Summary of significant accounting policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015	[5]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash	$ 1,247	[1]	$ 728	[2]	$ 985
Restricted Cash	93	[1]	123	[2]	103
Cash and restricted cash	$ 1,340	[3]	851	[3],[4]	$ 1,088	[3],[5]	$ 1,885
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Restricted Cash			$ 123

[1] Chubb maintains two notional multicurrency cash pools (Pools) with a third-party bank. Refer to Note 1 f) for additional information. At December 31, 2018, the cash balance of one or more entities was negative; however, the overall Pool balances were positive.

[2] Chubb maintains two notional multicurrency cash pools (Pools) with a third-party bank. Refer to Note 1 f) for additional information. At December 31, 2017, the cash balance of one or more entities was negative; however, the overall Pool balances were positive.

[3] Chubb maintains two notional multi-currency cash pools (Pools) with a third-party bank. Refer to Note 1 f) for additional information. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the cash balance of one or more entities was negative; however, the overall Pool balances were positive.

[4] Chubb maintains two notional multi-currency cash pools (Pools) with a third-party bank. Refer to Note 1 f) for additional information. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the cash balance of one or more entities was negative; however, the overall Pool balances were positive.

[5] Chubb maintains two notional multi-currency cash pools (Pools) with a third-party bank. Refer to Note 1 f) for additional information. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the cash balance of one or more entities was negative; however, the overall Pool balances were positive.