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, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Analysis of changes in the liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
Balance at beginning of year		$ 9,741	$ 9,678
Less reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance		2,942	2,957
Net liability at beginning of year		6,799	6,721
Liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses, period increase (decrease) [Abstract]
Provision for losses and LAE occurring in the current period		737	697
Total losses and LAE incurred		692	641
Payments for losses and LAE of:
Current year		(89)	(86)
Prior years		(615)	(554)
Total payments		(704)	(640)
Reserves of business disposed	[1]	0	(319)
Foreign currency translation and other		1	2
Net liability at end of period		6,788	6,405
Add back reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance		2,835	2,788
Gross unpaid losses and LAE included in the balance sheet at end of period		9,623	9,193
Other
Liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses, period increase (decrease) [Abstract]
Net decrease in the provision for claims of prior years		$ (45)	$ (56)

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