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Taxation - Summary of valuation allowance (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]    
Valuation allowance $ 207,062us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance $ 261,924us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance
Switzerland    
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]    
Valuation allowance 1,459us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_CH		 11,457us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_CH
Ireland    
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]    
Valuation allowance 72,363us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_IE		 60,133us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_IE
United States    
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]    
Valuation allowance 123,695us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US		 175,372us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
Other    
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]    
Valuation allowance $ 9,545us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= xlgroup_OtherGeographicRegionMember		 $ 14,962us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= xlgroup_OtherGeographicRegionMember