Supplementary Disclosure of Consolidated Cash Flow Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents:
Cash	$ 2,873	$ 2,362	$ 1,868
Restricted cash included in Short-term investments	142	58	46
Restricted cash included in Other assets	343	317	193
Total cash and restricted cash shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	3,358	2,737	2,107
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	1,312	1,282	1,331
Taxes	154	544	493
Non-cash investing/financing activities:
Interest credited to policyholder contract deposits included in financing activities	3,392	3,309	3,430
Other assets
Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents:
Restricted cash included in Short-term investments	343	317
Short-term investments
Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents:
Restricted cash included in Short-term investments	142	58
United Guaranty Corporation
Non-cash investing/financing activities:
Non-cash consideration received from sale	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,101