Insurance - Analysis of changes in the liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Analysis of changes in the liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
Balance at beginning of year		$ 9,678	$ 8,563
Less reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance		2,957	2,302
Net liability at beginning of year		6,721	6,261
Liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses, period increase (decrease) [Abstract]
Provision for losses and LAE occurring in the current period		697	637
Total losses and LAE incurred		641	609
Payments for losses and LAE of:
Current year		(86)	(84)
Prior years		(554)	(470)
Total payments		(640)	(554)
Reserves of business disposed	[1]	(319)	0
Foreign currency translation and other		2	8
Net liability at end of period		6,405	6,324
Add back reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance		2,788	2,297
Gross unpaid losses and LAE included in the balance sheet at end of period		9,193	8,621
Net decrease in the provision for claims of prior years
Liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses, period increase (decrease) [Abstract]
Net decrease in the provision for claims of prior years		$ (56)	$ (28)

[1] Reflects the reinsurance to close transaction at Neon discussed below.