage-backed	7,291			643			—			7,934			—
		Asset-backed	3,075			129			—			3,204			—
		Total fixed maturity investments available for sale	$	23,772		$	3,116		$	(3	)	$	26,885		$	656
	-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
		31-Mar-15	Amortized			Fair Value			Amortized Cost			Fair Value			Amortized Cost		Fair Value
			Cost
		Due in less than one year	$	211,238		$	209,392		$	—		$	—		$	211,238	$	209,392
		Due after one through five years	3,219,374			3,220,154			—			—			3,219,374		3,220,154
		Due after five through ten years	1,018,158			1,018,252			—			—			1,018,158		1,018,252
		Due after ten years	538,096			544,522			—			—			538,096		544,522
		Mortgage-backed	933,152			950,337			19,218			22,038			952,370		972,375
		Asset-backed	40,091			40,186			2,938			3,048			43,029		43,234
		Total	$	5,960,109		$	5,982,843		$	22,156		$	25,086		$	5,982,265	$	6,007,929
Schedule of Fair Value of Equity Investments Trading	The following table summarizes the fair value of equity investments trading:
			March 31,			December 31,
			2015			2014
		Financials	$	204,540		$	222,190
		Communications and technology	17,905			31,376
		Industrial, utilities and energy	15,735			28,859
		Consumer	11,346			19,522
		Healthcare	10,042			16,582
		Basic materials	2,088			3,569
		Total	$	261,656		$	322,098
Schedule of Net Investment Income	The components of net investment income are as follows:
			Three months ended
			March 31,			March 31,
			2015			2014
		Fixed maturity investments	$	25,939		$	23,860
		Short term investments	197			190
		Equity investments	2,604			796
		Other investments
		Hedge funds and private equity investments	10,413			12,317
		Other	3,508			4,528
		Cash and cash equivalents	148			91
			42,809			41,782
		Investment expenses	(3,102		)	(2,834		)
		Net investment income	$	39,707		$	38,948
Schedule of Net Realized and Unrealized Gains On Investments and Net Other-Than-Temporary Impairments	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments are as follows:
			Three months ended
			March 31,			March 31,
			2015			2014
		Gross realized gains	$	21,532		$	13,467
		Gross realized losses	(4,871		)	(5,564		)
		Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments	16,661			7,903
		Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments trading	25,972			27,882
		Net realized and unrealized losses on investments-related derivatives	(4,208		)	(10,899		)
		Net realized gains (losses) on equity investments trading	7,481			(79		)
		Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity investments trading	(4,157		)	(9,880		)
		Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	$	41,749		$	14,927
Schedule of Components of Other Comprehensive Income and Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following tables provide an analysis of the components of other comprehensive income and reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income.
			Three months ended March 31, 2015
			Investments in other ventures			Fixed maturity investments available for sale			Total
		Beginning balance	$	303		$	3,113		$	3,416
		Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	109			(132		)	(23		)
		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 on investments	—			(51		)	(51		)
		Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	109			(183		)	(74		)
		Ending balance	$	412		$	2,930		$	3,342
			Three months ended March 31, 2014
			Investments in other ventures			Fixed maturity investments available for sale			Total
		Beginning balance	$	163		$	3,968		$	4,131
		Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(3		)	(165		)	(168		)
		Ending balance	$	160		$	3,803		$	3,963
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 March 31, 2015	Fair Value			Unrealized			Fair Value			Unrealized			Fair Value		Unrealized
						Losses						Losses					Losses
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	$	—		$	—		$	68		$	(3	)	$	68	$	(3	)
		Total	$	—		$	—		$	68		$	(3	)	$	68	$	(3	)
			Less than 12 Months						12 Months or Greater						Total
		31-Dec-14	Fair Value			Unrealized			Fair Value			Unrealized			Fair Value		Unrealized
						Losses						Losses					Losses
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	$	—		$	—		$	69		$	(3	)	$	69	$	(3	)
		Total	$	—		$	—		$	69		$	(3	)	$	69	$	(3	)
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:
			Three months ended
			March 31,			March 31,
			2015			2014
		Beginning balance	$	498		$	561
		Reductions:
		Securities sold during the period	(13		)	(16		)
		Ending balance	$	485		$	545

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 sheets:
		At March 31, 2015	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	$	1,535,746		$	1,535,746		$	—		$	—
		Agencies	152,272			—			152,272			—
		Municipal	1,220,206			—			1,220,206			—
		Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)	329,626			—			329,626			—
		Non-U.S. government-backed corporate	151,446			—			151,446			—
		Corporate	1,603,024			—			1,587,550			15,474
		Agency mortgage-backed	342,461			—			342,461			—
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	268,102			—			268,102			—
		Commercial mortgage-backed	361,812			—			361,812			—
		Asset-backed	43,234			—			43,234			—
		Total fixed maturity investments	6,007,929			1,535,746			4,456,709			15,474
		Short term investments	1,775,819			—			1,775,819			—
		Equity investments trading	261,656			261,656			—			—
		Other investments
		Private equity partnerships	271,074			—			—			271,074
		Catastrophe bonds	221,780			—			221,780			—
		Senior secured bank loan fund	19,679			—			—			19,679
		Hedge funds	2,373			—			—			2,373
		Total other investments	514,906			—			221,780			293,126
		Other assets and (liabilities)
		Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts	72,993			—			—			72,993
		Derivatives (1)	7,376			(492		)	7,892			(24		)
		Other	(1,547		)	—			(1,547		)	—
		Total other assets and (liabilities)	78,822			(492		)	6,345			72,969
			$	8,639,132		$	1,796,910		$	6,460,653		$	381,569
	(1) See “Note 13. Derivative Instruments” for additional information related to the fair value by type of contract, of derivatives entered into by the Company.
		At December 31, 2014	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	$	1,671,471		$	1,671,471		$	—		$	—
		Agencies	96,208			—			96,208			—
		Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt)	280,651			—			280,651			—
		Non-U.S. government-backed corporate	146,467			—			146,467			—
		Corporate	1,610,442			—			1,594,782			15,660
		Agency mortgage-backed	316,620			—			316,620			—
		Non-agency mortgage-backed	253,050			—			253,050			—
		Commercial mortgage-backed	381,051			—			381,051			—
		Asset-backed	27,610			—			27,610			—
		Total fixed maturity investments	4,783,570			1,671,471			3,096,439			15,660
		Short term investments	1,013,222			—			1,013,222			—
		Equity investments trading	322,098			322,098			—			—
		Other investments
		Private equity partnerships	281,932			—			—			281,932
		Catastrophe bonds	200,329			—			200,329			—
		Senior secured bank loan funds	19,316			—			—			19,316
		Hedge funds	2,570			—			—			2,570
		Total other investments	504,147			—			200,329			303,818
		Other assets and (liabilities)
		Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts	(8,744		)	—			—			(8,744		)
		Derivatives (1)	6,345			(569		)	7,104			(190		)
		Other	(11,509		)	—			(11,509		)	—
		Total other assets and (liabilities)	(13,908		)	(569		)	(4,405		)	(8,934		)
		$	6,609,129		$	1,993,000		$	4,305,585		$	310,544
(1) See “Note 13. 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:
		At March 31, 2015	Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable (U)	Low			High			Weighted Average or Actual
			(Level 3)					and Observable (O)
								Inputs
		Fixed maturity investments
		Corporate	$	15,474		Discounted cash flow (“DCF”)		Credit spread (U)	n/a			n/a			1.2		%
								Liquidity discount (U)	n/a			n/a			1		%
								Risk-free rate (O)	n/a			n/a			0.2		%
								Dividend rate (O)	n/a			n/a			6.5		%
		Total fixed maturity investments	15,474
		Other investments
		Private equity partnerships	271,074			Net asset valuation		Estimated performance (U)	(12.6		)%	23		%	4.7		%
		Senior secured bank loan fund	19,679			Net asset valuation		Estimated performance (U)	n/a			n/a			0.7		%
		Hedge funds	2,373			Net asset valuation		Estimated performance (U)	0		%	0		%	0		%
		Total other investments	293,126
		Other assets and (liabilities)
		Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts	82,298			Internal valuation model		Estimated contract period (U)	n/a			n/a			746
								Credit spread above risk-free rate (U)	n/a			n/a			2.4		%
								Net claims and claim expenses ceded (U)	n/a			n/a			$	—
		Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts	(1,116		)	Internal valuation model		Bond price (U)	$	98.19		$	98.81		$	98.52
								Liquidity premium (U)	n/a			n/a			1.3		%
		Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts	(8,189		)	Internal valuation model		Net undiscounted cash flows (U)	n/a			n/a			$	(10,790	)
								Expected loss ratio (U)	n/a			n/a			34		%
								Net acquisition expense ratio (O)	1		%	13		%	10		%
								Contract period (O)	549			1,100			830
								Discount rate (U)	n/a			n/a			0.9		%
		Total assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts	72,993
		Weather contract	(24		)	Internal valuation model		See below	n/a			n/a			See below
		Total other assets and (liabilities)	72,969
			$	381,569
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			Total
			investments			investments			and
			trading						(liabilities)
		Balance - January 1, 2015	$	15,660		$	303,818		$	(8,934	)	$	310,544
		Total unrealized (losses) gains
		Included in net investment income	(186		)	5,014			160			4,988
		Total realized gains
		Included in other income	—			—			1,316			1,316
		Total foreign exchange (losses) gains	—			(2,498		)	6			(2,492		)
		Purchases	—			5,738			80,421			86,159
		Settlements	—			(18,946		)	—			(18,946		)
		Balance - March 31, 2015	$	15,474		$	293,126		$	72,969		$	381,569
		Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in net investment income	$	(186	)	$	5,014		$	160		$	4,988
			Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
			Fixed maturity			Other			Other assets  and (liabilities)			Total
			investments			investments
			trading
		Balance - January 1, 2014	$	27,580		$	344,248		$	(2,490	)	$	369,338
		Total unrealized gains (losses)
		Included in net investment income	9,558			7,876			1,216			18,650
		Total foreign exchange gains (losses)	—			6			(33		)	(27		)
		Purchases	—			15,001			—			15,001
		Settlements	—			(24,353		)	—			(24,353		)
		Balance - March 31, 2014	$	37,138		$	342,778		$	(1,307	)	$	378,609
		Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in net investment income	$	9,558		$	7,876		$	1,216		$	18,650
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:
			March 31,			December 31,
			2015			2014
		Other investments	$	514,906		$	504,147
		Other assets	$	86,676		$	5,664
		Other liabilities	$	13,683		$	14,408
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 March 31, 2015	Fair Value			Unfunded			Redemption Frequency		Redemption	Redemption
						Commitments					Notice Period (Minimum Days)	Notice Period (Maximum Days)
		Private equity partnerships	$	271,074		$	157,729		See below		See below	See below
		Senior secured bank loan fund	19,679			5,924			See below		See below	See below
		Hedge funds	2,373			—			See below		See below	See below
		Total other investments measured using net asset valuations	$	293,126		$	163,653

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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:
			Three months ended
			March 31, 2015			March 31, 2014
		Premiums written
		Direct	$	30,813		$	13,855
		Assumed	612,765			691,405
		Ceded	(239,543		)	(254,913		)
		Net premiums written	$	404,035		$	450,347
		Premiums earned
		Direct	$	22,901		$	14,229
		Assumed	382,603			385,598
		Ceded	(108,744		)	(113,293		)
		Net premiums earned	$	296,760		$	286,534
		Claims and claim expenses
		Gross claims and claim expenses incurred	$	88,995		$	68,150
		Claims and claim expenses recovered	(12,142		)	(9,235		)
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred	$	76,853		$	58,915

Debt_and_Credit_Facilities_Tab

Debt and Credit Facilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Debt Obligations	A summary of the Company’s debt obligations on its consolidated balance sheets is set forth below:
			March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
			Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
		3.700% Senior Notes due 2025	$	300,450	$	299,400	$	—	$	—
		5.75% Senior Notes due 2020	285,000		249,545		279,000		249,522
		Series B 7.50% Senior Notes due 2017	278,116		277,829		—		—
			$	863,566	$	826,774	$	279,000	$	249,522
Schedule of Credit Facilities	A summary of the Company’s credit facilities is set forth below:
		At March 31, 2015	Issued or Drawn
		RenaissanceRe Revolving Credit Facility	$	—
		Uncommitted Standby Letter of Credit Facility with Wells Fargo	73,584
		Bilateral Letter of Credit Facility with Citibank Europe	139,463
		Funds at Lloyd’s Letter of Credit Facilities
		Renaissance Reinsurance Master Reimbursement Agreement	300,000
		Specialty Risks Master Agreement	8,609
		Platinum Syndicated Letter of Credit Facility	88,833
		Platinum Letter of Credit Facility with NAB and ING	6,931
		Total credit facilities in U.S. dollars	$	617,420
		Funds at Lloyd’s Letter of Credit Facilities
		Renaissance Reinsurance Master Reimbursement Agreement	£	70,000
		Total credit facilities in pound sterling	£	70,000

Noncontrolling_Interests_Table

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Schedule of Activity in Noncontrolling Interest	A summary of the Company’s noncontrolling interests on its consolidated balance sheets is set forth below:
			March 31,			December 31, 2014
			2015
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe	$	867,734		$	1,037,306
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Medici	100,697			94,402
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest	$	968,431		$	1,131,708
	A summary of the Company’s noncontrolling interests on its consolidated statements of operations set forth below:
			Three months ended
			March 31,			March 31,
			2015			2014
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe	$	38,326		$	41,180
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Medici	1,336			1,588
		Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	39,662		$	42,768
Schedule Of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	The activity in redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe is detailed in the table below:
			Three months ended
			March 31,			March 31,
			2015			2014
		Beginning balance	$	1,037,306		$	1,063,368
		Redemption of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest	(207,898		)	(218,879		)
		Sale of shares to redeemable noncontrolling interests	—			9,722
		Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	38,326			41,180
		Ending balance	$	867,734		$	895,391
Medici
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Schedule Of Noncontrolling Interest	The activity in redeemable noncontrolling interest – Medici is detailed in the table below:
			Three months ended
			March 31,			March 31,
			2015			2014
		Beginning balance	$	94,402		$	36,492
		Redemption of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest	(14,684		)	(1,875		)
		Sale of shares to redeemable noncontrolling interests	19,643			55,385
		Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	1,336			1,588
		Ending balance	$	100,697		$	91,590

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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:
			Three months ended
		(thousands of shares)	March 31,			March 31,
			2015			2014
		Numerator:
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	167,843		$	151,003
		Amount allocated to participating common shareholders (1)	(2,025		)	(2,031		)
		Net income allocated to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	165,818		$	148,972
		Denominator:
		Denominator for basic income per RenaissanceRe common share - weighted average common shares	39,631			41,238
		Per common share equivalents of employee stock options and restricted shares	390			665
		Denominator for diluted income per RenaissanceRe common share - adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions	40,021			41,903
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic	$	4.18		$	3.61
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted	$	4.14		$	3.56
	-1	Represents earnings attributable to holders of unvested restricted shares issued under the Company’s 2001 Stock Incentive Plan and Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan.

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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:
		Three months ended March 31, 2015	Catastrophe Reinsurance			Specialty Reinsurance			Lloyd’s			Other			Total
		Gross premiums written (1)	$	389,247		$	124,291		$	130,130		$	(90	)	$	643,578
		Net premiums written	$	222,640		$	103,915		$	77,569		$	(89	)	$	404,035
		Net premiums earned	$	143,767		$	94,876		$	58,206		$	(89	)	$	296,760
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred	7,594			39,588			29,843			(172		)	76,853
		Acquisition expenses	7,654			20,689			14,693			365			43,401
		Operational expenses	20,363			13,290			11,940			28			45,621
		Underwriting income (loss)	$	108,156		$	21,309		$	1,730		$	(310	)	130,885
		Net investment income										39,707			39,707
		Net foreign exchange losses										(3,130		)	(3,130		)
		Equity in earnings of other ventures										5,295			5,295
		Other income										1,539			1,539
		Net realized and unrealized gains on investments										41,749			41,749
		Corporate expenses										(45,598		)	(45,598		)
		Interest expense										(5,251		)	(5,251		)
		Income before taxes and noncontrolling interests													165,196
		Income tax benefit										47,904			47,904
		Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests										(39,662		)	(39,662		)
		Dividends on preference shares										(5,595		)	(5,595		)
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders													$	167,843
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year	$	24,124		$	49,264		$	25,610		$	—		$	98,998
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years	(16,530		)	(9,676		)	4,233			(172		)	(22,145		)
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total	$	7,594		$	39,588		$	29,843		$	(172	)	$	76,853
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year	16.8		%	51.9		%	44		%	—		%	33.4		%
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years	(11.5		)%	(10.2		)%	7.3		%	193.3		%	(7.5		)%
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year	5.3		%	41.7		%	51.3		%	193.3		%	25.9		%
		Underwriting expense ratio	19.5		%	35.8		%	45.7		%	(441.6		)%	30		%
		Combined ratio	24.8		%	77.5		%	97		%	(248.3		)%	55.9		%
	(1) Included in gross premiums written in the Other category is the elimination of inter-segment gross premiums written of $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
		Three months ended March 31, 2014	Catastrophe Reinsurance			Specialty Reinsurance			Lloyd’s			Other			Total
		Gross premiums written	$	467,711		$	154,290		$	83,259		$	—		$	705,260
		Net premiums written	$	259,489		$	125,489		$	65,369		$	—		$	450,347
		Net premiums earned	$	164,584		$	69,630		$	52,297		$	23		$	286,534
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred	6,455			26,081			26,281			98			58,915
		Acquisition expenses	7,126			16,547			10,567			(540		)	33,700
		Operational expenses	20,419			10,106			12,033			66			42,624
		Underwriting income	$	130,584		$	16,896		$	3,416		$	399		151,295
		Net investment income										38,948			38,948
		Net foreign exchange losses										(1,061		)	(1,061		)
		Equity in earnings of other ventures										4,199			4,199
		Other income										62			62
		Net realized and unrealized gains on investments										14,927			14,927
		Corporate expenses										(4,545		)	(4,545		)
		Interest expense										(4,293		)	(4,293		)
		Income before taxes and noncontrolling interests													199,532
		Income tax expense										(166		)	(166		)
		Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests										(42,768		)	(42,768		)
		Dividends on preference shares										(5,595		)	(5,595		)
		Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders													$	151,003
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year	$	12,529		$	41,922		$	21,157		$	—		$	75,608
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years	(6,074		)	(15,841		)	5,124			98			(16,693		)
		Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total	$	6,455		$	26,081		$	26,281		$	98		$	58,915
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year	7.6		%	60.2		%	40.5		%	—		%	26.4		%
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years	(3.7		)%	(22.7		)%	9.8		%	426.1		%	(5.8		)%
		Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year	3.9		%	37.5		%	50.3		%	426.1		%	20.6		%
		Underwriting expense ratio	16.8		%	38.2		%	43.2		%	(2,060.9		)%	26.6		%
		Combined ratio	20.7		%	75.7		%	93.5		%	(1,634.8		)%	47.2		%

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015	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	$	2,079			2,043				$	36	Other assets	$	—	$	36
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	16,646				5,808				10,838		Other assets	—		10,838
		Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	1,774				106				1,668		Other assets	290		1,378
		Credit default swaps	464				13				451		Other assets	310		141
		Total	$	20,963			$	7,970			$	12,993		$	600	$	12,393
			Derivative Liabilities
		At March 31, 2015	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	$	2,571			2,043				$	528	Other liabilities	$	528	$	—
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	6,377				1,415				4,962		Other liabilities	—		4,962
		Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	208				106				102		Other liabilities	—		102
		Credit default swaps	14				13				1		Other liabilities	—		1
		Weather contract	24				—				24		Other liabilities	24		—
		Total	$	9,194			$	3,577			$	5,617		$	552	$	5,065
	-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, 2014	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	$	468			468				$	—	Other assets	$	—	$	—
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	5,740				1,737				4,003		Other assets	—		4,003
		Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	3,959				648				3,311		Other assets	—		3,311
		Credit default swaps	468				88				380		Other assets	310		70
		Total	$	10,635			$	2,941			$	7,694		$	310	$	7,384
			Derivative Liabilities
		At December 31, 2014	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	$	1,037			468				$	569	Other liabilities	$	569	$	—
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	1,319				967				352		Other liabilities	—		352
		Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	724				649				75		Other liabilities	—		75
		Credit default swaps	251				88				163		Other liabilities	—		163
		Weather contract	190				—				190		Other liabilities	190		—
		Total	$	3,521			$	2,172			$	1,349		$	759	$	590
	-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 are shown in the following table:
			Location of gain (loss)		Amount of gain (loss) recognized on
			recognized on derivatives		derivatives
		Three months ended March 31,			2015				2014
		Interest rate futures	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments		$	(4,408	)		$	(12,274	)
		Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	Net foreign exchange losses		3,611				4,099
		Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	Net foreign exchange losses		9,210				(1,399		)
		Credit default swaps	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments		40				159
		Weather contract	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments		160				1,216
		Total			$	8,613			$	(8,199	)
	-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.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ1

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet at March 31, 2015	RenaissanceRe			Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (Subsidiary Guarantor)			RenRe North			Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)			RenaissanceRe Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)			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	$	92,165		$	—		$	79,313		$	291,674		$	—		$	8,220,901		$	—		$	8,684,053
	Cash and cash equivalents	4,885			63,257			329			1,229			451			487,467			—			557,618
	Investments in subsidiaries	4,548,612			1,398,517			270,948			611,015			830,466			(2,839,998		)	(4,819,560		)	—
	Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	135,592			29,934			25			—			—			(29,934		)	(135,617		)	—
	Premiums receivable	—			—			—			—			—			866,418			—			866,418
	Prepaid reinsurance premiums	—			—			—			—			—			233,062			—			233,062
	Reinsurance recoverable	—			—			—			—			—			82,696			—			82,696
	Accrued investment income	—			—			87			—			—			40,496			—			40,583
	Deferred acquisition costs	—			—			—			—			—			184,168			(38,115		)	146,053
	Receivable for investments sold	12			—			—			—			—			121,518			—			121,530
	Other assets	120,981			—			31,813			2,966			120,095			215,240			(217,244		)	273,851
	Goodwill and other intangible assets	273,484			—			—			—			—			7,850			—			281,334
	Total assets	$	5,175,731		$	1,491,708		$	382,515		$	906,884		$	951,012		$	7,589,884		$	(5,210,536	)	$	11,287,198
	Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests and Shareholders’ Equity
	Liabilities
	Reserve for claims and claim expenses	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	2,760,402		$	21,166		$	2,781,568
	Unearned premiums	—			—			—			—			—			983,137			—			983,137
	Debt	117,000			—			249,545			250,000			299,400			—			(89,171		)	826,774
	Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	179,414			26,107			1,931			75			227			(26,409		)	(181,345		)	—
	Reinsurance balances payable	—			—			—			—			—			495,045			—			495,045
	Payable for investments purchased	—			—			2			—			—			217,984			—			217,986
	Other liabilities	97,028			1,086			(1,097		)	6,343			1,039			214,923			(87,354		)	231,968
	Total liabilities	393,442			27,193			250,381			256,418			300,666			4,645,082			(336,704		)	5,536,478
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			—			—			968,431			—			968,431
	Shareholders’ Equity
	Total shareholders’ equity	4,782,289			1,464,515			132,134			650,466			650,346			1,976,371			(4,873,832		)	4,782,289
	Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity	$	5,175,731		$	1,491,708		$	382,515		$	906,884		$	951,012		$	7,589,884		$	(5,210,536	)	$	11,287,198
	-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
	-2	Includes Parent Guarantor, Subsidiary Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014	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	$	137,006		$	88,150		$	6,518,594		$	—		$	6,743,750
	Cash and cash equivalents	5,986			1,033			518,565			—			525,584
	Investments in subsidiaries	3,509,974			71,796			—			(3,581,770		)	—
	Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	126,548			23			—			(126,571		)	—
	Premiums receivable	—			—			440,007			—			440,007
	Prepaid reinsurance premiums	—			—			94,810			—			94,810
	Reinsurance recoverable	—			—			66,694			—			66,694
	Accrued investment income	—			121			26,388			—			26,509
	Deferred acquisition costs	—			—			110,059			—			110,059
	Receivable for investments sold	10			—			52,380			—			52,390
	Other assets	112,400			1,242			123,661			(101,458		)	135,845
	Goodwill and other intangible assets	—			—			7,902			—			7,902
	Total assets	$	3,891,924		$	162,365		$	7,959,060		$	(3,809,799	)	$	8,203,550
	Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Shareholders’ Equity
	Liabilities
	Reserve for claims and claim expenses	$	—		$	—		$	1,412,510		$	—		$	1,412,510
Unearned premiums	—			—			512,386			—			512,386
Debt	—			249,522			—			—			249,522
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	6,000			233			—			(6,233		)	—
Reinsurance balances payable	—			—			454,580			—			454,580
Payable for investments purchased	—			—			203,021			—			203,021
Other liabilities	20,209			4,013			351,344			(1,458		)	374,108
Total liabilities	26,209			253,768			2,933,841			(7,691		)	3,206,127
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—			—			1,131,708			—			1,131,708
Shareholders’ Equity
Total shareholders’ equity	3,865,715			(91,403		)	3,893,511			(3,802,108		)	3,865,715
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and shareholders’ equity	$	3,891,924		$	162,365		$	7,959,060		$	(3,809,799	)	$	8,203,550
-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
-2	Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for	RenaissanceRe			Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (Subsidiary Guarantor)			RenRe North			Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)			RenaissanceRe Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
	the three months ended March 31, 2015	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	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	296,760		$	—		$	296,760
	Net investment income (loss)	2,624			—			331			(40		)	36			37,730			(974		)	39,707
	Net foreign exchange losses	(10		)	—			—			—			—			(3,120		)	—			(3,130		)
	Equity in earnings of other ventures	—			—			—			—			—			5,295			—			5,295
	Other income	6,189			166			—			—			—			1,208			(6,024		)	1,539
	Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	39			—			406			1			—			41,303			—			41,749
	Total revenues	8,842			166			737			(39		)	36			379,176			(6,998		)	381,920
	Expenses
	Net claims and claim expenses incurred	—			—			—			—			—			77,412			(559		)	76,853
	Acquisition expenses	—			—			—			—			—			48,318			(4,917		)	43,401
	Operational expenses	(1,178		)	4,987			1,890			1			—			34,515			5,406			45,621
	Corporate expenses	16,304			8,182			98			35			7			21,007			(35		)	45,598
	Interest expense	295			—			3,617			1,563			216			594			(1,034		)	5,251
	Total expenses	15,421			13,169			5,605			1,599			223			181,846			(1,139		)	216,724
	(Loss) income before equity in net income of subsidiaries and taxes	(6,579		)	(13,003		)	(4,868		)	(1,638		)	(187		)	197,330			(5,859		)	165,196
	Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	183,680			(6,557		)	17,399			(2,146		)	(3,213		)	11,916			(201,079		)	—
	Income (loss) before taxes	177,101			(19,560		)	12,531			(3,784		)	(3,400		)	209,246			(206,938		)	165,196
	Income tax (expense) benefit	(3,663		)	—			31,005			571			65			19,926			—			47,904
	Net income (loss)	173,438			(19,560		)	43,536			(3,213		)	(3,335		)	229,172			(206,938		)	213,100
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			—			—			(39,662		)	—			(39,662		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	173,438			(19,560		)	43,536			(3,213		)	(3,335		)	189,510			(206,938		)	173,438
	Dividends on preference shares	(5,595		)	—			—			—			—			—			—			(5,595		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	167,843		$	(19,560	)	$	43,536		$	(3,213	)	$	(3,335	)	$	189,510		$	(206,938	)	$	167,843
	-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
	-2	Includes Parent Guarantor, Subsidiary Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			Consolidating			RenaissanceRe
	for the three months ended March 31, 2014	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	$	—		$	—		$	286,534		$	—		$	286,534
	Net investment income	625			474			38,786			(937		)	38,948
	Net foreign exchange gains (losses)	1			—			(1,062		)	—			(1,061		)
	Equity in earnings of other ventures	—			—			4,199			—			4,199
	Other (loss) income	—			(8		)	70			—			62
	Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments	(106		)	377			14,656			—			14,927
	Total revenues	520			843			343,183			(937		)	343,609
	Expenses
	Net claims and claim expenses incurred	—			—			58,915			—			58,915
	Acquisition expenses	—			—			33,700			—			33,700
	Operational expenses	(880		)	1,894			41,688			(78		)	42,624
	Corporate expenses	4,002			59			484			—			4,545
	Interest expense	—			3,617			676			—			4,293
	Total expenses	3,122			5,570			135,463			(78		)	144,077
	(Loss) income before equity in net income of subsidiaries and taxes	(2,602		)	(4,727		)	207,720			(859		)	199,532
	Equity in net income of subsidiaries	159,200			853			—			(160,053		)	—
	Income (loss) before taxes	156,598			(3,874		)	207,720			(160,912		)	199,532
	Income tax benefit (expense)	—			684			(850		)	—			(166		)
	Net income (loss)	156,598			(3,190		)	206,870			(160,912		)	199,366
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(42,768		)	—			(42,768		)
Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	156,598			(3,190		)	164,102			(160,912		)	156,598
Dividends on preference shares	(5,595		)	—			—			—			(5,595		)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$	151,003		$	(3,190	)	$	164,102		$	(160,912	)	$	151,003
-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)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2014	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)	$	156,598		$	(3,190	)	$	206,870		$	(160,912	)	$	199,366
	Change in net unrealized gains on investments	—			—			(168		)	—			(168		)
	Comprehensive income (loss)	156,598			(3,190		)	206,702			(160,912		)	199,198
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(42,768		)	—			(42,768		)
	Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(42,768		)	—			(42,768		)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	$	156,598		$	(3,190	)	$	163,934		$	(160,912	)	$	156,430
	-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 three months ended March 31, 2015	RenaissanceRe			Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (Subsidiary Guarantor)			RenRe North			Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)			RenaissanceRe Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)			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
	Comprehensive income (loss)
	Net income (loss)	$	173,438		$	(19,560	)	$	43,536		$	(3,213	)	$	(3,335	)	$	229,172		$	(206,938	)	$	213,100
	Change in net unrealized gains on investments	—			—			—			—			—			(74		)	—			(74		)
	Comprehensive income (loss)	173,438			(19,560		)	43,536			(3,213		)	(3,335		)	229,098			(206,938		)	213,026
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			—			—			(39,662		)	—			(39,662		)
	Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			—			—			(39,662		)	—			(39,662		)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe	$	173,438		$	(19,560	)	$	43,536		$	(3,213	)	$	(3,335	)	$	189,436		$	(206,938	)	$	173,364
	-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
	-2	Includes Parent Guarantor, Subsidiary Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.
Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	RenaissanceRe			Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (Subsidiary Guarantor)			RenRe North			Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)			RenaissanceRe Finance, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)			Other			RenaissanceRe
	for the three months ended March 31, 2015	Holdings Ltd.						America									RenaissanceRe			Consolidated
		(Parent						Holdings Inc.									Holdings Ltd.
		Guarantor)						(Subsidiary									Subsidiaries and
								Issuer)									Eliminations
																	(Non-guarantor
																	Subsidiaries)
																	-1
	Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities
	Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(32,160	)	$	837		$	(13,573	)	$	(295	)	$	(118,949	)	$	45,535		$	(118,605	)
	Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities
	Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	—			—			5,007			45,029			—			2,025,642			2,075,678
	Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	—			—			—			—			—			(1,490,123		)	(1,490,123		)
	Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	—			—			—			—			—			1,757			1,757
	Net sales of equity investments trading	—			—			13,763			—			—			36,864			50,627
	Net sales (purchases) of short term investments	44,839			—			(5,848		)	(45,042		)	—			118,846			112,795
	Net purchases of other investments	—			—			—			—			—			(7,952		)	(7,952		)
	Net purchases of investments in other ventures	—			—			—			—			—			(126		)	(126		)
	Net purchases of other assets	—			—			—			—			—			(2,500		)	(2,500		)
	Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries	641,434			—			—			—			—			(641,434		)	—
	Contributions to subsidiaries	148,674			—			(1,753		)	—			(180,000		)	33,079			—
	Due to (from) subsidiary	3,306			—			1,700			—			—			(5,006		)	—
	Net purchase of Platinum	(904,433		)	62,420			—			1,537			—			162,324			(678,152		)
	Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(66,180		)	62,420			12,869			1,524			(180,000		)	231,371			62,004
	Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
	Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	(13,720		)	—			—			—			—			—			(13,720		)
	Dividends paid – preference shares	(5,595		)	—			—			—			—			—			(5,595		)
	RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	(446		)	—			—			—			—			—			(446		)
	Net issuance (repayment) of debt	117,000			—			—			—			299,400			(118,577		)	297,823
	Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions	—			—			—			—			—			(180,285		)	(180,285		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	97,239			—			—			—			299,400			(298,862		)	97,777
	Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	—			—			—			—			—			(9,142		)	(9,142		)
	Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(1,101		)	63,257			(704		)	1,229			451			(31,098		)	32,034
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	5,986			—			1,033			—			—			518,565			525,584
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	4,885		$	63,257		$	329		$	1,229		$	451		$	487,467		$	557,618
	-1	Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	RenaissanceRe			RenRe North			Other			RenaissanceRe
	for the three months ended March 31, 2014	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	$	(17,579	)	$	(8,334	)	$	72,552		$	46,639
	Cash flows provided by investing activities
	Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	—			5,353			1,990,682			1,996,035
	Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	(74,733		)	—			(1,694,263		)	(1,768,996		)
	Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	—			—			4,090			4,090
	Net purchases (sales) of equity investments trading	—			(370		)	91			(279		)
	Net sales (purchases) of short term investments	79,551			175			(12,413		)	67,313
	Net sales of other investments	—			—			2,116			2,116
	Net sales of investments in other ventures	—			—			915			915
	Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries	142,423			2,701			(145,124		)	—
	Contributions to subsidiaries	136,421			(1,950		)	(134,471		)	—
	Due to (from) subsidiaries	8,630			(971		)	(7,659		)	—
	Net cash provided by investing activities	292,292			4,938			3,964			301,194
	Cash flows used in financing activities
	Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	(11,899		)	—			—			(11,899		)
	Dividends paid – preference shares	(5,595		)	—			—			(5,595		)
	RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	(262,736		)	—			—			(262,736		)
Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions	—			—			(147,943		)	(147,943		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(280,230		)	—			(147,943		)	(428,173		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	—			—			(529		)	(529		)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(5,517		)	(3,396		)	(71,956		)	(80,869		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	8,796			4,027			395,209			408,032
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	3,279		$	631		$	323,253		$	327,163
(1) Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

Organization_Details

Organization (Details) (RenaissanceRe Upsilon Fund Ltd, Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary)	0 Months Ended
	Nov. 13, 2014
RenaissanceRe Upsilon Fund Ltd | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Percent of segregated funds owned by third party investors	100.00%

Acquisition_of_Platinum_Narrat

Acquisition of Platinum Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 02, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 01, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Income tax benefit (expense)	$47,904,000	($166,000)
Common Shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Dividends per common share, in usd per share			$0.30
Platinum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percent acquired				100.00%
Share price, in usd per share				$76
Aggregate consideration transferred				1,932,405,000
Cash consideration paid by RenaissanceRe to common shareholders of Platinum and holders of Platinum equity awards				1,160,000,000
Transaction-related costs	40,400,000					6,700,000
Acquisition-related costs	11,500,000
Integration-related costs	900,000
Compensation-related costs					28,000,000
Goodwill				191,729,000
Finite lived intangible assets acquired				75,200,000
Weighted average useful life				8 years
Indefinite lived intangible assets acquired				8,400,000
Adjustment to other assets				-1,046,000
Adjustment to deferred tax asset				29,069,000
Total adjustments for fair value of the identifiable intangible assets				-13,115,000
Reduction in deferred tax asset	47,400,000
Platinum | Common Shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Share price, in usd per share				$35.96
Shares issued				7,434,561
Shares issued, value				761,819,000
Cash consideration paid by RenaissanceRe to common shareholders of Platinum and holders of Platinum equity awards				904,433,000
Platinum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Dividends per common share, in usd per share							$10
Dividends paid, value				253,203,000			253,203,000
Available funds to fund acquisition				604,400,000
Bridge Loan
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Short-term debt				$300,000,000

Investments_Schedule_of_Fair_V

Investments (Schedule of Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Investments Trading) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value	$5,982,843	$4,756,685
U.S. treasuries
Investment [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value	1,535,746	1,671,471
Agencies
Investment [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value	152,272	96,208
Municipals
Investment [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value	1,220,206	0
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign Debt)
Investment [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value	329,626	280,651
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate
Investment [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value	151,446	146,467
Corporate
Investment [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value	1,603,024	1,610,442
Agency mortgage-backed
Investment [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value	339,279	312,333
Non-agency mortgage-backed
Investment [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value	257,114	241,590
Commercial mortgage-backed
Investment [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value	353,944	373,117
Asset-backed
Investment [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value	$40,186	$24,406

Acquisition_of_Platinum_Purcha

Acquisition of Platinum Purchase Price (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 02, 2015	Mar. 01, 2015
Common Shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Dividends per common share, in usd per share	$0.30
Share price		$102
Platinum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Agreed cash price paid to common shareholders of Platinum and Platinum Awards, in usd per share		$76
Cash consideration paid by RenaissanceRe to common shareholders of Platinum and holders of Platinum equity awards		$1,160,000
Aggregate consideration transferred		1,932,405
Total net purchase price paid by RenaissanceRe		1,679,202
Platinum | Common Shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Common Shares and Equity Awards Canceled, Number of Shares		25,320,312
Shares issued		7,434,561
Shares issued, value		761,819
Fair value of Platinum common shares owned by RenaissanceRe and canceled in connection with the acquisition of Platinum		12,950
Platinum common shares owned by RenaissanceRe and canceled in connection with the acquisition of Platinum		-169,220
Number of Platinum common shares and Platinum equity awards canceled in the acquisition of Platinum excluding those owned by RenaissanceRe and canceled in connection with the acquisition of Platinum		25,151,092
Agreed cash price paid to common shareholders of Platinum and Platinum Awards, in usd per share		$35.96
Cash consideration paid by RenaissanceRe to common shareholders of Platinum and holders of Platinum equity awards		904,433
Platinum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Common Shares and Equity Awards Canceled, Number of Shares			25,320,312
Dividends per common share, in usd per share			$10
Dividends paid, value		$253,203	$253,203

Investments_Schedule_of_Fair_V1

Investments (Schedule of Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Investments Available for Sale) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment [Line Items]
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	$22,156	$23,772
Available for Sale, Fair Value	25,086	26,885
Fixed maturity investments
Investment [Line Items]
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	22,156	23,772
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,933	3,116
Gross Unrealized Losses	-3	-3
Available for Sale, Fair Value	25,086	26,885
Non-Credit Other-Than-Temporary Impairments	640	656
Agency mortgage-backed
Investment [Line Items]
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	2,877	3,928
Gross Unrealized Gains	305	359
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available for Sale, Fair Value	3,182	4,287
Non-Credit Other-Than-Temporary Impairments	0	0
Non-agency mortgage-backed
Investment [Line Items]
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	9,054	9,478
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,937	1,985
Gross Unrealized Losses	-3	-3
Available for Sale, Fair Value	10,988	11,460
Non-Credit Other-Than-Temporary Impairments	640	656
Commercial mortgage-backed
Investment [Line Items]
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	7,287	7,291
Gross Unrealized Gains	581	643
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available for Sale, Fair Value	7,868	7,934
Non-Credit Other-Than-Temporary Impairments	0	0
Asset-backed
Investment [Line Items]
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	2,938	3,075
Gross Unrealized Gains	110	129
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available for Sale, Fair Value	3,048	3,204
Non-Credit Other-Than-Temporary Impairments	$0	$0

Acquisition_of_Platinum_Fair_V

Acquisition of Platinum Fair Value of Net Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 02, 2015	Mar. 01, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Shareholders’ equity of Platinum prior to Special Dividend			$4,782,289	$3,865,715
Platinum
Adjustments for Fair Value, By Applicable Balance Sheet Caption [Abstract]
Deferred acquisition costs	-44,486
Debt	-28,899
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	-21,725
Other assets - deferred debt issuance costs	-1,046
Total adjustments for fair value by applicable balance sheet caption before tax impact	-96,156
Other assets - net deferred tax asset related to fair value adjustments	29,069
Total adjustments for fair value by applicable balance sheet caption	-67,087
Adjustments for Fair Value of the Identifiable Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Identifiable indefinite lived intangible assets (insurance licenses)	8,400
Identifiable finite lived intangible assets (non-contractual relationships, renewal rights, value of business acquired, trade name, internally developed and used computer software and covenants not to compete)	75,200
Identifiable intangible assets before tax impact		83,600
Total adjustments for fair value of the identifiable intangible assets	-13,115
Total adjustments for fair value of the identifiable intangible assets	70,485
Total adjustments for fair value by applicable balance sheet caption and identifiable intangible assets	3,398
Shareholders’ equity of Platinum at fair value	1,487,473
Total net purchase price paid by RenaissanceRe	1,679,202
Excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired assigned to goodwill	191,729
Platinum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Shareholders’ equity of Platinum prior to Special Dividend		1,737,278
Cash and cash equivalents (Special Dividend on Platinum common shares and Platinum equity awards)	-253,203	-253,203
Adjusted shareholders’ equity of Platinum at March 2, 2015	$1,484,075

Investments_Schedule_of_Contra

Investments (Schedule of Contractual Maturities of Fixed Maturity Investments) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading Debt Securities, Amortized Cost, Due in less than one year	$211,238
Trading Debt Securities, Amortized Cost, Due after one through five years	3,219,374
Trading Debt Securities, Amortized Cost, Due after five through ten years	1,018,158
Trading Debt Securities, Amortized Cost, Due after ten years	538,096
Trading Debt Securities, Amortized Cost	5,960,109
Trading Debt Securities, Fair Value, Due in less than one year	209,392
Trading Debt Securities, Fair Value, Due after one through five years	3,220,154
Trading Debt Securities, Fair Value, Due after five through ten years	1,018,252
Trading Debt Securities, Fair Value, Due after ten years	544,522
Trading Debt Securities, Fair Value	5,982,843
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, Due in less than one year	0
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, Due after one through five years	0
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, Due after five through ten years	0
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost, Due after ten years	0
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	22,156	23,772
Available for Sale, Fair Value, Due in less than one year	0
Available for Sale, Fair Value, Due after one through five years	0
Available for Sale, Fair Value, Due after five through ten years	0
Available for Sale, Fair Value, Due after ten years	0
Available for Sale, Fair Value	25,086	26,885
Fixed Maturity Investments [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Amortized Cost, Due in less than one year	211,238
Debt Securities, Amortized Cost, Due after one through five years	3,219,374
Debt Securities, Amortized Cost, Due after five through ten years	1,018,158
Debt Securities, Amortized Cost, Due after ten years	538,096
Debt Securities, Amortized Cost	5,982,265
Debt Securities, Fair Value, Due in less than one year	209,392
Debt Securities, Fair Value, Due after one through give years	3,220,154
Debt Securities, Fair Value, Due after five through ten years	1,018,252
Debt Securities, Fair Value, Due after ten years	544,522
Debt Securities, Fair Value	6,007,929
Mortgage-backed
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading Debt Securities, Amortized Cost	933,152
Trading Debt Securities, Fair Value	950,337
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	19,218
Available for Sale, Fair Value	22,038
Fixed Maturity Investments [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Amortized Cost	952,370
Debt Securities, Fair Value	972,375
Asset-backed
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading Debt Securities, Amortized Cost	40,091
Trading Debt Securities, Fair Value	40,186
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	2,938
Available for Sale, Fair Value	3,048
Fixed Maturity Investments [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Amortized Cost	43,029
Debt Securities, Fair Value	$43,234

Acquisition_of_Platinum_Intang

Acquisition of Platinum Intangible Assets (Details) (Platinum, USD $)	1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 02, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets acquired		$75,200
Indefinite lived intangible assets acquired		8,400
Identifiable intangible assets, before amortization, at March 2, 2015		83,600
Amortization (from March 2, 2015 through March 31, 2015)	-1,846
Net identifiable intangible assets at March 31, 2015 related to the acquisition of Platinum	81,754
Insurance licenses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite lived intangible assets acquired		8,400
Key non-contractual relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets acquired		30,400
Useful life		10 years
Value of business acquired
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets acquired		20,200
Useful life		2 years
Renewal rights
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets acquired		15,800
Useful life		15 years
Internally developed and used computer software
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets acquired		3,500
Useful life		2 years
Other non-contractual relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets acquired		2,300
Useful life		3 years
Non-compete agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets acquired		1,900
Useful life		2 years 6 months
Trade name
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets acquired		$1,100
Useful life		0 years 6 months

Investments_Schedule_of_Fair_V2

Investments (Schedule of Fair Value of Equity Investments Trading) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Equity investments trading	$261,656	$322,098
Financials
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Equity investments trading	204,540	222,190
Communications and technology
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Equity investments trading	17,905	31,376
Industrial, utilities and energy
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Equity investments trading	15,735	28,859
Consumer
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Equity investments trading	11,346	19,522
Healthcare
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Equity investments trading	10,042	16,582
Basic materials
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Equity investments trading	$2,088	$3,569

Acquisition_of_Platinum_Financ

Acquisition of Platinum Financial Results (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues	$381,920,000	$343,609,000
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	167,843,000	151,003,000
Platinum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues			40,139,000
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders			-19,439,000
Compensation-related costs			$28,000,000

Investments_Pledged_Investment

Investments (Pledged Investments) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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	$2,549.80	$2,379.40
Cash and investments at fair value on deposit with, or in trust accounts for the benefit of U.S. state regulatory authorities	$700.40	$691.90

Acquisition_of_Platinum_Supple

Acquisition of Platinum Supplemental ProForma Information (Details) (Platinum, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Platinum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total revenues	$460,553	$514,017
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$182,806	$199,094

Investments_Reverse_Purchase_A

Investments (Reverse Purchase Agreements) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Value of reverse repurchase agreements	$116.10	$49.30
Minimum required collateral for reverse repurchase agreements, expressed as a percentage of loan principal	102.00%

Investments_Schedule_of_Net_In

Investments (Schedule of Net Investment Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income before investment expenses	$42,809	$41,782
Investment expenses	-3,102	-2,834
Net investment income	39,707	38,948
Fixed maturity investments
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income before investment expenses	25,939	23,860
Short term investments
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income before investment expenses	197	190
Equity investments
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income before investment expenses	2,604	796
Other investments, Hedge funds and private equity investments
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income before investment expenses	10,413	12,317
Other investments, Other
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income before investment expenses	3,508	4,528
Cash and cash equivalents
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income before investment expenses	$148	$91

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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	$41,749	$14,927
Fixed maturity investments
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross realized gains	21,532	13,467
Gross realized losses	-4,871	-5,564
Net realized gains on fixed maturity investments	16,661	7,903
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments trading	25,972	27,882
Derivatives
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net realized and unrealized losses on investments-related derivatives	-4,208	-10,899
Equity investments
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments trading	-4,157	-9,880
Net realized gains (losses) on equity investments trading	$7,481	($79)

Investments_Schedule_of_Compon

Investments (Schedule of Components of Other Comprehensive Income and Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Rollforward
Beginning balance	$3,416	$4,131
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-23	-168
Realized gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net realized and unrealized gains on investments	-51
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-74
Ending balance	3,342	3,963
Investments in other ventures
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Rollforward
Beginning balance	303	163
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	109	-3
Realized gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net realized and unrealized gains on investments	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	109
Ending balance	412	160
Fixed maturity investments available for sale
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Rollforward
Beginning balance	3,113	3,968
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-132	-165
Realized gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net realized and unrealized gains on investments	-51
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-183
Ending balance	$2,930	$3,803

Investments_Schedule_of_Fixed_

Investments (Schedule of Fixed Maturity Investments Available For Sale In Continual Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	securities	securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments available for sale in a unrealized loss position	2	2
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year	2	2
Fixed maturity investments
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	68	69
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	-3	-3
Total, Fair Value	68	69
Total, Unrealized Losses	-3	-3
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	68	69
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	-3	-3
Total, Fair Value	68	69
Total, Unrealized Losses	-3	-3

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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Net other-than-temporary impairments	$0	$0
Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income	0	0
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	498	561
Reductions:
Securities sold during the period	-13	-16
Ending balance	$485	$545

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets

Fair Value Measurements (Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments	$6,007,929	$4,783,570
Short term investments	1,775,819	1,013,222
Equity investments trading	261,656	322,098
Other investments	514,906	504,147
Other assets and (liabilities)	78,822	-13,908
Total assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	8,639,132	6,609,129
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	1,535,746	1,671,471
Short term investments	0	0
Equity investments trading	261,656	322,098
Other investments	0	0
Other assets and (liabilities)	-492	-569
Total assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	1,796,910	1,993,000
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments	4,456,709	3,096,439
Short term investments	1,775,819	1,013,222
Equity investments trading	0	0
Other investments	221,780	200,329
Other assets and (liabilities)	6,345	-4,405
Total assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	6,460,653	4,305,585
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments	15,474	15,660
Short term investments	0	0
Equity investments trading	0	0
Other investments	293,126	303,818
Other assets and (liabilities)	72,969	-8,934
Total assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	381,569	310,544
U.S. treasuries
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments	1,535,746	1,671,471
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	1,535,746	1,671,471
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	152,272	96,208
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	152,272	96,208
Agencies | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments	0	0
Municipals
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments	1,220,206
Municipals | 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
Municipals | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments	1,220,206
Municipals | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments	0
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign Debt)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments	329,626	280,651
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	329,626	280,651
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	151,446	146,467
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	151,446	146,467
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	1,603,024	1,610,442
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	1,587,550	1,594,782
Corporate | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments	15,474	15,660
Agency mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity investments	342,461	316,620
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	342,461	316,620
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	268,102	253,050
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	268,102	253,050
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	361,812	381,051
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	361,812	381,051
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	43,234	27,610
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	43,234	27,610
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	271,074	281,932
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	271,074	281,932
Catastrophe bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	221,780	200,329
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	221,780	200,329
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	19,679	19,316
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	0
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	19,679	19,316
Hedge funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	2,373	2,570
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	2,373	2,570
Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other assets and (liabilities)	72,993	-8,744
Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other assets and (liabilities)	0	0
Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other assets and (liabilities)	0	0
Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other assets and (liabilities)	72,993	-8,744
Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other assets and (liabilities)	7,376	6,345
Derivatives | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other assets and (liabilities)	-492	-569
Derivatives | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other assets and (liabilities)	7,892	7,104
Derivatives | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other assets and (liabilities)	-24	-190
Other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other assets and (liabilities)	-1,547	-11,509
Other | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
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]
Other assets and (liabilities)	-1,547	-11,509
Other | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other assets and (liabilities)	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt	$826,774,000		249,522,000
Other assets and (liabilities)	78,822,000		-13,908,000
Net unrealized gains (losses) recognized in earnings	4,885,000	4,980,000
Other Investments | Net investment income
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Net unrealized gains (losses) recognized in earnings	4,900,000	5,000,000
Other Assets and Liabilities | Other income (loss)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Net unrealized gains (losses) recognized in earnings	0	0
RenRe North America Holdings Inc.
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior notes, fair value	863,566,000		279,000,000
5.75% Senior Notes Due March 15, 2020 | RenRe North America Holdings Inc.
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt	249,545,000		249,522,000
Senior notes, fair value	285,000,000		279,000,000
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Other assets and (liabilities)	-492,000		-569,000
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Other assets and (liabilities)	6,345,000		-4,405,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	381,569,000
Other assets and (liabilities)	72,969,000		-8,934,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporate | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	15,474,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporate | Weighted Average or Actual | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Credit spread	1.20%
Liquidity discount	1.00%
Risk-free rate	0.20%
Dividend rate	6.50%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Private equity partnerships | Net Asset Valuation Technique
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	271,074,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Senior secured bank loan funds | Net Asset Valuation Technique
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	19,679,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Senior secured bank loan funds | Weighted Average or Actual | Net Asset Valuation Technique
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Estimated performance	0.70%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Hedge funds | Net Asset Valuation Technique
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	2,373,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Hedge funds | Minimum | Net Asset Valuation Technique
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Estimated performance	0.00%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Hedge funds | Maximum | Net Asset Valuation Technique
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Estimated performance	0.00%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Hedge funds | Weighted Average or Actual | Net Asset Valuation Technique
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Estimated performance	0.00%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Reinsurance deposit asset | Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	82,298,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Assumed reinsurance contract | Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Liabilities, fair value	-1,116,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Assumed and ceded reinsurance contract | Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Liabilities, fair value	-8,189,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Weather Contract | Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Liabilities, fair value	-24,000
U.S. treasuries
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Weighted average effective yield	0.80%		1.00%
Agencies
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Weighted average effective yield	1.60%		1.20%
Municipals
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Weighted average effective yield	2.40%
Non-U.S. government (Sovereign Debt)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Weighted average effective yield	1.00%		1.10%
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Weighted average effective yield	0.90%		1.10%
Corporate
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Weighted average effective yield	3.00%		3.20%
Agency mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Weighted average effective yield	1.70%		2.30%
Weighted average life	5 years 4 months 24 days		5 years 7 months 6 days
Non-agency prime residential mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Weighted average effective yield	3.40%		3.40%
Weighted average life	4 years		4 years 1 month 6 days
AltA non-agency mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Weighted average effective yield	4.00%		4.30%
Weighted average life	5 years 0 months 0 days		5 years
Commercial mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Weighted average effective yield	1.90%		2.10%
Weighted average life	3 years 1 month		3 years 6 months 0 days
Asset-backed
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Weighted average effective yield	1.30%		1.50%
Weighted average life	2 years 7 months 6 days		2 years 6 months
Restricted stock units (RSUs) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Other assets and (liabilities)	-1,500,000
Senior secured bank loan funds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investment in closed end fund	19,700,000
Senior secured bank loan funds | Minimum
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Liquidation period for fund assets	4 years
Senior secured bank loan funds | Maximum
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Liquidation period for fund assets	5 years
Private equity partnerships | Minimum
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Liquidation period for fund assets	7 years
Private equity partnerships | Maximum
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Liquidation period for fund assets	10 years
Private equity partnerships | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Net Asset Valuation Technique
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	271,074,000
Private equity partnerships | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Minimum | Net Asset Valuation Technique
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Estimated performance	-12.60%
Private equity partnerships | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Maximum | Net Asset Valuation Technique
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Estimated performance	23.00%
Private equity partnerships | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Weighted Average or Actual | Net Asset Valuation Technique
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Estimated performance	4.70%
Hedge funds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Hedge fund side pocket investments	$2,400,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Quanti

Fair Value Measurements (Quantitative Information Used As Level 3 Inputs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	2,781,568	$1,412,510
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	381,569
Corporate | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	15,474
Corporate | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique | Weighted Average or Actual
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spread	1.20%
Liquidity discount	1.00%
Risk-free rate	0.20%
Dividend rate	6.50%
Fixed maturity investments | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	15,474
Private equity partnerships | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Net Asset Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	271,074
Senior secured bank loan funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Net Asset Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	19,679
Senior secured bank loan funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Net Asset Valuation Technique | Weighted Average or Actual
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Estimated performance	0.70%
Hedge funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Net Asset Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	2,373
Hedge funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Net Asset Valuation Technique | Low
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Estimated performance	0.00%
Hedge funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Net Asset Valuation Technique | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Estimated performance	0.00%
Hedge funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Net Asset Valuation Technique | Weighted Average or Actual
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Estimated performance	0.00%
Other Investments | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	293,126
Reinsurance deposit asset | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	82,298
Reinsurance deposit asset | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique | Weighted Average or Actual
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Contract period	746
Credit spread over risk-free rate	2.40%
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	0
Assumed reinsurance contract | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Liabilities, fair value	-1,116
Assumed reinsurance contract | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique | Low
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Bond price	98.19
Assumed reinsurance contract | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Bond price	98.81
Assumed reinsurance contract | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique | Weighted Average or Actual
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Bond price	98.52
Liquidity premium	1.30%
Assumed and ceded reinsurance contract | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Liabilities, fair value	-8,189
Assumed and ceded reinsurance contract | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique | Low
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Contract period	549
Net acquisition expense ratio	1.00%
Assumed and ceded reinsurance contract | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Contract period	1,100
Net acquisition expense ratio	13.00%
Assumed and ceded reinsurance contract | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique | Weighted Average or Actual
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Contract period	830
Net undiscounted cash flows	-10,790
Expected loss ratio	34.00%
Net acquisition expense ratio	10.00%
Discount rate	0.90%
Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	72,993
Weather Contract | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Internal Valuation Model Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Liabilities, fair value	-24

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets1

Fair Value Measurements (Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Level 3 Inputs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of the period	$310,544	$369,338
Total unrealized gains (losses)
Included in net investment income	4,988	18,650
Total realized gains (losses)
Included in other income	1,316
Total foreign exchange gains (losses)	-2,492	-27
Purchases	86,159	15,001
Settlements	-18,946	-24,353
Balance at end of the period	381,569	378,609
Net 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	4,988	18,650
Fixed maturity investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of the period	15,660	27,580
Total unrealized gains (losses)
Included in net investment income	-186	9,558
Total realized gains (losses)
Included in other income	0
Total foreign exchange gains (losses)	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Balance at end of the period	15,474	37,138
Fixed maturity investments | Net 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	-186	9,558
Other Investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of the period	303,818	344,248
Total unrealized gains (losses)
Included in net investment income	5,014	7,876
Total realized gains (losses)
Included in other income	0
Total foreign exchange gains (losses)	-2,498	6
Purchases	5,738	15,001
Settlements	-18,946	-24,353
Balance at end of the period	293,126	342,778
Other Investments | Net 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	5,014	7,876
Other Assets and Liabilities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of the period	-8,934	-2,490
Total unrealized gains (losses)
Included in net investment income	160	1,216
Total realized gains (losses)
Included in other income	1,316
Total foreign exchange gains (losses)	6	-33
Purchases	80,421	0
Settlements	0	0
Balance at end of the period	72,969	-1,307
Other Assets and Liabilities | Net 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	$160	$1,216

Fair_Value_Measurements_Summar

Fair Value Measurements (Summary Of The Balances Company Has Elected To Account For At Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Other investments	$514,906	$504,147
Other assets	86,676	5,664
Other liabilities	$13,683	$14,408

Fair_Value_Measurements_Compan

Fair Value Measurements (Company's Portfolio of Other Investments Measured Using Net Asset Valuations) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	$293,126
Unfunded Commitments	163,653
Private equity partnerships
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	271,074
Unfunded Commitments	157,729
Senior secured bank loan funds
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	19,679
Unfunded Commitments	5,924
Hedge funds
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	2,373
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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Premiums written
Direct	$30,813	$13,855
Assumed	612,765	691,405
Ceded	-239,543	-254,913
Net premiums written	404,035	450,347
Premiums earned
Direct	22,901	14,229
Assumed	382,603	385,598
Ceded	-108,744	-113,293
Net premiums earned	296,760	286,534
Claims and claim expenses
Gross claims and claim expenses incurred	88,995	68,150
Claims and claim expenses recovered	-12,142	-9,235
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	$76,853	$58,915

Debt_and_Credit_Facilities_Nar

Debt and Credit Facilities (Narrative) (Details)

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 02, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Apr. 01, 2011

Mar. 17, 2010

Mar. 03, 2015

Mar. 24, 2015

Mar. 24, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

23-May-13

17-May-12

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Oct. 01, 2013

Oct. 01, 2013

Mar. 31, 2015

Apr. 01, 2011

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 02, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 02, 2015

USD ($)

GBP (£)

Bridge Loan

Syndicate 1458

Syndicate 1458

RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks

Top Layer Re

Top Layer Re

DaVinciRe

DaVinciRe

5.75% Senior Notes Due March 15, 2020

Series B 7.50% Notes Due June 1, 2017

3.700% Senior Notes Due April 1, 2025

3.700% Senior Notes Due April 1, 2025

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Standby Letter of Credit Facility

Bilateral Facility

Bilateral Facility

Bilateral Facility

Bilateral Facility

LIBOR

Letter of Credit

Letter of Credit

Letter of Credit

Letter of Credit

USD ($)

Citibank Europe PLC

Citibank Europe PLC

Citibank Europe PLC

Letter of Credit

Capital Support Agreement

USD ($)

USD ($)

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

RenRe North America Holdings Inc.

RenaissanceRe Finance Inc

RenaissanceRe Finance Inc

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Renaissance Reinsurance

USD ($)

Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks, ROE and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S.

Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks, ROE and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S.

RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks

Platinum Bermuda and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S.

DaVinciRe

Platinum

Platinum

Platinum

Platinum

Letter of Credit

Letter of Credit

Letter of Credit

USD ($)

Letter of Credit

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Letter of Credit

Letter of Credit

Letter of Credit

Letter of Credit

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo

National Australia Bank Limited and ING Bank, N.V.

National Australia Bank Limited and ING Bank, N.V.

USD ($)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, face amount

$250,000,000

$250,000,000

$300,000,000

Senior notes interest rate

5.75%

7.50%

3.70%

Short-term debt

300,000,000

Debt instrument maturity date

15-Mar-20

1-Apr-25

Letter of credit aggregate commitment

250,000,000

150,000,000

Line of credit faciltiy, maximum borrowing capacity

350,000,000

300,000,000

50,000,000

25,000,000

100,000,000

125,000,000

Debt to capital ratio

0.4

0.35

Minimum net worth requirements

500,000,000

2,300,000,000

1,100,000,000

Letters of credit outstanding

8,609,000

73,584,000

139,463,000

88,833,000

6,931,000

Loan agreement, remaining borrowing capacity

160,500,000

11,200,000

118,100,000

Margin facility amount outstanding

617,420,000

70,000,000

300,000,000

70,000,000

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

Loan agreement with related party

$100,000,000

$200,000,000

Basis spread on variable rate

3.50%

Debt_and_Credit_Facilities_Deb

Debt and Credit Facilities Debt and Credit Facilities (Summary of Debt Obligations) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$826,774	$249,522
RenRe North America Holdings Inc.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	863,566	279,000
RenRe North America Holdings Inc. | 5.75% Senior Notes Due March 15, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	285,000	279,000
Debt	249,545	249,522
RenRe North America Holdings Inc. | 3.700% Senior Notes Due April 1, 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	300,450	0
Debt	299,400	0
RenRe North America Holdings Inc. | Series B 7.50% Notes Due June 1, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	278,116	0
Debt	$277,829	$0

Debt_and_Credit_Facilities_Deb1

Debt and Credit Facilities Debt and Credit Facilities (Credit Facilities) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	GBP (£)	Standby Letter of Credit Facility	Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci, RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks, ROE and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S.	Citibank Europe PLC	Citibank Europe PLC	Citibank Europe PLC	Revolving Credit Facility
			USD ($)	Letter of Credit	Syndicate 1458	Syndicate 1458	RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks	USD ($)
				Bilateral Facility	Letter of Credit	Letter of Credit	Letter of Credit
				USD ($)	USD ($)	GBP (£)	USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding			$73,584	$139,463			$8,609
Long-term Line of Credit	$617,420	£ 70,000			$300,000	£ 70,000		$0

Noncontrolling_Interests_Narra

Noncontrolling Interests (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 01, 2015	Jul. 01, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jan. 01, 2014
DaVinciRe
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Parent company ownership in redeemable noncontrolling interest	26.30%				23.40%	26.30%	23.40%	26.50%	26.50%
Redemption of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest	$207,898,000	$218,879,000
DaVinciRe | Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redeemable noncontrolling interest, net redemptions			225,000,000	300,000,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interest, reserve holdback			22,500,000	30,000,000
Proceeds from sale of partial interest in consolidated subsidiary							38,900,000
DaVinciRe | Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest | Maximum
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Share repurchase requests, limit	25.00%
Medici
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Parent company ownership in redeemable noncontrolling interest	48.60%				53.20%
Redemption provision, notice period	30 days
Subscription from redeemable noncontrolling interest	19,600,000				57,300,000
Redemption of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest	$14,684,000	$1,875,000			$3,100,000

Noncontrolling_Interests_Sched

Noncontrolling Interests (Schedule Of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Activity in redeemable noncontrolling interest
Beginning balance	$1,131,708
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	39,662	42,768
Ending balance	968,431
DaVinciRe
Activity in redeemable noncontrolling interest
Beginning balance	1,037,306	1,063,368	1,063,368
Redemption of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest	-207,898	-218,879
Sale of shares to redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	9,722
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	38,326	41,180
Ending balance	867,734	895,391
Medici
Activity in redeemable noncontrolling interest
Beginning balance	94,402	36,492	36,492
Redemption of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest	-14,684	-1,875	-3,100
Sale of shares to redeemable noncontrolling interests	19,643	55,385
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	1,336	1,588
Ending balance	$100,697	$91,590	$94,402

Variable_Interest_Entities_Det

Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Nov. 13, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Assets	$11,287,198,000					$8,203,550,000
Liabilities	5,536,478,000					3,206,127,000
Other liabilities	231,968,000					374,108,000
Gross premiums written	643,578,000	705,260,000
Ceded premiums earned	108,744,000	113,293,000
RenaissanceRe Upsilon Fund Ltd | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Percent of segregated funds owned by third party investors			100.00%
Upsilon RFO | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable interest entity, ownership percentage	24.30%	38.90%			23.90%
Increase (decrease) in funds held under insurance agreements		15,000,000			5,000,000
Risk participation percentage		33.60%			15.00%
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Return of Capital	352,800,000			317,500,000
Assets	343,600,000					621,300,000
Liabilities	343,600,000					621,300,000
Other liabilities	10,000,000					135,700,000
Mona Lisa Re Ltd | Renaissance Reinsurance
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	100,000	0
Ceded premiums earned	1,900,000	2,400,000
Mona Lisa Re Ltd | DaVinciRe
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	100,000	0
Ceded premiums earned	1,300,000	1,700,000
Mona Lisa Re Ltd | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Assets	181,100,000					184,000,000
Liabilities	181,100,000					184,000,000
Non-Voting Preference Shares | Upsilon RFO | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Issuance of equity to third party investors	128,700,000	172,400,000			43,100,000
Contributions to subsidiaries	$41,300,000	$109,700,000			$13,500,000

Shareholders_Equity_Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 13, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends declared per common share, in usd per share	$0.30	$0.29
Dividends declared and paid, Preference shares	$5,595,000	$5,595,000
Retained Earnings
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends declared and paid, Preference shares	5,595,000	5,595,000
Dividends declared and paid, Common shares	13,720,000	11,899,000
Common Shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends declared per common share, in usd per share				$0.30
Dividends per common share, in usd per share			$0.30
Share repurchase program, Remaining authorized aggregate amount	$500,000,000		$500,000,000

Earnings_Per_Share_Computation

Earnings Per Share (Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Common Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Numerator:
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$167,843	$151,003
Amount allocated to participating common shareholders	-2,025	-2,031
Net income allocated to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	$165,818	$148,972
Denominator:
Denominator for basic income per RenaissanceRe common share - weighted average common shares	39,631	41,238
Per common share equivalents of employee stock options and restricted shares	390	665
Denominator for diluted income per RenaissanceRe common share - adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions	40,021	41,903
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic (in usd per share)	$4.18	$3.61
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted (in usd per share)	$4.14	$3.56

Segment_Reporting_Schedule_Of_

Segment Reporting (Schedule Of Significant Components Of The Company's Revenues And Expenses) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$643,578	$705,260
Net premiums written	404,035	450,347
Net premiums earned	296,760	286,534
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	76,853	58,915
Acquisition expenses	43,401	33,700
Operational expenses	45,621	42,624
Underwriting income (loss)	130,885	151,295
Net investment income	39,707	38,948
Net foreign exchange losses	-3,130	-1,061
Equity in earnings of other ventures	5,295	4,199
Other income	1,539	62
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	41,749	14,927
Corporate expenses	-45,598	-4,545
Interest expense	-5,251	-4,293
Income before taxes	165,196	199,532
Income tax benefit (expense)	47,904	-166
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-39,662	-42,768
Dividends on preference shares	-5,595	-5,595
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	167,843	151,003
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year	98,998	75,608
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years	-22,145	-16,693
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total	76,853	58,915
Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year	33.40%	26.40%
Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years	-7.50%	-5.80%
Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year	25.90%	20.60%
Underwriting expense ratio	30.00%	26.60%
Combined ratio	55.90%	47.20%
Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	-100
Catastrophe Reinsurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	389,247	467,711
Net premiums written	222,640	259,489
Net premiums earned	143,767	164,584
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	7,594	6,455
Acquisition expenses	7,654	7,126
Operational expenses	20,363	20,419
Underwriting income (loss)	108,156	130,584
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year	24,124	12,529
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years	-16,530	-6,074
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total	7,594	6,455
Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year	16.80%	7.60%
Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years	-11.50%	-3.70%
Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year	5.30%	3.90%
Underwriting expense ratio	19.50%	16.80%
Combined ratio	24.80%	20.70%
Specialty Reinsurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	124,291	154,290
Net premiums written	103,915	125,489
Net premiums earned	94,876	69,630
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	39,588	26,081
Acquisition expenses	20,689	16,547
Operational expenses	13,290	10,106
Underwriting income (loss)	21,309	16,896
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year	49,264	41,922
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years	-9,676	-15,841
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total	39,588	26,081
Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year	51.90%	60.20%
Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years	-10.20%	-22.70%
Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year	41.70%	37.50%
Underwriting expense ratio	35.80%	38.20%
Combined ratio	77.50%	75.70%
Lloyd's
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	130,130	83,259
Net premiums written	77,569	65,369
Net premiums earned	58,206	52,297
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	29,843	26,281
Acquisition expenses	14,693	10,567
Operational expenses	11,940	12,033
Underwriting income (loss)	1,730	3,416
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year	25,610	21,157
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years	4,233	5,124
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total	29,843	26,281
Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year	44.00%	40.50%
Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years	7.30%	9.80%
Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year	51.30%	50.30%
Underwriting expense ratio	45.70%	43.20%
Combined ratio	97.00%	93.50%
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	-90	0
Net premiums written	-89	0
Net premiums earned	-89	23
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	-172	98
Acquisition expenses	365	-540
Operational expenses	28	66
Underwriting income (loss)	-310	399
Net investment income	39,707	38,948
Net foreign exchange losses	-3,130	-1,061
Equity in earnings of other ventures	5,295	4,199
Other income	1,539	62
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	41,749	14,927
Corporate expenses	-45,598	-4,545
Interest expense	-5,251	-4,293
Income tax benefit (expense)	47,904	-166
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-39,662	-42,768
Dividends on preference shares	-5,595	-5,595
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year	0	0
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years	-172	98
Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total	($172)	$98
Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year	0.00%	0.00%
Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years	193.30%	426.10%
Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year	193.30%	426.10%
Underwriting expense ratio	-441.60%	-2060.90%
Combined ratio	-248.30%	-1634.80%

Derivative_Instruments_Narrati

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Interest Rate Contracts | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$1,624.50	$587
Interest Rate Contracts | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	1,378	617.4
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Underwriting and Non-investment Operations | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	281.5	144.8
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Underwriting and Non-investment Operations | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	255.2	121.6
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Investment Operations | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	13.7	35.8
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Investment Operations | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	107.7	150.1
Credit Default Swaps | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	0	4.6
Credit Default Swaps | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	31.3	19.4
Weather Contract | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$2	$2.20

Derivative_Instruments_Consoli

Derivative Instruments (Consolidated Balance Sheets And Fair Value Of The Principal Derivative Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Assets
Derivative Assets
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	$20,963	$10,635
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet	7,970	2,941
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet	12,993	7,694
Collateral	600	310
Net Amount	12,393	7,384
Other Assets | Interest Rate Contracts
Derivative Assets
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	2,079	468
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet	2,043	468
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet	36	0
Collateral	0	0
Net Amount	36	0
Other Assets | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Underwriting and Non-investment Operations
Derivative Assets
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	16,646	5,740
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet	5,808	1,737
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet	10,838	4,003
Collateral	0	0
Net Amount	10,838	4,003
Other Assets | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Investment Operations
Derivative Assets
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	1,774	3,959
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet	106	648
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet	1,668	3,311
Collateral	290	0
Net Amount	1,378	3,311
Other Assets | Credit Default Swaps
Derivative Assets
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	464	468
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet	13	88
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet	451	380
Collateral	310	310
Net Amount	141	70
Other Liabilities
Derivative Liabilities
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	9,194	3,521
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	3,577	2,172
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet	5,617	1,349
Collateral	552	759
Net Amount	5,065	590
Other Liabilities | Interest Rate Contracts
Derivative Liabilities
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	2,571	1,037
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	2,043	468
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet	528	569
Collateral	528	569
Net Amount	0	0
Other Liabilities | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Underwriting and Non-investment Operations
Derivative Liabilities
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	6,377	1,319
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	1,415	967
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet	4,962	352
Collateral	0	0
Net Amount	4,962	352
Other Liabilities | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Investment Operations
Derivative Liabilities
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	208	724
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	106	649
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet	102	75
Collateral	0	0
Net Amount	102	75
Other Liabilities | Credit Default Swaps
Derivative Liabilities
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	14	251
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	13	88
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet	1	163
Collateral	0	0
Net Amount	1	163
Other Liabilities | Weather Contract
Derivative Liabilities
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	24	190
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	0	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet	24	190
Collateral	24	190
Net Amount	$0	$0

Derivative_Instruments_Gain_Lo

Derivative Instruments (Gain (Loss) Recognized In The Consolidated Statements Of Operations Related To Its Derivative Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	$8,613	($8,199)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments | Interest Rate Contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	-4,408	-12,274
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments | Credit Default Swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	40	159
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments | Weather Contract
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	160	1,216
Net foreign exchange losses | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Underwriting and Non-investment Operations
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	3,611	4,099
Net foreign exchange losses | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Investment Operations
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	$9,210	($1,399)

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries (Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Total investments	$8,684,053	$6,743,750
Cash and cash equivalents	557,618	525,584	327,163	408,032
Investments in subsidiaries	0	0
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	0	0
Premiums receivable	866,418	440,007
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	233,062	94,810
Reinsurance recoverable	82,696	66,694
Accrued investment income	40,583	26,509
Deferred acquisition costs	146,053	110,059
Receivable for investments sold	121,530	52,390
Other assets	273,851	135,845
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	281,334	7,902
Total assets	11,287,198	8,203,550
Liabilities
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	2,781,568	1,412,510
Unearned premiums	983,137	512,386
Debt	826,774	249,522
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	0	0
Reinsurance balances payable	495,045	454,580
Payable for investments purchased	217,986	203,021
Other liabilities	231,968	374,108
Total liabilities	5,536,478	3,206,127
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	968,431	1,131,708
Shareholders' Equity
Total shareholders’ equity	4,782,289	3,865,715
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity	11,287,198	8,203,550
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)
Assets
Total investments	92,165	137,006
Cash and cash equivalents	4,885	5,986	3,279	8,796
Investments in subsidiaries	4,548,612	3,509,974
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	135,592	126,548
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	12	10
Other assets	120,981	112,400
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	273,484	0
Total assets	5,175,731	3,891,924
Liabilities
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	0	0
Unearned premiums	0	0
Debt	117,000	0
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	179,414	6,000
Reinsurance balances payable	0	0
Payable for investments purchased	0	0
Other liabilities	97,028	20,209
Total liabilities	393,442	26,209
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Shareholders' Equity
Total shareholders’ equity	4,782,289	3,865,715
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity	5,175,731	3,891,924
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
Assets
Total investments	0
Cash and cash equivalents	63,257	0
Investments in subsidiaries	1,398,517
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	29,934
Premiums receivable	0
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	0
Reinsurance recoverable	0
Accrued investment income	0
Deferred acquisition costs	0
Receivable for investments sold	0
Other assets	0
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	0
Total assets	1,491,708
Liabilities
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	0
Unearned premiums	0
Debt	0
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	26,107
Reinsurance balances payable	0
Payable for investments purchased	0
Other liabilities	1,086
Total liabilities	27,193
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0
Shareholders' Equity
Total shareholders’ equity	1,464,515
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity	1,491,708
RenRe North America Holdings Inc.
Assets
Total investments	79,313	88,150
Cash and cash equivalents	329	1,033	631	4,027
Investments in subsidiaries	270,948	71,796
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	25	23
Premiums receivable	0	0
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	0	0
Reinsurance recoverable	0	0
Accrued investment income	87	121
Deferred acquisition costs	0	0
Receivable for investments sold	0	0
Other assets	31,813	1,242
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	0	0
Total assets	382,515	162,365
Liabilities
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	0	0
Unearned premiums	0	0
Debt	249,545	249,522
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	1,931	233
Reinsurance balances payable	0	0
Payable for investments purchased	2	0
Other liabilities	-1,097	4,013
Total liabilities	250,381	253,768
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Shareholders' Equity
Total shareholders’ equity	132,134	-91,403
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity	382,515	162,365
Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc.
Assets
Total investments	291,674
Cash and cash equivalents	1,229	0
Investments in subsidiaries	611,015
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	0
Premiums receivable	0
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	0
Reinsurance recoverable	0
Accrued investment income	0
Deferred acquisition costs	0
Receivable for investments sold	0
Other assets	2,966
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	0
Total assets	906,884
Liabilities
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	0
Unearned premiums	0
Debt	250,000
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	75
Reinsurance balances payable	0
Payable for investments purchased	0
Other liabilities	6,343
Total liabilities	256,418
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0
Shareholders' Equity
Total shareholders’ equity	650,466
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity	906,884
RenaissanceRe Finance, Inc.
Assets
Total investments	0
Cash and cash equivalents	451	0
Investments in subsidiaries	830,466
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	0
Premiums receivable	0
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	0
Reinsurance recoverable	0
Accrued investment income	0
Deferred acquisition costs	0
Receivable for investments sold	0
Other assets	120,095
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	0
Total assets	951,012
Liabilities
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	0
Unearned premiums	0
Debt	299,400
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	227
Reinsurance balances payable	0
Payable for investments purchased	0
Other liabilities	1,039
Total liabilities	300,666
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0
Shareholders' Equity
Total shareholders’ equity	650,346
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity	951,012
Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries And Eliminations (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries)
Assets
Total investments	8,220,901	6,518,594
Cash and cash equivalents	487,467	518,565	323,253	395,209
Investments in subsidiaries	-2,839,998	0
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	-29,934	0
Premiums receivable	866,418	440,007
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	233,062	94,810
Reinsurance recoverable	82,696	66,694
Accrued investment income	40,496	26,388
Deferred acquisition costs	184,168	110,059
Receivable for investments sold	121,518	52,380
Other assets	215,240	123,661
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	7,850	7,902
Total assets	7,589,884	7,959,060
Liabilities
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	2,760,402	1,412,510
Unearned premiums	983,137	512,386
Debt	0	0
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	-26,409	0
Reinsurance balances payable	495,045	454,580
Payable for investments purchased	217,984	203,021
Other liabilities	214,923	351,344
Total liabilities	4,645,082	2,933,841
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	968,431	1,131,708
Shareholders' Equity
Total shareholders’ equity	1,976,371	3,893,511
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity	7,589,884	7,959,060
Consolidating Adjustments
Assets
Total investments	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investments in subsidiaries	-4,819,560	-3,581,770
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	-135,617	-126,571
Premiums receivable	0	0
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	0	0
Reinsurance recoverable	0	0
Accrued investment income	0	0
Deferred acquisition costs	-38,115	0
Receivable for investments sold	0	0
Other assets	-217,244	-101,458
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	0	0
Total assets	-5,210,536	-3,809,799
Liabilities
Reserve for claims and claim expenses	21,166	0
Unearned premiums	0	0
Debt	-89,171	0
Amounts due to subsidiaries and affiliates	-181,345	-6,233
Reinsurance balances payable	0	0
Payable for investments purchased	0	0
Other liabilities	-87,354	-1,458
Total liabilities	-336,704	-7,691
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Shareholders' Equity
Total shareholders’ equity	-4,873,832	-3,802,108
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity	($5,210,536)	($3,809,799)

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ3

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries (Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues
Net premiums earned	$296,760	$286,534
Net investment income	39,707	38,948
Net foreign exchange losses	-3,130	-1,061
Equity in earnings of other ventures	5,295	4,199
Other income	1,539	62
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	41,749	14,927
Total revenues	381,920	343,609
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	76,853	58,915
Acquisition expenses	43,401	33,700
Operational expenses	45,621	42,624
Corporate expenses	45,598	4,545
Interest expense	5,251	4,293
Total expenses	216,724	144,077
(Loss) income before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries and taxes	165,196	199,532
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	0	0
Income before taxes	165,196	199,532
Income tax benefit (expense)	47,904	-166
Net income	213,100	199,366
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-39,662	-42,768
Net income attributable to RenaissanceRe	173,438	156,598
Dividends on preference shares	-5,595	-5,595
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	167,843	151,003
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)
Revenues
Net premiums earned	0	0
Net investment income	2,624	625
Net foreign exchange losses	-10	1
Equity in earnings of other ventures	0	0
Other income	6,189	0
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	39	-106
Total revenues	8,842	520
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	0	0
Acquisition expenses	0	0
Operational expenses	-1,178	-880
Corporate expenses	16,304	4,002
Interest expense	295	0
Total expenses	15,421	3,122
(Loss) income before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries and taxes	-6,579	-2,602
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	183,680	159,200
Income before taxes	177,101	156,598
Income tax benefit (expense)	-3,663	0
Net income	173,438	156,598
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to RenaissanceRe	173,438	156,598
Dividends on preference shares	-5,595	-5,595
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	167,843	151,003
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
Revenues
Net premiums earned	0
Net investment income	0
Net foreign exchange losses	0
Equity in earnings of other ventures	0
Other income	166
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	0
Total revenues	166
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	0
Acquisition expenses	0
Operational expenses	4,987
Corporate expenses	8,182
Interest expense	0
Total expenses	13,169
(Loss) income before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries and taxes	-13,003
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	-6,557
Income before taxes	-19,560
Income tax benefit (expense)	0
Net income	-19,560
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0
Net income attributable to RenaissanceRe	-19,560
Dividends on preference shares	0
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	-19,560
RenRe North America Holdings Inc.
Revenues
Net premiums earned	0	0
Net investment income	331	474
Net foreign exchange losses	0	0
Equity in earnings of other ventures	0	0
Other income	0	-8
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	406	377
Total revenues	737	843
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	0	0
Acquisition expenses	0	0
Operational expenses	1,890	1,894
Corporate expenses	98	59
Interest expense	3,617	3,617
Total expenses	5,605	5,570
(Loss) income before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries and taxes	-4,868	-4,727
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	17,399	853
Income before taxes	12,531	-3,874
Income tax benefit (expense)	31,005	684
Net income	43,536	-3,190
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to RenaissanceRe	43,536	-3,190
Dividends on preference shares	0	0
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	43,536	-3,190
Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc.
Revenues
Net premiums earned	0
Net investment income	-40
Net foreign exchange losses	0
Equity in earnings of other ventures	0
Other income	0
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	1
Total revenues	-39
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	0
Acquisition expenses	0
Operational expenses	1
Corporate expenses	35
Interest expense	1,563
Total expenses	1,599
(Loss) income before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries and taxes	-1,638
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	-2,146
Income before taxes	-3,784
Income tax benefit (expense)	571
Net income	-3,213
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0
Net income attributable to RenaissanceRe	-3,213
Dividends on preference shares	0
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	-3,213
RenaissanceRe Finance, Inc.
Revenues
Net premiums earned	0
Net investment income	36
Net foreign exchange losses	0
Equity in earnings of other ventures	0
Other income	0
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	0
Total revenues	36
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	0
Acquisition expenses	0
Operational expenses	0
Corporate expenses	7
Interest expense	216
Total expenses	223
(Loss) income before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries and taxes	-187
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	-3,213
Income before taxes	-3,400
Income tax benefit (expense)	65
Net income	-3,335
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0
Net income attributable to RenaissanceRe	-3,335
Dividends on preference shares	0
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	-3,335
Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries And Eliminations (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries)
Revenues
Net premiums earned	296,760	286,534
Net investment income	37,730	38,786
Net foreign exchange losses	-3,120	-1,062
Equity in earnings of other ventures	5,295	4,199
Other income	1,208	70
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	41,303	14,656
Total revenues	379,176	343,183
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	77,412	58,915
Acquisition expenses	48,318	33,700
Operational expenses	34,515	41,688
Corporate expenses	21,007	484
Interest expense	594	676
Total expenses	181,846	135,463
(Loss) income before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries and taxes	197,330	207,720
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	11,916	0
Income before taxes	209,246	207,720
Income tax benefit (expense)	19,926	-850
Net income	229,172	206,870
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-39,662	-42,768
Net income attributable to RenaissanceRe	189,510	164,102
Dividends on preference shares	0	0
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	189,510	164,102
Consolidating Adjustments
Revenues
Net premiums earned	0	0
Net investment income	-974	-937
Net foreign exchange losses	0	0
Equity in earnings of other ventures	0	0
Other income	-6,024	0
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	0	0
Total revenues	-6,998	-937
Expenses
Net claims and claim expenses incurred	-559	0
Acquisition expenses	-4,917	0
Operational expenses	5,406	-78
Corporate expenses	-35	0
Interest expense	-1,034	0
Total expenses	-1,139	-78
(Loss) income before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries and taxes	-5,859	-859
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	-201,079	-160,053
Income before taxes	-206,938	-160,912
Income tax benefit (expense)	0	0
Net income	-206,938	-160,912
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to RenaissanceRe	-206,938	-160,912
Dividends on preference shares	0	0
Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders	($206,938)	($160,912)

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ4

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries (Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$213,100	$199,366
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	-74	-168
Comprehensive income	213,026	199,198
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-39,662	-42,768
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-39,662	-42,768
Comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe	173,364	156,430
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	173,438	156,598
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	0	0
Comprehensive income	173,438	156,598
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe	173,438	156,598
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	-19,560
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	0
Comprehensive income	-19,560
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0
Comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe	-19,560
RenRe North America Holdings Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	43,536	-3,190
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	0	0
Comprehensive income	43,536	-3,190
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe	43,536	-3,190
Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	-3,213
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	0
Comprehensive income	-3,213
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0
Comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe	-3,213
RenaissanceRe Finance, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	-3,335
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	0
Comprehensive income	-3,335
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0
Comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe	-3,335
Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries And Eliminations (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	229,172	206,870
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	-74	-168
Comprehensive income	229,098	206,702
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-39,662	-42,768
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-39,662	-42,768
Comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe	189,436	163,934
Consolidating Adjustments
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	-206,938	-160,912
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	0	0
Comprehensive income	-206,938	-160,912
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe	($206,938)	($160,912)

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ5

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries (Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	($118,605)	$46,639
Cash flows provided by investing activities
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	2,075,678	1,996,035
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	-1,490,123	-1,768,996
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	1,757	4,090
Net sales (purchases) of equity investments trading	50,627	-279
Net sales of short term investments	112,795	67,313
Net (purchases) sales of other investments	-7,952	2,116
Net (purchases) sales of investments in other ventures	-126	915
Net purchases of other assets	-2,500	0
Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries	0	0
Contributions to subsidiaries	0	0
Due to (from) subsidiary	0	0
Net purchase of Platinum	678,152	0
Net cash provided by investing activities	62,004	301,194
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	-13,720	-11,899
Dividends paid – preference shares	-5,595	-5,595
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	-446	-262,736
Net (repayment) drawdown of debt	297,823	0
Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions	-180,285	-147,943
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	97,777	-428,173
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	-9,142	-529
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	32,034	-80,869
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	525,584	408,032
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	557,618	327,163
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (Parent Guarantor)
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-32,160	-17,579
Cash flows provided by investing activities
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	0	0
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	0	-74,733
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	0	0
Net sales (purchases) of equity investments trading	0	0
Net sales of short term investments	44,839	79,551
Net (purchases) sales of other investments	0	0
Net (purchases) sales of investments in other ventures	0	0
Net purchases of other assets	0
Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries	641,434	142,423
Contributions to subsidiaries	-148,674	-136,421
Due to (from) subsidiary	3,306	8,630
Net purchase of Platinum	904,433
Net cash provided by investing activities	-66,180	292,292
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	-13,720	-11,899
Dividends paid – preference shares	-5,595	-5,595
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	-446	-262,736
Net (repayment) drawdown of debt	117,000
Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	97,239	-280,230
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-1,101	-5,517
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	5,986	8,796
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	4,885	3,279
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	837
Cash flows provided by investing activities
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	0
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	0
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	0
Net sales (purchases) of equity investments trading	0
Net sales of short term investments	0
Net (purchases) sales of other investments	0
Net (purchases) sales of investments in other ventures	0
Net purchases of other assets	0
Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries	0
Contributions to subsidiaries	0
Due to (from) subsidiary	0
Net purchase of Platinum	-62,420
Net cash provided by investing activities	62,420
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	0
Dividends paid – preference shares	0
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	0
Net (repayment) drawdown of debt	0
Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	63,257
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	63,257
RenRe North America Holdings Inc.
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-13,573	-8,334
Cash flows provided by investing activities
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	5,007	5,353
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	0	0
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	0	0
Net sales (purchases) of equity investments trading	13,763	-370
Net sales of short term investments	-5,848	175
Net (purchases) sales of other investments	0	0
Net (purchases) sales of investments in other ventures	0	0
Net purchases of other assets	0
Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries	0	2,701
Contributions to subsidiaries	1,753	1,950
Due to (from) subsidiary	1,700	-971
Net purchase of Platinum	0
Net cash provided by investing activities	12,869	4,938
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	0	0
Dividends paid – preference shares	0	0
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	0	0
Net (repayment) drawdown of debt	0
Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	0	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-704	-3,396
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,033	4,027
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	329	631
Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc.
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-295
Cash flows provided by investing activities
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	45,029
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	0
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	0
Net sales (purchases) of equity investments trading	0
Net sales of short term investments	-45,042
Net (purchases) sales of other investments	0
Net (purchases) sales of investments in other ventures	0
Net purchases of other assets	0
Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries	0
Contributions to subsidiaries	0
Due to (from) subsidiary	0
Net purchase of Platinum	-1,537
Net cash provided by investing activities	1,524
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	0
Dividends paid – preference shares	0
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	0
Net (repayment) drawdown of debt	0
Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,229
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	1,229
RenaissanceRe Finance, Inc.
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-118,949
Cash flows provided by investing activities
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	0
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	0
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	0
Net sales (purchases) of equity investments trading	0
Net sales of short term investments	0
Net (purchases) sales of other investments	0
Net (purchases) sales of investments in other ventures	0
Net purchases of other assets	0
Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries	0
Contributions to subsidiaries	180,000
Due to (from) subsidiary	0
Net purchase of Platinum	0
Net cash provided by investing activities	-180,000
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	0
Dividends paid – preference shares	0
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	0
Net (repayment) drawdown of debt	299,400
Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	299,400
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	451
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	451
Other RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Subsidiaries And Eliminations (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries)
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	45,535	72,552
Cash flows provided by investing activities
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments trading	2,025,642	1,990,682
Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading	-1,490,123	-1,694,263
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments available for sale	1,757	4,090
Net sales (purchases) of equity investments trading	36,864	91
Net sales of short term investments	118,846	-12,413
Net (purchases) sales of other investments	-7,952	2,116
Net (purchases) sales of investments in other ventures	-126	915
Net purchases of other assets	-2,500
Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries	-641,434	-145,124
Contributions to subsidiaries	-33,079	134,471
Due to (from) subsidiary	-5,006	-7,659
Net purchase of Platinum	-162,324
Net cash provided by investing activities	231,371	3,964
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares	0	0
Dividends paid – preference shares	0	0
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases	0	0
Net (repayment) drawdown of debt	-118,577
Net third party redeemable noncontrolling interest share transactions	-180,285	-147,943
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-298,862	-147,943
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash	-9,142	-529
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-31,098	-71,956
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	518,565	395,209
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$487,467	$323,253

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	4-May-15	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 01, 2011
Common Shares | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common shares repurchased during period, Number of shares	3
Common shares repurchased during period, Aggregate amount	$300,000
Common shares repurchased during period, Average cost per share	$99.91
DaVinciRe
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Related party debt to be repaid		100,000,000	200,000,000
DaVinciRe | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Related party debt to be repaid	100,000,000
DaVinciRe | 4.750% Senior Notes Due May 1, 2025 [Member] | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, face amount	$150,000,000
Senior notes interest rate	4.75%