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