Consolidated Statements Of Equity (USD $) In Millions	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Common Stock Held In Treasury [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2008	$ 4	$ 3,670	$ 13,375	$ (3,586)		$ 3,466	$ 16,929
Adjustment to initially apply updated accounting guidance which amended the other-than-temporary impairment loss model for fixed maturity securities			109	(109)
Net income			564			819	1,383
Other comprehensive income				3,276		396	3,672
Dividends paid			(108)			(648)	(756)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests		10				(17)	(7)
Issuance of equity securities by subsidiary		18				151	169
Purchase of Loews treasury stock					(348)		(348)
Issuance of Loews common stock		8					8
Retirement of treasury stock		(86)	(246)		332
Stock-based compensation		18				4	22
Other		(1)	(1)			15	13
Balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2009	4	3,637	13,693	(419)	(16)	4,186	21,085
Net income			1,288			699	1,987
Other comprehensive income				646		72	718
Dividends paid			(105)			(492)	(597)
Issuance of equity securities by subsidiary		83		1		195	279
Purchase of Loews treasury stock					(405)		(405)
Issuance of Loews common stock		8					8
Retirement of treasury stock		(97)	(309)		406
Stock-based compensation		18				3	21
Other		18	(3)	2		(7)	10
Balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2010	4	3,667	14,564	230	(15)	4,656	23,106
Net income			1,064			632	1,696
Other comprehensive income				134		16	150
Dividends paid			(101)			(399)	(500)
Acquisition of CNA Surety noncontrolling interests		(54)		17		(438)	(475)
Disposition of FICOH ownership interest				(7)		(150)	(157)
Issuance of equity securities by subsidiary		28		1		123	152
Purchase of Loews treasury stock					(718)		(718)
Issuance of Loews common stock		4					4
Retirement of treasury stock		(164)	(569)		733
Stock-based compensation		19				3	22
Other		(1)	(1)			(5)	(7)
Balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 4	$ 3,499	$ 14,957	$ 375		$ 4,438	$ 23,273