Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ 628	$ 628	$ 759
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows provided (used) by operating activities:
(Income) loss from discontinued operations		1	21
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment	4	9
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	147	188	326
Trading portfolio activity	(23)	1	153
Net realized investment (gains) losses, net of participating policyholders' interests	(63)	2	(86)
Equity method investees	(89)	97	(136)
Amortization of investments	(55)	(64)	(117)
Depreciation and amortization	125	79	78
Changes in:
Receivables, net	49	1,020	(406)
Accrued investment income	4	(17)	(15)
Deferred acquisition costs	(16)	(1)	29
Insurance reserves	430	(237)	(805)
Other assets	144	175	142
Other liabilities	(49)	(187)	53
Other, net	14	10	5
Total adjustments	622	1,076	(758)
Net cash flows provided (used) by operating activities-continuing operations	1,250	1,704	1
Net cash flows provided (used) by operating activities-discontinued operations		(2)	(90)
Net cash flows provided (used) by operating activities-total	1,250	1,702	(89)
Dispositions:
Fixed maturity securities - sales	6,123	7,579	12,514
Fixed maturity securities - maturities, calls and redemptions	3,699	3,055	3,340
Equity securities	86	178	341
Limited partnerships	165	57	126
Mortgage loans	7	2
Purchases:
Fixed maturity securities	(10,299)	(12,168)	(16,704)
Equity securities	(54)	(72)	(99)
Limited partnerships	(228)	(215)	(381)
Mortgage loans	(174)	(149)	(87)
Change in other investments	22	17	(8)
Change in short term investments	(7)	566	1,629
Purchase of Hardy	(197)
Purchases of property and equipment	(94)	(84)	(53)
Other dispositions	1	171	66
Other, net	16	1	7
Net cash flows provided (used) by investing activities-continuing operations	(934)	(1,062)	691
Net cash flows provided (used) by investing activities-discontinued operations		2	76
Net cash flows provided (used) by investing activities-total	(934)	(1,060)	767
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Acquisition of CNA Surety noncontrolling interest		(475)
Dividends paid to common stockholders	(162)	(108)
Dividends paid to Loews Corporation for 2008 Senior Preferred			(76)
Payment to redeem 2008 Senior Preferred			(1,000)
Proceeds from the issuance of debt		396	495
Repayment of debt	(70)	(451)	(150)
Stock options exercised	1	2	11
Other, net	(8)	(8)	(22)
Net cash flows provided (used) by financing activities-continuing operations	(239)	(644)	(742)
Net cash flows provided (used) by financing activities-discontinued operations
Net cash flows provided (used) by financing activities-total	(239)	(644)	(742)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	4		1
Net change in cash	81	(2)	(63)
Net cash transactions from continuing operations to discontinued operations			(14)
Net cash transactions to discontinued operations from continuing operations			14
Cash, beginning of year	75	77	140
Cash, end of year	$ 156	$ 75	$ 77