Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ 937	$ 628	$ 628
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		4	9
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	77	147	188
Trading portfolio activity	(10)	(23)	1
Net realized investment (gains) losses	(31)	(63)	2
Equity method investees	(323)	(89)	97
Amortization of investments	(24)	(55)	(64)
Depreciation and amortization	101	125	79
Changes in:
Receivables, net	44	49	1,020
Accrued investment income	(9)	4	(17)
Deferred acquisition costs	2	(16)	(1)
Insurance reserves	(68)	430	(237)
Other assets	(27)	144	175
Other liabilities	525	(49)	(187)
Other, net	10	14	10
Total adjustments	267	622	1,076
Net cash flows provided (used) by operating activities-continuing operations	1,204	1,250	1,704
Net cash flows provided (used) by operating activities-discontinued operations			(2)
Net cash flows provided (used) by operating activities-total	1,204	1,250	1,702
Dispositions:
Fixed maturity securities - sales	6,869	6,123	7,579
Fixed maturity securities - maturities, calls and redemptions	3,271	3,699	3,055
Equity securities	103	86	178
Limited partnerships	108	165	57
Mortgage loans	22	7	2
Purchases:
Fixed maturity securities	(11,197)	(10,299)	(12,168)
Equity securities	(77)	(54)	(72)
Limited partnerships	(223)	(228)	(215)
Mortgage loans	(129)	(174)	(149)
Change in other investments	(22)	22	17
Change in short term investments	425	(7)	566
Purchase of Hardy		(197)
Purchases of property and equipment	(91)	(94)	(84)
Other dispositions	32	1	171
Other, net	11	16	1
Net cash flows provided (used) by investing activities-continuing operations	(898)	(934)	(1,062)
Net cash flows provided (used) by investing activities-discontinued operations			2
Net cash flows provided (used) by investing activities-total	(898)	(934)	(1,060)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Acquisition of CNA Surety noncontrolling interest			(475)
Dividends paid to common stockholders	(216)	(162)	(108)
Proceeds from the issuance of debt			396
Repayment of debt	(13)	(70)	(451)
Stock options exercised	2	1	2
Other, net	(37)	(8)	(8)
Net cash flows provided (used) by financing activities-continuing operations	(264)	(239)	(644)
Net cash flows provided (used) by financing activities-discontinued operations
Net cash flows provided (used) by financing activities-total	(264)	(239)	(644)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	(3)	4
Net change in cash	39	81	(2)
Cash, beginning of year	156	75	77
Cash, end of year	$ 195	$ 156	$ 75