Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 1,696	$ 1,987	$ 1,383
Changes in other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments with other-than-temporary impairments	10	86	(95)
Net other unrealized gains on investments	353	494	3,711
Total unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments	363	580	3,616
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	39	60	(67)
Foreign currency	(14)	49	117
Pension liability	(238)	29	6
Other comprehensive income	150	718	3,672
Comprehensive income	1,846	2,705	5,055
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	(648)	(771)	(1,215)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Loews Corporation	$ 1,198	$ 1,934	$ 3,840