Loews (L) 10-Q 5 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 24, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	L
Entity Registrant Name	LOEWS CORP
Entity Central Index Key	60086
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		371,377,009

Consolidated_Condensed_Balance

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Fixed maturities, amortized cost of $36,997 and $37,469	$40,708	$40,885
Equity securities, cost of $672 and $733	644	728
Limited partnership investments	3,749	3,674
Other invested assets, primarily mortgage loans	732	731
Short term investments	6,359	6,014
Total investments	52,192	52,032
Cash	271	364
Receivables	8,157	7,770
Property, plant and equipment	15,376	15,611
Goodwill	371	374
Other assets	1,640	1,616
Deferred acquisition costs of insurance subsidiaries	616	600
Total assets	78,623	78,367
Liabilities and Equity:
Claim and claim adjustment expense	23,248	23,271
Future policy benefits	9,747	9,490
Unearned premiums	3,710	3,592
Policyholders' funds		27
Total insurance reserves	36,705	36,380
Payable to brokers	926	673
Short term debt	687	335
Long term debt	9,863	10,333
Deferred income taxes	930	893
Other liabilities	4,882	5,103
Total liabilities	53,993	53,717
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Preferred stock, $0.10 par value: Authorized - 100,000,000 shares
Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized - 1,800,000,000 shares Issued - 373,194,344 and 372,934,540 shares	4	4
Additional paid-in capital	3,477	3,481
Retained earnings	15,600	15,515
Accumulated other comprehensive income	298	280
Shareholders Equity Before Treasury Stock, Total	19,379	19,280
Less treasury stock, at cost (1,771,900 shares)	-71
Total shareholders' equity	19,308	19,280
Noncontrolling interests	5,322	5,370
Total equity	24,630	24,650
Total liabilities and equity	$78,623	$78,367

Consolidated_Condensed_Balance1

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	$36,997	$37,469
Equity securities, cost	$672	$733
Preferred stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	1,800,000,000	1,800,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	373,194,344	372,934,540
Treasury stock, shares	1,771,900	1,771,900

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Insurance premiums	$1,687		$1,806
Net investment income	588		577
Investment gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	-12		-2
Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss)	0		0
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	-12		-2
Other net investment gains	22		44
Total investment gains	10	[1]	42	[1]
Contract drilling revenues	600		685
Other revenues	593		578
Total	3,478		3,688
Expenses:
Insurance claims and policyholders' benefits	1,339		1,446
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	303		329
Contract drilling expenses	351		370
Other operating expenses (Note 4)	1,249		907
Interest	131		122
Total	3,373		3,174
Income (loss) before income tax	105		514
Income tax expense	-56		-103
Income from continuing operations	49		411
Discontinued operations, net			-227
Net income	49		184
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	60		-125
Net income	109		59
Net income attributable to Loews Corporation:
Income from continuing operations	109		265
Discontinued operations, net			-206
Net income	$109		$59
Basic and diluted net income per share:
Income from continuing operations	$0.29		$0.68
Discontinued operations, net			($0.53)
Net income	$0.29		$0.15
Dividends per share	$0.06		$0.06
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Shares of common stock	372.83		387.34
Dilutive potential shares of common stock	0.36		0.73
Total weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	373.19		388.07
[1]	Includes gross realized gains of $34 and $58 and gross realized losses of $22 and $15 on available-for-sale securities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme1

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Amounts Reclassified Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract]
Net income	$49	$184
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax Changes in:
Net unrealized gains on investments with other-than-temporary impairments	-1	12
Net other unrealized gains on investments	110	237
Total unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments	109	249
Discontinued operations		5
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	3	3
Pension liability	4	-1
Foreign currency	-96	-6
Other comprehensive income	20	250
Comprehensive income	69	434
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	57	-151
Total comprehensive income attributable to Loews Corporation	$126	$283

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme2

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Common Stock Held in Treasury [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
In Millions
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$24,906	$4	$3,607	$15,508	$339		$5,448
Net income	184			59			125
Other comprehensive income	250				224		26
Dividends paid	-130			-24			-106
Purchases of subsidiary stock from noncontrolling interests	-82		-8				-74
Purchases of Loews treasury stock	-24					-24
Issuance of Loews common stock	5		5
Stock-based compensation	9						9
Other	-1			-2			1
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	25,117	4	3,604	15,541	563	-24	5,429
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	24,650	4	3,481	15,515	280		5,370
Net income	49			109			-60
Other comprehensive income	20				17		3
Dividends paid	-105			-23			-82
Issuance of equity securities by subsidiary	109		-2		1		110
Purchases of subsidiary stock from noncontrolling interests	-26		3				-29
Purchases of Loews treasury stock	-71					-71
Issuance of Loews common stock	7		7
Stock-based compensation	5		5
Other	-8		-17	-1			10
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$24,630	$4	$3,477	$15,600	$298	($71)	$5,322

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme3

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating Activities:
Net income	$49	$184
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities, net	510	746
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:
Receivables	-153	38
Deferred acquisition costs	-13	-21
Insurance reserves	304	85
Other assets	-57	-90
Other liabilities	-227	-294
Trading securities	-371	-225
Net cash flow operating activities	42	423
Investing Activities:
Purchases of fixed maturities	-1,919	-2,072
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities	1,144	1,550
Proceeds from maturities of fixed maturities	1,144	851
Purchases of equity securities	-5	-5
Proceeds from sales of equity securities	2	11
Purchases of limited partnership investments	-34	-73
Proceeds from sales of limited partnership investments	20	68
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-453	-758
Dispositions	5	11
Change in short term investments	197	-222
Other, net	-7	2
Net cash flow investing activities	94	-637
Financing Activities:
Dividends paid	-23	-24
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-82	-106
Purchases of subsidiary stock from noncontrolling interests	-24	-86
Purchases of Loews treasury stock	-67	-18
Issuance of Loews common stock	7	5
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary stock	84
Principal payments on debt	-759	-240
Issuance of debt	636	701
Other, net	5	1
Net cash flow financing activities	-223	233
Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash	-6	1
Transfer of cash to assets of discontinued operations		-14
Net change in cash	-93	6
Cash, beginning of period	364	295
Cash, end of period	$271	$301

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation
	Loews Corporation is a holding company. Its subsidiaries are engaged in the following lines of business: commercial property and casualty insurance (CNA Financial Corporation (“CNA”), a 90% owned subsidiary); the operation of offshore oil and gas drilling rigs (Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. (“Diamond Offshore”), a 53% owned subsidiary); transportation and storage of natural gas and natural gas liquids and gathering and processing of natural gas (Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP (“Boardwalk Pipeline”), a 51% owned subsidiary); and the operation of a chain of hotels (Loews Hotels Holding Corporation (“Loews Hotels”), a wholly owned subsidiary). Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “Company,” “Loews” and “Registrant” as used herein mean Loews Corporation excluding its subsidiaries and the term “Net income (loss) attributable to Loews Corporation” as used herein means Net income (loss) attributable to Loews Corporation shareholders.
	Loews segments are CNA Financial, including Specialty, Commercial, International and Other Non-Core; Diamond Offshore; Boardwalk Pipeline; Loews Hotels; and Corporate and other. See Note 10 for additional information on segments.
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and the results of operations, comprehensive income and changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	Net income for the first quarter of each of the years is not necessarily indicative of net income for that entire year.
	Reference is made to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K which should be read in conjunction with these Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
	The Company presents basic and diluted net income per share on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income. Basic net income per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. Stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) of 3.5 million and 1.9 million shares were not included in the diluted weighted average shares amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 due to the exercise price being greater than the average stock price.
	On August 1, 2014, CNA completed the sale of Continental Assurance Company (“CAC”), its former life insurance subsidiary and on September 30, 2014, the Company sold HighMount Exploration & Production LLC (“HighMount”), its natural gas and oil exploration and production subsidiary. The results of these sold businesses are reflected as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income as further discussed in Note 13.
	Updated accounting guidance not yet adopted – In May of 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The core principle of the new accounting guidance is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new accounting guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized and requires enhanced disclosures about revenue. This update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods, and can be adopted either retrospectively or as a cumulative effect adjustment at the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Investments	2. Investments
	Net investment income is as follows:
	Three Months Ended March 31	2015			2014
	(In millions)
	Fixed maturity securities	$	443		$	452
	Short term investments		3			1
	Limited partnership investments		160			87
	Equity securities		3			2
	Income (loss) from trading portfolio (a)		(15	)		40
	Other		8			8
	Total investment income		602			590
	Investment expenses		(14	)		(13	)
	Net investment income	$	588		$	577
	(a)   Includes net unrealized gains (losses) related to changes in fair value on trading securities still held of $(14) and $13 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	Investment gains (losses) are as follows:
	Three Months Ended March 31	2015			2014
	(In millions)
	Fixed maturity securities	$	12		$	38
	Equity securities					5
	Derivative instruments		(1	)
	Short term investments and other		(1	)		(1	)
	Investment gains (a)	$	10		$	42
	(a)   Includes gross realized gains of $34 and $58 and gross realized losses of $22 and $15 on available-for-sale securities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	The components of net other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses recognized in earnings by asset type are as follows:
	Three Months Ended March 31	2015			2014
	(In millions)
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
	Corporate and other bonds	$	5		$	1
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions		5
	Asset-backed – residential mortgage-backed		1			1
	Total fixed maturities available-for-sale		11			2
	Equity securities available-for-sale:
	Common stock		1
	Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	$	12		$	2
	The amortized cost and fair values of securities are as follows:
		Cost or			Gross				Gross							Unrealized
		Amortized			Unrealized				Unrealized				Estimated			OTTI Losses
	March 31, 2015	Cost			Gains				Losses				Fair Value			(Gains)
	(In millions)
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Corporate and other bonds	$	16,737		$	1,867			$	45			$	18,559
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions		11,407			1,536				9				12,934
	Asset-backed:
	Residential mortgage-backed		4,998			241				13				5,226		$	(51)
	Commercial mortgage-backed		2,151			114				5				2,260			(3)
	Other asset-backed		1,109			15				1				1,123
	Total asset-backed		8,258			370				19				8,609			(54)
	U.S. Treasury and obligations of government- sponsored enterprises		24			6								30
	Foreign government		390			19								409
	Redeemable preferred stock		39			3								42
	Fixed maturities available- for-sale		36,855			3,801				73				40,583			(54)
	Fixed maturities trading		142							17				125
	Total fixed maturities		36,997			3,801				90				40,708			(54)
	Equity securities:
	Common stock		41			9								50
	Preferred stock		172			7				4				175
	Equity securities available-for-sale		213			16				4				225			-
	Equity securities trading		459			74				114				419
	Total equity securities		672			90				118				644			-
	Total	$	37,669		$	3,891			$	208			$	41,352		$	(54)
	December 31, 2014
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Corporate and other bonds	$	17,226		$	1,721			$	61			$	18,886
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions		11,285			1,463				8				12,740
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed		5,028			218				13				5,233		$	(53)
Commercial mortgage-backed		2,056			93				5				2,144			(2)
Other asset-backed		1,234			11				10				1,235
Total asset-backed		8,318			322				28				8,612			(55)
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government- sponsored enterprises		26			5								31
Foreign government		438			16								454
Redeemable preferred stock		39			3								42
Fixed maturities available-for-sale		37,332			3,530				97				40,765			(55)
Fixed maturities trading		137							17				120
Total fixed maturities		37,469			3,530				114				40,885			(55)
Equity securities:
Common stock		38			9								47
Preferred stock		172			5				2				175
Equity securities available-for-sale		210			14				2				222			-
Equity securities trading		523			96				113				506
Total equity securities		733			110				115				728			-
Total	$	38,202		$	3,640			$	229			$	41,613		$	(55)
The net unrealized gains on investments included in the tables above are recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). When presented in AOCI, these amounts are net of tax and noncontrolling interests and any required Shadow Adjustments. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the net unrealized gains on investments included in AOCI were net of Shadow Adjustments of $1.2 billion. To the extent that unrealized gains on fixed income securities supporting certain products within CNA’s Life & Group Non-Core business would result in a premium deficiency if realized, a related decrease in Deferred acquisition costs, and/or increase in Insurance reserves are recorded, net of tax and noncontrolling interests, as a reduction of net unrealized gains through Other comprehensive income (“Shadow Adjustments”).
The available-for-sale securities in a gross unrealized loss position are as follows:
	Less than									12 Months
	12 Months									or Longer							Total
					Gross									Gross						Gross
	Estimated				Unrealized					Estimated				Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized
March 31, 2015	Fair Value				Losses					Fair Value				Losses			Fair Value			Losses
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds		$	854			$	33				$	139			$	12		$	993		$	45
States, municipalities and political subdivisions			479				6					100				3			579			9
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed			318				5					148				8			466			13
Commercial mortgage-backed			175				3					62				2			237			5
Other asset-backed			187				1					5							192			1
Total asset-backed			680				9					215				10			895			19
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government- sponsored enterprises			3																3
Foreign government			13									1							14
Total fixed maturity securities			2,029				48					455				25			2,484			73
Preferred stock			15				4												15			4
Total		$	2,044			$	52				$	455			$	25		$	2,499		$	77
December 31, 2014
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds		$	1,330			$	46				$	277			$	15		$	1,607		$	61
States, municipalities and political subdivisions			335				5					127				3			462			8
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed			293				5					189				8			482			13
Commercial mortgage-backed			264				2					99				3			363			5
Other asset-backed			607				10					7							614			10
Total asset-backed			1,164				17					295				11			1,459			28
U.S. Treasury and obligations of government- sponsored enterprises			3									4							7
Foreign government			3									3							6
Redeemable preferred stock			3																3
Total fixed maturity securities			2,838				68					706				29			3,544			97
Preferred stock			17				2					1							18			2
Total		$	2,855			$	70				$	707			$	29		$	3,562		$	99
Based on current facts and circumstances, the Company believes the unrealized losses presented in the table above are not indicative of the ultimate collectibility of the current amortized cost of the securities, but rather are primarily attributable to changes in interest rates and credit spreads, market illiquidity and other factors. The Company has no current intent to sell securities with unrealized losses, nor is it more likely than not that it will be required to sell prior to recovery of amortized cost; accordingly, the Company has determined that there are no additional OTTI losses to be recorded as of March 31, 2015.
The following table presents the activity related to the pretax credit loss component reflected in Retained earnings on fixed maturity securities still held as of March 31, 2015 and 2014 for which a portion of an OTTI loss was recognized in Other comprehensive income.
Three Months Ended March 31	2015			2014
(In millions)
Beginning balance of credit losses on fixed maturity securities	$	62		$	74
Reductions for securities sold during the period		(1	)		(2)
Reductions for securities the Company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell					(3)
Ending balance of credit losses on fixed maturity securities	$	61		$	69
Contractual Maturity
The following table presents available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain securities may be called or prepaid with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single date are allocated based on weighted average life.
	March 31, 2015							December 31, 2014
	Cost or			Estimated				Cost or				Estimated
	Amortized			Fair				Amortized				Fair
	Cost			Value				Cost				Value
(In millions)
Due in one year or less	$	2,011		$	2,043			$	2,479			$	2,511
Due after one year through five years		8,776			9,354				9,070				9,621
Due after five years through ten years		12,401			13,108				12,055				12,584
Due after ten years		13,667			16,078				13,728				16,049
Total	$	36,855		$	40,583			$	37,332			$	40,765
Derivative Financial Instruments
A summary of the aggregate contractual or notional amounts and gross estimated fair values related to derivative financial instruments follows. The contractual or notional amounts for derivatives are used to calculate the exchange of contractual payments under the agreements and may not be representative of the potential for gain or loss on these instruments. Gross estimated fair values of derivative positions are currently presented in Equity securities, Receivables and Payable to brokers on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.
	March 31, 2015											December 31, 2014
	Contractual/											Contractual/
	Notional			Estimated Fair Value								Notional			Estimated Fair Value
	Amount			Asset				(Liability)				Amount			Asset		(Liability)
(In millions)
With hedge designation:
Foreign exchange:
Currency forwards – short	$	34						$	(3	)		$	70				$	(5)
Without hedge designation:
Equity markets:
Options – purchased		2,306		$	21								544		$	24
– written		1,493							(13	)			292					(21)
Equity swaps and warrants – long		10			2								10			2
Futures – short		399			3								130			2
Foreign exchange:
Currency forwards – long		134			1								109					(3)
– short		99			2								88			2
Currency options – long		179			25								151			7
– short		218							(5	)
Embedded derivative on funds withheld liability		184							(5	)			184					(3)
Investment Commitments
As of March 31, 2015, the Company had committed approximately $338 million to future capital calls from various third party limited partnership investments in exchange for an ownership interest in the related partnerships.
The Company invests in various privately placed debt securities, including bank loans, as part of its overall investment strategy and has committed to additional future purchases, sales and funding. As of March 31, 2015, the Company had commitments to purchase or fund additional amounts of $82 million and sell $71 million under the terms of such securities.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value	3. Fair Value
	Fair value is the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The following fair value hierarchy is used in selecting inputs, with the highest priority given to Level 1, as these are the most transparent or reliable:
		•		Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
		•		Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
		•		Level 3 – Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are not observable.
	Prices may fall within Level 1, 2 or 3 depending upon the methodologies and inputs used to estimate fair value for each specific security. In general, the Company seeks to price securities using third party pricing services. Securities not priced by pricing services are submitted to independent brokers for valuation and, if those are not available, internally developed pricing models are used to value assets using methodologies and inputs the Company believes market participants would use to value the assets. Prices obtained from third-party pricing services or brokers are not adjusted by the Company.
	The Company performs control procedures over information obtained from pricing services and brokers to ensure prices received represent a reasonable estimate of fair value and to confirm representations regarding whether inputs are observable or unobservable. Procedures include (i) the review of pricing service or broker pricing methodologies, (ii) back-testing, where past fair value estimates are compared to actual transactions executed in the market on similar dates, (iii) exception reporting, where changes in price, period-over-period, are reviewed and challenged with the pricing service or broker based on exception criteria, (iv) detailed analysis, where the Company performs an independent analysis of the inputs and assumptions used to price individual securities and (v) pricing validation, where prices received are compared to prices independently estimated by the Company.
	The fair values of CNA’s life settlement contracts are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. Equity options purchased are included in Equity securities, and all other derivative assets are included in Receivables. Derivative liabilities are included in Payable to brokers. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are presented in the following tables:
	March 31, 2015		Level 1			Level 2				Level 3				Total
	(In millions)
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Corporate and other bonds		$	29		$	18,344			$	186			$	18,559
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions						12,848				86				12,934
	Asset-backed:
	Residential mortgage-backed						4,994				232				5,226
	Commercial mortgage-backed						2,196				64				2,260
	Other asset-backed						570				553				1,123
	Total asset-backed						7,760				849				8,609
	U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises			29			1								30
	Foreign government			37			372								409
	Redeemable preferred stock			30			12								42
	Fixed maturities available-for-sale			125			39,337				1,121				40,583
	Fixed maturities trading						36				89				125
	Total fixed maturities		$	125		$	39,373			$	1,210			$	40,708
	Equity securities available-for-sale		$	149		$	63			$	13			$	225
	Equity securities trading			418							1				419
	Total equity securities		$	567		$	63			$	14			$	644
	Short term investments		$	5,595		$	678							$	6,273
	Other invested assets			103			41								144
	Receivables			3			28								31
	Life settlement contracts									$	79				79
	Payable to brokers			(365	)		(8	)							(373)
	December 31, 2014		Level 1			Level 2				Level 3				Total
	(In millions)
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Corporate and other bonds		$	32		$	18,692			$	162			$	18,886
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions						12,646				94				12,740
	Asset-backed:
	Residential mortgage-backed						5,044				189				5,233
	Commercial mortgage-backed						2,061				83				2,144
	Other asset-backed						580				655				1,235
	Total asset-backed						7,685				927				8,612
	U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises			28			3								31
	Foreign government			41			413								454
	Redeemable preferred stock			30			12								42
	Fixed maturities available-for-sale			131			39,451				1,183				40,765
	Fixed maturities trading						30				90				120
	Total fixed maturities		$	131		$	39,481			$	1,273			$	40,885
	Equity securities available-for-sale		$	145		$	61			$	16			$	222
	Equity securities trading			505							1				506
	Total equity securities		$	650		$	61			$	17			$	728
	Short term investments		$	4,989		$	963							$	5,952
	Other invested assets			102			41								143
	Receivables			2			7								9
	Life settlement contracts									$	82				82
	Payable to brokers			(546	)		(6	)							(552)
	The following tables present reconciliations for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
																												Unrealized
																												Gains
																												(Losses)
																												Recognized in
						Net Realized Gains																						Net Income
						(Losses) and Net Change																						on Level
						in Unrealized Gains																						3 Assets and
					(Losses)																Transfers		Transfers				Liabilities
		Balance,			Included in				Included in												into		out of		Balance,		Held at
2015		January 1			Net Income				OCI				Purchases				Sales		Settlements		Level 3		Level 3		31-Mar		31-Mar
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds		$	162		$	1							$	12			$	(12)	$	(14)	$	37			$	186
States, municipalities and political subdivisions			94			1														(9)						86
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed			189			1								72						(10)			$	(20)		232
Commercial mortgage- backed			83			1			$	1				6						(1)				(26)		64
Other asset-backed			655			1				9				35				(144)		(3)						553
Total asset-backed			927			3				10				113				(144)		(14)		-		(46)		849	$	-
Fixed maturities available-for-sale			1,183			5				10				125				(156)		(37)		37		(46)		1,121
Fixed maturities trading			90															(1)								89
Total fixed maturities		$	1,273		$	5			$	10			$	125			$	(157)	$	(37)	$	37	$	(46)	$	1,210	$	-
Equity securities available-for-sale		$	16						$	(3)															$	13
Equity securities trading			1																							1
Total equity securities		$	17		$	-			$	(3)			$	-			$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	14	$	-
Life settlement contracts		$	82		$	13													$	(16)					$	79	$	1
																											Unrealized
																											Gains
																											(Losses)
																											Recognized in
					Net Realized Gains																						Net Income
					(Losses) and Net Change																						on Level
					in Unrealized Gains																						3 Assets and
					(Losses)																Transfers		Transfers				Liabilities
		Balance,			Included in				Included in												into		out of		Balance,		Held at
2014		January 1			Net Income				OCI				Purchases				Sales		Settlements		Level 3		Level 3		31-Mar		31-Mar
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate and other bonds		$	204		$	1			$	1			$	5			$	(4)	$	(5)	$	3	$	(16)	$	189
States, municipalities and political subdivisions			71							1												14				86
Asset-backed:
Residential mortgage-backed			331			1				15				25						(21)		21		(13)		359
Commercial mortgage-backed			151			1				(1)										(1)				(24)		126
Other asset-backed			446			1								148				(83)		(72)				(1)		439
Total asset-backed			928			3				14				173				(83)		(94)		21		(38)		924
Fixed maturities available-for-sale			1,203			4				16				178				(87)		(99)		38		(54)		1,199
Fixed maturities trading			80			5																				85	$	5
Total fixed maturities		$	1,283		$	9			$	16			$	178			$	(87)	$	(99)	$	38	$	(54)	$	1,284	$	5
Equity securities available-for-sale		$	11		$	3			$	(4)							$	(8)							$	2
Equity securities trading			8			(1)							$	1				(6)								2	$	(1)
Total equity securities		$	19		$	2			$	(4)			$	1			$	(14)	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	4	$	(1)
Life settlement contracts		$	88		$	10													$	(11)					$	87	$	1
Separate account business			1																				$	(1)		-
Derivative financial instruments, net			(3)			(1)			$	(1)			$	(2)			$	1		1						(5)		2
Net realized and unrealized gains and losses are reported in Net income as follows:
Major Category of Assets and Liabilities		Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income Line Items
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		Investment gains (losses)
Fixed maturity securities, trading		Net investment income
Equity securities available-for-sale		Investment gains (losses)
Equity securities, trading		Net investment income
Other invested assets		Investment gains (losses) and Net investment income
Derivative financial instruments held in a trading portfolio		Net investment income
Derivative financial instruments, other		Investment gains (losses) and Other revenues
Life settlement contracts		Other revenues
Securities may be transferred in or out of levels within the fair value hierarchy based on the availability of observable market information and quoted prices used to determine the fair value of the security. The availability of observable market information and quoted prices varies based on market conditions and trading volume. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 there were $23 million of transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 and $1 million of transfers from Level 1 to Level 2. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers between levels at the beginning of quarterly reporting periods.
Valuation Methodologies and Inputs
The following section describes the valuation methodologies and relevant inputs used to measure different financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which the instruments are generally classified.
Fixed Maturity Securities
Level 1 securities include exchange traded bonds, highly liquid U.S. and foreign government bonds and redeemable preferred stock, valued using quoted market prices. Level 2 securities include most other fixed maturity securities as the significant inputs are observable in the marketplace. All classes of Level 2 fixed maturity securities are valued using methodologies that model information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets, as well as discounted cash flow methodologies. Common inputs for all classes of fixed maturity securities include prices from recently executed transactions of similar securities, marketplace quotes, benchmark yields, spreads off benchmark yields, interest rates and U.S. Treasury or swap curves. Specifically for asset-backed securities, key inputs include prepayment and default projections based on past performance of the underlying collateral and current market data. Fixed maturity securities are generally assigned to Level 3 in cases where broker/dealer quotes are significant inputs to the valuation and there is a lack of transparency as to whether these quotes are based on information that is observable in the marketplace. Level 3 securities also include private placement debt securities whose fair value is determined using internal models with inputs that are not market observable.
Equity Securities
Level 1 equity securities include publicly traded securities valued using quoted market prices. Level 2 securities are primarily non-redeemable preferred stocks and common stocks valued using pricing for similar securities, recently executed transactions, broker/dealer quotes and other pricing models utilizing market observable inputs. Level 3 securities are priced using internal models with inputs that are not market observable.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Exchange traded derivatives are valued using quoted market prices and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 2 derivatives primarily include currency forwards valued using observable market forward rates. Over-the-counter derivatives, principally interest rate swaps, total return swaps, commodity swaps, equity warrants and options, are valued using inputs including broker/dealer quotes and are classified within Level 2 or Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy, depending on the amount of transparency as to whether these quotes are based on information that is observable in the marketplace.
Short Term Investments
Securities that are actively traded or have quoted prices are classified as Level 1. These securities include money market funds and treasury bills. Level 2 primarily includes commercial paper, for which all inputs are market observable. Fixed maturity securities purchased within one year of maturity are classified consistent with fixed maturity securities discussed above. Short term investments as presented in the tables above differ from the amounts presented in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets because certain short term investments, such as time deposits, are not measured at fair value.
Other Invested Assets
Level 1 securities include exchange traded open-end funds valued using quoted market prices. Level 2 securities include overseas deposits which can be redeemed at net asset value in 90 days or less.
Life Settlement Contracts
The fair values of life settlement contracts are determined as the present value of the anticipated death benefits less anticipated premium payments based on contract terms that are distinct for each insured, as well as CNA’s own assumptions for mortality, premium expense, and the rate of return that a buyer would require on the contracts, as no comparable market pricing data is available.
Significant Unobservable Inputs
The following tables present quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs utilized by the Company in the fair value measurements of Level 3 assets. Valuations for assets and liabilities not presented in the table below are primarily based on broker/dealer quotes for which there is a lack of transparency as to inputs used to develop the valuations. The quantitative detail of unobservable inputs from these broker quotes is neither provided nor reasonably available to the Company.
									Range
					Valuation		Unobservable		(Weighted
March 31, 2015		Fair Value			Techniques		Inputs		Average)
		(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities		$	102		Discounted cash flow		Credit spread			2% – 13% (3%)
Equity securities			13		Market approach		Private offering price			$10 – $4,400 per share
										($682 per share)
Life settlement contracts			79		Discounted cash flow		Discount rate risk premium			9%
							Mortality assumption			55% – 1,676% (164%)
December 31, 2014
Fixed maturity securities		$	101		Discounted cash flow		Credit spread			2% – 13% (3%)
Equity securities			16		Market approach		Private offering price			$12 – $4,391 per share
										($600 per share)
Life settlement contracts			82		Discounted cash flow		Discount rate risk premium			9%
							Mortality assumption			55% – 1,676% (163%)
For fixed maturity securities, an increase to the credit spread assumptions would result in a lower fair value measurement. For equity securities, an increase in the private offering price would result in a higher fair value measurement. For life settlement contracts, an increase in the discount rate risk premium or decrease in the mortality assumption would result in a lower fair value measurement.
Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value
The carrying amount, estimated fair value and the level of the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities which are not measured at fair value on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets are presented in the following tables. The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of short term debt and long term debt exclude capital lease obligations. The carrying amounts reported on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets for cash and short term investments not carried at fair value and certain other assets and liabilities approximate fair value due to the short term nature of these items.
		Carrying			Estimated Fair Value
March 31, 2015		Amount			Level 1		Level 2				Level 3				Total
(In millions)
Assets:
Other invested assets, primarily mortgage loans		$	586								$	612			$	612
Liabilities:
Short term debt			685				$	670				35				705
Long term debt			9,850					9,813				470				10,283
December 31, 2014
Assets:
Other invested assets, primarily mortgage loans		$	588								$	608			$	608
Liabilities:
Short term debt			334				$	255				84				339
Long term debt			10,320					10,299				420				10,719
The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of these financial assets and liabilities.
The fair values of mortgage loans, included in Other invested assets, were based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the current interest rate for similar financial instruments, adjusted for specific loan risk.
Fair value of debt was based on observable market prices when available. When observable market prices were not available, the fair value of debt was based on observable market prices of comparable instruments adjusted for differences between the observed instruments and the instruments being valued or is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	4. Property, Plant and Equipment
	Diamond Offshore
	Asset Impairment
	In the first quarter of 2015, as a result of the continued deterioration of the market fundamentals in the oil and gas industry, including the dramatic decline in oil prices, significant cutbacks in customer capital spending plans, contract cancellations by customers and increased regulatory requirements, Diamond Offshore evaluated all of its mid-water semisubmersible rigs, as well as one drillship, for impairment.
	Diamond Offshore utilizes an undiscounted probability-weighted cash flow analysis in testing an asset for potential impairment. A matrix of assumptions is developed for each rig under evaluation using multiple utilization/dayrate scenarios, to each of which Diamond Offshore assigns a probability of occurrence. Diamond Offshore arrives at a projected probability weighted cash flow for each rig based on the respective matrix and compares such amount to the carrying value of the asset to assess recoverability.
	The underlying assumptions and assigned probabilities of occurrence for utilization and dayrate scenarios are developed using a methodology that examines historical data for each rig, which considers the rig’s age, rated water depth and other attributes and then assesses its future marketability in light of the current and projected market environment at the time of assessment. Other assumptions, such as operating, maintenance and inspection costs, are estimated using historical data adjusted for known developments and future events that are anticipated by management at the time of the assessment.
	Based on this evaluation, Diamond Offshore determined that seven mid-water semisubmersibles as well as an older drillship were impaired and an impairment loss was recognized aggregating $359 million ($158 million after tax and noncontrolling interests) for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Of the impaired rigs, five rigs are currently cold stacked, including three semisubmersible rigs that Diamond Offshore expects to retire and scrap. The remaining three impaired rigs are currently under contract and are expected to be cold stacked or scrapped at the end of their respective contracts.
	The fair value of the five cold stacked rigs was determined utilizing a market approach, which utilized the most recent contracted sales price for another of Diamond Offshore’s previously impaired mid-water semisubmersible rigs, which Diamond Offshore expects to scrap in the second quarter of 2015. The fair value of Diamond Offshore’s three rigs currently under contract was determined using an income approach, which utilized significant unobservable inputs, including assumptions related to estimated dayrate revenue, rig utilization and anticipated costs for the remainder of the current contract, as well as estimated proceeds that may be received on disposition of each rig, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement. The aggregate fair value of the impaired rigs was $14 million as of March 31, 2015 and is included in Property, plant and equipment on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.
	Loews Hotels
	In 2015, Loews Hotels paid a total of approximately $330 million to acquire a hotel in February of 2015 and a hotel in April of 2015, funded with capital contributions from the Company.

Claim_and_Claim_Adjustment_Exp

Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves	5. Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves
	CNA’s property and casualty insurance claim and claim adjustment expense reserves represent the estimated amounts necessary to resolve all outstanding claims, including claims that are incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) as of the reporting date. CNA’s reserve projections are based primarily on detailed analysis of the facts in each case, CNA’s experience with similar cases and various historical development patterns. Consideration is given to such historical patterns as field reserving trends and claims settlement practices, loss payments, pending levels of unpaid claims and product mix, as well as court decisions, economic conditions including inflation and public attitudes. All of these factors can affect the estimation of claim and claim adjustment expense reserves.
	Establishing claim and claim adjustment expense reserves, including claim and claim adjustment expense reserves for catastrophic events that have occurred, is an estimation process. Many factors can ultimately affect the final settlement of a claim and, therefore, the necessary reserve. Changes in the law, results of litigation, medical costs, the cost of repair materials and labor rates can all affect ultimate claim costs. In addition, time can be a critical part of reserving determinations since the longer the span between the incidence of a loss and the payment or settlement of the claim, the more variable the ultimate settlement amount can be. Accordingly, short-tail claims, such as property damage claims, tend to be more reasonably estimable than long-tail claims, such as workers’ compensation, general liability and professional liability claims. Adjustments to prior year reserve estimates, if necessary, are reflected in the results of operations in the period that the need for such adjustments is determined. There can be no assurance that CNA’s ultimate cost for insurance losses will not exceed current estimates.
	Catastrophes are an inherent risk of the property and casualty insurance business and have contributed to material period-to-period fluctuations in CNA’s results of operations and/or equity. CNA reported catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance, of $29 million and $74 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Catastrophe losses in 2015 related primarily to U.S. weather-related events.
	The fourth quarter of 2014 asbestos and environmental pollution (“A&EP”) reserve review was not completed because additional information and analysis on inuring third-party reinsurance recoveries were needed to finalize the review. The review and analysis of this information continues, and CNA expects to complete the review in the second quarter of 2015. Given the significance of the information and analysis needed to finalize the remaining elements of the review, management is not able to estimate the impact, if any, of this uncertainty on the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
	Net Prior Year Development
	The following tables and discussion present net prior year development recorded for Specialty, Commercial and International segments.
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015	Specialty			Commercial		International			Total
	(In millions)
	Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	2		$	(5)	$	(4	)	$	(7)
	Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development		(6	)		(1)		16			9
	Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	$	(4	)	$	(6)	$	12		$	2
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(3	)	$	18	$	10		$	25
	Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development		(6	)		(18)		(7	)		(31)
	Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	$	(9	)	$	-	$	3		$	(6)
	Specialty
	The following table and discussion provide further detail of the net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development (“development”) recorded for the Specialty segment:
	Three Months Ended March 31	2015			2014
	(In millions)
	Medical professional liability	$	14
	Other professional liability and management liability		(3	)	$	(6)
	Surety		1			1
	Other		(10	)		2
	Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	2		$	(3)
	2015
	Overall, unfavorable development for medical professional liability was primarily related to increased frequency in the Aging Services book for accident years 2013 and 2014, partially offset by better than expected severity in accident years 2010 and prior.
	Favorable development for other coverages was primarily due to better than expected frequency in property coverages provided to Specialty customers in accident year 2014.
	2014
	Favorable development for other professional liability and management liability was related to better than expected loss emergence in accident years 2004 and prior.
	Commercial
	The following table and discussion provide further detail of the development recorded for the Commercial segment:
	Three Months Ended March 31	2015			2014
	(In millions)
	Commercial auto				$	20
	General liability	$	4
	Workers’ compensation		(1	)		11
	Property and other		(8	)		(13)
	Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(5	)	$	18
	2015
	Favorable development for property and other was due to lower than expected loss emergence from 2014 catastrophe events.
	2014
	Unfavorable development for commercial auto was primarily related to higher than expected frequency in accident years 2012 and 2013 and higher than expected loss emergence in accident years 2010 and 2011.
	Unfavorable development for workers’ compensation was primarily due to the recognition of losses related to favorable premium development in accident year 2013.
	Favorable development for property and other was primarily due to better than expected loss emergence in catastrophe losses in accident year 2013.
	International
	The following table and discussion provide further detail of the development recorded for the International segment:
	Three Months Ended March 31	2015			2014
	(In millions)
	Medical professional liability				$	1
	Other professional liability					(1)
	Liability	$	(5	)		(2)
	Property & marine		(6	)		8
	Other		7			(6)
	Commutations					10
	Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(4	)	$	10
	2014
	Reinsurance commutations in the first quarter of 2014 reduced ceded losses from prior years. Overall the commutations increased net operating income because of the release of the related allowance for doubtful accounts on reinsurance receivables.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	6. Income Taxes
	The consolidated effective income tax rate includes the impact of asset impairment losses recognized in foreign jurisdictions with lower tax rates. Excluding the impact of the $359 million asset impairment loss which is a discrete income tax item, the effective income tax rate was 23% and 20% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The change in the effective tax rate is attributable to the change in the relative components of earnings, excluding this discrete item, generated in tax jurisdictions with lower tax rates.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	7. Debt
	Boardwalk Pipeline
	In February of 2015, Boardwalk Pipeline repaid at maturity the entire $275 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.1% senior notes.
	In March of 2015, Boardwalk Pipeline completed a public offering of an additional $250 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.0% senior notes due December 15, 2024. Boardwalk Pipeline originally issued $350 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.0% senior notes due December 15, 2024 in November of 2014. Boardwalk Pipeline intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to retire a portion of the outstanding $250 million aggregate principal amount of 4.6% notes due June 1, 2015.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	8. Shareholders’ Equity
	Accumulated other comprehensive income
	The tables below display the changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2015:
														Total
														Accumulated
		OTTI		Unrealized								Foreign		Other
		Gains		Gains (Losses)		Discontinued		Cash Flow		Pension		Currency		Comprehensive
		(Losses)		on Investments		Operations		Hedges		Liability		Translation		Income (Loss)
	(In millions)
	Balance, January 1, 2014	$	23	$	622	$	(3)	$	(4)	$	(432)	$	133	$	339
	Transfer to net assets held for sale		(5)		(15)		20								-
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, after tax of $(6), $(141), $(1), $(1), $0 and $0		12		264		2		2				(6)		274
	Reclassification of (gains) losses from accumulated other comprehensive income, after tax of $0, $14, $(3), $0, $(1) and $0				(27)		3		1		(1)				(24)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		12		237		5		3		(1)		(6)		250
	Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests		(1)		(24)		(1)		(1)		1				(26)
	Balance, March 31, 2014	$	29	$	820	$	21	$	(2)	$	(432)	$	127	$	563
	Balance, January 1, 2015	$	32	$	846	$	-	$	(6)	$	(641)	$	49	$	280
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, after tax of $0, $(62), $0, $1, $0 and $0		(1)		119				(2)				(96)		20
	Reclassification of (gains) losses from accumulated other comprehensive income, after tax of $0, $0, $0, $(2), $(3) and $0				(9)				5		4				-
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		(1)		110		-		3		4		(96)		20
	Issuance of equity securities by subsidiary										1				1
	Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests				(12)								9		(3)
	Balance, March 31, 2015	$	31	$	944	$	-	$	(3)	$	(636)	$	(38)	$	298
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI shown above are reported in Net income as follows:
	Major Category of AOCI	Affected Line Item
	OTTI gains (losses)	Investment gains (losses)
	Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	Investment gains (losses)
	Unrealized gains (losses) and cash flow hedges related to discontinued operations	Discontinued operations, net
	Cash flow hedges	Other revenues and Contract drilling expenses
	Pension liability	Other operating expenses
	Subsidiary Equity Transactions
	Loews purchased 0.9 million shares of Diamond Offshore common stock at an aggregate cost of $24 million during the first three months of 2015. The Company’s percentage ownership interest in Diamond Offshore increased as a result of these transactions, from 52.5% to 53.1%. The Company’s carrying value exceeded the purchase price of the shares, resulting in an increase to Additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) of $3 million.
	In March of 2015, Boardwalk Pipeline sold 6.7 million common units under an equity distribution agreement with certain broker-dealers and received net proceeds of $109 million, including a $2 million contribution from the Company to maintain its 2% general partner interest. The Company’s percentage ownership interest in Boardwalk Pipeline declined as a result of this transaction, from 53% to 51%. The Company’s carrying value exceeded the issuance price of the common units, resulting in a decrease to APIC of $2 million and an increase to AOCI of $1 million.
	Treasury Stock
	The Company repurchased 1.8 million and 0.5 million shares of Loews common stock at aggregate costs of $71 million and $24 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

Benefit_Plans

Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	9. Benefit Plans
	Pension Plans - The Company has several non-contributory defined benefit plans for eligible employees. Benefits for certain plans are determined annually based on a specified percentage of annual earnings (based on the participant’s age or years of service) and a specified interest rate (which is established annually for all participants) applied to accrued balances. The benefits for another plan which covers salaried employees are based on formulas which include, among others, years of service and average pay. The Company’s funding policy is to make contributions in accordance with applicable governmental regulatory requirements.
	Other Postretirement Benefit Plans - The Company has several postretirement benefit plans covering eligible employees and retirees. Participants generally become eligible after reaching age 55 with required years of service. Actual requirements for coverage vary by plan. Benefits for retirees who were covered by bargaining units vary by each unit and contract. Benefits for certain retirees are in the form of a Company health care account.
	Benefits for retirees reaching age 65 are generally integrated with Medicare. Other retirees, based on plan provisions, must use Medicare as their primary coverage, with the Company reimbursing a portion of the unpaid amount; or are reimbursed for the Medicare Part B premium or have no Company coverage. The benefits provided by the Company are basically health and, for certain retirees, life insurance type benefits.
	The Company funds certain of these benefit plans, and accrues postretirement benefits during the active service of those employees who would become eligible for such benefits when they retire.
	The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
						Other
		Pension Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended March 31	2015		2014		2015		2014
	(In millions)
	Service cost	$	4	$	5
	Interest cost		32		37	$	1	$	1
	Expected return on plan assets		(48)		(53)		(1)		(1)
	Amortization of unrecognized net loss		11		7
	Amortization of unrecognized prior service benefit						(2)		(6)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(1)	$	(4)	$	(2)	$	(6)

Business_Segments

Business Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segments	10. Business Segments
	The Company’s reportable segments are primarily based on its individual operating subsidiaries. Each of the principal operating subsidiaries is headed by a chief executive officer who is responsible for the operation of its business and has the duties and authority commensurate with that position. Investment gains (losses) and the related income taxes, excluding those of CNA, are included in the Corporate and other segment.
	CNA’s results are reported in four business segments: Specialty, Commercial, International and Other Non-Core. Specialty provides a broad array of professional, financial and specialty property and casualty products and services, through a network of independent agents, brokers and managing general underwriters. Commercial includes property and casualty coverages sold to small businesses and middle market entities and organizations primarily through an independent agency distribution system. Commercial also includes commercial insurance and risk management products sold to large corporations primarily through insurance brokers. International provides management and professional liability coverages as well as a broad range of other property and casualty insurance products and services abroad through a network of brokers, independent agencies and managing general underwriters, as well as the Lloyd’s marketplace. Other Non-Core primarily includes the results of CNA’s individual and group long term care businesses that are in run-off and also includes corporate expenses, including interest on corporate debt, and the results of certain property and casualty business in run-off, including CNA Re and A&EP.
	Diamond Offshore owns and operates offshore drilling rigs that are chartered on a contract basis for fixed terms by companies engaged in exploration and production of hydrocarbons. Offshore rigs are mobile units that can be relocated based on market demand. Diamond Offshore’s fleet consists of 35 drilling rigs, excluding three rigs that Diamond Offshore plans to retire and scrap and including two newbuild rigs which are under construction. On March 31, 2015, Diamond Offshore’s drilling rigs were located offshore eight countries in addition to the United States.
	Boardwalk Pipeline is engaged in the interstate transportation and storage of natural gas and NGLs and gathering and processing of natural gas. This segment consists of interstate natural gas pipeline systems originating in the Gulf Coast region, Oklahoma and Arkansas, and extending north and east through the midwestern states of Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, natural gas storage facilities in four states and NGL pipelines and storage facilities in Louisiana, with approximately 14,625 miles of pipeline.
	Loews Hotels operates a chain of 23 hotels, 22 of which are in the United States and one of which is in Canada.
	The Corporate and other segment consists primarily of corporate investment income, corporate interest expense and other unallocated expenses.
	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. In addition, CNA does not maintain a distinct investment portfolio for every insurance segment, and accordingly, allocation of assets to each segment is not performed. Therefore, a significant portion of net investment income and investment gains (losses) are allocated based on each segment’s carried insurance reserves, as adjusted.
	The following tables set forth the Company’s consolidated revenues and income (loss) by business segment:
	Three Months Ended March 31		2015		2014
	(In millions)
	Revenues (a):
	CNA Financial:
	Property and Casualty:
	Specialty		$	917	$	915
	Commercial			895		946
	International			206		259
	Other Non-Core			334		343
	Total CNA Financial			2,352		2,463
	Diamond Offshore			627		710
	Boardwalk Pipeline			330		357
	Loews Hotels			139		105
	Corporate and other			30		53
	Total		$	3,478	$	3,688
	Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests (a):
	CNA Financial:
	Property and Casualty:
	Specialty		$	207	$	203
	Commercial			186		119
	International			13		27
	Other Non-Core			-92		(48)
	Total CNA Financial			314		301
	Diamond Offshore			-287		168
	Boardwalk Pipeline (b)			77		23
	Loews Hotels			10		5
	Corporate and other			-9		17
	Total		$	105	$	514
	Net income (loss) (a):
	CNA Financial:
	Property and Casualty:
	Specialty		$	123	$	123
	Commercial			110		73
	International			9		15
	Other Non-Core			-32		(11)
	Total CNA Financial			210		200
	Diamond Offshore			-126		69
	Boardwalk Pipeline (b)			25		(18)
	Loews Hotels			5		3
	Corporate and other			-5		11
	Income from continuing operations			109		265
	Discontinued operations, net					(206)
	Total		$	109	$	59
	(a)	Investment gains (losses) included in Revenues, Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests and Net income (loss) are as follows:
	Three Months Ended March 31		2015		2014
	Revenues and Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests:
	CNA Financial:
	Property and Casualty:
	Specialty		$	4	$	11
	Commercial			4		10
	International			1		3
	Other Non-Core			1		18
	Total		$	10	$	42
	Net income (loss):
	CNA Financial:
Property and Casualty:
Specialty		$	2	$	7
Commercial			3		7
International			1
Other Non-Core			2		10
Total		$	8	$	24
(b)	As discussed in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, a charge of $94 million ($55 million after tax and noncontrolling interests) was recorded in the first quarter of 2014 related to the Bluegrass Project.

Legal_Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Legal Proceedings	11. Legal Proceedings
	The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The outcome of this litigation will not, in the opinion of management, materially affect the Company’s results of operations or equity.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	12. Commitments and Contingencies
	CNA Financial
	In the course of selling business entities and assets to third parties, CNA agreed to guarantee the performance of certain obligations of a previously owned subsidiary and to indemnify purchasers for losses arising out of breaches of representation and warranties with respect to the business entities or assets being sold, including, in certain cases, losses arising from undisclosed liabilities or certain named litigation. Such guarantee and indemnification agreements in effect for sales of business entities, assets and third party loans may include provisions that survive indefinitely. As of March 31, 2015, the aggregate amount related to quantifiable guarantees was $375 million and the aggregate amount related to indemnification agreements was $324 million. Should CNA be required to make payments under the guarantee, it would have the right to seek reimbursement in certain cases from an affiliate of a previously owned subsidiary.
	In addition, CNA has agreed to provide indemnification to third party purchasers for certain losses associated with sold business entities or assets that are not limited by a contractual monetary amount. As of March 31, 2015, CNA had outstanding unlimited indemnifications in connection with the sales of certain of its business entities or assets that included tax liabilities arising prior to a purchaser’s ownership of an entity or asset, defects in title at the time of sale, employee claims arising prior to closing and in some cases losses arising from certain litigation and undisclosed liabilities. Certain provisions of the indemnification agreements survive indefinitely while others survive until the applicable statutes of limitation expire, or until the agreed upon contract terms expire.
	In the normal course of business, CNA also provided guarantees, if the primary obligor fails to perform, to holders of structured settlement annuities provided by a previously owned subsidiary, which are estimated to mature through 2120. The potential amount of future payments CNA could be required to pay under these guarantees was approximately $2.0 billion as of March 31, 2015. CNA does not believe a payable is likely under these guarantees, as CNA is the beneficiary of a trust that must be maintained at a level that approximates the discounted reserves for these annuities.
	Diamond Offshore
	Diamond Offshore is financially obligated under a contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries, Co. Ltd. (“Hyundai”) for the construction of a dynamically positioned, harsh environment semisubmersible drilling rig, with expected delivery in the first quarter of 2016. The total cost of the rig including shipyard costs, capital spares, commissioning, project management and shipyard supervision is estimated to be $764 million. The remaining contractual payment of $440 million is due upon delivery of the rig.
	Diamond Offshore expects to take delivery of an ultra-deepwater drillship in the second quarter of 2015 and will pay the remaining contractual payment to Hyundai of approximately $395 million at that time.
	In July of 2014, Diamond Offshore was notified by Petróleo Brasileiro S.A., (“Petrobras”) that it is challenging assessments by Brazilian tax authorities of withholding taxes associated with the provision of drilling rigs for its operations in Brazil during the years 2008 and 2009. If Petrobras is ultimately assessed such withholding taxes, it will seek reimbursement from Diamond Offshore for the portion allocable to its drilling rigs. Diamond Offshore disputes any basis for Petrobras to obtain such reimbursement and has notified Petrobras of its position and intends to pursue all legal remedies available to defend any reimbursement claims against it vigorously. Diamond Offshore is currently unable to estimate the range of loss, if any, that it would incur if Petrobras is ultimately assessed such taxes and if it is determined that Petrobras is entitled to obtain reimbursement from Diamond Offshore. However, if Diamond Offshore’s position is not sustained, the amount of such reimbursement could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and the Company’s results of operations and cash flows.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	13. Discontinued Operations
	The Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income include discontinued operations of HighMount as follows:
	Three Months Ended March 31	2014
	(In millions)
	Revenues:
	Other revenue, primarily operating	$	55
	Total		55
	Expenses:
	Other operating expenses
	Impairment of natural gas and oil properties		29
	Operating		55
	Interest		2
	Total		86
	Loss before income tax		(31)
	Income tax benefit		11
	Loss from discontinued operations	$	(20)
	The Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income include discontinued operations of the CAC business as follows:
	Three Months Ended March 31	2014
	(In millions)
	Revenues:
	Net investment income	$	41
	Investment gains		1
	Total		42
	Expenses:
	Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits		31
	Other operating expenses		1
	Total		32
	Income before income tax		10
	Income tax expense		(3)
	Results of discontinued operations, net of income tax		7
	Loss on sale, net of tax benefit of $41		(214)
	Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests		21
	Loss from discontinued operations	$	(186)

Consolidating_Financial_Inform

Consolidating Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Consolidating Financial Information	14. Consolidating Financial Information
	The following schedules present the Company’s consolidating balance sheet information at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and consolidating statements of income information for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. These schedules present the individual subsidiaries of the Company and their contribution to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. Amounts presented will not necessarily be the same as those in the individual financial statements of the Company’s subsidiaries due to adjustments for purchase accounting, income taxes and noncontrolling interests. In addition, many of the Company’s subsidiaries use a classified balance sheet which also leads to differences in amounts reported for certain line items.
	The Corporate and other column primarily reflects the parent company’s investment in its subsidiaries, invested cash portfolio and corporate long term debt. The elimination adjustments are for intercompany assets and liabilities, interest and dividends, the parent company’s investment in capital stocks of subsidiaries, and various reclasses of debit or credit balances to the amounts in consolidation. Purchase accounting adjustments have been pushed down to the appropriate subsidiary.
	Loews Corporation
	Consolidating Balance Sheet Information
		CNA		Diamond		Boardwalk		Loews		Corporate
	March 31, 2015	Financial		Offshore		Pipeline		Hotels		and Other		Eliminations		Total
	(In millions)
	Assets:
	Investments	$	45,932	$	191			$	48	$	6,021			$	52,192
	Cash		201		7	$	30		6		27				271
	Receivables		7,404		469		158		42		116	$	(32)		8,157
	Property, plant and equipment		284		6,578		7,626		838		50				15,376
	Deferred income taxes		86						2		186		(274)		-
	Goodwill		114		20		237								371
	Investments in capital stocks of subsidiaries										15,702		(15,702)		-
	Other assets		808		266		305		240		10		11		1,640
	Deferred acquisition costs of insurance subsidiaries		616												616
	Total assets	$	55,445	$	7,531	$	8,356	$	1,176	$	22,112	$	(15,997)	$	78,623
	Liabilities and Equity:
	Insurance reserves	$	36,705											$	36,705
	Payable to brokers		257	$	3					$	666				926
	Short term debt		1		250			$	36		400				687
	Long term debt		2,563		1,981	$	3,568		471		1,280				9,863
	Deferred income taxes		9		397		751		36			$	(263)		930
	Other liabilities		3,503		697		385		22		307		(32)		4,882
	Total liabilities		43,038		3,328		4,704		565		2,653		(295)		53,993
	Total shareholders’ equity		11,125		2,245		1,572		609		19,459		(15,702)		19,308
	Noncontrolling interests		1,282		1,958		2,080		2						5,322
	Total equity		12,407		4,203		3,652		611		19,459		(15,702)		24,630
	Total liabilities and equity	$	55,445	$	7,531	$	8,356	$	1,176	$	22,112	$	(15,997)	$	78,623
	Loews Corporation
	Consolidating Balance Sheet Information
		CNA		Diamond		Boardwalk		Loews		Corporate
	December 31, 2014	Financial		Offshore		Pipeline		Hotels		and Other		Eliminations		Total
	(In millions)
	Assets:
	Investments	$	46,262	$	234			$	75	$	5,461			$	52,032
	Cash		190		16	$	8		9		141				364
	Receivables		7,097		490		128		29		82	$	(56)		7,770
	Property, plant and equipment		280		6,949		7,649		671		62				15,611
	Deferred income taxes		222						2		374		(598)		-
	Goodwill		117		20		237								374
	Investments in capital stocks of subsidiaries										15,974		(15,974)		-
	Other assets		778		307		304		206		7		14		1,616
	Deferred acquisition costs of insurance subsidiaries		600												600
	Total assets	$	55,546	$	8,016	$	8,326	$	992	$	22,101	$	(16,614)	$	78,367
	Liabilities and Equity:
	Insurance reserves	$	36,380											$	36,380
	Payable to brokers		117	$	5					$	551				673
	Short term debt				250			$	85						335
	Long term debt		2,561		1,981	$	3,690		421		1,680				10,333
	Deferred income taxes		11		514		732		36			$	(400)		893
	Other liabilities		3,713		792		400		17		421		(240)		5,103
	Total liabilities		42,782		3,542		4,822		559		2,652		(640)		53,717
	Total shareholders’ equity		11,457		2,359		1,558		431		19,449		(15,974)		19,280
	Noncontrolling interests		1,307		2,115		1,946		2						5,370
	Total equity		12,764		4,474		3,504		433		19,449		(15,974)		24,650
	Total liabilities and equity	$	55,546	$	8,016	$	8,326	$	992	$	22,101	$	(16,614)	$	78,367
	Loews Corporation
	Consolidating Statement of Income Information
		CNA		Diamond		Boardwalk		Loews		Corporate
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015	Financial		Offshore		Pipeline		Hotels		and Other		Eliminations		Total
	(In millions)
Revenues:
Insurance premiums	$	1,687											$	1,687
Net investment income		558	$	1					$	29				588
Intercompany interest and dividends										567	$	(567)		-
Investment gains		10												10
Contract drilling revenues				600										600
Other revenues		97		26	$	330	$	139		1				593
Total		2,352		627		330		139		597		(567)		3,478
Expenses:
Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits		1,339												1,339
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs		303												303
Contract drilling expenses				351										351
Other operating expenses		357		539		208		124		21				1,249
Interest		39		24		45		5		18				131
Total		2,038		914		253		129		39		-		3,373
Income (loss) before income tax		314		(287)		77		10		558		(567)		105
Income tax (expense) benefit		(80)		41		(16)		(5)		4				(56)
Net income (loss)		234		(246)		61		5		562		(567)		49
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests		(24)		120		(36)								60
Net income (loss) attributable to Loews Corporation	$	210	$	(126)	$	25	$	5	$	562	$	(567)	$	109
Loews Corporation
Consolidating Statement of Income Information
	CNA		Diamond		Boardwalk		Loews		Corporate
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014	Financial		Offshore		Pipeline		Hotels		and Other		Eliminations		Total
(In millions)
Revenues:
Insurance premiums	$	1,806											$	1,806
Net investment income		526							$	51				577
Intercompany interest and dividends										377	$	(377)		-
Investment gains		42												42
Contract drilling revenues			$	685										685
Other revenues		89		25	$	357	$	105		2				578
Total		2,463		710		357		105		430		(377)		3,688
Expenses:
Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits		1,446												1,446
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs		329												329
Contract drilling expenses				370										370
Other operating expenses		343		154		293		99		18				907
Interest		44		18		41		1		18				122
Total		2,162		542		334		100		36		-		3,174
Income (loss) before income tax		301		168		23		5		394		(377)		514
Income tax (expense) benefit		(79)		(27)		11		(2)		(6)				(103)
Income (loss) from continuing operations		222		141		34		3		388		(377)		411
Discontinued operations, net		(207)								(20)				(227)
Net income (loss)		15		141		34		3		368		(377)		184
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests		(1)		(72)		(52)								(125)
Net income (loss) attributable to Loews Corporation	$	14	$	69	$	(18)	$	3	$	368	$	(377)	$	59

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting	Loews Corporation is a holding company. Its subsidiaries are engaged in the following lines of business: commercial property and casualty insurance (CNA Financial Corporation (“CNA”), a 90% owned subsidiary); the operation of offshore oil and gas drilling rigs (Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. (“Diamond Offshore”), a 53% owned subsidiary); transportation and storage of natural gas and natural gas liquids and gathering and processing of natural gas (Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP (“Boardwalk Pipeline”), a 51% owned subsidiary); and the operation of a chain of hotels (Loews Hotels Holding Corporation (“Loews Hotels”), a wholly owned subsidiary). Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “Company,” “Loews” and “Registrant” as used herein mean Loews Corporation excluding its subsidiaries and the term “Net income (loss) attributable to Loews Corporation” as used herein means Net income (loss) attributable to Loews Corporation shareholders.
	Loews segments are CNA Financial, including Specialty, Commercial, International and Other Non-Core; Diamond Offshore; Boardwalk Pipeline; Loews Hotels; and Corporate and other. See Note 10 for additional information on segments.
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and the results of operations, comprehensive income and changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	Net income for the first quarter of each of the years is not necessarily indicative of net income for that entire year.
	Reference is made to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K which should be read in conjunction with these Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
Income Per Share	The Company presents basic and diluted net income per share on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income. Basic net income per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. Stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) of 3.5 million and 1.9 million shares were not included in the diluted weighted average shares amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 due to the exercise price being greater than the average stock price.
Recent Accounting Developments	Updated accounting guidance not yet adopted – In May of 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The core principle of the new accounting guidance is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new accounting guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized and requires enhanced disclosures about revenue. This update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods, and can be adopted either retrospectively or as a cumulative effect adjustment at the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Net Investment Income and Investment Gains (Losses)	Net investment income is as follows:
	Three Months Ended March 31	2015			2014
	(In millions)
	Fixed maturity securities	$	443		$	452
	Short term investments		3			1
	Limited partnership investments		160			87
	Equity securities		3			2
	Income (loss) from trading portfolio (a)		(15	)		40
	Other		8			8
	Total investment income		602			590
	Investment expenses		(14	)		(13	)
	Net investment income	$	588		$	577
	(a)   Includes net unrealized gains (losses) related to changes in fair value on trading securities still held of $(14) and $13 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	Investment gains (losses) are as follows:
	Three Months Ended March 31	2015			2014
	(In millions)
	Fixed maturity securities	$	12		$	38
	Equity securities					5
	Derivative instruments		(1	)
	Short term investments and other		(1	)		(1	)
	Investment gains (a)	$	10		$	42
	(a)   Includes gross realized gains of $34 and $58 and gross realized losses of $22 and $15 on available-for-sale securities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
Components of Net Other-than-Temporary Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings by Asset Type	The components of net other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses recognized in earnings by asset type are as follows:
	Three Months Ended March 31	2015			2014
	(In millions)
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
	Corporate and other bonds	$	5		$	1
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions		5
	Asset-backed – residential mortgage-backed		1			1
	Total fixed maturities available-for-sale		11			2
	Equity securities available-for-sale:
	Common stock		1
	Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	$	12		$	2
Amortized Cost and Fair Values of Securities	The amortized cost and fair values of securities are as follows:
		Cost or			Gross				Gross							Unrealized
		Amortized			Unrealized				Unrealized				Estimated			OTTI Losses
	March 31, 2015	Cost			Gains				Losses				Fair Value			(Gains)
	(In millions)
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Corporate and other bonds	$	16,737		$	1,867			$	45			$	18,559
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions		11,407			1,536				9				12,934
	Asset-backed:
	Residential mortgage-backed		4,998			241				13				5,226		$	(51)
	Commercial mortgage-backed		2,151			114				5				2,260			(3)
	Other asset-backed		1,109			15				1				1,123
	Total asset-backed		8,258			370				19				8,609			(54)
	U.S. Treasury and obligations of government- sponsored enterprises		24			6								30
	Foreign government		390			19								409
	Redeemable preferred stock		39			3								42
	Fixed maturities available- for-sale		36,855			3,801				73				40,583			(54)
	Fixed maturities trading		142							17				125
	Total fixed maturities		36,997			3,801				90				40,708			(54)
	Equity securities:
	Common stock		41			9								50
	Preferred stock		172			7				4				175
	Equity securities available-for-sale		213			16				4				225			-
	Equity securities trading		459			74				114				419
	Total equity securities		672			90				118				644			-
	Total	$	37,669		$	3,891			$	208			$	41,352		$	(54)
	December 31, 2014
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Corporate and other bonds	$	17,226		$	1,721			$	61			$	18,886
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions		11,285			1,463				8				12,740
	Asset-backed:
	Residential mortgage-backed		5,028			218				13				5,233		$	(53)
	Commercial mortgage-backed		2,056			93				5				2,144			(2)
	Other asset-backed		1,234			11				10				1,235
	Total asset-backed		8,318			322				28				8,612			(55)
	U.S. Treasury and obligations of government- sponsored enterprises		26			5								31
	Foreign government		438			16								454
	Redeemable preferred stock		39			3								42
	Fixed maturities available-for-sale		37,332			3,530				97				40,765			(55)
	Fixed maturities trading		137							17				120
	Total fixed maturities		37,469			3,530				114				40,885			(55)
	Equity securities:
	Common stock		38			9								47
	Preferred stock		172			5				2				175
	Equity securities available-for-sale		210			14				2				222			-
	Equity securities trading		523			96				113				506
	Total equity securities		733			110				115				728			-
	Total	$	38,202		$	3,640			$	229			$	41,613		$	(55)
Securities Available-for-Sale in Gross Unrealized Loss Position	The available-for-sale securities in a gross unrealized loss position are as follows:
		Less than									12 Months
		12 Months									or Longer							Total
						Gross									Gross						Gross
		Estimated				Unrealized					Estimated				Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized
	March 31, 2015	Fair Value				Losses					Fair Value				Losses			Fair Value			Losses
	(In millions)
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Corporate and other bonds		$	854			$	33				$	139			$	12		$	993		$	45
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions			479				6					100				3			579			9
	Asset-backed:
	Residential mortgage-backed			318				5					148				8			466			13
	Commercial mortgage-backed			175				3					62				2			237			5
	Other asset-backed			187				1					5							192			1
	Total asset-backed			680				9					215				10			895			19
	U.S. Treasury and obligations of government- sponsored enterprises			3																3
	Foreign government			13									1							14
	Total fixed maturity securities			2,029				48					455				25			2,484			73
	Preferred stock			15				4												15			4
	Total		$	2,044			$	52				$	455			$	25		$	2,499		$	77
	December 31, 2014
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Corporate and other bonds		$	1,330			$	46				$	277			$	15		$	1,607		$	61
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions			335				5					127				3			462			8
	Asset-backed:
	Residential mortgage-backed			293				5					189				8			482			13
	Commercial mortgage-backed			264				2					99				3			363			5
	Other asset-backed			607				10					7							614			10
	Total asset-backed			1,164				17					295				11			1,459			28
	U.S. Treasury and obligations of government- sponsored enterprises			3									4							7
	Foreign government			3									3							6
	Redeemable preferred stock			3																3
	Total fixed maturity securities			2,838				68					706				29			3,544			97
	Preferred stock			17				2					1							18			2
	Total		$	2,855			$	70				$	707			$	29		$	3,562		$	99
Pretax Credit Loss Component Reflected in Retained Earnings on Fixed Maturity Securities	The following table presents the activity related to the pretax credit loss component reflected in Retained earnings on fixed maturity securities still held as of March 31, 2015 and 2014 for which a portion of an OTTI loss was recognized in Other comprehensive income.
	Three Months Ended March 31	2015			2014
	(In millions)
	Beginning balance of credit losses on fixed maturity securities	$	62		$	74
	Reductions for securities sold during the period		(1	)		(2)
	Reductions for securities the Company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell					(3)
	Ending balance of credit losses on fixed maturity securities	$	61		$	69
Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturity Securities by Contractual Maturity	The following table presents available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain securities may be called or prepaid with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single date are allocated based on weighted average life.
		March 31, 2015							December 31, 2014
		Cost or			Estimated				Cost or				Estimated
		Amortized			Fair				Amortized				Fair
		Cost			Value				Cost				Value
	(In millions)
	Due in one year or less	$	2,011		$	2,043			$	2,479			$	2,511
	Due after one year through five years		8,776			9,354				9,070				9,621
	Due after five years through ten years		12,401			13,108				12,055				12,584
	Due after ten years		13,667			16,078				13,728				16,049
	Total	$	36,855		$	40,583			$	37,332			$	40,765
Summary of Aggregate Contractual or Notional Amounts and Gross Estimated Fair Values Related to Derivative Financial Instruments	A summary of the aggregate contractual or notional amounts and gross estimated fair values related to derivative financial instruments follows. The contractual or notional amounts for derivatives are used to calculate the exchange of contractual payments under the agreements and may not be representative of the potential for gain or loss on these instruments. Gross estimated fair values of derivative positions are currently presented in Equity securities, Receivables and Payable to brokers on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.
		March 31, 2015											December 31, 2014
		Contractual/											Contractual/
		Notional			Estimated Fair Value								Notional			Estimated Fair Value
		Amount			Asset				(Liability)				Amount			Asset		(Liability)
	(In millions)
	With hedge designation:
	Foreign exchange:
	Currency forwards – short	$	34						$	(3	)		$	70				$	(5)
	Without hedge designation:
	Equity markets:
	Options – purchased		2,306		$	21								544		$	24
	– written		1,493							(13	)			292					(21)
	Equity swaps and warrants – long		10			2								10			2
	Futures – short		399			3								130			2
	Foreign exchange:
	Currency forwards – long		134			1								109					(3)
	– short		99			2								88			2
	Currency options – long		179			25								151			7
	– short		218							(5	)
	Embedded derivative on funds withheld liability		184							(5	)			184					(3)

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are presented in the following tables:
	March 31, 2015	Level 1			Level 2				Level 3				Total
	(In millions)
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Corporate and other bonds	$	29		$	18,344			$	186			$	18,559
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions					12,848				86				12,934
	Asset-backed:
	Residential mortgage-backed					4,994				232				5,226
	Commercial mortgage-backed					2,196				64				2,260
	Other asset-backed					570				553				1,123
	Total asset-backed					7,760				849				8,609
	U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises		29			1								30
	Foreign government		37			372								409
	Redeemable preferred stock		30			12								42
	Fixed maturities available-for-sale		125			39,337				1,121				40,583
	Fixed maturities trading					36				89				125
	Total fixed maturities	$	125		$	39,373			$	1,210			$	40,708
	Equity securities available-for-sale	$	149		$	63			$	13			$	225
	Equity securities trading		418							1				419
	Total equity securities	$	567		$	63			$	14			$	644
	Short term investments	$	5,595		$	678							$	6,273
	Other invested assets		103			41								144
	Receivables		3			28								31
	Life settlement contracts								$	79				79
	Payable to brokers		(365	)		(8	)							(373)
	December 31, 2014	Level 1			Level 2				Level 3				Total
	(In millions)
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Corporate and other bonds	$	32		$	18,692			$	162			$	18,886
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions					12,646				94				12,740
	Asset-backed:
	Residential mortgage-backed					5,044				189				5,233
	Commercial mortgage-backed					2,061				83				2,144
	Other asset-backed					580				655				1,235
	Total asset-backed					7,685				927				8,612
	U.S. Treasury and obligations of government-sponsored enterprises		28			3								31
	Foreign government		41			413								454
	Redeemable preferred stock		30			12								42
	Fixed maturities available-for-sale		131			39,451				1,183				40,765
	Fixed maturities trading					30				90				120
	Total fixed maturities	$	131		$	39,481			$	1,273			$	40,885
	Equity securities available-for-sale	$	145		$	61			$	16			$	222
	Equity securities trading		505							1				506
	Total equity securities	$	650		$	61			$	17			$	728
	Short term investments	$	4,989		$	963							$	5,952
	Other invested assets		102			41								143
	Receivables		2			7								9
	Life settlement contracts								$	82				82
	Payable to brokers		(546	)		(6	)							(552)
Reconciliations of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs	The following tables present reconciliations for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
																											Unrealized
																											Gains
																											(Losses)
																											Recognized in
					Net Realized Gains																						Net Income
					(Losses) and Net Change																						on Level
					in Unrealized Gains																						3 Assets and
					(Losses)																Transfers		Transfers				Liabilities
		Balance,			Included in				Included in												into		out of		Balance,		Held at
	2015	January 1			Net Income				OCI				Purchases				Sales		Settlements		Level 3		Level 3		31-Mar		31-Mar
	(In millions)
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Corporate and other bonds	$	162		$	1							$	12			$	(12)	$	(14)	$	37			$	186
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions		94			1														(9)						86
	Asset-backed:
	Residential mortgage-backed		189			1								72						(10)			$	(20)		232
	Commercial mortgage- backed		83			1			$	1				6						(1)				(26)		64
	Other asset-backed		655			1				9				35				(144)		(3)						553
	Total asset-backed		927			3				10				113				(144)		(14)		-		(46)		849	$	-
	Fixed maturities available-for-sale		1,183			5				10				125				(156)		(37)		37		(46)		1,121
	Fixed maturities trading		90															(1)								89
	Total fixed maturities	$	1,273		$	5			$	10			$	125			$	(157)	$	(37)	$	37	$	(46)	$	1,210	$	-
	Equity securities available-for-sale	$	16						$	(3)															$	13
	Equity securities trading		1																							1
	Total equity securities	$	17		$	-			$	(3)			$	-			$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	14	$	-
	Life settlement contracts	$	82		$	13													$	(16)					$	79	$	1
																											Unrealized
																											Gains
																											(Losses)
																											Recognized in
					Net Realized Gains																						Net Income
					(Losses) and Net Change																						on Level
					in Unrealized Gains																						3 Assets and
					(Losses)																Transfers		Transfers				Liabilities
		Balance,			Included in				Included in												into		out of		Balance,		Held at
	2014	January 1			Net Income				OCI				Purchases				Sales		Settlements		Level 3		Level 3		31-Mar		31-Mar
	(In millions)
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Corporate and other bonds	$	204		$	1			$	1			$	5			$	(4)	$	(5)	$	3	$	(16)	$	189
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions		71							1												14				86
	Asset-backed:
	Residential mortgage-backed		331			1				15				25						(21)		21		(13)		359
	Commercial mortgage-backed		151			1				(1)										(1)				(24)		126
	Other asset-backed		446			1								148				(83)		(72)				(1)		439
	Total asset-backed		928			3				14				173				(83)		(94)		21		(38)		924
	Fixed maturities available-for-sale		1,203			4				16				178				(87)		(99)		38		(54)		1,199
	Fixed maturities trading		80			5																				85	$	5
	Total fixed maturities	$	1,283		$	9			$	16			$	178			$	(87)	$	(99)	$	38	$	(54)	$	1,284	$	5
	Equity securities available-for-sale	$	11		$	3			$	(4)							$	(8)							$	2
	Equity securities trading		8			(1)							$	1				(6)								2	$	(1)
	Total equity securities	$	19		$	2			$	(4)			$	1			$	(14)	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	4	$	(1)
	Life settlement contracts	$	88		$	10													$	(11)					$	87	$	1
	Separate account business		1																				$	(1)		-
	Derivative financial instruments, net		(3)			(1)			$	(1)			$	(2)			$	1		1						(5)		2
Quantitative Information about Significant Unobservable Inputs Utilized by Company Fair Value in Measurements of Level 3 Assets	The following tables present quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs utilized by the Company in the fair value measurements of Level 3 assets. Valuations for assets and liabilities not presented in the table below are primarily based on broker/dealer quotes for which there is a lack of transparency as to inputs used to develop the valuations. The quantitative detail of unobservable inputs from these broker quotes is neither provided nor reasonably available to the Company.
									Range
					Valuation		Unobservable		(Weighted
	March 31, 2015	Fair Value			Techniques		Inputs		Average)
		(In millions)
	Fixed maturity securities	$	102		Discounted cash flow		Credit spread			2% – 13% (3%)
	Equity securities		13		Market approach		Private offering price			$10 – $4,400 per share
										($682 per share)
	Life settlement contracts		79		Discounted cash flow		Discount rate risk premium			9%
							Mortality assumption			55% – 1,676% (164%)
	December 31, 2014
	Fixed maturity securities	$	101		Discounted cash flow		Credit spread			2% – 13% (3%)
	Equity securities		16		Market approach		Private offering price			$12 – $4,391 per share
										($600 per share)
	Life settlement contracts		82		Discounted cash flow		Discount rate risk premium			9%
							Mortality assumption			55% – 1,676% (163%)
Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instrument Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value	The carrying amounts reported on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets for cash and short term investments not carried at fair value and certain other assets and liabilities approximate fair value due to the short term nature of these items.
		Carrying			Estimated Fair Value
	March 31, 2015	Amount			Level 1		Level 2				Level 3				Total
	(In millions)
	Assets:
	Other invested assets, primarily mortgage loans	$	586								$	612			$	612
	Liabilities:
	Short term debt		685				$	670				35				705
	Long term debt		9,850					9,813				470				10,283
	December 31, 2014
	Assets:
	Other invested assets, primarily mortgage loans	$	588								$	608			$	608
	Liabilities:
	Short term debt		334				$	255				84				339
	Long term debt		10,320					10,299				420				10,719

Claim_and_Claim_Adjustment_Exp1

Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Net Prior Year Development	The following tables and discussion present net prior year development recorded for Specialty, Commercial and International segments.
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015	Specialty			Commercial		International			Total
	(In millions)
	Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	2		$	(5)	$	(4	)	$	(7)
	Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development		(6	)		(1)		16			9
	Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	$	(4	)	$	(6)	$	12		$	2
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(3	)	$	18	$	10		$	25
	Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development		(6	)		(18)		(7	)		(31)
	Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	$	(9	)	$	-	$	3		$	(6)
Specialty [Member]
Net Prior Year Claim and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense Reserve Development	The following table and discussion provide further detail of the net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development (“development”) recorded for the Specialty segment:
	Three Months Ended March 31	2015			2014
	(In millions)
	Medical professional liability	$	14
	Other professional liability and management liability		(3	)	$	(6)
	Surety		1			1
	Other		(10	)		2
	Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	2		$	(3)
Commercial [Member]
Net Prior Year Claim and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense Reserve Development	The following table and discussion provide further detail of the development recorded for the Commercial segment:
	Three Months Ended March 31	2015			2014
	(In millions)
	Commercial auto				$	20
	General liability	$	4
	Workers’ compensation		(1	)		11
	Property and other		(8	)		(13)
	Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(5	)	$	18
International [Member]
Net Prior Year Claim and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense Reserve Development	The following table and discussion provide further detail of the development recorded for the International segment:
	Three Months Ended March 31	2015			2014
	(In millions)
	Medical professional liability				$	1
	Other professional liability					(1)
	Liability	$	(5	)		(2)
	Property & marine		(6	)		8
	Other		7			(6)
	Commutations					10
	Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	$	(4	)	$	10

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The tables below display the changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2015:
														Total
														Accumulated
		OTTI		Unrealized								Foreign		Other
		Gains		Gains (Losses)		Discontinued		Cash Flow		Pension		Currency		Comprehensive
		(Losses)		on Investments		Operations		Hedges		Liability		Translation		Income (Loss)
	(In millions)
	Balance, January 1, 2014	$	23	$	622	$	(3)	$	(4)	$	(432)	$	133	$	339
	Transfer to net assets held for sale		(5)		(15)		20								-
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, after tax of $(6), $(141), $(1), $(1), $0 and $0		12		264		2		2				(6)		274
	Reclassification of (gains) losses from accumulated other comprehensive income, after tax of $0, $14, $(3), $0, $(1) and $0				(27)		3		1		(1)				(24)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		12		237		5		3		(1)		(6)		250
	Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests		(1)		(24)		(1)		(1)		1				(26)
	Balance, March 31, 2014	$	29	$	820	$	21	$	(2)	$	(432)	$	127	$	563
	Balance, January 1, 2015	$	32	$	846	$	-	$	(6)	$	(641)	$	49	$	280
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, after tax of $0, $(62), $0, $1, $0 and $0		(1)		119				(2)				(96)		20
	Reclassification of (gains) losses from accumulated other comprehensive income, after tax of $0, $0, $0, $(2), $(3) and $0				(9)				5		4				-
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		(1)		110		-		3		4		(96)		20
	Issuance of equity securities by subsidiary										1				1
	Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests				(12)								9		(3)
	Balance, March 31, 2015	$	31	$	944	$	-	$	(3)	$	(636)	$	(38)	$	298

Benefit_Plans_Tables

Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
						Other
		Pension Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended March 31	2015		2014		2015		2014
	(In millions)
	Service cost	$	4	$	5
	Interest cost		32		37	$	1	$	1
	Expected return on plan assets		(48)		(53)		(1)		(1)
	Amortization of unrecognized net loss		11		7
	Amortization of unrecognized prior service benefit						(2)		(6)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(1)	$	(4)	$	(2)	$	(6)

Business_Segments_Tables

Business Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Consolidated Revenues and Income (Loss) by Business Segment	The following tables set forth the Company’s consolidated revenues and income (loss) by business segment:
	Three Months Ended March 31		2015		2014
	(In millions)
	Revenues (a):
	CNA Financial:
	Property and Casualty:
	Specialty		$	917	$	915
	Commercial			895		946
	International			206		259
	Other Non-Core			334		343
	Total CNA Financial			2,352		2,463
	Diamond Offshore			627		710
	Boardwalk Pipeline			330		357
	Loews Hotels			139		105
	Corporate and other			30		53
	Total		$	3,478	$	3,688
	Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests (a):
	CNA Financial:
	Property and Casualty:
	Specialty		$	207	$	203
	Commercial			186		119
	International			13		27
	Other Non-Core			-92		(48)
	Total CNA Financial			314		301
	Diamond Offshore			-287		168
	Boardwalk Pipeline (b)			77		23
	Loews Hotels			10		5
	Corporate and other			-9		17
	Total		$	105	$	514
	Net income (loss) (a):
	CNA Financial:
	Property and Casualty:
	Specialty		$	123	$	123
	Commercial			110		73
	International			9		15
	Other Non-Core			-32		(11)
	Total CNA Financial			210		200
	Diamond Offshore			-126		69
	Boardwalk Pipeline (b)			25		(18)
	Loews Hotels			5		3
	Corporate and other			-5		11
	Income from continuing operations			109		265
	Discontinued operations, net					(206)
	Total		$	109	$	59
	(a)	Investment gains (losses) included in Revenues, Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests and Net income (loss) are as follows:
	Three Months Ended March 31		2015		2014
	Revenues and Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests:
	CNA Financial:
	Property and Casualty:
	Specialty		$	4	$	11
	Commercial			4		10
	International			1		3
	Other Non-Core			1		18
	Total		$	10	$	42
	Net income (loss):
	CNA Financial:
	Property and Casualty:
	Specialty		$	2	$	7
	Commercial			3		7
	International			1
	Other Non-Core			2		10
	Total		$	8	$	24
	(b)	As discussed in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, a charge of $94 million ($55 million after tax and noncontrolling interests) was recorded in the first quarter of 2014 related to the Bluegrass Project.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Discontinued Operations Reflected in Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income	The Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income include discontinued operations of HighMount as follows:
	Three Months Ended March 31	2014
	(In millions)
	Revenues:
	Other revenue, primarily operating	$	55
	Total		55
	Expenses:
	Other operating expenses
	Impairment of natural gas and oil properties		29
	Operating		55
	Interest		2
	Total		86
	Loss before income tax		(31)
	Income tax benefit		11
	Loss from discontinued operations	$	(20)
	The Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income include discontinued operations of the CAC business as follows:
	Three Months Ended March 31	2014
	(In millions)
	Revenues:
	Net investment income	$	41
	Investment gains		1
	Total		42
	Expenses:
	Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits		31
	Other operating expenses		1
	Total		32
	Income before income tax		10
	Income tax expense		(3)
	Results of discontinued operations, net of income tax		7
	Loss on sale, net of tax benefit of $41		(214)
	Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests		21
	Loss from discontinued operations	$	(186)

Consolidating_Financial_Inform1

Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Consolidating Balance Sheet Information	Loews Corporation
	Consolidating Balance Sheet Information
		CNA		Diamond		Boardwalk		Loews		Corporate
	March 31, 2015	Financial		Offshore		Pipeline		Hotels		and Other		Eliminations		Total
	(In millions)
	Assets:
	Investments	$	45,932	$	191			$	48	$	6,021			$	52,192
	Cash		201		7	$	30		6		27				271
	Receivables		7,404		469		158		42		116	$	(32)		8,157
	Property, plant and equipment		284		6,578		7,626		838		50				15,376
	Deferred income taxes		86						2		186		(274)		-
	Goodwill		114		20		237								371
	Investments in capital stocks of subsidiaries										15,702		(15,702)		-
	Other assets		808		266		305		240		10		11		1,640
	Deferred acquisition costs of insurance subsidiaries		616												616
	Total assets	$	55,445	$	7,531	$	8,356	$	1,176	$	22,112	$	(15,997)	$	78,623
	Liabilities and Equity:
	Insurance reserves	$	36,705											$	36,705
	Payable to brokers		257	$	3					$	666				926
	Short term debt		1		250			$	36		400				687
	Long term debt		2,563		1,981	$	3,568		471		1,280				9,863
	Deferred income taxes		9		397		751		36			$	(263)		930
	Other liabilities		3,503		697		385		22		307		(32)		4,882
	Total liabilities		43,038		3,328		4,704		565		2,653		(295)		53,993
	Total shareholders’ equity		11,125		2,245		1,572		609		19,459		(15,702)		19,308
	Noncontrolling interests		1,282		1,958		2,080		2						5,322
	Total equity		12,407		4,203		3,652		611		19,459		(15,702)		24,630
	Total liabilities and equity	$	55,445	$	7,531	$	8,356	$	1,176	$	22,112	$	(15,997)	$	78,623
	Loews Corporation
	Consolidating Balance Sheet Information
		CNA		Diamond		Boardwalk		Loews		Corporate
	December 31, 2014	Financial		Offshore		Pipeline		Hotels		and Other		Eliminations		Total
	(In millions)
	Assets:
	Investments	$	46,262	$	234			$	75	$	5,461			$	52,032
	Cash		190		16	$	8		9		141				364
	Receivables		7,097		490		128		29		82	$	(56)		7,770
	Property, plant and equipment		280		6,949		7,649		671		62				15,611
	Deferred income taxes		222						2		374		(598)		-
	Goodwill		117		20		237								374
	Investments in capital stocks of subsidiaries										15,974		(15,974)		-
	Other assets		778		307		304		206		7		14		1,616
	Deferred acquisition costs of insurance subsidiaries		600												600
	Total assets	$	55,546	$	8,016	$	8,326	$	992	$	22,101	$	(16,614)	$	78,367
	Liabilities and Equity:
	Insurance reserves	$	36,380											$	36,380
	Payable to brokers		117	$	5					$	551				673
	Short term debt				250			$	85						335
	Long term debt		2,561		1,981	$	3,690		421		1,680				10,333
	Deferred income taxes		11		514		732		36			$	(400)		893
	Other liabilities		3,713		792		400		17		421		(240)		5,103
	Total liabilities		42,782		3,542		4,822		559		2,652		(640)		53,717
	Total shareholders’ equity		11,457		2,359		1,558		431		19,449		(15,974)		19,280
	Noncontrolling interests		1,307		2,115		1,946		2						5,370
	Total equity		12,764		4,474		3,504		433		19,449		(15,974)		24,650
	Total liabilities and equity	$	55,546	$	8,016	$	8,326	$	992	$	22,101	$	(16,614)	$	78,367
Consolidating Statement of Income Information	Loews Corporation
	Consolidating Statement of Income Information
		CNA		Diamond		Boardwalk		Loews		Corporate
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015	Financial		Offshore		Pipeline		Hotels		and Other		Eliminations		Total
	(In millions)
	Revenues:
	Insurance premiums	$	1,687											$	1,687
	Net investment income		558	$	1					$	29				588
	Intercompany interest and dividends										567	$	(567)		-
	Investment gains		10												10
	Contract drilling revenues				600										600
	Other revenues		97		26	$	330	$	139		1				593
	Total		2,352		627		330		139		597		(567)		3,478
	Expenses:
	Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits		1,339												1,339
	Amortization of deferred acquisition costs		303												303
	Contract drilling expenses				351										351
	Other operating expenses		357		539		208		124		21				1,249
	Interest		39		24		45		5		18				131
	Total		2,038		914		253		129		39		-		3,373
	Income (loss) before income tax		314		(287)		77		10		558		(567)		105
	Income tax (expense) benefit		(80)		41		(16)		(5)		4				(56)
	Net income (loss)		234		(246)		61		5		562		(567)		49
	Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests		(24)		120		(36)								60
	Net income (loss) attributable to Loews Corporation	$	210	$	(126)	$	25	$	5	$	562	$	(567)	$	109
	Loews Corporation
	Consolidating Statement of Income Information
		CNA		Diamond		Boardwalk		Loews		Corporate
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014	Financial		Offshore		Pipeline		Hotels		and Other		Eliminations		Total
	(In millions)
	Revenues:
	Insurance premiums	$	1,806											$	1,806
	Net investment income		526							$	51				577
	Intercompany interest and dividends										377	$	(377)		-
	Investment gains		42												42
	Contract drilling revenues			$	685										685
	Other revenues		89		25	$	357	$	105		2				578
	Total		2,463		710		357		105		430		(377)		3,688
	Expenses:
	Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits		1,446												1,446
	Amortization of deferred acquisition costs		329												329
	Contract drilling expenses				370										370
	Other operating expenses		343		154		293		99		18				907
	Interest		44		18		41		1		18				122
	Total		2,162		542		334		100		36		-		3,174
	Income (loss) before income tax		301		168		23		5		394		(377)		514
	Income tax (expense) benefit		(79)		(27)		11		(2)		(6)				(103)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		222		141		34		3		388		(377)		411
	Discontinued operations, net		(207)								(20)				(227)
	Net income (loss)		15		141		34		3		368		(377)		184
	Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests		(1)		(72)		(52)								(125)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Loews Corporation	$	14	$	69	$	(18)	$	3	$	368	$	(377)	$	59

Basis_of_Presentation_Addition

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Shares excluded from diluted EPS calculation	3.5	1.9
CNA Financial Corporation [Member]
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Subsidiary ownership percentage	90.00%
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. [Member]
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Subsidiary ownership percentage	53.00%
Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP [Member]
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Subsidiary ownership percentage	51.00%

Investments_Net_Investment_Inc

Investments - Net Investment Income and Investment Gains (Losses) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Total investment income	$602		$590
Investment expenses	-14		-13
Net investment income	588		577
Investment gains	10	[1]	42	[1]
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Total investment income	443		452
Investment gains	12		38
Short Term Investments [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Total investment income	3		1
Investment gains	-1		-1
Limited Partnership Investments [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Total investment income	160		87
Equity Securities [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Total investment income	3		2
Investment gains			5
Income (Loss) from Trading Portfolio [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Total investment income	-15	[2]	40	[2]
Other [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Total investment income	8		8
Derivative Instruments [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment gains	($1)
[1]	Includes gross realized gains of $34 and $58 and gross realized losses of $22 and $15 on available-for-sale securities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
[2]	Includes net unrealized gains (losses) related to changes in fair value on trading securities still held of $(14) and $13 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

Investments_Net_Investment_Inc1

Investments - Net Investment Income and Investment Gains (Losses) (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments Schedule [Abstract]
Net unrealized gains (losses) on trading securities	($14)	$13
Gross realized gains on available-for-sale securities	34	58
Gross realized losses on available-for-sale securities	$22	$15

Investments_Components_of_Net_

Investments - Components of Net Other-than-Temporary Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings by Asset Type (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	$12	$2
Corporate and Other Bonds [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	5	1
States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	5
Residential Mortgage-Backed [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	1	1
Total Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	11	2
Common Stock [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	$1

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and

Investments - Amortized Cost and Fair Values of Securities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$37,669	$38,202
Gross Unrealized Gains	3,891	3,640
Gross Unrealized Losses	208	229
Estimated Fair Value	41,352	41,613
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)	-54	-55
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	36,997	37,469
Gross Unrealized Gains	3,801	3,530
Gross Unrealized Losses	90	114
Estimated Fair Value	40,708	40,885
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)	-54	-55
Corporate and Other Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	16,737	17,226
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,867	1,721
Gross Unrealized Losses	45	61
Estimated Fair Value	18,559	18,886
States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	11,407	11,285
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,536	1,463
Gross Unrealized Losses	9	8
Estimated Fair Value	12,934	12,740
Residential Mortgage-Backed [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	4,998	5,028
Gross Unrealized Gains	241	218
Gross Unrealized Losses	13	13
Estimated Fair Value	5,226	5,233
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)	-51	-53
Commercial Mortgage-Backed [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,151	2,056
Gross Unrealized Gains	114	93
Gross Unrealized Losses	5	5
Estimated Fair Value	2,260	2,144
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)	-3	-2
Other Asset-Backed [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	1,109	1,234
Gross Unrealized Gains	15	11
Gross Unrealized Losses	1	10
Estimated Fair Value	1,123	1,235
Total Asset-Backed [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	8,258	8,318
Gross Unrealized Gains	370	322
Gross Unrealized Losses	19	28
Estimated Fair Value	8,609	8,612
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)	-54	-55
U.S. Treasury and Obligations of Government-Sponsored Enterprises [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	24	26
Gross Unrealized Gains	6	5
Estimated Fair Value	30	31
Foreign Government [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	390	438
Gross Unrealized Gains	19	16
Estimated Fair Value	409	454
Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	39	39
Gross Unrealized Gains	3	3
Estimated Fair Value	42	42
Total Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	36,855	37,332
Gross Unrealized Gains	3,801	3,530
Gross Unrealized Losses	73	97
Estimated Fair Value	40,583	40,765
Unrealized OTTI Losses (Gains)	-54	-55
Fixed Maturities Trading [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	142	137
Gross Unrealized Losses	17	17
Estimated Fair Value	125	120
Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	41	38
Gross Unrealized Gains	9	9
Estimated Fair Value	50	47
Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	172	172
Gross Unrealized Gains	7	5
Gross Unrealized Losses	4	2
Estimated Fair Value	175	175
Total Equity Securities Available-for-Sale [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	213	210
Gross Unrealized Gains	16	14
Gross Unrealized Losses	4	2
Estimated Fair Value	225	222
Equity Securities Trading [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	459	523
Gross Unrealized Gains	74	96
Gross Unrealized Losses	114	113
Estimated Fair Value	419	506
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	672	733
Gross Unrealized Gains	90	110
Gross Unrealized Losses	118	115
Estimated Fair Value	$644	$728

Investments_Additional_Informa

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Amortized Cost and Fair Value Debt Securities [Abstract]
Net unrealized gains on investments included in "AOCI"		$1,200,000,000	$1,200,000,000
Additional other than temporary impairment losses	0
Future capital call commitments		338,000,000
Commitments to purchase various privately placed debt securities, including bank loans		82,000,000
Commitments to sell various privately placed debt securities, including bank loans		$71,000,000

Investments_Securities_Availab

Investments - Securities Available-for-Sale in Gross Unrealized Loss Position (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Corporate and Other Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	$854	$1,330
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	33	46
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	139	277
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Longer	12	15
Total Estimated Fair Value	993	1,607
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	45	61
States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	479	335
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	6	5
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	100	127
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Longer	3	3
Total Estimated Fair Value	579	462
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	9	8
Residential Mortgage-Backed [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	318	293
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	5	5
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	148	189
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Longer	8	8
Total Estimated Fair Value	466	482
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	13	13
Commercial Mortgage-Backed [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	175	264
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	3	2
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	62	99
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Longer	2	3
Total Estimated Fair Value	237	363
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	5	5
Other Asset-Backed [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	187	607
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	1	10
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	5	7
Total Estimated Fair Value	192	614
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	1	10
Total Asset-Backed [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	680	1,164
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	9	17
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	215	295
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Longer	10	11
Total Estimated Fair Value	895	1,459
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	19	28
U.S. Treasury and Obligations of Government-Sponsored Enterprises [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	3	3
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer		4
Total Estimated Fair Value	3	7
Foreign Government [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	13	3
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	1	3
Total Estimated Fair Value	14	6
Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months		3
Total Estimated Fair Value		3
Total Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	2,029	2,838
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	48	68
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	455	706
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Longer	25	29
Total Estimated Fair Value	2,484	3,544
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	73	97
Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	15	17
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	4	2
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer		1
Total Estimated Fair Value	15	18
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	4	2
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	2,044	2,855
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	52	70
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	455	707
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Longer	25	29
Total Estimated Fair Value	2,499	3,562
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	$77	$99

Investments_Pretax_Credit_Loss

Investments - Pretax Credit Loss Component Reflected in Retained Earnings on Fixed Maturity Securities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Beginning balance of credit losses on fixed maturity securities	$62	$74
Reductions for securities sold during the period	-1	-2
Reductions for securities the Company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell		-3
Ending balance of credit losses on fixed maturity securities	$61	$69

Investments_AvailableforSale_F

Investments - Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturity Securities by Contractual Maturity (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost, Due in one year or less	$2,011	$2,479
Cost or Amortized Cost, Due after one year through five years	8,776	9,070
Cost or Amortized Cost, Due after five years through ten years	12,401	12,055
Cost or Amortized Cost, Due after ten years	13,667	13,728
Cost or Amortized Cost, Total	36,855	37,332
Estimated Fair Value, Due in one year or less	2,043	2,511
Estimated Fair Value, Due after one year through five years	9,354	9,621
Estimated Fair Value, Due after five years through ten years	13,108	12,584
Estimated Fair Value, Due after ten years	16,078	16,049
Estimated Fair Value, Total	$40,583	$40,765

Investments_Summary_of_Aggrega

Investments - Summary of Aggregate Contractual or Notional Amounts and Gross Estimated Fair Values Related to Derivative Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Embedded Derivative on Funds Withheld Liability [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Contractual/Notional Amount	$184	$184
Estimated Fair Value, (Liability)	-5	-3
With Hedge Designation [Member] | Foreign Exchange, Currency Forwards - Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Contractual/Notional Amount	34	70
Estimated Fair Value, (Liability)	-3	-5
Without Hedge Designation [Member] | Foreign Exchange, Currency Forwards - Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Contractual/Notional Amount	99	88
Estimated Fair Value, Asset	2	2
Without Hedge Designation [Member] | Equity Markets, Options - Purchased [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Contractual/Notional Amount	2,306	544
Estimated Fair Value, Asset	21	24
Without Hedge Designation [Member] | Equity Markets, Options - Written [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Contractual/Notional Amount	1,493	292
Estimated Fair Value, (Liability)	-13	-21
Without Hedge Designation [Member] | Equity Swaps and Warrants - Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Contractual/Notional Amount	10	10
Estimated Fair Value, Asset	2	2
Without Hedge Designation [Member] | Equity Futures - Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Contractual/Notional Amount	399	130
Estimated Fair Value, Asset	3	2
Without Hedge Designation [Member] | Foreign Exchange, Currency Forwards - Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Contractual/Notional Amount	134	109
Estimated Fair Value, Asset	1
Estimated Fair Value, (Liability)		-3
Without Hedge Designation [Member] | Currency Options - Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Contractual/Notional Amount	179	151
Estimated Fair Value, Asset	25	7
Without Hedge Designation [Member] | Currency Options - Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Contractual/Notional Amount	218
Estimated Fair Value, (Liability)	($5)

Fair_Value_Assets_and_Liabilit

Fair Value - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Corporate and Other Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	$18,559	$18,886
States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	12,934	12,740
Residential Mortgage-Backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	5,226	5,233
Commercial Mortgage-Backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	2,260	2,144
Other Asset-Backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	1,123	1,235
Total Asset-Backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	8,609	8,612
U.S. Treasury and Obligations of Government-Sponsored Enterprises [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	30	31
Foreign Government [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	409	454
Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	42	42
Total Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	40,583	40,765
Fixed Maturities Trading [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	125	120
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	40,708	40,885
Total Equity Securities Available-for-Sale [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	225	222
Equity Securities Trading [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	419	506
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	644	728
Short Term Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	6,273	5,952
Other Invested Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	144	143
Receivables [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	31	9
Life Settlement Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	79	82
Payable to Brokers [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of liabilities, measured on a recurring basis	-373	-552
Level 1 [Member] | Corporate and Other Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	29	32
Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Treasury and Obligations of Government-Sponsored Enterprises [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	29	28
Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Government [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	37	41
Level 1 [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	30	30
Level 1 [Member] | Total Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	125	131
Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	125	131
Level 1 [Member] | Total Equity Securities Available-for-Sale [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	149	145
Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities Trading [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	418	505
Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	567	650
Level 1 [Member] | Short Term Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	5,595	4,989
Level 1 [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	103	102
Level 1 [Member] | Receivables [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	3	2
Level 1 [Member] | Payable to Brokers [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of liabilities, measured on a recurring basis	-365	-546
Level 2 [Member] | Corporate and Other Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	18,344	18,692
Level 2 [Member] | States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	12,848	12,646
Level 2 [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	4,994	5,044
Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Mortgage-Backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	2,196	2,061
Level 2 [Member] | Other Asset-Backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	570	580
Level 2 [Member] | Total Asset-Backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	7,760	7,685
Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Treasury and Obligations of Government-Sponsored Enterprises [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	1	3
Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Government [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	372	413
Level 2 [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	12	12
Level 2 [Member] | Total Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	39,337	39,451
Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Maturities Trading [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	36	30
Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	39,373	39,481
Level 2 [Member] | Total Equity Securities Available-for-Sale [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	63	61
Level 2 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	63	61
Level 2 [Member] | Short Term Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	678	963
Level 2 [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	41	41
Level 2 [Member] | Receivables [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	28	7
Level 2 [Member] | Payable to Brokers [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of liabilities, measured on a recurring basis	-8	-6
Level 3 [Member] | Corporate and Other Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	186	162
Level 3 [Member] | States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	86	94
Level 3 [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	232	189
Level 3 [Member] | Commercial Mortgage-Backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	64	83
Level 3 [Member] | Other Asset-Backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	553	655
Level 3 [Member] | Total Asset-Backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	849	927
Level 3 [Member] | Total Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	1,121	1,183
Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Maturities Trading [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	89	90
Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	1,210	1,273
Level 3 [Member] | Total Equity Securities Available-for-Sale [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	13	16
Level 3 [Member] | Equity Securities Trading [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	1	1
Level 3 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	14	17
Level 3 [Member] | Life Settlement Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets, measured on a recurring basis	$79	$82

Fair_Value_Reconciliations_of_

Fair Value - Reconciliations of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Financial Instruments, Net [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	($3)
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in Net Income	-1
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in OCI	-1
Purchases	-2
Sales	1
Settlements	1
Ending balance	-5
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Net Income on Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Held at March 31	2
Corporate and Other Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	204	162
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in Net Income	1	1
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in OCI	1
Purchases	5	12
Sales	-4	-12
Settlements	-5	-14
Transfers into Level 3	3	37
Transfers out of Level 3	-16
Ending balance	189	186
States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	71	94
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in Net Income		1
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in OCI	1
Settlements		-9
Transfers into Level 3	14
Ending balance	86	86
Residential Mortgage-Backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	331	189
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in Net Income	1	1
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in OCI	15
Purchases	25	72
Settlements	-21	-10
Transfers into Level 3	21
Transfers out of Level 3	-13	-20
Ending balance	359	232
Commercial Mortgage-Backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	151	83
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in Net Income	1	1
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in OCI	-1	1
Purchases		6
Settlements	-1	-1
Transfers out of Level 3	-24	-26
Ending balance	126	64
Other Asset-Backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	446	655
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in Net Income	1	1
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in OCI		9
Purchases	148	35
Sales	-83	-144
Settlements	-72	-3
Transfers out of Level 3	-1
Ending balance	439	553
Total Asset-Backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	928	927
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in Net Income	3	3
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in OCI	14	10
Purchases	173	113
Sales	-83	-144
Settlements	-94	-14
Transfers into Level 3	21
Transfers out of Level 3	-38	-46
Ending balance	924	849
Total Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	1,203	1,183
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in Net Income	4	5
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in OCI	16	10
Purchases	178	125
Sales	-87	-156
Settlements	-99	-37
Transfers into Level 3	38	37
Transfers out of Level 3	-54	-46
Ending balance	1,199	1,121
Fixed Maturities Trading [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	80	90
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in Net Income	5
Sales		-1
Ending balance	85	89
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Net Income on Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Held at March 31	5
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	1,283	1,273
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in Net Income	9	5
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in OCI	16	10
Purchases	178	125
Sales	-87	-157
Settlements	-99	-37
Transfers into Level 3	38	37
Transfers out of Level 3	-54	-46
Ending balance	1,284	1,210
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Net Income on Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Held at March 31	5
Total Equity Securities Available-for-Sale [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	11	16
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in Net Income	3
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in OCI	-4	-3
Sales	-8
Ending balance	2	13
Equity Securities Trading [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	8		1
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in Net Income	-1
Purchases	1
Sales	-6
Ending balance	2	1	1
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Net Income on Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Held at March 31	-1
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	19	17
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in Net Income	2
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in OCI	-4	-3
Purchases	1
Sales	-14
Ending balance	4	14
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Net Income on Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Held at March 31	-1
Life Settlement Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	88	82
Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses), Included in Net Income	10	13
Settlements	-11	-16
Ending balance	87	79
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Net Income on Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Held at March 31	1	1
Separate Account Business [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	1
Transfers out of Level 3	($1)

Fair_Value_Additional_Informat

Fair Value - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Transfers out of Level 2 to Level 1, Assets	$0	$23,000,000
Transfers out of Level 1 to Level 2, Assets	$0	$1,000,000

Fair_Value_Quantitative_Inform

Fair Value - Quantitative Information about Significant Unobservable Inputs Utilized by Company Fair Value in Measurements of Level 3 Assets (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Credit spread adjustment	3.00%	3.00%
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value Assets	102		$101
Valuation Techniques	Discounted cash flow
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Credit spread adjustment	2.00%	2.00%
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Credit spread adjustment	13.00%	13.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Private offering price	682	600
Equity Securities [Member] | Market approach [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value Assets	13		16
Valuation Techniques	Market approach
Equity Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Private offering price	10	12
Equity Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Private offering price	4,400	4,391
Life Settlement Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Discount rate risk premium	9.00%	9.00%
Mortality assumption	164.00%	163.00%
Life Settlement Contracts [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value Assets	79		$82
Valuation Techniques	Discounted cash flow
Life Settlement Contracts [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Mortality assumption	55.00%	55.00%
Life Settlement Contracts [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Mortality assumption	1676.00%	1676.00%

Fair_Value_Carrying_Amount_and

Fair Value - Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instrument Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short term debt	$670	$255
Long term debt	9,813	10,299
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Other invested assets, primarily mortgage loans	612	608
Short term debt	35	84
Long term debt	470	420
Estimate Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Other invested assets, primarily mortgage loans	612	608
Short term debt	705	339
Long term debt	10,283	10,719
Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Other invested assets, primarily mortgage loans	586	588
Short term debt	685	334
Long term debt	$9,850	$10,320

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_A

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
	Rigs
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Asset impairment loss, before tax and noncontrolling interests	$359
Number of rigs expects to retire and scrap	3
Aggregate fair value of impaired rigs	14
Diamond Offshore [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Asset impairment loss, before tax and noncontrolling interests	359
Asset impairment loss, net of tax and noncontrolling interests	158
Number of rigs currently cold stacked	5
Number of rigs currently under contract	3
Drillship [Member] | Diamond Offshore [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number of equipment evaluated for impairment	1
Mid-Water Semisubmersible Rigs [Member] | Diamond Offshore [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number of equipments impaired	7
Number of rigs expects to retire and scrap	3
Loews Hotels [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Amount paid for acquisition	$330

Claim_and_Claim_Adjustment_Exp2

Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Abstract]
Catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance	$29	$74

Claim_and_Claim_Adjustment_Exp3

Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves - Net Prior Year Development (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	($7)	$25
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development	9	-31
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	2	-6
Specialty [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	2	-3
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development	-6	-6
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	-4	-9
Commercial [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	-5	18
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development	-1	-18
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	-6
International [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	-4	10
Pretax (favorable) unfavorable premium development	16	-7
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year development	$12	$3

Claim_and_Claim_Adjustment_Exp4

Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves - Net Prior Year Claim and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense Reserve Development (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Specialty [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Medical professional liability	$14
Other professional liability and management liability	-3	-6
Surety	1	1
Other	-10	2
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	2	-3
Commercial [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Commercial auto		20
General liability	4
Workers' compensation	-1	11
Property and other	-8	-13
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	-5	18
International [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Medical professional liability		1
Other professional liability		-1
General liability	-5	-2
Property & marine	-6	8
Other	7	-6
Commutations		10
Total pretax (favorable) unfavorable net prior year claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserve development	($4)	$10

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Asset impairment loss, before tax and noncontrolling interests	$359
Effective income tax rate	23.00%	20.00%

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (Boardwalk Pipeline [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
5.1% Notes Due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate	5.10%
Debt instrument principal amount repaid	$275
5.0% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate		5.00%	5.00%
Debt instrument principal amount		250	350
Debt maturity date		15-Dec-24
4.6% Notes Due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate		4.60%
Debt instrument principal amount		$250
Debt maturity date		1-Jun-15

Shareholders_Equity_Components

Shareholders' Equity - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning, balance		$280	$339
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, after tax		20	274
Reclassification of (gains) losses from accumulated other comprehensive income, after tax			-24
Other comprehensive income (loss)		20	250
Issuance of equity securities by subsidiary	1	1
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests		-3	-26
Ending, balance	298	298	563
OTTI Gains (Losses) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning, balance		32	23
Transfer to net assets held for sale			-5
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, after tax		-1	12
Other comprehensive income (loss)		-1	12
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests			-1
Ending, balance	31	31	29
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning, balance		846	622
Transfer to net assets held for sale			-15
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, after tax		119	264
Reclassification of (gains) losses from accumulated other comprehensive income, after tax		-9	-27
Other comprehensive income (loss)		110	237
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests		-12	-24
Ending, balance	944	944	820
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning, balance			-3
Transfer to net assets held for sale			20
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, after tax			2
Reclassification of (gains) losses from accumulated other comprehensive income, after tax			3
Other comprehensive income (loss)			5
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests			-1
Ending, balance			21
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning, balance		-6	-4
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, after tax		-2	2
Reclassification of (gains) losses from accumulated other comprehensive income, after tax		5	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)		3	3
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests			-1
Ending, balance	-3	-3	-2
Pension Liability [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning, balance		-641	-432
Reclassification of (gains) losses from accumulated other comprehensive income, after tax		4	-1
Other comprehensive income (loss)		4	-1
Issuance of equity securities by subsidiary		1
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests			1
Ending, balance	-636	-636	-432
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning, balance		49	133
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, after tax		-96	-6
Other comprehensive income (loss)		-96	-6
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests		9
Ending, balance	($38)	($38)	$127

Shareholders_Equity_Components1

Shareholders' Equity - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Tax on reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income	$56	$103
OTTI Gains (Losses) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Tax on change in other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	-6
Tax on reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Tax on change in other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-62	-141
Tax on reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	14
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Tax on change in other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	-1
Tax on reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	-3
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Tax on change in other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1	-1
Tax on reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income	-2	0
Pension Liability [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Tax on change in other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0
Tax on reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income	-3	-1
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Tax on change in other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0
Tax on reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income	$0	$0

Shareholders_Equity_Additional

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in Additional paid-in capital	($2)
Common stock, shares issued	373,194,344	373,194,344		372,934,540
Increase in accumulated other comprehensive income	1	1
Treasury stock repurchased, shares		1,800,000	500,000
Purchase of Loews treasury stock		71	24
Diamond Offshore [Member]
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]
Purchase of common stock		900,000
Common stock, aggregate cost	24	24
Increase (decrease) in Additional paid-in capital		3
Diamond Offshore [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]
Subsidiary ownership percentage		52.50%
Diamond Offshore [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]
Subsidiary ownership percentage		53.10%
Boardwalk Pipeline [Member]
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued	6,700,000	6,700,000
Proceeds from subsidiary public offering	109
Contribution from the company	$2
General partner interest	2.00%	2.00%
Boardwalk Pipeline [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]
Subsidiary ownership percentage	51.00%
Boardwalk Pipeline [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]
Subsidiary ownership percentage	53.00%

Benefit_Plans_Additional_Infor

Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Eligible age for several postretirement benefit plans	55 years
Eligible age for Medicare benefits	65 years

Benefit_Plans_Components_of_Ne

Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	$1	$1
Expected return on plan assets	-1	-1
Amortization of unrecognized prior service benefit	-2	-6
Net periodic benefit cost	-2	-6
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	4	5
Interest cost	32	37
Expected return on plan assets	-48	-53
Amortization of unrecognized net loss	11	7
Net periodic benefit cost	($1)	($4)

Business_Segments_Additional_I

Business Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of offshore drilling rigs	35
Number of rigs, plans to retire and scrap	3
Number of rigs under construction	2
Number of countries where drilling rigs are located	8
Miles of natural gas and NGL pipeline	14,625
Number of states having natural gas storage facilities	4
Total number of hotels owned and/or operated	23
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of hotels	22
Canada [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of hotels	1
Commercial [Member] | Core Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of CNA segments	4

Business_Segments_Consolidated

Business Segments - Consolidated Revenues and Income (Loss) by Business Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$3,478	$3,688
Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests	105	514
Income from continuing operations	109	265
Discontinued operations, net		-206
Net income (loss)	109	59
Investment gains included in Revenues and Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests	10	42
Investment gains included in net income (loss)	8	24
CNA Financial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,352	2,463
Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests	314	301
Net income (loss)	210	200
CNA Financial [Member] | Other Non-Core [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	334	343
Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests	-92	-48
Net income (loss)	-32	-11
Investment gains included in Revenues and Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests	1	18
Investment gains included in net income (loss)	2	10
CNA Financial [Member] | Property and Casualty [Member] | Specialty [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	917	915
Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests	207	203
Net income (loss)	123	123
Investment gains included in Revenues and Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests	4	11
Investment gains included in net income (loss)	2	7
CNA Financial [Member] | Property and Casualty [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	895	946
Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests	186	119
Net income (loss)	110	73
Investment gains included in Revenues and Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests	4	10
Investment gains included in net income (loss)	3	7
CNA Financial [Member] | Property and Casualty [Member] | International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	206	259
Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests	13	27
Net income (loss)	9	15
Investment gains included in Revenues and Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests	1	3
Investment gains included in net income (loss)	1
Diamond Offshore [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	627	710
Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests	-287	168
Net income (loss)	-126	69
Boardwalk Pipeline [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	330	357
Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests	77	23
Net income (loss)	25	-18
Loews Hotels [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	139	105
Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests	10	5
Net income (loss)	5	3
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	30	53
Income (loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests	-9	17
Net income (loss)	($5)	$11

Business_Segments_Consolidated1

Business Segments - Consolidated Revenues and Income (Loss) by Business Segment (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Bluegrass Project [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Bluegrass Project [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Asset impairment charge, before tax and noncontrolling interests	$94
Asset impairment loss, net of tax and noncontrolling interests	$55

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments [Line Items]
Aggregate amount related to indemnification agreements	$324,000,000
Aggregate amount related to quantifiable guarantees	375,000,000
Potential amount of future payments under guarantees	2,000,000,000
Harsh Environment Semisubmersible Drilling Rig [Member]
Commitments [Line Items]
Total cost of the project	764,000,000
Remaining contractual payment is due upon delivery of rig	440,000,000
Ultra-deepwater Drillships [Member]
Commitments [Line Items]
Remaining contractual payment is due upon delivery of rig	$395,000,000

Discontinued_Operations_Schedu

Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Discontinued Operations Reflected in Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Expenses:
Loss from discontinued operations	($206)
HighMount [Member]
Revenues:
Other revenue, primarily operating	55
Total	55
Expenses:
Impairment of natural gas and oil properties	29
Operating	55
Interest	2
Total	86
Income (loss) before income tax	-31
Income tax (expense) benefit	11
Loss from discontinued operations	-20
CAC [Member]
Revenues:
Net investment income	41
Investment gains	1
Total	42
Expenses:
Insurance claims and policyholders' benefits	31
Other operating expenses	1
Total	32
Income (loss) before income tax	10
Income tax (expense) benefit	-3
Results of discontinued operations, net of income tax	7
Loss on sale, net of tax benefit	-214
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	21
Loss from discontinued operations	($186)

Discontinued_Operations_Schedu1

Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Discontinued Operations Reflected in Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income (Parenthetical) (Detail) (CAC [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
CAC [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income tax benefit on loss on sale	$41

Consolidating_Financial_Inform2

Consolidating Financial Information - Consolidating Balance Sheet Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Investments	$52,192	$52,032
Cash	271	364	301	295
Receivables	8,157	7,770
Property, plant and equipment	15,376	15,611
Goodwill	371	374
Other assets	1,640	1,616
Deferred acquisition costs of insurance subsidiaries	616	600
Total assets	78,623	78,367
Insurance reserves	36,705	36,380
Payable to brokers	926	673
Short term debt	687	335
Long term debt	9,863	10,333
Deferred income taxes	930	893
Other liabilities	4,882	5,103
Total liabilities	53,993	53,717
Total shareholders' equity	19,308	19,280
Noncontrolling interests	5,322	5,370
Total equity	24,630	24,650	25,117	24,906
Total liabilities and equity	78,623	78,367
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Receivables	-32	-56
Deferred income taxes	-274	-598
Investments in capital stocks of subsidiaries	-15,702	-15,974
Other assets	11	14
Total assets	-15,997	-16,614
Deferred income taxes	-263	-400
Other liabilities	-32	-240
Total liabilities	-295	-640
Total shareholders' equity	-15,702	-15,974
Total equity	-15,702	-15,974
Total liabilities and equity	-15,997	-16,614
CNA Financial [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Investments	45,932	46,262
Cash	201	190
Receivables	7,404	7,097
Property, plant and equipment	284	280
Deferred income taxes	86	222
Goodwill	114	117
Other assets	808	778
Deferred acquisition costs of insurance subsidiaries	616	600
Total assets	55,445	55,546
Insurance reserves	36,705	36,380
Payable to brokers	257	117
Short term debt	1
Long term debt	2,563	2,561
Deferred income taxes	9	11
Other liabilities	3,503	3,713
Total liabilities	43,038	42,782
Total shareholders' equity	11,125	11,457
Noncontrolling interests	1,282	1,307
Total equity	12,407	12,764
Total liabilities and equity	55,445	55,546
Diamond Offshore [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Investments	191	234
Cash	7	16
Receivables	469	490
Property, plant and equipment	6,578	6,949
Goodwill	20	20
Other assets	266	307
Total assets	7,531	8,016
Payable to brokers	3	5
Short term debt	250	250
Long term debt	1,981	1,981
Deferred income taxes	397	514
Other liabilities	697	792
Total liabilities	3,328	3,542
Total shareholders' equity	2,245	2,359
Noncontrolling interests	1,958	2,115
Total equity	4,203	4,474
Total liabilities and equity	7,531	8,016
Boardwalk Pipeline [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash	30	8
Receivables	158	128
Property, plant and equipment	7,626	7,649
Goodwill	237	237
Other assets	305	304
Total assets	8,356	8,326
Long term debt	3,568	3,690
Deferred income taxes	751	732
Other liabilities	385	400
Total liabilities	4,704	4,822
Total shareholders' equity	1,572	1,558
Noncontrolling interests	2,080	1,946
Total equity	3,652	3,504
Total liabilities and equity	8,356	8,326
Loews Hotels [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Investments	48	75
Cash	6	9
Receivables	42	29
Property, plant and equipment	838	671
Deferred income taxes	2	2
Other assets	240	206
Total assets	1,176	992
Short term debt	36	85
Long term debt	471	421
Deferred income taxes	36	36
Other liabilities	22	17
Total liabilities	565	559
Total shareholders' equity	609	431
Noncontrolling interests	2	2
Total equity	611	433
Total liabilities and equity	1,176	992
Corporate and Other [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Investments	6,021	5,461
Cash	27	141
Receivables	116	82
Property, plant and equipment	50	62
Deferred income taxes	186	374
Investments in capital stocks of subsidiaries	15,702	15,974
Other assets	10	7
Total assets	22,112	22,101
Payable to brokers	666	551
Short term debt	400
Long term debt	1,280	1,680
Other liabilities	307	421
Total liabilities	2,653	2,652
Total shareholders' equity	19,459	19,449
Total equity	19,459	19,449
Total liabilities and equity	$22,112	$22,101

Consolidating_Financial_Inform3

Consolidating Financial Information - Consolidating Statement of Income Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Insurance premiums	$1,687		$1,806
Net investment income	588		577
Investment gains	10	[1]	42	[1]
Contract drilling revenues	600		685
Other revenues	593		578
Total	3,478		3,688
Expenses:
Insurance claims and policyholders' benefits	1,339		1,446
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	303		329
Contract drilling expenses	351		370
Other operating expenses	1,249		907
Interest	131		122
Total	3,373		3,174
Income (loss) before income tax	105		514
Income tax (expense) benefit	-56		-103
Income (loss) from continuing operations	49		411
Discontinued operations, net			-227
Net income	49		184
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	60		-125
Net income (loss) attributable to Loews Corporation	109		59
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Intercompany interest and dividends	-567		-377
Total	-567		-377
Expenses:
Income (loss) before income tax	-567		-377
Income (loss) from continuing operations			-377
Net income	-567		-377
Net income (loss) attributable to Loews Corporation	-567		-377
CNA Financial [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Insurance premiums	1,687		1,806
Net investment income	558		526
Investment gains	10		42
Other revenues	97		89
Total	2,352		2,463
Expenses:
Insurance claims and policyholders' benefits	1,339		1,446
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	303		329
Other operating expenses	357		343
Interest	39		44
Total	2,038		2,162
Income (loss) before income tax	314		301
Income tax (expense) benefit	-80		-79
Income (loss) from continuing operations			222
Discontinued operations, net			-207
Net income	234		15
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	-24		-1
Net income (loss) attributable to Loews Corporation	210		14
Diamond Offshore [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net investment income	1
Contract drilling revenues	600		685
Other revenues	26		25
Total	627		710
Expenses:
Contract drilling expenses	351		370
Other operating expenses	539		154
Interest	24		18
Total	914		542
Income (loss) before income tax	-287		168
Income tax (expense) benefit	41		-27
Income (loss) from continuing operations			141
Net income	-246		141
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	120		-72
Net income (loss) attributable to Loews Corporation	-126		69
Boardwalk Pipeline [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Other revenues	330		357
Total	330		357
Expenses:
Other operating expenses	208		293
Interest	45		41
Total	253		334
Income (loss) before income tax	77		23
Income tax (expense) benefit	-16		11
Income (loss) from continuing operations			34
Net income	61		34
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	-36		-52
Net income (loss) attributable to Loews Corporation	25		-18
Loews Hotels [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Other revenues	139		105
Total	139		105
Expenses:
Other operating expenses	124		99
Interest	5		1
Total	129		100
Income (loss) before income tax	10		5
Income tax (expense) benefit	-5		-2
Income (loss) from continuing operations			3
Net income	5		3
Net income (loss) attributable to Loews Corporation	5		3
Corporate and Other [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net investment income	29		51
Intercompany interest and dividends	567		377
Other revenues	1		2
Total	597		430
Expenses:
Other operating expenses	21		18
Interest	18		18
Total	39		36
Income (loss) before income tax	558		394
Income tax (expense) benefit	4		-6
Income (loss) from continuing operations			388
Discontinued operations, net			-20
Net income	562		368
Net income (loss) attributable to Loews Corporation	$562		$368
[1]	Includes gross realized gains of $34 and $58 and gross realized losses of $22 and $15 on available-for-sale securities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.