Other (income) expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Equity in net (income) loss of partially-owned entities		$ (514)	$ (418)	$ (264)
(Gains) losses from fair value changes in separate account assets	[1]	38	(97)	(11)
One-time contribution to the Chubb Charitable Foundation		0	50	0
Federal excise and capital taxes		12	35	19
Other		30	30	34
Other (income) expense		$ (434)	$ (400)	$ (222)

[1] Related to (gains) losses from fair value changes in separate account assets that do not qualify for separate account reporting under GAAP.