Segments of Operations (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014 segment		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014 Other [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Other [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Other [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Other [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Insurance-related assessments [Member] Annuity [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Other Lines [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Other Lines [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of segments					4
Special charges to increase asbestos and environmental reserves	$ 30								$ 6	$ 22				$ 24	$ 54
Charge for guaranty fund assessments for the insolvency and liquidation of an unaffiliated life insurance company													5
Earnings (losses) of managed investment entities attributable to noncontrolling interests	$ (29)	[1]	$ 12	[1]	$ (47)	[1]	$ (30)	[1]	$ (29)	$ 12	$ (47)	$ (30)

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