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Derivative Instruments - Schedule of derivative instruments designated as hedges of the net investment in a foreign operation (Details) (Designated as Hedging Instrument, USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Designated as Hedging Instrument
   
Derivative [Line Items]    
Weighted average of U.S. dollar equivalent of foreign denominated net assets $ 2,384,508xlgroup_WeightedAverageEquivalentOfForeignDenominatedNetAssets
/ us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis
= us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember
$ 2,648,137xlgroup_WeightedAverageEquivalentOfForeignDenominatedNetAssets
/ us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis
= us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember
Derivative gains (losses) $ 120,643us-gaap_TranslationAdjustmentForNetInvestmentHedgeIncreaseDecreaseNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis
= us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember
[1] $ (27,392)us-gaap_TranslationAdjustmentForNetInvestmentHedgeIncreaseDecreaseNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis
= us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember
[1]
[1] Derivative gains (losses) from derivative instruments designated as hedges of the net investment in a foreign operation are recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account within AOCI for each period.