10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[x] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012

OR

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _____ to _____

Commission File Number 1-5823

CNA FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 36-6169860 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

333 S. Wabash Chicago, Illinois (Address of principal executive offices) 60604 (Zip Code)

(312) 822-5000

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes [x] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes [x] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer [x] Accelerated filer [ ] Non-accelerated filer [ ](Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [x]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class	Outstanding at July 27, 2012
Common Stock, Par value $2.50	269,397,139

Item Number	PART I. Financial Information	Page Number
1.	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited):
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011	5
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011	7
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011	9
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	10
2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	45
3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	64
4.	Controls and Procedures	64
	PART II. Other Information
1.	Legal Proceedings	65
4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	65
6.	Exhibits	65

2

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

CNA Financial Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions, except per share data)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Revenues
Net earned premiums	$	1,668		$	1,595		$	3,317		$	3,210
Net investment income	470			517			1,118			1,137
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	(12		)	(41		)	(27		)	(61		)
Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in Other comprehensive income	(11		)	(21		)	(23		)	(42		)
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings	(23		)	(62		)	(50		)	(103		)
Other net realized investment gains	45			77			108			131
Net realized investment gains, net of participating policyholders’ interests	22			15			58			28
Other revenues	86			71			154			138
Total revenues	2,246			2,198			4,647			4,513
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits	1,348			1,367			2,729			2,731
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	309			286			604			583
Other operating expenses	316			326			635			603
Interest	43			43			85			89
Total claims, benefits and expenses	2,016			2,022			4,053			4,006
Income from continuing operations before income tax	230			176			594			507
Income tax expense	(64		)	(47		)	(178		)	(148		)
Income from continuing operations	166			129			416			359
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit of -, $0, - and $0	—			—			—			(1		)
Net income	166			129			416			358
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			(5		)	—			(14		)
Net income attributable to CNA	$	166		$	124		$	416		$	344
Income Attributable to CNA Common Stockholders
Income from continuing operations attributable to CNA common stockholders	$	166		$	124		$	416		$	345
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to CNA common stockholders	—			—			—			(1		)
Income attributable to CNA common stockholders	$	166		$	124		$	416		$	344

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

3

Periods ended June 30	Three Months				Six Months
(In millions, except per share data)	2012		2011		2012		2011
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to CNA Common Stockholders
Income from continuing operations attributable to CNA common stockholders	$	0.62	$	0.46	$	1.55	$	1.28
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to CNA common stockholders	—		—		—		—
Income attributable to CNA common stockholders	$	0.62	$	0.46	$	1.55	$	1.28
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to CNA Common Stockholders
Income from continuing operations attributable to CNA common stockholders	$	0.62	$	0.46	$	1.54	$	1.28
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to CNA common stockholders	—		—		—		—
Income attributable to CNA common stockholders	$	0.62	$	0.46	$	1.54	$	1.28
Dividends per share	$	0.15	$	0.10	$	0.30	$	0.20
Weighted Average Outstanding Common Stock and Common Stock Equivalents
Basic	269.4		269.3		269.4		269.3
Diluted	269.8		269.6		269.7		269.6

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

4

CNA Financial Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax
Changes in:
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments with other-than-temporary impairments	$	(3	)	$	1		$	37		$	39
Net unrealized gains on other investments	121			300			339			322
Net unrealized gains on investments	118			301			376			361
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(17		)	5			4			30
Pension and postretirement benefits	3			1			9			2
Net unrealized gains on discontinued operations and other	—			—			—			1
Allocation to participating policyholders	(1		)	(1		)	(2		)	(1		)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	103			306			387			393
Net income	166			129			416			358
Comprehensive income	269			435			803			751
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests related to changes in net unrealized (gains) losses on investments	—			(10		)	—			(8		)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			(5		)	—			(14		)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			(15		)	—			(22		)
Total comprehensive income attributable to CNA	$	269		$	420		$	803		$	729

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

5

CNA Financial Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

	June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
(In millions, except share data)
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities at fair value (amortized cost of $37,885 and $37,345)	$	41,367		$	39,937
Equity securities at fair value (cost of $252 and $288)	290			304
Limited partnership investments	2,242			2,245
Other invested assets	11			12
Mortgage loans	339			234
Short term investments	1,752			1,641
Total investments	46,001			44,373
Cash	100			75
Reinsurance receivables (less allowance for uncollectible receivables of $71 and $91)	5,751			6,001
Insurance receivables (less allowance for uncollectible receivables of $110 and $112)	1,794			1,614
Accrued investment income	446			436
Deferred acquisition costs	584			552
Deferred income taxes	127			415
Property and equipment at cost (less accumulated depreciation of $428 and $420)	310			309
Goodwill and other intangible assets	139			139
Other assets (includes $0 and $130 due from Loews Corporation)	877			779
Separate account business	370			417
Total assets	$	56,499		$	55,110
Liabilities and Equity
Liabilities:
Insurance reserves:
Claim and claim adjustment expenses	$	24,007		$	24,303
Unearned premiums	3,478			3,250
Future policy benefits	10,352			9,810
Policyholders’ funds	167			191
Participating policyholders’ funds	71			68
Short term debt	83			83
Long term debt	2,526			2,525
Other liabilities (includes $18 and $0 due to Loews Corporation)	3,231			2,975
Separate account business	370			417
Total liabilities	44,285			43,622
Commitments and contingencies (Notes C, G and I)
Equity:
Common stock ($2.50 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 273,040,243 shares issued; 269,397,139 and 269,274,900 shares outstanding)	683			683
Additional paid-in capital	2,141			2,141
Retained earnings	8,643			8,308
Accumulated other comprehensive income	867			480
Treasury stock (3,643,104 and 3,765,343 shares), at cost	(99		)	(102		)
Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock	(21		)	(22		)
Total CNA stockholders’ equity	12,214			11,488
Total liabilities and equity	$	56,499		$	55,110

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

6

CNA Financial Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

Six months ended June 30
(In millions)	2012			2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$	416		$	358
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows provided by operating activities:
Loss from discontinued operations	—			1
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	1			8
Deferred income tax expense	81			96
Trading portfolio activity	(44		)	(9		)
Net realized investment gains, net of participating policyholders’ interests	(58		)	(28		)
Equity method investees	(8		)	(108		)
Amortization of investments	(33		)	(37		)
Depreciation	39			38
Changes in:
Receivables, net	70			139
Accrued investment income	(10		)	(11		)
Deferred acquisition costs	(17		)	(19		)
Insurance reserves	121			93
Other assets	43			37
Other liabilities	12			(153		)
Other, net	5			9
Total adjustments	202			56
Net cash flows provided by operating activities-continuing operations	$	618		$	414
Net cash flows provided (used) by operating activities-discontinued operations	$	—		$	(2	)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities-total	$	618		$	412
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Purchases of fixed maturity securities	$	(5,169	)	$	(6,200	)
Proceeds from fixed maturity securities:
Sales	3,303			4,112
Maturities, calls and redemptions	1,566			1,825
Purchases of equity securities	(27		)	(44		)
Proceeds from sales of equity securities	61			153
Origination of mortgage loans	(109		)	(112		)
Change in short term investments	(123		)	514
Change in other investments	13			(131		)
Purchases of property and equipment	(42		)	(24		)
Other, net	17			2
Net cash flows provided (used) by investing activities-continuing operations	$	(510	)	$	95
Net cash flows provided (used) by investing activities-discontinued operations	$	—		$	2
Net cash flows provided (used) by investing activities-total	$	(510	)	$	97

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

7

Six months ended June 30
(In millions)	2012			2011
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Acquisition of CNA Surety noncontrolling interest	$	—		$	(426	)
Dividends paid to common stockholders	(81		)	(54		)
Proceeds from the issuance of debt	—			396
Repayment of debt	—			(409		)
Stock options exercised	1			2
Other, net	(3		)	(13		)
Net cash flows used by financing activities-continuing operations	$	(83	)	$	(504	)
Net cash flows provided (used) by financing activities-discontinued operations	$	—		$	—
Net cash flows used by financing activities-total	$	(83	)	$	(504	)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	$	—		$	2
Net change in cash	$	25		$	7
Cash, beginning of year	75			77
Cash, end of period	$	100		$	84
Cash-continuing operations	$	100		$	84
Cash-discontinued operations	—			—
Cash-total	$	100		$	84

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

8

CNA Financial Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited)

Six months ended June 30
(In millions)	2012			2011
Common Stock
Balance, beginning of period	$	683		$	683
Balance, end of period	683			683
Additional Paid-in Capital
Balance, beginning of period, as previously reported	2,146			2,200
Cumulative effect adjustment from accounting change for deferred acquisition costs, net of tax	(5		)	—
Balance, beginning of period, as adjusted	2,141			2,200
Stock-based compensation	—			1
Acquisition of CNA Surety noncontrolling interest	—			(65		)
Other	—			2
Balance, end of period	2,141			2,138
Retained Earnings
Balance, beginning of period, as previously reported	8,382			7,876
Cumulative effect adjustment from accounting change for deferred acquisition costs, net of tax	(74		)	(72		)
Balance, beginning of period, as adjusted	8,308			7,804
Dividends paid to common stockholders	(81		)	(54		)
Net income attributable to CNA	416			344
Balance, end of period	8,643			8,094
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance, beginning of period, as previously reported	470			326
Cumulative effect adjustment from accounting change for deferred acquisition costs, net of tax	10			—
Balance, beginning of period, as adjusted	480			326
Other comprehensive income attributable to CNA	387			385
Acquisition of CNA Surety noncontrolling interest	—			19
Balance, end of period	867			730
Treasury Stock
Balance, beginning of period	(102		)	(105		)
Stock-based compensation	3			3
Balance, end of period	(99		)	(102		)
Notes Receivable for the Issuance of Common Stock
Balance, beginning of period	(22		)	(26		)
Decrease in notes receivable for the issuance of common stock	1			3
Balance, end of period	(21		)	(23		)
Total CNA Stockholders’ Equity	12,214			11,520
Noncontrolling Interests
Balance, beginning of period, as previously reported	—			570
Cumulative effect adjustment from accounting change for deferred acquisition costs, net of tax	—			(7		)
Balance, beginning of period, as adjusted	—			563
Net income	—			14
Other comprehensive income	—			8
Acquisition of CNA Surety noncontrolling interest	—			(429		)
Other	—			(12		)
Balance, end of period	—			144
Total Equity	$	12,214		$	11,664

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

9

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Note A. General

Basis of Presentation

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) include the accounts of CNA Financial Corporation (CNAF) and its controlled subsidiaries. Collectively, CNAF and its controlled subsidiaries are referred to as CNA or the Company. CNA’s property and casualty and remaining life and group insurance operations are primarily conducted by Continental Casualty Company (CCC), The Continental Insurance Company, Western Surety Company and Continental Assurance Corporation. Loews Corporation (Loews) owned approximately 90% of the outstanding common stock of CNAF as of June 30, 2012.

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Certain financial information that is normally included in annual financial statements, including certain financial statement notes, prepared in accordance with GAAP, is not required for interim reporting purposes and has been condensed or omitted. These statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in CNAF's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the year ended December 31, 2011, including the summary of significant accounting policies in Note A. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

The interim financial data as of June 30, 2012 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 is unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, the interim data includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair statement of the Company's results for the interim periods. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Intercompany amounts have been eliminated.

Noncontrolling Interests

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 represented the noncontrolling interests in CNA Surety Corporation (Surety) and First Insurance Company of Hawaii (FICOH). On June 10, 2011, CNA completed the acquisition of the noncontrolling interest of Surety and on November 29, 2011, CNA completed the sale of its 50% ownership interest in FICOH.

Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts

In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued updated accounting guidance which limits the capitalization of costs incurred to acquire or renew insurance contracts to those that are incremental direct costs of successful contract acquisitions. The previous guidance allowed the capitalization of acquisition costs that vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts, whether the costs related to successful or unsuccessful efforts.

As of January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the updated accounting guidance prospectively as of January 1, 2004, the earliest date practicable. Due to the lack of available historical data related to certain accident and health contracts issued prior to January 1, 2004, a full retrospective application of the change in accounting guidance was impracticable. Acquisition costs capitalized prior to January 1, 2004 will continue to be accounted for under the previous accounting guidance and will be amortized over the premium-paying period of the related policies using assumptions consistent with those used for computing future policy benefit reserves for such contracts.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the adoption of the new accounting guidance resulted in an approximate $1 million and $3 million decrease in Net income attributable to CNA and a $0.01 decrease in Basic and Diluted earnings per share attributable to CNA common stockholders in both periods.

The Company has adjusted its previously reported financial information included herein to reflect the change in accounting guidance for deferred acquisition costs. The impacts of adopting the new accounting standard on the

10

Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2011 were a $106 million decrease in Deferred acquisition costs and a $37 million increase in Deferred income taxes. The impacts to Accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and Additional paid-in capital were the result of the indirect effects of the Company's adoption of this guidance on Shadow Adjustments, as further discussed in Note C, and the Company's acquisition of the noncontrolling interest of Surety as discussed above.

The impacts on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 were a $64 million and $112 million decrease in Amortization of deferred acquisition costs, a $67 million and $119 million increase in Other operating expenses, no impact and a $1 million decrease in Income tax expense, and a $1 million decrease in Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for both periods, resulting in a $2 million and $5 million decrease in Net income attributable to CNA, and a $0.01 and $0.02 decrease in Basic and Diluted earnings per share attributable to CNA common stockholders. There were no changes to net cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities for the comparative periods presented as a result of the adoption of the new accounting standard.

11

Note B. Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share attributable to the Company's common stockholders is based on the weighted average number of outstanding common shares. Basic earnings (loss) per share excludes the impact of dilutive securities and is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CNA by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, approximately 410 thousand and 368 thousand potential shares attributable to exercises under stock-based employee compensation plans were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For those same periods, approximately 622 thousand and 735 thousand potential shares attributable to exercises under stock-based employee compensation plans were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been antidilutive.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, approximately 352 thousand and 329 thousand potential shares attributable to exercises under stock-based employee compensation plans were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For those same periods, approximately 931 thousand and 1.0 million potential shares attributable to exercises under stock-based employee compensation plans were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been antidilutive.

12

Note C. Investments

The significant components of net investment income are presented in the following table.

Net Investment Income

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Fixed maturity securities	$	505		$	505		$	1,021		$	1,011
Short term investments	2			2			3			4
Limited partnership investments	(35		)	11			95			125
Equity securities	2			6			6			12
Mortgage loans	5			2			8			4
Trading portfolio (a)	4			3			11			6
Other	2			3			3			5
Gross investment income	485			532			1,147			1,167
Investment expense	(15		)	(15		)	(29		)	(30		)
Net investment income	$	470		$	517		$	1,118		$	1,137

___________________

(a) There were no net unrealized gains (losses) related to changes in fair value of trading securities still held included in net investment income for the three or six months ended June 30, 2012 or 2011.

Net realized investment gains (losses) are presented in the following table.

Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Net realized investment gains (losses):
Fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains	$	49		$	89		$	118		$	177
Gross realized losses	(32		)	(69		)	(71		)	(137		)
Net realized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities	17			20			47			40
Equity securities:
Gross realized gains	2			1			5			6
Gross realized losses	(2		)	(3		)	(4		)	(8		)
Net realized investment gains (losses) on equity securities	—			(2		)	1			(2		)
Derivatives	1			—			—			(1		)
Short term investments and other (a) (b)	4			(3		)	10			(9		)
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	$	22		$	15		$	58		$	28

____________________

(a) The six months ended June 30, 2011 included a $9 million loss related to the early extinguishment of debt in 2011.

(b) Includes net unrealized gains (losses) related to changes in the fair value of securities for which the fair value option has been elected. There were no net unrealized gains (losses) for the three months ended June 30, 2012 or 2011. There were no net unrealized gains (losses) for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with unrealized gains of $1 million for the same period in 2011.

13

The components of net other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses recognized in earnings by asset type are summarized in the following table.

Periods ended June 30	Three Months				Six Months
(In millions)	2012		2011		2012		2011
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Corporate and other bonds	$	6	$	15	$	16	$	24
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	15		46		29		74
U.S. Treasury and obligation of government-sponsored enterprises	—		—		1		—
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	21		61		46		98
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stock	2		1		4		4
Preferred stock	—		—		—		1
Total equity securities available-for-sale	2		1		4		5
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	$	23	$	62	$	50	$	103

A security is impaired if the fair value of the security is less than its cost adjusted for accretion, amortization and previously recorded OTTI losses, otherwise defined as an unrealized loss. When a security is impaired, the impairment is evaluated to determine whether it is temporary or other-than-temporary.

Significant judgment is required in the determination of whether an OTTI loss has occurred for a security. The Company follows a consistent and systematic process for determining and recording an OTTI loss. The Company has established a committee responsible for the OTTI process. This committee, referred to as the Impairment Committee, is made up of three officers appointed by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Impairment Committee is responsible for evaluating all securities in an unrealized loss position on at least a quarterly basis.

The Impairment Committee’s assessment of whether an OTTI loss has occurred incorporates both quantitative and qualitative information. Fixed maturity securities that the Company intends to sell, or it more likely than not will be required to sell before recovery of amortized cost, are considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired and the entire difference between the amortized cost basis and fair value of the security is recognized as an OTTI loss in earnings. The remaining fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position are evaluated to determine if a credit loss exists. The factors considered by the Impairment Committee include (a) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (b) whether the debtor is current on interest and principal payments, (c) credit ratings of the securities and (d) general market conditions and industry or sector specific outlook. The Company also considers results and analysis of cash flow modeling for asset-backed securities, and when appropriate, other fixed maturity securities. The focus of the analysis for asset-backed securities is on assessing the sufficiency and quality of underlying collateral and timing of cash flows based on scenario tests. If the present value of the modeled expected cash flows equals or exceeds the amortized cost of a security, no credit loss is judged to exist and the asset-backed security is deemed to be temporarily impaired. If the present value of the expected cash flows is less than amortized cost, the security is judged to be other-than-temporarily impaired for credit reasons and that shortfall, referred to as the credit component, is recognized as an OTTI loss in earnings. The difference between the adjusted amortized cost basis and fair value, referred to as the non-credit component, is recognized as OTTI in Other comprehensive income. In subsequent reporting periods, a change in intent to sell or further credit impairment on a security whose fair value has not deteriorated will cause the non-credit component originally recorded as OTTI in Other comprehensive income to be recognized as an OTTI loss in earnings.

The Company performs the discounted cash flow analysis using stressed scenarios to determine future expectations regarding recoverability. For asset-backed securities, significant assumptions enter into these cash flow projections including delinquency rates, probable risk of default, loss severity upon a default, over collateralization and interest coverage triggers, and credit support from lower level tranches.

14

The Company applies the same impairment model as described above for the majority of non-redeemable preferred stock securities on the basis that these securities possess characteristics similar to debt securities and that the issuers maintain their ability to pay dividends. For all other equity securities, in determining whether the security is other-than-temporarily impaired, the Impairment Committee considers a number of factors including, but not limited to: (a) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost, (b) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (c) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in value and (d) general market conditions and industry or sector specific outlook.

The following tables provide a summary of fixed maturity and equity securities.

Summary of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities

June 30, 2012	Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Corporate and other bonds	$	19,350	$	2,209	$	79	$	21,480	$	—
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	9,225		1,225		66		10,384		—
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	5,817		215		141		5,891		42
Commercial mortgage-backed	1,514		82		27		1,569		(2		)
Other asset-backed	1,046		20		1		1,065		—
Total asset-backed	8,377		317		169		8,525		40
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises	172		12		—		184		—
Foreign government	616		23		—		639		—
Redeemable preferred stock	101		10		—		111		—
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	37,841		3,796		314		41,323		$	40
Total fixed maturity securities trading	44		—		—		44
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stock	27		21		—		48
Preferred stock	225		17		—		242
Total equity securities available-for-sale	252		38		—		290
Total	$	38,137	$	3,834	$	314	$	41,657

15

December 31, 2011	Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Corporate and other bonds	$	19,086	$	1,946	$	154	$	20,878	$	—
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	9,018		900		136		9,782		—
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	5,786		172		183		5,775		99
Commercial mortgage-backed	1,365		48		59		1,354		(2		)
Other asset-backed	946		13		4		955		—
Total asset-backed	8,097		233		246		8,084		97
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises	479		14		—		493		—
Foreign government	608		28		—		636		—
Redeemable preferred stock	51		7		—		58		—
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	37,339		3,128		536		39,931		$	97
Total fixed maturity securities trading	6		—		—		6
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stock	30		17		—		47
Preferred stock	258		4		5		257
Total equity securities available-for-sale	288		21		5		304
Total	$	37,633	$	3,149	$	541	$	40,241

The net unrealized gains on investments included in the tables above are recorded as a component of AOCI. When presented in AOCI, these amounts are net of tax and any required Shadow Adjustments. At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the net unrealized gains on investments included in AOCI were net of Shadow Adjustments of $940 million and $723 million. To the extent that unrealized gains on fixed income securities supporting certain products within the Life & Group Non-Core segment would result in a premium deficiency if realized, a related decrease in Deferred acquisition costs and/or increase in Insurance reserves is recorded, net of tax, as a reduction through Other comprehensive income (Shadow Adjustments).

16

The following tables summarize the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities in a gross unrealized loss position by the length of time in which the securities have continuously been in that position.

Securities in a Gross Unrealized Loss Position

	Less than 12 Months				12 Months or Longer				Total
June 30, 2012	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Corporate and other bonds	$	1,550	$	53	$	192	$	26	$	1,742	$	79
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	174		2		301		64		475		66
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	276		13		923		128		1,199		141
Commercial mortgage-backed	158		5		153		22		311		27
Other asset-backed	181		1		—		—		181		1
Total asset-backed	615		19		1,076		150		1,691		169
Total	$	2,339	$	74	$	1,569	$	240	$	3,908	$	314

	Less than 12 Months				12 Months or Longer				Total
December 31, 2011	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Corporate and other bonds	$	2,552	$	126	$	159	$	28	$	2,711	$	154
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	67		1		721		135		788		136
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	719		36		874		147		1,593		183
Commercial mortgage-backed	431		39		169		20		600		59
Other asset-backed	389		4		—		—		389		4
Total asset-backed	1,539		79		1,043		167		2,582		246
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	4,158		206		1,923		330		6,081		536
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Preferred stock	117		5		—		—		117		5
Total	$	4,275	$	211	$	1,923	$	330	$	6,198	$	541

The amount of pretax net realized gains on available-for-sale securities reclassified out of AOCI into earnings was $15 million and $47 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and $20 million and $41 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011.

17

The following table summarizes the activity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 related to the pretax credit loss component reflected in Retained earnings on fixed maturity securities still held at June 30, 2012 and 2011 for which a portion of an OTTI loss was recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss).

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Beginning balance of credit losses on fixed maturity securities	$	100		$	113		$	92		$	141
Additional credit losses for securities for which an OTTI loss was previously recognized	10			8			21			18
Credit losses for securities for which an OTTI loss was not previously recognized	1			—			2			1
Reductions for securities sold during the period	(4		)	(21		)	(8		)	(46		)
Reductions for securities the Company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell	(8		)	(18		)	(8		)	(32		)
Ending balance of credit losses on fixed maturity securities	$	99		$	82		$	99		$	82

Based on current facts and circumstances, the Company has determined that no additional OTTI losses related to the securities in an unrealized loss position presented in the June 30, 2012 Securities in a Gross Unrealized Loss Position table above are required to be recorded. A discussion of some of the factors reviewed in making that determination is presented below.

The classification between investment grade and non-investment grade presented in the discussion below is based on a ratings methodology that takes into account ratings from two major providers, Standard & Poor's (S&P) and Moody's Investor Services, Inc. (Moody's) in that order of preference. If a security is not rated by these providers, the Company formulates an internal rating.

Asset-Backed Securities

Asset-backed securities include residential mortgage-backed securities, both agency and non-agency, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities. The fair value of total asset-backed holdings at June 30, 2012 was $8,525 million which was comprised of 2,034 different securities. The fair value of these securities tends to be influenced by the characteristics and projected cash flows of the underlying collateral rather than the credit of the issuer. Each security has deal-specific tranche structures, credit support that results from the unique deal structure, particular collateral characteristics and other distinct security terms. As a result, seemingly common factors such as delinquency rates and collateral performance affect each security differently.

18

The gross unrealized losses on residential mortgage-backed securities included $63 million related to securities guaranteed by a U.S. government agency or sponsored enterprise and $78 million related to non-agency structured securities. Non-agency structured securities included 94 securities that had at least one trade lot in a gross unrealized loss position and the aggregate severity of the gross unrealized loss was approximately 9% of amortized cost.

Commercial mortgage-backed securities included 44 securities that had at least one trade lot in a gross unrealized loss position. The aggregate severity of the gross unrealized loss was approximately 8% of amortized cost.

The following table summarizes asset-backed securities in a gross unrealized loss position by ratings distribution at June 30, 2012.

Gross Unrealized Losses by Ratings Distribution

June 30, 2012	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
(In millions)
U.S. Government, Government Agencies, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises	$	468	$	405	$	63
AAA	247		241		6
AA	163		155		8
A	141		134		7
BBB	162		148		14
Non-investment grade	679		608		71
Total	$	1,860	$	1,691	$	169

The Company believes the unrealized losses are primarily attributable to broader economic conditions, changes in interest rates and credit spreads, market illiquidity, and uncertainty with regard to the timing and amount of ultimate collateral realization, but are not indicative of the ultimate collectibility of the current carrying values of the securities. The Company has no current intent to sell these securities, nor is it more likely than not that it will be required to sell prior to recovery of amortized cost; accordingly, the Company has determined that there are no additional OTTI losses to be recorded at June 30, 2012.

Contractual Maturity

The following table summarizes available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain securities may be called or prepaid with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single date are allocated based on weighted average life.

Contractual Maturity

	June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
(In millions)	Cost or Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Cost or Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	1,889	$	1,904	$	1,802	$	1,812
Due after one year through five years	13,118		13,728		13,110		13,537
Due after five years through ten years	8,561		9,228		8,410		8,890
Due after ten years	14,273		16,463		14,017		15,692
Total	$	37,841	$	41,323	$	37,339	$	39,931

19

Investment Commitments

As of June 30, 2012, the Company had committed approximately $141 million to future capital calls from various third-party limited partnership investments in exchange for an ownership interest in the related partnerships.

The Company invests in various privately placed debt securities, including bank loans, as part of its overall investment strategy and has committed to additional future purchases, sales and funding. The purchase and sale of these investments are recorded on the date that the legal agreements are finalized and cash settlements are made. As of June 30, 2012, the Company had commitments to purchase $145 million and sell $124 million of such investments. The Company has an obligation to fund additional amounts under the terms of current loan participations that may not be recorded until a draw is made. As of June 30, 2012, the Company had obligations on unfunded bank loan participations in the amount of $12 million.

As of June 30, 2012, the Company had mortgage loan commitments of $20 million representing signed loan applications received and accepted. Mortgage loans are recorded once funded.

20

Note D. Derivative Financial Instruments

A summary of the recognized gains (losses) related to derivative financial instruments follows.

Recognized Gains (Losses)

Periods ended June 30	Three Months				Six Months
(In millions)	2012		2011		2012		2011
Without hedge designation
Currency forwards	$	1	$	—	$	—	$	(1	)
Total without hedge designation	1		—		—		(1		)
Trading activities
Futures sold, not yet purchased	—		—		1		—
Total	$	1	$	—	$	1	$	(1	)

A summary of the aggregate contractual or notional amounts and gross estimated fair values related to derivative financial instruments reported as Other invested assets or Other liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets follows. The contractual or notional amounts for derivatives are used to calculate the exchange of contractual payments under the agreements and may not be representative of the potential for gain or loss on these instruments.

Derivative Financial Instruments

June 30, 2012	Contractual/ Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value
(In millions)			Asset		(Liability)
Without hedge designation
Credit default swaps - purchased protection	$	20	$	—	$	(1	)
Currency forwards	40		—		—
Equity warrants	5		—		—
Total without hedge designation	65		—		(1		)
Trading activities
Futures sold, not yet purchased	48		—		—
Total	$	113	$	—	$	(1	)

December 31, 2011	Contractual/ Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value
(In millions)			Asset		(Liability)
Without hedge designation
Credit default swaps - purchased protection	$	20	$	—	$	(1	)
Currency forwards	22		1		—
Equity warrants	4		—		—
Total	$	46	$	1	$	(1	)

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, new derivative transactions entered into totaled $447 million and $779 million in notional value while derivative termination activity totaled $391 million and $712 million. This activity was primarily attributable to interest rate futures and forward commitments for mortgage-backed securities. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, new derivative transactions entered into totaled approximately $158 million and $499 million in notional value while derivative termination activity totaled approximately $158 million and $507 million. This activity was primarily attributable to interest rate futures and foreign currency forwards.

21

Note E. Fair Value

Fair value is the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The following fair value hierarchy is used in selecting inputs, with the highest priority given to Level 1, as these are the most transparent or reliable.

Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.

Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are not observable.

Prices may fall within Level 1, 2 or 3 depending upon the methodologies and inputs used to estimate fair value for each specific security. Prices are determined by a dedicated group within the Investments and Treasury organization, who ultimately report to the Company's CFO. This group is responsible for valuation policies and procedures. In general the Company seeks to price securities using third-party pricing services. Securities not priced by pricing services are submitted to independent brokers for valuation and, if those are not available, internally developed pricing models are used to value assets using methodologies and inputs the Company believes market participants would use to value the assets.

The Company performs control procedures over information obtained from pricing services and brokers to ensure prices received represent a reasonable estimate of fair value and to confirm representations regarding whether inputs are observable or unobservable. Procedures include i) the review of pricing service or broker pricing methodologies, ii) back-testing, where past fair value estimates are compared to actual transactions executed in the market on similar dates, iii) exception reporting, where changes in price, period-over-period, are reviewed and challenged with the pricing service or broker based on exception criteria, iv) deep dives, where the Company independently validates detailed information regarding inputs and assumptions for individual securities and v) pricing validation, where prices received are compared to prices independently estimated by the Company.

22

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below.

June 30, 2012								Total Assets/(Liabilities) at Fair Value
(In millions)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	—	$	21,004	$	488		$	21,492
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		10,327		89			10,416
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	—		5,448		443			5,891
Commercial mortgage-backed	—		1,403		166			1,569
Other asset-backed	—		631		434			1,065
Total asset-backed	—		7,482		1,043			8,525
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises	142		42		—			184
Foreign government	120		519		—			639
Redeemable preferred stock	28		56		27			111
Total fixed maturity securities	290		39,430		1,647			41,367
Equity securities	106		91		93			290
Derivative and other financial instruments, included in Other invested assets	—		—		11			11
Short term investments	1,225		271		4			1,500
Life settlement contracts, included in Other assets	—		—		116			116
Separate account business	12		355		3			370
Total assets	$	1,633	$	40,147	$	1,874		$	43,654
Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments, included in Other liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	(1	)	$	(1	)
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	(1	)	$	(1	)

23

December 31, 2011								Total Assets/(Liabilities) at Fair Value
(In millions)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	—	$	20,402	$	482		$	20,884
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		9,611		171			9,782
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	—		5,323		452			5,775
Commercial mortgage-backed	—		1,295		59			1,354
Other asset-backed	—		612		343			955
Total asset-backed	—		7,230		854			8,084
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises	451		42		—			493
Foreign government	92		544		—			636
Redeemable preferred stock	5		53		—			58
Total fixed maturity securities	548		37,882		1,507			39,937
Equity securities	124		113		67			304
Derivative and other financial instruments, included in Other invested assets	—		1		11			12
Short term investments	1,106		508		27			1,641
Life settlement contracts, included in Other assets	—		—		117			117
Separate account business	21		373		23			417
Total assets	$	1,799	$	38,877	$	1,752		$	42,428
Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments, included in Other liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	(1	)	$	(1	)
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	(1	)	$	(1	)

24

The tables below present a reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

Level 3 (In millions)	Balance at April 1, 2012		Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)*		Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)			Purchases		Sales			Settlements			Transfers into Level 3		Transfers out of Level 3			Balance at June 30, 2012		Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30, 2012 recognized in net income (loss)*
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	486	$	3	$	2		$	68	$	(27	)	$	(13	)	$	9	$	(40	)	$	488	$	—
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	173		—		1			—		—			(85		)	—		—			89		—
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	447		1		(18		)	22		—			(9		)	—		—			443		—
Commercial mortgage-backed	105		2		4			87		(12		)	(4		)	—		(16		)	166		—
Other asset-backed	384		2		(1		)	182		(99		)	(34		)	—		—			434		—
Total asset-backed	936		5		(15		)	291		(111		)	(47		)	—		(16		)	1,043		—
Redeemable preferred stock	53		—		—			—		(26		)	—			—		—			27		—
Total fixed maturity securities	1,648		8		(12		)	359		(164		)	(145		)	9		(56		)	1,647		—
Equity securities	74		—		19			15		(15		)	—			—		—			93		(1		)
Derivative and other financial instruments, net	10		—		—			—		—			—			—		—			10		—
Short term investments	—		—		—			4		—			—			—		—			4		—
Life settlement contracts	115		20		—			—		—			(19		)	—		—			116		3
Separate account business	4		—		—			—		(1		)	—			—		—			3		—
Total	$	1,851	$	28	$	7		$	378	$	(180	)	$	(164	)	$	9	$	(56	)	$	1,873	$	2

25

Level 3 (In millions)	Balance at April 1, 2011		Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)*			Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)			Purchases		Sales			Settlements			Transfers into Level 3		Transfers out of Level 3			Balance at June 30, 2011		Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30, 2011 recognized in net income (loss)*
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	577	$	(2	)	$	2		$	304	$	(30	)	$	(70	)	$	31	$	—		$	812	$	(3	)
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	188		—			(1		)	—		—			(8		)	—		—			179		—
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	738		(13		)	12			50		(57		)	(19		)	—		(24		)	687		(15		)
Commercial mortgage-backed	88		—			2			5		—			—			—		—			95		—
Other asset-backed	445		1			—			127		(44		)	(24		)	—		(14		)	491		—
Total asset-backed	1,271		(12		)	14			182		(101		)	(43		)	—		(38		)	1,273		(15		)
Total fixed maturity securities	2,036		(14		)	15			486		(131		)	(121		)	31		(38		)	2,264		(18		)
Equity securities	30		(1		)	—			4		(2		)	—			5		—			36		(1		)
Derivative and other financial instruments, net	8		1			—			—		—			—			—		—			9		1
Short term investments	27		—			—			—		—			(21		)	—		—			6		—
Life settlement contracts	127		6			—			—		—			(4		)	—		—			129		3
Separate account business	39		—			—			—		(2		)	—			—		—			37		—
Total	$	2,267	$	(8	)	$	15		$	490	$	(135	)	$	(146	)	$	36	$	(38	)	$	2,481	$	(15	)

26

The tables below present a reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

Level 3 (In millions)	Balance at January 1, 2012		Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)*		Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)			Purchases		Sales			Settlements			Transfers into Level 3		Transfers out of Level 3			Balance at June 30, 2012		Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30, 2012 recognized in net income (loss)*
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	482	$	6	$	6		$	147	$	(113	)	$	(32	)	$	42	$	(50	)	$	488	$	—
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	171		—		3			—		—			(85		)	—		—			89		—
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	452		2		(22		)	60		—			(16		)	—		(33		)	443		—
Commercial mortgage-backed	59		2		8			129		(12		)	(4		)	—		(16		)	166		—
Other asset-backed	343		6		3			358		(176		)	(59		)	—		(41		)	434		—
Total asset-backed	854		10		(11		)	547		(188		)	(79		)	—		(90		)	1,043		—
Redeemable preferred stock	—		—		—			53		(26		)	—			—		—			27		—
Total fixed maturity securities	1,507		16		(2		)	747		(327		)	(196		)	42		(140		)	1,647		—
Equity securities	67		—		16			26		(16		)	—			—		—			93		(3		)
Derivative and other financial instruments, net	10		—		—			—		—			—			—		—			10		—
Short term investments	27		—		—			16		—			(39		)	—		—			4		—
Life settlement contracts	117		23		—			—		—			(24		)	—		—			116		3
Separate account business	23		—		—			—		(20		)	—			—		—			3		—
Total	$	1,751	$	39	$	14		$	789	$	(363	)	$	(259	)	$	42	$	(140	)	$	1,873	$	—

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Level 3 (In millions)	Balance at January 1, 2011		Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)*			Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)			Purchases		Sales			Settlements			Transfers into Level 3		Transfers out of Level 3			Balance at June 30, 2011		Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30, 2011 recognized in net income (loss)*
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	624	$	2		$	(3	)	$	346	$	(50	)	$	(97	)	$	40	$	(50	)	$	812	$	(3	)
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	266		—			—			—		—			(87		)	—		—			179		—
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	767		(12		)	14			97		(83		)	(41		)	—		(55		)	687		(15		)
Commercial mortgage-backed	73		3			18			5		(4		)	—			—		—			95		—
Other asset-backed	359		5			—			327		(131		)	(55		)	—		(14		)	491		—
Total asset-backed	1,199		(4		)	32			429		(218		)	(96		)	—		(69		)	1,273		(15		)
Redeemable preferred stock	3		3			(3		)	—		(3		)	—			—		—			—		—
Total fixed maturity securities	2,092		1			26			775		(271		)	(280		)	40		(119		)	2,264		(18		)
Equity securities	26		(2		)	(1		)	19		(11		)	—			5		—			36		(4		)
Derivative and other financial instruments, net	25		3			—			—		(19		)	—			—		—			9		1
Short term investments	27		—			—			12		—			(23		)	—		(10		)	6		—
Life settlement contracts	129		9			—			—		—			(9		)	—		—			129		3
Separate account business	41		—			—			—		(4		)	—			—		—			37		—
Total	$	2,340	$	11		$	25		$	806	$	(305	)	$	(312	)	$	45	$	(129	)	$	2,481	$	(18	)

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* Net realized and unrealized gains and losses shown above are reported in Net income (loss) as follows:

Major Category of Assets and Liabilities	Consolidated Statements of Operations Line Items
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	Net realized investment gains (losses)
Fixed maturity securities trading	Net investment income
Equity securities	Net realized investment gains (losses)
Derivative financial instruments held in a trading portfolio	Net investment income
Derivative financial instruments not held in a trading portfolio and fair value option financial instruments	Net realized investment gains (losses)
Life settlement contracts	Other revenues

Securities shown in the Level 3 tables on the previous pages may be transferred in or out of Level 3 based on the availability of observable market information used to determine the fair value of the security. The availability of observable market information varies based on market conditions and trading volume and may cause securities to move in and out of Level 3 from reporting period to reporting period. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three or six months ended June 30, 2012 or 2011. The Company's policy is to recognize transfers between levels at the beginning of quarterly reporting periods.

Valuation Methodologies and Inputs

The following section describes the valuation methodologies and relevant inputs used to measure different financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which the instruments are generally classified.

Fixed Maturity Securities

Fixed maturity securities are valued using methodologies that model information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets, as well as discounted cash flow methodologies. Common inputs include: prices from recently executed transactions of similar securities, broker/dealer quotes, benchmark yields, spreads off benchmark yields, interest rates, and U.S. Treasury or swap curves. Specifically for asset-backed securities, key inputs include prepayment and default projections based on past performance of the underlying collateral and current market data.

Level 1 securities include highly liquid U.S. and foreign government bonds, and redeemable preferred stock, valued using quoted market prices. Level 2 securities include most other fixed maturity securities as the significant inputs are observable in the marketplace. Securities are generally assigned to Level 3 in cases where broker/dealer quotes are significant inputs to the valuation and there is a lack of transparency as to whether these quotes are based on information that is observable in the marketplace. Level 3 securities also include tax-exempt auction rate certificates and private placement debt securities. Fair value of auction rate securities is determined utilizing a pricing model with three primary inputs. The interest rate and spread inputs are observable from like instruments while the expected call date assumption is unobservable due to the uncertain nature of principal prepayments prior to maturity. Fair value of private placement debt securities is determined using internal models with inputs that are not market observable.

Equity Securities

Level 1 equity securities include publicly traded securities valued using quoted market prices. Level 2 securities are primarily non-redeemable preferred stocks and common stocks valued using pricing for similar securities, recently executed transactions, broker/dealer quotes and other pricing models utilizing market observable inputs. Level 3 securities are priced using internal models with inputs that are not market observable.

Derivative and Other Financial Instruments

Exchange traded derivatives, primarily futures, are valued using quoted market prices and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 2 derivatives primarily include currency forwards valued using observable market forward rates. Over-the-counter derivatives, principally interest rate swaps, total return swaps, credit default

29

swaps, equity warrants and options, are valued using inputs including broker/dealer quotes and are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy due to a lack of transparency as to whether these quotes are based on information that is observable in the marketplace. Other financial instruments consist of Level 3 securities for which the fair value option has been elected which contain embedded derivatives and are priced using either broker/dealer quotes or internal models with inputs that are not market observable.

Short Term Investments

The valuation of securities that are actively traded or have quoted prices are classified as Level 1. These securities include money market funds and treasury bills. Level 2 primarily includes commercial paper, for which all inputs are market observable. Fixed maturity securities purchased within one year of maturity are classified consistent with fixed maturity securities discussed above. Short term investments as presented in the tables above differ from the amounts presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets because certain short term investments, such as time deposits, are not measured at fair value.

Life Settlement Contracts

The fair values of life settlement contracts are determined as the present value of the anticipated death benefits less anticipated premium payments based on contract terms that are distinct for each insured, as well as the Company's own assumptions for mortality, premium expense, and the rate of return that a buyer would require on the contracts, as no comparable market pricing data is available.

Separate Account Business

Separate account business includes fixed maturity securities, equities and short term investments. The valuation methodologies and inputs for these asset types have been described above.

Significant Unobservable Inputs

The table below presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs utilized by the Company in the fair value measurements of Level 3 assets. Valuations for assets and liabilities not presented in the table below are primarily based on broker/dealer quotes for which there is a lack of transparency as to inputs used to develop the valuations. The quantitative detail of these unobservable inputs is neither provided nor reasonably available to the Company.

	Fair Value at June 30, 2012		Valuation Technique(s)	Unobservable Input(s)	Range  (Weighted Average)
Assets
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	122	Discounted cash flow	Expected call date	0.3 - 4.7 years (3.5 years)
				Spreads off benchmark yields	225-325 bps (269 bps)
	$	34	Market approach	Private offering price	$97.25 - $100.08 ($99.16)
Equity securities	$	93	Market approach	Private offering price	$0.10 - $4,023 per share ($268.85 per share)
Life settlement contracts	$	116	Discounted cash flow	Discount rate risk premium	9%
				Mortality assumption	65% - 928% (185%)

For fixed maturity securities, an increase to the expected call date assumption or credit spreads off benchmark yields or decrease in the private offering price would result in a lower fair value measurement. For equity securities, an increase in the private offering price would result in a higher fair value measurement. For life settlement contracts, an increase in the discount rate risk premium or decrease in the mortality assumption would result in a lower fair value measurement.

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Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company's financial instrument assets and liabilities which are not measured at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are listed in the tables below.

June 30, 2012	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
(In millions)			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Financial assets
Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock	$	21	$	—	$	—	$	21	$	21
Mortgage loans	339		—		—		352		352
Financial liabilities
Premium deposits and annuity contracts	$	105	$	—	$	—	$	109	$	109
Short term debt	83		—		83		—		83
Long term debt	2,526		—		2,835		—		2,835

December 31, 2011	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
(In millions)
Financial assets
Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock	$	22	$	22
Mortgage loans	234		247
Financial liabilities
Premium deposits and annuity contracts	$	109	$	114
Short term debt	83		84
Long term debt	2,525		2,679

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of these financial assets and liabilities.

The fair values of Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock were estimated using discounted cash flows utilizing interest rates currently offered for obligations securitized with similar collateral, adjusted for specific note receivable risk.

The fair values of Mortgage loans were based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the current interest rate for origination of similar quality loans, adjusted for specific loan risk.

Premium deposits and annuity contracts were valued based on cash surrender values or estimated fair values of policyholder liabilities, net of amounts ceded related to sold business.

The Company's senior notes and debentures were valued based on observable market prices. The fair value for other debt was estimated using discounted cash flows based on current incremental borrowing rates for similar borrowing arrangements.

The carrying amounts reported on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for Cash, Short term investments not carried at fair value, Accrued investment income and certain other assets and other liabilities approximate fair value due to the short term nature of these items. These assets and liabilities are not listed in the tables above.

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Note F. Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves

The Company's property and casualty insurance claim and claim adjustment expense reserves represent the estimated amounts necessary to resolve all outstanding claims, including IBNR claims as of the reporting date. The Company's reserve projections are based primarily on detailed analysis of the facts in each case, the Company's experience with similar cases and various historical development patterns. Consideration is given to such historical patterns as field reserving trends and claims settlement practices, loss payments, pending levels of unpaid claims and product mix, as well as court decisions, economic conditions including inflation, and public attitudes. All of these factors can affect the estimation of claim and claim adjustment expense reserves.

Establishing claim and claim adjustment expense reserves, including claim and claim adjustment expense reserves for catastrophic events that have occurred, is an estimation process. Many factors can ultimately affect the final settlement of a claim and, therefore, the necessary reserve. Changes in the law, results of litigation, medical costs, the cost of repair materials and labor rates can all affect ultimate claim costs. In addition, time can be a critical part of reserving determinations since the longer the span between the incidence of a loss and the payment or settlement of the claim, the more variable the ultimate settlement amount can be. Accordingly, short-tail claims, such as property damage claims, tend to be more reasonably estimable than long-tail claims, such as workers' compensation, general liability and professional liability claims. Adjustments to prior year reserve estimates, if necessary, are reflected in the results of operations in the period that the need for such adjustments is determined. There can be no assurance that the Company's ultimate cost for insurance losses will not exceed current estimates.

Catastrophes are an inherent risk of the property and casualty insurance business and have contributed to material period-to-period fluctuations in the Company's results of operations and/or equity. The Company reported catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance, of $68 million and $96 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012. Catastrophe losses in 2012 related primarily to U.S. storms. The Company reported catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance, of $100 million and $155 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011.

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Net Prior Year Development

The following tables and discussion include the net prior year development recorded for CNA Specialty, CNA Commercial and Corporate & Other Non-Core.

Net Prior Year Development

Three months ended June 30, 2012	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Corporate & Other Non-Core			Total
(In millions)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(35	)	$	(13	)	$	(4	)	$	(52	)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development	(5		)	(19		)	1			(23		)
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	$	(40	)	$	(32	)	$	(3	)	$	(75	)

Three months ended June 30, 2011	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Corporate & Other Non-Core			Total
(In millions)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(52	)	$	(50	)	$	(9	)	$	(111	)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development	(1		)	40			—			39
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	$	(53	)	$	(10	)	$	(9	)	$	(72	)

Six months ended June 30, 2012	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Corporate & Other Non-Core			Total
(In millions)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(41	)	$	(27	)	$	(2	)	$	(70	)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development	(14		)	(36		)	2			(48		)
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	$	(55	)	$	(63	)	$	—		$	(118	)

Six months ended June 30, 2011	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Corporate & Other Non-Core			Total
(In millions)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(67	)	$	(57	)	$	(6	)	$	(130	)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development	(8		)	32			(1		)	23
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	$	(75	)	$	(25	)	$	(7	)	$	(107	)

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, favorable premium development was recorded for CNA Commercial primarily due to premium adjustments on auditable policies arising from increased exposures.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, unfavorable premium development was recorded due to a reduction of ultimate premium estimates relating to retrospectively rated policies, partially offset by premium adjustments on auditable policies due to increased exposures.

33

CNA Specialty

The following table provides further detail of the net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development (development) recorded for the CNA Specialty segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development:
Medical Professional Liability	$	(9	)	$	(20	)	$	(15	)	$	(34	)
Other Professional Liability	(6		)	(27		)	(2		)	(21		)
Surety	—			(3		)	1			(3		)
Warranty	—			(2		)	(1		)	(12		)
Other	(20		)	—			(24		)	3
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(35	)	$	(52	)	$	(41	)	$	(67	)

Three Month Comparison

2012

Favorable development for medical professional liability was primarily due to a decrease in incurred loss severity in accident years 2008 through 2010.

Other includes standard property and casualty coverages provided to CNA Specialty customers. Favorable development for other coverages was primarily due to favorable loss emergence in property and workers' compensation coverages in accident years 2005 and subsequent.

2011

Favorable development for medical professional liability was primarily due to favorable case incurred emergence in primary institutions in accident years 2008 and prior.

Favorable development for other professional liability was driven by better than expected loss emergence in life agents coverages.

Six Month Comparison

2012

Favorable development for medical professional liability was primarily due to a decrease in incurred loss severity in accident years 2008 through 2010 and reductions in the estimated frequency of large losses in accident years 2008 and prior.

Favorable development for other coverages was primarily due to favorable loss emergence in property and workers' compensation coverages in accident years 2005 and subsequent.

2011

Favorable development for medical professional liability was primarily due to favorable case incurred emergence in accident years 2008 and prior.

Favorable development for other professional liability was driven by better than expected loss emergence in life agents coverages.

Favorable development in warranty was driven by favorable policy year experience on an aggregate stop loss policy covering the Company's non-insurance warranty subsidiary.

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CNA Commercial

The following table provides further detail of development recorded for the CNA Commercial segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development:
Commercial Auto	$	2		$	(44	)	$	2		$	(34	)
General Liability	(13		)	—			(5		)	22
Workers' Compensation	8			28			(11		)	36
Property and Other	(10		)	(34		)	(13		)	(81		)
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(13	)	$	(50	)	$	(27	)	$	(57	)

Three Month Comparison

2012

Favorable development for general liability coverages was primarily related to favorable loss emergence in accident years 2005 and prior.

Favorable development for property and marine coverages was due to a favorable outcome on an individual claim in accident year 2005 and favorable loss emergence in non-catastrophe losses in accident year 2010.

2011

Favorable development for commercial auto coverages was due to lower than expected severity on bodily injury claims in accident years 2006 and prior.

Unfavorable development for workers' compensation primarily reflected higher than expected severity on risk management claims, in accident years 2006 and prior.

Favorable development for property coverages was due to favorable loss emergence related to catastrophe claims in accident year 2008 and non-catastrophe claims in accident years 2009 and prior.

Six Month Comparison

2012

Overall, favorable development for workers' compensation reflects favorable experience in accident years 2001 and prior. Unfavorable development was recorded in accident year 2010 related to increased medical severity and in accident year 2011 related to favorable premium development.

Favorable development for property and marine coverages was due to a favorable outcome on an individual claim in accident year 2005 and favorable loss emergence in non-catastrophe losses in accident year 2010.

2011

Favorable development for commercial auto coverages was due to lower than expected severity on bodily injury claims in accident years 2006 and prior.

The unfavorable development in the general liability coverages was primarily due to two large claim outcomes on umbrella claims in accident year 2001.

Unfavorable development for workers' compensation primarily reflected higher than expected severity on risk management claims, in accident years 2006 and prior.

Favorable development for property coverages was due to lower than expected frequency in commercial multi-peril coverages primarily in accident year 2010, a favorable settlement on an individual claim in accident year 2003 in the equipment breakdown book, favorable loss emergence related to catastrophe claims in accident year 2008 and favorable loss emergence related to non-catastrophe claims in accident years 2009 and prior.

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Note G. Legal Proceedings and Contingent Liabilities

The Company is a party to routine litigation incidental to its business, which, based on the facts and circumstances currently known, is not material to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Note H. Benefit Plans

The components of net periodic cost (benefit) are presented in the following table.

Net Periodic Cost (Benefit)

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Pension cost (benefit)
Service cost	$	3		$	3		$	6		$	7
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	33			36			67			73
Expected return on plan assets	(42		)	(43		)	(85		)	(86		)
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	9			6			19			12
Net periodic pension cost (benefit)	$	3		$	2		$	7		$	6
Postretirement cost (benefit)
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	$	1		$	1		$	1		$	2
Amortization of prior service credit	(5		)	(4		)	(9		)	(9		)
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	—			(1		)	—			—
Net periodic postretirement cost (benefit)	$	(4	)	$	(4	)	$	(8	)	$	(7	)

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Note I. Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees

Commitments and Contingencies

The Company holds an investment in a real estate joint venture. In the normal course of business, the Company, on a joint and several basis with other unrelated insurance company shareholders, has committed to continue funding the operating deficits of this joint venture. Additionally, the Company and the other unrelated shareholders, on a joint and several basis, have guaranteed an operating lease for an office building, which expires in 2016. The guarantee of the operating lease is a parallel guarantee to the commitment to fund operating deficits; consequently, the separate guarantee to the lessor is not expected to be triggered as long as the joint venture continues to be funded by its shareholders which provide liquidity to make its annual lease payments.

In the event that the other parties to the joint venture are unable to meet their commitments in funding the operations of this joint venture, the Company would be required to assume the obligation for the entire office building operating lease. The Company does not believe it is likely that it will be required to do so. However, the maximum potential future lease payments and other related costs at June 30, 2012 that the Company could be required to pay under this guarantee, in excess of amounts already recorded, were approximately $125 million. If the Company were required to assume the entire lease obligation, the Company would have the right to pursue reimbursement from the other shareholders and the right to all sublease revenues.

The Company has entered into a limited number of contracts with minimum payments, primarily related to outsourced services and software. Estimated future minimum payments under these contracts, which amounted to approximately $15 million at June 30, 2012, were $7 million in 2012, $2 million in 2013, and $6 million thereafter.

Guarantees

In the course of selling business entities and assets to third parties, the Company has agreed to indemnify purchasers for losses arising out of breaches of representation and warranties with respect to the business entities or assets being sold, including, in certain cases, losses arising from undisclosed liabilities or certain named litigation. Such indemnification provisions generally survive for periods ranging from nine months following the applicable closing date to the expiration of the relevant statutes of limitation. As of June 30, 2012, the aggregate amount of quantifiable indemnification agreements in effect for sales of business entities, assets and third party loans was $758 million.

In addition, the Company has agreed to provide indemnification to third party purchasers for certain losses associated with sold business entities or assets that are not limited by a contractual monetary amount. As of June 30, 2012, the Company had outstanding unlimited indemnifications in connection with the sales of certain of its business entities or assets that included tax liabilities arising prior to a purchaser's ownership of an entity or asset, defects in title at the time of sale, employee claims arising prior to closing and in some cases losses arising from certain litigation and undisclosed liabilities. These indemnification agreements survive until the applicable statutes of limitation expire, or until the agreed-upon contract terms expire.

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had recorded liabilities of approximately $14 million and $15 million related to indemnification agreements and management believes that it is not likely that any future indemnity claims will be significantly greater than the amounts recorded.

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Note J. Business Segments

The Company's core property and casualty commercial insurance operations are reported in two business segments: CNA Specialty and CNA Commercial. The Company's non-core operations are managed in two segments: Life & Group Non-Core and Corporate & Other Non-Core.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note A of the Consolidated Financial Statements within CNAF's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, other than the accounting for deferred acquisition costs, as further discussed in Note A herein. The Company manages most of its assets on a legal entity basis, while segment operations are conducted across legal entities. As such, only insurance and reinsurance receivables, insurance reserves and deferred acquisition costs are readily identifiable by individual segment. Distinct investment portfolios are not maintained for each individual segment; accordingly, allocation of assets to each segment is not performed. Therefore, net investment income and realized investment gains or losses are allocated primarily based on each segment's net carried insurance reserves, as adjusted. All significant intersegment income and expense has been eliminated. Income taxes have been allocated on the basis of the taxable income of the segments.

In the following tables, certain financial measures are presented to provide information used by management to monitor the Company's operating performance. Management utilizes these financial measures to monitor the Company's insurance operations and investment portfolio. Net operating income, which is derived from certain income statement amounts, is used by management to monitor performance of the Company's insurance operations. The Company's investment portfolio is monitored by management through analysis of various factors including unrealized gains and losses on securities, portfolio duration and exposure to market and credit risk. Based on such analyses, the Company may recognize an OTTI loss on an investment security in accordance with its policy, or sell a security, which may produce realized gains and losses.

Net operating income (loss) is calculated by excluding from net income (loss) attributable to CNA the after-tax effects of 1) net realized investment gains or losses, 2) income or loss from discontinued operations and 3) any cumulative effects of changes in accounting guidance. The calculation of net operating income excludes net realized investment gains or losses because net realized investment gains or losses are largely discretionary, except for some losses related to OTTI, and are generally driven by economic factors that are not necessarily consistent with key drivers of underwriting performance, and are therefore not considered an indication of trends in insurance operations.

The significant components of the Company's continuing operations and selected balance sheet items are presented in the following tables.

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Three months ended
June 30, 2012	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Life & Group Non-Core			Corporate & Other Non-Core
(In millions)													Eliminations			Total
Operating revenues
Net earned premiums	$	719		$	809		$	139		$	2		$	(1	)	$	1,668
Net investment income	112			151			201			6			—			470
Other revenues	57			11			16			2			—			86
Total operating revenues	888			971			356			10			(1		)	2,224
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits	448			591			323			(20		)	—			1,342
Policyholders’ dividends	1			3			2			—			—			6
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	154			147			8			—			—			309
Other insurance related expenses	77			135			36			1			(1		)	248
Other expenses	50			10			4			47			—			111
Total claims, benefits and expenses	730			886			373			28			(1		)	2,016
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	158			85			(17		)	(18		)	—			208
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)	(52		)	(28		)	20			4			—			(56		)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	106			57			3			(14		)	—			152
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	8			13			4			(3		)	—			22
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)	(2		)	(5		)	(1		)	—			—			(8		)
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	6			8			3			(3		)	—			14
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	$	112		$	65		$	6		$	(17	)	$	—		$	166

39

Three months ended
June 30, 2011	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Life & Group Non-Core			Corporate & Other Non-Core					Total
(In millions)													Eliminations
Operating revenues
Net earned premiums	$	688		$	768		$	141		$	(2	)	$	—	$	1,595
Net investment income	126			193			189			9			—		517
Other revenues	54			12			2			3			—		71
Total operating revenues	868			973			332			10			—		2,183
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits	418			621			330			(6		)	—		1,363
Policyholders’ dividends	—			2			2			—			—		4
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	138			142			6			—			—		286
Other insurance related expenses	77			144			34			2			—		257
Other expenses	52			11			6			43			—		112
Total claims, benefits and expenses	685			920			378			39			—		2,022
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	183			53			(46		)	(29		)	—		161
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)	(64		)	(16		)	27			11			—		(42		)
Net operating (income) loss, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4		)	(1		)	—			—			—		(5		)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	115			36			(19		)	(18		)	—		114
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	7			11			1			(4		)	—		15
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)	(2		)	(3		)	—			—			—		(5		)
Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			—			—		—
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	5			8			1			(4		)	—		10
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	$	120		$	44		$	(18	)	$	(22	)	$	—	$	124

40

Six months ended
June 30, 2012	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Life & Group Non-Core			Corporate & Other Non-Core
(In millions)													Eliminations			Total
Operating revenues
Net earned premiums	$	1,425		$	1,612		$	280		$	1		$	(1	)	$	3,317
Net investment income	287			416			399			16			—			1,118
Other revenues	113			20			14			7			—			154
Total operating revenues	1,825			2,048			693			24			(1		)	4,589
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits	916			1,158			659			(13		)	—			2,720
Policyholders’ dividends	(1		)	6			4			—			—			9
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	302			286			16			—			—			604
Other insurance related expenses	149			279			71			—			(1		)	498
Other expenses	100			17			10			95			—			222
Total claims, benefits and expenses	1,466			1,746			760			82			(1		)	4,053
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	359			302			(67		)	(58		)	—			536
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)	(121		)	(106		)	51			18			—			(158		)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	238			196			(16		)	(40		)	—			378
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	16			24			17			1			—			58
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)	(4		)	(9		)	(6		)	(1		)	—			(20		)
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	12			15			11			—			—			38
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	$	250		$	211		$	(5	)	$	(40	)	$	—		$	416

June 30, 2012
(In millions)
Reinsurance receivables	$	837	$	1,149	$	1,323	$	2,513	$	—		$	5,822
Insurance receivables	$	711	$	1,182	$	8	$	3	$	—		$	1,904
Deferred acquisition costs	$	308	$	276	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	584
Insurance reserves
Claim and claim adjustment expenses	$	6,925	$	11,316	$	2,901	$	2,865	$	—		$	24,007
Unearned premiums	1,708		1,626		145		—		(1		)	3,478
Future policy benefits	—		—		10,352		—		—			10,352
Policyholders’ funds	13		13		141		—		—			167

41

Six months ended
June 30, 2011	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Life & Group Non-Core			Corporate & Other Non-Core						Total
(In millions)													Eliminations
Operating revenues
Net earned premiums	$	1,357		$	1,570		$	285		$	(1	)	$	(1	)	$	3,210
Net investment income	286			454			377			20			—			1,137
Other revenues	108			26			—			4			—			138
Total operating revenues	1,751			2,050			662			23			(1		)	4,485
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits	848			1,224			653			1			—			2,726
Policyholders’ dividends	—			2			3			—			—			5
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	281			290			12			—			—			583
Other insurance related expenses	141			259			72			3			(1		)	474
Other expenses	92			27			12			87			—			218
Total claims, benefits and expenses	1,362			1,802			752			91			(1		)	4,006
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	389			248			(90		)	(68		)	—			479
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)	(134		)	(81		)	53			23			—			(139		)
Net operating (income) loss, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	(12		)	(1		)	—			—			—			(13		)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	243			166			(37		)	(45		)	—			327
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	15			28			(3		)	(12		)	—			28
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)	(5		)	(9		)	1			4			—			(9		)
Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			(1		)	—			—			—			(1		)
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	10			18			(2		)	(8		)	—			18
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	$	253		$	184		$	(39	)	$	(53	)	$	—		$	345

December 31, 2011
(In millions)
Reinsurance receivables	$	852	$	1,188	$	1,375	$	2,677	$	—	$	6,092
Insurance receivables	$	670	$	1,047	$	8	$	1	$	—	$	1,726
Deferred acquisition costs	$	300	$	252	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	552
Insurance reserves
Claim and claim adjustment expenses	$	6,840	$	11,509	$	2,825	$	3,129	$	—	$	24,303
Unearned premiums	1,629		1,480		141		—		—		3,250
Future policy benefits	—		—		9,810		—		—		9,810
Policyholders’ funds	15		10		166		—		—		191

42

The following table provides revenue by line of business for each reportable segment. Revenues are comprised of operating revenues and net realized investment gains and losses, net of participating policyholders’ interests.

Revenues by Line of Business

Periods ended June 30	Three Months					Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011		2012			2011
CNA Specialty
International	$	53		$	54	$	110		$	105
Professional & Management Liability	645			626		1,339			1,286
Surety	121			119		240			230
Warranty & Alternative Risks	77			76		152			145
CNA Specialty revenues	896			875		1,841			1,766
CNA Commercial
CNA Select Risk	66			67		139			138
Commercial Insurance	670			641		1,432			1,393
International	90			130		181			257
Small Business	158			146		320			290
CNA Commercial revenues	984			984		2,072			2,078
Life & Group Non-Core
Health	287			274		578			544
Life & Annuity	57			59		117			115
Other	16			—		15			—
Life & Group Non-Core revenues	360			333		710			659
Corporate & Other Non-Core revenues	7			6		25			11
Eliminations	(1		)	—		(1		)	(1		)
Total revenues	$	2,246		$	2,198	$	4,647		$	4,513

43

Note K. Subsequent Event

On July 2, 2012, the Company completed the previously announced acquisition of Hardy Underwriting Bermuda Limited (Hardy), a specialized Lloyd's of London (Lloyd's) underwriter. For the year ended December 31, 2011, Hardy reported gross written premiums of $430 million. The closing of the acquisition followed approval of the transaction agreement by Hardy shareholders and regulatory approvals in various jurisdictions. The purchase price for Hardy was approximately $230 million. Acquisition related expenses incurred during the six months ended June 30, 2012, including investment advisory, legal and other expenses, were recorded in the Corporate and Other Non-Core Segment and were approximately $4 million. Pursuant to requirements, the Company deposited approximately $230 million of British pound denominated short-term investments in escrow to fund the acquisition at the time the agreement was executed. Foreign exchange losses on these escrow funds are included in Corporate and Other Non-Core Net realized investment gains (losses).

The Company has not yet finalized the purchase accounting related to the acquisition of Hardy. The Company estimates that the fair value of Hardy's assets will include approximately $55 million of identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets and $80 million of identifiable finite-lived intangible assets, as well as the recognition of approximately $35 million of goodwill. The goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

44

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

The following discussion highlights significant factors affecting the Company. References to “we,” “our,” “us” or like terms refer to the business of CNA. Based on 2010 statutory net written premiums, we are the seventh largest commercial insurance writer and the 13^thlargest property and casualty insurance organization in the United States of America. References to net operating income (loss), net realized investment gains (losses) and net income (loss) used in this MD&A reflect amounts attributable to CNA, unless otherwise noted.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q and Item 1A Risk Factors and Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2011.

We utilize the net operating income financial measure to monitor our operations. Net operating income is calculated by excluding from net income (loss) attributable to CNA the after-tax effects of 1) net realized investment gains or losses, 2) income or loss from discontinued operations and 3) any cumulative effects of changes in accounting guidance. See further discussion regarding how we manage our business in Note J to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1. In evaluating the results of our CNA Specialty and CNA Commercial segments, we utilize the loss ratio, the expense ratio, the dividend ratio and the combined ratio. These ratios are calculated using GAAP financial results. The loss ratio is the percentage of net incurred claim and claim adjustment expenses to net earned premiums. The expense ratio is the percentage of insurance underwriting and acquisition expenses, including the amortization of deferred acquisition costs, to net earned premiums. The dividend ratio is the ratio of policyholders' dividends incurred to net earned premiums. The combined ratio is the sum of the loss, expense and dividend ratios.

Changes in estimates of claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserves and premium accruals, net of reinsurance, for prior years are defined as net prior year development within this MD&A. These changes can be favorable or unfavorable. Net prior year development does not include the impact of related acquisition expenses. Further information on our reserves is provided in Note F to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.

Acquisition of Hardy

On July 2, 2012, we acquired Hardy for approximately $230 million. Through Lloyd's syndicate 382, Hardy underwrites marine and aviation, property and specialty business, as well as property treaty reinsurance. Hardy has business operations in the United Kingdom, Bermuda, Bahrain, Guernsey and Singapore.

The acquisition of Hardy aligns with our specialized underwriting focus and will be a key platform for expanding our global business through the Lloyd's marketplace. The Lloyd's market provides access to international licenses, sophisticated excess and surplus insurance business and other syndicated risks. Hardy will continue to operate under its own brand and its existing leadership team.

Further information on the acquisition of Hardy is set forth in Note K to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.

Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts

We have adjusted our previously reported financial information included herein, to reflect the change in accounting guidance for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. This MD&A gives effect to the adjustment of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note A to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1 for additional information.

45

CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS

Results of Operations

The following table includes the consolidated results of our operations. For more detailed components of our business operations and the net operating income financial measure, see the segment discussions within this MD&A.

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Operating Revenues
Net earned premiums	$	1,668		$	1,595		$	3,317		$	3,210
Net investment income	470			517			1,118			1,137
Other revenues	86			71			154			138
Total operating revenues	2,224			2,183			4,589			4,485
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits	1,342			1,363			2,720			2,726
Policyholders' dividends	6			4			9			5
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	309			286			604			583
Other insurance related expenses	248			257			498			474
Other expenses	111			112			222			218
Total claims, benefits and expenses	2,016			2,022			4,053			4,006
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	208			161			536			479
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)	(56		)	(42		)	(158		)	(139		)
Net operating (income) loss, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			(5		)	—			(13		)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	152			114			378			327
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders' interests	22			15			58			28
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)	(8		)	(5		)	(20		)	(9		)
Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(1		)
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	14			10			38			18
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	166			124			416			345
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to CNA	—			—			—			(1		)
Net income (loss) attributable to CNA	$	166		$	124		$	416		$	344

Three Month Comparison

Net income increased $42 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. This increase was driven by improved net operating income.

Net realized investment gains increased $4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. See the Investments section of this MD&A for further discussion of net investment income and net realized investment results.

Net operating income increased $38 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. Net operating income increased $12 million for our core segments, CNA Specialty and CNA Commercial. These results were driven by lower catastrophe losses and improved non-catastrophe current accident year underwriting results, but offset by lower net investment income. Catastrophe losses were $44 million after-tax for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to catastrophe losses of $65 million after-tax for the same period in 2011. Net operating results increased $26 million for our non-core segments, primarily due to improved results in our long term care and life settlement contracts businesses, as well as a favorable change in estimate related to our allowance for uncollectible reinsurance receivables.

Favorable net prior year development of $75 million and $72 million was recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 related to our CNA Specialty, CNA Commercial and Corporate & Other Non-Core segments.

46

Further information on net prior year development for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 is included in Note F to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.

Net earned premiums increased $73 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, driven by increases in CNA Commercial and CNA Specialty. See the Segment Results section of this MD&A for further discussion.

Six Month Comparison

Net income increased $72 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. This increase was due to improved net operating income and increased net realized investment gains.

Net realized investment gains increased $20 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. See the Investments section of this MD&A for further discussion of net investment income and net realized investment results.

Net operating income increased $51 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. Net operating income increased $25 million for our core segments, CNA Specialty and CNA Commercial. This increase was primarily driven by lower catastrophe losses, partially offset by lower net investment income. Catastrophe losses were $62 million after-tax for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to catastrophe losses of $101 million after-tax for the same period in 2011. Net operating results increased $26 million for our non-core segments, due to the same reasons discussed above in the three month comparison.

Favorable net prior year development of $118 million and $107 million was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 related to our CNA Specialty, CNA Commercial and Corporate & Other Non-Core segments. Further information on net prior year development for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 is included in Note F to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.

Net earned premiums increased $107 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, driven by increases in CNA Commercial and CNA Specialty. See the Segment Results section of this MD&A for further discussion.

47

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the amounts of revenues and expenses reported during the period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis. We continually evaluate the accounting policies and estimates used to prepare the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. In general, our estimates are based on historical experience, evaluation of current trends, information from third party professionals and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the known facts and circumstances.

The accounting estimates below are considered by us to be critical to an understanding of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as their application places the most significant demands on our judgment.

• Insurance Reserves

• Reinsurance and Insurance Receivables

• Valuation of Investments and Impairment of Securities

• Long Term Care Products and Payout Annuity Contracts

• Pension and Postretirement Benefit Obligations

• Income Taxes

Due to the inherent uncertainties involved with these types of judgments, actual results could differ significantly from estimates and may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or equity. See the Critical Accounting Estimates section of our Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for further information.

48

SEGMENT RESULTS

The following discusses the results of continuing operations for our operating segments.

CNA Specialty

The following table details the results of operations for CNA Specialty.

Results of Operations

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions, except ratios)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Net written premiums	$	718		$	683		$	1,483		$	1,422
Net earned premiums	719			688			1,425			1,357
Net investment income	112			126			287			286
Net operating income (loss)	106			115			238			243
Net realized investment gains (losses), after-tax	6			5			12			10
Net income (loss)	112			120			250			253
Ratios
Loss and loss adjustment expense	62.2		%	60.8		%	64.2		%	62.5		%
Expense	32.1			31.5			31.7			31.1
Dividend	0.1			(0.1		)	(0.1		)	—
Combined	94.4		%	92.2		%	95.8		%	93.6		%

Three Month Comparison

Net written premiums for CNA Specialty increased $35 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, driven by increased rate. Net earned premiums increased $31 million as compared to the same period in 2011, consistent with increased net written premiums over recent quarters.

CNA Specialty's average rate increased 5% for the three months ended June 30, 2012, as compared with an increase of 1% for the three months ended June 30, 2011 for the policies that renewed in each period. Retention of 86% was achieved in each respective period.

Net income decreased $8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. This decrease was driven by lower net operating income.

Net operating income decreased $9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to lower favorable net prior year development and decreased net investment income. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by the inclusion of our Surety business on a wholly-owned basis in 2012.

The combined ratio increased 2.2 points for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. The loss ratio increased 1.4 points, primarily due to the impact of lower favorable net prior year development, partially offset by an improved current accident year loss ratio.

Favorable net prior year development of $40 million and $53 million was recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. Further information on CNA Specialty's net prior year development for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 is included in Note F to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.

49

Six Month Comparison

Net written premiums for CNA Specialty increased $61 million and net earned premiums increased $68 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to the same reasons discussed above in the three month comparison.

CNA Specialty's average rate increased 4% for the six months ended June 30, 2012, as compared with flat average rate for the six months ended June 30, 2011 for the policies that renewed in each period. Retention of 86% was achieved in each respective period.

Net income decreased $3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to the same reason discussed above in the three month comparison.

Net operating income decreased $5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to lower favorable net prior year development. This unfavorable impact was partially offset by the inclusion of our Surety business on a wholly-owned basis in 2012.

The combined ratio increased 2.2 points for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. The loss ratio increased 1.7 points, primarily due to the impact of lower favorable net prior year development.

Favorable net prior year development of $55 million and $75 million was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. Further information on CNA Specialty's net prior year development for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 is included in Note F to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.

The following table summarizes the gross and net carried reserves as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 for CNA Specialty.

Gross and Net Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves

(In millions)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Gross Case Reserves	$	2,451	$	2,441
Gross IBNR Reserves	4,474		4,399
Total Gross Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves	$	6,925	$	6,840
Net Case Reserves	$	2,114	$	2,086
Net IBNR Reserves	3,992		3,937
Total Net Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves	$	6,106	$	6,023

50

CNA Commercial

The following table details the results of operations for CNA Commercial.

Results of Operations

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions, except ratios)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Net written premiums	$	889		$	880		$	1,732		$	1,708
Net earned premiums	809			768			1,612			1,570
Net investment income	151			193			416			454
Net operating income (loss)	57			36			196			166
Net realized investment gains (losses), after-tax	8			8			15			18
Net income (loss)	65			44			211			184
Ratios
Loss and loss adjustment expense	72.9		%	80.7		%	71.8		%	77.9		%
Expense	34.8			37.2			35.0			35.0
Dividend	0.4			0.4			0.4			0.1
Combined	108.1		%	118.3		%	107.2		%	113.0		%

Three Month Comparison

Net written premiums for CNA Commercial increased $9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. Net written premiums for the three months ended June 30, 2011 included $37 million related to FICOH, which was sold in the fourth quarter of 2011. The increase was primarily driven by increased rate. Net earned premiums increased $41 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. This increase was primarily due to unfavorable premium development recorded in 2011, as well as the impact of increased net written premiums over recent quarters. Further information on premium development is included in Note F to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.

CNA Commercial's average rate increased 7% for the three months ended June 30, 2012, as compared with an increase of 2% for the three months ended June 30, 2011 for the policies that renewed in each period. Retention of 77% and 79% was achieved in each respective period.

Net income and net operating income increased $21 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. This increase was due to lower catastrophe losses, improved non-catastrophe current accident year underwriting results and increased favorable net prior year development. These favorable impacts were partially offset by decreased net investment income.

The combined ratio improved 10.2 points for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. The loss ratio improved 7.8 points, primarily due to the impacts of lower catastrophe losses, an improved current accident year non-catastrophe loss ratio and increased favorable net prior year development. Catastrophe losses were $65 million, or 8.0 points of the loss ratio, for the three months ended June 30, 2012, as compared to $96 million, or 12.5 points of the loss ratio, for the three months ended June 30, 2011.

The expense ratio improved 2.4 points for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to the impact of a higher net earned premium base.

Favorable net prior year development of $32 million and $10 million was recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. Further information on CNA Commercial net prior year development for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 is included in Note F to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.

51

Six Month Comparison

Net written premiums for CNA Commercial increased $24 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. Net written premiums for the six months ended June 30, 2011 included $72 million related to FICOH. Net earned premiums increased $42 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. These increases were due to the same reasons discussed above in the three month comparison.

CNA Commercial's average rate increased 6% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with an increase of 1% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 for the policies that renewed in each period. Retention of 78% and 79% was achieved in each respective period.

Net income increased $27 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to increased net operating income.

Net operating income increased $30 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. This increase was primarily due to lower catastrophe losses and increased favorable net prior year development, partially offset by decreased net investment income.

The combined ratio improved 5.8 points for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. The loss ratio improved 6.1 points, primarily due to the same reasons discussed in the three month comparison above. Catastrophe losses were $91 million, or 5.6 points of the loss ratio, for the six months ended June 30, 2012, as compared to $149 million, or 9.5 points of the loss ratio, for the six months ended June 30, 2011.

Favorable net prior year development of $63 million and $25 million was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. Further information on CNA Commercial net prior year development for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 is included in Note F to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.

The following table summarizes the gross and net carried reserves as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 for CNA Commercial.

Gross and Net Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves

	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
(In millions)
Gross Case Reserves	$	6,134	$	6,266
Gross IBNR Reserves	5,182		5,243
Total Gross Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves	$	11,316	$	11,509
Net Case Reserves	$	5,609	$	5,720
Net IBNR Reserves	4,604		4,670
Total Net Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves	$	10,213	$	10,390

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Life & Group Non-Core

The following table summarizes the results of operations for Life & Group Non-Core.

Results of Operations

Periods ended June 30	Three Months					Six Months
(In millions)	2012		2011			2012			2011
Net earned premiums	$	139	$	141		$	280		$	285
Net investment income	201		189			399			377
Net operating income (loss)	3		(19		)	(16		)	(37		)
Net realized investment gains (losses), after-tax	3		1			11			(2		)
Net income (loss)	6		(18		)	(5		)	(39		)

Three Month Comparison

Net earned premiums for Life & Group Non-Core decreased $2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. Net earned premiums relate primarily to the individual and group long term care businesses.

Net results increased$24 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. This increase was primarily due to favorable experience in our long term care business and a significant gain related to a benefit on a life settlement contract.

Six Month Comparison

Net earned premiums for Life & Group Non-Core decreased $5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011.

Net loss decreased $34 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. This decrease was primarily due to the same reasons discussed above in the three month comparison, as well as improved net realized investment results.

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Corporate & Other Non-Core

The following table summarizes the results of operations for the Corporate & Other Non-Core segment, including asbestos and environmental pollution (A&EP) and intersegment eliminations.

Results of Operations

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Net investment income	$	6		$	9		$	16		$	20
Net operating income (loss)	(14		)	(18		)	(40		)	(45		)
Net realized investment gains (losses), after-tax	(3		)	(4		)	—			(8		)
Net income (loss)	(17		)	(22		)	(40		)	(53		)

Three Month Comparison

Net loss decreased $5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to the $13 million impact of a release of a previously established allowance for uncollectible reinsurance receivables arising from a change in estimate. This favorable impact was partially offset by increased expenses, including expenses related to the Hardy acquisition, as further discussed in Note K to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.

Favorable net prior year development of $3 million and $9 million was recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

Six Month Comparison

Net loss decreased $13 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to the same reasons discussed above in the three month comparison, as well as improved net realized investment results.

There was no net prior year development for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with favorable net prior year development of $7 million for the same period in 2011.

The following table summarizes the gross and net carried reserves as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 for Corporate & Other Non-Core.

Gross and Net Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves

	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
(In millions)
Gross Case Reserves	$	1,261	$	1,321
Gross IBNR Reserves	1,604		1,808
Total Gross Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves	$	2,865	$	3,129
Net Case Reserves	$	317	$	347
Net IBNR Reserves	233		244
Total Net Carried Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves	$	550	$	591

54

INVESTMENTS

Net Investment Income

The significant components of pretax net investment income are presented in the following table.

Net Investment Income

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Fixed maturity securities	$	505		$	505		$	1,021		$	1,011
Short term investments	2			2			3			4
Limited partnership investments	(35		)	11			95			125
Equity securities	2			6			6			12
Mortgage loans	5			2			8			4
Trading portfolio	4			3			11			6
Other	2			3			3			5
Gross investment income	485			532			1,147			1,167
Investment expense	(15		)	(15		)	(29		)	(30		)
Net investment income	$	470		$	517		$	1,118		$	1,137

Net investment income for the three months ended June 30, 2012 decreased $47 million as compared with the same period in 2011. The decrease was primarily driven by a significant decrease in limited partnership investment results, which were affected by less favorable equity market returns.

Net investment income for the six months ended June 30, 2012 decreased $19 million as compared with the same period in 2011. The decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in limited partnership investment results, partially offset by higher fixed maturity securities income. The increase in fixed maturity securities income was driven by a higher invested asset base and the favorable net impact of changes in estimates of prepayments for asset-backed securities, partially offset by reinvestment at lower market rates.

The fixed maturity investment portfolio provided a pretax effective income yield of 5.4% and 5.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. Tax-exempt municipal bonds generated $69 million and $135 million of net investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 compared with $58 million and $114 million of net investment income for the same periods in 2011.

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Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

The components of net realized investment results are presented in the following table.

Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	20		$	38		$	43		$	91
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	12			11			27			(10		)
Asset-backed	(17		)	(32		)	(29		)	(47		)
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises	1			1			2			1
Foreign government	1			2			4			2
Redeemable preferred stock	—			—			—			3
Total fixed maturity securities	17			20			47			40
Equity securities	—			(2		)	1			(2		)
Derivative securities	1			—			—			(1		)
Short term investments and other	4			(3		)	10			(9		)
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	22			15			58			28
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)	(8		)	(5		)	(20		)	(9		)
Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(1		)
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	$	14		$	10		$	38		$	18

Net realized investment gains increased $4 million and $20 millionfor three and six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same periods in 2011. Further information on our realized gains and losses, including our OTTI losses and impairment decision process, is set forth in Note C to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.

Portfolio Quality

Our fixed maturity portfolio consists primarily of high quality bonds, 92% of which were rated as investment grade (rated BBB- or higher) at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The classification between investment grade and non-investment grade is based on a ratings methodology that takes into account ratings from two major providers, S&P and Moody's, in that order of preference. If a security is not rated by these providers, we formulate an internal rating. At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, approximately 98% of the fixed maturity portfolio was rated by S&P or Moody's, or was issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, Government agencies or Government-sponsored enterprises.

The following table summarizes the ratings of our fixed maturity portfolio at fair value.

Fixed Maturity Ratings

	June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
(In millions)			%				%
U.S. Government, Government agencies and Government-sponsored enterprises	$	4,605	11	%	$	4,760	12	%
AAA rated	3,440		8		3,421		8
AA and A rated	18,765		45		17,807		45
BBB rated	11,482		28		10,790		27
Non-investment grade	3,075		8		3,159		8
Total	$	41,367	100	%	$	39,937	100	%

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Non-investment grade fixed maturity securities, as presented in the table below, include high-yield securities rated below BBB- by bond rating agencies and other unrated securities that, according to our analysis, are below investment grade. Non-investment grade securities generally involve a greater degree of risk than investment grade securities. The amortized cost of our non-investment grade fixed maturity bond portfolio was $3,014 million and $3,200 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The following table summarizes the ratings of this portfolio at fair value.

Non-investment Grade

	June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
(In millions)			%				%
BB	$	1,485	48	%	$	1,484	47	%
B	772		25		867		27
CCC - C	676		22		689		22
D	142		5		119		4
Total	$	3,075	100	%	$	3,159	100	%

The gross unrealized loss on available-for-sale fixed maturity securities was $314 million at June 30, 2012. The following table provides the maturity profile for these available-for-sale fixed maturity securities. Securities not due to mature on a single date are allocated based on weighted average life.

Maturity Profile

June 30, 2012	Percent of Fair Value		Percent of Unrealized Loss
Due in one year or less	6	%	4	%
Due after one year through five years	32		19
Due after five years through ten years	31		38
Due after ten years	31		39
Total	100	%	100	%

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Duration

A primary objective in the management of the investment portfolio is to optimize return relative to corresponding liabilities and respective liquidity needs. Our views on the current interest rate environment, tax regulations, asset class valuations, specific security issuer and broader industry segment conditions, and the domestic and global economic conditions, are some of the factors that enter into an investment decision. We also continually monitor exposure to issuers of securities held and broader industry sector exposures and may from time to time adjust such exposures based on our views of a specific issuer or industry sector.

A further consideration in the management of the investment portfolio is the characteristics of the corresponding liabilities and the ability to align the duration of the portfolio to those liabilities and to meet future liquidity needs, minimize interest rate risk and maintain a level of income sufficient to support the underlying insurance liabilities. For portfolios where future liability cash flows are determinable and typically long term in nature, we segregate investments for asset/liability management purposes. The segregated investments support the liabilities in the Life & Group Non-Core segment including annuities, structured settlements and long term care products.

The effective durations of fixed maturity securities, short term investments and interest rate derivatives are presented in the table below. Short term investments are net of payable and receivable amounts for securities purchased and sold, but not yet settled.

Effective Durations

	June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
(In millions)	Fair Value		Effective Duration (In years)	Fair Value		Effective Duration (In years)
Investments supporting Life & Group Non-Core	$	14,546	11.7	$	13,820	11.5
Other interest sensitive investments	28,512		3.9	28,071		3.9
Total	$	43,058	6.5	$	41,891	6.4

The investment portfolio is periodically analyzed for changes in duration and related price risk. Additionally, we periodically review the sensitivity of the portfolio to the level of foreign exchange rates and other factors that contribute to market price changes. A summary of these risks and specific analysis on changes is included in the Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Select Asset Class Discussion

European Exposure

Our fixed maturity portfolio also includes European exposure. The following table summarizes European exposure included within fixed maturity holdings.

European Exposure

June 30, 2012	Corporate				Sovereign		Total
(In millions)	Financial Sector		Other Sectors
AAA	$	180	$	26	$	136	$	342
AA	204		102		30		336
A	881		701		11		1,593
BBB	296		1,134		1		1,431
Non-investment grade	32		174		—		206
Total fair value	$	1,593	$	2,137	$	178	$	3,908
Total amortized cost	$	1,556	$	1,948	$	176	$	3,680

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European exposure is based on application of a country of risk methodology. Country of risk is derived from the issuing entity's management location, country of primary listing, revenue and reporting currency. As of June 30, 2012, securities with a fair value and amortized cost of $1,911 million and $1,810 million relate to Eurozone countries, which consist of member states of the European Union that use the Euro as their national currency. Of this amount, securities with a fair value and amortized cost of $326 million and $342 million pertain to Greece, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Spain, commonly referred to as “GIIPS.”

Short Term Investments

The carrying value of the components of the short term investment portfolio is presented in the following table.

Short Term Investments

	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
(In millions)
Short term investments:
Commercial paper	$	263	$	411
U.S. Treasury securities	1,037		903
Money market funds	104		45
Other	348		282
Total short term investments	$	1,752	$	1,641

59

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flows

Our principal operating cash flow sources are premiums and investment income from our insurance subsidiaries. Our primary operating cash flow uses are payments for claims, policy benefits and operating expenses. Additionally, cash may be paid or received for income taxes.

For the six months ended June 30, 2012, net cash provided by operating activities was $618 million as compared with $412 million for the same period in 2011. Cash provided by operating activities was favorably affected by increased receipts relating to returns on limited partnerships in 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011. In addition, we received a $75 million federal income tax refund in 2012.

Cash flows from investing activities include the purchase and sale of available-for-sale financial instruments. Additionally, cash flows from investing activities may include the purchase and sale of businesses, land, buildings, equipment and other assets not generally held for resale.

For the six months ended June 30, 2012, net cash used by investing activities was $510 million as compared with net cash provided of $97 million for the same period in 2011. The cash flow from investing activities is affected by various factors such as the anticipated payment of claims, financing activity, asset/liability management and individual security buy and sell decisions made in the normal course of portfolio management.

Cash flows from financing activities include proceeds from the issuance of debt and equity securities, outflows for stockholder dividends or repayment of debt and outlays to reacquire equity instruments.

For the six months ended June 30, 2012, net cash used by financing activities was $83 million as compared with $504 million for the same period in 2011. During 2011, we purchased the noncontrolling interest of Surety.

Common Stock Dividends

Dividends of $0.15 per share were declared and paid in the second quarter of 2012. On July 27, 2012, we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share, payable August 29, 2012 to stockholders of record on August 13, 2012. The declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of our common stock will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on many factors, including our earnings, financial condition, business needs, and regulatory constraints.

Liquidity

We believe that our present cash flows from operations, investing activities and financing activities are sufficient to fund our current and expected working capital and debt obligation needs and we do not expect this to change in the near term. The Hardy acquisition, which closed on July 2, 2012, was funded through existing liquidity.

During the second quarter of 2012, we entered into a new credit agreement with a syndicate of banks. The new credit agreement established a four-year $250 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility which is intended to be used for general corporate purposes. At our election, the commitments under the new credit agreement may be increased from time to time up to an additional aggregate amount of $100 million, and two one-year extensions are available prior to the first and second anniversary of the closing date subject to applicable consents. Under the new credit agreement we are required to pay a facility fee which would adjust automatically in the event of a change in our financial ratings. The new credit agreement includes several covenants, including maintenance of a minimum consolidated net worth and a specified ratio of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization. In addition, our previous credit agreement was canceled as of the effective date of the new credit agreement. As of June 30, 2012, we had no outstanding borrowings under the new credit agreement.

During the second quarter of 2012, CCC repaid to CNAF the $150 million outstanding balance of the $1.0 billion surplus note which was originally issued in 2008. As of June 30, 2012, CCC is able to pay approximately $840 million of dividends during the remainder of 2012 that would not be subject to the prior approval of the Illinois Department of Insurance.

We have an effective automatic shelf registration statement under which we may issue debt, equity or hybrid securities.

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ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATES

For discussion of accounting standards updates that have been adopted or will be adopted in the future, see Note A to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains a number of forward-looking statements which relate to anticipated future events rather than actual present conditions or historical events. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and generally include words such as “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this report include any and all statements regarding expected developments in our insurance business, including losses and loss reserves for asbestos and environmental pollution and other mass tort claims which are more uncertain, and therefore more difficult to estimate than loss reserves respecting traditional property and casualty exposures; the impact of routine ongoing insurance reserve reviews we are conducting; our expectations concerning our revenues, earnings, expenses and investment activities; volatility in investment returns; expected cost savings and other results from our expense reduction activities; and our proposed actions in response to trends in our business. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are subject to a variety of inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected in the forward-looking statement. We cannot control many of these risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Company-Specific Factors

• the risks and uncertainties associated with our loss reserves, as outlined in the Critical Accounting Estimates and the Reserves - Estimates and Uncertainties sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the sufficiency of the reserves and the possibility for future increases, which would be reflected in the results of operations in the period that the need for such adjustment is determined;

• the risk that the other parties to the transaction in which, subject to certain limitations, we ceded our legacy A&EP liabilities will not fully perform their obligations to CNA, the uncertainty in estimating loss reserves for A&EP liabilities and the possible continued exposure of CNA to liabilities for A&EP claims that are not covered under the terms of the transaction;

• the performance of reinsurance companies under reinsurance contracts with us; and

• the consummation of contemplated transactions and the successful integration of acquired operations.

Industry and General Market Factors

• the impact of competitive products, policies and pricing and the competitive environment in which we operate, including changes in our book of business;

• product and policy availability and demand and market responses, including the level of ability to obtain rate increases and decline or non-renew under priced accounts, to achieve premium targets and profitability and to realize growth and retention estimates;

• general economic and business conditions, including recessionary conditions that may decrease the size and number of our insurance customers and create additional losses to our lines of business, especially those that provide management and professional liability insurance, as well as surety bonds, to businesses engaged in real estate, financial services and professional services, and inflationary pressures on medical care costs, construction costs and other economic sectors that increase the severity of claims;

• conditions in the capital and credit markets, including continuing uncertainty and instability in these markets, as well as the overall economy, and their impact on the returns, types, liquidity and valuation of our investments;

• conditions in the capital and credit markets that may limit our ability to raise significant amounts of capital on favorable terms, as well as restrictions on the ability or willingness of Loews to provide additional capital support to us; and

• the possibility of changes in our ratings by ratings agencies, including the inability to access certain markets or distribution channels and the required collateralization of future payment obligations as a result of such changes, and changes in rating agency policies and practices.

62

Regulatory Factors

• regulatory initiatives and compliance with governmental regulations, judicial interpretations within the regulatory framework, including interpretation of policy provisions, decisions regarding coverage and theories of liability, trends in litigation and the outcome of any litigation involving us, and rulings and changes in tax laws and regulations;

• regulatory limitations, impositions and restrictions upon us, including the effects of assessments and other surcharges for guaranty funds and second-injury funds, other mandatory pooling arrangements and future assessments levied on insurance companies as well as the new federal financial regulatory reform of the insurance industry established by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act;

• increased operating costs and underwriting losses arising from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the related amendments in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, as well as health care reform proposals at the state level; and

• regulatory limitations and restrictions, including limitations upon our ability to receive dividends from our insurance subsidiaries, imposed by regulatory authorities, including regulatory capital adequacy standards.

Impact of Catastrophic Events and Related Developments

• weather and other natural physical events, including the severity and frequency of storms, hail, snowfall and other winter conditions, natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes, as well as climate change, including effects on weather patterns, greenhouse gases, sea, land and air temperatures, sea levels, rain and snow;

• regulatory requirements imposed by coastal state regulators in the wake of hurricanes or other natural disasters, including limitations on the ability to exit markets or to non-renew, cancel or change terms and conditions in policies, as well as mandatory assessments to fund any shortfalls arising from the inability of quasi-governmental insurers to pay claims;

• man-made disasters, including the possible occurrence of terrorist attacks and the effect of the absence or insufficiency of applicable terrorism legislation on coverages;

• the unpredictability of the nature, targets, severity or frequency of potential terrorist events, as well as the uncertainty as to our ability to contain our terrorism exposure effectively; and

• the occurrence of epidemics.

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statement, even if our expectations or any related events or circumstances change.

63

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There were no material changes in our market risk components for the six months ended June 30, 2012. See the Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk included in Item 7A on our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2011 for further information. Additional information related to portfolio duration is discussed in the Investments section of our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in Part I, Item 2.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits to the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including this report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. These disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management on a timely basis to allow decisions regarding required disclosure.

As of June 30, 2012, the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of June 30, 2012.

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15 (f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended June 30, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

64

Part II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Information on our legal proceedings is set forth in Note G to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 6. Exhibits

See Exhibit Index.

65

Part II. Other Information

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

			CNA Financial Corporation
Dated:	July 31, 2012	By	/s/ D. Craig Mense
			D. Craig Mense Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

66

EXHIBIT INDEX

Description of Exhibit	Exhibit Number
Certification of Chief Executive Officer	31.1
Certification of Chief Financial Officer	31.2
Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer of CNA Financial Corporation Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (As adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)	32.1
Written Statement of the Chief Financial Officer of CNA Financial Corporation Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (As adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)	32.2
XBRL Instance Document	101.INS
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema	101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase	101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase	101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase	101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase	101.PRE

67

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT SECTION 302

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Thomas F. Motamed, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of CNA Financial Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated:	July 31, 2012	By	/s/ Thomas F. Motamed
			Thomas F. Motamed
			Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT SECTION 302

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, D. Craig Mense, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of CNA Financial Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated:	July 31, 2012	By	/s/ D. Craig Mense
			D. Craig Mense
			Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer

of CNA Financial Corporation

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350

(As adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

The undersigned, the Chief Executive Officer of CNA Financial Corporation (the Company), hereby certifies that, to his knowledge:

• the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 filed on the date hereof with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Report) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

• the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated:	July 31, 2012	By	/s/ Thomas F. Motamed
			Thomas F. Motamed
			Chief Executive Officer

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

Written Statement of the Chief Financial Officer

of CNA Financial Corporation

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350

(As adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

The undersigned, the Chief Financial Officer of CNA Financial Corporation (the Company), hereby certifies that, to his knowledge:

• the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 filed on the date hereof with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Report) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

• the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated:	July 31, 2012	By	/s/ D. Craig Mense
			D. Craig Mense
			Chief Financial Officer

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

XML

Derivative Financial Instruments (Summary of aggregate contractual or notional amounts and gross estimated fair values related to derivative financial instruments) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Contractual/notional amount	$ 113	$ 46
Estimated fair value asset		1
Estimated fair value (liability)	(1)	(1)
Without Hedge Designation [Member]
Contractual/notional amount	65	46
Estimated fair value asset		1
Estimated fair value (liability)	(1)	(1)
Without hedge designation [Member] | Credit default swaps - purchased protection [Member]
Contractual/notional amount	20	20
Estimated fair value asset
Estimated fair value (liability)	(1)	(1)
Without hedge designation [Member] | Currency forwards [Member]
Contractual/notional amount	40	22
Estimated fair value asset		1
Estimated fair value (liability)
Without hedge designation [Member] | Equity warrants [Member]
Contractual/notional amount	5	4
Estimated fair value asset
Estimated fair value (liability)
Trading Activities [Member] | Futures sold, not yet purchased [Member]
Contractual/notional amount	48
Estimated fair value asset
Estimated fair value (liability)

XML

Benefit Plans (Components of net periodic cost (benefit)) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service cost	$ 3	$ 3	$ 6	$ 7
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	33	36	67	73
Expected return on plan assets	(42)	(43)	(85)	(86)
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	9	6	19	12
Net periodic (benefit) cost	3	2	7	6
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	1	1	1	2
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(5)	(4)	(9)	(9)
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss		(1)
Net periodic (benefit) cost	$ (4)	$ (4)	$ (8)	$ (7)

XML

Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves (Net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development for CNA Specialty segment) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development:
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development, excluding Life & Group	$ (52)	$ (111)	$ (70)	$ (130)
CNA Specialty [Member]
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development:
Medical Professional Liability	(9)	(20)	(15)	(34)
Other Professional Liability	(6)	(27)	(2)	(21)
Surety		(3)	1	(3)
Warranty		(2)	(1)	(12)
Other	(20)		(24)	3
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development, excluding Life & Group	$ (35)	$ (52)	$ (41)	$ (67)

XML

Investments (Securities in a gross unrealized loss position) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Total available-for-sale securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	$ 2,339	$ 4,275
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	74	211
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	1,569	1,923
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Longer	240	330
Estimated Fair Value, Total	3,908	6,198
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	314	541
Corporate and other bonds [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	1,550	2,552
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	53	126
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	192	159
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Longer	26	28
Estimated Fair Value, Total	1,742	2,711
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	79	154
States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	174	67
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	2	1
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	301	721
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Longer	64	135
Estimated Fair Value, Total	475	788
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	66	136
Residential mortgage-backed [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	276	719
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	13	36
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	923	874
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Longer	128	147
Estimated Fair Value, Total	1,199	1,593
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	141	183
Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	158	431
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	5	39
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	153	169
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Longer	22	20
Estimated Fair Value, Total	311	600
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	27	59
Other asset-backed [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	181	389
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	1	4
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Longer
Estimated Fair Value, Total	181	389
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	1	4
Total asset-backed [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	615	1,539
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	19	79
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	1,076	1,043
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Longer	150	167
Estimated Fair Value, Total	1,691	2,582
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	169	246
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	2,339	4,158
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	74	206
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	1,569	1,923
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Longer	240	330
Estimated Fair Value, Total	3,908	6,081
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	314	536
Preferred stock [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months		117
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months		5
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Longer
Estimated Fair Value, Total		117
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total		$ 5

XML

Business Segments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Significant components of the Company's continuing operations and selected balance sheet items

Three months ended
June 30, 2012	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Life & Group Non-Core			Corporate & Other Non-Core
(In millions)													Eliminations			Total
Operating revenues
Net earned premiums	$	719		$	809		$	139		$	2		$	(1	)	$	1,668
Net investment income	112			151			201			6			—			470
Other revenues	57			11			16			2			—			86
Total operating revenues	888			971			356			10			(1		)	2,224
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits	448			591			323			(20		)	—			1,342
Policyholders’ dividends	1			3			2			—			—			6
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	154			147			8			—			—			309
Other insurance related expenses	77			135			36			1			(1		)	248
Other expenses	50			10			4			47			—			111
Total claims, benefits and expenses	730			886			373			28			(1		)	2,016
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	158			85			(17		)	(18		)	—			208
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)	(52		)	(28		)	20			4			—			(56		)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	106			57			3			(14		)	—			152
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	8			13			4			(3		)	—			22
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)	(2		)	(5		)	(1		)	—			—			(8		)
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	6			8			3			(3		)	—			14
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	$	112		$	65		$	6		$	(17	)	$	—		$	166

Three months ended
June 30, 2011	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Life & Group Non-Core			Corporate & Other Non-Core					Total
(In millions)													Eliminations
Operating revenues
Net earned premiums	$	688		$	768		$	141		$	(2	)	$	—	$	1,595
Net investment income	126			193			189			9			—		517
Other revenues	54			12			2			3			—		71
Total operating revenues	868			973			332			10			—		2,183
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits	418			621			330			(6		)	—		1,363
Policyholders’ dividends	—			2			2			—			—		4
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	138			142			6			—			—		286
Other insurance related expenses	77			144			34			2			—		257
Other expenses	52			11			6			43			—		112
Total claims, benefits and expenses	685			920			378			39			—		2,022
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	183			53			(46		)	(29		)	—		161
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)	(64		)	(16		)	27			11			—		(42		)
Net operating (income) loss, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4		)	(1		)	—			—			—		(5		)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	115			36			(19		)	(18		)	—		114
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	7			11			1			(4		)	—		15
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)	(2		)	(3		)	—			—			—		(5		)
Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			—			—		—
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	5			8			1			(4		)	—		10
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	$	120		$	44		$	(18	)	$	(22	)	$	—	$	124

Six months ended
June 30, 2012	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Life & Group Non-Core			Corporate & Other Non-Core
(In millions)													Eliminations			Total
Operating revenues
Net earned premiums	$	1,425		$	1,612		$	280		$	1		$	(1	)	$	3,317
Net investment income	287			416			399			16			—			1,118
Other revenues	113			20			14			7			—			154
Total operating revenues	1,825			2,048			693			24			(1		)	4,589
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits	916			1,158			659			(13		)	—			2,720
Policyholders’ dividends	(1		)	6			4			—			—			9
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	302			286			16			—			—			604
Other insurance related expenses	149			279			71			—			(1		)	498
Other expenses	100			17			10			95			—			222
Total claims, benefits and expenses	1,466			1,746			760			82			(1		)	4,053
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	359			302			(67		)	(58		)	—			536
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)	(121		)	(106		)	51			18			—			(158		)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	238			196			(16		)	(40		)	—			378
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	16			24			17			1			—			58
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)	(4		)	(9		)	(6		)	(1		)	—			(20		)
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	12			15			11			—			—			38
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	$	250		$	211		$	(5	)	$	(40	)	$	—		$	416

June 30, 2012
(In millions)
Reinsurance receivables	$	837	$	1,149	$	1,323	$	2,513	$	—		$	5,822
Insurance receivables	$	711	$	1,182	$	8	$	3	$	—		$	1,904
Deferred acquisition costs	$	308	$	276	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	584
Insurance reserves
Claim and claim adjustment expenses	$	6,925	$	11,316	$	2,901	$	2,865	$	—		$	24,007
Unearned premiums	1,708		1,626		145		—		(1		)	3,478
Future policy benefits	—		—		10,352		—		—			10,352
Policyholders’ funds	13		13		141		—		—			167

Six months ended
June 30, 2011	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Life & Group Non-Core			Corporate & Other Non-Core						Total
(In millions)													Eliminations
Operating revenues
Net earned premiums	$	1,357		$	1,570		$	285		$	(1	)	$	(1	)	$	3,210
Net investment income	286			454			377			20			—			1,137
Other revenues	108			26			—			4			—			138
Total operating revenues	1,751			2,050			662			23			(1		)	4,485
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits	848			1,224			653			1			—			2,726
Policyholders’ dividends	—			2			3			—			—			5
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	281			290			12			—			—			583
Other insurance related expenses	141			259			72			3			(1		)	474
Other expenses	92			27			12			87			—			218
Total claims, benefits and expenses	1,362			1,802			752			91			(1		)	4,006
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	389			248			(90		)	(68		)	—			479
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)	(134		)	(81		)	53			23			—			(139		)
Net operating (income) loss, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	(12		)	(1		)	—			—			—			(13		)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	243			166			(37		)	(45		)	—			327
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	15			28			(3		)	(12		)	—			28
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)	(5		)	(9		)	1			4			—			(9		)
Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			(1		)	—			—			—			(1		)
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	10			18			(2		)	(8		)	—			18
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	$	253		$	184		$	(39	)	$	(53	)	$	—		$	345

December 31, 2011
(In millions)
Reinsurance receivables	$	852	$	1,188	$	1,375	$	2,677	$	—	$	6,092
Insurance receivables	$	670	$	1,047	$	8	$	1	$	—	$	1,726
Deferred acquisition costs	$	300	$	252	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	552
Insurance reserves
Claim and claim adjustment expenses	$	6,840	$	11,509	$	2,825	$	3,129	$	—	$	24,303
Unearned premiums	1,629		1,480		141		—		—		3,250
Future policy benefits	—		—		9,810		—		—		9,810
Policyholders’ funds	15		10		166		—		—		191

Revenues by line of business

Revenues by Line of Business

Periods ended June 30	Three Months					Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011		2012			2011
CNA Specialty
International	$	53		$	54	$	110		$	105
Professional & Management Liability	645			626		1,339			1,286
Surety	121			119		240			230
Warranty & Alternative Risks	77			76		152			145
CNA Specialty revenues	896			875		1,841			1,766
CNA Commercial
CNA Select Risk	66			67		139			138
Commercial Insurance	670			641		1,432			1,393
International	90			130		181			257
Small Business	158			146		320			290
CNA Commercial revenues	984			984		2,072			2,078
Life & Group Non-Core
Health	287			274		578			544
Life & Annuity	57			59		117			115
Other	16			—		15			—
Life & Group Non-Core revenues	360			333		710			659
Corporate & Other Non-Core revenues	7			6		25			11
Eliminations	(1		)	—		(1		)	(1		)
Total revenues	$	2,246		$	2,198	$	4,647		$	4,513

XML

Business Segments (Income Statement Information) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Operating Revenues
Net earned premiums	$ 1,668	$ 1,595	$ 3,317	$ 3,210
Net investment income	470	517	1,118	1,137
Other revenues	86	71	154	138
Total operating revenues	2,224	2,183	4,589	4,485
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits	1,342	1,363	2,720	2,726
Policyholders' dividends	6	4	9	5
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	309	286	604	583
Other insurance related expenses	248	257	498	474
Other expenses	111	112	222	218
Total claims, benefits and expenses	2,016	2,022	4,053	4,006
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	208	161	536	479
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)	(56)	(42)	(158)	(139)
Net operating (income) loss, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests		(5)		(13)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	152	114	378	327
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	22	15	58	28
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)	(8)	(5)	(20)	(9)
Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests				(1)
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	14	10	38	18
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	166	124	416	345
CNA Specialty [Member]
Operating Revenues
Net earned premiums	719	688	1,425	1,357
Net investment income	112	126	287	286
Other revenues	57	54	113	108
Total operating revenues	888	868	1,825	1,751
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits	448	418	916	848
Policyholders' dividends	1		(1)
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	154	138	302	281
Other insurance related expenses	77	77	149	141
Other expenses	50	52	100	92
Total claims, benefits and expenses	730	685	1,466	1,362
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	158	183	359	389
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)	(52)	(64)	(121)	(134)
Net operating (income) loss, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests		(4)		(12)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	106	115	238	243
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	8	7	16	15
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)	(2)	(2)	(4)	(5)
Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	6	5	12	10
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	112	120	250	253
CNA Commercial [Member]
Operating Revenues
Net earned premiums	809	768	1,612	1,570
Net investment income	151	193	416	454
Other revenues	11	12	20	26
Total operating revenues	971	973	2,048	2,050
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits	591	621	1,158	1,224
Policyholders' dividends	3	2	6	2
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	147	142	286	290
Other insurance related expenses	135	144	279	259
Other expenses	10	11	17	27
Total claims, benefits and expenses	886	920	1,746	1,802
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	85	53	302	248
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)	(28)	(16)	(106)	(81)
Net operating (income) loss, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests		(1)		(1)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	57	36	196	166
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	13	11	24	28
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)	(5)	(3)	(9)	(9)
Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests				(1)
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	8	8	15	18
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	65	44	211	184
Life and Group Non-Core [Member]
Operating Revenues
Net earned premiums	139	141	280	285
Net investment income	201	189	399	377
Other revenues	16	2	14
Total operating revenues	356	332	693	662
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits	323	330	659	653
Policyholders' dividends	2	2	4	3
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	8	6	16	12
Other insurance related expenses	36	34	71	72
Other expenses	4	6	10	12
Total claims, benefits and expenses	373	378	760	752
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	(17)	(46)	(67)	(90)
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)	20	27	51	53
Net operating (income) loss, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	3	(19)	(16)	(37)
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	4	1	17	(3)
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)	(1)		(6)	1
Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	3	1	11	(2)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	6	(18)	(5)	(39)
Corporate and Other Non-Core [Member]
Operating Revenues
Net earned premiums	2	(2)	1	(1)
Net investment income	6	9	16	20
Other revenues	2	3	7	4
Total operating revenues	10	10	24	23
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits	(20)	(6)	(13)	1
Policyholders' dividends
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
Other insurance related expenses	1	2		3
Other expenses	47	43	95	87
Total claims, benefits and expenses	28	39	82	91
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	(18)	(29)	(58)	(68)
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)	4	11	18	23
Net operating (income) loss, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	(14)	(18)	(40)	(45)
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	(3)	(4)	1	(12)
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)			(1)	4
Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	(3)	(4)		(8)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	(17)	(22)	(40)	(53)
Eliminations [Member]
Operating Revenues
Net earned premiums	(1)		(1)	(1)
Net investment income
Other revenues
Total operating revenues	(1)		(1)	(1)
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits
Policyholders' dividends
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
Other insurance related expenses	(1)		(1)	(1)
Other expenses
Total claims, benefits and expenses	(1)		(1)	(1)
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax			0
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)
Net operating (income) loss, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)
Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA

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Fair Value (Quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs in the fair value measurement of level 3 assets) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2012
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Discounted cash flow valuation [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 122,000,000
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Discounted cash flow valuation [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Expected call date	0.3
Spreads off benchmark yields	225
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Discounted cash flow valuation [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Expected call date	4.7
Spreads off benchmark yields	325
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Discounted cash flow valuation [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Expected call date	3.5
Spreads off benchmark yields	269
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Market approach valuation [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair value	34,000,000
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Market approach valuation [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Private offering price	97.25
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Market approach valuation [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Private offering price	100.08
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Market approach valuation [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Private offering price	99.16
Equity securities [Member] | Market approach valuation [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair value	93,000,000
Equity securities [Member] | Market approach valuation [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Private offering price	0.10
Equity securities [Member] | Market approach valuation [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Private offering price	4,023
Equity securities [Member] | Market approach valuation [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Private offering price	268.85
Life settlement contracts [Member] | Discounted cash flow valuation [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 116,000,000
Life settlement contracts [Member] | Discounted cash flow valuation [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality assumption	65.00%
Life settlement contracts [Member] | Discounted cash flow valuation [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality assumption	928.00%
Life settlement contracts [Member] | Discounted cash flow valuation [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality assumption	185.00%
Life settlement contracts [Member] | Discounted cash flow valuation [Member] | Rate [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Discount rate risk premium	9.00%

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Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Derivative transactions entered into	$ 447	$ 158	$ 779	$ 499
Derivative transactions terminated	$ 391	$ 158	$ 712	$ 507

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Business Segments (Revenues by Line of Business) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Revenues	$ 2,246	$ 2,198	$ 4,647	$ 4,513
CNA Specialty [Domain]
Revenues	896	875	1,841	1,766
International - Specialty [Member]
Revenues	53	54	110	105
Professional & Management Liability [Member]
Revenues	645	626	1,339	1,286
Surety [Member]
Revenues	121	119	240	230
Warranty & Alternative Risks [Member]
Revenues	77	76	152	145
CNA Commercial [Domain]
Revenues	984	984	2,072	2,078
CNA Select Risk [Member]
Revenues	66	67	139	138
Commercial Insurance [Member]
Revenues	670	641	1,432	1,393
International - Commercial [Member]
Revenues	90	130	181	257
Small Business [Member]
Revenues	158	146	320	290
Life & Group Non-Core [Domain]
Revenues	360	333	710	659
Health [Member]
Revenues	287	274	578	544
Life & Annuity [Member]
Revenues	57	59	117	115
Other - Life & Group [Member]
Revenues	16		15
Corporate and Other Non-Core [Member]
Revenues	7	6	25	11
Eliminations [Member]
Revenues	$ (1)		$ (1)	$ (1)

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Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves (Net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development for CNA Commercial segment) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development:
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development, excluding Life & Group	$ (52)	$ (111)	$ (70)	$ (130)
CNA Commercial [Member]
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development:
Commercial Auto	2	(44)	2	(34)
General Liability	(13)		(5)	22
Workers' Compensation	8	28	(11)	36
Property and Other	(10)	(34)	(13)	(81)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development, excluding Life & Group	$ (13)	$ (50)	$ (27)	$ (57)

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General

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

General

Note A. General

Basis of Presentation

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) include the accounts of CNA Financial Corporation (CNAF) and its controlled subsidiaries. Collectively, CNAF and its controlled subsidiaries are referred to as CNA or the Company. CNA’s property and casualty and remaining life and group insurance operations are primarily conducted by Continental Casualty Company (CCC), The Continental Insurance Company, Western Surety Company and Continental Assurance Corporation. Loews Corporation (Loews) owned approximately 90% of the outstanding common stock of CNAF as of June 30, 2012.

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Certain financial information that is normally included in annual financial statements, including certain financial statement notes, prepared in accordance with GAAP, is not required for interim reporting purposes and has been condensed or omitted. These statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in CNAF's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the year ended December 31, 2011, including the summary of significant accounting policies in Note A. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

The interim financial data as of June 30, 2012 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 is unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, the interim data includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair statement of the Company's results for the interim periods. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Intercompany amounts have been eliminated.

Noncontrolling Interests

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 represented the noncontrolling interests in CNA Surety Corporation (Surety) and First Insurance Company of Hawaii (FICOH). On June 10, 2011, CNA completed the acquisition of the noncontrolling interest of Surety and on November 29, 2011, CNA completed the sale of its 50% ownership interest in FICOH.

Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts

In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued updated accounting guidance which limits the capitalization of costs incurred to acquire or renew insurance contracts to those that are incremental direct costs of successful contract acquisitions. The previous guidance allowed the capitalization of acquisition costs that vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts, whether the costs related to successful or unsuccessful efforts.

As of January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the updated accounting guidance prospectively as of January 1, 2004, the earliest date practicable. Due to the lack of available historical data related to certain accident and health contracts issued prior to January 1, 2004, a full retrospective application of the change in accounting guidance was impracticable. Acquisition costs capitalized prior to January 1, 2004 will continue to be accounted for under the previous accounting guidance and will be amortized over the premium-paying period of the related policies using assumptions consistent with those used for computing future policy benefit reserves for such contracts.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the adoption of the new accounting guidance resulted in an approximate $1 million and $3 million decrease in Net income attributable to CNA and a $0.01 decrease in Basic and Diluted earnings per share attributable to CNA common stockholders in both periods.

The Company has adjusted its previously reported financial information included herein to reflect the change in accounting guidance for deferred acquisition costs. The impacts of adopting the new accounting standard on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2011 were a $106 million decrease in Deferred acquisition costs and a $37 million increase in Deferred income taxes. The impacts to Accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and Additional paid-in capital were the result of the indirect effects of the Company's adoption of this guidance on Shadow Adjustments, as further discussed in Note C, and the Company's acquisition of the noncontrolling interest of Surety as discussed above.

The impacts on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 were a $64 million and $112 million decrease in Amortization of deferred acquisition costs, a $67 million and $119 million increase in Other operating expenses, no impact and a $1 million decrease in Income tax expense, and a $1 million decrease in Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for both periods, resulting in a $2 million and $5 million decrease in Net income attributable to CNA, and a $0.01 and $0.02 decrease in Basic and Diluted earnings per share attributable to CNA common stockholders. There were no changes to net cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities for the comparative periods presented as a result of the adoption of the new accounting standard.

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Fair Value (Carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instrument assets and liabilities which are not measured at fair value) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock	$ 21	$ 22
Mortgage loans	339	234
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Short term debt	83	83
Long term debt	2,526	2,525
Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock	21	22
Mortgage loans	339	234
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Premium deposits and annuity contracts	105	109
Short term debt	83	83
Long term debt	2,526	2,525
Estimate Fair Value [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock	21	22
Mortgage loans	352	247
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Premium deposits and annuity contracts	109	114
Short term debt	83	84
Long term debt	2,835	2,679
Estimate Fair Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock
Mortgage loans
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Premium deposits and annuity contracts
Short term debt
Long term debt
Estimate Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock
Mortgage loans
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Premium deposits and annuity contracts
Short term debt	83
Long term debt	2,835
Estimate Fair Value [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock	21
Mortgage loans	352
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Premium deposits and annuity contracts	109
Short term debt
Long term debt

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Investments (Net investment income) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011
Net Investment Income
Gross investment income	$ 485		$ 532		$ 1,147		$ 1,167
Investment expense	(15)		(15)		(29)		(30)
Net investment income	470		517		1,118		1,137
Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Net Investment Income
Gross investment income	505		505		1,021		1,011
Short term investments [Member]
Net Investment Income
Gross investment income	2		2		3		4
Limited partnership investments [Member]
Net Investment Income
Gross investment income	(35)		11		95		125
Equity securities [Member]
Net Investment Income
Gross investment income	2		6		6		12
Mortgage loans [Member]
Net Investment Income
Gross investment income	5		2		8		4
Trading portfolio [Member]
Net Investment Income
Gross investment income	4	[1]	3	[1]	11	[1]	6	[1]
Other [Member]
Net Investment Income
Gross investment income	$ 2		$ 3		$ 3		$ 5

[1] There were no net unrealized gains (losses) related to changes in fair value of trading securities still held included in net investment income for the three or six months ended June 30, 2012 or 2011.

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Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Net unrealized gains (losses) related to changes in fair value of trading securities still held included in net investment income
Net unrealized gains (losses) related to changes in the fair value of securities for which the fair value option has been elected				1
Payments of debt extinguishment costs				9
Reduction of net unrealized gains on investments included in AOCI due to shadow adjustment	940		940		723
Fair value	41,657		41,657		40,241
Gross unrealized losses	314		314		541
Pretax Net Unrealized Gains On Available For Sale Securities Reclassified Out of AOCI Into Earnings	15	20	47	41
Commitments to purchase various privately placed debt securities	145		145
Commitments to sell various privately placed debt securities	124		124
Obligations on unfunded bank loan participations	12		12
Mortgage loan commitments	20		20
Asset-backed [Member]
Fair value	8,525		8,525		8,084
Number Of Different Asset Backed Securities Comprising Total Fair Value Of Asset backed Holdings	2,034		2,034
Gross unrealized losses	169		169		246
Mortgage backed securities, issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises [Member]
Gross unrealized losses	63		63
Non-agency structured residential mortgage backed securities [Member]
Gross unrealized losses	78		78
Number of securities with at least one trade lot in a gross unrealized loss position	94		94
Severity of gross unrealized loss as percentage of amortized cost	9.00%		9.00%
Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]
Fair value	1,569		1,569		1,354
Gross unrealized losses	27		27		59
Number of securities with at least one trade lot in a gross unrealized loss position	44		44
Severity of gross unrealized loss as percentage of amortized cost	8.00%		8.00%
Investment commitment [Member]
Future capital call commitments	$ 141		$ 141

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Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Catastrophe losses net of reinsurance	$ 68	$ 100	$ 96	$ 155

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Investments (Net realized investment gains (losses)) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	$ 22		$ 15		$ 58		$ 28
Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	49		89		118		177
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	(32)		(69)		(71)		(137)
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	17		20		47		40
Equity securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	2		1		5		6
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	(2)		(3)		(4)		(8)
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests			(2)		1		(2)
Gain (Loss) on Derivatives [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	1						(1)
Short term and other [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	$ 4	[1]	$ (3)	[1]	$ 10	[1]	$ (9)	[1],[2]

[1] Includes net unrealized gains (losses) related to changes in the fair value of securities for which the fair value option has been elected. There were no net unrealized gains (losses) for the three months ended June 30, 2012 or 2011. There were no net unrealized gains (losses) for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with unrealized gains of $1 million for the same period in 2011.

[2] The six months ended June 30, 2011 included a $9 million loss related to the early extinguishment of debt in 2011.

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Investments (Components of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Net OTTI Losses
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings	$ 23	$ 62	$ 50	$ 103
Corporate and other bonds [Member]
Net OTTI Losses
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings	6	15	16	24
Residential mortgage-backed [Member]
Net OTTI Losses
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings	15	46	29	74
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises [Member]
Net OTTI Losses
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings			1
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale [Member]
Net OTTI Losses
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings	21	61	46	98
Common stock [Member]
Net OTTI Losses
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings	2	1	4	4
Preferred stock [Member]
Net OTTI Losses
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings				1
Total equity securities available-for-sale [Member]
Net OTTI Losses
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings	$ 2	$ 1	$ 4	$ 5

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions	Total	Common stock [Member]	Additional paid-in capital [Member]	Retained earnings [Member]	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]	Treasury stock [Member]	Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock [Member]	Stockholder's Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling interest [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010		$ 683	$ 2,200	$ 7,876	$ 326	$ (105)	$ (26)		$ 570
Cumulative effect adjustment from accounting change for deferred acquisition costs, net of tax (Accounting standards update 2010-26 [Member])				(72)					(7)
Dividends paid to common stockholders				(54)
Net income (loss)	358			344					14
Other comprehensive income (loss)	393				385				8
Stock-based compensation			1			3
(Increase) decrease in notes receivable from the issuance of common stock							3
Acquisition of CNA Surety noncontrolling interest			(65)		19				(429)
Other			2						(12)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2011	11,664	683	2,138	8,094	730	(102)	(23)	11,520	144
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011		683	2,146	8,382	470	(102)	(22)
Cumulative effect adjustment from accounting change for deferred acquisition costs, net of tax (Accounting standards update 2010-26 [Member])			(5)	(74)	10
Dividends paid to common stockholders				(81)
Net income (loss)	416			416
Other comprehensive income (loss)	387				387
Stock-based compensation						3
(Increase) decrease in notes receivable from the issuance of common stock							1
Acquisition of CNA Surety noncontrolling interest
Other
Balance at Jun. 30, 2012	$ 12,214	$ 683	$ 2,141	$ 8,643	$ 867	$ (99)	$ (21)	$ 12,214

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Investments (Summary of fixed maturity and equity securities) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 38,137	$ 37,633
Gross Unrealized Gains	3,834	3,149
Gross Unrealized Losses	314	541
Estimated Fair Value	41,657	40,241
Corporate and other bonds [Member]
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	19,350	19,086
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,209	1,946
Gross Unrealized Losses	79	154
Estimated Fair Value	21,480	20,878
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)
States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	9,225	9,018
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,225	900
Gross Unrealized Losses	66	136
Estimated Fair Value	10,384	9,782
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)
Residential mortgage-backed [Member]
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	5,817	5,786
Gross Unrealized Gains	215	172
Gross Unrealized Losses	141	183
Estimated Fair Value	5,891	5,775
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)	42	99
Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	1,514	1,365
Gross Unrealized Gains	82	48
Gross Unrealized Losses	27	59
Estimated Fair Value	1,569	1,354
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)	(2)	(2)
Other asset-backed [Member]
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	1,046	946
Gross Unrealized Gains	20	13
Gross Unrealized Losses	1	4
Estimated Fair Value	1,065	955
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)
Total asset-backed [Member]
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	8,377	8,097
Gross Unrealized Gains	317	233
Gross Unrealized Losses	169	246
Estimated Fair Value	8,525	8,084
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)	40	97
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises [Member]
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	172	479
Gross Unrealized Gains	12	14
Gross Unrealized Losses
Estimated Fair Value	184	493
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)
Foreign government [Member]
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	616	608
Gross Unrealized Gains	23	28
Gross Unrealized Losses
Estimated Fair Value	639	636
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)
Redeemable preferred stock [Member]
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	101	51
Gross Unrealized Gains	10	7
Gross Unrealized Losses
Estimated Fair Value	111	58
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale [Member]
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	37,841	37,339
Gross Unrealized Gains	3,796	3,128
Gross Unrealized Losses	314	536
Estimated Fair Value	41,323	39,931
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)	40	97
Total fixed maturity securities trading [Member]
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost, Trading Securities	44	6
Gross Unrealized Gains, Trading Securities
Gross Unrealized Losses, Trading Securities
Estimated Fair Value, Trading Securities	44	6
Common stock [Member]
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	27	30
Gross Unrealized Gains	21	17
Gross Unrealized Losses
Estimated Fair Value	48	47
Preferred stock [Member]
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	225	258
Gross Unrealized Gains	17	4
Gross Unrealized Losses		5
Estimated Fair Value	242	257
Total equity securities available-for-sale [Member]
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	252	288
Gross Unrealized Gains	38	21
Gross Unrealized Losses		5
Estimated Fair Value	$ 290	$ 304

XML

Fair Value (Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Total fixed maturity securities	$ 41,367	$ 39,937
Equity securities	290	304
Short term investments	1,752	1,641
Separate account business	370	417
Derivative financial instruments, included in Other liabilities	(1)	(1)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	41,367	39,937
Equity securities	290	304
Derivative and other financial instruments, included in Other invested assets	11	12
Short term investments	1,500	1,641
Life settlement contracts, included in Other assets	116	117
Separate account business	370	417
Total assets	43,654	42,428
Derivative financial instruments, included in Other liabilities	(1)	(1)
Total liabilities	(1)	(1)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate and other bonds [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	21,492	20,884
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	10,416	9,782
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Total asset-backed [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	8,525	8,084
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	5,891	5,775
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	1,569	1,354
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other asset-backed [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	1,065	955
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	184	493
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign government [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	639	636
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Redeemable preferred stock [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	111	58
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	290	548
Equity securities	106	124
Derivative and other financial instruments, included in Other invested assets
Short term investments	1,225	1,106
Life settlement contracts, included in Other assets
Separate account business	12	21
Total assets	1,633	1,799
Derivative financial instruments, included in Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Corporate and other bonds [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Total asset-backed [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Other asset-backed [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	142	451
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Foreign government [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	120	92
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Redeemable preferred stock [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	28	5
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	39,430	37,882
Equity securities	91	113
Derivative and other financial instruments, included in Other invested assets		1
Short term investments	271	508
Life settlement contracts, included in Other assets
Separate account business	355	373
Total assets	40,147	38,877
Derivative financial instruments, included in Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Corporate and other bonds [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	21,004	20,402
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	10,327	9,611
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Total asset-backed [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	7,482	7,230
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	5,448	5,323
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	1,403	1,295
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Other asset-backed [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	631	612
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	42	42
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign government [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	519	544
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Redeemable preferred stock [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	56	53
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	1,647	1,507
Equity securities	93	67
Derivative and other financial instruments, included in Other invested assets	11	11
Short term investments	4	27
Life settlement contracts, included in Other assets	116	117
Separate account business	3	23
Total assets	1,874	1,752
Derivative financial instruments, included in Other liabilities	(1)	(1)
Total liabilities	(1)	(1)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Corporate and other bonds [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	488	482
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	89	171
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Total asset-backed [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	1,043	854
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	443	452
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	166	59
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Other asset-backed [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	434	343
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Foreign government [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Redeemable preferred stock [Member]
Total fixed maturity securities	$ 27

XML

Subsequent Event Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jul. 02, 2012
Subsequent Event
Gross written premiums written by Hardy		$ 430
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price			230
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs	4
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid			230
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount			55
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount			80
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount			$ 35

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Revenues
Net earned premiums	$ 1,668	$ 1,595	$ 3,317	$ 3,210
Net investment income	470	517	1,118	1,137
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	(12)	(41)	(27)	(61)
Portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss)	(11)	(21)	(23)	(42)
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings	(23)	(62)	(50)	(103)
Other net realized investment gains (losses)	45	77	108	131
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	22	15	58	28
Other revenues	86	71	154	138
Total revenues	2,246	2,198	4,647	4,513
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits	1,348	1,367	2,729	2,731
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	309	286	604	583
Other operating expenses	316	326	635	603
Interest	43	43	85	89
Total claims, benefits and expenses	2,016	2,022	4,053	4,006
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	230	176	594	507
Income tax (expense) benefit	(64)	(47)	(178)	(148)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	166	129	416	359
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax (expense) benefit of -, $0, - and $0				(1)
Net income (loss)	166	129	416	358
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(5)		(14)
Net income (loss) attributable to CNA	166	124	416	344
Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA common stockholders	166	124	416	345
Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to CNA common stockholders				(1)
Income (loss) attributable to CNA common stockholders	$ 166	$ 124	$ 416	$ 344
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to CNA Common Stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA common stockholders	$ 0.62	$ 0.46	$ 1.55	$ 1.28
Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to CNA common stockholders	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.00
Income attributable to CNA common stockholders	$ 0.62	$ 0.46	$ 1.55	$ 1.28
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to CNA Common Stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA common stockholders	$ 0.62	$ 0.46	$ 1.54	$ 1.28
Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to CNA common stockholders
Income attributable to CNA common stockholders	$ 0.62	$ 0.46	$ 1.54	$ 1.28
Dividends per share	$ 0.15	$ 0.10	$ 0.30	$ 0.20
Weighted Average Outstanding Common Stock and Common Stock Equivalents
Basic	269.4	269.3	269.4	269.3
Diluted	269.8	269.6	269.7	269.6

XML

Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves (Net prior year development) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development, excluding Life & Group	$ (52)	$ (111)	$ (70)	$ (130)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development, excluding Life & Group	(23)	39	(48)	23
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development, excluding Life & Group	(75)	(72)	(118)	(107)
CNA Specialty [Member]
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development, excluding Life & Group	(35)	(52)	(41)	(67)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development, excluding Life & Group	(5)	(1)	(14)	(8)
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development, excluding Life & Group	(40)	(53)	(55)	(75)
CNA Commercial [Member]
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development, excluding Life & Group	(13)	(50)	(27)	(57)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development, excluding Life & Group	(19)	40	(36)	32
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development, excluding Life & Group	(32)	(10)	(63)	(25)
Corporate and Other Non-Core [Member]
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development, excluding Life & Group	(4)	(9)	(2)	(6)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development, excluding Life & Group	1		2	(1)
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development, excluding Life & Group	$ (3)	$ (9)		$ (7)

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) Parentheticals (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed maturity securities at amortized cost	$ 37,885	$ 37,345
Equity securities at cost	252	288
Allowance for uncollectible reinsurance receivables	71	91
Allowance for uncollectible insurance receivables	110	112
Accumulated depreciation on property and equipment	428	420
Other assets receivable from Loews Corporation		130
Other liabilities due to Loews Corporation	$ 18
Common stock, par value	$ 2.50	$ 2.50
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	273,040,243	273,040,243
Common stock, shares outstanding	269,397,139	269,274,900
Treasury stock, shares	3,643,104	3,765,343

XML

Investments (Ratings distribution of asset-backed securities in a gross unrealized loss position) (Details) (Asset-backed Securities [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Asset-Backed Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 1,860
Estimated Fair Value	1,691	2,582
Gross Unrealized Losses	169	246
US Government, Government Agencies, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises [Member]
Asset-Backed Securities
Amortized Cost	468
Estimated Fair Value	405
Gross Unrealized Losses	63
AAA [Member]
Asset-Backed Securities
Amortized Cost	247
Estimated Fair Value	241
Gross Unrealized Losses	6
AA [Member]
Asset-Backed Securities
Amortized Cost	163
Estimated Fair Value	155
Gross Unrealized Losses	8
A [Member]
Asset-Backed Securities
Amortized Cost	141
Estimated Fair Value	134
Gross Unrealized Losses	7
BBB [Member]
Asset-Backed Securities
Amortized Cost	162
Estimated Fair Value	148
Gross Unrealized Losses	14
Non-investment grade [Member]
Asset-Backed Securities
Amortized Cost	679
Estimated Fair Value	608
Gross Unrealized Losses	$ 71

XML

Fair Value (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below.

June 30, 2012								Total Assets/(Liabilities) at Fair Value
(In millions)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	—	$	21,004	$	488		$	21,492
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		10,327		89			10,416
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	—		5,448		443			5,891
Commercial mortgage-backed	—		1,403		166			1,569
Other asset-backed	—		631		434			1,065
Total asset-backed	—		7,482		1,043			8,525
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises	142		42		—			184
Foreign government	120		519		—			639
Redeemable preferred stock	28		56		27			111
Total fixed maturity securities	290		39,430		1,647			41,367
Equity securities	106		91		93			290
Derivative and other financial instruments, included in Other invested assets	—		—		11			11
Short term investments	1,225		271		4			1,500
Life settlement contracts, included in Other assets	—		—		116			116
Separate account business	12		355		3			370
Total assets	$	1,633	$	40,147	$	1,874		$	43,654
Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments, included in Other liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	(1	)	$	(1	)
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	(1	)	$	(1	)

December 31, 2011								Total Assets/(Liabilities) at Fair Value
(In millions)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	—	$	20,402	$	482		$	20,884
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		9,611		171			9,782
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	—		5,323		452			5,775
Commercial mortgage-backed	—		1,295		59			1,354
Other asset-backed	—		612		343			955
Total asset-backed	—		7,230		854			8,084
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises	451		42		—			493
Foreign government	92		544		—			636
Redeemable preferred stock	5		53		—			58
Total fixed maturity securities	548		37,882		1,507			39,937
Equity securities	124		113		67			304
Derivative and other financial instruments, included in Other invested assets	—		1		11			12
Short term investments	1,106		508		27			1,641
Life settlement contracts, included in Other assets	—		—		117			117
Separate account business	21		373		23			417
Total assets	$	1,799	$	38,877	$	1,752		$	42,428
Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments, included in Other liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	(1	)	$	(1	)
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	(1	)	$	(1	)

Table of reconciliation for assets and liablities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs

The tables below present a reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

Level 3 (In millions)	Balance at April 1, 2012		Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)*		Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)			Purchases		Sales			Settlements			Transfers into Level 3		Transfers out of Level 3			Balance at June 30, 2012		Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30, 2012 recognized in net income (loss)*
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	486	$	3	$	2		$	68	$	(27	)	$	(13	)	$	9	$	(40	)	$	488	$	—
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	173		—		1			—		—			(85		)	—		—			89		—
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	447		1		(18		)	22		—			(9		)	—		—			443		—
Commercial mortgage-backed	105		2		4			87		(12		)	(4		)	—		(16		)	166		—
Other asset-backed	384		2		(1		)	182		(99		)	(34		)	—		—			434		—
Total asset-backed	936		5		(15		)	291		(111		)	(47		)	—		(16		)	1,043		—
Redeemable preferred stock	53		—		—			—		(26		)	—			—		—			27		—
Total fixed maturity securities	1,648		8		(12		)	359		(164		)	(145		)	9		(56		)	1,647		—
Equity securities	74		—		19			15		(15		)	—			—		—			93		(1		)
Derivative and other financial instruments, net	10		—		—			—		—			—			—		—			10		—
Short term investments	—		—		—			4		—			—			—		—			4		—
Life settlement contracts	115		20		—			—		—			(19		)	—		—			116		3
Separate account business	4		—		—			—		(1		)	—			—		—			3		—
Total	$	1,851	$	28	$	7		$	378	$	(180	)	$	(164	)	$	9	$	(56	)	$	1,873	$	2

Level 3 (In millions)	Balance at April 1, 2011		Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)*			Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)			Purchases		Sales			Settlements			Transfers into Level 3		Transfers out of Level 3			Balance at June 30, 2011		Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30, 2011 recognized in net income (loss)*
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	577	$	(2	)	$	2		$	304	$	(30	)	$	(70	)	$	31	$	—		$	812	$	(3	)
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	188		—			(1		)	—		—			(8		)	—		—			179		—
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	738		(13		)	12			50		(57		)	(19		)	—		(24		)	687		(15		)
Commercial mortgage-backed	88		—			2			5		—			—			—		—			95		—
Other asset-backed	445		1			—			127		(44		)	(24		)	—		(14		)	491		—
Total asset-backed	1,271		(12		)	14			182		(101		)	(43		)	—		(38		)	1,273		(15		)
Total fixed maturity securities	2,036		(14		)	15			486		(131		)	(121		)	31		(38		)	2,264		(18		)
Equity securities	30		(1		)	—			4		(2		)	—			5		—			36		(1		)
Derivative and other financial instruments, net	8		1			—			—		—			—			—		—			9		1
Short term investments	27		—			—			—		—			(21		)	—		—			6		—
Life settlement contracts	127		6			—			—		—			(4		)	—		—			129		3
Separate account business	39		—			—			—		(2		)	—			—		—			37		—
Total	$	2,267	$	(8	)	$	15		$	490	$	(135	)	$	(146	)	$	36	$	(38	)	$	2,481	$	(15	)

The tables below present a reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

Level 3 (In millions)	Balance at January 1, 2012		Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)*		Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)			Purchases		Sales			Settlements			Transfers into Level 3		Transfers out of Level 3			Balance at June 30, 2012		Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30, 2012 recognized in net income (loss)*
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	482	$	6	$	6		$	147	$	(113	)	$	(32	)	$	42	$	(50	)	$	488	$	—
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	171		—		3			—		—			(85		)	—		—			89		—
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	452		2		(22		)	60		—			(16		)	—		(33		)	443		—
Commercial mortgage-backed	59		2		8			129		(12		)	(4		)	—		(16		)	166		—
Other asset-backed	343		6		3			358		(176		)	(59		)	—		(41		)	434		—
Total asset-backed	854		10		(11		)	547		(188		)	(79		)	—		(90		)	1,043		—
Redeemable preferred stock	—		—		—			53		(26		)	—			—		—			27		—
Total fixed maturity securities	1,507		16		(2		)	747		(327		)	(196		)	42		(140		)	1,647		—
Equity securities	67		—		16			26		(16		)	—			—		—			93		(3		)
Derivative and other financial instruments, net	10		—		—			—		—			—			—		—			10		—
Short term investments	27		—		—			16		—			(39		)	—		—			4		—
Life settlement contracts	117		23		—			—		—			(24		)	—		—			116		3
Separate account business	23		—		—			—		(20		)	—			—		—			3		—
Total	$	1,751	$	39	$	14		$	789	$	(363	)	$	(259	)	$	42	$	(140	)	$	1,873	$	—

Level 3 (In millions)	Balance at January 1, 2011		Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)*			Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)			Purchases		Sales			Settlements			Transfers into Level 3		Transfers out of Level 3			Balance at June 30, 2011		Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30, 2011 recognized in net income (loss)*
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	624	$	2		$	(3	)	$	346	$	(50	)	$	(97	)	$	40	$	(50	)	$	812	$	(3	)
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	266		—			—			—		—			(87		)	—		—			179		—
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	767		(12		)	14			97		(83		)	(41		)	—		(55		)	687		(15		)
Commercial mortgage-backed	73		3			18			5		(4		)	—			—		—			95		—
Other asset-backed	359		5			—			327		(131		)	(55		)	—		(14		)	491		—
Total asset-backed	1,199		(4		)	32			429		(218		)	(96		)	—		(69		)	1,273		(15		)
Redeemable preferred stock	3		3			(3		)	—		(3		)	—			—		—			—		—
Total fixed maturity securities	2,092		1			26			775		(271		)	(280		)	40		(119		)	2,264		(18		)
Equity securities	26		(2		)	(1		)	19		(11		)	—			5		—			36		(4		)
Derivative and other financial instruments, net	25		3			—			—		(19		)	—			—		—			9		1
Short term investments	27		—			—			12		—			(23		)	—		(10		)	6		—
Life settlement contracts	129		9			—			—		—			(9		)	—		—			129		3
Separate account business	41		—			—			—		(4		)	—			—		—			37		—
Total	$	2,340	$	11		$	25		$	806	$	(305	)	$	(312	)	$	45	$	(129	)	$	2,481	$	(18	)

Quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs in the fair value measurement of level 3 assets

	Fair Value at June 30, 2012		Valuation Technique(s)	Unobservable Input(s)	Range  (Weighted Average)
Assets
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	122	Discounted cash flow	Expected call date	0.3 - 4.7 years (3.5 years)
				Spreads off benchmark yields	225-325 bps (269 bps)
	$	34	Market approach	Private offering price	$97.25 - $100.08 ($99.16)
Equity securities	$	93	Market approach	Private offering price	$0.10 - $4,023 per share ($268.85 per share)
Life settlement contracts	$	116	Discounted cash flow	Discount rate risk premium	9%
				Mortality assumption	65% - 928% (185%)

Carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instrument assets and liabilities not measured at fair value

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company's financial instrument assets and liabilities which are not measured at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are listed in the tables below.

June 30, 2012	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
(In millions)			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Financial assets
Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock	$	21	$	—	$	—	$	21	$	21
Mortgage loans	339		—		—		352		352
Financial liabilities
Premium deposits and annuity contracts	$	105	$	—	$	—	$	109	$	109
Short term debt	83		—		83		—		83
Long term debt	2,526		—		2,835		—		2,835

December 31, 2011	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
(In millions)
Financial assets
Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock	$	22	$	22
Mortgage loans	234		247
Financial liabilities
Premium deposits and annuity contracts	$	109	$	114
Short term debt	83		84
Long term debt	2,525		2,679

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Investments (Contractual maturity) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cost or Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less, cost or amortized cost	$ 1,889	$ 1,802
Due after one year through five years, cost or amortized cost	13,118	13,110
Due after five years through ten years, cost or amortized cost	8,561	8,410
Due after ten years, cost or amortized cost	14,273	14,017
Total amortized cost basis	37,841	37,339
Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less, estimated fair value	1,904	1,812
Due after one year through five years, estimated fair value	13,728	13,537
Due after five years through ten years, estimated fair value	9,228	8,890
Due after ten years, estimated fair value	16,463	15,692
Total estimated fair value	$ 41,323	$ 39,931

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Benefit Plans (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of net periodic cost (benefit)

Net Periodic Cost (Benefit)

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Pension cost (benefit)
Service cost	$	3		$	3		$	6		$	7
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	33			36			67			73
Expected return on plan assets	(42		)	(43		)	(85		)	(86		)
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	9			6			19			12
Net periodic pension cost (benefit)	$	3		$	2		$	7		$	6
Postretirement cost (benefit)
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	$	1		$	1		$	1		$	2
Amortization of prior service credit	(5		)	(4		)	(9		)	(9		)
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	—			(1		)	—			—
Net periodic postretirement cost (benefit)	$	(4	)	$	(4	)	$	(8	)	$	(7	)

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ 416	$ 358
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows provided (used) by operating activities:
(Income) loss from discontinued operations		1
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment	1	8
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	81	96
Trading portfolio activity	(44)	(9)
Net realized investment (gains) losses, net of participating policyholders' interests	(58)	(28)
Equity method investees	(8)	(108)
Amortization of investments	(33)	(37)
Depreciation	39	38
Changes in:
Receivables, net	70	139
Accrued investment income	(10)	(11)
Deferred acquisition costs	(17)	(19)
Insurance reserves	121	93
Other assets	43	37
Other liabilities	12	(153)
Other, net	5	9
Total adjustments	202	56
Net cash flows provided (used) by operating activities-continuing operations	618	414
Net cash flows provided (used) by operating activities-discontinued operations		(2)
Net cash flows provided (used) by operating activities-total	618	412
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Purchases of fixed maturity securities	(5,169)	(6,200)
Proceeds from fixed maturity securities:
Sales	3,303	4,112
Maturities, calls and redemptions	1,566	1,825
Purchases of equity securities	(27)	(44)
Proceeds from sales of equity securities	61	153
Origination of mortgage loans	(109)	(112)
Change in short term investments	(123)	514
Change in other investments	13	(131)
Purchases of property and equipment	(42)	(24)
Other, net	17	2
Net cash flows provided (used) by investing activities-continuing operations	(510)	95
Net cash flows provided (used) by investing activities-discontinued operations		2
Net cash flows provided (used) by investing activities-total	(510)	97
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Acquisition of CNA Surety noncontrolling interest		(426)
Dividends paid to common stockholders	(81)	(54)
Proceeds from the issuance of debt		396
Repayment of debt		(409)
Stock options exercised	1	2
Other, net	(3)	(13)
Net cash flows provided (used) by financing activities-continuing operations	(83)	(504)
Net cash flows provided (used) by financing activities-discontinued operations
Net cash flows provided (used) by financing activities-total	(83)	(504)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash		2
Net change in cash	25	7
Cash, beginning of year	75	77
Cash, end of period	100	84
Cash-continuing operations	100	84
Cash-discontinued operations
Cash	$ 100	$ 84

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) Parentheticals (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Income tax (expense) benefit on discontinued operations

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Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees

Note I. Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees

Commitments and Contingencies

The Company holds an investment in a real estate joint venture. In the normal course of business, the Company, on a joint and several basis with other unrelated insurance company shareholders, has committed to continue funding the operating deficits of this joint venture. Additionally, the Company and the other unrelated shareholders, on a joint and several basis, have guaranteed an operating lease for an office building, which expires in 2016. The guarantee of the operating lease is a parallel guarantee to the commitment to fund operating deficits; consequently, the separate guarantee to the lessor is not expected to be triggered as long as the joint venture continues to be funded by its shareholders which provide liquidity to make its annual lease payments.

In the event that the other parties to the joint venture are unable to meet their commitments in funding the operations of this joint venture, the Company would be required to assume the obligation for the entire office building operating lease. The Company does not believe it is likely that it will be required to do so. However, the maximum potential future lease payments and other related costs at June 30, 2012 that the Company could be required to pay under this guarantee, in excess of amounts already recorded, were approximately $125 million. If the Company were required to assume the entire lease obligation, the Company would have the right to pursue reimbursement from the other shareholders and the right to all sublease revenues.

The Company has entered into a limited number of contracts with minimum payments, primarily related to outsourced services and software. Estimated future minimum payments under these contracts, which amounted to approximately $15 million at June 30, 2012, were $7 million in 2012, $2 million in 2013, and $6 million thereafter.

Guarantees

In the course of selling business entities and assets to third parties, the Company has agreed to indemnify purchasers for losses arising out of breaches of representation and warranties with respect to the business entities or assets being sold, including, in certain cases, losses arising from undisclosed liabilities or certain named litigation. Such indemnification provisions generally survive for periods ranging from nine months following the applicable closing date to the expiration of the relevant statutes of limitation. As of June 30, 2012, the aggregate amount of quantifiable indemnification agreements in effect for sales of business entities, assets and third party loans was $758 million.

In addition, the Company has agreed to provide indemnification to third party purchasers for certain losses associated with sold business entities or assets that are not limited by a contractual monetary amount. As of June 30, 2012, the Company had outstanding unlimited indemnifications in connection with the sales of certain of its business entities or assets that included tax liabilities arising prior to a purchaser's ownership of an entity or asset, defects in title at the time of sale, employee claims arising prior to closing and in some cases losses arising from certain litigation and undisclosed liabilities. These indemnification agreements survive until the applicable statutes of limitation expire, or until the agreed-upon contract terms expire.

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had recorded liabilities of approximately $14 million and $15 million related to indemnification agreements and management believes that it is not likely that any future indemnity claims will be significantly greater than the amounts recorded.

XML

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 27, 2012
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	CNA FINANCIAL CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000021175
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		269,397,139

XML

Business Segments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business Segments

Note J. Business Segments

The Company's core property and casualty commercial insurance operations are reported in two business segments: CNA Specialty and CNA Commercial. The Company's non-core operations are managed in two segments: Life & Group Non-Core and Corporate & Other Non-Core.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note A of the Consolidated Financial Statements within CNAF's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, other than the accounting for deferred acquisition costs, as further discussed in Note A herein. The Company manages most of its assets on a legal entity basis, while segment operations are conducted across legal entities. As such, only insurance and reinsurance receivables, insurance reserves and deferred acquisition costs are readily identifiable by individual segment. Distinct investment portfolios are not maintained for each individual segment; accordingly, allocation of assets to each segment is not performed. Therefore, net investment income and realized investment gains or losses are allocated primarily based on each segment's net carried insurance reserves, as adjusted. All significant intersegment income and expense has been eliminated. Income taxes have been allocated on the basis of the taxable income of the segments.

In the following tables, certain financial measures are presented to provide information used by management to monitor the Company's operating performance. Management utilizes these financial measures to monitor the Company's insurance operations and investment portfolio. Net operating income, which is derived from certain income statement amounts, is used by management to monitor performance of the Company's insurance operations. The Company's investment portfolio is monitored by management through analysis of various factors including unrealized gains and losses on securities, portfolio duration and exposure to market and credit risk. Based on such analyses, the Company may recognize an OTTI loss on an investment security in accordance with its policy, or sell a security, which may produce realized gains and losses.

Net operating income (loss) is calculated by excluding from net income (loss) attributable to CNA the after-tax effects of 1) net realized investment gains or losses, 2) income or loss from discontinued operations and 3) any cumulative effects of changes in accounting guidance. The calculation of net operating income excludes net realized investment gains or losses because net realized investment gains or losses are largely discretionary, except for some losses related to OTTI, and are generally driven by economic factors that are not necessarily consistent with key drivers of underwriting performance, and are therefore not considered an indication of trends in insurance operations.

The significant components of the Company's continuing operations and selected balance sheet items are presented in the following tables.

Three months ended
June 30, 2012	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Life & Group Non-Core			Corporate & Other Non-Core
(In millions)													Eliminations			Total
Operating revenues
Net earned premiums	$	719		$	809		$	139		$	2		$	(1	)	$	1,668
Net investment income	112			151			201			6			—			470
Other revenues	57			11			16			2			—			86
Total operating revenues	888			971			356			10			(1		)	2,224
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits	448			591			323			(20		)	—			1,342
Policyholders’ dividends	1			3			2			—			—			6
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	154			147			8			—			—			309
Other insurance related expenses	77			135			36			1			(1		)	248
Other expenses	50			10			4			47			—			111
Total claims, benefits and expenses	730			886			373			28			(1		)	2,016
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	158			85			(17		)	(18		)	—			208
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)	(52		)	(28		)	20			4			—			(56		)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	106			57			3			(14		)	—			152
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	8			13			4			(3		)	—			22
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)	(2		)	(5		)	(1		)	—			—			(8		)
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	6			8			3			(3		)	—			14
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	$	112		$	65		$	6		$	(17	)	$	—		$	166

Three months ended
June 30, 2011	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Life & Group Non-Core			Corporate & Other Non-Core					Total
(In millions)													Eliminations
Operating revenues
Net earned premiums	$	688		$	768		$	141		$	(2	)	$	—	$	1,595
Net investment income	126			193			189			9			—		517
Other revenues	54			12			2			3			—		71
Total operating revenues	868			973			332			10			—		2,183
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits	418			621			330			(6		)	—		1,363
Policyholders’ dividends	—			2			2			—			—		4
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	138			142			6			—			—		286
Other insurance related expenses	77			144			34			2			—		257
Other expenses	52			11			6			43			—		112
Total claims, benefits and expenses	685			920			378			39			—		2,022
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	183			53			(46		)	(29		)	—		161
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)	(64		)	(16		)	27			11			—		(42		)
Net operating (income) loss, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4		)	(1		)	—			—			—		(5		)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	115			36			(19		)	(18		)	—		114
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	7			11			1			(4		)	—		15
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)	(2		)	(3		)	—			—			—		(5		)
Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			—			—		—
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	5			8			1			(4		)	—		10
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	$	120		$	44		$	(18	)	$	(22	)	$	—	$	124

Six months ended
June 30, 2012	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Life & Group Non-Core			Corporate & Other Non-Core
(In millions)													Eliminations			Total
Operating revenues
Net earned premiums	$	1,425		$	1,612		$	280		$	1		$	(1	)	$	3,317
Net investment income	287			416			399			16			—			1,118
Other revenues	113			20			14			7			—			154
Total operating revenues	1,825			2,048			693			24			(1		)	4,589
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits	916			1,158			659			(13		)	—			2,720
Policyholders’ dividends	(1		)	6			4			—			—			9
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	302			286			16			—			—			604
Other insurance related expenses	149			279			71			—			(1		)	498
Other expenses	100			17			10			95			—			222
Total claims, benefits and expenses	1,466			1,746			760			82			(1		)	4,053
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	359			302			(67		)	(58		)	—			536
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)	(121		)	(106		)	51			18			—			(158		)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	238			196			(16		)	(40		)	—			378
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	16			24			17			1			—			58
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)	(4		)	(9		)	(6		)	(1		)	—			(20		)
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	12			15			11			—			—			38
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	$	250		$	211		$	(5	)	$	(40	)	$	—		$	416

June 30, 2012
(In millions)
Reinsurance receivables	$	837	$	1,149	$	1,323	$	2,513	$	—		$	5,822
Insurance receivables	$	711	$	1,182	$	8	$	3	$	—		$	1,904
Deferred acquisition costs	$	308	$	276	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	584
Insurance reserves
Claim and claim adjustment expenses	$	6,925	$	11,316	$	2,901	$	2,865	$	—		$	24,007
Unearned premiums	1,708		1,626		145		—		(1		)	3,478
Future policy benefits	—		—		10,352		—		—			10,352
Policyholders’ funds	13		13		141		—		—			167

Six months ended
June 30, 2011	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Life & Group Non-Core			Corporate & Other Non-Core						Total
(In millions)													Eliminations
Operating revenues
Net earned premiums	$	1,357		$	1,570		$	285		$	(1	)	$	(1	)	$	3,210
Net investment income	286			454			377			20			—			1,137
Other revenues	108			26			—			4			—			138
Total operating revenues	1,751			2,050			662			23			(1		)	4,485
Claims, Benefits and Expenses
Net incurred claims and benefits	848			1,224			653			1			—			2,726
Policyholders’ dividends	—			2			3			—			—			5
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	281			290			12			—			—			583
Other insurance related expenses	141			259			72			3			(1		)	474
Other expenses	92			27			12			87			—			218
Total claims, benefits and expenses	1,362			1,802			752			91			(1		)	4,006
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax	389			248			(90		)	(68		)	—			479
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income (loss)	(134		)	(81		)	53			23			—			(139		)
Net operating (income) loss, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	(12		)	(1		)	—			—			—			(13		)
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	243			166			(37		)	(45		)	—			327
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	15			28			(3		)	(12		)	—			28
Income tax (expense) benefit on net realized investment gains (losses)	(5		)	(9		)	1			4			—			(9		)
Net realized investment (gains) losses, after-tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			(1		)	—			—			—			(1		)
Net realized investment gains (losses) attributable to CNA	10			18			(2		)	(8		)	—			18
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CNA	$	253		$	184		$	(39	)	$	(53	)	$	—		$	345

December 31, 2011
(In millions)
Reinsurance receivables	$	852	$	1,188	$	1,375	$	2,677	$	—	$	6,092
Insurance receivables	$	670	$	1,047	$	8	$	1	$	—	$	1,726
Deferred acquisition costs	$	300	$	252	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	552
Insurance reserves
Claim and claim adjustment expenses	$	6,840	$	11,509	$	2,825	$	3,129	$	—	$	24,303
Unearned premiums	1,629		1,480		141		—		—		3,250
Future policy benefits	—		—		9,810		—		—		9,810
Policyholders’ funds	15		10		166		—		—		191

The following table provides revenue by line of business for each reportable segment. Revenues are comprised of operating revenues and net realized investment gains and losses, net of participating policyholders’ interests.

Revenues by Line of Business

Periods ended June 30	Three Months					Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011		2012			2011
CNA Specialty
International	$	53		$	54	$	110		$	105
Professional & Management Liability	645			626		1,339			1,286
Surety	121			119		240			230
Warranty & Alternative Risks	77			76		152			145
CNA Specialty revenues	896			875		1,841			1,766
CNA Commercial
CNA Select Risk	66			67		139			138
Commercial Insurance	670			641		1,432			1,393
International	90			130		181			257
Small Business	158			146		320			290
CNA Commercial revenues	984			984		2,072			2,078
Life & Group Non-Core
Health	287			274		578			544
Life & Annuity	57			59		117			115
Other	16			—		15			—
Life & Group Non-Core revenues	360			333		710			659
Corporate & Other Non-Core revenues	7			6		25			11
Eliminations	(1		)	—		(1		)	(1		)
Total revenues	$	2,246		$	2,198	$	4,647		$	4,513

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Changes in:
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments with other-than-temporary impairments	$ 3	$ (1)	$ (37)	$ (39)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on other investments	121	300	339	322
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	118	301	376	361
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(17)	5	4	30
Pension and postretirement benefits	3	1	9	2
Net unrealized gains (losses) on discontinued operations and other				1
Allocation to participating policyholders	(1)	(1)	(2)	(1)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	103	306	387	393
Net income (loss)	166	129	416	358
Comprehensive income (loss)	269	435	803	751
NetUnrealized(Gains)LossesOnInvestmentsAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests		10		8
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(5)		(14)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		15		22
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to CNA	$ 269	$ 420	$ 803	$ 729

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Derivative Financial Instruments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Summary of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

Note D. Derivative Financial Instruments

A summary of the recognized gains (losses) related to derivative financial instruments follows.

Recognized Gains (Losses)

Periods ended June 30	Three Months				Six Months
(In millions)	2012		2011		2012		2011
Without hedge designation
Currency forwards	$	1	$	—	$	—	$	(1	)
Total without hedge designation	1		—		—		(1		)
Trading activities
Futures sold, not yet purchased	—		—		1		—
Total	$	1	$	—	$	1	$	(1	)

A summary of the aggregate contractual or notional amounts and gross estimated fair values related to derivative financial instruments reported as Other invested assets or Other liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets follows. The contractual or notional amounts for derivatives are used to calculate the exchange of contractual payments under the agreements and may not be representative of the potential for gain or loss on these instruments.

Derivative Financial Instruments

June 30, 2012	Contractual/ Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value
(In millions)			Asset		(Liability)
Without hedge designation
Credit default swaps - purchased protection	$	20	$	—	$	(1	)
Currency forwards	40		—		—
Equity warrants	5		—		—
Total without hedge designation	65		—		(1		)
Trading activities
Futures sold, not yet purchased	48		—		—
Total	$	113	$	—	$	(1	)

December 31, 2011	Contractual/ Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value
(In millions)			Asset		(Liability)
Without hedge designation
Credit default swaps - purchased protection	$	20	$	—	$	(1	)
Currency forwards	22		1		—
Equity warrants	4		—		—
Total	$	46	$	1	$	(1	)

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, new derivative transactions entered into totaled $447 million and $779 million in notional value while derivative termination activity totaled $391 million and $712 million. This activity was primarily attributable to interest rate futures and forward commitments for mortgage-backed securities. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, new derivative transactions entered into totaled approximately $158 million and $499 million in notional value while derivative termination activity totaled approximately $158 million and $507 million. This activity was primarily attributable to interest rate futures and foreign currency forwards.

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Investments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Investments [Abstract]

Investments

Note C. Investments

The significant components of net investment income are presented in the following table.

Net Investment Income

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Fixed maturity securities	$	505		$	505		$	1,021		$	1,011
Short term investments	2			2			3			4
Limited partnership investments	(35		)	11			95			125
Equity securities	2			6			6			12
Mortgage loans	5			2			8			4
Trading portfolio (a)	4			3			11			6
Other	2			3			3			5
Gross investment income	485			532			1,147			1,167
Investment expense	(15		)	(15		)	(29		)	(30		)
Net investment income	$	470		$	517		$	1,118		$	1,137

___________________

(a) There were no net unrealized gains (losses) related to changes in fair value of trading securities still held included in net investment income for the three or six months ended June 30, 2012 or 2011.

Net realized investment gains (losses) are presented in the following table.

Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Net realized investment gains (losses):
Fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains	$	49		$	89		$	118		$	177
Gross realized losses	(32		)	(69		)	(71		)	(137		)
Net realized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities	17			20			47			40
Equity securities:
Gross realized gains	2			1			5			6
Gross realized losses	(2		)	(3		)	(4		)	(8		)
Net realized investment gains (losses) on equity securities	—			(2		)	1			(2		)
Derivatives	1			—			—			(1		)
Short term investments and other (a) (b)	4			(3		)	10			(9		)
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	$	22		$	15		$	58		$	28

____________________

(a) The six months ended June 30, 2011 included a $9 million loss related to the early extinguishment of debt in 2011.

(b) Includes net unrealized gains (losses) related to changes in the fair value of securities for which the fair value option has been elected. There were no net unrealized gains (losses) for the three months ended June 30, 2012 or 2011. There were no net unrealized gains (losses) for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with unrealized gains of $1 million for the same period in 2011.

The components of net other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses recognized in earnings by asset type are summarized in the following table.

Periods ended June 30	Three Months				Six Months
(In millions)	2012		2011		2012		2011
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Corporate and other bonds	$	6	$	15	$	16	$	24
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	15		46		29		74
U.S. Treasury and obligation of government-sponsored enterprises	—		—		1		—
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	21		61		46		98
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stock	2		1		4		4
Preferred stock	—		—		—		1
Total equity securities available-for-sale	2		1		4		5
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	$	23	$	62	$	50	$	103

A security is impaired if the fair value of the security is less than its cost adjusted for accretion, amortization and previously recorded OTTI losses, otherwise defined as an unrealized loss. When a security is impaired, the impairment is evaluated to determine whether it is temporary or other-than-temporary.

Significant judgment is required in the determination of whether an OTTI loss has occurred for a security. The Company follows a consistent and systematic process for determining and recording an OTTI loss. The Company has established a committee responsible for the OTTI process. This committee, referred to as the Impairment Committee, is made up of three officers appointed by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Impairment Committee is responsible for evaluating all securities in an unrealized loss position on at least a quarterly basis.

The Impairment Committee’s assessment of whether an OTTI loss has occurred incorporates both quantitative and qualitative information. Fixed maturity securities that the Company intends to sell, or it more likely than not will be required to sell before recovery of amortized cost, are considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired and the entire difference between the amortized cost basis and fair value of the security is recognized as an OTTI loss in earnings. The remaining fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position are evaluated to determine if a credit loss exists. The factors considered by the Impairment Committee include (a) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (b) whether the debtor is current on interest and principal payments, (c) credit ratings of the securities and (d) general market conditions and industry or sector specific outlook. The Company also considers results and analysis of cash flow modeling for asset-backed securities, and when appropriate, other fixed maturity securities. The focus of the analysis for asset-backed securities is on assessing the sufficiency and quality of underlying collateral and timing of cash flows based on scenario tests. If the present value of the modeled expected cash flows equals or exceeds the amortized cost of a security, no credit loss is judged to exist and the asset-backed security is deemed to be temporarily impaired. If the present value of the expected cash flows is less than amortized cost, the security is judged to be other-than-temporarily impaired for credit reasons and that shortfall, referred to as the credit component, is recognized as an OTTI loss in earnings. The difference between the adjusted amortized cost basis and fair value, referred to as the non-credit component, is recognized as OTTI in Other comprehensive income. In subsequent reporting periods, a change in intent to sell or further credit impairment on a security whose fair value has not deteriorated will cause the non-credit component originally recorded as OTTI in Other comprehensive income to be recognized as an OTTI loss in earnings.

The Company performs the discounted cash flow analysis using stressed scenarios to determine future expectations regarding recoverability. For asset-backed securities, significant assumptions enter into these cash flow projections including delinquency rates, probable risk of default, loss severity upon a default, over collateralization and interest coverage triggers, and credit support from lower level tranches.

The Company applies the same impairment model as described above for the majority of non-redeemable preferred stock securities on the basis that these securities possess characteristics similar to debt securities and that the issuers maintain their ability to pay dividends. For all other equity securities, in determining whether the security is other-than-temporarily impaired, the Impairment Committee considers a number of factors including, but not limited to: (a) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost, (b) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (c) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in value and (d) general market conditions and industry or sector specific outlook.

The following tables provide a summary of fixed maturity and equity securities.

Summary of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities

June 30, 2012	Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Corporate and other bonds	$	19,350	$	2,209	$	79	$	21,480	$	—
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	9,225		1,225		66		10,384		—
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	5,817		215		141		5,891		42
Commercial mortgage-backed	1,514		82		27		1,569		(2		)
Other asset-backed	1,046		20		1		1,065		—
Total asset-backed	8,377		317		169		8,525		40
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises	172		12		—		184		—
Foreign government	616		23		—		639		—
Redeemable preferred stock	101		10		—		111		—
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	37,841		3,796		314		41,323		$	40
Total fixed maturity securities trading	44		—		—		44
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stock	27		21		—		48
Preferred stock	225		17		—		242
Total equity securities available-for-sale	252		38		—		290
Total	$	38,137	$	3,834	$	314	$	41,657

December 31, 2011	Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Corporate and other bonds	$	19,086	$	1,946	$	154	$	20,878	$	—
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	9,018		900		136		9,782		—
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	5,786		172		183		5,775		99
Commercial mortgage-backed	1,365		48		59		1,354		(2		)
Other asset-backed	946		13		4		955		—
Total asset-backed	8,097		233		246		8,084		97
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises	479		14		—		493		—
Foreign government	608		28		—		636		—
Redeemable preferred stock	51		7		—		58		—
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	37,339		3,128		536		39,931		$	97
Total fixed maturity securities trading	6		—		—		6
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stock	30		17		—		47
Preferred stock	258		4		5		257
Total equity securities available-for-sale	288		21		5		304
Total	$	37,633	$	3,149	$	541	$	40,241

The net unrealized gains on investments included in the tables above are recorded as a component of AOCI. When presented in AOCI, these amounts are net of tax and any required Shadow Adjustments. At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the net unrealized gains on investments included in AOCI were net of Shadow Adjustments of $940 million and $723 million. To the extent that unrealized gains on fixed income securities supporting certain products within the Life & Group Non-Core segment would result in a premium deficiency if realized, a related decrease in Deferred acquisition costs and/or increase in Insurance reserves is recorded, net of tax, as a reduction through Other comprehensive income (Shadow Adjustments).

The following tables summarize the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities in a gross unrealized loss position by the length of time in which the securities have continuously been in that position.

Securities in a Gross Unrealized Loss Position

	Less than 12 Months				12 Months or Longer				Total
June 30, 2012	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Corporate and other bonds	$	1,550	$	53	$	192	$	26	$	1,742	$	79
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	174		2		301		64		475		66
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	276		13		923		128		1,199		141
Commercial mortgage-backed	158		5		153		22		311		27
Other asset-backed	181		1		—		—		181		1
Total asset-backed	615		19		1,076		150		1,691		169
Total	$	2,339	$	74	$	1,569	$	240	$	3,908	$	314

	Less than 12 Months				12 Months or Longer				Total
December 31, 2011	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Corporate and other bonds	$	2,552	$	126	$	159	$	28	$	2,711	$	154
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	67		1		721		135		788		136
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	719		36		874		147		1,593		183
Commercial mortgage-backed	431		39		169		20		600		59
Other asset-backed	389		4		—		—		389		4
Total asset-backed	1,539		79		1,043		167		2,582		246
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	4,158		206		1,923		330		6,081		536
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Preferred stock	117		5		—		—		117		5
Total	$	4,275	$	211	$	1,923	$	330	$	6,198	$	541

The amount of pretax net realized gains on available-for-sale securities reclassified out of AOCI into earnings was $15 million and $47 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and $20 million and $41 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011.

The following table summarizes the activity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 related to the pretax credit loss component reflected in Retained earnings on fixed maturity securities still held at June 30, 2012 and 2011 for which a portion of an OTTI loss was recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss).

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Beginning balance of credit losses on fixed maturity securities	$	100		$	113		$	92		$	141
Additional credit losses for securities for which an OTTI loss was previously recognized	10			8			21			18
Credit losses for securities for which an OTTI loss was not previously recognized	1			—			2			1
Reductions for securities sold during the period	(4		)	(21		)	(8		)	(46		)
Reductions for securities the Company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell	(8		)	(18		)	(8		)	(32		)
Ending balance of credit losses on fixed maturity securities	$	99		$	82		$	99		$	82

Based on current facts and circumstances, the Company has determined that no additional OTTI losses related to the securities in an unrealized loss position presented in the June 30, 2012 Securities in a Gross Unrealized Loss Position table above are required to be recorded. A discussion of some of the factors reviewed in making that determination is presented below.

The classification between investment grade and non-investment grade presented in the discussion below is based on a ratings methodology that takes into account ratings from two major providers, Standard & Poor's (S&P) and Moody's Investor Services, Inc. (Moody's) in that order of preference. If a security is not rated by these providers, the Company formulates an internal rating.

Asset-Backed Securities

Asset-backed securities include residential mortgage-backed securities, both agency and non-agency, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities. The fair value of total asset-backed holdings at June 30, 2012 was $8,525 million which was comprised of 2,034 different securities. The fair value of these securities tends to be influenced by the characteristics and projected cash flows of the underlying collateral rather than the credit of the issuer. Each security has deal-specific tranche structures, credit support that results from the unique deal structure, particular collateral characteristics and other distinct security terms. As a result, seemingly common factors such as delinquency rates and collateral performance affect each security differently.

The gross unrealized losses on residential mortgage-backed securities included $63 million related to securities guaranteed by a U.S. government agency or sponsored enterprise and $78 million related to non-agency structured securities. Non-agency structured securities included 94 securities that had at least one trade lot in a gross unrealized loss position and the aggregate severity of the gross unrealized loss was approximately 9% of amortized cost.

Commercial mortgage-backed securities included 44 securities that had at least one trade lot in a gross unrealized loss position. The aggregate severity of the gross unrealized loss was approximately 8% of amortized cost.

The following table summarizes asset-backed securities in a gross unrealized loss position by ratings distribution at June 30, 2012.

Gross Unrealized Losses by Ratings Distribution

June 30, 2012	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
(In millions)
U.S. Government, Government Agencies, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises	$	468	$	405	$	63
AAA	247		241		6
AA	163		155		8
A	141		134		7
BBB	162		148		14
Non-investment grade	679		608		71
Total	$	1,860	$	1,691	$	169

The Company believes the unrealized losses are primarily attributable to broader economic conditions, changes in interest rates and credit spreads, market illiquidity, and uncertainty with regard to the timing and amount of ultimate collateral realization, but are not indicative of the ultimate collectibility of the current carrying values of the securities. The Company has no current intent to sell these securities, nor is it more likely than not that it will be required to sell prior to recovery of amortized cost; accordingly, the Company has determined that there are no additional OTTI losses to be recorded at June 30, 2012.

Contractual Maturity

The following table summarizes available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain securities may be called or prepaid with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single date are allocated based on weighted average life.

Contractual Maturity

	June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
(In millions)	Cost or Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Cost or Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	1,889	$	1,904	$	1,802	$	1,812
Due after one year through five years	13,118		13,728		13,110		13,537
Due after five years through ten years	8,561		9,228		8,410		8,890
Due after ten years	14,273		16,463		14,017		15,692
Total	$	37,841	$	41,323	$	37,339	$	39,931

Investment Commitments

As of June 30, 2012, the Company had committed approximately $141 million to future capital calls from various third-party limited partnership investments in exchange for an ownership interest in the related partnerships.

The Company invests in various privately placed debt securities, including bank loans, as part of its overall investment strategy and has committed to additional future purchases, sales and funding. The purchase and sale of these investments are recorded on the date that the legal agreements are finalized and cash settlements are made. As of June 30, 2012, the Company had commitments to purchase $145 million and sell $124 million of such investments. The Company has an obligation to fund additional amounts under the terms of current loan participations that may not be recorded until a draw is made. As of June 30, 2012, the Company had obligations on unfunded bank loan participations in the amount of $12 million.

As of June 30, 2012, the Company had mortgage loan commitments of $20 million representing signed loan applications received and accepted. Mortgage loans are recorded once funded.

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Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves [Abstract]

Net prior year development

Net Prior Year Development

Three months ended June 30, 2012	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Corporate & Other Non-Core			Total
(In millions)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(35	)	$	(13	)	$	(4	)	$	(52	)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development	(5		)	(19		)	1			(23		)
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	$	(40	)	$	(32	)	$	(3	)	$	(75	)

Three months ended June 30, 2011	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Corporate & Other Non-Core			Total
(In millions)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(52	)	$	(50	)	$	(9	)	$	(111	)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development	(1		)	40			—			39
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	$	(53	)	$	(10	)	$	(9	)	$	(72	)

Six months ended June 30, 2012	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Corporate & Other Non-Core			Total
(In millions)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(41	)	$	(27	)	$	(2	)	$	(70	)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development	(14		)	(36		)	2			(48		)
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	$	(55	)	$	(63	)	$	—		$	(118	)

Six months ended June 30, 2011	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Corporate & Other Non-Core			Total
(In millions)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(67	)	$	(57	)	$	(6	)	$	(130	)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development	(8		)	32			(1		)	23
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	$	(75	)	$	(25	)	$	(7	)	$	(107	)

Net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development for CNA Specialty segment

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development:
Medical Professional Liability	$	(9	)	$	(20	)	$	(15	)	$	(34	)
Other Professional Liability	(6		)	(27		)	(2		)	(21		)
Surety	—			(3		)	1			(3		)
Warranty	—			(2		)	(1		)	(12		)
Other	(20		)	—			(24		)	3
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(35	)	$	(52	)	$	(41	)	$	(67	)

Net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development for CNA Commercial segment

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development:
Commercial Auto	$	2		$	(44	)	$	2		$	(34	)
General Liability	(13		)	—			(5		)	22
Workers' Compensation	8			28			(11		)	36
Property and Other	(10		)	(34		)	(13		)	(81		)
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(13	)	$	(50	)	$	(27	)	$	(57	)

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Subsequent Event

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

On July 2, 2012, the Company completed the previously announced acquisition of Hardy Underwriting Bermuda Limited (Hardy), a specialized Lloyd's of London (Lloyd's) underwriter. For the year ended December 31, 2011, Hardy reported gross written premiums of $430 million. The closing of the acquisition followed approval of the transaction agreement by Hardy shareholders and regulatory approvals in various jurisdictions. The purchase price for Hardy was approximately $230 million. Acquisition related expenses incurred during the six months ended June 30, 2012, including investment advisory, legal and other expenses, were recorded in the Corporate and Other Non-Core Segment and were approximately $4 million. Pursuant to requirements, the Company deposited approximately $230 million of British pound denominated short-term investments in escrow to fund the acquisition at the time the agreement was executed. Foreign exchange losses on these escrow funds are included in Corporate and Other Non-Core Net realized investment gains (losses).

The Company has not yet finalized the purchase accounting related to the acquisition of Hardy. The Company estimates that the fair value of Hardy's assets will include approximately $55 million of identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets and $80 million of identifiable finite-lived intangible assets, as well as the recognition of approximately $35 million of goodwill. The goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

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Legal Proceedings and Contingent Liabilities

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Legal Proceedings and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]

Legal Proceedings and Contingent Liabilities

Note G. Legal Proceedings and Contingent Liabilities

The Company is a party to routine litigation incidental to its business, which, based on the facts and circumstances currently known, is not material to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Fair Value

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value

Note E. Fair Value

Fair value is the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The following fair value hierarchy is used in selecting inputs, with the highest priority given to Level 1, as these are the most transparent or reliable.

Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.

Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are not observable.

Prices may fall within Level 1, 2 or 3 depending upon the methodologies and inputs used to estimate fair value for each specific security. Prices are determined by a dedicated group within the Investments and Treasury organization, who ultimately report to the Company's CFO. This group is responsible for valuation policies and procedures. In general the Company seeks to price securities using third-party pricing services. Securities not priced by pricing services are submitted to independent brokers for valuation and, if those are not available, internally developed pricing models are used to value assets using methodologies and inputs the Company believes market participants would use to value the assets.

The Company performs control procedures over information obtained from pricing services and brokers to ensure prices received represent a reasonable estimate of fair value and to confirm representations regarding whether inputs are observable or unobservable. Procedures include i) the review of pricing service or broker pricing methodologies, ii) back-testing, where past fair value estimates are compared to actual transactions executed in the market on similar dates, iii) exception reporting, where changes in price, period-over-period, are reviewed and challenged with the pricing service or broker based on exception criteria, iv) deep dives, where the Company independently validates detailed information regarding inputs and assumptions for individual securities and v) pricing validation, where prices received are compared to prices independently estimated by the Company.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below.

June 30, 2012								Total Assets/(Liabilities) at Fair Value
(In millions)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	—	$	21,004	$	488		$	21,492
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		10,327		89			10,416
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	—		5,448		443			5,891
Commercial mortgage-backed	—		1,403		166			1,569
Other asset-backed	—		631		434			1,065
Total asset-backed	—		7,482		1,043			8,525
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises	142		42		—			184
Foreign government	120		519		—			639
Redeemable preferred stock	28		56		27			111
Total fixed maturity securities	290		39,430		1,647			41,367
Equity securities	106		91		93			290
Derivative and other financial instruments, included in Other invested assets	—		—		11			11
Short term investments	1,225		271		4			1,500
Life settlement contracts, included in Other assets	—		—		116			116
Separate account business	12		355		3			370
Total assets	$	1,633	$	40,147	$	1,874		$	43,654
Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments, included in Other liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	(1	)	$	(1	)
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	(1	)	$	(1	)

December 31, 2011								Total Assets/(Liabilities) at Fair Value
(In millions)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	—	$	20,402	$	482		$	20,884
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		9,611		171			9,782
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	—		5,323		452			5,775
Commercial mortgage-backed	—		1,295		59			1,354
Other asset-backed	—		612		343			955
Total asset-backed	—		7,230		854			8,084
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises	451		42		—			493
Foreign government	92		544		—			636
Redeemable preferred stock	5		53		—			58
Total fixed maturity securities	548		37,882		1,507			39,937
Equity securities	124		113		67			304
Derivative and other financial instruments, included in Other invested assets	—		1		11			12
Short term investments	1,106		508		27			1,641
Life settlement contracts, included in Other assets	—		—		117			117
Separate account business	21		373		23			417
Total assets	$	1,799	$	38,877	$	1,752		$	42,428
Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments, included in Other liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	(1	)	$	(1	)
Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	(1	)	$	(1	)

The tables below present a reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

Level 3 (In millions)	Balance at April 1, 2012		Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)*		Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)			Purchases		Sales			Settlements			Transfers into Level 3		Transfers out of Level 3			Balance at June 30, 2012		Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30, 2012 recognized in net income (loss)*
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	486	$	3	$	2		$	68	$	(27	)	$	(13	)	$	9	$	(40	)	$	488	$	—
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	173		—		1			—		—			(85		)	—		—			89		—
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	447		1		(18		)	22		—			(9		)	—		—			443		—
Commercial mortgage-backed	105		2		4			87		(12		)	(4		)	—		(16		)	166		—
Other asset-backed	384		2		(1		)	182		(99		)	(34		)	—		—			434		—
Total asset-backed	936		5		(15		)	291		(111		)	(47		)	—		(16		)	1,043		—
Redeemable preferred stock	53		—		—			—		(26		)	—			—		—			27		—
Total fixed maturity securities	1,648		8		(12		)	359		(164		)	(145		)	9		(56		)	1,647		—
Equity securities	74		—		19			15		(15		)	—			—		—			93		(1		)
Derivative and other financial instruments, net	10		—		—			—		—			—			—		—			10		—
Short term investments	—		—		—			4		—			—			—		—			4		—
Life settlement contracts	115		20		—			—		—			(19		)	—		—			116		3
Separate account business	4		—		—			—		(1		)	—			—		—			3		—
Total	$	1,851	$	28	$	7		$	378	$	(180	)	$	(164	)	$	9	$	(56	)	$	1,873	$	2

Level 3 (In millions)	Balance at April 1, 2011		Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)*			Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)			Purchases		Sales			Settlements			Transfers into Level 3		Transfers out of Level 3			Balance at June 30, 2011		Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30, 2011 recognized in net income (loss)*
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	577	$	(2	)	$	2		$	304	$	(30	)	$	(70	)	$	31	$	—		$	812	$	(3	)
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	188		—			(1		)	—		—			(8		)	—		—			179		—
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	738		(13		)	12			50		(57		)	(19		)	—		(24		)	687		(15		)
Commercial mortgage-backed	88		—			2			5		—			—			—		—			95		—
Other asset-backed	445		1			—			127		(44		)	(24		)	—		(14		)	491		—
Total asset-backed	1,271		(12		)	14			182		(101		)	(43		)	—		(38		)	1,273		(15		)
Total fixed maturity securities	2,036		(14		)	15			486		(131		)	(121		)	31		(38		)	2,264		(18		)
Equity securities	30		(1		)	—			4		(2		)	—			5		—			36		(1		)
Derivative and other financial instruments, net	8		1			—			—		—			—			—		—			9		1
Short term investments	27		—			—			—		—			(21		)	—		—			6		—
Life settlement contracts	127		6			—			—		—			(4		)	—		—			129		3
Separate account business	39		—			—			—		(2		)	—			—		—			37		—
Total	$	2,267	$	(8	)	$	15		$	490	$	(135	)	$	(146	)	$	36	$	(38	)	$	2,481	$	(15	)

The tables below present a reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

Level 3 (In millions)	Balance at January 1, 2012		Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)*		Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)			Purchases		Sales			Settlements			Transfers into Level 3		Transfers out of Level 3			Balance at June 30, 2012		Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30, 2012 recognized in net income (loss)*
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	482	$	6	$	6		$	147	$	(113	)	$	(32	)	$	42	$	(50	)	$	488	$	—
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	171		—		3			—		—			(85		)	—		—			89		—
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	452		2		(22		)	60		—			(16		)	—		(33		)	443		—
Commercial mortgage-backed	59		2		8			129		(12		)	(4		)	—		(16		)	166		—
Other asset-backed	343		6		3			358		(176		)	(59		)	—		(41		)	434		—
Total asset-backed	854		10		(11		)	547		(188		)	(79		)	—		(90		)	1,043		—
Redeemable preferred stock	—		—		—			53		(26		)	—			—		—			27		—
Total fixed maturity securities	1,507		16		(2		)	747		(327		)	(196		)	42		(140		)	1,647		—
Equity securities	67		—		16			26		(16		)	—			—		—			93		(3		)
Derivative and other financial instruments, net	10		—		—			—		—			—			—		—			10		—
Short term investments	27		—		—			16		—			(39		)	—		—			4		—
Life settlement contracts	117		23		—			—		—			(24		)	—		—			116		3
Separate account business	23		—		—			—		(20		)	—			—		—			3		—
Total	$	1,751	$	39	$	14		$	789	$	(363	)	$	(259	)	$	42	$	(140	)	$	1,873	$	—

Level 3 (In millions)	Balance at January 1, 2011		Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)*			Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)			Purchases		Sales			Settlements			Transfers into Level 3		Transfers out of Level 3			Balance at June 30, 2011		Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30, 2011 recognized in net income (loss)*
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds	$	624	$	2		$	(3	)	$	346	$	(50	)	$	(97	)	$	40	$	(50	)	$	812	$	(3	)
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	266		—			—			—		—			(87		)	—		—			179		—
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	767		(12		)	14			97		(83		)	(41		)	—		(55		)	687		(15		)
Commercial mortgage-backed	73		3			18			5		(4		)	—			—		—			95		—
Other asset-backed	359		5			—			327		(131		)	(55		)	—		(14		)	491		—
Total asset-backed	1,199		(4		)	32			429		(218		)	(96		)	—		(69		)	1,273		(15		)
Redeemable preferred stock	3		3			(3		)	—		(3		)	—			—		—			—		—
Total fixed maturity securities	2,092		1			26			775		(271		)	(280		)	40		(119		)	2,264		(18		)
Equity securities	26		(2		)	(1		)	19		(11		)	—			5		—			36		(4		)
Derivative and other financial instruments, net	25		3			—			—		(19		)	—			—		—			9		1
Short term investments	27		—			—			12		—			(23		)	—		(10		)	6		—
Life settlement contracts	129		9			—			—		—			(9		)	—		—			129		3
Separate account business	41		—			—			—		(4		)	—			—		—			37		—
Total	$	2,340	$	11		$	25		$	806	$	(305	)	$	(312	)	$	45	$	(129	)	$	2,481	$	(18	)

* Net realized and unrealized gains and losses shown above are reported in Net income (loss) as follows:

Major Category of Assets and Liabilities	Consolidated Statements of Operations Line Items
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	Net realized investment gains (losses)
Fixed maturity securities trading	Net investment income
Equity securities	Net realized investment gains (losses)
Derivative financial instruments held in a trading portfolio	Net investment income
Derivative financial instruments not held in a trading portfolio and fair value option financial instruments	Net realized investment gains (losses)
Life settlement contracts	Other revenues

Securities shown in the Level 3 tables on the previous pages may be transferred in or out of Level 3 based on the availability of observable market information used to determine the fair value of the security. The availability of observable market information varies based on market conditions and trading volume and may cause securities to move in and out of Level 3 from reporting period to reporting period. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three or six months ended June 30, 2012 or 2011. The Company's policy is to recognize transfers between levels at the beginning of quarterly reporting periods.

Valuation Methodologies and Inputs

The following section describes the valuation methodologies and relevant inputs used to measure different financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which the instruments are generally classified.

Fixed Maturity Securities

Fixed maturity securities are valued using methodologies that model information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets, as well as discounted cash flow methodologies. Common inputs include: prices from recently executed transactions of similar securities, broker/dealer quotes, benchmark yields, spreads off benchmark yields, interest rates, and U.S. Treasury or swap curves. Specifically for asset-backed securities, key inputs include prepayment and default projections based on past performance of the underlying collateral and current market data.

Level 1 securities include highly liquid U.S. and foreign government bonds, and redeemable preferred stock, valued using quoted market prices. Level 2 securities include most other fixed maturity securities as the significant inputs are observable in the marketplace. Securities are generally assigned to Level 3 in cases where broker/dealer quotes are significant inputs to the valuation and there is a lack of transparency as to whether these quotes are based on information that is observable in the marketplace. Level 3 securities also include tax-exempt auction rate certificates and private placement debt securities. Fair value of auction rate securities is determined utilizing a pricing model with three primary inputs. The interest rate and spread inputs are observable from like instruments while the expected call date assumption is unobservable due to the uncertain nature of principal prepayments prior to maturity. Fair value of private placement debt securities is determined using internal models with inputs that are not market observable.

Equity Securities

Level 1 equity securities include publicly traded securities valued using quoted market prices. Level 2 securities are primarily non-redeemable preferred stocks and common stocks valued using pricing for similar securities, recently executed transactions, broker/dealer quotes and other pricing models utilizing market observable inputs. Level 3 securities are priced using internal models with inputs that are not market observable.

Derivative and Other Financial Instruments

Exchange traded derivatives, primarily futures, are valued using quoted market prices and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 2 derivatives primarily include currency forwards valued using observable market forward rates. Over-the-counter derivatives, principally interest rate swaps, total return swaps, credit default swaps, equity warrants and options, are valued using inputs including broker/dealer quotes and are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy due to a lack of transparency as to whether these quotes are based on information that is observable in the marketplace. Other financial instruments consist of Level 3 securities for which the fair value option has been elected which contain embedded derivatives and are priced using either broker/dealer quotes or internal models with inputs that are not market observable.

Short Term Investments

The valuation of securities that are actively traded or have quoted prices are classified as Level 1. These securities include money market funds and treasury bills. Level 2 primarily includes commercial paper, for which all inputs are market observable. Fixed maturity securities purchased within one year of maturity are classified consistent with fixed maturity securities discussed above. Short term investments as presented in the tables above differ from the amounts presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets because certain short term investments, such as time deposits, are not measured at fair value.

Life Settlement Contracts

The fair values of life settlement contracts are determined as the present value of the anticipated death benefits less anticipated premium payments based on contract terms that are distinct for each insured, as well as the Company's own assumptions for mortality, premium expense, and the rate of return that a buyer would require on the contracts, as no comparable market pricing data is available.

Separate Account Business

Separate account business includes fixed maturity securities, equities and short term investments. The valuation methodologies and inputs for these asset types have been described above.

Significant Unobservable Inputs

The table below presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs utilized by the Company in the fair value measurements of Level 3 assets. Valuations for assets and liabilities not presented in the table below are primarily based on broker/dealer quotes for which there is a lack of transparency as to inputs used to develop the valuations. The quantitative detail of these unobservable inputs is neither provided nor reasonably available to the Company.

	Fair Value at June 30, 2012		Valuation Technique(s)	Unobservable Input(s)	Range  (Weighted Average)
Assets
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	122	Discounted cash flow	Expected call date	0.3 - 4.7 years (3.5 years)
				Spreads off benchmark yields	225-325 bps (269 bps)
	$	34	Market approach	Private offering price	$97.25 - $100.08 ($99.16)
Equity securities	$	93	Market approach	Private offering price	$0.10 - $4,023 per share ($268.85 per share)
Life settlement contracts	$	116	Discounted cash flow	Discount rate risk premium	9%
				Mortality assumption	65% - 928% (185%)

For fixed maturity securities, an increase to the expected call date assumption or credit spreads off benchmark yields or decrease in the private offering price would result in a lower fair value measurement. For equity securities, an increase in the private offering price would result in a higher fair value measurement. For life settlement contracts, an increase in the discount rate risk premium or decrease in the mortality assumption would result in a lower fair value measurement.

Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company's financial instrument assets and liabilities which are not measured at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are listed in the tables below.

June 30, 2012	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
(In millions)			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Financial assets
Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock	$	21	$	—	$	—	$	21	$	21
Mortgage loans	339		—		—		352		352
Financial liabilities
Premium deposits and annuity contracts	$	105	$	—	$	—	$	109	$	109
Short term debt	83		—		83		—		83
Long term debt	2,526		—		2,835		—		2,835

December 31, 2011	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
(In millions)
Financial assets
Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock	$	22	$	22
Mortgage loans	234		247
Financial liabilities
Premium deposits and annuity contracts	$	109	$	114
Short term debt	83		84
Long term debt	2,525		2,679

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of these financial assets and liabilities.

The fair values of Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock were estimated using discounted cash flows utilizing interest rates currently offered for obligations securitized with similar collateral, adjusted for specific note receivable risk.

The fair values of Mortgage loans were based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the current interest rate for origination of similar quality loans, adjusted for specific loan risk.

Premium deposits and annuity contracts were valued based on cash surrender values or estimated fair values of policyholder liabilities, net of amounts ceded related to sold business.

The Company's senior notes and debentures were valued based on observable market prices. The fair value for other debt was estimated using discounted cash flows based on current incremental borrowing rates for similar borrowing arrangements.

The carrying amounts reported on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for Cash, Short term investments not carried at fair value, Accrued investment income and certain other assets and other liabilities approximate fair value due to the short term nature of these items. These assets and liabilities are not listed in the tables above.

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Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]

Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves

Note F. Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves

The Company's property and casualty insurance claim and claim adjustment expense reserves represent the estimated amounts necessary to resolve all outstanding claims, including IBNR claims as of the reporting date. The Company's reserve projections are based primarily on detailed analysis of the facts in each case, the Company's experience with similar cases and various historical development patterns. Consideration is given to such historical patterns as field reserving trends and claims settlement practices, loss payments, pending levels of unpaid claims and product mix, as well as court decisions, economic conditions including inflation, and public attitudes. All of these factors can affect the estimation of claim and claim adjustment expense reserves.

Establishing claim and claim adjustment expense reserves, including claim and claim adjustment expense reserves for catastrophic events that have occurred, is an estimation process. Many factors can ultimately affect the final settlement of a claim and, therefore, the necessary reserve. Changes in the law, results of litigation, medical costs, the cost of repair materials and labor rates can all affect ultimate claim costs. In addition, time can be a critical part of reserving determinations since the longer the span between the incidence of a loss and the payment or settlement of the claim, the more variable the ultimate settlement amount can be. Accordingly, short-tail claims, such as property damage claims, tend to be more reasonably estimable than long-tail claims, such as workers' compensation, general liability and professional liability claims. Adjustments to prior year reserve estimates, if necessary, are reflected in the results of operations in the period that the need for such adjustments is determined. There can be no assurance that the Company's ultimate cost for insurance losses will not exceed current estimates.

Catastrophes are an inherent risk of the property and casualty insurance business and have contributed to material period-to-period fluctuations in the Company's results of operations and/or equity. The Company reported catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance, of $68 million and $96 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012. Catastrophe losses in 2012 related primarily to U.S. storms. The Company reported catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance, of $100 million and $155 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011.

Net Prior Year Development

The following tables and discussion include the net prior year development recorded for CNA Specialty, CNA Commercial and Corporate & Other Non-Core.

Net Prior Year Development

Three months ended June 30, 2012	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Corporate & Other Non-Core			Total
(In millions)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(35	)	$	(13	)	$	(4	)	$	(52	)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development	(5		)	(19		)	1			(23		)
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	$	(40	)	$	(32	)	$	(3	)	$	(75	)

Three months ended June 30, 2011	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Corporate & Other Non-Core			Total
(In millions)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(52	)	$	(50	)	$	(9	)	$	(111	)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development	(1		)	40			—			39
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	$	(53	)	$	(10	)	$	(9	)	$	(72	)

Six months ended June 30, 2012	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Corporate & Other Non-Core			Total
(In millions)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(41	)	$	(27	)	$	(2	)	$	(70	)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development	(14		)	(36		)	2			(48		)
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	$	(55	)	$	(63	)	$	—		$	(118	)

Six months ended June 30, 2011	CNA Specialty			CNA Commercial			Corporate & Other Non-Core			Total
(In millions)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(67	)	$	(57	)	$	(6	)	$	(130	)
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development	(8		)	32			(1		)	23
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	$	(75	)	$	(25	)	$	(7	)	$	(107	)

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, favorable premium development was recorded for CNA Commercial primarily due to premium adjustments on auditable policies arising from increased exposures.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, unfavorable premium development was recorded due to a reduction of ultimate premium estimates relating to retrospectively rated policies, partially offset by premium adjustments on auditable policies due to increased exposures.

CNA Specialty

The following table provides further detail of the net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development (development) recorded for the CNA Specialty segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development:
Medical Professional Liability	$	(9	)	$	(20	)	$	(15	)	$	(34	)
Other Professional Liability	(6		)	(27		)	(2		)	(21		)
Surety	—			(3		)	1			(3		)
Warranty	—			(2		)	(1		)	(12		)
Other	(20		)	—			(24		)	3
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(35	)	$	(52	)	$	(41	)	$	(67	)

Three Month Comparison

2012

Favorable development for medical professional liability was primarily due to a decrease in incurred loss severity in accident years 2008 through 2010.

Other includes standard property and casualty coverages provided to CNA Specialty customers. Favorable development for other coverages was primarily due to favorable loss emergence in property and workers' compensation coverages in accident years 2005 and subsequent.

2011

Favorable development for medical professional liability was primarily due to favorable case incurred emergence in primary institutions in accident years 2008 and prior.

Favorable development for other professional liability was driven by better than expected loss emergence in life agents coverages.

Six Month Comparison

2012

Favorable development for medical professional liability was primarily due to a decrease in incurred loss severity in accident years 2008 through 2010 and reductions in the estimated frequency of large losses in accident years 2008 and prior.

Favorable development for other coverages was primarily due to favorable loss emergence in property and workers' compensation coverages in accident years 2005 and subsequent.

2011

Favorable development for medical professional liability was primarily due to favorable case incurred emergence in accident years 2008 and prior.

Favorable development for other professional liability was driven by better than expected loss emergence in life agents coverages.

Favorable development in warranty was driven by favorable policy year experience on an aggregate stop loss policy covering the Company's non-insurance warranty subsidiary.

CNA Commercial

The following table provides further detail of development recorded for the CNA Commercial segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development:
Commercial Auto	$	2		$	(44	)	$	2		$	(34	)
General Liability	(13		)	—			(5		)	22
Workers' Compensation	8			28			(11		)	36
Property and Other	(10		)	(34		)	(13		)	(81		)
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(13	)	$	(50	)	$	(27	)	$	(57	)

Three Month Comparison

2012

Favorable development for general liability coverages was primarily related to favorable loss emergence in accident years 2005 and prior.

Favorable development for property and marine coverages was due to a favorable outcome on an individual claim in accident year 2005 and favorable loss emergence in non-catastrophe losses in accident year 2010.

2011

Favorable development for commercial auto coverages was due to lower than expected severity on bodily injury claims in accident years 2006 and prior.

Unfavorable development for workers' compensation primarily reflected higher than expected severity on risk management claims, in accident years 2006 and prior.

Favorable development for property coverages was due to favorable loss emergence related to catastrophe claims in accident year 2008 and non-catastrophe claims in accident years 2009 and prior.

Six Month Comparison

2012

Overall, favorable development for workers' compensation reflects favorable experience in accident years 2001 and prior. Unfavorable development was recorded in accident year 2010 related to increased medical severity and in accident year 2011 related to favorable premium development.

Favorable development for property and marine coverages was due to a favorable outcome on an individual claim in accident year 2005 and favorable loss emergence in non-catastrophe losses in accident year 2010.

2011

Favorable development for commercial auto coverages was due to lower than expected severity on bodily injury claims in accident years 2006 and prior.

The unfavorable development in the general liability coverages was primarily due to two large claim outcomes on umbrella claims in accident year 2001.

Unfavorable development for workers' compensation primarily reflected higher than expected severity on risk management claims, in accident years 2006 and prior.

Favorable development for property coverages was due to lower than expected frequency in commercial multi-peril coverages primarily in accident year 2010, a favorable settlement on an individual claim in accident year 2003 in the equipment breakdown book, favorable loss emergence related to catastrophe claims in accident year 2008 and favorable loss emergence related to non-catastrophe claims in accident years 2009 and prior.

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Benefit Plans

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Benefit Plans

Note H. Benefit Plans

The components of net periodic cost (benefit) are presented in the following table.

Net Periodic Cost (Benefit)

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Pension cost (benefit)
Service cost	$	3		$	3		$	6		$	7
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	33			36			67			73
Expected return on plan assets	(42		)	(43		)	(85		)	(86		)
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	9			6			19			12
Net periodic pension cost (benefit)	$	3		$	2		$	7		$	6
Postretirement cost (benefit)
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	$	1		$	1		$	1		$	2
Amortization of prior service credit	(5		)	(4		)	(9		)	(9		)
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	—			(1		)	—			—
Net periodic postretirement cost (benefit)	$	(4	)	$	(4	)	$	(8	)	$	(7	)

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Investments (Activity related to the pretax fixed maturity credit loss component reflected within retained earnings for securities still held) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance of credit losses on fixed maturity securities	$ 100	$ 113	$ 92	$ 141
Additional credit losses for securities for which an OTTI loss was previously recognized	10	8	21	18
Credit losses for securities for which an OTTI loss was not previously recognized	1		2	1
Reductions for securities sold during the period	(4)	(21)	(8)	(46)
Reductions for securities the Company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell	(8)	(18)	(8)	(32)
Ending balance of credit losses on fixed maturity securities	$ 99	$ 82	$ 99	$ 82

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Business Segments (Balance Sheet Information) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reinsurance receivables	$ 5,822	$ 6,092
Insurance receivables	1,904	1,726
Deferred acquisition costs	584	552
Insurance reserves
Claim and claim adjustment expenses	24,007	24,303
Unearned premiums	3,478	3,250
Future policy benefits	10,352	9,810
Policyholders’ funds	167	191
CNA Specialty [Member]
Reinsurance receivables	837	852
Insurance receivables	711	670
Deferred acquisition costs	308	300
Insurance reserves
Claim and claim adjustment expenses	6,925	6,840
Unearned premiums	1,708	1,629
Future policy benefits
Policyholders’ funds	13	15
CNA Commercial [Member]
Reinsurance receivables	1,149	1,188
Insurance receivables	1,182	1,047
Deferred acquisition costs	276	252
Insurance reserves
Claim and claim adjustment expenses	11,316	11,509
Unearned premiums	1,626	1,480
Future policy benefits
Policyholders’ funds	13	10
Life and Group Non-Core [Member]
Reinsurance receivables	1,323	1,375
Insurance receivables	8	8
Deferred acquisition costs
Insurance reserves
Claim and claim adjustment expenses	2,901	2,825
Unearned premiums	145	141
Future policy benefits	10,352	9,810
Policyholders’ funds	141	166
Corporate and Other Non-Core [Member]
Reinsurance receivables	2,513	2,677
Insurance receivables	3	1
Deferred acquisition costs
Insurance reserves
Claim and claim adjustment expenses	2,865	3,129
Unearned premiums
Future policy benefits
Policyholders’ funds
Eliminations [Member]
Reinsurance receivables
Insurance receivables
Deferred acquisition costs
Insurance reserves
Claim and claim adjustment expenses
Unearned premiums	(1)
Future policy benefits
Policyholders’ funds

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Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Summary of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

Summary of recognized gains (losses) related to derivative financial instruments

Recognized Gains (Losses)

Periods ended June 30	Three Months				Six Months
(In millions)	2012		2011		2012		2011
Without hedge designation
Currency forwards	$	1	$	—	$	—	$	(1	)
Total without hedge designation	1		—		—		(1		)
Trading activities
Futures sold, not yet purchased	—		—		1		—
Total	$	1	$	—	$	1	$	(1	)

Summary of aggregate contractual or notional amounts and gross estimated fair values related to derivative financial instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments

June 30, 2012	Contractual/ Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value
(In millions)			Asset		(Liability)
Without hedge designation
Credit default swaps - purchased protection	$	20	$	—	$	(1	)
Currency forwards	40		—		—
Equity warrants	5		—		—
Total without hedge designation	65		—		(1		)
Trading activities
Futures sold, not yet purchased	48		—		—
Total	$	113	$	—	$	(1	)

December 31, 2011	Contractual/ Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value
(In millions)			Asset		(Liability)
Without hedge designation
Credit default swaps - purchased protection	$	20	$	—	$	(1	)
Currency forwards	22		1		—
Equity warrants	4		—		—
Total	$	46	$	1	$	(1	)

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General (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Basis of presentation [Member]
Percentage owned of outstanding common stock by majority shareholder			90.00%
Noncontrolling interest [Member]
Sale of CNA ownership percentage of FICOH					50.00%
Accounting standards update 2010-26 [Member]
New accounting pronouncement or change in accounting principle, retrospective Application impracticable			Due to the lack of available historical data related to certain accident and health contracts issued prior to January 1, 2004, a full retrospective application of the change in accounting guidance was impracticable.
Decrease in net income attributable to CNA	$ 1	$ 2	$ 3	$ 5
Decrease in deferred acquisition costs					106
Increase in deferred income taxes					37
Decrease in amortization of deferred acquisition costs		64		112
Increase in other operating expenses		67		119
Changes in income tax expense benefit				1
Decrease in net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		1		1
Decrease in basic and diluted earnings per share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.02
Change in net cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities

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Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Maximum potential future lease payments and other related costs under guarantee on a real estate joint venture	$ 125
Unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation, total	15
Unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation, due within one year	7
Unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation, due within two years	2
Unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation, due thereafter	6
Aggregate amount of quantifiable indemnification agreements in effect for sales of business entities, assets and third party loans	758
Recorded liabilities related to indemnification agreements	$ 14	$ 15

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Fair Value (Table of reconciliation for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning, Assets	$ 1,851	$ 2,267	$ 1,751	$ 2,340
Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)	28	(8)	39	11
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	7	15	14	25
Purchases	378	490	789	806
Sales	(180)	(135)	(363)	(305)
Settlements	(164)	(146)	(259)	(312)
Transfers into Level 3	9	36	42	45
Transfers out of Level 3	(56)	(38)	(140)	(129)
Balance, Ending, Assets	1,873	2,481	1,873	2,481
Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30 recognized in net income (loss)	2	(15)		(18)
Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning, Assets	1,648	2,036	1,507	2,092
Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)	8	(14)	16	1
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(12)	15	(2)	26
Purchases	359	486	747	775
Sales	(164)	(131)	(327)	(271)
Settlements	(145)	(121)	(196)	(280)
Transfers into Level 3	9	31	42	40
Transfers out of Level 3	(56)	(38)	(140)	(119)
Balance, Ending, Assets	1,647	2,264	1,647	2,264
Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30 recognized in net income (loss)		(18)		(18)
Corporate and other bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning, Assets	486	577	482	624
Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)	3	(2)	6	2
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	2	2	6	(3)
Purchases	68	304	147	346
Sales	(27)	(30)	(113)	(50)
Settlements	(13)	(70)	(32)	(97)
Transfers into Level 3	9	31	42	40
Transfers out of Level 3	(40)		(50)	(50)
Balance, Ending, Assets	488	812	488	812
Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30 recognized in net income (loss)		(3)		(3)
States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning, Assets	173	188	171	266
Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	1	(1)	3
Purchases
Sales
Settlements	(85)	(8)	(85)	(87)
Transfers into Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3
Balance, Ending, Assets	89	179	89	179
Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30 recognized in net income (loss)
Asset-backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning, Assets	936	1,271	854	1,199
Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)	5	(12)	10	(4)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(15)	14	(11)	32
Purchases	291	182	547	429
Sales	(111)	(101)	(188)	(218)
Settlements	(47)	(43)	(79)	(96)
Transfers into Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3	(16)	(38)	(90)	(69)
Balance, Ending, Assets	1,043	1,273	1,043	1,273
Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30 recognized in net income (loss)		(15)		(15)
Residential mortgage-backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning, Assets	447	738	452	767
Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)	1	(13)	2	(12)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(18)	12	(22)	14
Purchases	22	50	60	97
Sales		(57)		(83)
Settlements	(9)	(19)	(16)	(41)
Transfers into Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3		(24)	(33)	(55)
Balance, Ending, Assets	443	687	443	687
Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30 recognized in net income (loss)		(15)		(15)
Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning, Assets	105	88	59	73
Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)	2		2	3
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	4	2	8	18
Purchases	87	5	129	5
Sales	(12)		(12)	(4)
Settlements	(4)		(4)
Transfers into Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3	(16)		(16)
Balance, Ending, Assets	166	95	166	95
Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30 recognized in net income (loss)
Other asset-backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning, Assets	384	445	343	359
Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)	2	1	6	5
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(1)		3
Purchases	182	127	358	327
Sales	(99)	(44)	(176)	(131)
Settlements	(34)	(24)	(59)	(55)
Transfers into Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3		(14)	(41)	(14)
Balance, Ending, Assets	434	491	434	491
Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30 recognized in net income (loss)
Redeemable preferred stock [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning, Assets	53			3
Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)				3
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)				(3)
Purchases			53
Sales	(26)		(26)	(3)
Settlements
Transfers into Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3
Balance, Ending, Assets	27		27
Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30 recognized in net income (loss)
Equity securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning, Assets	74	30	67	26
Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)		(1)		(2)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	19		16	(1)
Purchases	15	4	26	19
Sales	(15)	(2)	(16)	(11)
Settlements
Transfers into Level 3		5		5
Transfers out of Level 3
Balance, Ending, Assets	93	36	93	36
Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30 recognized in net income (loss)	(1)	(1)	(3)	(4)
Derivative and other financial instruments, net [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning, Assets	10	8	10	25
Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)		1		3
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
Purchases
Sales				(19)
Settlements
Transfers into Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3
Balance, Ending, Assets	10	9	10	9
Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30 recognized in net income (loss)		1		1
Short term investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning, Assets		27	27	27
Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
Purchases	4		16	12
Sales
Settlements		(21)	(39)	(23)
Transfers into Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3				(10)
Balance, Ending, Assets	4	6	4	6
Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30 recognized in net income (loss)
Life settlement contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning, Assets	115	127	117	129
Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)	20	6	23	9
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
Purchases
Sales
Settlements	(19)	(4)	(24)	(9)
Transfers into Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3
Balance, Ending, Assets	116	129	116	129
Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30 recognized in net income (loss)	3	3	3	3
Seperate account business [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning, Assets	4	39	23	41
Net realized investment gains (losses) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in net income (loss)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
Purchases
Sales	(1)	(2)	(20)	(4)
Settlements
Transfers into Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3
Balance, Ending, Assets	3	37	3	37
Unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities held at June 30 recognized in net income (loss)

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Fixed maturity securities at fair value (amortized cost of $37,885 and $37,345)	$ 41,367	$ 39,937
Equity securities at fair value (cost of $252 and $288)	290	304
Limited partnership investments	2,242	2,245
Other invested assets	11	12
Mortgage loans	339	234
Short term investments	1,752	1,641
Total investments	46,001	44,373
Cash	100	75
Reinsurance receivables (less allowance for uncollectible receivables of $71 and $91)	5,751	6,001
Insurance receivables (less allowance for uncollectible receivables of $110 and $112)	1,794	1,614
Accrued investment income	446	436
Deferred acquisition costs	584	552
Deferred income taxes	127	415
Property and equipment at cost (less accumulated depreciation of $428 and $420)	310	309
Goodwill and other intangible assets	139	139
Other assets (includes $0 and $130 due from Loews Corporation)	877	779
Separate account business	370	417
Total assets	56,499	55,110
Liabilities and Equity
Claim and claim adjustment expenses	24,007	24,303
Unearned premiums	3,478	3,250
Future policy benefits	10,352	9,810
Policyholders’ funds	167	191
Participating policyholders’ funds	71	68
Short term debt	83	83
Long term debt	2,526	2,525
Other liabilities (includes $18 and $0 due to Loews Corporation)	3,231	2,975
Separate account business	370	417
Total liabilities	44,285	43,622
Commitments and contingencies (Notes C, G and I)
Equity:
Common stock ($2.50 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 273,040,243 shares issued; 269,397,139 and 269,274,900 shares outstanding)	683	683
Additional paid-in capital	2,141	2,141
Retained earnings	8,643	8,308
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	867	480
Treasury stock (3,643,104 and 3,765,343 shares), at cost	(99)	(102)
Notes receivable for the issuance of common stock	(21)	(22)
Total CNA stockholders’ equity	12,214	11,488
Total liabilities and equity	$ 56,499	$ 55,110

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Earnings Per Share

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Earnings (Loss) Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

Note B. Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share attributable to the Company's common stockholders is based on the weighted average number of outstanding common shares. Basic earnings (loss) per share excludes the impact of dilutive securities and is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CNA by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, approximately 410 thousand and 368 thousand potential shares attributable to exercises under stock-based employee compensation plans were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For those same periods, approximately 622 thousand and 735 thousand potential shares attributable to exercises under stock-based employee compensation plans were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been antidilutive.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, approximately 352 thousand and 329 thousand potential shares attributable to exercises under stock-based employee compensation plans were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For those same periods, approximately 931 thousand and 1.0 million potential shares attributable to exercises under stock-based employee compensation plans were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been antidilutive.

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Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements	410,000	352,000	368,000	329,000
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	622,000	931,000	735,000	1,000,000

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Derivative Financial Instruments (Summary of recognized gains (losses) related to derivative financial instruments) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Recognized Gains (Losses)
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, gain (loss), net	$ 1			$ (1)
Derivative instruments, gain (loss) recognized in income, net	1		1	(1)
Currency forwards [Member]
Recognized Gains (Losses)
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, gain (loss), net	1			(1)
Futures sold, not yet purchased [Member]
Recognized Gains (Losses)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments held for trading purposes, net			$ 1

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Investments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Investments [Abstract]

Net investment income

Net Investment Income

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Fixed maturity securities	$	505		$	505		$	1,021		$	1,011
Short term investments	2			2			3			4
Limited partnership investments	(35		)	11			95			125
Equity securities	2			6			6			12
Mortgage loans	5			2			8			4
Trading portfolio (a)	4			3			11			6
Other	2			3			3			5
Gross investment income	485			532			1,147			1,167
Investment expense	(15		)	(15		)	(29		)	(30		)
Net investment income	$	470		$	517		$	1,118		$	1,137

___________________

(a) There were no net unrealized gains (losses) related to changes in fair value of trading securities still held included in net investment income for the three or six months ended June 30, 2012 or 2011.

Net realized investment gains (losses)

Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Net realized investment gains (losses):
Fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains	$	49		$	89		$	118		$	177
Gross realized losses	(32		)	(69		)	(71		)	(137		)
Net realized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities	17			20			47			40
Equity securities:
Gross realized gains	2			1			5			6
Gross realized losses	(2		)	(3		)	(4		)	(8		)
Net realized investment gains (losses) on equity securities	—			(2		)	1			(2		)
Derivatives	1			—			—			(1		)
Short term investments and other (a) (b)	4			(3		)	10			(9		)
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of participating policyholders’ interests	$	22		$	15		$	58		$	28

____________________

(a) The six months ended June 30, 2011 included a $9 million loss related to the early extinguishment of debt in 2011.

(b) Includes net unrealized gains (losses) related to changes in the fair value of securities for which the fair value option has been elected. There were no net unrealized gains (losses) for the three months ended June 30, 2012 or 2011. There were no net unrealized gains (losses) for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with unrealized gains of $1 million for the same period in 2011.

Components of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings

The components of net other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses recognized in earnings by asset type are summarized in the following table.

Periods ended June 30	Three Months				Six Months
(In millions)	2012		2011		2012		2011
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Corporate and other bonds	$	6	$	15	$	16	$	24
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	15		46		29		74
U.S. Treasury and obligation of government-sponsored enterprises	—		—		1		—
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	21		61		46		98
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stock	2		1		4		4
Preferred stock	—		—		—		1
Total equity securities available-for-sale	2		1		4		5
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	$	23	$	62	$	50	$	103

Summary of fixed maturity and equity securities

Summary of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities

June 30, 2012	Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Corporate and other bonds	$	19,350	$	2,209	$	79	$	21,480	$	—
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	9,225		1,225		66		10,384		—
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	5,817		215		141		5,891		42
Commercial mortgage-backed	1,514		82		27		1,569		(2		)
Other asset-backed	1,046		20		1		1,065		—
Total asset-backed	8,377		317		169		8,525		40
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises	172		12		—		184		—
Foreign government	616		23		—		639		—
Redeemable preferred stock	101		10		—		111		—
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	37,841		3,796		314		41,323		$	40
Total fixed maturity securities trading	44		—		—		44
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stock	27		21		—		48
Preferred stock	225		17		—		242
Total equity securities available-for-sale	252		38		—		290
Total	$	38,137	$	3,834	$	314	$	41,657

December 31, 2011	Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Corporate and other bonds	$	19,086	$	1,946	$	154	$	20,878	$	—
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	9,018		900		136		9,782		—
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	5,786		172		183		5,775		99
Commercial mortgage-backed	1,365		48		59		1,354		(2		)
Other asset-backed	946		13		4		955		—
Total asset-backed	8,097		233		246		8,084		97
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises	479		14		—		493		—
Foreign government	608		28		—		636		—
Redeemable preferred stock	51		7		—		58		—
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	37,339		3,128		536		39,931		$	97
Total fixed maturity securities trading	6		—		—		6
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stock	30		17		—		47
Preferred stock	258		4		5		257
Total equity securities available-for-sale	288		21		5		304
Total	$	37,633	$	3,149	$	541	$	40,241

Securities in a gross unrealized loss position

Securities in a Gross Unrealized Loss Position

	Less than 12 Months				12 Months or Longer				Total
June 30, 2012	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Corporate and other bonds	$	1,550	$	53	$	192	$	26	$	1,742	$	79
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	174		2		301		64		475		66
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	276		13		923		128		1,199		141
Commercial mortgage-backed	158		5		153		22		311		27
Other asset-backed	181		1		—		—		181		1
Total asset-backed	615		19		1,076		150		1,691		169
Total	$	2,339	$	74	$	1,569	$	240	$	3,908	$	314

	Less than 12 Months				12 Months or Longer				Total
December 31, 2011	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Corporate and other bonds	$	2,552	$	126	$	159	$	28	$	2,711	$	154
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	67		1		721		135		788		136
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed	719		36		874		147		1,593		183
Commercial mortgage-backed	431		39		169		20		600		59
Other asset-backed	389		4		—		—		389		4
Total asset-backed	1,539		79		1,043		167		2,582		246
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	4,158		206		1,923		330		6,081		536
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Preferred stock	117		5		—		—		117		5
Total	$	4,275	$	211	$	1,923	$	330	$	6,198	$	541

Activity related to the pretax fixed maturity credit loss component reflected within retained earnings for securities still held

The following table summarizes the activity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 related to the pretax credit loss component reflected in Retained earnings on fixed maturity securities still held at June 30, 2012 and 2011 for which a portion of an OTTI loss was recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss).

Periods ended June 30	Three Months						Six Months
(In millions)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Beginning balance of credit losses on fixed maturity securities	$	100		$	113		$	92		$	141
Additional credit losses for securities for which an OTTI loss was previously recognized	10			8			21			18
Credit losses for securities for which an OTTI loss was not previously recognized	1			—			2			1
Reductions for securities sold during the period	(4		)	(21		)	(8		)	(46		)
Reductions for securities the Company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell	(8		)	(18		)	(8		)	(32		)
Ending balance of credit losses on fixed maturity securities	$	99		$	82		$	99		$	82

Ratings distribution of asset-backed securities in a gross unrealized loss position

Gross Unrealized Losses by Ratings Distribution

June 30, 2012	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
(In millions)
U.S. Government, Government Agencies, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises	$	468	$	405	$	63
AAA	247		241		6
AA	163		155		8
A	141		134		7
BBB	162		148		14
Non-investment grade	679		608		71
Total	$	1,860	$	1,691	$	169

Contractual maturity

Contractual Maturity

	June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
(In millions)	Cost or Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Cost or Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	1,889	$	1,904	$	1,802	$	1,812
Due after one year through five years	13,118		13,728		13,110		13,537
Due after five years through ten years	8,561		9,228		8,410		8,890
Due after ten years	14,273		16,463		14,017		15,692
Total	$	37,841	$	41,323	$	37,339	$	39,931