UnitedHealth (UNH) 10-Q 29 Jul 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jul. 24, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entitiy Registrant Name	UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INC
Entitiy Central Index Key	731,766
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		953,562,580

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 7,887	$ 7,495
Short-term investments	1,915	1,741
Accounts receivable, net	6,034	4,252
Other current receivables, net	6,160	5,498
Assets under management	2,863	2,962
Deferred income taxes	514	556
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,193	1,052
Total current assets	27,566	23,556
Long-term investments	18,996	18,827
Property, equipment and capitalized software, net	4,473	4,418
Goodwill	34,154	32,940
Other intangible assets, net	3,316	3,669
Other assets	2,918	2,972
Total assets	91,423	86,382
Current liabilities:
Medical costs payable	13,867	12,040
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	10,901	9,247
Other policy liabilities	6,772	5,965
Commercial paper and current maturities of long-term debt	2,693	1,399
Unearned revenues	1,508	1,972
Total current liabilities	35,741	30,623
Long-term debt, less current maturities	15,378	16,007
Future policy benefits	2,491	2,488
Deferred income taxes	1,877	2,065
Other liabilities	1,301	1,357
Total liabilities	56,788	$ 52,540
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	1,615	$ 1,388
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value - 10 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value - 3,000 shares authorized; 952 and 954 issued and outstanding	10	10
Additional paid in capital	55	0
Retained earnings	35,262	33,836
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,307)	(1,392)
Total shareholders' equity	33,020	32,454
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 91,423	$ 86,382

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	3,000	3,000
Common stock, shares issued	952	954
Common stock, shares outstanding	952	954
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10	10
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Revenues:
Premiums	$ 31,961	$ 28,840	$ 63,635	$ 56,955
Services	2,865	2,447	5,571	4,851
Products	1,223	1,037	2,453	2,035
Investment and other income	214	250	360	441
Total revenues	36,263	32,574	72,019	64,282
Operating costs:
Medical costs	26,026	23,523	51,715	46,731
Operating costs	5,852	5,206	11,801	10,400
Cost of products sold	1,111	929	2,211	1,821
Depreciation and amortization	379	364	757	724
Total operating costs	33,368	30,022	66,484	59,676
Earnings from operations	2,895	2,552	5,535	4,606
Interest expense	(151)	(155)	(301)	(315)
Earnings before income taxes	2,744	2,397	5,234	4,291
Provision for income taxes	(1,159)	(989)	(2,236)	(1,784)
Net earnings	$ 1,585	$ 1,408	$ 2,998	$ 2,507
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$ 1.66	$ 1.44	$ 3.15	$ 2.56
Diluted	$ 1.64	$ 1.42	$ 3.10	$ 2.52
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	952	979	953	981
Dilutive effect of common share equivalents	14	12	14	13
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	966	991	967	994
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of dilutive effect of common share equivalents	8	8	8	9
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.5000	$ 0.3750	$ 0.8750	$ 0.6550

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Net earnings	$ 1,585	$ 1,408	$ 2,998	$ 2,507
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Gross unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities during the period	(222)	314	(117)	480
Income tax effect	80	(114)	43	(175)
Total unrealized (losses) gains, net of tax	(142)	200	(74)	305
Gross reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in net earnings	(68)	(107)	(71)	(153)
Income tax effect	25	39	26	56
Total reclassification adjustment, net of tax	(43)	(68)	(45)	(97)
Total foreign currency translation gains (losses)	163	151	(796)	410
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(22)	283	(915)	618
Comprehensive income	$ 1,563	$ 1,691	$ 2,083	$ 3,125

Condesned Consolidated Statemen

Condesned Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments [Member]	Foreign Currency Translation (Losses) Gains [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 32,149	$ 10	$ 0	$ 33,047	$ 54	$ (962)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		988
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	2,507			2,507
Other comprehensive income (loss)	618				208	410
Issuances of common shares, and related tax effects (in shares)		10
Issuances of common shares, and related tax effects	23	$ 0	23
Share-based compensation, and related tax benefits	217		217
Common share repurchases (in shares)		(25)
Common share repurchases	(1,937)	$ 0	(240)	(1,697)
Cash dividends paid on common shares	(642)			(642)
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2014		973
Balance at Jun. 30, 2014	32,935	$ 10	0	33,215	262	(552)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 32,454	$ 10	0	33,836	223	(1,615)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	954	954
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	$ 2,998			2,998
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(915)				(119)	(796)
Issuances of common shares, and related tax effects (in shares)		7
Issuances of common shares, and related tax effects	23	$ 0	23
Share-based compensation, and related tax benefits	319		319
Noncontrolling interests fair value and other adjustments	$ (73)		(73)
Common share repurchases (in shares)	(9)	(9)
Common share repurchases	$ (953)	$ 0	(214)	(739)
Cash dividends paid on common shares	$ (833)			(833)
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2015	952	952
Balance at Jun. 30, 2015	$ 33,020	$ 10	$ 55	$ 35,262	$ 104	$ (2,411)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Operating activities
Net earnings	$ 2,998	$ 2,507
Noncash items:
Depreciation and amortization	757	724
Deferred income taxes	(30)	(16)
Share-based compensation	211	188
Other, net	(160)	(148)
Net change in other operating items, net of effects from acquisitions and changes in AARP balances:
Accounts receivable	(1,725)	(2,131)
Other assets	(2,178)	(1,135)
Medical costs payable	1,988	560
Accounts payable and other liabilities	1,809	2,219
Other policy liabilities	208	(218)
Unearned revenues	(446)	(128)
Cash flows from operating activities	3,432	2,422
Investing activities
Purchases of investments	(4,286)	(5,477)
Sales of investments	2,260	4,393
Maturities of investments	1,622	1,544
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash assumed	(1,778)	(523)
Purchases of property, equipment and capitalized software	(716)	(716)
Other, net	48	(99)
Cash flows used for investing activities	(2,850)	(878)
Financing activities
Common stock repurchases	(953)	(1,937)
Cash dividends paid	(833)	(642)
Proceeds from common stock issuances	242	267
Repayments of long-term debt	(416)	(172)
Proceeds from (repayments of) commercial paper, net	1,086	(101)
Customer funds administered	941	333
Other, net	(188)	(170)
Cash flows used for financing activities	(121)	(2,422)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(69)	14
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	392	(864)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	7,495	7,276
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	$ 7,887	$ 6,412

Basis of Presentation, Uses of

Basis of Presentation, Uses of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Basis of Presentation UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (individually and together with its subsidiaries, “UnitedHealth Group” and “the Company”) is a diversified health and well-being company dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone. Through its diversified family of businesses, the Company leverages core competencies in advanced, enabling technology; health care data, information and intelligence; and clinical care management and coordination to help meet the demands of the health system. The Company offers a broad spectrum of products and services through two distinct platforms: UnitedHealthcare, which provides health care coverage and benefits services; and Optum, which provides information and technology-enabled health services. The Company has prepared the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements according to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and has included the accounts of UnitedHealth Group and its subsidiaries. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. In accordance with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Company has omitted certain footnote disclosures that would substantially duplicate the disclosures contained in its annual audited Consolidated Financial Statements. Therefore, these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read together with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 as filed with the SEC ( 2014 10-K). The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present the interim financial statements fairly. Use of Estimates These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include certain amounts based on the Company’s best estimates and judgments. The Company’s most significant estimates relate to estimates and judgments for medical costs payable and revenues, valuation and impairment analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets, estimates of other policy liabilities and other current receivables, valuations of certain investments, and estimates and judgments related to income taxes and contingent liabilities. Certain of these estimates require the application of complex assumptions and judgments, often because they involve matters that are inherently uncertain and will likely change in subsequent periods. The impact of any change in estimates is included in earnings in the period in which the estimate is adjusted. The accounting policies disclosed in Note 2 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements” in the 2014 10-K remain unchanged. Subsequent Events On July 1, 2015, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated changed its state of incorporation from Minnesota to Delaware pursuant to a plan of conversion. The reincorporation was approved by the Company’s shareholders at its 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 1, 2015. Upon reincorporation, the affairs of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated became subject to the Delaware General Corporation Law, a new certificate of incorporation and new bylaws, and each previously outstanding share of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated’s common stock as a Minnesota corporation (UNH Minnesota) converted into an outstanding share of common stock of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated as a Delaware corporation after the reincorporation (UNH Delaware). The reincorporation was a tax-free reorganization under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and did not affect the Company’s business operations. On July 23, 2015, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Catamaran Corporation (Catamaran) for $12.9 billion in cash and funded Catamaran’s payoff of its outstanding debt and credit facility in connection with the closing. The Company drew its $1.5 billion delayed draw term loan and issued commercial paper and senior unsecured notes to fund the Company’s purchase of Catamaran; see Note 7 of Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for detail on the related July 2015 debt issuance. Catamaran offers retail pharmacy network management, mail service pharmacy, pharmacy claims management and patient-centric specialty pharmacy services to a broad client portfolio, including health plans and employers serving 35 million people, and provides health care information technology solutions to the pharmacy benefits management industry. This acquisition diversifies OptumRx’s customer and business mix, while accelerating its technology leadership and flexible service offerings. As the Catamaran acquisition occurred in the third quarter of 2015, it is not yet practicable to provide disclosures related to the purchase price allocation or pro forma information. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (ASU 2014-09). ASU 2014-09 will supersede existing revenue recognition standards with a single model unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards (e.g., an insurance entity’s insurance contracts). The revenue recognition principle in ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, new and enhanced disclosures will be required. Companies can adopt the new standard either using the full retrospective approach, a modified retrospective approach with practical expedients, or a cumulative effect upon adoption approach. In July 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of ASU 2014-09 for one year and it is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption at the original effective date, interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, will be permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the new revenue recognition guidance. The Company has determined that there have been no other recently adopted or issued accounting standards that had, or will have, a material impact on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investments (Notes)

Investments (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Investments [Text Block]	Investments A summary of short-term and long-term investments by major security type is as follows: (in millions) Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value June 30, 2015 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 1,859 $ 6 $ (4 ) $ 1,861 State and municipal obligations 6,196 127 (17 ) 6,306 Corporate obligations 7,654 76 (31 ) 7,699 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 2,091 25 (14 ) 2,102 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 837 8 (5 ) 840 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 18,637 242 (71 ) 18,808 Equity securities - available-for-sale 1,559 36 (38 ) 1,557 Debt securities - held-to-maturity: U.S. government and agency obligations 182 3 — 185 State and municipal obligations 15 — — 15 Corporate obligations 349 — — 349 Total debt securities - held-to-maturity 546 3 — 549 Total investments $ 20,742 $ 281 $ (109 ) $ 20,914 December 31, 2014 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 1,614 $ 7 $ (1 ) $ 1,620 State and municipal obligations 6,456 217 (5 ) 6,668 Corporate obligations 7,241 112 (26 ) 7,327 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 2,022 39 (5 ) 2,056 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 872 12 (4 ) 880 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 18,205 387 (41 ) 18,551 Equity securities - available-for-sale 1,511 36 (25 ) 1,522 Debt securities - held-to-maturity: U.S. government and agency obligations 178 2 — 180 State and municipal obligations 19 — — 19 Corporate obligations 298 — — 298 Total debt securities - held-to-maturity 495 2 — 497 Total investments $ 20,211 $ 425 $ (66 ) $ 20,570 The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale debt securities as of June 30, 2015 , by contractual maturity, were as follows: (in millions) Amortized Cost Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 2,010 $ 2,014 Due after one year through five years 6,943 7,009 Due after five years through ten years 5,016 5,067 Due after ten years 1,740 1,776 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 2,091 2,102 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 837 840 Total debt securities - available-for-sale $ 18,637 $ 18,808 The amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity debt securities as of June 30, 2015 , by contractual maturity, were as follows: (in millions) Amortized Cost Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 126 $ 126 Due after one year through five years 204 205 Due after five years through ten years 106 107 Due after ten years 110 111 Total debt securities - held-to-maturity $ 546 $ 549 The fair value of available-for-sale investments with gross unrealized losses by major security type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position were as follows: Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total (in millions) Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Fair Value Gross June 30, 2015 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 529 $ (4 ) $ — $ — $ 529 $ (4 ) State and municipal obligations 1,561 (16 ) 22 (1 ) 1,583 (17 ) Corporate obligations 3,126 (27 ) 229 (4 ) 3,355 (31 ) U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 752 (10 ) 126 (4 ) 878 (14 ) Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 364 (4 ) 77 (1 ) 441 (5 ) Total debt securities - available-for-sale $ 6,332 $ (61 ) $ 454 $ (10 ) $ 6,786 $ (71 ) Equity securities - available-for-sale $ 148 $ (9 ) $ 82 $ (29 ) $ 230 $ (38 ) December 31, 2014 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 420 $ (1 ) $ — $ — $ 420 $ (1 ) State and municipal obligations 711 (4 ) 99 (1 ) 810 (5 ) Corporate obligations 2,595 (17 ) 464 (9 ) 3,059 (26 ) U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — — 272 (5 ) 272 (5 ) Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 254 (2 ) 114 (2 ) 368 (4 ) Total debt securities - available-for-sale $ 3,980 $ (24 ) $ 949 $ (17 ) $ 4,929 $ (41 ) Equity securities - available-for-sale $ 107 $ (6 ) $ 88 $ (19 ) $ 195 $ (25 ) The Company’s unrealized losses from all securities as of June 30, 2015 were generated from approximately 7,100 positions out of a total of 23,000 positions. The Company believes that it will collect the principal and interest due on its debt securities that have an amortized cost in excess of fair value. The unrealized losses were primarily caused by interest rate increases and not by unfavorable changes in the credit quality associated with these securities. At each reporting period, the Company evaluates securities for impairment when the fair value of the investment is less than its amortized cost. The Company evaluated the underlying credit quality and credit ratings of the issuers, noting neither a significant deterioration since purchase nor other factors leading to an other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI). As of June 30, 2015 , the Company did not have the intent to sell any of the securities in an unrealized loss position. Therefore, the Company believes these losses to be temporary. The Company’s investments in equity securities consist of investments in Brazilian real denominated fixed-income funds, employee savings plan related investments, venture capital funds, and dividend paying stocks. The Company evaluated its investments in equity securities for severity and duration of unrealized loss, overall market volatility and other market factors. Net realized gains reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income were from the following sources: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Total OTTI $ (3 ) $ (4 ) $ (4 ) $ (7 ) Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income — — — — Net OTTI recognized in earnings (3 ) (4 ) (4 ) (7 ) Gross realized losses from sales (5 ) (29 ) (11 ) (39 ) Gross realized gains from sales 76 140 86 199 Net realized gains (included in investment and other income on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations) 68 107 71 153 Income tax effect (included in provision for income taxes on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations) (25 ) (39 ) (26 ) (56 ) Realized gains, net of taxes $ 43 $ 68 $ 45 $ 97

Fair Value (Notes)

Fair Value (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value [Text Block]	Fair Value Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements or have fair values disclosed in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. These assets and liabilities are classified into one of three levels of a hierarchy defined by GAAP. For a description of the methods and assumptions that are used to estimate the fair value and determine the fair value hierarchy classification of each class of financial instrument, see Note 4 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements” in the 2014 10-K. The following table presents a summary of fair value measurements by level and carrying values for items measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets excluding assets and liabilities, related to a Supplemental Health Insurance Program (AARP Program), which are presented in a separate table below: (in millions) Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Fair and Carrying Value June 30, 2015 Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,754 $ 133 $ — $ 7,887 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations 1,650 211 — 1,861 State and municipal obligations — 6,306 — 6,306 Corporate obligations 12 7,609 78 7,699 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 2,102 — 2,102 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 834 6 840 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 1,662 17,062 84 18,808 Equity securities - available-for-sale 1,226 12 319 1,557 Interest rate swap assets — 54 — 54 Total assets at fair value $ 10,642 $ 17,261 $ 403 $ 28,306 Percentage of total assets at fair value 38 % 61 % 1 % 100 % Interest rate swap liabilities $ — $ 33 $ — $ 33 December 31, 2014 Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,472 $ 23 $ — $ 7,495 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations 1,427 193 — 1,620 State and municipal obligations — 6,668 — 6,668 Corporate obligations 2 7,257 68 7,327 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 2,056 — 2,056 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 874 6 880 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 1,429 17,048 74 18,551 Equity securities - available-for-sale 1,200 12 310 1,522 Interest rate swap assets — 62 — 62 Total assets at fair value $ 10,101 $ 17,145 $ 384 $ 27,630 Percentage of total assets at fair value 37 % 62 % 1 % 100 % Interest rate swap liabilities $ — $ 55 $ — $ 55 Transfers between levels, if any, are recorded as of the beginning of the reporting period in which the transfer occurs; there were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 or 3 of any financial assets or liabilities during the six months ended June 30, 2015 or 2014 . The following table presents a summary of fair value measurements by level and carrying values for certain financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets: (in millions) Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Fair Value Total Carrying Value June 30, 2015 Debt securities - held-to-maturity: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 185 $ — $ — $ 185 $ 182 State and municipal obligations — — 15 15 15 Corporate obligations 92 10 247 349 349 Total debt securities - held-to-maturity $ 277 $ 10 $ 262 $ 549 $ 546 Other assets $ — $ 473 $ — $ 473 $ 472 Long-term debt and other financing obligations $ — $ 17,755 $ — $ 17,755 $ 16,664 December 31, 2014 Debt securities - held-to-maturity: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 180 $ — $ — $ 180 $ 178 State and municipal obligations — — 19 19 19 Corporate obligations 46 10 242 298 298 Total debt securities - held-to-maturity $ 226 $ 10 $ 261 $ 497 $ 495 Other assets $ — $ 478 $ — $ 478 $ 484 Long-term debt and other financing obligations $ — $ 18,863 $ — $ 18,863 $ 17,085 Nonfinancial assets and liabilities or financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances, such as when the Company records an impairment. There were no significant fair value adjustments for these assets and liabilities recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2015 or 2014 . The carrying amounts reported on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for other current financial assets and liabilities approximate fair value because of their short-term nature. These assets and liabilities are not listed in the table above. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs is as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in millions) Debt Securities Equity Securities Total Debt Securities Equity Securities Total June 30, 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 79 $ 309 $ 388 $ 74 $ 310 $ 384 Purchases 6 10 16 10 14 24 Sales (2 ) (13 ) (15 ) (2 ) (14 ) (16 ) Net unrealized gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive income 1 — 1 2 (5 ) (3 ) Net realized gains in investment and other income — 13 13 — 14 14 Balance at end of period $ 84 $ 319 $ 403 $ 84 $ 319 $ 403 June 30, 2014 Balance at beginning of period $ 46 $ 313 $ 359 $ 42 $ 269 $ 311 Purchases 10 6 16 13 50 63 Sales — (147 ) (147 ) — (151 ) (151 ) Net unrealized gains in accumulated other comprehensive income 1 6 7 2 10 12 Net realized gains in investment and other income — 124 124 — 124 124 Balance at end of period $ 57 $ 302 $ 359 $ 57 $ 302 $ 359 The following table presents quantitative information regarding unobservable inputs that were significant to the valuation of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs: Range (in millions) Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Low High June 30, 2015 Equity securities - available-for-sale Venture capital portfolios $ 268 Market approach - comparable companies Revenue multiple 1.0 5.0 EBITDA multiple 8.0 10.0 51 Market approach - recent transactions Inactive market transactions N/A N/A Total equity securities available-for-sale $ 319 Also included in the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs were $84 million of available-for-sale debt securities as of June 30, 2015 , which were not significant. The Company elected to measure the entirety of the AARP Program assets under management at fair value pursuant to the fair value option. See Note 2 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements” in the Company’s 2014 10-K for further detail on the AARP Program. The following table presents fair value information about the AARP Program-related financial assets and liabilities: (in millions) Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Total Fair and Carrying Value June 30, 2015 Cash and cash equivalents $ 205 $ — $ 205 Debt securities: U.S. government and agency obligations 431 164 595 State and municipal obligations — 96 96 Corporate obligations — 1,287 1,287 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 400 400 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 195 195 Total debt securities 431 2,142 2,573 Other investments — 85 85 Total assets at fair value $ 636 $ 2,227 $ 2,863 Other liabilities $ 4 $ 6 $ 10 December 31, 2014 Cash and cash equivalents $ 415 $ — $ 415 Debt securities: U.S. government and agency obligations 409 245 654 State and municipal obligations — 95 95 Corporate obligations — 1,200 1,200 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 340 340 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 177 177 Total debt securities 409 2,057 2,466 Other investments — 81 81 Total assets at fair value $ 824 $ 2,138 $ 2,962 Other liabilities $ 5 $ 13 $ 18

Medicare Part D Pharmacy Benefi

Medicare Part D Pharmacy Benefits (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Medicare Part D Pharmacy Benefits Contract [Text Block]	Medicare Part D Pharmacy Benefits The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets include the following amounts associated with the Medicare Part D program: June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (in millions) Subsidies Drug Discount Risk-Share Subsidies Drug Discount Risk-Share Other current receivables $ 1,776 $ 266 $ 20 $ 1,801 $ 719 $ 20 Other policy liabilities — 164 — — 302 — See Note 2 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements” in the Company’s 2014 10-K for further detail on Medicare Part D.

Medical Costs Reserve Developme

Medical Costs Reserve Development (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Medical Cost Development Disclosure Text Block	Medical Costs Reserve Development The following table provides details of the Company's medical cost reserve development: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Related to Prior Years $ (10 ) $ 40 $ 130 $ 260 Related to Current Year 100 90 N/A N/A In the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the medical cost reserve development was driven by a number of individual factors that were not material .

Health Insurance Industry Tax (

Health Insurance Industry Tax (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Health Insurance Industry Tax [Line Items]
Health Insurance Industry Tax [Text Block]	Health Insurance Industry Tax The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and a reconciliation measure, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (together, Health Reform Legislation) includes an annual, nondeductible insurance industry tax (Health Insurance Industry Tax). As of June 30, 2015 , the liability recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities related to the Health Insurance Industry Tax was $1.8 billion . The corresponding deferred cost recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets was $900 million . There was no liability or asset related to the Health Insurance Industry Tax recorded as of December 31, 2014 as the Health Insurance Industry Tax was paid in September 2014 and the asset was fully expensed by year end. See Note 2 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements” in the Company’s 2014 10-K for further detail on the Health Insurance Industry Tax.

Commercial Paper and Long-Term

Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt [Text Block]	Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt Commercial paper and senior unsecured long-term debt consisted of the following: June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (in millions, except percentages) Par Value Carrying Value Fair Value Par Value Carrying Value Fair Value Commercial paper $ 1,407 $ 1,407 $ 1,407 $ 321 $ 321 $ 321 4.875% notes due March 2015 (a) — — — 416 419 419 0.850% notes due October 2015 (a) 625 625 625 625 625 627 5.375% notes due March 2016 (a) 601 614 620 601 623 634 1.875% notes due November 2016 (a) 400 399 405 400 397 406 5.360% notes due November 2016 95 95 101 95 95 103 6.000% notes due June 2017 (a) 441 463 480 441 466 489 1.400% notes due October 2017 (a) 625 621 626 625 616 624 6.000% notes due November 2017 (a) 156 163 174 156 164 175 1.400% notes due December 2017 (a) 750 750 749 750 745 749 6.000% notes due February 2018 (a) 1,100 1,111 1,223 1,100 1,106 1,238 1.625% notes due March 2019 (a) 500 499 494 500 496 493 2.300% notes due December 2019 (a) 500 499 501 500 496 502 3.875% notes due October 2020 (a) 450 451 481 450 450 477 4.700% notes due February 2021 (a) 400 413 441 400 413 450 3.375% notes due November 2021 (a) 500 495 514 500 496 519 2.875% notes due December 2021 (a) 750 747 750 750 748 759 2.875% notes due March 2022 (a) 1,100 1,043 1,068 1,100 1,042 1,104 0.000% notes due November 2022 15 10 11 15 10 11 2.750% notes due February 2023 (a) 625 602 598 625 604 613 2.875% notes due March 2023 (a) 750 771 722 750 777 745 5.800% notes due March 2036 850 845 988 850 845 1,052 6.500% notes due June 2037 500 495 631 500 495 670 6.625% notes due November 2037 650 646 833 650 646 888 6.875% notes due February 2038 1,100 1,085 1,447 1,100 1,085 1,544 5.700% notes due October 2040 300 298 351 300 298 378 5.950% notes due February 2041 350 348 417 350 348 455 4.625% notes due November 2041 600 593 599 600 593 646 4.375% notes due March 2042 502 486 487 502 486 536 3.950% notes due October 2042 625 612 565 625 611 621 4.250% notes due March 2043 750 740 709 750 740 786 Total commercial paper and long-term debt $ 18,017 $ 17,926 $ 19,017 $ 17,347 $ 17,256 $ 19,034 (a) Fixed-rate debt instruments hedged with interest rate swap contracts. See below for more information on the Company’s interest rate swaps. The Company’s long-term debt obligations also included $145 million and $150 million of other financing obligations, of which $47 million and $34 million were current as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. Commercial Paper and Bank Credit Facilities Commercial paper consists of short-duration, senior unsecured debt privately placed on a discount basis through broker-dealers. As of June 30, 2015 , the Company’s outstanding commercial paper had a weighted-average annual interest rate of 0.3% . The Company has $3.0 billion five-year and $1.0 billion 364-day revolving bank credit facilities with 23 banks, which mature in November 2019 and November 2015 , respectively. The Company also has a $2.0 billion 364-day revolving bank credit facility with 22 banks maturing in April 2016 . These facilities provide liquidity support for the Company’s commercial paper program and are available for general corporate purposes. In addition, the Company has a $1.5 billion delayed draw term loan to fund the Catamaran acquisition. As of June 30, 2015 , no amounts had been drawn on any of the bank credit facilities or the term loan. The annual interest rates, which are variable based on term, are calculated based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a credit spread based on the Company’s senior unsecured credit ratings. If amounts had been drawn on the bank credit facilities and the term loan as of June 30, 2015, annual interest rates would have ranged from 1.0% to 1.3% . July 2015 Debt Issuance In July 2015, the Company issued commercial paper and senior unsecured notes and drew on its delayed draw term loan. The proceeds of these debt issuances were used to fund the Catamaran acquisition. For more detail on the Catamaran acquisition see Note 1 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. (in millions, except percentages) Par Floating rate notes due January 2017 $ 750 1.450% notes due July 2017 750 1.900% notes due July 2018 1,500 2.700% notes due July 2020 1,500 3.350% notes due July 2022 1,000 3.750% notes due July 2025 2,000 4.625% notes due July 2035 1,000 4.750% notes due July 2045 2,000 Total July 2015 Issuance $ 10,500 Delayed draw term loan $ 1,500 Commercial paper $ 2,400 Debt Covenants The Company’s bank credit facilities contain various covenants including requiring the Company to maintain a debt to debt-plus-equity ratio of not more than 50% . The Company was in compliance with its debt covenants as of June 30, 2015 . Interest Rate Swap Contracts The Company uses interest rate swap contracts to convert a portion of its interest rate exposure from fixed rates to floating rates to more closely align interest expense with interest income received on its variable rate financial assets. The floating rates are benchmarked to LIBOR. The swaps are designated as fair value hedges on the Company’s fixed-rate debt. Since the critical terms of the swaps match those of the debt being hedged, they are considered to be highly effective hedges and all changes in the fair values of the swaps are recorded as adjustments to the carrying value of the related debt with no net impact recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Both the hedge fair value changes and the offsetting debt adjustments are recorded in interest expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The following table summarizes the location and fair value of the interest rate swap fair value hedges on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet: Type of Fair Value Hedge Notional Amount Fair Value Balance Sheet Location (in billions) (in millions) June 30, 2015 Interest rate swap contracts $ 10.3 54 Other assets 33 Other liabilities December 31, 2014 Interest rate swap contracts $ 10.7 $ 62 Other assets 55 Other liabilities The following table provides a summary of the effect of changes in fair value of fair value hedges on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Hedge - interest rate swap (loss) gain recognized in interest expense $ (208 ) $ 67 $ 14 $ 133 Hedged item - long-term debt gain (loss) recognized in interest expense 208 (67 ) (14 ) (133 ) Net impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations $ — $ — $ — $ —

Shareholders' Equity (Notes)

Shareholders' Equity (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	Shareholders' Equity Share Repurchase Program Under its Board of Directors’ authorization, the Company maintains a share repurchase program. The objectives of the share repurchase program are to optimize the Company’s capital structure and cost of capital, thereby improving returns to shareholders, as well as to offset the dilutive impact of share-based awards. Repurchases may be made from time to time in open market purchases or other types of transactions (including prepaid or structured repurchase programs), subject to certain Board restrictions. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , the Company repurchased 9 million shares at an average price of $111.56 per share and an aggregate cost of $953 million . As of June 30, 2015 , the Company had Board authorization to purchase up to 63 million shares of its common stock. Dividends In June 2015 , the Company’s Board of Directors increased the Company’s quarterly cash dividend to shareholders to equal an annual dividend rate of $2.00 per share compared to the annual dividend rate of $1.50 per share, which the Company had paid since June 2014 . Declaration and payment of future quarterly dividends is at the discretion of the Board and may be adjusted as business needs or market conditions change. The following table provides details of the Company’s 2015 dividend payments: Payment Date Amount per Share Total Amount Paid (in millions) March 24, 2015 $ 0.3750 $ 357 June 24, 2015 0.5000 476

Share-Based Compensation (Notes

Share-Based Compensation (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	Share-Based Compensation In June 2015, the Company’s shareholders approved an amendment to the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (Plan). The approved amendment increased the number of shares authorized for issuance under the Plan by 70 million and removed the limit in the Plan for shares other than options and stock-settled stock appreciation rights (SARs) that can be awarded. The Company’s outstanding share-based awards consist mainly of nonqualified stock options, SARs and restricted stock and restricted stock units (collectively, restricted shares). As of June 30, 2015 , the Company had 85 million shares available for future grants of share-based awards under its share-based compensation plan. Stock Options and SARs Stock option and SAR activity for the six months ended June 30, 2015 is summarized in the table below: Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (in years) (in millions) Outstanding at beginning of period 33 $ 53 Granted 8 109 Exercised (6 ) 52 Outstanding at end of period 35 66 6.2 $ 1,971 Exercisable at end of period 18 47 3.7 1,335 Vested and expected to vest, end of period 34 66 6.1 1,933 Restricted Shares Restricted share activity for the six months ended June 30, 2015 is summarized in the table below: (shares in millions) Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share Nonvested at beginning of period 9 $ 61 Granted 2 109 Vested (4 ) 57 Nonvested at end of period 7 79 Other Share-Based Compensation Data (in millions, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended 2015 2014 2015 2014 Stock Options and SARs Weighted-average grant date fair value of shares granted, per share $ 21 $ 19 $ 23 $ 22 Total intrinsic value of stock options and SARs exercised 107 74 328 286 Restricted Shares Weighted-average grant date fair value of shares granted, per share 118 80 109 70 Total fair value of restricted shares vested 12 9 407 423 Share-Based Compensation Items Share-based compensation expense, before tax 86 83 211 188 Share-based compensation expense, net of tax effects 76 71 177 157 Income tax benefit realized from share-based award exercises 36 24 174 143 (in millions, except years) June 30, 2015 Unrecognized compensation expense related to share awards $ 551 Weighted-average years to recognize compensation expense 1.4 Share-Based Compensation Recognition and Estimates The principal assumptions the Company used in calculating grant-date fair value for stock options and SARs were as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Risk-free interest rate 1.7% 1.8% 1.6% - 1.7% 1.7% - 1.8% Expected volatility 22.5% 31.7% 22.5% - 24.1% 31.7% - 39.6% Expected dividend yield 1.7% 1.9% 1.4% - 1.7% 1.6% - 1.9% Forfeiture rate 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% Expected life in years 5.6 5.4 5.6 - 6.1 5.4

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies Legal Matters Because of the nature of its businesses, the Company is frequently made party to a variety of legal actions and regulatory inquiries, including class actions and suits brought by members, care providers, consumer advocacy organizations, customers and regulators, relating to the Company’s businesses, including management and administration of health benefit plans and other services. These matters include medical malpractice, employment, intellectual property, antitrust, privacy and contract claims, and claims related to health care benefits coverage and other business practices. The Company records liabilities for its estimates of probable costs resulting from these matters where appropriate. Estimates of costs resulting from legal and regulatory matters involving the Company are inherently difficult to predict, particularly where the matters: involve indeterminate claims for monetary damages or may involve fines, penalties or punitive damages; present novel legal theories or represent a shift in regulatory policy; involve a large number of claimants or regulatory bodies; are in the early stages of the proceedings; or could result in a change in business practices. Accordingly, the Company is often unable to estimate the losses or ranges of losses for those matters where there is a reasonable possibility or it is probable that a loss may be incurred. Litigation Matters California Claims Processing Matter. On January 25, 2008, the California Department of Insurance (CDI) issued an Order to Show Cause to PacifiCare Life and Health Insurance Company, a subsidiary of the Company, alleging violations of certain insurance statutes and regulations related to an alleged failure to include certain language in standard claims correspondence, timeliness and accuracy of claims processing, interest payments, care provider contract implementation, care provider dispute resolution and other related matters. Although the Company believes that CDI had never before issued a fine in excess of $8 million , CDI advocated a fine of approximately $325 million in this matter. The matter was the subject of an administrative hearing before a California administrative law judge beginning in December 2009, and in August 2013, the administrative law judge issued a nonbinding proposed decision recommending a fine of $11.5 million . The California Insurance Commissioner rejected the administrative law judge’s recommendation and on June 9, 2014, issued his own decision imposing a fine of approximately $174 million . On July 10, 2014, the Company filed a lawsuit in California state court challenging the Commissioner’s decision. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the range of loss, if any, that may result from this matter given the procedural status of the dispute, the wide range of possible outcomes, the legal issues presented (including the legal basis for the majority of the alleged violations), the inherent difficulty in predicting a regulatory fine in the event of a remand, and the various remedies and levels of judicial review that remain available to the Company. Government Investigations, Audits and Reviews The Company has been involved or is currently involved in various governmental investigations, audits and reviews. These include routine, regular and special investigations, audits and reviews by CMS, state insurance and health and welfare departments, the Brazilian national regulatory agency for private health insurance and plans (the Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar), state attorneys general, the Office of the Inspector General, the Office of Personnel Management, the Office of Civil Rights, the Government Accountability Office, the Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Congressional committees, the U.S. Department of Justice, the SEC, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Brazilian federal revenue service (the Secretaria da Receita Federal), the U.S. Department of Labor, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Defense Contract Audit Agency and other governmental authorities. Certain of the Company’s businesses have been reviewed or are currently under review, including for, among other things, compliance with coding and other requirements under the Medicare risk-adjustment model. In February 2012, CMS announced a final Risk Adjustment Data Validation (RADV) audit and payment adjustment methodology and that it will conduct RADV audits beginning with the 2011 payment year. These audits involve a review of medical records maintained by care providers and may result in retrospective adjustments to payments made to health plans. CMS has not communicated how the final payment adjustment under its methodology will be implemented. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the range of loss, if any, that may result from any material government investigations, audits and reviews in which it is currently involved given the inherent difficulty in predicting regulatory action, fines and penalties, if any, and the various remedies and levels of judicial review available to the Company in the event of an adverse finding. Guaranty Fund Assessments Under state guaranty fund laws, certain insurance companies can be assessed (up to prescribed limits) for certain obligations to the policyholders and claimants of insolvent insurance companies. In 2009, the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner placed long term care insurer Penn Treaty Network America Insurance Company and its subsidiary (Penn Treaty), neither of which is affiliated with the Company, in rehabilitation and petitioned a state court for approval to liquidate Penn Treaty. In 2012, the court denied the liquidation petition and ordered the Insurance Commissioner to submit a rehabilitation plan. The court held a hearing on July 13, 2015 to begin its consideration of the latest proposed rehabilitation plan. If the current proposed rehabilitation plan, which contemplates the partial liquidation of Penn Treaty, is approved by the court, the Company’s insurance entities and other insurers may be required to pay a portion of Penn Treaty’s policyholder claims through state guaranty association assessments in future periods. The Company intends to vigorously challenge the proposed rehabilitation plan. The Company is currently unable to estimate losses or ranges of losses because the Company cannot predict whether, when or to what extent Penn Treaty will ultimately be declared insolvent, the amount of the insolvency, if any, the amount and timing of any associated guaranty fund assessments or the availability and amount of any premium tax and other potential offsets.

Segment Financial Information (

Segment Financial Information (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Financial Information [Text Block]	Segment Financial Information The Company’s four reportable segments are UnitedHealthcare, OptumHealth, OptumInsight and OptumRx . For more information on the Company’s segments see Part I, Item I, “Business” and Note 13 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements” in the Company's 2014 10-K. The following table presents the reportable segment financial information: Optum (in millions) UnitedHealthcare OptumHealth OptumInsight OptumRx Optum Eliminations Optum Corporate and Eliminations Consolidated Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Revenues - external customers: Premiums $ 31,186 $ 775 $ — $ — $ — $ 775 $ — $ 31,961 Services 1,715 579 542 29 — 1,150 — 2,865 Products 1 11 16 1,195 — 1,222 — 1,223 Total revenues - external customers 32,902 1,365 558 1,224 — 3,147 — 36,049 Total revenues - intersegment — 2,031 851 7,688 (172 ) 10,398 (10,398 ) — Investment and other income 171 42 — 1 — 43 — 214 Total revenues $ 33,073 $ 3,438 $ 1,409 $ 8,913 $ (172 ) $ 13,588 $ (10,398 ) $ 36,263 Earnings from operations $ 2,031 $ 253 $ 271 $ 340 $ — $ 864 $ — $ 2,895 Interest expense — — — — — — (151 ) (151 ) Earnings before income taxes $ 2,031 $ 253 $ 271 $ 340 $ — $ 864 $ (151 ) $ 2,744 Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 Revenues - external customers: Premiums $ 28,213 $ 627 $ — $ — $ — $ 627 $ — $ 28,840 Services 1,646 242 532 27 — 801 — 2,447 Products 1 4 14 1,018 — 1,036 — 1,037 Total revenues - external customers 29,860 873 546 1,045 — 2,464 — 32,324 Total revenues - intersegment — 1,674 697 6,955 (115 ) 9,211 (9,211 ) — Investment and other income 211 39 — — — 39 — 250 Total revenues $ 30,071 $ 2,586 $ 1,243 $ 8,000 $ (115 ) $ 11,714 $ (9,211 ) $ 32,574 Earnings from operations $ 1,824 $ 224 $ 213 $ 291 $ — $ 728 $ — $ 2,552 Interest expense — — — — — — (155 ) (155 ) Earnings before income taxes $ 1,824 $ 224 $ 213 $ 291 $ — $ 728 $ (155 ) $ 2,397 Optum (in millions) UnitedHealthcare OptumHealth OptumInsight OptumRx Optum Eliminations Optum Corporate and Eliminations Consolidated Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Revenues - external customers: Premiums $ 62,091 $ 1,544 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,544 $ — $ 63,635 Services 3,318 1,100 1,101 52 — 2,253 — 5,571 Products 1 16 36 2,400 — 2,452 — 2,453 Total revenues - external customers 65,410 2,660 1,137 2,452 — 6,249 — 71,659 Total revenues - intersegment — 3,994 1,662 14,755 (331 ) 20,080 (20,080 ) — Investment and other income 286 73 — 1 — 74 — 360 Total revenues $ 65,696 $ 6,727 $ 2,799 $ 17,208 $ (331 ) $ 26,403 $ (20,080 ) $ 72,019 Earnings from operations $ 3,929 $ 487 $ 493 $ 626 $ — $ 1,606 $ — $ 5,535 Interest expense — — — — — — (301 ) (301 ) Earnings before income taxes $ 3,929 $ 487 $ 493 $ 626 $ — $ 1,606 $ (301 ) $ 5,234 Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 Revenues - external customers: Premiums $ 55,724 $ 1,231 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,231 $ — $ 56,955 Services 3,232 505 1,057 57 — 1,619 — 4,851 Products 2 11 40 1,982 — 2,033 — 2,035 Total revenues - external customers 58,958 1,747 1,097 2,039 — 4,883 — 63,841 Total revenues - intersegment — 3,345 1,393 13,419 (230 ) 17,927 (17,927 ) — Investment and other income 367 74 — — — 74 — 441 Total revenues $ 59,325 $ 5,166 $ 2,490 $ 15,458 $ (230 ) $ 22,884 $ (17,927 ) $ 64,282 Earnings from operations $ 3,228 $ 435 $ 410 $ 533 $ — $ 1,378 $ — $ 4,606 Interest expense — — — — — — (315 ) (315 ) Earnings before income taxes $ 3,228 $ 435 $ 410 $ 533 $ — $ 1,378 $ (315 ) $ 4,291

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Basis of presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (individually and together with its subsidiaries, “UnitedHealth Group” and “the Company”) is a diversified health and well-being company dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone. Through its diversified family of businesses, the Company leverages core competencies in advanced, enabling technology; health care data, information and intelligence; and clinical care management and coordination to help meet the demands of the health system. The Company offers a broad spectrum of products and services through two distinct platforms: UnitedHealthcare, which provides health care coverage and benefits services; and Optum, which provides information and technology-enabled health services. The Company has prepared the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements according to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and has included the accounts of UnitedHealth Group and its subsidiaries. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. In accordance with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Company has omitted certain footnote disclosures that would substantially duplicate the disclosures contained in its annual audited Consolidated Financial Statements. Therefore, these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read together with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 as filed with the SEC ( 2014 10-K). The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present the interim financial statements fairly.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include certain amounts based on the Company’s best estimates and judgments. The Company’s most significant estimates relate to estimates and judgments for medical costs payable and revenues, valuation and impairment analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets, estimates of other policy liabilities and other current receivables, valuations of certain investments, and estimates and judgments related to income taxes and contingent liabilities. Certain of these estimates require the application of complex assumptions and judgments, often because they involve matters that are inherently uncertain and will likely change in subsequent periods. The impact of any change in estimates is included in earnings in the period in which the estimate is adjusted.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (ASU 2014-09). ASU 2014-09 will supersede existing revenue recognition standards with a single model unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards (e.g., an insurance entity’s insurance contracts). The revenue recognition principle in ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, new and enhanced disclosures will be required. Companies can adopt the new standard either using the full retrospective approach, a modified retrospective approach with practical expedients, or a cumulative effect upon adoption approach. In July 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of ASU 2014-09 for one year and it is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption at the original effective date, interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, will be permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the new revenue recognition guidance.

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Short-Term and Long-Term Investments [Table Text Block]	A summary of short-term and long-term investments by major security type is as follows: (in millions) Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value June 30, 2015 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 1,859 $ 6 $ (4 ) $ 1,861 State and municipal obligations 6,196 127 (17 ) 6,306 Corporate obligations 7,654 76 (31 ) 7,699 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 2,091 25 (14 ) 2,102 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 837 8 (5 ) 840 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 18,637 242 (71 ) 18,808 Equity securities - available-for-sale 1,559 36 (38 ) 1,557 Debt securities - held-to-maturity: U.S. government and agency obligations 182 3 — 185 State and municipal obligations 15 — — 15 Corporate obligations 349 — — 349 Total debt securities - held-to-maturity 546 3 — 549 Total investments $ 20,742 $ 281 $ (109 ) $ 20,914 December 31, 2014 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 1,614 $ 7 $ (1 ) $ 1,620 State and municipal obligations 6,456 217 (5 ) 6,668 Corporate obligations 7,241 112 (26 ) 7,327 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 2,022 39 (5 ) 2,056 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 872 12 (4 ) 880 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 18,205 387 (41 ) 18,551 Equity securities - available-for-sale 1,511 36 (25 ) 1,522 Debt securities - held-to-maturity: U.S. government and agency obligations 178 2 — 180 State and municipal obligations 19 — — 19 Corporate obligations 298 — — 298 Total debt securities - held-to-maturity 495 2 — 497 Total investments $ 20,211 $ 425 $ (66 ) $ 20,570
Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Investments with Gross Unrealized Losses by Investment Type and Length of Time that Individual Securities have been in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Table Text Block]	The fair value of available-for-sale investments with gross unrealized losses by major security type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position were as follows: Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total (in millions) Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Fair Value Gross June 30, 2015 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 529 $ (4 ) $ — $ — $ 529 $ (4 ) State and municipal obligations 1,561 (16 ) 22 (1 ) 1,583 (17 ) Corporate obligations 3,126 (27 ) 229 (4 ) 3,355 (31 ) U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 752 (10 ) 126 (4 ) 878 (14 ) Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 364 (4 ) 77 (1 ) 441 (5 ) Total debt securities - available-for-sale $ 6,332 $ (61 ) $ 454 $ (10 ) $ 6,786 $ (71 ) Equity securities - available-for-sale $ 148 $ (9 ) $ 82 $ (29 ) $ 230 $ (38 ) December 31, 2014 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 420 $ (1 ) $ — $ — $ 420 $ (1 ) State and municipal obligations 711 (4 ) 99 (1 ) 810 (5 ) Corporate obligations 2,595 (17 ) 464 (9 ) 3,059 (26 ) U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — — 272 (5 ) 272 (5 ) Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 254 (2 ) 114 (2 ) 368 (4 ) Total debt securities - available-for-sale $ 3,980 $ (24 ) $ 949 $ (17 ) $ 4,929 $ (41 ) Equity securities - available-for-sale $ 107 $ (6 ) $ 88 $ (19 ) $ 195 $ (25 )
Net Realized Gains, Included in Investment and Other Income [Table Text Block]	Net realized gains reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income were from the following sources: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Total OTTI $ (3 ) $ (4 ) $ (4 ) $ (7 ) Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income — — — — Net OTTI recognized in earnings (3 ) (4 ) (4 ) (7 ) Gross realized losses from sales (5 ) (29 ) (11 ) (39 ) Gross realized gains from sales 76 140 86 199 Net realized gains (included in investment and other income on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations) 68 107 71 153 Income tax effect (included in provision for income taxes on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations) (25 ) (39 ) (26 ) (56 ) Realized gains, net of taxes $ 43 $ 68 $ 45 $ 97
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Investments by Contractual Maturity [Table Text Block]	The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale debt securities as of June 30, 2015 , by contractual maturity, were as follows: (in millions) Amortized Cost Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 2,010 $ 2,014 Due after one year through five years 6,943 7,009 Due after five years through ten years 5,016 5,067 Due after ten years 1,740 1,776 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 2,091 2,102 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 837 840 Total debt securities - available-for-sale $ 18,637 $ 18,808
Held-to-maturity Securities [Member]
Investments by Contractual Maturity [Table Text Block]	The amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity debt securities as of June 30, 2015 , by contractual maturity, were as follows: (in millions) Amortized Cost Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 126 $ 126 Due after one year through five years 204 205 Due after five years through ten years 106 107 Due after ten years 110 111 Total debt securities - held-to-maturity $ 546 $ 549

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Assets and Liabilities, Measured at Fair Value Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	(in millions) Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Fair and Carrying Value June 30, 2015 Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,754 $ 133 $ — $ 7,887 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations 1,650 211 — 1,861 State and municipal obligations — 6,306 — 6,306 Corporate obligations 12 7,609 78 7,699 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 2,102 — 2,102 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 834 6 840 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 1,662 17,062 84 18,808 Equity securities - available-for-sale 1,226 12 319 1,557 Interest rate swap assets — 54 — 54 Total assets at fair value $ 10,642 $ 17,261 $ 403 $ 28,306 Percentage of total assets at fair value 38 % 61 % 1 % 100 % Interest rate swap liabilities $ — $ 33 $ — $ 33 December 31, 2014 Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,472 $ 23 $ — $ 7,495 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations 1,427 193 — 1,620 State and municipal obligations — 6,668 — 6,668 Corporate obligations 2 7,257 68 7,327 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 2,056 — 2,056 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 874 6 880 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 1,429 17,048 74 18,551 Equity securities - available-for-sale 1,200 12 310 1,522 Interest rate swap assets — 62 — 62 Total assets at fair value $ 10,101 $ 17,145 $ 384 $ 27,630 Percentage of total assets at fair value 37 % 62 % 1 % 100 % Interest rate swap liabilities $ — $ 55 $ — $ 55
Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	The following table presents a summary of fair value measurements by level and carrying values for certain financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets: (in millions) Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Fair Value Total Carrying Value June 30, 2015 Debt securities - held-to-maturity: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 185 $ — $ — $ 185 $ 182 State and municipal obligations — — 15 15 15 Corporate obligations 92 10 247 349 349 Total debt securities - held-to-maturity $ 277 $ 10 $ 262 $ 549 $ 546 Other assets $ — $ 473 $ — $ 473 $ 472 Long-term debt and other financing obligations $ — $ 17,755 $ — $ 17,755 $ 16,664 December 31, 2014 Debt securities - held-to-maturity: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 180 $ — $ — $ 180 $ 178 State and municipal obligations — — 19 19 19 Corporate obligations 46 10 242 298 298 Total debt securities - held-to-maturity $ 226 $ 10 $ 261 $ 497 $ 495 Other assets $ — $ 478 $ — $ 478 $ 484 Long-term debt and other financing obligations $ — $ 18,863 $ — $ 18,863 $ 17,085
Reconciliation of Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Level 3 Inputs [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs is as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in millions) Debt Securities Equity Securities Total Debt Securities Equity Securities Total June 30, 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 79 $ 309 $ 388 $ 74 $ 310 $ 384 Purchases 6 10 16 10 14 24 Sales (2 ) (13 ) (15 ) (2 ) (14 ) (16 ) Net unrealized gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive income 1 — 1 2 (5 ) (3 ) Net realized gains in investment and other income — 13 13 — 14 14 Balance at end of period $ 84 $ 319 $ 403 $ 84 $ 319 $ 403 June 30, 2014 Balance at beginning of period $ 46 $ 313 $ 359 $ 42 $ 269 $ 311 Purchases 10 6 16 13 50 63 Sales — (147 ) (147 ) — (151 ) (151 ) Net unrealized gains in accumulated other comprehensive income 1 6 7 2 10 12 Net realized gains in investment and other income — 124 124 — 124 124 Balance at end of period $ 57 $ 302 $ 359 $ 57 $ 302 $ 359
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block]	The following table presents quantitative information regarding unobservable inputs that were significant to the valuation of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs: Range (in millions) Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Low High June 30, 2015 Equity securities - available-for-sale Venture capital portfolios $ 268 Market approach - comparable companies Revenue multiple 1.0 5.0 EBITDA multiple 8.0 10.0 51 Market approach - recent transactions Inactive market transactions N/A N/A Total equity securities available-for-sale $ 319
AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Assets and Liabilities, Measured at Fair Value Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	The following table presents fair value information about the AARP Program-related financial assets and liabilities: (in millions) Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Total Fair and Carrying Value June 30, 2015 Cash and cash equivalents $ 205 $ — $ 205 Debt securities: U.S. government and agency obligations 431 164 595 State and municipal obligations — 96 96 Corporate obligations — 1,287 1,287 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 400 400 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 195 195 Total debt securities 431 2,142 2,573 Other investments — 85 85 Total assets at fair value $ 636 $ 2,227 $ 2,863 Other liabilities $ 4 $ 6 $ 10 December 31, 2014 Cash and cash equivalents $ 415 $ — $ 415 Debt securities: U.S. government and agency obligations 409 245 654 State and municipal obligations — 95 95 Corporate obligations — 1,200 1,200 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 340 340 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 177 177 Total debt securities 409 2,057 2,466 Other investments — 81 81 Total assets at fair value $ 824 $ 2,138 $ 2,962 Other liabilities $ 5 $ 13 $ 18

Medicare Part D Pharmacy Bene22

Medicare Part D Pharmacy Benefits (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Schedule of Other Current Receivables and Other Policy Liabilities Associated with Medicare Part D Program [Table Text Block]	The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets include the following amounts associated with the Medicare Part D program: June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (in millions) Subsidies Drug Discount Risk-Share Subsidies Drug Discount Risk-Share Other current receivables $ 1,776 $ 266 $ 20 $ 1,801 $ 719 $ 20 Other policy liabilities — 164 — — 302 —

Medical Costs Reserve Develop23

Medical Costs Reserve Development (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Table Text Block]	The following table provides details of the Company's medical cost reserve development: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Related to Prior Years $ (10 ) $ 40 $ 130 $ 260 Related to Current Year 100 90 N/A N/A

Commercial Paper and Long-Ter24

Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt [Table Text Block]	Commercial paper and senior unsecured long-term debt consisted of the following: June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (in millions, except percentages) Par Value Carrying Value Fair Value Par Value Carrying Value Fair Value Commercial paper $ 1,407 $ 1,407 $ 1,407 $ 321 $ 321 $ 321 4.875% notes due March 2015 (a) — — — 416 419 419 0.850% notes due October 2015 (a) 625 625 625 625 625 627 5.375% notes due March 2016 (a) 601 614 620 601 623 634 1.875% notes due November 2016 (a) 400 399 405 400 397 406 5.360% notes due November 2016 95 95 101 95 95 103 6.000% notes due June 2017 (a) 441 463 480 441 466 489 1.400% notes due October 2017 (a) 625 621 626 625 616 624 6.000% notes due November 2017 (a) 156 163 174 156 164 175 1.400% notes due December 2017 (a) 750 750 749 750 745 749 6.000% notes due February 2018 (a) 1,100 1,111 1,223 1,100 1,106 1,238 1.625% notes due March 2019 (a) 500 499 494 500 496 493 2.300% notes due December 2019 (a) 500 499 501 500 496 502 3.875% notes due October 2020 (a) 450 451 481 450 450 477 4.700% notes due February 2021 (a) 400 413 441 400 413 450 3.375% notes due November 2021 (a) 500 495 514 500 496 519 2.875% notes due December 2021 (a) 750 747 750 750 748 759 2.875% notes due March 2022 (a) 1,100 1,043 1,068 1,100 1,042 1,104 0.000% notes due November 2022 15 10 11 15 10 11 2.750% notes due February 2023 (a) 625 602 598 625 604 613 2.875% notes due March 2023 (a) 750 771 722 750 777 745 5.800% notes due March 2036 850 845 988 850 845 1,052 6.500% notes due June 2037 500 495 631 500 495 670 6.625% notes due November 2037 650 646 833 650 646 888 6.875% notes due February 2038 1,100 1,085 1,447 1,100 1,085 1,544 5.700% notes due October 2040 300 298 351 300 298 378 5.950% notes due February 2041 350 348 417 350 348 455 4.625% notes due November 2041 600 593 599 600 593 646 4.375% notes due March 2042 502 486 487 502 486 536 3.950% notes due October 2042 625 612 565 625 611 621 4.250% notes due March 2043 750 740 709 750 740 786 Total commercial paper and long-term debt $ 18,017 $ 17,926 $ 19,017 $ 17,347 $ 17,256 $ 19,034 (a) Fixed-rate debt instruments hedged with interest rate swap contracts. See below for more information on the Company’s interest rate swaps. In July 2015, the Company issued commercial paper and senior unsecured notes and drew on its delayed draw term loan. The proceeds of these debt issuances were used to fund the Catamaran acquisition. For more detail on the Catamaran acquisition see Note 1 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. (in millions, except percentages) Par Floating rate notes due January 2017 $ 750 1.450% notes due July 2017 750 1.900% notes due July 2018 1,500 2.700% notes due July 2020 1,500 3.350% notes due July 2022 1,000 3.750% notes due July 2025 2,000 4.625% notes due July 2035 1,000 4.750% notes due July 2045 2,000 Total July 2015 Issuance $ 10,500 Delayed draw term loan $ 1,500 Commercial paper $ 2,400
Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the location and fair value of the interest rate swap fair value hedges on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet: Type of Fair Value Hedge Notional Amount Fair Value Balance Sheet Location (in billions) (in millions) June 30, 2015 Interest rate swap contracts $ 10.3 54 Other assets 33 Other liabilities December 31, 2014 Interest rate swap contracts $ 10.7 $ 62 Other assets 55 Other liabilities
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The following table provides a summary of the effect of changes in fair value of fair value hedges on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Hedge - interest rate swap (loss) gain recognized in interest expense $ (208 ) $ 67 $ 14 $ 133 Hedged item - long-term debt gain (loss) recognized in interest expense 208 (67 ) (14 ) (133 ) Net impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations $ — $ — $ — $ —

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]	The following table provides details of the Company’s 2015 dividend payments: Payment Date Amount per Share Total Amount Paid (in millions) March 24, 2015 $ 0.3750 $ 357 June 24, 2015 0.5000 476

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Option and SAR Activity [Table Text Block]	Stock option and SAR activity for the six months ended June 30, 2015 is summarized in the table below: Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (in years) (in millions) Outstanding at beginning of period 33 $ 53 Granted 8 109 Exercised (6 ) 52 Outstanding at end of period 35 66 6.2 $ 1,971 Exercisable at end of period 18 47 3.7 1,335 Vested and expected to vest, end of period 34 66 6.1 1,933
Restricted Share Activity [Table Text Block]	Restricted share activity for the six months ended June 30, 2015 is summarized in the table below: (shares in millions) Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share Nonvested at beginning of period 9 $ 61 Granted 2 109 Vested (4 ) 57 Nonvested at end of period 7 79
Other Share-Based Compensation Data [Table Text Block]	Other Share-Based Compensation Data (in millions, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended 2015 2014 2015 2014 Stock Options and SARs Weighted-average grant date fair value of shares granted, per share $ 21 $ 19 $ 23 $ 22 Total intrinsic value of stock options and SARs exercised 107 74 328 286 Restricted Shares Weighted-average grant date fair value of shares granted, per share 118 80 109 70 Total fair value of restricted shares vested 12 9 407 423 Share-Based Compensation Items Share-based compensation expense, before tax 86 83 211 188 Share-based compensation expense, net of tax effects 76 71 177 157 Income tax benefit realized from share-based award exercises 36 24 174 143 (in millions, except years) June 30, 2015 Unrecognized compensation expense related to share awards $ 551 Weighted-average years to recognize compensation expense 1.4
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The principal assumptions the Company used in calculating grant-date fair value for stock options and SARs were as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Risk-free interest rate 1.7% 1.8% 1.6% - 1.7% 1.7% - 1.8% Expected volatility 22.5% 31.7% 22.5% - 24.1% 31.7% - 39.6% Expected dividend yield 1.7% 1.9% 1.4% - 1.7% 1.6% - 1.9% Forfeiture rate 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% Expected life in years 5.6 5.4 5.6 - 6.1 5.4

Segment Financial Information27

Segment Financial Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Financial Information [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the reportable segment financial information: Optum (in millions) UnitedHealthcare OptumHealth OptumInsight OptumRx Optum Eliminations Optum Corporate and Eliminations Consolidated Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Revenues - external customers: Premiums $ 31,186 $ 775 $ — $ — $ — $ 775 $ — $ 31,961 Services 1,715 579 542 29 — 1,150 — 2,865 Products 1 11 16 1,195 — 1,222 — 1,223 Total revenues - external customers 32,902 1,365 558 1,224 — 3,147 — 36,049 Total revenues - intersegment — 2,031 851 7,688 (172 ) 10,398 (10,398 ) — Investment and other income 171 42 — 1 — 43 — 214 Total revenues $ 33,073 $ 3,438 $ 1,409 $ 8,913 $ (172 ) $ 13,588 $ (10,398 ) $ 36,263 Earnings from operations $ 2,031 $ 253 $ 271 $ 340 $ — $ 864 $ — $ 2,895 Interest expense — — — — — — (151 ) (151 ) Earnings before income taxes $ 2,031 $ 253 $ 271 $ 340 $ — $ 864 $ (151 ) $ 2,744 Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 Revenues - external customers: Premiums $ 28,213 $ 627 $ — $ — $ — $ 627 $ — $ 28,840 Services 1,646 242 532 27 — 801 — 2,447 Products 1 4 14 1,018 — 1,036 — 1,037 Total revenues - external customers 29,860 873 546 1,045 — 2,464 — 32,324 Total revenues - intersegment — 1,674 697 6,955 (115 ) 9,211 (9,211 ) — Investment and other income 211 39 — — — 39 — 250 Total revenues $ 30,071 $ 2,586 $ 1,243 $ 8,000 $ (115 ) $ 11,714 $ (9,211 ) $ 32,574 Earnings from operations $ 1,824 $ 224 $ 213 $ 291 $ — $ 728 $ — $ 2,552 Interest expense — — — — — — (155 ) (155 ) Earnings before income taxes $ 1,824 $ 224 $ 213 $ 291 $ — $ 728 $ (155 ) $ 2,397 Optum (in millions) UnitedHealthcare OptumHealth OptumInsight OptumRx Optum Eliminations Optum Corporate and Eliminations Consolidated Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Revenues - external customers: Premiums $ 62,091 $ 1,544 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,544 $ — $ 63,635 Services 3,318 1,100 1,101 52 — 2,253 — 5,571 Products 1 16 36 2,400 — 2,452 — 2,453 Total revenues - external customers 65,410 2,660 1,137 2,452 — 6,249 — 71,659 Total revenues - intersegment — 3,994 1,662 14,755 (331 ) 20,080 (20,080 ) — Investment and other income 286 73 — 1 — 74 — 360 Total revenues $ 65,696 $ 6,727 $ 2,799 $ 17,208 $ (331 ) $ 26,403 $ (20,080 ) $ 72,019 Earnings from operations $ 3,929 $ 487 $ 493 $ 626 $ — $ 1,606 $ — $ 5,535 Interest expense — — — — — — (301 ) (301 ) Earnings before income taxes $ 3,929 $ 487 $ 493 $ 626 $ — $ 1,606 $ (301 ) $ 5,234 Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 Revenues - external customers: Premiums $ 55,724 $ 1,231 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,231 $ — $ 56,955 Services 3,232 505 1,057 57 — 1,619 — 4,851 Products 2 11 40 1,982 — 2,033 — 2,035 Total revenues - external customers 58,958 1,747 1,097 2,039 — 4,883 — 63,841 Total revenues - intersegment — 3,345 1,393 13,419 (230 ) 17,927 (17,927 ) — Investment and other income 367 74 — — — 74 — 441 Total revenues $ 59,325 $ 5,166 $ 2,490 $ 15,458 $ (230 ) $ 22,884 $ (17,927 ) $ 64,282 Earnings from operations $ 3,228 $ 435 $ 410 $ 533 $ — $ 1,378 $ — $ 4,606 Interest expense — — — — — — (315 ) (315 ) Earnings before income taxes $ 3,228 $ 435 $ 410 $ 533 $ — $ 1,378 $ (315 ) $ 4,291

Basis of Presentation Basis of

Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentations (Details) $ in Millions	Jul. 23, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 29, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Par Value			$ 18,017	$ 17,347
Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Par Value		$ 10,500
Subsequent Event [Member] | Catamaran [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
People Served	35,000,000
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests to be Acquired	100.00%
Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Par Value		$ 1,500
Catamaran Outstanding Common Shares [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Catamaran [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments made to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 12,900

Investments (Narrative) (Detail

Investments (Narrative) (Details) - Jun. 30, 2015	positions
Investment [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions	7,100
Total number of security positions	23,000

Investments (Short-Term and Lon

Investments (Short-Term and Long-Term Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 18,637	$ 18,205
Securities, Available for sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	242	387
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(71)	(41)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	18,808	18,551
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,559	1,511
Securities, Available for sale Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	36	36
Securities, Available for sale Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(38)	(25)
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	1,557	1,522
Held-to-maturity securities, Amortized Cost	546	495
Securities, Held to maturity, Unrecognized Holding Gain	3	2
Held-to-maturity Securities, Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Loss	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	549	497
Total investments, Amortized Cost	20,742	20,211
Total investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	281	425
Total investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	(109)	(66)
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	20,914	20,570
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	18,808	18,551
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,859	1,614
Securities, Available for sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	6	7
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(4)	(1)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,861	1,620
Held-to-maturity securities, Amortized Cost	182	178
Securities, Held to maturity, Unrecognized Holding Gain	3	2
Held-to-maturity Securities, Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Loss	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	185	180
State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	6,196	6,456
Securities, Available for sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	127	217
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(17)	(5)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	6,306	6,668
Held-to-maturity securities, Amortized Cost	15	19
Securities, Held to maturity, Unrecognized Holding Gain	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Loss	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	15	19
Corporate Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	7,654	7,241
Securities, Available for sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	76	112
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(31)	(26)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	7,699	7,327
Held-to-maturity securities, Amortized Cost	349	298
Securities, Held to maturity, Unrecognized Holding Gain	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Loss	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	349	298
U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,091	2,022
Securities, Available for sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	25	39
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(14)	(5)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,102	2,056
Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	837	872
Securities, Available for sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	8	12
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(5)	(4)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 840	$ 880

Investments (Amortized Cost and

Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	$ 2,010
Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	6,943
Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	5,016
Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	1,740
Total debt securities - available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	18,637	$ 18,205
Due in one year or less, Fair Value	2,014
Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	7,009
Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	5,067
Due after ten years, Fair Value	1,776
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	18,808	18,551
U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities, Amortized Cost	2,091
Total debt securities - available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	2,091	2,022
Mortgage-backed securities, Fair Value	2,102
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,102	2,056
Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities, Amortized Cost	837
Total debt securities - available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	837	872
Mortgage-backed securities, Fair Value	840
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 840	$ 880

Investments (Amortized Cost a32

Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Held-To-Maturity Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	$ 126
Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	204
Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	106
Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	110
Held-to-maturity securities, Amortized Cost	546	$ 495
Due in one year or less, Fair Value	126
Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	205
Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	107
Due after ten years, Fair Value	111
Total debt securities - held-to-maturity, Fair Value	$ 549	$ 497

Investments (Fair Value of Avai

Investments (Fair Value of Available-For-Sale Investments with Gross Unrealized Losses by Investment Type and Length of Time That Individual Securities Have Been in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	$ 6,332	$ 3,980
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(61)	(24)
Greater Than 12 Months, Fair Value	454	949
Greater Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(10)	(17)
Total, Fair Value	6,786	4,929
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(71)	(41)
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	529	420
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(4)	(1)
Total, Fair Value	529	420
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(4)	(1)
State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,561	711
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(16)	(4)
Greater Than 12 Months, Fair Value	22	99
Greater Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1)	(1)
Total, Fair Value	1,583	810
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(17)	(5)
Corporate Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	3,126	2,595
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(27)	(17)
Greater Than 12 Months, Fair Value	229	464
Greater Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(4)	(9)
Total, Fair Value	3,355	3,059
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(31)	(26)
U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	752
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(10)
Greater Than 12 Months, Fair Value	126	272
Greater Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(4)	(5)
Total, Fair Value	878	272
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(14)	(5)
Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	364	254
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(4)	(2)
Greater Than 12 Months, Fair Value	77	114
Greater Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1)	(2)
Total, Fair Value	441	368
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(5)	(4)
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	148	107
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(9)	(6)
Greater Than 12 Months, Fair Value	82	88
Greater Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(29)	(19)
Total, Fair Value	230	195
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (38)	$ (25)

Investments (Net Realized Gains

Investments (Net Realized Gains) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Income tax effect (included in Provision for Income Taxes on the Consolidated Statements of Operations)	$ (1,159)	$ (989)	$ (2,236)	$ (1,784)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total OTTI	(3)	(4)	(4)	(7)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Net OTTI recognized in earnings	(3)	(4)	(4)	(7)
Gross realized losses from sales	(5)	(29)	(11)	(39)
Gross realized gains from sales	76	140	86	199
Net realized gains (included in investment and other income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations)	68	107	71	153
Income tax effect (included in Provision for Income Taxes on the Consolidated Statements of Operations)	(25)	(39)	(26)	(56)
Realized gains, net of taxes	$ 43	$ 68	$ 45	$ 97

Fair Value (Narrative) (Details

Fair Value (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value [Line Items]
Transfers from level 1 to level 2-Assets	$ 0	$ 0
Transfers from level 1 to level 2-Liabilities	0	0
Transfer from level 2 to level 1-Assets	0	0
Transfer from level 2 to level 1-Liabilities	0	0
Transfers Into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value [Line Items]
Significant fair value adjustments for assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis	0	$ 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 84

Fair Value (Financial Assets an

Fair Value (Financial Assets and Liabilities, Excluding AARP, Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 7,887	$ 7,495
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	18,808	18,551
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	1,557	1,522
Interest rate swap assets	54	62
Total assets at fair value	$ 28,306	$ 27,630
Percentage of total assets at fair value	100.00%	100.00%
Interest rate swap liabilities	$ 33	$ 55
Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	18,808	18,551
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,861	1,620
State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	6,306	6,668
Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	7,699	7,327
U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,102	2,056
Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	840	880
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	7,754	7,472
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	1,226	1,200
Interest rate swap assets	0	0
Total assets at fair value	$ 10,642	$ 10,101
Percentage of total assets at fair value	38.00%	37.00%
Interest rate swap liabilities	$ 0	$ 0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,662	1,429
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,650	1,427
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	12	2
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	133	23
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	12	12
Interest rate swap assets	54	62
Total assets at fair value	$ 17,261	$ 17,145
Percentage of total assets at fair value	61.00%	62.00%
Interest rate swap liabilities	$ 33	$ 55
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	17,062	17,048
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	211	193
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	6,306	6,668
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	7,609	7,257
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,102	2,056
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	834	874
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	319	310
Interest rate swap assets	0	0
Total assets at fair value	$ 403	$ 384
Percentage of total assets at fair value	1.00%	1.00%
Interest rate swap liabilities	$ 0	$ 0
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	84	74
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	78	68
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 6	$ 6

Fair Value (Financial Assets 37

Fair Value (Financial Assets and Liabilities, Excluding AARP, Not Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities - held-to-maturity	$ 546	$ 495
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	549	497
Long-term Debt, Gross	17,926	17,256
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	549	497
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	277	226
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	10	10
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	262	261
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	185	180
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	185	180
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	0	0
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	0	0
State and Municipal Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	15	19
State and Municipal Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	0	0
State and Municipal Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	0	0
State and Municipal Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	15	19
Corporate Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	349	298
Corporate Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	92	46
Corporate Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	10	10
Corporate Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	247	242
Long-term debt and other financing obligations | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	17,755	18,863
Long-term debt and other financing obligations | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Long-term debt and other financing obligations | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	17,755	18,863
Long-term debt and other financing obligations | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Other Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	473	478
Other Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Other Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	473	478
Other Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities - held-to-maturity	546	495
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities - held-to-maturity	182	178
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities - held-to-maturity	15	19
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities - held-to-maturity	349	298
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Long-term debt and other financing obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	16,664	17,085
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 472	$ 484

Fair Value (Reconciliation of A

Fair Value (Reconciliation of Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Level 3 Inputs) (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 388	$ 359	$ 384	$ 311
Purchases	16	16	24	63
Sales	(15)	(147)	(16)	(151)
Net unrealized gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive income	1	7	(3)	12
Net realized losses in investment and other income	13	124	14	124
Balance at end of period	403	359	403	359
Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	79	46	74	42
Purchases	6	10	10	13
Sales	(2)	0	(2)	0
Net unrealized gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive income	1	1	2	2
Net realized losses in investment and other income	0	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	84	57	84	57
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	309	313	310	269
Purchases	10	6	14	50
Sales	(13)	(147)	(14)	(151)
Net unrealized gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive income	0	6	(5)	10
Net realized losses in investment and other income	13	124	14	124
Balance at end of period	$ 319	$ 302	$ 319	$ 302

Fair Value Fair Value Inputs As

Fair Value Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information (Details) - Jun. 30, 2015 $ in Millions	USD ($)
Venture Capital Funds [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Comparable Companies [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 268
Venture Capital Funds [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Recent Transactions [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 51
Minimum [Member] | Comparable Companies [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Revenue Multiple	1
Fair Value Inputs, Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization Multiple	8
Maximum [Member] | Comparable Companies [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Revenue Multiple	5
Fair Value Inputs, Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization Multiple	10
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 319

Fair Value (Assets and Liabilit

Fair Value (Assets and Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 7,887	$ 7,495
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	18,808	18,551
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	1,557	1,522
Total assets at fair value	28,306	27,630
Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	18,808	18,551
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,861	1,620
State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	6,306	6,668
Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	7,699	7,327
U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,102	2,056
Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	840	880
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	7,754	7,472
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	1,226	1,200
Total assets at fair value	10,642	10,101
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,662	1,429
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,650	1,427
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	12	2
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	133	23
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	12	12
Total assets at fair value	17,261	17,145
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	17,062	17,048
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	211	193
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	6,306	6,668
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	7,609	7,257
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,102	2,056
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	834	874
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	205	415
Other Investments	85	81
Total assets at fair value	2,863	2,962
Other liabilities	10	18
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,573	2,466
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	595	654
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | State and Municipal Obligations [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	96	95
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate Obligations [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,287	1,200
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	400	340
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	195	177
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	205	415
Other Investments	0	0
Total assets at fair value	636	824
Other liabilities	4	5
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	431	409
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	431	409
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | State and Municipal Obligations [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate Obligations [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Other Investments	85	81
Total assets at fair value	2,227	2,138
Other liabilities	6	13
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,142	2,057
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	164	245
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | State and Municipal Obligations [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	96	95
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Obligations [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,287	1,200
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	400	340
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | AARP Program [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 195	$ 177

Medicare Part D Pharmacy Bene41

Medicare Part D Pharmacy Benefits Medicare Part D Pharmacy Benefits Schedule of Receivables and Payables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other current receivables	$ 6,160	$ 5,498
Other policy liabilities	6,772	5,965
CMS Subsidies [Member]
Other current receivables	1,776	1,801
Other policy liabilities	0	0
Drug Discount [Member]
Other current receivables	266	719
Other policy liabilities	164	302
Risk-Share [Member]
Other current receivables	20	20
Other policy liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Medical Costs Reserve Develop42

Medical Costs Reserve Development (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Related to Prior Years	$ (10)	$ 40	$ 130	$ 260
Related to Current Years	$ 100	$ 90

Health Insurance Industry Tax43

Health Insurance Industry Tax (Details) - Industry Tax [Member] $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)
Health Insurance Industry Tax [Line Items]
Accrued Liabilities, Current	$ 1,800
Deferred Costs, Current	$ 900

Commercial Paper and Long-Ter44

Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)banks	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other Long-term Debt	$ 145	$ 150
Other Long-term Debt, Current	$ 47	$ 34
Commercial Paper [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.30%
Five Year $3.0 Billion Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit	$ 0
Line of Credit, Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 3,000
Number Of Years Of Revolving Bank Credit	5 years
Number of banks that comprise revolving bank credit facility (banks)	23
Maximum percentage of indebtedness to total net capital bank covenant	50.00%
Five Year $3.0 Billion Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period	1.00%
Five Year $3.0 Billion Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period	1.30%
364 Day $1.0 Billion Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit	$ 0
Line of Credit, Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 1,000
Credit Facility, Number of Days	364 days
Number of banks that comprise revolving bank credit facility (banks) | banks	23
Maximum percentage of indebtedness to total net capital bank covenant	50.00%
364 Day $1.0 Billion Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period	1.00%
364 Day $1.0 Billion Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period	1.30%
364 Day $2.0 Billion Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit	$ 0
Line of Credit, Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 2,000
Credit Facility, Number of Days	364 days
Number of banks that comprise revolving bank credit facility (banks) | banks	22
Maximum percentage of indebtedness to total net capital bank covenant	50.00%
364 Day $2.0 Billion Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period	1.00%
364 Day $2.0 Billion Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period	1.30%
Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount	$ 1,500
Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period	1.00%
Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period	1.30%

Commercial Paper and Long-Ter45

Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par Value		$ 18,017	$ 17,347
Carrying Value		17,926	17,256
Fair Value		19,017	19,034
Commercial Paper [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par Value		1,407	321
Commercial Paper		1,407	321
Fair Value		$ 1,407	321
4.875% Notes Due March 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.875%
Par Value	[1]	$ 0	416
Carrying Value	[1]	0	419
Fair Value	[1]	$ 0	419
0.850% Notes due October 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		0.85%
Par Value	[1]	$ 625	625
Carrying Value	[1]	625	625
Fair Value	[1]	$ 625	627
5.375% Notes Due March 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.375%
Par Value	[1]	$ 601	601
Carrying Value	[1]	614	623
Fair Value	[1]	$ 620	634
1.875% Notes Due November 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		1.875%
Par Value	[1]	$ 400	400
Carrying Value	[1]	399	397
Fair Value	[1]	$ 405	406
5.360% Notes Due November 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.36%
Par Value		$ 95	95
Carrying Value		95	95
Fair Value		$ 101	103
6.000% Notes Due June 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.00%
Par Value	[1]	$ 441	441
Carrying Value	[1]	463	466
Fair Value	[1]	$ 480	489
1.400% Notes due October 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		1.40%
Par Value	[1]	$ 625	625
Carrying Value	[1]	621	616
Fair Value	[1]	$ 626	624
6.000% Notes Due November 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.00%
Par Value	[1]	$ 156	156
Carrying Value	[1]	163	164
Fair Value	[1]	$ 174	175
1.400% Notes Due December 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		1.40%
Par Value	[1]	$ 750	750
Carrying Value	[1]	750	745
Fair Value	[1]	$ 749	749
6.000% Notes Due February 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.00%
Par Value	[1]	$ 1,100	1,100
Carrying Value	[1]	1,111	1,106
Fair Value	[1]	$ 1,223	1,238
1.625% Notes Due March 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		1.625%
Par Value	[1]	$ 500	500
Carrying Value	[1]	499	496
Fair Value	[1]	$ 494	493
2.300% Notes Due December 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		2.30%
Par Value	[1]	$ 500	500
Carrying Value	[1]	499	496
Fair Value	[1]	$ 501	502
3.875% Notes Due October 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		3.875%
Par Value	[1]	$ 450	450
Carrying Value	[1]	451	450
Fair Value	[1]	$ 481	477
4.700% Notes Due February 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.70%
Par Value	[1]	$ 400	400
Carrying Value	[1]	413	413
Fair Value	[1]	$ 441	450
3.375% Notes Due November 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		3.375%
Par Value	[1]	$ 500	500
Carrying Value	[1]	495	496
Fair Value	[1]	$ 514	519
2.875% Notes Due December 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		2.875%
Par Value	[1]	$ 750	750
Carrying Value	[1]	747	748
Fair Value	[1]	$ 750	759
2.875% Notes Due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		2.875%
Par Value	[1]	$ 1,100	1,100
Carrying Value	[1]	1,043	1,042
Fair Value	[1]	$ 1,068	1,104
0.000% Notes Due November 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		0.00%
Par Value		$ 15	15
Carrying Value		10	10
Fair Value		$ 11	11
2.750% Notes due February 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		2.75%
Par Value	[1]	$ 625	625
Carrying Value	[1]	602	604
Fair Value	[1]	$ 598	613
2.875% Notes due March 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		2.875%
Par Value	[1]	$ 750	750
Carrying Value	[1]	771	777
Fair Value	[1]	$ 722	745
5.800% Notes Due March 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.80%
Par Value		$ 850	850
Carrying Value		845	845
Fair Value		$ 988	1,052
6.500% Notes Due June 2037 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.50%
Par Value		$ 500	500
Carrying Value		495	495
Fair Value		$ 631	670
6.625% Notes Due November 2037 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.625%
Par Value		$ 650	650
Carrying Value		646	646
Fair Value		$ 833	888
6.875% Notes Due February 2038 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.875%
Par Value		$ 1,100	1,100
Carrying Value		1,085	1,085
Fair Value		$ 1,447	1,544
5.700% Notes Due October 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.70%
Par Value		$ 300	300
Carrying Value		298	298
Fair Value		$ 351	378
5.950% Notes Due February 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.95%
Par Value		$ 350	350
Carrying Value		348	348
Fair Value		$ 417	455
4.625% Notes Due November 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.625%
Par Value		$ 600	600
Carrying Value		593	593
Fair Value		$ 599	646
4.375% Notes Due March 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.375%
Par Value		$ 502	502
Carrying Value		486	486
Fair Value		$ 487	536
3.950% Notes due October 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		3.95%
Par Value		$ 625	625
Carrying Value		612	611
Fair Value		$ 565	621
4.250% Notes due March 2043 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.25%
Par Value		$ 750	750
Carrying Value		740	740
Fair Value		$ 709	$ 786
[1]	Fixed-rate debt instruments hedged with interest rate swap contracts. See below for more information on the Company’s interest rate swaps.

Commercial Paper and Long-Ter46

Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt Subsequent Event July Debt Issuance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jul. 29, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par Value		$ 18,017	$ 17,347
Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par Value	$ 10,500
Floating Rate Unsecured Notes due January 2017 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par Value	$ 750
1.4500% Senior Unsecured Notes due July 2017 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.45%
Par Value	$ 750
1.900% Senior Unsecured Notes due July 2018 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.90%
Par Value	$ 1,500
2.700% Senior Unsecured Notes due July 2020 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.70%
Par Value	$ 1,500
3.350% Senior Unsecured Notes due July 2022 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.35%
Par Value	$ 1,000
3.750% Senior Unsecured Notes due July 2025 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.75%
Par Value	$ 2,000
4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due July 2035 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.625%
Par Value	$ 1,000
4.750% Senior Unsecured Notes due July 2045 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.75%
Par Value	$ 2,000
Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par Value	1,500
Commercial Paper [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par Value		$ 1,407	$ 321
Commercial Paper [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par Value	$ 2,400

Commercial Paper and Long-Ter47

Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt Fair Value Hedges Statement of Financial Position Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	$ 54	$ 62
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	33	55
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	10,300	10,700
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	54	62
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	$ 33	$ 55

Commercial Paper and Long-Ter48

Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt Fair Value Hedges Effect of Changes in Fair Value Hedges on Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Hedge - interest rate swap (loss) gain recognized in interest expense	(208)	67	14	133
Debt [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Hedged item - long-term debt gain (loss) recognized in interest expense	$ 208	$ (67)	$ (14)	$ (133)

Shareholders' Equity (Details)

Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Equity Component [Domain] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Shares Repurchased During Period	9
Shares Repurchased, Average Cost Per Share	$ 111.56
Common share repurchases	$ 953	$ 1,937
Share Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	63
Cash Dividend Annual Rate Per Share	$ 2	$ 1.50

Shareholders' Equity Dividends

Shareholders' Equity Dividends Paid (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jun. 24, 2015	Mar. 24, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 0.5000	$ 0.3750
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock	$ 476	$ 357	$ 833	$ 642

Share-based Compensation Narrat

Share-based Compensation Narrative (Details) - Jun. 30, 2015 - 2011 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] - shares shares in Millions	Total
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized	70
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	85

Share-Based Compensation (Stock

Share-Based Compensation (Stock Option and SAR Activity) (Details) - Jun. 30, 2015 - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Total
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at the beginning of the period	33
Granted, Shares	8
Exercised, Shares	(6)
Outstanding at the end of the period	35
Exercisable at end of period, Shares	18
Vested and expected to vest end of period, Shares	34
Outstanding at beginning of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 53
Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	109
Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	52
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	66
Exercisable at end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	47
Vested and expected to vest end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 66
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	6 years 2 months 12 days
Exercisable at end of period, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	3 years 8 months 12 days
Vested and expected to vest end of period, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	6 years 1 month 6 days
Outstanding at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 1,971
Exercisable at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,335
Vested and expected to vest end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 1,933

Share-Based Compensation (Restr

Share-Based Compensation (Restricted Share Activity) (Details) - Jun. 30, 2015 - Restricted Stock [Member] - $ / shares shares in Millions	Total
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested at beginning of period, Shares	9
Granted, Shares	2
Vested	(4)
Nonvested at end of period, Shares	7
Nonvested at beginning of period, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$ 61
Weighted-average grant date fair value (per share)	109
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	57
Nonvested at end of period, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$ 79

Share-Based Compensation Other

Share-Based Compensation Other Share-Based Compensation Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense, before tax	$ 86	$ 83	$ 211	$ 188
Share-based compensation expense, net of tax effects	76	71	177	157
Income tax benefit realized from share-based award exercises	36	$ 24	174	$ 143
Unrecognized compensation expense related to share awards	$ 551		$ 551
Weighted-average years to recognize compensation expense			1 year 4 months 24 days
Stock Options and SARs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average grant date fair value of shares granted, per share	$ 21	$ 19	$ 23	$ 22
Total intrinsic value of stock options and SARs exercised	$ 107	$ 74	$ 328	$ 286
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average grant date fair value (per share)	$ 118	$ 80	$ 109	$ 70
Total fair value of restricted shares vested	$ 12	$ 9	$ 407	$ 423

Share-Based Compensation (Share

Share-Based Compensation (Share-Based Compensation Principal Fair Value Assumptions) (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.70%	1.80%
Expected Volatility	22.50%	31.70%
Expected dividend yield	1.70%	1.90%
Forfeiture rate	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Expected Life in years	5 years 7 months 6 days	5 years 4 months 24 days		5 years 4 months 24 days
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate			1.60%	1.70%
Expected Volatility			22.50%	31.70%
Expected dividend yield			1.40%	1.60%
Expected Life in years			5 years 7 months 6 days
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate			1.70%	1.80%
Expected Volatility			24.10%	39.60%
Expected dividend yield			1.70%	1.90%
Expected Life in years			6 years 1 month 6 days

Commitments and Contingencies56

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - California Claims Processing Matter [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 09, 2014	Jan. 28, 2008	Aug. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2015
Loss Contingency [Line Items]
Estimated Largest Aggregate Penalty Issued By Cdi				$ 8
CDI aggregate penalty		$ 325
California Administrative Law Judge [Member] | Judicial Ruling [Member]
Loss Contingency [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value			$ 11.5
California Insurance Commissioner [Member] | Judicial Ruling [Member]
Loss Contingency [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value	$ 174

Segment Financial Information57

Segment Financial Information (Narrative) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	4

Segment Financial Information58

Segment Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - external customers	$ 31,961	$ 28,840	$ 63,635	$ 56,955
Services, revenues - external customers	2,865	2,447	5,571	4,851
Products, revenues - external customers	1,223	1,037	2,453	2,035
Investment and other income	214	250	360	441
Total revenues	36,263	32,574	72,019	64,282
Earnings from operations	2,895	2,552	5,535	4,606
Interest expense	(151)	(155)	(301)	(315)
Earnings before income taxes	2,744	2,397	5,234	4,291
Optum [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	43	39	74	74
Total revenues	13,588	11,714	26,403	22,884
Earnings from operations	864	728	1,606	1,378
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	864	728	1,606	1,378
External Customers [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - external customers	31,961	28,840	63,635	56,955
Services, revenues - external customers	2,865	2,447	5,571	4,851
Products, revenues - external customers	1,223	1,037	2,453	2,035
Total revenues	36,049	32,324	71,659	63,841
External Customers [Member] | Optum [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - external customers	775	627	1,544	1,231
Services, revenues - external customers	1,150	801	2,253	1,619
Products, revenues - external customers	1,222	1,036	2,452	2,033
Total revenues	3,147	2,464	6,249	4,883
Intersegment [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Intersegment [Member] | Optum [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	10,398	9,211	20,080	17,927
Operating Segments [Member] | UnitedHealthcare [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	171	211	286	367
Total revenues	33,073	30,071	65,696	59,325
Earnings from operations	2,031	1,824	3,929	3,228
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	2,031	1,824	3,929	3,228
Operating Segments [Member] | Optumhealth [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	42	39	73	74
Total revenues	3,438	2,586	6,727	5,166
Earnings from operations	253	224	487	435
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	253	224	487	435
Operating Segments [Member] | Optuminsight [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	0	0	0	0
Total revenues	1,409	1,243	2,799	2,490
Earnings from operations	271	213	493	410
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	271	213	493	410
Operating Segments [Member] | Optumrx [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	1	0	1	0
Total revenues	8,913	8,000	17,208	15,458
Earnings from operations	340	291	626	533
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	340	291	626	533
Operating Segments [Member] | External Customers [Member] | UnitedHealthcare [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - external customers	31,186	28,213	62,091	55,724
Services, revenues - external customers	1,715	1,646	3,318	3,232
Products, revenues - external customers	1	1	1	2
Total revenues	32,902	29,860	65,410	58,958
Operating Segments [Member] | External Customers [Member] | Optumhealth [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - external customers	775	627	1,544	1,231
Services, revenues - external customers	579	242	1,100	505
Products, revenues - external customers	11	4	16	11
Total revenues	1,365	873	2,660	1,747
Operating Segments [Member] | External Customers [Member] | Optuminsight [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - external customers	0	0	0	0
Services, revenues - external customers	542	532	1,101	1,057
Products, revenues - external customers	16	14	36	40
Total revenues	558	546	1,137	1,097
Operating Segments [Member] | External Customers [Member] | Optumrx [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - external customers	0	0	0	0
Services, revenues - external customers	29	27	52	57
Products, revenues - external customers	1,195	1,018	2,400	1,982
Total revenues	1,224	1,045	2,452	2,039
Operating Segments [Member] | Intersegment [Member] | UnitedHealthcare [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Intersegment [Member] | Optumhealth [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	2,031	1,674	3,994	3,345
Operating Segments [Member] | Intersegment [Member] | Optuminsight [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	851	697	1,662	1,393
Operating Segments [Member] | Intersegment [Member] | Optumrx [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	7,688	6,955	14,755	13,419
Optum Eliminations [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	0	0	0	0
Total revenues	(172)	(115)	(331)	(230)
Earnings from operations	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	0	0	0	0
Optum Eliminations [Member] | External Customers [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - external customers	0	0	0	0
Services, revenues - external customers	0	0	0	0
Products, revenues - external customers	0	0	0	0
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Optum Eliminations [Member] | Intersegment [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	(172)	(115)	(331)	(230)
Corporate and Eliminations [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	0	0	0	0
Total revenues	(10,398)	(9,211)	(20,080)	(17,927)
Earnings from operations	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	(151)	(155)	(301)	(315)
Earnings before income taxes	(151)	(155)	(301)	(315)
Corporate and Eliminations [Member] | External Customers [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - external customers	0	0	0	0
Services, revenues - external customers	0	0	0	0
Products, revenues - external customers	0	0	0	0
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Corporate and Eliminations [Member] | Intersegment [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ (10,398)	$ (9,211)	$ (20,080)	$ (17,927)