Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 3,372	$ 3,621	$ 3,871
Classified as held for sale, beginning balance	743
Total, including those classified as held for sale	4,115
Acquisition costs deferred	4,350	4,267	3,902
Amortization charged to income	(4,135)	(4,002)	(3,884)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses	(98)	229	(268)
Sold in LBL disposition	(707)
Classified as held for sale		(743)
Balance at the end of the period	3,525	3,372	3,621
DSI activity relates to fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts
Balance at the beginning of the period	42	41	41
Classified as held for sale, beginning balance		28
Total, including those classified as held for sale	70	41	41
Sales inducements deferred	4	24	22
Amortization charged to income	(4)	(7)	(14)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses	(3)	12	(8)
Sold in LBL disposition	(23)
Classified as held for sale, ending balance		(28)
Balance at the end of the period	44	42	41
Allstate Financial
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Balance at the beginning of the period	1,747	2,225	2,523
Classified as held for sale, beginning balance	743
Total, including those classified as held for sale	2,490
Acquisition costs deferred	280	364	371
Amortization charged to income	(260)	(328)	(401)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses	(98)	229	(268)
Sold in LBL disposition	(707)
Classified as held for sale		(743)
Balance at the end of the period	1,705	1,747	2,225
Property-Liability
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Balance at the beginning of the period	1,625	1,396	1,348
Total, including those classified as held for sale	1,625
Acquisition costs deferred	4,070	3,903	3,531
Amortization charged to income	(3,875)	(3,674)	(3,483)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 1,820	$ 1,625	$ 1,396