Long-Term Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Long-Term Debt [Abstract]

Schedule of long-term debt instruments

	2011		2010
Direct obligations of AFG:
9-7/8% Senior Notes due June 2019	$	350	$	350
7% Senior Notes due September 2050		132		132
7-1/8% Senior Debentures due February 2034		115		115
Other		3		3
		600		600
Subsidiaries:
Obligations of AAG Holding (guaranteed by AFG):
7-1/2% Senior Debentures due November 2033		112		112
7-1/4% Senior Debentures due January 2034		86		86
Notes payable secured by real estate due 2012 through 2016		64		65
Secured borrowings ($17 and $18 guaranteed by AFG)		30		41
National Interstate bank credit facility		22		20
American Premier Underwriters 10-7/8% Subordinated Notes		—		8
		314		332
Payable to Subsidiary Trusts:
AAG Holding Variable Rate Subordinated Debentures due May 2033		20		20
	$	934	$	952

Summary of secured and unsecured long-term debt

	2011		2010
Unsecured obligations	$	840	$	846
Obligations secured by real estate		64		65
Other secured borrowings		30		41
	$	934	$	952