Investments (Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net Change In Unrealized Pretax Gains (Losses)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments	$ 1,437	$ 1,146	$ 5,430
Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Net Change In Unrealized Pretax Gains (Losses)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments	1,442	1,140	5,278
Equity securities [Member]
Net Change In Unrealized Pretax Gains (Losses)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments	(2)	7	156
Other [Member]
Net Change In Unrealized Pretax Gains (Losses)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments	$ (3)	$ (1)	$ (4)

This item represents the pretax change in net unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities that has been included in accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of shareholders' equity, during the period.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 21

-Subparagraph d

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 9

-Subparagraph (d)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27357-111563

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesChangeInNetUnrealizedHoldingGainLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration