Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs or Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses or Reinsurance [Abstract]

Reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses

	2011			2010			2009
	(in millions)
Gross liability, beginning of year	$	22,718		$	22,839		$	22,367
Reinsurance recoverable, beginning of year		1,817			2,053			2,212
Net liability, beginning of year		20,901			20,786			20,155
Net incurred losses and loss expenses related to
Current year		8,174			7,245			7,030
Prior years		(767	)		(746	)		(762	)
		7,407			6,499			6,268
Net payments for losses and loss expenses related to
Current year		2,746			2,280			1,943
Prior years		4,300			4,074			4,063
		7,046			6,354			6,006
Foreign currency translation effect		67			(30	)		369
Net liability, end of year		21,329			20,901			20,786
Reinsurance recoverable, end of year		1,739			1,817			2,053
Gross liability, end of year	$	23,068		$	22,718		$	22,839