Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ 637	$ 434
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)	95	151
Trading portfolio activity	(13)	(8)
Net realized investment (gains) losses, net of participating policyholders' interests	(66)	(1)
Equity method investees	(68)	80
Amortization of investments	(43)	(47)
Depreciation and amortization	83	59
Changes in:
Receivables, net	348	267
Accrued investment income	(46)	(42)
Deferred acquisition costs	(27)	(21)
Insurance reserves	(53)	(5)
Other assets	90	110
Other liabilities	47	(181)
Other, net	8	10
Total adjustments	356	381
Net cash flows provided (used) by operating activities-continuing operations	993	815
Net cash flows provided (used) by operating activities-discontinued operations		(2)
Net cash flows provided (used) by operating activities-total	993	813
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Purchases of fixed maturity securities	(7,369)	(8,854)
Proceeds from fixed maturity securities:
Sales	4,761	5,900
Maturities, calls and redemptions	2,655	2,434
Purchases of equity securities	(30)	(51)
Proceeds from sales of equity securities	72	171
Origination of mortgage loans	(129)	(118)
Change in short term investments	(505)	499
Change in other investments	35	(137)
Purchase of Hardy	(197)
Purchases of property and equipment	(60)	(67)
Other, net	20	4
Net cash flows provided (used) by investing activities-continuing operations	(747)	(219)
Net cash flows provided (used) by investing activities-discontinued operations		2
Net cash flows provided (used) by investing activities-total	(747)	(217)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Acquisition of CNA Surety noncontrolling interest		(475)
Dividends paid to common stockholders	(122)	(81)
Proceeds from the issuance of debt		396
Repayment of debt	(70)	(420)
Stock options exercised	1	2
Other, net	(4)	(10)
Net cash flows provided (used) by financing activities-continuing operations	(195)	(588)
Net cash flows provided (used) by financing activities-discontinued operations
Net cash flows provided (used) by financing activities-total	(195)	(588)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	3	(1)
Net change in cash	54	7
Cash, beginning of year	75	77
Cash, end of period	$ 129	$ 84