Reserve for Property-Liability Insurance Claims and Claims Expense (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Reserve for Property-Liability Insurance Claims and Claims Expense

Activity in the reserve for property-liability insurance claims and claims expense

($ in millions)	2011			2010			2009
Balance as of January 1	$	19,468		$	19,167		$	19,456
Less reinsurance recoverables		2,072			2,139			2,274
Net balance as of January 1		17,396			17,028			17,182
Esurance acquisition as of October 7, 2011		425			—			—
Incurred claims and claims expense related to:
Current year		20,496			19,110			18,858
Prior years		(335	)		(159	)		(112	)
Total incurred		20,161			18,951			18,746
Claims and claims expense paid related to:
Current year		13,893			12,012			11,905
Prior years		6,302			6,571			6,995
Total paid		20,195			18,583			18,900
Net balance as of December 31		17,787			17,396			17,028
Plus reinsurance recoverables		2,588			2,072			2,139
Balance as of December 31	$	20,375		$	19,468		$	19,167