Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 3,621	$ 3,871	$ 4,180
Esurance acquisition present value of future profits			42
Acquisition costs deferred	4,267	3,902	3,795
Amortization charged to income	(4,002)	(3,884)	(3,971)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses	229	(268)	(175)
Classified as held for sale	(743)
Balance at the end of the period	3,372	3,621	3,871
DSI activity relates to fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts
Balance at the beginning of the period	41	41	86
Sales inducements deferred	24	22	7
Amortization charged to income	(7)	(14)	(23)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses	12	(8)	(29)
Classified as held for sale	(28)
Balance at the end of the period	42	41	41
Allstate Financial
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Balance at the beginning of the period	2,225	2,523	2,859
Acquisition costs deferred	364	371	333
Amortization charged to income	(328)	(401)	(494)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses	229	(268)	(175)
Classified as held for sale	(743)
Balance at the end of the period	1,747	2,225	2,523
Property-Liability
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Balance at the beginning of the period	1,396	1,348	1,321
Esurance acquisition present value of future profits			42
Acquisition costs deferred	3,903	3,531	3,462
Amortization charged to income	(3,674)	(3,483)	(3,477)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 1,625	$ 1,396	$ 1,348