Claim And Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves (Impact Of The Loss Portfolio Transfer On The Consolidated Condensed Statement Of Income) (Details) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010 Loss Portfolio Transfer [Member]
Claim And Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves [Line Items]
Other operating expenses	$ 725	$ 1,271	$ 2,167	$ 2,714	$ (529)
Income tax benefit	124	84	464	619	185
Income from continuing operations	315	174	1,287	1,338	(344)
Loss from discontinued operations		(22)		(21)	(21)
Net income	315	152	1,287	1,317	(365)
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	153	116	491	495	(37)
Net income attributable to Loews Corporation	$ 162	$ 36	$ 796	$ 822	$ (328)