Benefit Plans (Details 3) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Benefit Plans
Principal balance of note from ESOP	$ 21
Interest rate on note from ESOP (as a percent)	7.90%
Company's contribution to the Allstate Plan	54	52	48
ESOP benefit computed
Interest expense recognized by ESOP	2	2	2
Less: dividends accrued on ESOP shares	(3)	(2)	(2)
Cost of shares allocated	7	2	2
Compensation expense	6	2	2
Reduction of defined contribution due to ESOP	46	10	9
ESOP benefit	(40)	(8)	(7)
Contributions to ESOP	2	0	0
ESOP shares committed to be released	0.8
Allocated ESOP shares	34
Unallocated ESOP shares	4
Defined contribution plan expense for eligible employees of Canadian insurance subsidiaries and Sterling	$ 11	$ 7	$ 7