XML 51 R61.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Investments (Summary of fixed maturity and equity securities) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Cost or Amortized Cost $ 37,545us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost $ 39,490us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
Gross Unrealized Gain 3,544us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax 2,460us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
Gross Unrealized Loss 99us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax 532us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
Estimated fair value 40,990us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities 41,418us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
Corporate and other bonds [Member]    
Cost or Amortized Cost 17,210us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
19,352us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Gross Unrealized Gain 1,721us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
1,645us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Gross Unrealized Loss 61us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
135us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Estimated fair value 18,870us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
20,862us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains) 0cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
0cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]    
Cost or Amortized Cost 11,285us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
11,281us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
Gross Unrealized Gain 1,463us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
548us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
Gross Unrealized Loss 8us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
272us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
Estimated fair value 12,740us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
11,557us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains) 0cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
0cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
Residential mortgage-backed [Member]    
Cost or Amortized Cost 5,028us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
4,940us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Gross Unrealized Gain 218us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
123us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Gross Unrealized Loss 13us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
92us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Estimated fair value 5,233us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
4,971us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains) (53)cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
(37)cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Commercial mortgage-backed [Member]    
Cost or Amortized Cost 2,056us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
1,995us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Gross Unrealized Gain 93us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
90us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Gross Unrealized Loss 5us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
22us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Estimated fair value 2,144us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
2,063us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains) (2)cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
(3)cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Other asset-backed [Member]    
Cost or Amortized Cost 1,234us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember
945us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember
Gross Unrealized Gain 11us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember
13us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember
Gross Unrealized Loss 10us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember
3us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember
Estimated fair value 1,235us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember
955us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains) 0cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember
0cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember
Total asset-backed [Member]    
Cost or Amortized Cost 8,318us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
7,880us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
Gross Unrealized Gain 322us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
226us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
Gross Unrealized Loss 28us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
117us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
Estimated fair value 8,612us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
7,989us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains) (55)cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
(40)cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises [Member]    
Cost or Amortized Cost 26us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember
139us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember
Gross Unrealized Gain 5us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember
6us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember
Gross Unrealized Loss 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember
1us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember
Estimated fair value 31us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember
144us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains) 0cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember
0cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]    
Cost or Amortized Cost 438us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
531us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
Gross Unrealized Gain 16us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
15us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
Gross Unrealized Loss 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
3us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
Estimated fair value 454us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
543us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains) 0cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
0cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
Redeemable preferred stock [Member]    
Cost or Amortized Cost 39us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockMember
92us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockMember
Gross Unrealized Gain 3us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockMember
10us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockMember
Gross Unrealized Loss 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockMember
0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockMember
Estimated fair value 42us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockMember
102us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockMember
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains) 0cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockMember
0cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockMember
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale [Member]    
Cost or Amortized Cost 37,316us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember
39,275us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember
Gross Unrealized Gain 3,530us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember
2,450us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember
Gross Unrealized Loss 97us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember
528us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember
Estimated fair value 40,749us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember
41,197us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains) (55)cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember
(40)cna_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNotCreditLossBeforeTaxDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember
Total fixed maturity securities trading [Member]    
Cost or Amortized Cost, Trading Securities 19us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
36us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Estimated Fair Value, Trading Securities 19us-gaap_TradingSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
36us-gaap_TradingSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Common stock [Member]    
Cost or Amortized Cost 38us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
36us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
Gross Unrealized Gain 9us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
9us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
Gross Unrealized Loss 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
Estimated fair value 47us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
45us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
Preferred stock [Member]    
Cost or Amortized Cost 172us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
143us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
Gross Unrealized Gain 5us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
1us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
Gross Unrealized Loss 2us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
4us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
Estimated fair value 175us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
140us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
Total equity securities available-for-sale [Member]    
Cost or Amortized Cost 210us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
179us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
Gross Unrealized Gain 14us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
10us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
Gross Unrealized Loss 2us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
4us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
Estimated fair value $ 222us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
$ 185us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember