Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Debt [Abstract]

Schedule of debt instruments

Debt

December 31
(In millions)	2011		2010
Short term debt:
Senior notes:
6.000%, face amount of $400, due August 15, 2011	$	—	$	399
8.375%, face amount of $70, due August 15, 2012	70		—
Other debt	13		1
Total short term debt	83		400
Long term debt:
Variable rate debt:
Debenture - CNA Surety, face amount of $31, due April 29, 2034	—		31
Senior notes:
8.375%, face amount of $70, due August 15, 2012	—		69
5.850%, face amount of $549, due December 15, 2014	548		548
6.500%, face amount of $350, due August 15, 2016	348		347
6.950%, face amount of $150, due January 15, 2018	149		149
7.350%, face amount of $350, due November 15, 2019	348		348
5.875%, face amount of $500, due August 15, 2020	495		495
5.750%, face amount of $400, due August 15, 2021	396		—
Debenture, 7.250%, face amount of $243, due November 15, 2023	241		241
Other debt	—		23
Total long term debt	2,525		2,251
Total debt	$	2,608	$	2,651

Maturity of debt

Maturity of Debt

(In millions)
2012	$	83
2013	—
2014	549
2015	—
2016	350
Thereafter	1,643
Less discount	(17		)
Total	$	2,608