Consolidated Condensed Statements Of Equity (USD $) In Millions	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Common Stock Held In Treasury [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2009
Adjustment to initially apply updated guidance on accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts (Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member])			$ (64)			$ (14)	$ (78)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010 (As Previously Reported [Member])	4	3,667	14,564	230	(15)	4,656	23,106
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	4	3,667	14,500	230	(15)	4,642	23,028
Net income			379			183	562
Other comprehensive income				64		6	70
Dividends paid			(26)			(98)	(124)
Purchase of Loews treasury stock					(187)		(187)
Issuance of Loews common stock		4					4
Stock-based compensation		5				1	6
Other		(5)	(1)			11	5
Balance at Mar. 31, 2011	4	3,671	14,852	294	(202)	4,745	23,364
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010 (As Previously Reported [Member])	4	3,667	14,564	230	(15)	4,656	23,106
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	4
Adjustment to initially apply updated guidance on accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts (Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member])		(5)	(67)	9		(7)	(70)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011 (As Previously Reported [Member])	4	3,499	14,957	375		4,438	23,273
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	4	3,494	14,890	384		4,431	23,203
Net income			367			152	519
Other comprehensive income				269		31	300
Dividends paid			(25)			(108)	(133)
Issuance of equity securities by subsidiary		36		1		185	222
Issuance of Loews common stock		5					5
Stock-based compensation		5				1	6
Other		(2)				1	(1)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 4	$ 3,538	$ 15,232	$ 654		$ 4,693	$ 24,121