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Pension plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]      
Expenses recognized during period under the defined contributions plans $ 119us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized $ 111us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized $ 99us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized
Fair value of plan assets 588us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets 566us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets  
Projected benefit obligation 594us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation 591us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation  
Accrued pension liability 6us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent 25us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent  
Defined pension plan contribution expected for 2014 4ace_DefinedBenefitPlansExpectedContributionOnPlanAssets    
Estimated net actuarial loss expected to be amortized from AOCI 2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountToBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNextFiscalYear    
Benefit payments made during period $ 24us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid $ 26us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid