Segments of Operations (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014 segment		Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of segments					4
Earnings (losses) of managed investment entities attributable to noncontrolling interests	$ (18)	[1]	$ (31)	[1]	$ (18)	[1]	$ (42)	[1]
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (losses) of managed investment entities attributable to noncontrolling interests	(18)		(31)		(18)		(42)
Insurance-related assessments [Member] | Annuity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Charge for guaranty fund assessments for the insolvency and liquidation of an unaffiliated life insurance company			$ 5

[1] Included in Earnings before income taxes in AFG’s Statement of Earnings.