XML 100 R108.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Debt - Short-term and Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]    
Commercial paper $ 100us-gaap_CommercialPaper $ 100us-gaap_CommercialPaper
Other 47us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent 133us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent
Total short-term debt 147us-gaap_DebtCurrent 233us-gaap_DebtCurrent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, carrying value 5,005us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations 5,014us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
$600 million, 2.75% Notes due 2016 [Member] | Uncollateralized Debt [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, face value 600us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2016275InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
600us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2016275InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, stated interest rate 2.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2016275InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
2.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2016275InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, carrying value 600us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2016275InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
600us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2016275InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
$250 million, 5.375% Notes due 2017 [Member] | Uncollateralized Debt [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, face value 250us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20175375InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
250us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20175375InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, stated interest rate 5.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20175375InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
5.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20175375InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, carrying value 250us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20175375InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
250us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20175375InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
$131 million, 6.35% Notes due 2018 [Member] | Uncollateralized Debt [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, face value 131us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2018635InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
131us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2018635InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, stated interest rate 6.35%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2018635InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
6.35%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2018635InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, carrying value 131us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2018635InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
131us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2018635InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
$251 million, 8.5% Notes due 2019 [Member] | Uncollateralized Debt [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, face value 251us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue201985InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
251us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue201985InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, stated interest rate 8.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue201985InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
8.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue201985InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, carrying value 251us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue201985InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
251us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue201985InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
$250 million, 4.375% Notes due 2020 [Member] | Uncollateralized Debt [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, face value 250us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20204375InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
250us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20204375InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, stated interest rate 4.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20204375InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
4.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20204375InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, carrying value 254us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20204375InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
249us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20204375InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
$300 million, 5.125% Notes due 2020 [Member] | Uncollateralized Debt [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, face value 300us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20205125InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
300us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20205125InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, stated interest rate 5.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20205125InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
5.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20205125InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, carrying value 303us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20205125InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
299us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20205125InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
$78 million, 6.37% Notes due 2021 [Member] | Uncollateralized Debt [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, face value 78us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2021637InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
78us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2021637InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, stated interest rate 6.37%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2021637InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
6.37%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2021637InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, carrying value 78us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2021637InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
78us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2021637InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
$300 million, 4.5% Notes due 2021 [Member] | Uncollateralized Debt [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, face value 300us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue202145InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
300us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue202145InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, stated interest rate 4.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue202145InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
4.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue202145InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, carrying value 303us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue202145InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
299us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue202145InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
$750 million, 4% Notes due 2022 [Member] | Uncollateralized Debt [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, face value 750us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20224InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
750us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20224InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, stated interest rate 4.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20224InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
4.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20224InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, carrying value 745us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20224InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
744us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20224InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
$100 million, 7.65% Notes due 2023 [Member] | Uncollateralized Debt [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, face value 100us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2023765InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
100us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2023765InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, stated interest rate 7.65%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2023765InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
7.65%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2023765InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, carrying value 100us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2023765InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
100us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2023765InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
$17 million, 8.3% Notes due 2023 [Member] | Uncollateralized Debt [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, face value 17us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue202383InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
17us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue202383InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, stated interest rate 8.30%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue202383InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
8.30%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue202383InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, carrying value 17us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue202383InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
17us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue202383InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
$300 million, 7.875% Debentures due 2027 [Member] | Uncollateralized Debt [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, face value 300us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_DebenturesDue20277875InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
300us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_DebenturesDue20277875InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, stated interest rate 7.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_DebenturesDue20277875InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
7.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_DebenturesDue20277875InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, carrying value 300us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_DebenturesDue20277875InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
300us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_DebenturesDue20277875InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
$83 million, 8.3% Step Down Notes due 2033 [Member] | Uncollateralized Debt [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, face value 83us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_StepDownNotesDue203383InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
83us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_StepDownNotesDue203383InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, stated interest rate 8.30%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_StepDownNotesDue203383InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
8.30%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_StepDownNotesDue203383InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, carrying value 83us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_StepDownNotesDue203383InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
83us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_StepDownNotesDue203383InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
$500 million, 6.15% Notes due 2036 [Member] | Uncollateralized Debt [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, face value 500us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2036615InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
500us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2036615InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, stated interest rate 6.15%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2036615InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
6.15%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2036615InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, carrying value 500us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2036615InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
500us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue2036615InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
$300 million, 5.875% Notes due 2041 [Member] | Uncollateralized Debt [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, face value 300us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20415875InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
300us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20415875InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, stated interest rate 5.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20415875InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
5.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20415875InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, carrying value 298us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20415875InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
298us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20415875InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
$750 million, 5.375% Notes due 2042 [Member] | Uncollateralized Debt [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, face value 750us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20425375InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
750us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20425375InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, stated interest rate 5.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20425375InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
5.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20425375InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Long-term debt, carrying value 750us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20425375InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
750us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_NotesDue20425375InterestMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Other Long Term Debt [Member] | Uncollateralized Debt [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, carrying value $ 42us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_OtherLongTermDebtMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
$ 65us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ci_OtherLongTermDebtMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember