The Allstate Corporation (ALL) 10-K 19 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 29, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	ALLSTATE CORP
Entity Central Index Key	899,051
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 25,770
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		378,300,428
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues
Property-liability insurance premiums (net of reinsurance ceded of $1,006, $1,030 and $1,069)	$ 30,309	$ 28,929	$ 27,618
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges (net of reinsurance ceded of $332, $416 and $639)	2,158	2,157	2,352
Net investment income	3,156	3,459	3,943
Realized capital gains and losses:
Total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses	(452)	(242)	(207)
OTTI losses reclassified to (from) other comprehensive income	36	(3)	(8)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(416)	(245)	(215)
Sales and other realized capital gains and losses	446	939	809
Total realized capital gains and losses	30	694	594
Revenues	35,653	35,239	34,507
Costs and expenses
Property-liability insurance claims and claims expense (net of reinsurance ceded of $602, $1,393 and $1,717)	21,034	19,428	17,911
Life and annuity contract benefits (net of reinsurance ceded of $219, $356 and $355)	1,803	1,765	1,917
Interest credited to contractholder funds (net of reinsurance ceded of $25, $26 and $27)	761	919	1,278
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	4,364	4,135	4,002
Operating costs and expenses	4,081	4,341	4,387
Restructuring and related charges	39	18	70
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	1	491
Interest expense	292	322	367
Total costs and expenses	32,374	30,929	30,423
Gain (loss) on disposition of operations	3	(74)	(688)
Income from operations before income tax expense	3,282	4,236	3,396
Income tax expense	1,111	1,386	1,116
Net income	2,171	2,850	2,280
Preferred stock dividends	116	104	17
Net income applicable to common shareholders	$ 2,055	$ 2,746	$ 2,263
Earnings per common share:
Net income applicable to common shareholders earnings per common share - Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 5.12	$ 6.37	$ 4.87
Weighted average common shares - Basic (in shares)	401.1	431.4	464.4
Net income applicable to common shareholders earnings per common share - Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 5.05	$ 6.27	$ 4.81
Weighted average common shares - Diluted (in shares)	406.8	438.2	470.3
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.20	$ 1.12	$ 1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPE3

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property-liability insurance premiums earned	$ 1,338	$ 1,446	$ 1,708
Property-liability insurance claims and claims expense
Reinsurance ceded amount	602	1,393	1,717
Life and annuity contract benefits
Reinsurance ceded amount	219	356	355
Interest credited to contractholder funds
Reinsurance ceded amount	25	26	27
Property-liability insurance premiums earned
Property-liability insurance premiums earned	1,006	1,030	1,069
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges	$ 332	$ 416	$ 639

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 2,171	$ 2,850	$ 2,280
Changes in:
Unrealized net capital gains and losses	(1,306)	280	(1,188)
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	(58)	(40)	(32)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost	48	(725)	1,091
Other comprehensive loss, after-tax	(1,316)	(485)	(129)
Comprehensive income	$ 855	$ 2,365	$ 2,151

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	$ 57,948	$ 62,440
Equity securities, at fair value (cost $4,806 and $3,692)	5,082	4,104
Mortgage loans	4,338	4,188
Limited partnership interests	4,874	4,527
Short-term, at fair value (amortized cost $2,122 and $2,540)	2,122	2,540
Other	3,394	3,314
Total investments	77,758	81,113
Cash	495	657
Premium installment receivables, net	5,544	5,465
Deferred policy acquisition costs	3,861	3,525
Reinsurance recoverables, net	8,518	8,490
Accrued investment income	569	591
Property and equipment, net	1,024	1,031
Goodwill	1,219	1,219
Other assets	2,010	1,992
Separate Accounts	3,658	4,396
Total assets	104,656	108,479
Liabilities
Reserve for property-liability insurance claims and claims expense	23,869	22,923
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	12,247	12,380
Contractholder funds	21,295	22,529
Unearned premiums	12,202	11,655
Claim payments outstanding	842	784
Deferred income taxes	90	715
Other liabilities and accrued expenses	5,304	5,653
Long-term debt	5,124	5,140
Separate Accounts	3,658	4,396
Total liabilities	$ 84,631	$ 86,175
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 7, 8 and 14)
Shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock and additional capital paid-in, $1 par value, 25 million shares authorized, 72.2 thousand issued and outstanding, and $1,805 aggregate liquidation preference	$ 1,746	$ 1,746
Common stock, $.01 par value, 2.0 billion shares authorized and 900 million issued, 381 million and 418 million shares outstanding	9	9
Additional capital paid-in	3,245	3,199
Retained income	39,413	37,842
Deferred ESOP expense	(13)	(23)
Treasury stock, at cost (519 million and 482 million shares)	(23,620)	(21,030)
Unrealized net capital gains and losses:
Unrealized net capital gains and losses on fixed income securities with OTTI	(56)	(72)
Other unrealized net capital gains and losses	608	1,988
Unrealized adjustment to DAC, DSI and insurance reserves	(44)	(134)
Total unrealized net capital gains and losses	620	1,926
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	(60)	(2)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost	(1,315)	(1,363)
Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(755)	561
Total shareholders’ equity	20,025	22,304
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 104,656	$ 108,479

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FIN6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fixed income securities, at fair value, amortized cost (in dollars)	$ 57,201	$ 59,672
Equity securities, at fair value, cost (in dollars)	4,806	3,692
Short-term, at fair value, amortized cost (in dollars)	$ 2,122	$ 2,540
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	72,200	72,200
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	72,200	72,200
Preferred stock, shares aggregate liquidation preference (in dollars)	$ 1,805	$ 1,805
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	2,000,000,000	2,000,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	900,000,000	900,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	381,000,000	418,000,000
Treasury stock, shares	519,000,000	482,000,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Total shareholders' equity	Preferred Stock	Preferred stock additional capital paid-in	Common stock	Additional capital paid-in	Retained income	Deferred ESOP expense	Treasury stock	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)			$ 0
Balance, beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2012				$ 0		$ 3,162	$ 33,783	$ (41)	$ (17,508)	$ 1,175
Increase (decrease) in equity
Preferred stock issuance				780
Equity incentive plans activity						(19)
Net income	$ 2,280						2,280
Dividends on common stock							(466)
Dividends on preferred stock							(17)
Payments								10
Shares acquired									(1,845)
Shares reissued under equity incentive plans, net									306
Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses	(1,188)									(1,188)
Change in unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	(32)									(32)
Change in unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost	1,091									1,091
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2013		$ 21,480		780	$ 9	3,143	35,580	(31)	(19,047)	1,046
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)			0
Increase (decrease) in equity
Preferred stock issuance				966
Equity incentive plans activity						56
Net income	2,850						2,850
Dividends on common stock							(484)
Dividends on preferred stock							(104)
Payments								8
Shares acquired									(2,306)
Shares reissued under equity incentive plans, net									323
Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses	280									280
Change in unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	(40)									(40)
Change in unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost	$ (725)									(725)
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2014		22,304		1,746	9	3,199	37,842	(23)	(21,030)	561
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1		$ 0
Increase (decrease) in equity
Preferred stock issuance				0
Equity incentive plans activity						46
Net income	$ 2,171						2,171
Dividends on common stock							(484)
Dividends on preferred stock							(116)
Payments								10
Shares acquired									(2,804)
Shares reissued under equity incentive plans, net									214
Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses	(1,306)									(1,306)
Change in unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	(58)									(58)
Change in unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost	$ 48									48
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2015		$ 20,025		$ 1,746	$ 9	$ 3,245	$ 39,413	$ (13)	$ (23,620)	$ (755)
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 2,171	$ 2,850	$ 2,280
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and other non-cash items	371	366	368
Realized capital gains and losses	(30)	(694)	(594)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	1	491
(Gain) loss on disposition of operations	(3)	74	688
Interest credited to contractholder funds	761	919	1,278
Changes in:
Policy benefits and other insurance reserves	473	541	(55)
Unearned premiums	638	766	602
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(239)	(220)	(268)
Premium installment receivables, net	(134)	(257)	(205)
Reinsurance recoverables, net	(178)	(1,068)	(729)
Income taxes	(119)	205	573
Other operating assets and liabilities	(95)	(247)	(187)
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,616	3,236	4,242
Proceeds from sales
Fixed income securities	28,693	34,609	21,243
Equity securities	3,754	6,755	3,173
Limited partnership interests	1,101	1,473	1,045
Mortgage loans	6	10	24
Other investments	545	406	151
Investment collections
Fixed income securities	4,432	3,736	5,908
Mortgage loans	538	1,106	1,020
Other investments	293	191	275
Investment purchases
Fixed income securities	(30,758)	(38,759)	(24,087)
Equity securities	(4,960)	(5,443)	(3,677)
Limited partnership interests	(1,343)	(1,398)	(1,312)
Mortgage loans	(687)	(501)	(538)
Other investments	(902)	(972)	(1,084)
Change in short-term investments, net	385	272	(427)
Change in other investments, net	(52)	46	97
Purchases of property and equipment, net	(303)	(288)	(207)
Disposition (acquisition) of operations	0	378	(24)
Net cash provided by investing activities	$ 742	1,621	1,580
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		0	2,271
Repayments of long-term debt	$ (20)	(1,006)	(2,627)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	0	965	781
Contractholder fund deposits	1,052	1,184	2,174
Contractholder fund withdrawals	(2,327)	(3,446)	(6,556)
Dividends paid on common stock	(483)	(477)	(352)
Dividends paid on preferred stock	(116)	(87)	(6)
Treasury stock purchases	(2,808)	(2,301)	(1,834)
Shares reissued under equity incentive plans, net	130	266	170
Excess tax benefits on share-based payment arrangements	45	41	38
Other	7	(14)	(12)
Net cash used in financing activities	(4,520)	(4,875)	(5,953)
Net decrease in cash	(162)	(18)	(131)
Cash at beginning of year	657	675	806
Cash at end of year	$ 495	$ 657	$ 675

General

General	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
General
General	General Basis of presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Allstate Corporation (the “Corporation”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, primarily Allstate Insurance Company (“AIC”), a property-liability insurance company with various property-liability and life and investment subsidiaries, including Allstate Life Insurance Company (“ALIC”) (collectively referred to as the “Company” or “Allstate”). These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. To conform to the current year presentation, certain amounts in the prior year notes to consolidated financial statements have been reclassified. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Nature of operations Allstate is engaged, principally in the United States, in the property-liability insurance and life insurance business. Allstate’s primary business is the sale of private passenger auto and homeowners insurance. The Company also sells several other personal property and casualty insurance products, select commercial property and casualty coverages, life insurance and voluntary accident and health insurance. Allstate primarily distributes its products through exclusive agencies, financial specialists, independent agencies, contact centers and the internet. The Allstate Protection segment principally sells private passenger auto and homeowners insurance, with earned premiums accounting for 85% of Allstate’s 2015 consolidated revenues. Allstate was the country’s second largest personal property and casualty insurer as of December 31, 2014 . Allstate Protection, through several companies, is authorized to sell certain property-liability products in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The Company is also authorized to sell certain insurance products in Canada. For 2015 , the top geographic locations for premiums earned by the Allstate Protection segment were Texas, California, New York and Florida. No other jurisdiction accounted for more than 5% of premiums earned for Allstate Protection. Allstate has exposure to catastrophes, an inherent risk of the property-liability insurance business, which have contributed, and will continue to contribute, to material year-to-year fluctuations in the Company’s results of operations and financial position (see Note 8). The nature and level of catastrophic loss caused by natural events (high winds, winter storms, tornadoes, hailstorms, wildfires, tropical storms, hurricanes, earthquakes and volcanoes) and man-made events (terrorism and industrial accidents) experienced in any period cannot be predicted and could be material to results of operations and financial position. The Company considers the greatest areas of potential catastrophe losses due to hurricanes to generally be major metropolitan centers in counties along the eastern and gulf coasts of the United States. The Company considers the greatest areas of potential catastrophe losses due to earthquakes and fires following earthquakes to be major metropolitan areas near fault lines in the states of California, Oregon, Washington, South Carolina, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee. The Company also has exposure to asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines claims (see Note 14). The Allstate Financial segment sells traditional, interest-sensitive and variable life insurance and voluntary accident and health insurance products. The Company previously offered and continues to have in force fixed annuities such as deferred and immediate annuities, and institutional products consisting of funding agreements sold to unaffiliated trusts that use them to back medium-term notes. Allstate Financial, through several companies, is authorized to sell life insurance and retirement products in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. Voluntary accident and health insurance products are also sold in Canada. For 2015 , the top geographic locations for statutory premiums and annuity considerations for the Allstate Financial segment were New York, Texas, Florida and California. No other jurisdiction accounted for more than 5% of statutory premiums and annuity considerations for Allstate Financial. Allstate Financial distributes its products through Allstate exclusive agencies and exclusive financial specialists, and workplace enrolling independent agents. Allstate has exposure to market risk as a result of its investment portfolio. Market risk is the risk that the Company will incur realized and unrealized net capital losses due to adverse changes in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices or currency exchange rates. The Company’s primary market risk exposures are to changes in interest rates, credit spreads and equity prices. Interest rate risk is the risk that the Company will incur a loss due to adverse changes in interest rates relative to the interest rate characteristics of its interest bearing assets and liabilities. This risk arises from many of the Company’s primary activities, as it invests substantial funds in interest-sensitive assets and issues interest-sensitive liabilities. Interest rate risk includes risks related to changes in U.S. Treasury yields and other key risk-free reference yields. Credit spread risk is the risk that the Company will incur a loss due to adverse changes in credit spreads. This risk arises from many of the Company’s primary activities, as the Company invests substantial funds in spread-sensitive fixed income assets. Equity price risk is the risk that the Company will incur losses due to adverse changes in the general levels of the equity markets. The Company monitors economic and regulatory developments that have the potential to impact its business. Federal and state laws and regulations affect the taxation of insurance companies and life insurance products. Congress and various state legislatures from time to time consider legislation that would reduce or eliminate the favorable policyholder tax treatment currently applicable to life insurance. Congress and various state legislatures also consider proposals to reduce the taxation of certain products or investments that may compete with life insurance. Legislation that increases the taxation on insurance products or reduces the taxation on competing products could lessen the advantage or create a disadvantage for certain of the Company’s products making them less competitive. Such proposals, if adopted, could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or Allstate Financial’s ability to sell such products and could result in the surrender of some existing contracts and policies. In addition, changes in the federal estate tax laws could negatively affect the demand for the types of life insurance used in estate planning.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Investments Fixed income securities include bonds, asset-backed securities (“ABS”), residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and redeemable preferred stocks. Fixed income securities, which may be sold prior to their contractual maturity, are designated as available for sale and are carried at fair value. The difference between amortized cost and fair value, net of deferred income taxes and related life and annuity deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”), deferred sales inducement costs (“DSI”) and reserves for life-contingent contract benefits, is reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Cash received from calls and make-whole payments is reflected as a component of proceeds from sales and cash received from maturities and pay-downs is reflected as a component of investment collections within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Equity securities primarily include common stocks, exchange traded and mutual funds, non-redeemable preferred stocks and real estate investment trust equity investments. Equity securities are designated as available for sale and are carried at fair value. The difference between cost and fair value, net of deferred income taxes, is reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Mortgage loans are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of unamortized premium or discount and valuation allowances. Valuation allowances are established for impaired loans when it is probable that contractual principal and interest will not be collected. Investments in limited partnership interests include interests in private equity funds and co-investments, real estate funds and joint ventures, and other funds. Where the Company’s interest is so minor that it exercises virtually no influence over operating and financial policies, investments in limited partnership interests are accounted for in accordance with the cost method of accounting; all other investments in limited partnership interests are accounted for in accordance with the equity method of accounting (“EMA”). Short-term investments, including money market funds, commercial paper and other short-term investments, are carried at fair value. Other investments primarily consist of bank loans, policy loans, agent loans and derivatives. Bank loans are primarily senior secured corporate loans and are carried at amortized cost. Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances and were $905 million and $909 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Agent loans are loans issued to exclusive Allstate agents and are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of valuation allowances and unamortized deferred fees or costs. Derivatives are carried at fair value. Investment income primarily consists of interest, dividends, income from limited partnership interests, and income from certain derivative transactions. Interest is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective yield method and dividends are recorded at the ex-dividend date. Interest income for ABS, RMBS and CMBS is determined considering estimated pay-downs, including prepayments, obtained from third party data sources and internal estimates. Actual prepayment experience is periodically reviewed and effective yields are recalculated when differences arise between the prepayments originally anticipated and the actual prepayments received and currently anticipated. For ABS, RMBS and CMBS of high credit quality with fixed interest rates, the effective yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis. For all others, the effective yield is recalculated on a prospective basis. Accrual of income is suspended for other-than-temporarily impaired fixed income securities when the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be received is not reasonably estimable. Accrual of income is suspended for mortgage loans, bank loans and agent loans that are in default or when full and timely collection of principal and interest payments is not probable. Cash receipts on investments on nonaccrual status are generally recorded as a reduction of carrying value. Income from cost method limited partnership interests is recognized upon receipt of amounts distributed by the partnerships. Income from EMA limited partnership interests is recognized based on the Company’s share of the partnerships’ net income, including unrealized gains and losses, and is generally recognized on a three month delay due to the availability of the related financial statements. Realized capital gains and losses include gains and losses on investment sales, write-downs in value due to other-than-temporary declines in fair value, adjustments to valuation allowances on mortgage loans and agent loans, and periodic changes in fair value and settlements of certain derivatives including hedge ineffectiveness. Realized capital gains and losses on investment sales are determined on a specific identification basis. Derivative and embedded derivative financial instruments Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, futures (interest rate and equity), options (including swaptions), interest rate caps, warrants and rights, foreign currency swaps, foreign currency forwards, certain investment risk transfer reinsurance agreements, and certain bond forward purchase commitments. Derivatives required to be separated from the host instrument and accounted for as derivative financial instruments (“subject to bifurcation”) are embedded in certain fixed income securities, equity-indexed life and annuity contracts, reinsured variable annuity contracts and certain funding agreements. All derivatives are accounted for on a fair value basis and reported as other investments, other assets, other liabilities and accrued expenses or contractholder funds. Embedded derivative instruments subject to bifurcation are also accounted for on a fair value basis and are reported together with the host contract. The change in fair value of derivatives embedded in certain fixed income securities and subject to bifurcation is reported in realized capital gains and losses. The change in fair value of derivatives embedded in life and annuity product contracts and subject to bifurcation is reported in life and annuity contract benefits or interest credited to contractholder funds. Cash flows from embedded derivatives subject to bifurcation and derivatives receiving hedge accounting are reported consistently with the host contracts and hedged risks, respectively, within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Cash flows from other derivatives are reported in cash flows from investing activities within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. When derivatives meet specific criteria, they may be designated as accounting hedges and accounted for as fair value, cash flow, foreign currency fair value or foreign currency cash flow hedges. The hedged item may be either all or a specific portion of a recognized asset, liability or an unrecognized firm commitment attributable to a particular risk for fair value hedges. At the inception of the hedge, the Company formally documents the hedging relationship and risk management objective and strategy. The documentation identifies the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the nature of the risk being hedged and the methodology used to assess the effectiveness of the hedging instrument in offsetting the exposure to changes in the hedged item’s fair value attributable to the hedged risk. For a cash flow hedge, this documentation includes the exposure to changes in the variability in cash flows attributable to the hedged risk. The Company does not exclude any component of the change in fair value of the hedging instrument from the effectiveness assessment. At each reporting date, the Company confirms that the hedging instrument continues to be highly effective in offsetting the hedged risk. Ineffectiveness in fair value hedges and cash flow hedges, if any, is reported in realized capital gains and losses. Fair value hedges The change in fair value of hedging instruments used in fair value hedges of investment assets or a portion thereof is reported in net investment income, together with the change in fair value of the hedged items. The change in fair value of hedging instruments used in fair value hedges of contractholder funds liabilities or a portion thereof is reported in interest credited to contractholder funds, together with the change in fair value of the hedged items. Accrued periodic settlements on swaps are reported together with the changes in fair value of the swaps in net investment income or interest credited to contractholder funds. The amortized cost for fixed income securities, the carrying value for mortgage loans or the carrying value of the hedged liability is adjusted for the change in fair value of the hedged risk. Cash flow hedges For hedging instruments used in cash flow hedges, the changes in fair value of the derivatives representing the effective portion of the hedge are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. Amounts are reclassified to net investment income, realized capital gains and losses or interest expense as the hedged or forecasted transaction affects income. Accrued periodic settlements on derivatives used in cash flow hedges are reported in net investment income. The amount reported in accumulated other comprehensive income for a hedged transaction is limited to the lesser of the cumulative gain or loss on the derivative less the amount reclassified to income, or the cumulative gain or loss on the derivative needed to offset the cumulative change in the expected future cash flows on the hedged transaction from inception of the hedge less the derivative gain or loss previously reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to income. If the Company expects at any time that the loss reported in accumulated other comprehensive income would lead to a net loss on the combination of the hedging instrument and the hedged transaction which may not be recoverable, a loss is recognized immediately in realized capital gains and losses. If an impairment loss is recognized on an asset or an additional obligation is incurred on a liability involved in a hedge transaction, any offsetting gain in accumulated other comprehensive income is reclassified and reported together with the impairment loss or recognition of the obligation. Termination of hedge accounting If, subsequent to entering into a hedge transaction, the derivative becomes ineffective (including if the hedged item is sold or otherwise extinguished, the occurrence of a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable or the hedged asset becomes other-than-temporarily impaired), the Company may terminate the derivative position. The Company may also terminate derivative instruments or redesignate them as non-hedge as a result of other events or circumstances. If the derivative instrument is not terminated when a fair value hedge is no longer effective, the future gains and losses recognized on the derivative are reported in realized capital gains and losses. When a fair value hedge is no longer effective, is redesignated as non-hedge or when the derivative has been terminated, the fair value gain or loss on the hedged asset, liability or portion thereof which has already been recognized in income while the hedge was in place and used to adjust the amortized cost for fixed income securities, the carrying value for mortgage loans or the carrying value of the hedged liability, is amortized over the remaining life of the hedged asset, liability or portion thereof, and reflected in net investment income or interest credited to contractholder funds beginning in the period that hedge accounting is no longer applied. If the hedged item in a fair value hedge is an asset that has become other-than-temporarily impaired, the adjustment made to the amortized cost for fixed income securities or the carrying value for mortgage loans is subject to the accounting policies applied to other-than-temporarily impaired assets. When a derivative instrument used in a cash flow hedge of an existing asset or liability is no longer effective or is terminated, the gain or loss recognized on the derivative is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to income as the hedged risk impacts income. If the derivative instrument is not terminated when a cash flow hedge is no longer effective, the future gains and losses recognized on the derivative are reported in realized capital gains and losses. When a derivative instrument used in a cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction is terminated because it is probable the forecasted transaction will not occur, the gain or loss recognized on the derivative is immediately reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to realized capital gains and losses in the period that hedge accounting is no longer applied. Non-hedge derivative financial instruments For derivatives for which hedge accounting is not applied, the income statement effects, including fair value gains and losses and accrued periodic settlements, are reported either in realized capital gains and losses or in a single line item together with the results of the associated asset or liability for which risks are being managed. Securities loaned The Company’s business activities include securities lending transactions, which are used primarily to generate net investment income. The proceeds received in conjunction with securities lending transactions are reinvested in short-term investments. These transactions are short-term in nature, usually 30 days or less. The Company receives cash collateral for securities loaned in an amount generally equal to 102% and 105% of the fair value of domestic and foreign securities, respectively, and records the related obligations to return the collateral in other liabilities and accrued expenses. The carrying value of these obligations approximates fair value because of their relatively short-term nature. The Company monitors the market value of securities loaned on a daily basis and obtains additional collateral as necessary under the terms of the agreements to mitigate counterparty credit risk. The Company maintains the right and ability to repossess the securities loaned on short notice. Recognition of premium revenues and contract charges, and related benefits and interest credited Property-liability premiums are deferred and earned on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the policies, typically periods of six or twelve months. The portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired terms of the policies is recorded as unearned premiums. Premium installment receivables, net, represent premiums written and not yet collected, net of an allowance for uncollectible premiums. The Company regularly evaluates premium installment receivables and adjusts its valuation allowance as appropriate. The valuation allowance for uncollectible premium installment receivables was $90 million and $83 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Traditional life insurance products consist principally of products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, primarily term and whole life insurance products. Voluntary accident and health insurance products are expected to remain in force for an extended period and therefore are primarily classified as long-duration contracts. Premiums from these products are recognized as revenue when due from policyholders. Benefits are reflected in life and annuity contract benefits and recognized in relation to premiums, so that profits are recognized over the life of the policy. Immediate annuities with life contingencies, including certain structured settlement annuities, provide insurance protection over a period that extends beyond the period during which premiums are collected. Premiums from these products are recognized as revenue when received at the inception of the contract. Benefits and expenses are recognized in relation to premiums. Profits from these policies come from investment income, which is recognized over the life of the contract. Interest-sensitive life contracts, such as universal life and single premium life, are insurance contracts whose terms are not fixed and guaranteed. The terms that may be changed include premiums paid by the contractholder, interest credited to the contractholder account balance and contract charges assessed against the contractholder account balance. Premiums from these contracts are reported as contractholder fund deposits. Contract charges consist of fees assessed against the contractholder account balance for the cost of insurance (mortality risk), contract administration and surrender of the contract prior to contractually specified dates. These contract charges are recognized as revenue when assessed against the contractholder account balance. Life and annuity contract benefits include life-contingent benefit payments in excess of the contractholder account balance. Contracts that do not subject the Company to significant risk arising from mortality or morbidity are referred to as investment contracts. Fixed annuities, including market value adjusted annuities, equity-indexed annuities and immediate annuities without life contingencies, and funding agreements (primarily backing medium-term notes) are considered investment contracts. Consideration received for such contracts is reported as contractholder fund deposits. Contract charges for investment contracts consist of fees assessed against the contractholder account balance for maintenance, administration and surrender of the contract prior to contractually specified dates, and are recognized when assessed against the contractholder account balance. Interest credited to contractholder funds represents interest accrued or paid on interest-sensitive life and investment contracts. Crediting rates for certain fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts are adjusted periodically by the Company to reflect current market conditions subject to contractually guaranteed minimum rates. Crediting rates for indexed life and annuities and indexed funding agreements are generally based on a specified interest rate index or an equity index, such as the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index. Interest credited also includes amortization of DSI expenses. DSI is amortized into interest credited using the same method used to amortize DAC. Contract charges for variable life and variable annuity products consist of fees assessed against the contractholder account balances for contract maintenance, administration, mortality, expense and surrender of the contract prior to contractually specified dates. Contract benefits incurred for variable annuity products include guaranteed minimum death, income, withdrawal and accumulation benefits. Substantially all of the Company’s variable annuity business is ceded through reinsurance agreements and the contract charges and contract benefits related thereto are reported net of reinsurance ceded. Deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs Costs that are related directly to the successful acquisition of new or renewal property-liability insurance, life insurance and investment contracts are deferred and recorded as DAC. These costs are principally agents’ and brokers’ remuneration, premium taxes and certain underwriting expenses. DSI costs, which are deferred and recorded as other assets, relate to sales inducements offered on sales to new customers, principally on fixed annuity and interest-sensitive life contracts. These sales inducements are primarily in the form of additional credits to the customer’s account balance or enhancements to interest credited for a specified period which are in excess of the rates currently being credited to similar contracts without sales inducements. All other acquisition costs are expensed as incurred and included in operating costs and expenses. DAC associated with property-liability insurance is amortized into income as premiums are earned, typically over periods of six or twelve months, and is included in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. DAC associated with property-liability insurance is periodically reviewed for recoverability and adjusted if necessary. Future investment income is considered in determining the recoverability of DAC. Amortization of DAC associated with life insurance and investment contracts is included in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and is described in more detail below. DSI is amortized into income using the same methodology and assumptions as DAC and is included in interest credited to contractholder funds. For traditional life insurance, DAC is amortized over the premium paying period of the related policies in proportion to the estimated revenues on such business. Assumptions used in the amortization of DAC and reserve calculations are established at the time the policy is issued and are generally not revised during the life of the policy. Any deviations from projected business in force resulting from actual policy terminations differing from expected levels and any estimated premium deficiencies may result in a change to the rate of amortization in the period such events occur. Generally, the amortization periods for these policies approximates the estimated lives of the policies. The Company periodically reviews the recoverability of DAC for these policies on an aggregate basis using actual experience. The Company aggregates all traditional life insurance products and immediate annuities with life contingencies in the analysis. If actual experience is significantly adverse compared to the original assumptions and a premium deficiency is determined to exist, any remaining unamortized DAC balance would be expensed to the extent not recoverable and the establishment of a premium deficiency reserve may be required. For interest-sensitive life insurance and fixed annuities, DAC and DSI are amortized in proportion to the incidence of the total present value of gross profits, which includes both actual historical gross profits (“AGP”) and estimated future gross profits (“EGP”) expected to be earned over the estimated lives of the contracts. The amortization is net of interest on the prior period DAC balance using rates established at the inception of the contracts. Actual amortization periods generally range from 15 - 30 years; however, incorporating estimates of the rate of customer surrenders, partial withdrawals and deaths generally results in the majority of the DAC being amortized during the surrender charge period, which is typically 10 - 20 years for interest-sensitive life and 5 - 10 years for fixed annuities. The cumulative DAC and DSI amortization is reestimated and adjusted by a cumulative charge or credit to income when there is a difference between the incidence of actual versus expected gross profits in a reporting period or when there is a change in total EGP. When DAC or DSI amortization or a component of gross profits for a quarterly period is potentially negative (which would result in an increase of the DAC or DSI balance) as a result of negative AGP, the specific facts and circumstances surrounding the potential negative amortization are considered to determine whether it is appropriate for recognition in the consolidated financial statements. Negative amortization is only recorded when the increased DAC or DSI balance is determined to be recoverable based on facts and circumstances. Recapitalization of DAC and DSI is limited to the originally deferred costs plus interest. AGP and EGP primarily consist of the following components: contract charges for the cost of insurance less mortality costs and other benefits; investment income and realized capital gains and losses less interest credited; and surrender and other contract charges less maintenance expenses. The principal assumptions for determining the amount of EGP are persistency, mortality, expenses, investment returns, including capital gains and losses on assets supporting contract liabilities, interest crediting rates to contractholders, and the effects of any hedges. For products whose supporting investments are exposed to capital losses in excess of the Company’s expectations which may cause periodic AGP to become temporarily negative, EGP and AGP utilized in DAC and DSI amortization may be modified to exclude the excess capital losses. The Company performs quarterly reviews of DAC and DSI recoverability for interest-sensitive life and fixed annuity contracts in the aggregate using current assumptions. If a change in the amount of EGP is significant, it could result in the unamortized DAC or DSI not being recoverable, resulting in a charge which is included as a component of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs or interest credited to contractholder funds, respectively. The DAC and DSI balances presented include adjustments to reflect the amount by which the amortization of DAC and DSI would increase or decrease if the unrealized capital gains or losses in the respective product investment portfolios were actually realized. The adjustments are recorded net of tax in accumulated other comprehensive income. DAC, DSI and deferred income taxes determined on unrealized capital gains and losses and reported in accumulated other comprehensive income recognize the impact on shareholders’ equity consistently with the amounts that would be recognized in the income statement on realized capital gains and losses. Customers of the Company may exchange one insurance policy or investment contract for another offered by the Company, or make modifications to an existing investment, life or property-liability contract issued by the Company. These transactions are identified as internal replacements for accounting purposes. Internal replacement transactions determined to result in replacement contracts that are substantially unchanged from the replaced contracts are accounted for as continuations of the replaced contracts. Unamortized DAC and DSI related to the replaced contracts continue to be deferred and amortized in connection with the replacement contracts. For interest-sensitive life and investment contracts, the EGP of the replacement contracts are treated as a revision to the EGP of the replaced contracts in the determination of amortization of DAC and DSI. For traditional life and property-liability insurance policies, any changes to unamortized DAC that result from replacement contracts are treated as prospective revisions. Any costs associated with the issuance of replacement contracts are characterized as maintenance costs and expensed as incurred. Internal replacement transactions determined to result in a substantial change to the replaced contracts are accounted for as an extinguishment of the replaced contracts, and any unamortized DAC and DSI related to the replaced contracts are eliminated with a corresponding charge to amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs or interest credited to contractholder funds, respectively. The costs assigned to the right to receive future cash flows from certain business purchased from other insurers are also classified as DAC in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The costs capitalized represent the present value of future profits expected to be earned over the lives of the contracts acquired. These costs are amortized as profits emerge over the lives of the acquired business and are periodically evaluated for recoverability. The present value of future profits was $58 million and $66 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Amortization expense of the present value of future profits was $8 million , $13 million and $16 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Reinsurance In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to limit aggregate and single exposure to losses on large risks by purchasing reinsurance. The Company has also used reinsurance to effect the disposition of certain blocks of business. The Company also participates in various reinsurance mechanisms, including industry pools and facilities, which are backed by the financial resources of the property-liability insurance company market participants. The amounts reported as reinsurance recoverables include amounts billed to reinsurers on losses paid as well as estimates of amounts expected to be recovered from reinsurers on insurance liabilities and contractholder funds that have not yet been paid. Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses are estimated based upon assumptions consistent with those used in establishing the liabilities related to the underlying reinsured contracts. Insurance liabilities are reported gross of reinsurance recoverables. Reinsurance premiums are generally reflected in income in a manner consistent with the recognition of premiums on the reinsured contracts. For catastrophe coverage, the cost of reinsurance premiums is recognized ratably over the contract period to the extent coverage remains available. Reinsurance does not extinguish the Company’s primary liability under the policies written. Therefore, the Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers, including their activities with respect to claim settlement practices and commutations, and establishes allowances for uncollectible reinsurance as appropriate. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of amounts paid for acquiring businesses over the fair value of the net assets acquired. The goodwill balances were $823 million and $396 million as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 for the Allstate Protection segment and the Allstate Financial segment, respectively. The Company’s reporting units are equivalent to its reporting segments, Allstate Protection and Allstate Financial. Goodwill is allocated to reporting units based on which unit is expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually. The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment testing during the fourth quarter of each year based upon data as of the close of the third quarter. The Company also reviews goodwill for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as deteriorating or adverse market conditions, indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of goodwill may exceed its implied fair value. To estimate the fair value of its reporting units, the Company may utilize a combination of widely accepted valuation techniques including a stock price and market capitalization analysis, discounted cash flow calculations and peer company price to earnings multiples analysis. The stock price and market capitalization analysis takes into consideration the quoted market price of the Company’s outstanding common stock and includes a control premium, derived from historical insurance industry acquisition activity, in determining the estimated fair value of the consolidated entity before allocating that fair value to individual reporting units. The discounted cash flow analysis utilizes long term assumptions for revenue growth, capital growth, earnings projections including those used in the Company’s strategic plan, and an appropriate discount rate. The peer company price to earnings multiples analysis takes into consideration the price to earnings multiples of peer companies for each reporting unit and estimated income from the Company’s strategic plan. Goodwill impairment evaluations indicated no impairment as of December 31, 2015 or 2014 . Property and equipment Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Included in property and equipment are capitalized costs related to computer software licenses and software developed for internal use. These costs generally consist of certain external payroll and payroll related costs. Certain facilities and equipment held under capital leases are also classified as property and equipment with the related lease obligations recorded as liabilities. Property and equipment depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally 3 to 10 years for equipment and 40 years for real property. Depreciation expense is reported in operating costs and expenses. Accumulated depreciation on property and equipment was $2.09 billion and $2.12 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Depreciation expense on property and equ

Disposition

Disposition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposition	Disposition On April 1, 2014, the Company sold Lincoln Benefit Life Company (“LBL”), LBL’s life insurance business generated through independent master brokerage agencies, and all of LBL’s deferred fixed annuity and long-term care insurance business to Resolution Life Holdings, Inc. The gross sale price was $797 million , representing $596 million of cash and the retention of tax benefits. The loss on disposition was $698 million , pre-tax ( $521 million , after-tax), and $101 million , pre-tax ( $60 million , after-tax), in 2013 and 2014, respectively. The loss on disposition in 2014 included a $22 million , pre-tax, reduction in goodwill.

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information Non-cash investing activities include $131 million , $120 million and $322 million related to modifications of certain mortgage loans, fixed income securities, limited partnership interests and other investments, as well as mergers completed with equity securities in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, and a $89 million obligation to fund a limited partnership investment in 2015. Non-cash financing activities include $74 million , $47 million and $94 million related to the issuance of Allstate common shares for vested equity awards in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Liabilities for collateral received in conjunction with the Company’s securities lending program were $829 million , $780 million and $609 million as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, and are reported in other liabilities and accrued expenses. Obligations to return cash collateral for over-the-counter (“OTC”) and cleared derivatives were $11 million , $2 million and $15 million as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, and are reported in other liabilities and accrued expenses or other investments. The accompanying cash flows are included in cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows along with the activities resulting from management of the proceeds, which for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Net change in proceeds managed Net change in short-term investments $ (59 ) $ (167 ) $ 190 Operating cash flow (used) provided (59 ) (167 ) 190 Net change in cash 1 9 (6 ) Net change in proceeds managed $ (58 ) $ (158 ) $ 184 Net change in liabilities Liabilities for collateral, beginning of year $ (782 ) $ (624 ) $ (808 ) Liabilities for collateral, end of year (840 ) (782 ) (624 ) Operating cash flow provided (used) $ 58 $ 158 $ (184 )

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Fair values The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value for fixed income securities are as follows: Gross unrealized ($ in millions) Amortized cost Gains Losses Fair value December 31, 2015 U.S. government and agencies $ 3,836 $ 90 $ (4 ) $ 3,922 Municipal 7,032 389 (20 ) 7,401 Corporate 41,674 1,032 (879 ) 41,827 Foreign government 983 50 — 1,033 ABS 2,359 11 (43 ) 2,327 RMBS 857 100 (10 ) 947 CMBS 438 32 (4 ) 466 Redeemable preferred stock 22 3 — 25 Total fixed income securities $ 57,201 $ 1,707 $ (960 ) $ 57,948 December 31, 2014 U.S. government and agencies $ 4,192 $ 139 $ (3 ) $ 4,328 Municipal 7,877 645 (25 ) 8,497 Corporate 40,386 1,998 (240 ) 42,144 Foreign government 1,543 102 — 1,645 ABS 3,971 38 (31 ) 3,978 RMBS 1,108 112 (13 ) 1,207 CMBS 573 44 (2 ) 615 Redeemable preferred stock 22 4 — 26 Total fixed income securities $ 59,672 $ 3,082 $ (314 ) $ 62,440 Scheduled maturities The scheduled maturities for fixed income securities are as follows as of December 31, 2015 : ($ in millions) Amortized cost Fair value Due in one year or less $ 4,030 $ 4,050 Due after one year through five years 26,999 27,337 Due after five years through ten years 16,885 16,778 Due after ten years 5,633 6,043 53,547 54,208 ABS, RMBS and CMBS 3,654 3,740 Total $ 57,201 $ 57,948 Actual maturities may differ from those scheduled as a result of calls and make-whole payments by the issuers. ABS, RMBS and CMBS are shown separately because of the potential for prepayment of principal prior to contractual maturity dates. Net investment income Net investment income for the years ended December 31 is as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Fixed income securities $ 2,218 $ 2,447 $ 2,921 Equity securities 110 117 149 Mortgage loans 228 265 372 Limited partnership interests 549 614 541 Short-term investments 9 7 5 Other 192 170 161 Investment income, before expense 3,306 3,620 4,149 Investment expense (150 ) (161 ) (206 ) Net investment income $ 3,156 $ 3,459 $ 3,943 Realized capital gains and losses Realized capital gains and losses by asset type for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Fixed income securities $ 212 $ 130 $ 262 Equity securities (50 ) 582 327 Mortgage loans 6 2 20 Limited partnership interests (93 ) 13 (5 ) Derivatives (21 ) (38 ) (10 ) Other (24 ) 5 — Realized capital gains and losses $ 30 $ 694 $ 594 Realized capital gains and losses by transaction type for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Impairment write-downs $ (195 ) $ (32 ) $ (72 ) Change in intent write-downs (221 ) (213 ) (143 ) Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings (416 ) (245 ) (215 ) Sales and other 470 975 819 Valuation and settlements of derivative instruments (24 ) (36 ) (10 ) Realized capital gains and losses $ 30 $ 694 $ 594 Gross gains of $915 million , $1.10 billion and $968 million and gross losses of $399 million , $169 million and $175 million were realized on sales of fixed income and equity securities during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Other-than-temporary impairment losses by asset type for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Gross Included in OCI Net Gross Included in OCI Net Gross Included in OCI Net Fixed income securities: Municipal $ (17 ) $ 4 $ (13 ) $ (10 ) $ — $ (10 ) $ (24 ) $ (5 ) $ (29 ) Corporate (61 ) 11 (50 ) (7 ) — (7 ) — — — ABS (33 ) 22 (11 ) (12 ) 1 (11 ) — (2 ) (2 ) RMBS 1 (1 ) — 6 (4 ) 2 (3 ) 2 (1 ) CMBS (1 ) — (1 ) (1 ) — (1 ) (32 ) (3 ) (35 ) Total fixed income securities (111 ) 36 (75 ) (24 ) (3 ) (27 ) (59 ) (8 ) (67 ) Equity securities (279 ) — (279 ) (196 ) — (196 ) (137 ) — (137 ) Mortgage loans 4 — 4 5 — 5 11 — 11 Limited partnership interests (51 ) — (51 ) (27 ) — (27 ) (18 ) — (18 ) Other (15 ) — (15 ) — — — (4 ) — (4 ) Other-than-temporary impairment losses $ (452 ) $ 36 $ (416 ) $ (242 ) $ (3 ) $ (245 ) $ (207 ) $ (8 ) $ (215 ) The total amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income at the time of impairment for fixed income securities, which were not included in earnings, are presented in the following table. The amount excludes $233 million as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, of net unrealized gains related to changes in valuation of the fixed income securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date. ($ in millions) December 31, December 31, Municipal $ (9 ) $ (8 ) Corporate (7 ) — ABS (23 ) (2 ) RMBS (102 ) (108 ) CMBS (6 ) (5 ) Total $ (147 ) $ (123 ) Rollforwards of the cumulative credit losses recognized in earnings for fixed income securities held as of December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Beginning balance $ (380 ) $ (513 ) $ (617 ) Additional credit loss for securities previously other-than-temporarily impaired (30 ) (6 ) (30 ) Additional credit loss for securities not previously other-than-temporarily impaired (45 ) (18 ) (19 ) Reduction in credit loss for securities disposed or collected 60 95 150 Reduction in credit loss for securities the Company has made the decision to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell — — 2 Change in credit loss due to accretion of increase in cash flows 3 3 1 Reduction in credit loss for securities sold in LBL disposition — 59 — Ending balance $ (392 ) $ (380 ) $ (513 ) The Company uses its best estimate of future cash flows expected to be collected from the fixed income security, discounted at the security’s original or current effective rate, as appropriate, to calculate a recovery value and determine whether a credit loss exists. The determination of cash flow estimates is inherently subjective and methodologies may vary depending on facts and circumstances specific to the security. All reasonably available information relevant to the collectability of the security, including past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable assumptions and forecasts, are considered when developing the estimate of cash flows expected to be collected. That information generally includes, but is not limited to, the remaining payment terms of the security, prepayment speeds, foreign exchange rates, the financial condition and future earnings potential of the issue or issuer, expected defaults, expected recoveries, the value of underlying collateral, vintage, geographic concentration of underlying collateral, available reserves or escrows, current subordination levels, third party guarantees and other credit enhancements. Other information, such as industry analyst reports and forecasts, sector credit ratings, financial condition of the bond insurer for insured fixed income securities, and other market data relevant to the realizability of contractual cash flows, may also be considered. The estimated fair value of collateral will be used to estimate recovery value if the Company determines that the security is dependent on the liquidation of collateral for ultimate settlement. If the estimated recovery value is less than the amortized cost of the security, a credit loss exists and an other-than-temporary impairment for the difference between the estimated recovery value and amortized cost is recorded in earnings. The portion of the unrealized loss related to factors other than credit remains classified in accumulated other comprehensive income. If the Company determines that the fixed income security does not have sufficient cash flow or other information to estimate a recovery value for the security, the Company may conclude that the entire decline in fair value is deemed to be credit related and the loss is recorded in earnings. Unrealized net capital gains and losses Unrealized net capital gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows: Gross unrealized ($ in millions) Fair value Gains Losses Unrealized net gains (losses) December 31, 2015 Fixed income securities $ 57,948 $ 1,707 $ (960 ) $ 747 Equity securities 5,082 415 (139 ) 276 Short-term investments 2,122 — — — Derivative instruments (1) 10 10 (4 ) 6 EMA limited partnerships (2) (4 ) Unrealized net capital gains and losses, pre-tax 1,025 Amounts recognized for: Insurance reserves (3) — DAC and DSI (4) (67 ) Amounts recognized (67 ) Deferred income taxes (338 ) Unrealized net capital gains and losses, after-tax $ 620 ______________________________ (1) Included in the fair value of derivative instruments are $6 million classified as assets and $(4) million classified as liabilities. (2) Unrealized net capital gains and losses for limited partnership interests represent the Company’s share of EMA limited partnerships’ other comprehensive income. Fair value and gross unrealized gains and losses are not applicable. (3) The insurance reserves adjustment represents the amount by which the reserve balance would increase if the net unrealized gains in the applicable product portfolios were realized and reinvested at current lower interest rates, resulting in a premium deficiency. Although the Company evaluates premium deficiencies on the combined performance of life insurance and immediate annuities with life contingencies, the adjustment primarily relates to structured settlement annuities with life contingencies, in addition to annuity buy-outs and certain payout annuities with life contingencies. (4) The DAC and DSI adjustment balance represents the amount by which the amortization of DAC and DSI would increase or decrease if the unrealized gains or losses in the respective product portfolios were realized. Gross unrealized ($ in millions) Fair value Gains Losses Unrealized net gains (losses) December 31, 2014 Fixed income securities $ 62,440 $ 3,082 $ (314 ) $ 2,768 Equity securities 4,104 467 (55 ) 412 Short-term investments 2,540 — — — Derivative instruments (1) 2 3 (5 ) (2 ) EMA limited partnerships (5 ) Unrealized net capital gains and losses, pre-tax 3,173 Amounts recognized for: Insurance reserves (28 ) DAC and DSI (179 ) Amounts recognized (207 ) Deferred income taxes (1,040 ) Unrealized net capital gains and losses, after-tax $ 1,926 ______________________________ (1) Included in the fair value of derivative instruments are $3 million classified as assets and $1 million classified as liabilities. Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses The change in unrealized net capital gains and losses for the years ended December 31 is as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Fixed income securities $ (2,021 ) $ 866 $ (3,200 ) Equity securities (136 ) (212 ) 164 Derivative instruments 8 16 4 EMA limited partnerships 1 (2 ) (10 ) Investments classified as held for sale — (190 ) 190 Total (2,148 ) 478 (2,852 ) Amounts recognized for: Insurance reserves 28 (28 ) 771 DAC and DSI 112 (21 ) 254 Amounts recognized 140 (49 ) 1,025 Deferred income taxes 702 (149 ) 639 (Decrease) increase in unrealized net capital gains and losses, after-tax $ (1,306 ) $ 280 $ (1,188 ) Portfolio monitoring The Company has a comprehensive portfolio monitoring process to identify and evaluate each fixed income and equity security whose carrying value may be other-than-temporarily impaired. For each fixed income security in an unrealized loss position, the Company assesses whether management with the appropriate authority has made the decision to sell or whether it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis for reasons such as liquidity, contractual or regulatory purposes. If a security meets either of these criteria, the security’s decline in fair value is considered other than temporary and is recorded in earnings. If the Company has not made the decision to sell the fixed income security and it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the fixed income security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the Company evaluates whether it expects to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. The Company calculates the estimated recovery value by discounting the best estimate of future cash flows at the security’s original or current effective rate, as appropriate, and compares this to the amortized cost of the security. If the Company does not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the fixed income security, the credit loss component of the impairment is recorded in earnings, with the remaining amount of the unrealized loss related to other factors recognized in other comprehensive income. For equity securities, the Company considers various factors, including whether it has the intent and ability to hold the equity security for a period of time sufficient to recover its cost basis. Where the Company lacks the intent and ability to hold to recovery, or believes the recovery period is extended, the equity security’s decline in fair value is considered other than temporary and is recorded in earnings. For fixed income and equity securities managed by third parties, either the Company has contractually retained its decision making authority as it pertains to selling securities that are in an unrealized loss position or it recognizes any unrealized loss at the end of the period through a charge to earnings. The Company’s portfolio monitoring process includes a quarterly review of all securities to identify instances where the fair value of a security compared to its amortized cost (for fixed income securities) or cost (for equity securities) is below established thresholds. The process also includes the monitoring of other impairment indicators such as ratings, ratings downgrades and payment defaults. The securities identified, in addition to other securities for which the Company may have a concern, are evaluated for potential other-than-temporary impairment using all reasonably available information relevant to the collectability or recovery of the security. Inherent in the Company’s evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment for these fixed income and equity securities are assumptions and estimates about the financial condition and future earnings potential of the issue or issuer. Some of the factors that may be considered in evaluating whether a decline in fair value is other than temporary are: 1) the financial condition, near-term and long-term prospects of the issue or issuer, including relevant industry specific market conditions and trends, geographic location and implications of rating agency actions and offering prices; 2) the specific reasons that a security is in an unrealized loss position, including overall market conditions which could affect liquidity; and 3) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost or cost. The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses and fair value of fixed income and equity securities by the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position. ($ in millions) Less than 12 months 12 months or more Number of issues Fair value Unrealized losses Number of issues Fair value Unrealized losses Total unrealized losses December 31, 2015 Fixed income securities U.S. government and agencies 53 $ 1,874 $ (4 ) — $ — $ — $ (4 ) Municipal 222 810 (6 ) 9 36 (14 ) (20 ) Corporate 1,361 17,915 (696 ) 111 1,024 (183 ) (879 ) Foreign government 9 44 — — — — — ABS 133 1,733 (24 ) 20 324 (19 ) (43 ) RMBS 88 69 — 176 125 (10 ) (10 ) CMBS 13 75 (2 ) 1 2 (2 ) (4 ) Total fixed income securities 1,879 22,520 (732 ) 317 1,511 (228 ) (960 ) Equity securities 265 1,397 (107 ) 37 143 (32 ) (139 ) Total fixed income and equity securities 2,144 $ 23,917 $ (839 ) 354 $ 1,654 $ (260 ) $ (1,099 ) Investment grade fixed income securities 1,405 $ 17,521 $ (362 ) 225 $ 972 $ (105 ) $ (467 ) Below investment grade fixed income securities 474 4,999 (370 ) 92 539 (123 ) (493 ) Total fixed income securities 1,879 $ 22,520 $ (732 ) 317 $ 1,511 $ (228 ) $ (960 ) December 31, 2014 Fixed income securities U.S. government and agencies 21 $ 1,501 $ (3 ) — $ — $ — $ (3 ) Municipal 252 1,008 (9 ) 19 116 (16 ) (25 ) Corporate 576 7,545 (147 ) 119 1,214 (93 ) (240 ) Foreign government 2 13 — 1 19 — — ABS 81 1,738 (11 ) 26 315 (20 ) (31 ) RMBS 75 70 (1 ) 188 156 (12 ) (13 ) CMBS 8 33 — 3 32 (2 ) (2 ) Total fixed income securities 1,015 11,908 (171 ) 356 1,852 (143 ) (314 ) Equity securities 258 866 (53 ) 1 11 (2 ) (55 ) Total fixed income and equity securities 1,273 $ 12,774 $ (224 ) 357 $ 1,863 $ (145 ) $ (369 ) Investment grade fixed income securities 754 $ 9,951 $ (71 ) 281 $ 1,444 $ (87 ) $ (158 ) Below investment grade fixed income securities 261 1,957 (100 ) 75 408 (56 ) (156 ) Total fixed income securities 1,015 $ 11,908 $ (171 ) 356 $ 1,852 $ (143 ) $ (314 ) As of December 31, 2015 , $710 million of the $1.10 billion unrealized losses are related to securities with an unrealized loss position less than 20% of amortized cost or cost, the degree of which suggests that these securities do not pose a high risk of being other-than-temporarily impaired. Of the $710 million , $338 million are related to unrealized losses on investment grade fixed income securities and $94 million are related to equity securities. Of the remaining $278 million , $227 million have been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. Investment grade is defined as a security having a rating of Aaa, Aa, A or Baa from Moody’s, a rating of AAA, AA, A or BBB from S&P, Fitch, Dominion, Kroll or Realpoint, a rating of aaa, aa, a or bbb from A.M. Best, or a comparable internal rating if an externally provided rating is not available. Market prices for certain securities may have credit spreads which imply higher or lower credit quality than the current third party rating. Unrealized losses on investment grade securities are principally related to increasing risk-free interest rates or widening credit spreads since the time of initial purchase. As of December 31, 2015 , the remaining $389 million of unrealized losses are related to securities in unrealized loss positions greater than or equal to 20% of amortized cost or cost. Investment grade fixed income securities comprising $129 million of these unrealized losses were evaluated based on factors such as discounted cash flows and the financial condition and near-term and long-term prospects of the issue or issuer and were determined to have adequate resources to fulfill contractual obligations. Of the $389 million , $215 million are related to below investment grade fixed income securities and $45 million are related to equity securities. Of these amounts, $16 million are related to below investment grade fixed income securities that had been in an unrealized loss position greater than or equal to 20% of amortized cost for a period of twelve or more consecutive months as of December 31, 2015 . ABS, RMBS and CMBS in an unrealized loss position were evaluated based on actual and projected collateral losses relative to the securities’ positions in the respective securitization trusts, security specific expectations of cash flows, and credit ratings. This evaluation also takes into consideration credit enhancement, measured in terms of (i) subordination from other classes of securities in the trust that are contractually obligated to absorb losses before the class of security the Company owns, (ii) the expected impact of other structural features embedded in the securitization trust beneficial to the class of securities the Company owns, such as overcollateralization and excess spread, and (iii) for ABS and RMBS in an unrealized loss position, credit enhancements from reliable bond insurers, where applicable. Municipal bonds in an unrealized loss position were evaluated based on the underlying credit quality of the primary obligor, obligation type and quality of the underlying assets. Unrealized losses on equity securities are primarily related to temporary equity market fluctuations of securities that are expected to recover. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company has not made the decision to sell and it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell fixed income securities with unrealized losses before recovery of the amortized cost basis. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company had the intent and ability to hold equity securities with unrealized losses for a period of time sufficient for them to recover. Limited partnerships As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the carrying value of equity method limited partnerships totaled $3.72 billion and $3.41 billion , respectively. The Company recognizes an impairment loss for equity method limited partnerships when evidence demonstrates that the loss is other than temporary. Evidence of a loss in value that is other than temporary may include the absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment or the inability of the investee to sustain a level of earnings that would justify the carrying amount of the investment. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the carrying value for cost method limited partnerships was $1.15 billion and $1.12 billion , respectively. To determine if an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, the Company evaluates whether an impairment indicator has occurred in the period that may have a significant adverse effect on the carrying value of the investment. Impairment indicators may include: significantly reduced valuations of the investments held by the limited partnerships; actual recent cash flows received being significantly less than expected cash flows; reduced valuations based on financing completed at a lower value; completed sale of a material underlying investment at a price significantly lower than expected; or any other adverse events since the last financial statements received that might affect the fair value of the investee’s capital. Additionally, the Company’s portfolio monitoring process includes a quarterly review of all cost method limited partnerships to identify instances where the net asset value is below established thresholds for certain periods of time, as well as investments that are performing below expectations, for further impairment consideration. If a cost method limited partnership is other-than-temporarily impaired, the carrying value is written down to fair value, generally estimated to be equivalent to the reported net asset value. Mortgage loans The Company’s mortgage loans are commercial mortgage loans collateralized by a variety of commercial real estate property types located across the United States and totaled, net of valuation allowance, $4.34 billion and $4.19 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Substantially all of the commercial mortgage loans are non-recourse to the borrower. The following table shows the principal geographic distribution of commercial real estate represented in the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio. No other state represented more than 5% of the portfolio as of December 31. (% of mortgage loan portfolio carrying value) 2015 2014 California 21.3 % 23.9 % Texas 9.7 8.0 New Jersey 8.7 8.0 Illinois 7.1 9.4 Florida 5.3 5.0 New York 4.4 5.9 The types of properties collateralizing the mortgage loans as of December 31 are as follows: (% of mortgage loan portfolio carrying value) 2015 2014 Apartment complex 26.4 % 23.3 % Office buildings 22.7 24.3 Retail 21.3 22.2 Warehouse 18.4 17.8 Other 11.2 12.4 Total 100.0 % 100.0 % The contractual maturities of the mortgage loan portfolio as of December 31, 2015 are as follows: ($ in millions) Number of loans Carrying value Percent 2016 31 $ 289 6.7 % 2017 34 379 8.7 2018 33 392 9.0 2019 9 234 5.4 Thereafter 210 3,044 70.2 Total 317 $ 4,338 100.0 % Mortgage loans are evaluated for impairment on a specific loan basis through a quarterly credit monitoring process and review of key credit quality indicators. Mortgage loans are considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will not collect the contractual principal and interest. Valuation allowances are established for impaired loans to reduce the carrying value to the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell or the present value of the loan’s expected future repayment cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate. Impaired mortgage loans may not have a valuation allowance when the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell is higher than the carrying value. Valuation allowances are adjusted for subsequent changes in the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell or present value of the loan’s expected future repayment cash flows. Mortgage loans are charged off against their corresponding valuation allowances when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. The impairment evaluation is non-statistical in respect to the aggregate portfolio but considers facts and circumstances attributable to each loan. It is not considered probable that additional impairment losses, beyond those identified on a specific loan basis, have been incurred as of December 31, 2015 . Accrual of income is suspended for mortgage loans that are in default or when full and timely collection of principal and interest payments is not probable. Cash receipts on mortgage loans on nonaccrual status are generally recorded as a reduction of carrying value. Debt service coverage ratio is considered a key credit quality indicator when mortgage loans are evaluated for impairment. Debt service coverage ratio represents the amount of estimated cash flows from the property available to the borrower to meet principal and interest payment obligations. Debt service coverage ratio estimates are updated annually or more frequently if conditions are warranted based on the Company’s credit monitoring process. The following table reflects the carrying value of non-impaired fixed rate and variable rate mortgage loans summarized by debt service coverage ratio distribution as of December 31: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Debt service coverage ratio distribution Fixed rate mortgage loans Variable rate mortgage loans Total Fixed rate mortgage loans Variable rate mortgage loans Total Below 1.0 $ 64 $ — $ 64 $ 110 $ — $ 110 1.0 - 1.25 382 — 382 424 — 424 1.26 - 1.50 1,219 — 1,219 1,167 1 1,168 Above 1.50 2,667 — 2,667 2,450 20 2,470 Total non-impaired mortgage loans $ 4,332 $ — $ 4,332 $ 4,151 $ 21 $ 4,172 Mortgage loans with a debt service coverage ratio below 1.0 that are not considered impaired primarily relate to instances where the borrower has the financial capacity to fund the revenue shortfalls from the properties for the foreseeable term, the decrease in cash flows from the properties is considered temporary, or there are other risk mitigating circumstances such as additional collateral, escrow balances or borrower guarantees. The net carrying value of impaired mortgage loans as of December 31 is as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Impaired mortgage loans with a valuation allowance $ 6 $ 16 Impaired mortgage loans without a valuation allowance — — Total impaired mortgage loans $ 6 $ 16 Valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans $ 3 $ 8 The average balance of impaired loans was $11 million , $27 million and $88 million during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The rollforward of the valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans for the years ended December 31 is as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Beginning balance $ 8 $ 21 $ 42 Net decrease in valuation allowance (4 ) (5 ) (11 ) Charge offs (1 ) (8 ) (8 ) Mortgage loans classified as held for sale — — (2 ) Ending balance $ 3 $ 8 $ 21 Payments on all mortgage loans were current as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Municipal bonds The Company maintains a diversified portfolio of municipal bonds. The following table shows the principal geographic distribution of municipal bond issuers represented in the Company’s portfolio as of December 31. No other state represents more than 5% of the portfolio. (% of municipal bond portfolio carrying value) 2015 2014 Texas 9.2 % 9.1 % New York 7.7 6.7 California 6.3 9.1 Florida 5.6 5.9 Washington 5.6 4.2 Concentration of credit risk As of December 31, 2015 , the Company is not exposed to any credit concentration risk of a single issuer and its affiliates greater than 10% of the Company’s shareholders’ equity. Securities loaned The Company’s business activities include securities lending programs with third parties, mostly large banks. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , fixed income and equity securities with a carrying value of $ 798 million and $755 million , respectively, were on loan under these agreements. Interest income on collateral, net of fees, was $2 million in each of 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . Other investment information Included in fixed income securities are below investment grade assets totaling $8.64 billion and $6.69 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , fixed income securities and short-term investments with a carrying value of $194 million were on deposit with regulatory authorities as required by law. As of December 31, 2015 , the carrying value of fixed income securities and other investments that were non-income producing was $26 million .

Fair Value of Assets and Liabil

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities	Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The hierarchy for inputs used in determining fair value maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Assets and liabilities recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at fair value are categorized in the fair value hierarchy based on the observability of inputs to the valuation techniques as follows: Level 1: Assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that the Company can access. Level 2: Assets and liabilities whose values are based on the following: (a) Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; (b) Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or (c) Valuation models whose inputs are observable, directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 3: Assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the assets and liabilities. The availability of observable inputs varies by instrument. In situations where fair value is based on internally developed pricing models or inputs that are unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. The degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is typically greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. In many instances, valuation inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The category level in the fair value hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market disruption. In periods of market disruption, the ability to observe prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. The Company is responsible for the determination of fair value and the supporting assumptions and methodologies. The Company gains assurance that assets and liabilities are appropriately valued through the execution of various processes and controls designed to ensure the overall reasonableness and consistent application of valuation methodologies, including inputs and assumptions, and compliance with accounting standards. For fair values received from third parties or internally estimated, the Company’s processes and controls are designed to ensure that the valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistently applied, the inputs and assumptions are reasonable and consistent with the objective of determining fair value, and the fair values are accurately recorded. For example, on a continuing basis, the Company assesses the reasonableness of individual fair values that have stale security prices or that exceed certain thresholds as compared to previous fair values received from valuation service providers or brokers or derived from internal models. The Company performs procedures to understand and assess the methodologies, processes and controls of valuation service providers. In addition, the Company may validate the reasonableness of fair values by comparing information obtained from valuation service providers or brokers to other third party valuation sources for selected securities. The Company performs ongoing price validation procedures such as back-testing of actual sales, which corroborate the various inputs used in internal models to market observable data. When fair value determinations are expected to be more variable, the Company validates them through reviews by members of management who have relevant expertise and who are independent of those charged with executing investment transactions. The Company has two types of situations where investments are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The first is where specific inputs significant to the fair value estimation models are not market observable. This primarily occurs in the Company’s use of broker quotes to value certain securities where the inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable, and the use of valuation models that use significant non-market observable inputs. The second situation where the Company classifies securities in Level 3 is where quotes continue to be received from independent third-party valuation service providers and all significant inputs are market observable; however, there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset when compared to normal market activity such that the degree of market observability has declined to a point where categorization as a Level 3 measurement is considered appropriate. The indicators considered in determining whether a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for a specific asset has occurred include the level of new issuances in the primary market, trading volume in the secondary market, the level of credit spreads over historical levels, applicable bid-ask spreads, and price consensus among market participants and other pricing sources. Certain assets are not carried at fair value on a recurring basis, including investments such as mortgage loans, limited partnership interests, bank loans and policy loans. Accordingly, such investments are only included in the fair value hierarchy disclosure when the investment is subject to remeasurement at fair value after initial recognition and the resulting remeasurement is reflected in the consolidated financial statements. In addition, derivatives embedded in fixed income securities are not disclosed in the hierarchy as free-standing derivatives since they are presented with the host contracts in fixed income securities. In determining fair value, the Company principally uses the market approach which generally utilizes market transaction data for the same or similar instruments. To a lesser extent, the Company uses the income approach which involves determining fair values from discounted cash flow methodologies. For the majority of Level 2 and Level 3 valuations, a combination of the market and income approaches is used. Summary of significant valuation techniques for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis Level 1 measurements • Fixed income securities: Comprise certain U.S. Treasury fixed income securities. Valuation is based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets that the Company can access. • Equity securities: Comprise actively traded, exchange-listed equity securities. Valuation is based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets that the Company can access. • Short-term: Comprise U.S. Treasury bills valued based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets that the Company can access and actively traded money market funds that have daily quoted net asset values for identical assets that the Company can access. • Separate account assets: Comprise actively traded mutual funds that have daily quoted net asset values for identical assets that the Company can access. Net asset values for the actively traded mutual funds in which the separate account assets are invested are obtained daily from the fund managers. Level 2 measurements • Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies: The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads. Municipal: The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads. Corporate - public: The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads. Corporate - privately placed: Valued using a discounted cash flow model that is widely accepted in the financial services industry and uses market observable inputs and inputs derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. The primary inputs to the discounted cash flow model include an interest rate yield curve, as well as published credit spreads for similar assets in markets that are not active that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer. Foreign government: The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads. ABS - collateralized debt obligations (“CDO”) and ABS - consumer and other: The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields, prepayment speeds, collateral performance and credit spreads. Certain ABS - CDO and ABS - consumer and other are valued based on non-binding broker quotes whose inputs have been corroborated to be market observable. RMBS: The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields, prepayment speeds, collateral performance and credit spreads. CMBS: The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields, collateral performance and credit spreads. Redeemable preferred stock: The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields, underlying stock prices and credit spreads. • Equity securities: The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices or quoted net asset values for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active. • Short-term: The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads. For certain short-term investments, amortized cost is used as the best estimate of fair value. • Other investments: Free-standing exchange listed derivatives that are not actively traded are valued based on quoted prices for identical instruments in markets that are not active. OTC derivatives, including interest rate swaps, foreign currency swaps, foreign exchange forward contracts, certain options and certain credit default swaps, are valued using models that rely on inputs such as interest rate yield curves, currency rates, and counterparty credit spreads that are observable for substantially the full term of the contract. The valuation techniques underlying the models are widely accepted in the financial services industry and do not involve significant judgment. Level 3 measurements • Fixed income securities: Municipal: Comprise municipal bonds that are not rated by third party credit rating agencies but are rated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”). The primary inputs to the valuation of these municipal bonds include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that exhibit less liquidity relative to those markets supporting Level 2 fair value measurements, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads. Also included are municipal bonds valued based on non-binding broker quotes where the inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable and municipal bonds in default valued based on the present value of expected cash flows. Also includes auction rate securities (“ARS”) primarily backed by student loans that have become illiquid due to failures in the auction market and are valued using a discounted cash flow model that is widely accepted in the financial services industry and uses significant non-market observable inputs, including the anticipated date liquidity will return to the market. Corporate - public and Corporate - privately placed: Primarily valued based on non-binding broker quotes where the inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable. Also included are equity-indexed notes which are valued using a discounted cash flow model that is widely accepted in the financial services industry and uses significant non-market observable inputs, such as volatility. Other inputs include an interest rate yield curve, as well as published credit spreads for similar assets that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer. ABS - CDO, ABS - consumer and other, RMBS and CMBS: Valued based on non-binding broker quotes received from brokers who are familiar with the investments and where the inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable. • Equity securities: The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices or quoted net asset values for identical or similar assets in markets that exhibit less liquidity relative to those markets supporting Level 2 fair value measurements. • Other investments: Certain OTC derivatives, such as interest rate caps, certain credit default swaps and certain options (including swaptions), are valued using models that are widely accepted in the financial services industry. These are categorized as Level 3 as a result of the significance of non-market observable inputs such as volatility. Other primary inputs include interest rate yield curves and credit spreads. • Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in certain life and annuity contracts are valued internally using models widely accepted in the financial services industry that determine a single best estimate of fair value for the embedded derivatives within a block of contractholder liabilities. The models primarily use stochastically determined cash flows based on the contractual elements of embedded derivatives, projected option cost and applicable market data, such as interest rate yield curves and equity index volatility assumptions. These are categorized as Level 3 as a result of the significance of non-market observable inputs. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis Mortgage loans written-down to fair value in connection with recognizing impairments are valued based on the fair value of the underlying collateral less costs to sell. Limited partnership interests written-down to fair value in connection with recognizing other-than-temporary impairments are generally valued using net asset values. The following table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 . ($ in millions) Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Counterparty and cash collateral netting Balance as of December 31, 2015 Assets Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies $ 3,056 $ 861 $ 5 $ 3,922 Municipal — 7,240 161 7,401 Corporate - public — 30,356 46 30,402 Corporate - privately placed — 10,923 502 11,425 Foreign government — 1,033 — 1,033 ABS - CDO — 716 61 777 ABS - consumer and other — 1,500 50 1,550 RMBS — 946 1 947 CMBS — 446 20 466 Redeemable preferred stock — 25 — 25 Total fixed income securities 3,056 54,046 846 57,948 Equity securities 4,786 163 133 5,082 Short-term investments 615 1,507 — 2,122 Other investments: Free-standing derivatives — 65 1 $ (13 ) 53 Separate account assets 3,658 — — 3,658 Other assets 2 — 1 3 Total recurring basis assets 12,117 55,781 981 (13 ) 68,866 Non-recurring basis (1) — — 55 55 Total assets at fair value $ 12,117 $ 55,781 $ 1,036 $ (13 ) $ 68,921 % of total assets at fair value 17.6 % 80.9 % 1.5 % — % 100.0 % Liabilities Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $ — $ — $ (299 ) $ (299 ) Other liabilities: Free-standing derivatives (1 ) (23 ) (8 ) $ 7 (25 ) Total liabilities at fair value $ (1 ) $ (23 ) $ (307 ) $ 7 $ (324 ) % of total liabilities at fair value 0.3 % 7.1 % 94.8 % (2.2 )% 100.0 % ______________________________ (1) Includes $42 million of limited partnership interests and $13 million of other investments written-down to fair value in connection with recognizing other-than-temporary impairments. The following table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 : ($ in millions) Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Counterparty and cash collateral netting Balance as of December 31, 2014 Assets Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies $ 3,240 $ 1,082 $ 6 $ 4,328 Municipal — 8,227 270 8,497 Corporate - public — 31,340 214 31,554 Corporate - privately placed — 9,913 677 10,590 Foreign government — 1,645 — 1,645 ABS - CDO — 1,044 104 1,148 ABS - consumer and other — 2,738 92 2,830 RMBS — 1,206 1 1,207 CMBS — 592 23 615 Redeemable preferred stock — 26 — 26 Total fixed income securities 3,240 57,813 1,387 62,440 Equity securities 3,787 234 83 4,104 Short-term investments 692 1,843 5 2,540 Other investments: Free-standing derivatives — 95 2 $ (5 ) 92 Separate account assets 4,396 — — 4,396 Other assets 2 — 1 3 Total recurring basis assets 12,117 59,985 1,478 (5 ) 73,575 Non-recurring basis (1) — — 9 9 Total assets at fair value $ 12,117 $ 59,985 $ 1,487 $ (5 ) $ 73,584 % of total assets at fair value 16.5 % 81.5 % 2.0 % — % 100.0 % Liabilities Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $ — $ — $ (323 ) $ (323 ) Other liabilities: Free-standing derivatives (1 ) (50 ) (9 ) $ 22 (38 ) Total liabilities at fair value $ (1 ) $ (50 ) $ (332 ) $ 22 $ (361 ) % of total liabilities at fair value 0.3 % 13.8 % 92.0 % (6.1 )% 100.0 % ______________________________ (1) Includes $6 million of mortgage loans and $3 million of limited partnership interests written-down to fair value in connection with recognizing other-than-temporary impairments. The following table summarizes quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements. ($ in millions) Fair value Valuation technique Unobservable input Range Weighted average December 31, 2015 Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts — Equity-indexed and forward starting options $ (247 ) Stochastic cash flow model Projected option cost 1.0 - 2.2% 1.76% December 31, 2014 Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts — Equity-indexed and forward starting options $ (278 ) Stochastic cash flow model Projected option cost 1.0 - 2.0% 1.76% The embedded derivatives are equity-indexed and forward starting options in certain life and annuity products that provide customers with interest crediting rates based on the performance of the S&P 500. If the projected option cost increased (decreased), it would result in a higher (lower) liability fair value. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , Level 3 fair value measurements of fixed income securities total $846 million and $1.39 billion , respectively, and include $625 million and $1.03 billion , respectively, of fixed income securities valued based on non-binding broker quotes where the inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable and $96 million and $169 million , respectively, of municipal fixed income securities that are not rated by third party credit rating agencies. The Company does not develop the unobservable inputs used in measuring fair value; therefore, these are not included in the table above. However, an increase (decrease) in credit spreads for fixed income securities valued based on non-binding broker quotes would result in a lower (higher) fair value, and an increase (decrease) in the credit rating of municipal bonds that are not rated by third party credit rating agencies would result in a higher (lower) fair value. The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2015 . ($ in millions) Total gains (losses) included in: Balance as of December 31, 2014 Net income (1) OCI Transfers into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 Assets Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies $ 6 $ — $ — $ — $ — Municipal 270 (4 ) (7 ) 3 (2 ) Corporate - public 214 — — — (175 ) Corporate - privately placed 677 13 (20 ) 13 (106 ) ABS - CDO 104 (1 ) 4 43 (52 ) ABS - consumer and other 92 (1 ) — — (98 ) RMBS 1 — — — — CMBS 23 — — — — Total fixed income securities 1,387 7 (23 ) 59 (433 ) Equity securities 83 (3 ) (5 ) — — Short-term investments 5 — — — — Free-standing derivatives, net (7 ) 1 — — — Other assets 1 — — — — Total recurring Level 3 assets $ 1,469 $ 5 $ (28 ) $ 59 $ (433 ) Liabilities Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $ (323 ) $ 19 $ — $ — $ — Total recurring Level 3 liabilities $ (323 ) $ 19 $ — $ — $ — Purchases Issues Sales Settlements Balance as of December 31, 2015 Assets Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies $ — $ — $ — $ (1 ) $ 5 Municipal — — (91 ) (8 ) 161 Corporate - public 11 — — (4 ) 46 Corporate - privately placed 79 — (74 ) (80 ) 502 ABS - CDO — — (2 ) (35 ) 61 ABS - consumer and other 70 — (5 ) (8 ) 50 RMBS — — — — 1 CMBS 12 — — (15 ) 20 Total fixed income securities 172 — (172 ) (151 ) 846 Equity securities 69 — (11 ) — 133 Short-term investments 35 — (40 ) — — Free-standing derivatives, net — — — (1 ) (7 ) (2 ) Other assets — — — — 1 Total recurring Level 3 assets $ 276 $ — $ (223 ) $ (152 ) $ 973 Liabilities Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $ — $ (2 ) $ — $ 7 $ (299 ) Total recurring Level 3 liabilities $ — $ (2 ) $ — $ 7 $ (299 ) ______________________________ (1) The effect to net income totals $24 million and is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows: $(8) million in realized capital gains and losses, $13 million in net investment income, $26 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $(7) million in life and annuity contract benefits. (2) Comprises $1 million of assets and $8 million of liabilities. The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2014 . ($ in millions) Total gains (losses) included in: Balance as of December 31, 2013 Net income (1) OCI Transfers into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 Assets Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies $ 7 $ — $ — $ — $ — Municipal 343 (2 ) 18 — (17 ) Corporate 1,109 24 (14 ) 89 (125 ) ABS 192 1 2 49 (144 ) RMBS 2 — — — — CMBS 43 (1 ) — 5 (4 ) Redeemable preferred stock 1 — — — — Total fixed income securities 1,697 22 6 143 (290 ) Equity securities 132 22 (16 ) — (2 ) Short-term investments — — — — — Free-standing derivatives, net (5 ) — — — — Other assets — 1 — — — Assets held for sale 362 (1 ) 2 4 (2 ) Total recurring Level 3 assets $ 2,186 $ 44 $ (8 ) $ 147 $ (294 ) Liabilities Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $ (307 ) $ (8 ) $ — $ — $ — Liabilities held for sale (246 ) 17 — — — Total recurring Level 3 liabilities $ (553 ) $ 9 $ — $ — $ — Sold in LBL disposition (3) Purchases/Issues (4) Sales Settlements Balance as of December 31, 2014 Assets Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies $ — $ — $ — $ (1 ) $ 6 Municipal — 6 (74 ) (4 ) 270 Corporate — 64 (140 ) (116 ) 891 ABS — 119 — (23 ) 196 RMBS — — — (1 ) 1 CMBS 4 8 (1 ) (31 ) 23 Redeemable preferred stock — — (1 ) — — Total fixed income securities 4 197 (216 ) (176 ) 1,387 Equity securities — 83 (136 ) — 83 Short-term investments — 45 (40 ) — 5 Free-standing derivatives, net — 2 — (4 ) (7 ) (2) Other assets — — — — 1 Assets held for sale (351 ) — (8 ) (6 ) — Total recurring Level 3 assets $ (347 ) $ 327 $ (400 ) $ (186 ) $ 1,469 Liabilities Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $ — $ (14 ) $ — $ 6 $ (323 ) Liabilities held for sale 230 (4 ) — 3 — Total recurring Level 3 liabilities $ 230 $ (18 ) $ — $ 9 $ (323 ) ______________________________ (1) The effect to net income totals $53 million and is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows: $34 million in realized capital gains and losses, $13 million in net investment income, $(5) million in interest credited to contractholder funds, $15 million in life and annuity contract benefits and $(4) million in loss on disposition of operations. (2) Comprises $2 million of assets and $9 million of liabilities. (3) Includes transfers from held for sale that took place in first quarter 2014 of $4 million for CMBS and $(4) million for Assets held for sale. (4) Represents purchases for assets and issues for liabilities. The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2013 . ($ in millions) Total gains (losses) included in: Balance as of December 31, 2012 Net income (1) OCI Transfers into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 Assets Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies $ 8 $ — $ — $ — $ — Municipal 965 (33 ) 47 6 (63 ) Corporate 1,617 35 (32 ) 84 (323 ) ABS 251 — 29 29 (86 ) RMBS 3 — — — — CMBS 52 (1 ) 2 4 — Redeemable preferred stock 1 — — — — Total fixed income securities 2,897 1 46 123 (472 ) Equity securities 171 3 7 — — Free-standing derivatives, net (27 ) 19 — — — Other assets 1 (1 ) — — — Assets held for sale — (2 ) (6 ) 13 (13 ) Total recurring Level 3 assets $ 3,042 $ 20 $ 47 $ 136 $ (485 ) Liabilities Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $ (553 ) $ 89 $ — $ — $ — Liabilities held for sale — 20 — — — Total recurring Level 3 liabilities $ (553 ) $ 109 $ — $ — $ — Transfer to held for sale Purchases/Issues (2) Sales Settlements Balance as of December 31, 2013 Assets Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies $ — $ — $ — $ (1 ) $ 7 Municipal (51 ) 55 (558 ) (25 ) 343 Corporate (244 ) 504 (389 ) (143 ) 1,109 ABS (85 ) 174 (82 ) (38 ) 192 RMBS — — — (1 ) 2 CMBS (5 ) 11 (19 ) (1 ) 43 Redeemable preferred stock — — — — 1 Total fixed income securities (385 ) 744 (1,048 ) (209 ) 1,697 Equity securities — 1 (50 ) — 132 Free-standing derivatives, net — 9 — (6 ) (5 ) (3 ) Other assets — — — — — Assets held for sale 385 — (10 ) (5 ) 362 Total recurring Level 3 assets $ — $ 754 $ (1,108 ) $ (220 ) $ 2,186 Liabilities Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $ 265 $ (111 ) $ — $ 3 $ (307 ) Liabilities held for sale (265 ) (6 ) — 5 (246 ) Total recurring Level 3 liabilities $ — $ (117 ) $ — $ 8 $ (553 ) ______________________________ (1) The effect to net income totals $129 million and is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows: $3 million in realized capital gains and losses, $18 million in net investment income, $40 million in interest credited to contractholder funds, $74 million in life and annuity contract benefits and $(6) million in loss on disposition of operations. (2) Represents purchases for assets and issues for liabilities. (3) Comprises $9 million of assets and $14 million of liabilities. Transfers between level categorizations may occur due to changes in the availability of market observable inputs, which generally are caused by changes in market conditions such as liquidity, trading volume or bid-ask spreads. Transfers between level categorizations may also occur due to changes in the valuation source. For example, in situations where a fair value quote is not provided by the Company’s independent third-party valuation service provider and as a result the price is stale or has been replaced with a broker quote whose inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable, the security is transferred into Level 3. Transfers in and out of level categorizations are reported as having occurred at the beginning of the quarter in which the transfer occurred. Therefore, for all transfers into Level 3, all realized and changes in unrealized gains and losses in the quarter of transfer are reflected in the Level 3 rollforward table. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . Transfers into Level 3 during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 included situations where a fair value quote was not provided by the Company’s independent third-party valuation service provider and as a result the price was stale or had been replaced with a broker quote where the inputs had not been corroborated to be market observable resulting in the security being classified as Level 3. Transfers out of Level 3 during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 included situations where a broker quote was used in the prior period and a fair value quote became available from the Company’s independent third-party valuation service provider in the current period. A quote utilizing the new pricing source was not available as of the prior period, and any gains or losses related to the change in valuation source for individual securities were not significant. The following table provides the change in unrealized gains and losses included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities held as of December 31. ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Assets Fixed income securities: Municipal $ (12 ) $ (7 ) $ (19 ) Corporate 11 11 13 ABS 2 1 (1 ) RMBS — (1 ) (1 ) CMBS — — (2 ) Total fixed income securities 1 4 (10 ) Equity securities (4 ) — — Free-standing derivatives, net 1 5 10 Other assets — 1 (1 ) Assets held for sale — — (2 ) Total recurring Level 3 assets $ (2 ) $ 10 $ (3 ) Liabilities Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $ 19 $ (8 ) $ 89 Liabilities held for sale — 17 20 Total recurring Level 3 liabilities $ 19 $ 9 $ 109 The amounts in the table above represent the change in unrealized gains and losses included in net income for the period of time that the asset or liability was determined to be in Level 3. These gains and losses total $17 million in 2015 and are reported as follows: $(20) million in realized capital gains and losses, $18 million in net investment income, $26 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $(7) million in life and annuity contract benefits. These gains and losses total $19 million in 2014 and are reported as follows: $(3) million in realized capital gains and losses, $12 million in net investment income, $(5) million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $15 million in life and annuity contract benefits. These gains and losses total $106 million in 2013 and are reported as follows: $(9) million in realized capital gains and losses, $12 million in net investment income, $35 million in interest credited to contractholder funds, $74 million in life and annuity contract benefits and $(6) million in loss on disposition of operations. Presented below are the carrying values and fair value estimates of financial instruments not carried at fair value. Financial assets ($ in millions) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying value Fair value Carrying value Fair value Mortgage loans $ 4,338 $ 4,489 $ 4,188 $ 4,446 Cost method limited partnerships 1,154 1,450 1,122 1,488 Bank loans 1,565 1,527 1,663 1,638 Agent loans 422 408 368 361 The fair value of mortgage loans is based on discounted contractual cash flows or, if the loans are impaired due to credit reasons, the fair value of collateral less costs to sell. Risk adjusted discount rates are selected using current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar characteristics, using similar types of properties as collateral. The fair value of cost method limited partnerships is determined using reported net asset values. The fair value of bank loans, which are reported in other investments, is based on broker quotes from brokers familiar with the loans and current market conditions. The fair value of agent loans, which are reported in other investments, is based on discounted cash flow calculations that use discount rates with a spread over U.S. Treasury rates. Assumptions used in develo

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments
Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments The Company uses derivatives for risk reduction and to increase investment portfolio returns through asset replication. Risk reduction activity is focused on managing the risks with certain assets and liabilities arising from the potential adverse impacts from changes in risk-free interest rates, changes in equity market valuations, increases in credit spreads and foreign currency fluctuations. Property-Liability may use interest rate swaps, swaptions, futures and options to manage the interest rate risks of existing investments. These instruments are utilized to change the duration of the portfolio in order to offset the economic effect that interest rates would otherwise have on the fair value of its fixed income securities. Credit default swaps are typically used to mitigate the credit risk within the Property-Liability fixed income portfolio. Equity index futures and options are used by Property-Liability to offset valuation losses in the equity portfolio during periods of declining equity market values. In addition, equity futures are used to hedge the market risk related to deferred compensation liability contracts. Forward contracts are primarily used by Property-Liability to hedge foreign currency risk associated with holding foreign currency denominated investments and foreign operations. Allstate Financial utilizes several derivative strategies to manage risk. Asset-liability management is a risk management strategy that is principally employed by Allstate Financial to balance the respective interest-rate sensitivities of its assets and liabilities. Depending upon the attributes of the assets acquired and liabilities issued, derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps, caps, swaptions and futures are utilized to change the interest rate characteristics of existing assets and liabilities to ensure the relationship is maintained within specified ranges and to reduce exposure to rising or falling interest rates. Credit default swaps are typically used to mitigate the credit risk within the Allstate Financial fixed income portfolio. Financial futures and interest rate swaps are used to hedge anticipated asset purchases and liability issuances and futures and options for hedging the equity exposure contained in Allstate Financial’s equity indexed life and annuity product contracts that offer equity returns to contractholders. In addition, Allstate Financial uses equity index futures to offset valuation losses in the equity portfolio during periods of declining equity market values. Interest rate swaps are used to hedge interest rate risk inherent in funding agreements. Foreign currency swaps and forwards are primarily used by Allstate Financial to reduce the foreign currency risk associated with holding foreign currency denominated investments. The Company may also use derivatives to manage the risk associated with corporate actions, including the sale of a business. During 2014 and December 2013, swaptions were utilized to hedge the expected proceeds from the disposition of LBL. Asset replication refers to the “synthetic” creation of assets through the use of derivatives. The Company replicates fixed income securities using a combination of a credit default swap or a foreign currency forward contract and one or more highly rated fixed income securities, primarily investment grade host bonds, to synthetically replicate the economic characteristics of one or more cash market securities. The Company replicates equity securities using futures to increase equity exposure. The Company also has derivatives embedded in non-derivative host contracts that are required to be separated from the host contracts and accounted for at fair value with changes in fair value of embedded derivatives reported in net income. The Company’s primary embedded derivatives are equity options in life and annuity product contracts, which provide equity returns to contractholders; conversion options in fixed income securities, which provide the Company with the right to convert the instrument into a predetermined number of shares of common stock; credit default swaps in synthetic collateralized debt obligations, which provide enhanced coupon rates as a result of selling credit protection; and equity-indexed notes containing equity call options, which provide a coupon payout that is determined using one or more equity-based indices. When derivatives meet specific criteria, they may be designated as accounting hedges and accounted for as fair value, cash flow, foreign currency fair value or foreign currency cash flow hedges. Allstate Financial designates certain of its interest rate and foreign currency swap contracts and certain investment risk transfer reinsurance agreements as fair value hedges when the hedging instrument is highly effective in offsetting the risk of changes in the fair value of the hedged item. Allstate Financial designates certain of its foreign currency swap contracts as cash flow hedges when the hedging instrument is highly effective in offsetting the exposure of variations in cash flows for the hedged risk that could affect net income. Amounts are reclassified to net investment income or realized capital gains and losses as the hedged item affects net income. The notional amounts specified in the contracts are used to calculate the exchange of contractual payments under the agreements and are generally not representative of the potential for gain or loss on these agreements. However, the notional amounts specified in credit default swaps where the Company has sold credit protection represent the maximum amount of potential loss, assuming no recoveries. Fair value, which is equal to the carrying value, is the estimated amount that the Company would receive or pay to terminate the derivative contracts at the reporting date. The carrying value amounts for OTC derivatives are further adjusted for the effects, if any, of enforceable master netting agreements and are presented on a net basis, by counterparty agreement, in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. For certain exchange traded and cleared derivatives, margin deposits are required as well as daily cash settlements of margin accounts. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company pledged $20 million of cash in the form of margin deposits. For those derivatives which qualify for fair value hedge accounting, net income includes the changes in the fair value of both the derivative instrument and the hedged risk, and therefore reflects any hedging ineffectiveness. For cash flow hedges, gains and losses are amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income and are reported in net income in the same period the forecasted transactions being hedged impact net income. Non-hedge accounting is generally used for “portfolio” level hedging strategies where the terms of the individual hedged items do not meet the strict homogeneity requirements to permit the application of hedge accounting. For non-hedge derivatives, net income includes changes in fair value and accrued periodic settlements, when applicable. With the exception of non-hedge derivatives used for asset replication and non-hedge embedded derivatives, all of the Company’s derivatives are evaluated for their ongoing effectiveness as either accounting hedge or non-hedge derivative financial instruments on at least a quarterly basis. The following table provides a summary of the volume and fair value positions of derivative instruments as well as their reporting location in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2015 . ($ in millions, except number of contracts) Volume (1) Balance sheet location Notional amount Number of contracts Fair value, net Gross asset Gross liability Asset derivatives Derivatives designated as accounting hedging instruments Foreign currency swap agreements Other investments $ 45 n/a $ 6 $ 6 $ — Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments Interest rate contracts Interest rate cap agreements Other investments 42 n/a — — — Equity and index contracts Options and warrants (2) Other investments — 3,730 44 44 — Financial futures contracts Other assets — 1,897 2 2 — Foreign currency contracts Foreign currency forwards Other investments 185 n/a 1 2 (1 ) Embedded derivative financial instruments Other embedded derivative financial instruments Other investments 1,000 n/a — — — Credit default contracts Credit default swaps — buying protection Other investments 112 n/a 4 5 (1 ) Credit default swaps — selling protection Other investments 150 n/a 2 2 — Other contracts Other contracts Other investments 31 n/a 1 1 — Other contracts Other assets 3 n/a 1 1 — Subtotal 1,523 5,627 55 57 (2 ) Total asset derivatives $ 1,568 5,627 $ 61 $ 63 $ (2 ) Liability derivatives Derivatives designated as accounting hedging instruments Foreign currency swap agreements Other liabilities & accrued expenses $ 19 n/a $ 4 $ 4 $ — Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments Interest rate contracts Interest rate swap agreements Other liabilities & accrued expenses 85 n/a — — — Interest rate cap agreements Other liabilities & accrued expenses 72 n/a 1 1 — Equity and index contracts Options and futures Other liabilities & accrued expenses — 4,406 (7 ) — (7 ) Foreign currency contracts Foreign currency forwards Other liabilities & accrued expenses 361 n/a (12 ) 1 (13 ) Embedded derivative financial instruments Guaranteed accumulation benefits Contractholder funds 481 n/a (38 ) — (38 ) Guaranteed withdrawal benefits Contractholder funds 332 n/a (14 ) — (14 ) Equity-indexed and forward starting options in life and annuity product contracts Contractholder funds 1,781 n/a (247 ) — (247 ) Other embedded derivative financial instruments Contractholder funds 85 n/a — — — Credit default contracts Credit default swaps — buying protection Other liabilities & accrued expenses 88 n/a (2 ) — (2 ) Credit default swaps — selling protection Other liabilities & accrued expenses 105 n/a (8 ) — (8 ) Subtotal 3,390 4,406 (327 ) 2 (329 ) Total liability derivatives 3,409 4,406 (323 ) $ 6 $ (329 ) Total derivatives $ 4,977 10,033 $ (262 ) ______________________________ (1) Volume for OTC derivative contracts is represented by their notional amounts. Volume for exchange traded derivatives is represented by the number of contracts, which is the basis on which they are traded. (n/a = not applicable) (2) In addition to the number of contracts presented in the table, the Company held 220 stock rights and warrants. Stock rights and warrants can be converted to cash upon sale of those instruments or exercised for shares of common stock. The following table provides a summary of the volume and fair value positions of derivative instruments as well as their reporting location in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2014 . ($ in millions, except number of contracts) Volume (1) Balance sheet location Notional amount Number of contracts Fair value, net Gross asset Gross liability Asset derivatives Derivatives designated as accounting hedging instruments Foreign currency swap agreements Other investments $ 85 n/a $ 3 $ 3 $ — Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments Interest rate contracts Interest rate cap agreements Other investments 163 n/a 2 2 — Equity and index contracts Options and warrants (2) Other investments — 3,225 83 83 — Financial futures contracts Other assets — 2,204 2 2 — Foreign currency contracts Foreign currency forwards Other investments 471 n/a (15 ) 1 (16 ) Embedded derivative financial instruments Other embedded derivative financial instruments Other investments 1,000 n/a — — — Credit default contracts Credit default swaps — buying protection Other investments 29 n/a — — — Credit default swaps — selling protection Other investments 100 n/a 2 2 — Other contracts Other contracts Other assets 3 n/a 1 1 — Subtotal 1,766 5,429 75 91 (16 ) Total asset derivatives $ 1,851 5,429 $ 78 $ 94 $ (16 ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Liability derivatives Derivatives designated as accounting hedging instruments Foreign currency swap agreements Other liabilities & accrued expenses $ 50 n/a $ (1 ) $ — $ (1 ) Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments Interest rate contracts Interest rate swap agreements Other liabilities & accrued expenses 85 n/a 1 1 — Interest rate cap agreements Other liabilities & accrued expenses 11 n/a — — — Financial futures contracts Other liabilities & accrued expenses — 700 — — — Equity and index contracts Options Other liabilities & accrued expenses — 3,960 (23 ) — (23 ) Foreign currency contracts Foreign currency forwards Other liabilities & accrued expenses 228 n/a (1 ) 2 (3 ) Embedded derivative financial instruments Guaranteed accumulation benefits Contractholder funds 615 n/a (32 ) — (32 ) Guaranteed withdrawal benefits Contractholder funds 425 n/a (13 ) — (13 ) Equity-indexed and forward starting options in life and annuity product contracts Contractholder funds 1,786 n/a (278 ) — (278 ) Other embedded derivative financial instruments Contractholder funds 85 n/a — — — Credit default contracts Credit default swaps — buying protection Other liabilities & accrued expenses 420 n/a (6 ) 1 (7 ) Credit default swaps — selling protection Other liabilities & accrued expenses 205 n/a (8 ) 2 (10 ) Subtotal 3,860 4,660 (360 ) 6 (366 ) Total liability derivatives 3,910 4,660 (361 ) $ 6 $ (367 ) Total derivatives $ 5,761 10,089 $ (283 ) ______________________________ (1) Volume for OTC derivative contracts is represented by their notional amounts. Volume for exchange traded derivatives is represented by the number of contracts, which is the basis on which they are traded. (n/a = not applicable) (2) In addition to the number of contracts presented in the table, the Company held 220 stock rights and warrants. Stock rights and warrants can be converted to cash upon sale of those instruments or exercised for shares of common stock. The following table provides gross and net amounts for the Company’s OTC derivatives, all of which are subject to enforceable master netting agreements. ($ in millions) Offsets Gross amount Counter- party netting Cash collateral (received) pledged Net amount on balance sheet Securities collateral (received) pledged Net amount December 31, 2015 Asset derivatives $ 21 $ (8 ) $ (5 ) $ 8 $ (4 ) $ 4 Liability derivatives (25 ) 8 (1 ) (18 ) 9 (9 ) December 31, 2014 Asset derivatives $ 12 $ (22 ) $ 17 $ 7 $ (4 ) $ 3 Liability derivatives (35 ) 22 — (13 ) 8 (5 ) The following table provides a summary of the impacts of the Company’s foreign currency contracts in cash flow hedging relationships for the years ended December 31. Amortization of net gains from accumulated other comprehensive income related to cash flow hedges is expected to be a gain of $3 million during the next twelve months. There was no hedge ineffectiveness reported in realized gains and losses in 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Gain recognized in OCI on derivatives during the period $ 10 $ 12 $ 3 Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives during the term of the hedging relationship 6 (2 ) (18 ) Loss reclassified from AOCI into income (net investment income) (1 ) (2 ) (1 ) Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (realized capital gains and losses) 3 (2 ) — The following tables present gains and losses from valuation and settlements reported on derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company had no derivatives used in fair value hedging relationships. ($ in millions) Realized capital gains and losses Life and annuity contract benefits Interest credited to contractholder funds Operating costs and expenses Loss on disposition of operations Total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives 2015 Interest rate contracts $ 1 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1 Equity and index contracts 1 — (9 ) (1 ) — (9 ) Embedded derivative financial instruments — (7 ) 31 — — 24 Foreign currency contracts (24 ) — — (8 ) — (32 ) Credit default contracts (2 ) — — — — (2 ) Other contracts — — — — — — Total $ (24 ) $ (7 ) $ 22 $ (9 ) $ — $ (18 ) 2014 Interest rate contracts $ (10 ) $ — $ — $ — $ (4 ) $ (14 ) Equity and index contracts (18 ) — 38 9 — 29 Embedded derivative financial instruments — 15 (14 ) — — 1 Foreign currency contracts (9 ) — — (8 ) — (17 ) Credit default contracts 1 — — — — 1 Other contracts — — (2 ) — — (2 ) Total $ (36 ) $ 15 $ 22 $ 1 $ (4 ) $ (2 ) 2013 Interest rate contracts $ 4 $ — $ — $ — $ (6 ) $ (2 ) Equity and index contracts (12 ) — 94 34 — 116 Embedded derivative financial instruments (1 ) 74 (75 ) — — (2 ) Foreign currency contracts (9 ) — — 7 — (2 ) Credit default contracts 8 — — — — 8 Other contracts — — (3 ) — — (3 ) Total $ (10 ) $ 74 $ 16 $ 41 $ (6 ) $ 115 The Company manages its exposure to credit risk by utilizing highly rated counterparties, establishing risk control limits, executing legally enforceable master netting agreements (“MNAs”) and obtaining collateral where appropriate. The Company uses MNAs for OTC derivative transactions that permit either party to net payments due for transactions and collateral is either pledged or obtained when certain predetermined exposure limits are exceeded. As of December 31, 2015 , counterparties pledged $14 million in cash and securities to the Company, and the Company pledged $13 million in cash and securities to counterparties which includes $13 million of collateral posted under MNAs for contracts containing credit-risk-contingent provisions that are in a liability position. The Company has not incurred any losses on derivative financial instruments due to counterparty nonperformance. Other derivatives, including futures and certain option contracts, are traded on organized exchanges which require margin deposits and guarantee the execution of trades, thereby mitigating any potential credit risk. Counterparty credit exposure represents the Company’s potential loss if all of the counterparties concurrently fail to perform under the contractual terms of the contracts and all collateral, if any, becomes worthless. This exposure is measured by the fair value of OTC derivative contracts with a positive fair value at the reporting date reduced by the effect, if any, of legally enforceable master netting agreements. The following table summarizes the counterparty credit exposure as of December 31 by counterparty credit rating as it relates to the Company’s OTC derivatives. ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Rating (1) Number of counter-parties Notional amount (2) Credit exposure (2) Exposure, net of collateral (2) Number of counter-parties Notional amount (2) Credit exposure (2) Exposure, net of collateral (2) A+ 1 $ 82 $ 5 $ — 1 $ 164 $ 2 $ 1 A 5 375 9 6 3 118 3 2 A– 1 41 3 — 1 8 — — BBB+ 2 49 — 1 1 11 — — BBB — — — — 1 52 — — Total 9 $ 547 $ 17 $ 7 7 $ 353 $ 5 $ 3 ______________________________ (1) Rating is the lower of S&P or Moody’s ratings. (2) Only OTC derivatives with a net positive fair value are included for each counterparty. Market risk is the risk that the Company will incur losses due to adverse changes in market rates and prices. Market risk exists for all of the derivative financial instruments the Company currently holds, as these instruments may become less valuable due to adverse changes in market conditions. To limit this risk, the Company’s senior management has established risk control limits. In addition, changes in fair value of the derivative financial instruments that the Company uses for risk management purposes are generally offset by the change in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged risk component of the related assets, liabilities or forecasted transactions. Certain of the Company’s derivative instruments contain credit-risk-contingent termination events, cross-default provisions and credit support annex agreements. Credit-risk-contingent termination events allow the counterparties to terminate the derivative agreement or a specific trade on certain dates if AIC’s, ALIC’s or Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York’s (“ALNY”) financial strength credit ratings by Moody’s or S&P fall below a certain level. Credit-risk-contingent cross-default provisions allow the counterparties to terminate the derivative agreement if the Company defaults by pre-determined threshold amounts on certain debt instruments. Credit-risk-contingent credit support annex agreements specify the amount of collateral the Company must post to counterparties based on AIC’s, ALIC’s or ALNY’s financial strength credit ratings by Moody’s or S&P, or in the event AIC, ALIC or ALNY are no longer rated by either Moody’s or S&P. The following summarizes the fair value of derivative instruments with termination, cross-default or collateral credit-risk-contingent features that are in a liability position as of December 31, as well as the fair value of assets and collateral that are netted against the liability in accordance with provisions within legally enforceable MNAs. ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Gross liability fair value of contracts containing credit-risk-contingent features $ 21 $ 16 Gross asset fair value of contracts containing credit-risk-contingent features and subject to MNAs (3 ) (4 ) Collateral posted under MNAs for contracts containing credit-risk-contingent features (13 ) (7 ) Maximum amount of additional exposure for contracts with credit-risk-contingent features if all features were triggered concurrently $ 5 $ 5 Credit derivatives – selling protection Free-standing credit default swaps (“CDS”) are utilized for selling credit protection against a specified credit event. A credit default swap is a derivative instrument, representing an agreement between two parties to exchange the credit risk of a specified entity (or a group of entities), or an index based on the credit risk of a group of entities (all commonly referred to as the “reference entity” or a portfolio of “reference entities”), in return for a periodic premium. In selling protection, CDS are used to replicate fixed income securities and to complement the cash market when credit exposure to certain issuers is not available or when the derivative alternative is less expensive than the cash market alternative. CDS typically have a five -year term. The following table shows the CDS notional amounts by credit rating and fair value of protection sold. ($ in millions) Notional amount AA A BBB BB and lower Total Fair value December 31, 2015 Single name Corporate debt $ 20 $ 10 $ 45 $ — $ 75 $ 1 First-to-default Basket Municipal — — 100 — 100 (8 ) Index Corporate debt 1 20 52 7 80 1 Total $ 21 $ 30 $ 197 $ 7 $ 255 $ (6 ) December 31, 2014 Single name Corporate debt $ 20 $ 15 $ 90 $ — $ 125 $ 1 First-to-default Basket Municipal — 100 — — 100 (9 ) Index Corporate debt — 22 52 6 80 2 Total $ 20 $ 137 $ 142 $ 6 $ 305 $ (6 ) In selling protection with CDS, the Company sells credit protection on an identified single name, a basket of names in a first-to-default (“FTD”) structure or credit derivative index (“CDX”) that is generally investment grade, and in return receives periodic premiums through expiration or termination of the agreement. With single name CDS, this premium or credit spread generally corresponds to the difference between the yield on the reference entity’s public fixed maturity cash instruments and swap rates at the time the agreement is executed. With a FTD basket, because of the additional credit risk inherent in a basket of named reference entities, the premium generally corresponds to a high proportion of the sum of the credit spreads of the names in the basket and the correlation between the names. CDX is utilized to take a position on multiple (generally 125 ) reference entities. Credit events are typically defined as bankruptcy, failure to pay, or restructuring, depending on the nature of the reference entities. If a credit event occurs, the Company settles with the counterparty, either through physical settlement or cash settlement. In a physical settlement, a reference asset is delivered by the buyer of protection to the Company, in exchange for cash payment at par, whereas in a cash settlement, the Company pays the difference between par and the prescribed value of the reference asset. When a credit event occurs in a single name or FTD basket (for FTD, the first credit event occurring for any one name in the basket), the contract terminates at the time of settlement. For CDX, the reference entity’s name incurring the credit event is removed from the index while the contract continues until expiration. The maximum payout on a CDS is the contract notional amount. A physical settlement may afford the Company with recovery rights as the new owner of the asset. The Company monitors risk associated with credit derivatives through individual name credit limits at both a credit derivative and a combined cash instrument/credit derivative level. The ratings of individual names for which protection has been sold are also monitored. Off-balance sheet financial instruments The contractual amounts of off-balance sheet financial instruments as of December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Commitments to invest in limited partnership interests $ 2,551 $ 2,429 Commitments to extend mortgage loans — 49 Private placement commitments 89 98 Municipal bond forward commitments 36 — Other loan commitments 46 46 In the preceding table, the contractual amounts represent the amount at risk if the contract is fully drawn upon, the counterparty defaults and the value of any underlying security becomes worthless. Unless noted otherwise, the Company does not require collateral or other security to support off-balance sheet financial instruments with credit risk. Commitments to invest in limited partnership interests represent agreements to acquire new or additional participation in certain limited partnership investments. The Company enters into these agreements in the normal course of business. Because the investments in limited partnerships are not actively traded, it is not practical to estimate the fair value of these commitments. Commitments to extend mortgage loans are agreements to lend to a borrower provided there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. The Company enters into these agreements to commit to future loan fundings at a predetermined interest rate. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. Private placement commitments represent conditional commitments to purchase private placement debt and equity securities at a specified future date. The Company enters into these agreements in the normal course of business. The fair value of these commitments generally cannot be estimated on the date the commitment is made as the terms and conditions of the underlying private placement securities are not yet final. Municipal bond forward commitments represent purchases of newly issued debt securities with a settlement period in excess of a standard period of generally 30-60 days. The Company enters into these agreements in the normal course of business. The fair value of these commitments, which is valued based on unadjusted quoted prices less contractual amounts, is $1 million as of December 31, 2015 and is reported as a derivative financial instrument. Other loan commitments are agreements to lend to a borrower provided there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. The Company enters into these agreements to commit to future loan fundings at predetermined interest rates. Commitments generally have varying expiration dates or other termination clauses. The fair value of these commitments is insignificant.

Reserve for Property-Liability

Reserve for Property-Liability Insurance Claims and Claims Expense	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Reserve for Property-Liability Insurance Claims and Claims Expense
Reserve for Property-Liability Insurance Claims and Claims Expense	Reserve for Property-Liability Insurance Claims and Claims Expense The Company establishes reserves for claims and claims expense on reported and unreported claims of insured losses. The Company’s reserving process takes into account known facts and interpretations of circumstances and factors including the Company’s experience with similar cases, actual claims paid, historical trends involving claim payment patterns and pending levels of unpaid claims, loss management programs, product mix and contractual terms, changes in law and regulation, judicial decisions, and economic conditions. In the normal course of business, the Company may also supplement its claims processes by utilizing third party adjusters, appraisers, engineers, inspectors, and other professionals and information sources to assess and settle catastrophe and non-catastrophe related claims. The effects of inflation are implicitly considered in the reserving process. Because reserves are estimates of unpaid portions of losses that have occurred, including incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) losses, the establishment of appropriate reserves, including reserves for catastrophes, is an inherently uncertain and complex process. The ultimate cost of losses may vary materially from recorded amounts, which are based on management’s best estimates. The highest degree of uncertainty is associated with reserves for losses incurred in the current reporting period as it contains the greatest proportion of losses that have not been reported or settled. The Company regularly updates its reserve estimates as new information becomes available and as events unfold that may affect the resolution of unsettled claims. Changes in prior year reserve estimates, which may be material, are reported in property-liability insurance claims and claims expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period such changes are determined. Activity in the reserve for property-liability insurance claims and claims expense is summarized as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Balance as of January 1 $ 22,923 $ 21,857 $ 21,288 Less reinsurance recoverables 5,694 4,664 4,010 Net balance as of January 1 17,229 17,193 17,278 Incurred claims and claims expense related to: Current year 20,953 19,512 18,032 Prior years 81 (84 ) (121 ) Total incurred 21,034 19,428 17,911 Claims and claims expense paid related to: Current year 13,660 12,924 11,658 Prior years 6,626 6,468 6,338 Total paid 20,286 19,392 17,996 Net balance as of December 31 17,977 17,229 17,193 Plus reinsurance recoverables 5,892 5,694 4,664 Balance as of December 31 $ 23,869 $ 22,923 $ 21,857 Incurred claims and claims expense represents the sum of paid losses and reserve changes in the calendar year. This expense includes losses from catastrophes of $1.72 billion , $1.99 billion and $1.25 billion in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, net of reinsurance and other recoveries (see Note 10). Catastrophes are an inherent risk of the property-liability insurance business that have contributed to, and will continue to contribute to, material year-to-year fluctuations in the Company’s results of operations and financial position. The Company calculates and records a single best reserve estimate for losses from catastrophes, in conformance with generally accepted actuarial standards. As a result, management believes that no other estimate is better than the recorded amount. Due to the uncertainties involved, including the factors described above, the ultimate cost of losses may vary materially from recorded amounts, which are based on management’s best estimates. Accordingly, management believes that it is not practical to develop a meaningful range for any such changes in losses incurred. During 2015 , incurred claims and claims expense related to prior years was primarily composed of net increases in auto reserves of $30 million primarily due to claim severity development for bodily injury coverage that was more than expected and litigation settlements, net decreases in homeowners reserves of $24 million due to favorable non-catastrophe reserve reestimates, net increases in other reserves of $22 million , and net increases in Discontinued Lines and Coverages reserves of $53 million . Incurred claims and claims expense includes favorable catastrophe loss reestimates of $15 million , net of reinsurance and other recoveries. During 2014 , incurred claims and claims expense related to prior years was primarily composed of net decreases in auto reserves of $238 million primarily due to claim severity development that was better than expected, net increases in homeowners reserves of $29 million due to unfavorable non-catastrophe reserve reestimates, net increases in other reserves of $13 million , and net increases in Discontinued Lines and Coverages reserves of $112 million . Incurred claims and claims expense includes unfavorable catastrophe loss reestimates of $43 million , net of reinsurance and other recoveries. During 2013 , incurred claims and claims expense related to prior years was primarily composed of net decreases in auto reserves of $237 million primarily due to claim severity development that was better than expected, net decreases in homeowners reserves of $5 million due to favorable non-catastrophe reserve reestimates, net decreases in other reserves of $21 million , and net increases in Discontinued Lines and Coverages reserves of $142 million . Incurred claims and claims expense includes favorable catastrophe loss reestimates of $88 million , net of reinsurance and other recoveries. Management believes that the reserve for property-liability insurance claims and claims expense, net of reinsurance recoverables, is appropriately established in the aggregate and adequate to cover the ultimate net cost of reported and unreported claims arising from losses which had occurred by the date of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position based on available facts, technology, laws and regulations. For further discussion of asbestos and environmental reserves, see Note 14.

Reserve for Life-Contingent Con

Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds
Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds	Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds As of December 31, the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits consists of the following: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Immediate fixed annuities: Structured settlement annuities $ 6,673 $ 6,682 Other immediate fixed annuities 2,041 2,250 Traditional life insurance 2,584 2,521 Accident and health insurance 844 830 Other 105 97 Total reserve for life-contingent contract benefits $ 12,247 $ 12,380 The following table highlights the key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits: Product Mortality Interest rate Estimation method Structured settlement annuities U.S. population with projected calendar year improvements; mortality rates adjusted for each impaired life based on reduction in life expectancy Interest rate assumptions range from 2.7% to 9.0% Present value of contractually specified future benefits Other immediate fixed annuities 1983 group annuity mortality table with internal modifications; 1983 individual annuity mortality table; Annuity 2000 mortality table with internal modifications; Annuity 2000 mortality table; 1983 individual annuity mortality table with internal modifications Interest rate assumptions range from 0% to 11.5% Present value of expected future benefits based on historical experience Traditional life insurance Actual company experience plus loading Interest rate assumptions range from 2.5% to 11.3% Net level premium reserve method using the Company’s withdrawal experience rates; includes reserves for unpaid claims Accident and health insurance Actual company experience plus loading Interest rate assumptions range from 3.0% to 7.0% Unearned premium; additional contract reserves for mortality risk and unpaid claims Other: Variable annuity guaranteed minimum death benefits (1) Annuity 2012 mortality table with internal modifications Interest rate assumptions range from 2.1% to 5.8% Projected benefit ratio applied to cumulative assessments ______________________________ (1) In 2006, the Company disposed of substantially all of its variable annuity business through reinsurance agreements with The Prudential Insurance Company of America, a subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. (collectively “Prudential”). To the extent that unrealized gains on fixed income securities would result in a premium deficiency had those gains actually been realized, a premium deficiency reserve is recorded for certain immediate annuities with life contingencies. A liability of $28 million is included in the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits with respect to this deficiency as of December 31, 2014 . The offset to this liability is recorded as a reduction of the unrealized net capital gains included in accumulated other comprehensive income. The liability is zero as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, contractholder funds consist of the following: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Interest-sensitive life insurance $ 7,975 $ 7,880 Investment contracts: Fixed annuities 12,974 14,310 Funding agreements backing medium-term notes 85 85 Other investment contracts 261 254 Total contractholder funds $ 21,295 $ 22,529 The following table highlights the key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds: Product Interest rate Withdrawal/surrender charges Interest-sensitive life insurance Interest rates credited range from 0% to 10.5% for equity-indexed life (whose returns are indexed to the S&P 500) and 1.0% to 6.0% for all other products Either a percentage of account balance or dollar amount grading off generally over 20 years Fixed annuities Interest rates credited range from 0% to 9.8% for immediate annuities; (8.0)% to 13.5% for equity-indexed annuities (whose returns are indexed to the S&P 500); and 0.1% to 6.0% for all other products Either a declining or a level percentage charge generally over ten years or less. Additionally, approximately 19.2% of fixed annuities are subject to market value adjustment for discretionary withdrawals Funding agreements backing medium-term notes Interest rate credited is a floating rate, currently 0% Not applicable Other investment contracts: Guaranteed minimum income, accumulation and withdrawal benefits on variable (1) and fixed annuities and secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life insurance and fixed annuities Interest rates used in establishing reserves range from 1.7% to 10.3% Withdrawal and surrender charges are based on the terms of the related interest-sensitive life insurance or fixed annuity contract ______________________________ (1) In 2006, the Company disposed of substantially all of its variable annuity business through reinsurance agreements with Prudential. Contractholder funds include funding agreements held by a VIE, Allstate Life Global Funding, that issued medium-term notes. The VIE’s primary assets are funding agreements used exclusively to back medium-term note programs. Contractholder funds activity for the years ended December 31 is as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of year $ 22,529 $ 24,304 $ 39,319 Classified as held for sale, beginning balance — 10,945 — Total, including those classified as held for sale 22,529 35,249 39,319 Deposits 1,203 1,333 2,440 Interest credited 760 919 1,295 Benefits (1,077 ) (1,197 ) (1,535 ) Surrenders and partial withdrawals (1,278 ) (2,273 ) (3,299 ) Maturities of and interest payments on institutional products (1 ) (2 ) (1,799 ) Contract charges (818 ) (881 ) (1,112 ) Net transfers from separate accounts 7 7 12 Other adjustments (30 ) 36 (72 ) Sold in LBL disposition — (10,662 ) — Classified as held for sale, ending balance — — (10,945 ) Balance, end of year $ 21,295 $ 22,529 $ 24,304 The Company offered various guarantees to variable annuity contractholders. Liabilities for variable contract guarantees related to death benefits are included in the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits and the liabilities related to the income, withdrawal and accumulation benefits are included in contractholder funds. All liabilities for variable contract guarantees are reported on a gross basis on the balance sheet with a corresponding reinsurance recoverable asset for those contracts subject to reinsurance. In 2006, the Company disposed of substantially all of its variable annuity business through reinsurance agreements with Prudential. Absent any contract provision wherein the Company guarantees either a minimum return or account value upon death, a specified contract anniversary date, partial withdrawal or annuitization, variable annuity and variable life insurance contractholders bear the investment risk that the separate accounts’ funds may not meet their stated investment objectives. The account balances of variable annuities contracts’ separate accounts with guarantees included $3.22 billion and $3.82 billion of equity, fixed income and balanced mutual funds and $341 million and $467 million of money market mutual funds as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The table below presents information regarding the Company’s variable annuity contracts with guarantees. The Company’s variable annuity contracts may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract; therefore, the sum of amounts listed exceeds the total account balances of variable annuity contracts’ separate accounts with guarantees. ($ in millions) December 31, 2015 2014 In the event of death Separate account value $ 3,560 $ 4,288 Net amount at risk (1) $ 675 $ 581 Average attained age of contractholders 69 years 69 years At annuitization (includes income benefit guarantees) Separate account value $ 967 $ 1,142 Net amount at risk (2) $ 281 $ 238 Weighted average waiting period until annuitization options available None None For cumulative periodic withdrawals Separate account value $ 294 $ 382 Net amount at risk (3) $ 10 $ 8 Accumulation at specified dates Separate account value $ 371 $ 480 Net amount at risk (4) $ 31 $ 24 Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date 4 years 4 years ______________________________ (1) Defined as the estimated current guaranteed minimum death benefit in excess of the current account balance as of the balance sheet date. (2) Defined as the estimated present value of the guaranteed minimum annuity payments in excess of the current account balance. (3) Defined as the estimated current guaranteed minimum withdrawal balance (initial deposit) in excess of the current account balance as of the balance sheet date. (4) Defined as the estimated present value of the guaranteed minimum accumulation balance in excess of the current account balance. The liability for death and income benefit guarantees is equal to a benefit ratio multiplied by the cumulative contract charges earned, plus accrued interest less contract excess guarantee benefit payments. The benefit ratio is calculated as the estimated present value of all expected contract excess guarantee benefits divided by the present value of all expected contract charges. The establishment of reserves for these guarantees requires the projection of future fund values, mortality, persistency and customer benefit utilization rates. These assumptions are periodically reviewed and updated. For guarantees related to death benefits, benefits represent the projected excess guaranteed minimum death benefit payments. For guarantees related to income benefits, benefits represent the present value of the minimum guaranteed annuitization benefits in excess of the projected account balance at the time of annuitization. Projected benefits and contract charges used in determining the liability for certain guarantees are developed using models and stochastic scenarios that are also used in the development of estimated expected gross profits. Underlying assumptions for the liability related to income benefits include assumed future annuitization elections based on factors such as the extent of benefit to the potential annuitant, eligibility conditions and the annuitant’s attained age. The liability for guarantees is re-evaluated periodically, and adjustments are made to the liability balance through a charge or credit to life and annuity contract benefits. Guarantees related to the majority of withdrawal and accumulation benefits are considered to be derivative financial instruments; therefore, the liability for these benefits is established based on its fair value. The following table summarizes the liabilities for guarantees. ($ in millions) Liability for guarantees related to death benefits and interest-sensitive life products Liability for guarantees related to income benefits Liability for guarantees related to accumulation and withdrawal benefits Total Balance, December 31, 2014 (1) $ 195 $ 95 $ 60 $ 350 Less reinsurance recoverables 98 91 45 234 Net balance as of December 31, 2014 97 4 15 116 Incurred guarantee benefits 20 — 8 28 Paid guarantee benefits — — — — Net change 20 — 8 28 Net balance as of December 31, 2015 117 4 23 144 Plus reinsurance recoverables 106 64 52 222 Balance, December 31, 2015 (2) $ 223 $ 68 $ 75 $ 366 Balance, December 31, 2013 (3) $ 377 $ 113 $ 65 $ 555 Less reinsurance recoverables 100 99 56 255 Net balance as of December 31, 2013 277 14 9 300 Incurred guarantee benefits 34 — 9 43 Paid guarantee benefits — — — — Sold in LBL disposition (214 ) (10 ) (3 ) (227 ) Net change (180 ) (10 ) 6 (184 ) Net balance as of December 31, 2014 97 4 15 116 Plus reinsurance recoverables 98 91 45 234 Balance, December 31, 2014 (1) $ 195 $ 95 $ 60 $ 350 ______________________________ (1) Included in the total liability balance as of December 31, 2014 are reserves for variable annuity death benefits of $96 million , variable annuity income benefits of $92 million , variable annuity accumulation benefits of $32 million , variable annuity withdrawal benefits of $13 million and other guarantees of $117 million . (2) Included in the total liability balance as of December 31, 2015 are reserves for variable annuity death benefits of $105 million , variable annuity income benefits of $65 million , variable annuity accumulation benefits of $38 million , variable annuity withdrawal benefits of $14 million and other guarantees of $144 million . (3) Included in the total liability balance as of December 31, 2013 are reserves for variable annuity death benefits of $98 million , variable annuity income benefits of $99 million , variable annuity accumulation benefits of $43 million , variable annuity withdrawal benefits of $13 million and other guarantees of $302 million .

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Reinsurance	Reinsurance The effects of reinsurance on property-liability insurance premiums written and earned and life and annuity premiums and contract charges for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Property-liability insurance premiums written Direct $ 31,924 $ 30,686 $ 29,241 Assumed 39 48 52 Ceded (1,092 ) (1,120 ) (1,129 ) Property-liability insurance premiums written, net of reinsurance $ 30,871 $ 29,614 $ 28,164 Property-liability insurance premiums earned Direct $ 31,274 $ 29,914 $ 28,638 Assumed 41 45 49 Ceded (1,006 ) (1,030 ) (1,069 ) Property-liability insurance premiums earned, net of reinsurance $ 30,309 $ 28,929 $ 27,618 Life and annuity premiums and contract charges Direct $ 1,641 $ 1,944 $ 2,909 Assumed 849 629 82 Ceded (332 ) (416 ) (639 ) Life and annuity premiums and contract charges, net of reinsurance $ 2,158 $ 2,157 $ 2,352 Property-Liability The Company purchases reinsurance after evaluating the financial condition of the reinsurer, as well as the terms and price of coverage. Developments in the insurance and reinsurance industries have fostered a movement to segregate asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines exposures into separate legal entities with dedicated capital. Regulatory bodies in certain cases have supported these actions. The Company is unable to determine the impact, if any, that these developments will have on the collectability of reinsurance recoverables in the future. Property-Liability reinsurance recoverable Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $5.98 billion and $5.78 billion , respectively, including $86 million and $89 million , respectively, related to property-liability losses paid by the Company and billed to reinsurers, and $5.89 billion and $5.69 billion , respectively, estimated by the Company with respect to ceded unpaid losses (including IBNR), which are not billable until the losses are paid. With the exception of the recoverable balances from the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (“MCCA”), Lloyd’s of London, New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association (“PLIGA”) and other industry pools and facilities, the largest reinsurance recoverable balance the Company had outstanding was $62 million and $65 million from Westport Insurance Corporation as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. No other amount due or estimated to be due from any single property-liability reinsurer was in excess of $32 million and $34 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance was $80 million and $95 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and is primarily related to the Company’s Discontinued Lines and Coverages segment. Industry pools and facilities Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid claims including IBNR as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 includes $4.66 billion and $4.42 billion , respectively, from the MCCA. The MCCA is a mandatory insurance coverage and reinsurance indemnification mechanism for personal injury protection losses that provides indemnification for losses over a retention level that increases every other MCCA fiscal year. The retention level is $545 thousand per claim for the fiscal two -years ending June 30, 2017 compared to $530 thousand per claim for the fiscal two-years ending June 30, 2015 . The MCCA is obligated to fund the ultimate liability for participating member companies qualifying claims and claims expenses. The MCCA operates similar to a reinsurance program and is funded by participating member companies through a per vehicle annual assessment. The MCCA has been legally authorized to assess participating member companies pursuant to enabling legislation that provides for annual determination and assessment. This assessment is included in the premiums charged to the Company’s customers and when collected, the Company remits the assessment to the MCCA. These assessments provide funds for the indemnification for losses described above. The MCCA is required to assess an amount each year sufficient to cover lifetime claims of all persons catastrophically injured in that year, its operating expenses, and adjustments for the amount of excesses or deficiencies in prior assessments. The MCCA prepares statutory-basis financial statements in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the State of Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (“MI DOI”). The MI DOI has granted the MCCA a statutory permitted practice that expires in June of 2016 to discount its liabilities for loss and loss adjustment expense. As of June 30, 2015 , the date of its most recent annual financial report, the permitted practice reduced the MCCA’s accumulated deficit by $50.64 billion to $691 million . Allstate sells and administers policies as a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”). The amounts recoverable as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $27 million and $7 million , respectively. Ceded premiums earned include $293 million , $312 million and $316 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Ceded losses incurred include $120 million , $38 million and $289 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Under the arrangement, the Federal Government pays all covered claims and certain qualifying claim expenses. The PLIGA, as the statutory administrator of the Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund (“UCJF”), provides compensation to qualified claimants for personal injury protection, bodily injury, or death caused by private passenger automobiles operated by uninsured or “hit and run” drivers. The UCJF also provides private passenger stranger pedestrian personal injury protection benefits when no other coverage is available. The fund provides reimbursement to insurers for the medical benefits portion of personal injury protection coverage paid in excess of $75,000 with no limits for policies issued or renewed prior to January 1, 1991 and in excess of $75,000 and capped at $250,000 for policies issued or renewed from January 1, 1991 to December 31, 2004. The amounts recoverable as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $500 million and $508 million , respectively. Ceded premiums earned under the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”) agreement were $13 million , $11 million and $16 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. There were no ceded losses incurred in 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . The Company has access to reimbursement provided by the FHCF for 90% of qualifying personal property losses that exceed its current retention of $63 million for the 2 largest hurricanes and $21 million for other hurricanes, up to a maximum total of $199 million effective from June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016. There were no amounts recoverable from the FHCF as of December 31, 2015 or 2014 . Catastrophe reinsurance The Company has the following catastrophe reinsurance agreements in effect as of December 31, 2015 : The Nationwide Per Occurrence Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance program (the “Nationwide program”) provides $4.42 billion of reinsurance coverage subject to a $500 million retention and subject to the amount of reinsurance placed in each of its ten layers. The Nationwide program comprises four agreements: The Per Occurrence Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement, the 2013-1 Property Claim Services (“PCS”) Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement, the 2014-1 PCS Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement, and the Buffer Layer Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement. • The Per Occurrence Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement reinsures personal lines property and automobile excess catastrophe losses caused by multiple perils in all states except Florida and New Jersey and comprises layers one through six and a portion of layer nine of the program. Coverage for each of the first through fifth layers comprises three contracts, with each contract providing one-third of 95% of the total layer limit and expiring May 31, 2016, May 31, 2017 and May 31, 2018. The sixth layer is 95% placed and comprises one contract expiring May 31, 2022. The contracts for layers one through six cover $3.07 billion in per occurrence losses subject to a $500 million retention. Coverage for a portion of layer nine is through one contract expiring May 31, 2022 that provides 29% of $446 million or $131 million in limits excess of a $3.62 billion attachment level. All contracts include one reinstatement of limits with premium required. • The 2013-1 PCS Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement reinsures personal lines property and automobile excess catastrophe losses caused by hurricanes in 28 states and the District of Columbia, and earthquakes, including fires following earthquakes, in California, New York and Washington and comprises portions of layers seven and nine of the program. The agreement comprises two contracts that expire May 3, 2017: a Class B Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance contract provides 34% of $440 million or $150 million in limits excess of a $3.07 billion attachment level of the seventh layer, and a Class A Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance contract provides 45% of $446 million or $200 million in limits excess of a $3.62 billion attachment level of the ninth layer. The contracts do not include a reinstatement of limits. • The 2014-1 PCS Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement reinsures personal lines property and automobile excess catastrophe losses caused by hurricanes in 29 states and the District of Columbia, and earthquakes, including fires following earthquakes, in California, New York and Washington and comprises portions of layers seven and nine and layer ten of the program. The agreement comprises three contracts: a Class D Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance contract provides 61% of $500 million or $305 million in limits excess of a $3.07 billion attachment level of the seventh layer, a Class C Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance contract provides 26% of $446 million or $115 million in limits excess of a $3.62 billion attachment level of the ninth layer, and a Class B Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance contract provides 95% of $347 million or $330 million in limits excess of a $4.07 billion attachment level of the tenth layer. The Class D contract expires May 22, 2019 and the Class C and Class B contracts expire May 22, 2018. The contracts do not include a reinstatement of limits. • The Buffer Layer Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement reinsures personal lines property and automobile excess catastrophe losses caused by multiple perils in all states except Florida and New Jersey and comprises a portion of layer seven and layer eight of the program. The agreement comprises two contracts that expire May 31, 2017: one contract provides 34% of $60 million or $20 million in limits excess of a $3.51 billion retention and one contract provides 95% of $50 million excess of a $3.57 billion retention. The contracts do not include a restatement of limits. Losses recoverable under the Company’s New Jersey, Kentucky, California and Pennsylvania reinsurance agreements, described below, are disregarded when determining coverage under the contracts included in the Nationwide program. • The New Jersey Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement comprises three contracts. The contracts expire May 31, 2016, May 31, 2017 and May 31, 2018, and provide 32% , 32% and 32% , respectively, of $400 million of limits excess of a provisional $165 million retention, a $157 million retention, and a $150 million retention, respectively. The contracts reinsure personal lines property and automobile excess catastrophe losses in New Jersey. All contracts contain one reinstatement of limits each year. The reinsurance premium and retention applicable to the agreement are subject to redetermination for exposure changes annually. • The Kentucky Earthquake Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement provides coverage for Allstate Protection personal lines property excess catastrophe losses in the state for earthquakes and fires following earthquakes effective June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2017. The agreement provides three limits of $25 million excess of a $5 million retention subject to two limits being available in any one contract year and is 95% placed. • The E&S Earthquake agreement comprises one three year term contract which reinsures personal lines property catastrophe losses in California caused by the peril of earthquake and insured by our excess and surplus lines insurer. The contract expires June 30, 2018. Unlike the contracts comprising the Nationwide Program, the E&S Earthquake agreement provides reinsurance on a 100% quota share basis with no retention. The contract allows for cession of policies providing earthquake coverage so long as the total amount of in-force building limits provided by those policies does not exceed $400 million . This cap limits the policies that are covered by the reinsurance and not the amount of loss eligible for cession which includes losses to dwellings, other structures, personal property, and additional living expenses on policies covered by this program. The agreement reinsures only shake damage resulting from earthquake peril. • The Pennsylvania Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement comprises a three -year term contract that provides coverage for Allstate Protection personal lines property excess catastrophe losses in the state for multi-perils effective June 1, 2015 through May 31, 2018. The agreement provides three limits of $100 million excess of a $100 million retention subject to two limits being available in any one contract year and is 95% placed. The reinsurance premium and retention are not subject to redetermination for exposure changes. • The Florida Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement comprises six contracts and includes our subsidiaries Castle Key Insurance Company (“CKIC”) and Castle Key Indemnity Company’s (“CKI”, and together with CKIC, “Castle Key”) participation in the mandatory Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”). The agreement reinsures Castle Key for personal lines property excess catastrophe losses in Florida. All contracts constituting the agreement, except one, the Sanders Re 2014-2 Class A contract, provide a one year term effective June 1, 2015 through May 31, 2016 with reinsurance premium subject to redetermination for exposure changes. The Sanders Re 2014-2 contract is a three -year term contract with a risk period effective June 1, 2014 through May 31, 2017. With the exception of the mandatory FHCF contracts and the Sanders Re 2014-2 contract, all contracts provide reinsurance for qualifying losses to personal lines property arising out of multiple perils in addition to hurricanes. The mandatory FHCF contracts reinsure qualifying personal lines property losses caused by storms the National Hurricane Center declares to be hurricanes, and the Sanders Re 2014-2 contract reinsures qualifying losses to personal lines property caused by a named storm event, a severe thunderstorm event, or an earthquake event. These events are defined in the Sanders Re 2014-2 contract as events declared by various reporting agencies, including PCS, and in the case of a severe thunderstorm event, should PCS cease to report on severe thunderstorms, then such event will be deemed a severe thunderstorm if Castle Key has assigned a catastrophe code to such severe thunderstorm. The mandatory FHCF contracts include an estimated maximum provisional limit of 90% of $181 million or $163 million , in excess of a provisional retention of $66 million , and also include reimbursement of up to 5% eligible loss adjustment expenses. The limit and retention of the mandatory FHCF contracts were subject to re-measurement based on June 30, 2015 exposure data. In addition, the FHCF’s retention is subject to adjustment upward or downward to an actual retention based on submitted exposures to the FHCF by all participants. For each of the two largest hurricanes, the provisional retention is $66 million and a retention equal to one-third of that amount, or approximately $22 million , is applicable to all other hurricanes for the season beginning June 1, 2015. All contracts comprising the Florida Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement, including the mandatory FHCF contracts, provide an estimated provisional limit of $707 million excess of a provisional $15 million retention. The Company ceded premiums earned of $414 million , $437 million and $471 million under catastrophe reinsurance agreements in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Asbestos, environmental and other Reinsurance recoverables include $183 million and $202 million from Lloyd’s of London as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Lloyd’s of London, through the creation of Equitas Limited, implemented a restructuring to solidify its capital base and to segregate claims for years prior to 1993. In 2007, Berkshire Hathaway’s subsidiary, National Indemnity Company, assumed responsibility for the Equitas claim liabilities through a loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreement and continues to runoff the Equitas claims. Allstate Financial The Company’s Allstate Financial segment reinsures certain of its risks to other insurers primarily under yearly renewable term, coinsurance, modified coinsurance and coinsurance with funds withheld agreements. These agreements result in a passing of the agreed-upon percentage of risk to the reinsurer in exchange for negotiated reinsurance premium payments. Modified coinsurance and coinsurance with funds withheld are similar to coinsurance, except that the cash and investments that support the liability for contract benefits are not transferred to the assuming company and settlements are made on a net basis between the companies. For certain term life insurance policies issued prior to October 2009, Allstate Financial ceded up to 90% of the mortality risk depending on the year of policy issuance under coinsurance agreements to a pool of fourteen unaffiliated reinsurers. Effective October 2009, mortality risk on term business is ceded under yearly renewable term agreements under which Allstate Financial cedes mortality in excess of its retention, which is consistent with how Allstate Financial generally reinsures its permanent life insurance business. The following table summarizes those retention limits by period of policy issuance. Period Retention limits April 2015 through current Single life: $2 million per life Joint life: no longer offered April 2011 through March 2015 Single life: $5 million per life, $3 million age 70 and over, and $10 million for contracts that meet specific criteria Joint life: $8 million per life, and $10 million for contracts that meet specific criteria July 2007 through March 2011 $5 million per life, $3 million age 70 and over, and $10 million for contracts that meet specific criteria September 1998 through June 2007 $2 million per life, in 2006 the limit was increased to $5 million for instances when specific criteria were met August 1998 and prior Up to $1 million per life In addition, Allstate Financial has used reinsurance to effect the disposition of certain blocks of business. Allstate Financial had reinsurance recoverables of $1.44 billion and $1.46 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, due from Prudential related to the disposal of substantially all of its variable annuity business that was effected through reinsurance agreements. In 2015 , life and annuity premiums and contract charges of $94 million , contract benefits of $40 million , interest credited to contractholder funds of $21 million , and operating costs and expenses of $18 million were ceded to Prudential. In 2014 , life and annuity premiums and contract charges of $109 million , contract benefits of $36 million , interest credited to contractholder funds of $21 million , and operating costs and expenses of $20 million were ceded to Prudential. In 2013 , life and annuity premiums and contract charges of $120 million , contract benefits of $139 million , interest credited to contractholder funds of $22 million , and operating costs and expenses of $23 million were ceded to Prudential. In addition, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , Allstate Financial had reinsurance recoverables of $148 million and $118 million , respectively, due from subsidiaries of Citigroup (Triton Insurance and American Health and Life Insurance) and Scottish Re (U.S.) Inc. in connection with the disposition of substantially all of the direct response distribution business in 2003. Allstate Financial is the assuming reinsurer for LBL’s life insurance business sold through the Allstate agency channel and LBL’s payout annuity business in force prior to the sale of LBL on April 1, 2014. Under the terms of the reinsurance agreement, the Company is required to have a trust with assets greater than or equal to the statutory reserves ceded by LBL to the Company, measured on a monthly basis. As of December 31, 2015 , the trust held $5.32 billion of investments, which are reported in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. As of December 31, 2015 , the gross life insurance in force was $437.13 billion of which $93.33 billion was ceded to the unaffiliated reinsurers. Allstate Financial’s reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid benefits as of December 31 are summarized in the following table. ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Annuities $ 1,457 $ 1,594 Life insurance 897 916 Other 185 197 Total Allstate Financial $ 2,539 $ 2,707 As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , approximately 92% and 94% , respectively, of Allstate Financial’s reinsurance recoverables are due from companies rated A- or better by S&P.

Deferred Policy Acquisition and

Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs
Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs	Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs Deferred policy acquisition costs for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 Allstate Financial Property-Liability Total Balance, beginning of year $ 1,705 $ 1,820 $ 3,525 Acquisition costs deferred 285 4,311 4,596 Amortization charged to income (262 ) (4,102 ) (4,364 ) Effect of unrealized gains and losses 104 — 104 Balance, end of year $ 1,832 $ 2,029 $ 3,861 2014 Allstate Financial Property-Liability Total Balance, beginning of year $ 1,747 $ 1,625 $ 3,372 Classified as held for sale, beginning balance 743 — 743 Total, including those classified as held for sale 2,490 1,625 4,115 Acquisition costs deferred 280 4,070 4,350 Amortization charged to income (260 ) (3,875 ) (4,135 ) Effect of unrealized gains and losses (98 ) — (98 ) Sold in LBL disposition (707 ) — (707 ) Balance, end of year $ 1,705 $ 1,820 $ 3,525 2013 Allstate Financial Property-Liability Total Balance, beginning of year $ 2,225 $ 1,396 $ 3,621 Acquisition costs deferred 364 3,903 4,267 Amortization charged to income (328 ) (3,674 ) (4,002 ) Effect of unrealized gains and losses 229 — 229 Classified as held for sale (743 ) — (743 ) Balance, end of year $ 1,747 $ 1,625 $ 3,372 DSI activity for Allstate Financial, which primarily relates to fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts, for the years ended December 31 was as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of year $ 44 $ 42 $ 41 Classified as held for sale, beginning balance — 28 — Total, including those classified as held for sale 44 70 41 Sales inducements deferred 3 4 24 Amortization charged to income (4 ) (4 ) (7 ) Effect of unrealized gains and losses 2 (3 ) 12 Sold in LBL disposition — (23 ) — Classified as held for sale, ending balance — — (28 ) Balance, end of year $ 45 $ 44 $ 42

Capital Structure

Capital Structure	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Capital Structure
Capital Structure	Capital Structure Debt Total debt outstanding as of December 31 consisted of the following: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 6.75% Senior Debentures, due 2018 $ 176 $ 176 7.45% Senior Notes, due 2019 (1) 317 317 3.15% Senior Notes, due 2023 (1) 500 500 6.125% Senior Notes, due 2032 (1) 159 159 5.35% Senior Notes due 2033 (1) 323 323 5.55% Senior Notes due 2035 (1) 546 546 5.95% Senior Notes, due 2036 (1) 386 386 6.90% Senior Debentures, due 2038 165 165 5.20% Senior Notes, due 2042 (1) 62 62 4.50% Senior Notes, due 2043 (1) 500 500 5.10% Subordinated Debentures, due 2053 500 500 5.75% Subordinated Debentures, due 2053 800 800 6.125% Junior Subordinated Debentures, due 2067 241 252 6.50% Junior Subordinated Debentures, due 2067 500 500 Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, due 2018 — 8 Long-term debt total principal 5,175 5,194 Debt issuance costs (51 ) (54 ) Total long-term debt 5,124 5,140 Short-term debt (2) — — Total debt $ 5,124 $ 5,140 ______________________________ (1) Senior Notes are subject to redemption at the Company’s option in whole or in part at any time at the greater of either 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date or the discounted sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest and accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. (2) The Company classifies any borrowings which have a maturity of twelve months or less at inception as short-term debt. Debt maturities for each of the next five years and thereafter as of December 31, 2015 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2016 $ — 2017 — 2018 176 2019 317 2020 — Thereafter 4,682 Total long-term debt principal $ 5,175 During 2015 and 2014 , the Company repurchased principal debt amounts of $11 million and $10 million , respectively. The Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of $1 million , pre-tax, in 2014, representing the excess of the repurchase price over the principal repaid, the write-off of the unamortized debt issuance costs and other costs related to the repurchase transactions. The Subordinated Debentures may be redeemed (i) in whole at any time or in part from time to time on or after January 15, 2023 for the 5.10% Subordinated Debentures and August 15, 2023 for the 5.75% Subordinated Debentures at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption; provided that if the Subordinated Debentures are not redeemed in whole, at least $25 million aggregate principal amount must remain outstanding, or (ii) in whole, but not in part, prior to January 15, 2023 for the 5.10% Subordinated Debentures and August 15, 2023 for the 5.75% Subordinated Debentures, within 90 days after the occurrence of certain tax and rating agency events, at their principal amount or, if greater, a make-whole redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption. The 5.75% Subordinated Debentures have this make-whole redemption price provision only when a reduction of equity credit assigned by a rating agency has occurred. Interest on the 5.10% Subordinated Debentures is payable quarterly at the stated fixed annual rate to January 14, 2023, or any earlier redemption date, and then at an annual rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 3.165% . Interest on the 5.75% Subordinated Debentures is payable semi-annually at the stated fixed annual rate to August 14, 2023, or any earlier redemption date, and then quarterly at an annual rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 2.938% . The Company may elect to defer payment of interest on the Subordinated Debentures for one or more consecutive interest periods that do not exceed five years . During a deferral period, interest will continue to accrue on the Subordinated Debentures at the then-applicable rate and deferred interest will compound on each interest payment date. If all deferred interest on the Subordinated Debentures is paid, the Company can again defer interest payments. The Company has outstanding $500 million of Series A 6.50% and $241 million of Series B 6.125% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures (together the “Debentures”). The scheduled maturity dates for the Debentures are May 15, 2057 and May 15, 2037 for Series A and Series B, respectively, with a final maturity date of May 15, 2067. The Debentures may be redeemed (i) in whole or in part, at any time on or after May 15, 2037 or May 15, 2017 for Series A and Series B, respectively, at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption, or (ii) in certain circumstances, in whole or in part, prior to May 15, 2037 and May 15, 2017 for Series A and Series B, respectively, at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption or, if greater, a make-whole price. Interest on the Debentures is payable semi-annually at the stated fixed annual rate to May 15, 2037 and May 15, 2017 for Series A and Series B, respectively, and then payable quarterly at an annual rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 2.12% and 1.935% for Series A and Series B, respectively. The Company may elect at one or more times to defer payment of interest on the Debentures for one or more consecutive interest periods that do not exceed 10 years. Interest compounds during such deferral periods at the rate in effect for each period. The interest deferral feature obligates the Company in certain circumstances to issue common stock or certain other types of securities if it cannot otherwise raise sufficient funds to make the required interest payments. The Company has reserved 75 million shares of its authorized and unissued common stock to satisfy this obligation. The terms of the Company’s outstanding subordinated debentures prohibit the Company from declaring or paying any dividends or distributions on common or preferred stock or redeeming, purchasing, acquiring, or making liquidation payments on common stock or preferred stock if the Company has elected to defer interest payments on the subordinated debentures, subject to certain limited exceptions. In connection with the issuance of the Debentures, the Company entered into replacement capital covenants (“RCCs”). These covenants were not intended for the benefit of the holders of the Debentures and could not be enforced by them. Rather, they were for the benefit of holders of one or more other designated series of the Company’s indebtedness (“covered debt”), currently the 6.75% Senior Debentures due 2018. Pursuant to the RCCs, the Company has agreed that it will not repay, redeem, or purchase the Debentures on or before May 15, 2067 and May 15, 2047 for Series A and Series B, respectively, (or such earlier date on which the RCCs terminate by their terms) unless, subject to certain limitations, the Company has received net cash proceeds in specified amounts from the sale of common stock or certain other qualifying securities. The promises and covenants contained in the RCC will not apply if (i) S&P upgrades the Company’s issuer credit rating to A or above, (ii) the Company redeems the Debentures due to a tax event, (iii) after notice of redemption has been given by the Company and a market disruption event occurs preventing the Company from raising proceeds in accordance with the RCCs, or (iv) if the Company repurchases or redeems up to 10% of the outstanding principal of the Debentures in any one -year period, provided that no more than 25% will be so repurchased, redeemed or purchased in any ten -year period. The RCCs terminate in 2067 and 2047 for Series A and Series B, respectively. The RCCs will terminate prior to their scheduled termination date if (i) the applicable series of Debentures is no longer outstanding and the Company has fulfilled its obligations under the RCCs or they are no longer applicable, (ii) the holders of a majority of the then-outstanding principal amount of the then-effective series of covered debt consent to agree to the termination of the RCCs, (iii) the Company does not have any series of outstanding debt that is eligible to be treated as covered debt under the RCCs, (iv) the applicable series of Debentures is accelerated as a result of an event of default, (v) certain rating agency or change in control events occur, (vi) S&P, or any successor thereto, no longer assigns a solicited rating on senior debt issued or guaranteed by the Company, or (vii) the termination of the RCCs would have no effect on the equity credit provided by S&P with respect to the Debentures. An event of default, as defined by the supplemental indenture, includes default in the payment of interest or principal and bankruptcy proceedings. To manage short-term liquidity, the Company maintains a commercial paper program and a credit facility as a potential source of funds. These include a $1.00 billion unsecured revolving credit facility and a commercial paper program with a borrowing limit of $1.00 billion . In April 2014, the Company amended the maturity date of the facility to April 2019 and also amended the option to extend the expiration by one year at the first and second anniversary of the amendment, upon approval of existing or replacement lenders. This facility contains an increase provision that would allow up to an additional $500 million of borrowing. This facility has a financial covenant requiring the Company not to exceed a 37.5% debt to capitalization ratio as defined in the agreement. Although the right to borrow under the facility is not subject to a minimum rating requirement, the costs of maintaining the facility and borrowing under it are based on the ratings of the Company’s senior unsecured, unguaranteed long-term debt. The total amount outstanding at any point in time under the combination of the commercial paper program and the credit facility cannot exceed the amount that can be borrowed under the credit facility. No amounts were outstanding under the credit facility as of December 31, 2015 or 2014. The Company had no commercial paper outstanding as of December 31, 2015 or 2014. The Company paid $289 million , $332 million and $361 million of interest on debt in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company has $107 million of investment-related debt that is reported in other liabilities and accrued expenses as of December 31, 2015, including a commitment to fund a limited partnership of $89 million and $18 million of debt related to other investments. The Company has an outstanding line of credit to fund the limited partnership. During 2015, the Company filed a universal shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that expires in 2018. The registration statement covers an unspecified amount of securities and can be used to issue debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units and securities of trust subsidiaries. Common stock The Company had 900 million shares of issued common stock of which 381 million shares were outstanding and 519 million shares were held in treasury as of December 31, 2015 . In 2015 , the Company reacquired 43 million shares at an average cost of $65.55 and reissued 6 million net shares under equity incentive plans. Preferred stock The following table summarizes the Company’s outstanding preferred stock as of December 31, 2015 . All represent noncumulative perpetual preferred stock with a $1.00 par value per share and a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share. ($ in millions, except per share data) Aggregate liquidation preference Dividend Per Share Aggregate Dividend Payment Shares Dividend rate 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Series A 11,500 $ 287.5 5.625 % $ 1.41 $ 1.41 $ 0.83 $ 16 $ 16 $ 9 Series C 15,400 385.0 6.750 % 1.69 1.69 0.49 26 26 8 Series D 5,400 135.0 6.625 % 1.66 1.79 — 9 10 — Series E 29,900 747.5 6.625 % 1.66 1.44 — 49 43 — Series F 10,000 250.0 6.250 % 1.56 0.92 — 16 9 — Total 72,200 $ 1,805 $ 116 $ 104 $ 17 In March 2014, the Company issued 29,900 shares of 6.625% Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series E, for gross proceeds of $747.5 million . In June 2014, the Company issued 10,000 shares of 6.25% Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series F, for gross proceeds of $250 million . The proceeds of both issuances were used for general corporate purposes. The preferred stock ranks senior to the Company’s common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and liquidation rights. The Company will pay dividends on the preferred stock on a noncumulative basis only when, as and if declared by the Company’s board of directors (or a duly authorized committee of the board) and to the extent that the Company has legally available funds to pay dividends. If dividends are declared on the preferred stock, they will be payable quarterly in arrears at an annual fixed rate. Dividends on the preferred stock are not cumulative. Accordingly, in the event dividends are not declared on the preferred stock for payment on any dividend payment date, then those dividends will cease to be payable. If the Company has not declared a dividend before the dividend payment date for any dividend period, the Company has no obligation to pay dividends for that dividend period, whether or not dividends are declared for any future dividend period. No dividends may be paid or declared on the Company’s common stock and no shares of the Company’s common stock may be repurchased unless the full dividends for the latest completed dividend period on the preferred stock have been declared and paid or provided for. The Company is prohibited from declaring or paying dividends on preferred stock in excess of the amount of net proceeds from an issuance of common stock taking place within 90 days before a dividend declaration date if, on that dividend declaration date, either: (1) the risk-based capital ratios of the largest U.S. property-casualty insurance subsidiaries that collectively account for 80% or more of the net written premiums of U.S. property-casualty insurance business on a weighted average basis were less than 175% of their company action level risk-based capital as of the end of the most recent year; or (2) consolidated net income for the four-quarter period ending on the preliminary quarter end test date (the quarter that is two quarters prior to the most recently completed quarter) is zero or negative and consolidated shareholders’ equity (excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, and subject to certain other adjustments relating to changes in U.S. GAAP) as of each of the preliminary quarter test date and the most recently completed quarter has declined by 20% or more from its level as measured at the end of the benchmark quarter (the date that is ten quarters prior to the most recently completed quarter). If the Company fails to satisfy either of these tests on any dividend declaration date, the restrictions on dividends will continue until the Company is able again to satisfy the test on a dividend declaration date. In addition, in the case of a restriction arising under (2) above, the restrictions on dividends will continue until consolidated shareholders’ equity (excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, and subject to certain other adjustments relating to changes in U.S. GAAP) has increased, or has declined by less than 20% , in either case as compared to its level at the end of the benchmark quarter for each dividend payment date as to which dividend restrictions were imposed. The preferred stock does not have voting rights except with respect to certain changes in the terms of the preferred stock, in the case of certain dividend nonpayments, certain other fundamental corporate events, mergers or consolidations and as otherwise provided by law. If and when dividends have not been declared and paid in full for at least six quarterly dividend periods or their equivalent (whether or not consecutive), the authorized number of directors then constituting our board of directors will be increased by two . The holders of the preferred stock, together with the holders of all other affected classes and series of voting parity stock, voting as a single class, will be entitled to elect the two additional members of the board of directors of the Company, subject to certain conditions. The board of directors shall at no time have more than two preferred stock directors. The preferred stock is perpetual and has no maturity date. The preferred stock is redeemable at the Company’s option in whole or in part, on or after June 15, 2018 for Series A, October 15, 2018 for Series C, April 15, 2019 for Series D and E, and October 15, 2019 for Series F, at a redemption price of $25,000 per share of preferred stock, plus declared and unpaid dividends. Prior to June 15, 2018 for Series A, October 15, 2018 for Series C, April 15, 2019 for Series D and E, and October 15, 2019 for Series F, the preferred stock is redeemable at the Company’s option, in whole but not in part, within 90 days of the occurrence of certain rating agency events at a redemption price equal to $25,000 per share or, if greater, a make-whole redemption price, plus declared and unpaid dividends.

Company Restructuring

Company Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Company Restructuring	Company Restructuring The Company undertakes various programs to reduce expenses. These programs generally involve a reduction in staffing levels, and in certain cases, office closures. Restructuring and related charges primarily include employee termination and relocation benefits, and post-exit rent expenses in connection with these programs, and non-cash charges resulting from pension benefit payments made to agents and certain legal expenses incurred in connection with the 1999 reorganization of Allstate’s multiple agency programs to a single exclusive agency program. The expenses related to these activities are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as restructuring and related charges, and totaled $39 million , $18 million and $70 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Restructuring expenses in 2015 related to programs and actions designed to transform business operations within the organization. The following table presents changes in the restructuring liability in 2015 . ($ in millions) Employee costs Exit costs Total liability Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 3 $ 1 $ 4 Expense incurred 18 10 28 Adjustments to liability (5 ) — (5 ) Payments applied against liability (15 ) (10 ) (25 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 1 $ 1 $ 2 The payments applied against the liability for employee costs primarily reflect severance costs, and the payments for exit costs generally consist of post-exit rent expenses and contract termination penalties. As of December 31, 2015 , the cumulative amount incurred to date for active programs totaled $83 million for employee costs and $60 million for exit costs.

Commitments, Guarantees and Con

Commitments, Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities
Commitments, Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities	Commitments, Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities Leases The Company leases certain office facilities and computer equipment. Total rent expense for all leases was $179 million , $187 million and $192 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Minimum rental commitments under noncancelable capital and operating leases with an initial or remaining term of more than one year as of December 31, 2015 are as follows: ($ in millions) Capital leases Operating leases 2016 $ 5 $ 132 2017 — 105 2018 — 87 2019 — 73 2020 — 58 Thereafter — 175 Total $ 5 $ 630 Present value of minimum capital lease payments $ 5 Shared markets and state facility assessments The Company is required to participate in assigned risk plans, reinsurance facilities and joint underwriting associations in various states that provide insurance coverage to individuals or entities that otherwise are unable to purchase such coverage from private insurers. Underwriting results related to these arrangements, which tend to be adverse, have been immaterial to the Company’s results of operations. Because of the Company’s participation, it may be exposed to losses that surpass the capitalization of these facilities and/or assessments from these facilities. Florida Citizens Castle Key is subject to assessments from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation in the state of Florida (“FL Citizens”), which was initially created by the state of Florida to provide insurance to property owners unable to obtain coverage in the private insurance market. FL Citizens, at the discretion and direction of its Board of Governors (“FL Citizens Board”), can levy a regular assessment on assessable insurers and assessable insureds for a deficit in any calendar year up to a maximum of the greater of: 2% of the projected deficit or 2% of the aggregate statewide direct written premium for the prior calendar year. The base of assessable insurers includes all property and casualty premiums in the state, except workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, accident and health insurance and policies written under the NFIP. An insurer may recoup a regular assessment through a surcharge to policyholders. In order to recoup this assessment, an insurer must file for a policy surcharge with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“FL OIR”) at least fifteen days prior to imposing the surcharge on policies. If a deficit remains after the regular assessment, FL Citizens can also levy emergency assessments in the current and subsequent years. Companies are required to collect the emergency assessments directly from residential property policyholders and remit to FL Citizens as collected. Pursuant to an Order issued by the FL OIR, the emergency assessment is zero for all policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2015. Louisiana Citizens The Company is also subject to assessments from Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (“LA Citizens”). LA Citizens can levy a regular assessment on participating companies for a deficit in any calendar year up to a maximum of the greater of 10% of the calendar year deficit or 10% of Louisiana direct property premiums industry-wide for the prior calendar year. If the plan year deficit exceeds the amount that can be recovered through Regular Assessments, LA Citizens may fund the remaining deficit by issuing revenue assessment bonds in the capital markets. LA Citizens then declares Emergency Assessments each year to provide debt service on the bonds until they are retired. Companies writing assessable lines must surcharge their policyholders Emergency Assessments in the percentage established annually by LA Citizens and must remit amounts collected to the bond trustee on a quarterly basis. Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Castle Key participates in the mandatory coverage provided by the FHCF and therefore has access to reimbursements on certain qualifying Florida hurricane losses from the FHCF (see Note 10), has exposure to assessments and pays annual premiums to the FHCF for this reimbursement protection. The FHCF has the authority to issue bonds to pay its obligations to insurers participating in the mandatory coverage in excess of its capital balances. Payment of these bonds is funded by emergency assessments on all property and casualty premiums in the state, except workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, accident and health insurance and policies written under the NFIP. The FHCF emergency assessments are limited to 6% of premiums per year beginning the first year in which reimbursements require bonding, and up to a total of 10% of premiums per year for assessments in the second and subsequent years, if required to fund additional bonding. The FHCF issued $625 million in bonds in 2008, and the FL OIR ordered an emergency assessment of 1% of premiums collected for all policies renewed January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2010. The FHCF issued $676 million in bonds in 2010 and the FL OIR ordered an emergency assessment of 1.3% of premiums collected for all policies written or renewed January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2014. Pursuant to an Order issued by the FL OIR, the emergency assessment is zero for all policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2015. The FHCF issued $2 billion in pre-event bonds in 2013 to build their capacity to reimburse member companies’ claims. The FHCF plans to fund these pre-event bonds through current FHCF cash flows. Facilities such as FL Citizens, LA Citizens and the FHCF are generally designed so that the ultimate cost is borne by policyholders; however, the exposure to assessments from these facilities and the availability of recoupments or premium rate increases may not offset each other in the Company’s financial statements. Moreover, even if they do offset each other, they may not offset each other in financial statements for the same fiscal period due to the ultimate timing of the assessments and recoupments or premium rate increases, as well as the possibility of policies not being renewed in subsequent years. California Earthquake Authority Exposure to certain potential losses from earthquakes in California is limited by the Company’s participation in the California Earthquake Authority (“CEA”), which provides insurance for California earthquake losses. The CEA is a privately-financed, publicly-managed state agency created to provide insurance coverage for earthquake damage. Insurers selling homeowners insurance in California are required to offer earthquake insurance to their customers either through their company or by participation in the CEA. The Company’s homeowners policies continue to include coverages for losses caused by explosions, theft, glass breakage and fires following an earthquake, which are not underwritten by the CEA. As of June 30, 2015 , the CEA’s capital balance was approximately $4.88 billion . Should losses arising from an earthquake cause a deficit in the CEA, additional $668 million would be obtained from the proceeds of revenue bonds the CEA may issue, an existing $4.11 billion reinsurance layer, and finally, if needed, assessments on participating insurance companies. Participating insurers are required to pay an assessment, currently estimated not to exceed $1.66 billion , if the capital of the CEA falls below $350 million . Participating insurers are required to pay a second additional assessment, currently estimated not to exceed $238 million , if aggregate CEA earthquake losses exceed $11.56 billion and the capital of the CEA falls below $350 million . Within the limits previously described, the assessment could be intended to restore the CEA’s capital to a level of $350 million . There is no provision that allows insurers to recover assessments through a premium surcharge or other mechanism. The CEA’s projected aggregate claim paying capacity is $11.56 billion as of June 30, 2015 and if an event were to result in claims greater than its capacity, affected policyholders may be paid a prorated portion of their covered losses, paid on an installment basis, or no payments may be made if the claim paying capacity of the CEA is insufficient. All future assessments on participating CEA insurers are based on their CEA insurance market share as of December 31 of the preceding year. As of December 31, 2014 , the Company’s market share of the CEA was 13.1% . The Company does not expect its CEA market share to materially change. At this level, the Company’s maximum possible CEA assessment would be $248 million during 2016. These amounts are re-evaluated by the board of directors of the CEA on an annual basis. Accordingly, assessments from the CEA for a particular quarter or annual period may be material to the results of operations and cash flows, but not the financial position of the Company. Management believes the Company’s exposure to earthquake losses in California has been significantly reduced as a result of its participation in the CEA. Texas Windstorm Insurance Association The Company participates as a member of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (“TWIA”) which provides wind and hail coverage to coastal risks unable to procure coverage in the voluntary market. Wind and hail coverage is written on a TWIA-issued policy. Under current law, as amended in 2009, to the extent losses exceed premiums and reinsurance, TWIA follows a funding structure first utilizing funds set aside from periods (including prior years) in which premiums exceeded losses. Once those funds and available reinsurance are utilized, TWIA will issue up to $1 billion of securities, 30% of which will be repaid by participating insurers assessments and 70% of which will be repaid by surcharges on coastal property policies. After those funds are depleted, TWIA can issue $500 million of securities which will be repaid by participating insurer assessments. Participating companies’ maximum assessment is capped at $800 million annually. The Company’s current participation ratio is approximately 13% based upon its proportion of the premiums written. The TWIA board has not indicated the likelihood of any possible future assessments to insurers at this time. However, assessments from TWIA for a particular quarter or annual period may be material to the results of operations and cash flows, but not the financial position of the Company. New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association The PLIGA, as the statutory administrator of the UCJF, provides compensation to qualified claimants for personal injury protection, bodily injury, or death caused by private passenger automobiles operated by uninsured or “hit and run” drivers. The UCJF also provides private passenger stranger pedestrian personal injury protection benefits when no other coverage is available. The fund provides reimbursement to insurers for the medical benefits portion of personal injury protection coverage paid in excess of $75,000 with no limits for policies issued or renewed prior to January 1, 1991 and in excess of $75,000 and capped at $250,000 for policies issued or renewed from January 1, 1991 to December 31, 2004. PLIGA annually assesses all admitted property and casualty insurers writing motor vehicle liability insurance in New Jersey for direct PLIGA expenses and UCJF reimbursements and expenses. Assessments to the Company totaled $8.6 million in 2015 . North Carolina Reinsurance Facility The North Carolina Reinsurance Facility (“NCRF”) provides automobile liability insurance to drivers that insurers are not otherwise willing to insure. All insurers licensed to write automobile insurance in North Carolina are members of the NCRF. The Company also collects NCRF surcharges on all automobile policies written in the state. Premium, losses and expenses ceded to the NCRF and surcharges are remitted to the state. The NCRF results are shared by the member companies in proportion to their respective North Carolina automobile liability writings. Member companies are assessed or collect based on their participation ratios which are determined annually. As of September 30, 2015, the NCRF reported a deficit of $69.9 million in members’ equity. North Carolina Joint Underwriters Association The North Carolina Joint Underwriters Association (“NCJUA”) was created to provide property insurance for properties (other than the state’s beach and coastal areas) that insurers are not otherwise willing to insure. All insurers licensed to write property insurance in North Carolina are members of the NCJUA. Premiums, losses and expenses of the NCJUA are shared by the member companies in proportion to their respective North Carolina property insurance writings. Member companies are assessed when plan deficits occur, or collect based on their participation ratios, which are determined annually. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company has a $1.5 million receivable from the NCJUA reflecting a plan surplus of $11.9 million from all open years. North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association The North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association (“NCIUA”) provides windstorm and hail coverage as well as homeowners policies for properties located in the state’s beach and coastal areas that insurers are not otherwise willing to insure. All insurers licensed to write residential and commercial property insurance in North Carolina are members of the NCIUA. Members are assessed in proportion to their North Carolina residential and commercial property insurance writings, which is determined annually and varies by coverage, for plan deficits. The plan currently has a surplus. No member company shall be entitled to the distribution of any portion of the Association’s surplus. Legislation in 2009 capped insurers’ assessments for losses incurred in any year at $1 billion . Subsequent to an industry assessment of $1 billion , if the plan continues to require funding, it may authorize insurers to assess a 10% surcharge on each property insurance policy statewide located in the state’s beach and coastal areas to be remitted to the plan. Guaranty funds Under state insurance guaranty fund laws, insurers doing business in a state can be assessed, up to prescribed limits, for certain obligations of insolvent insurance companies to policyholders and claimants. Amounts assessed to each company are typically related to its proportion of business written in each state. The Company’s policy is to accrue assessments when the entity for which the insolvency relates has met its state of domicile’s statutory definition of insolvency, the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable and the related premium upon which the assessment is based is written. In most states, the definition is met with a declaration of financial insolvency by a court of competent jurisdiction. In certain states there must also be a final order of liquidation. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the liability balance included in other liabilities and accrued expenses was $13 million and $16 million , respectively. The related premium tax offsets included in other assets were $14 million and $15 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Guarantees The Company provides residual value guarantees on Company leased automobiles. If all outstanding leases were terminated effective December 31, 2015 , the Company’s maximum obligation pursuant to these guarantees, assuming the automobiles have no residual value, would be $50 million as of December 31, 2015 . The remaining term of each residual value guarantee is equal to the term of the underlying lease that ranges from less than one year to four years . Historically, the Company has not made any material payments pursuant to these guarantees. The Company owns certain investments that obligate the Company to exchange credit risk or to forfeit principal due, depending on the nature or occurrence of specified credit events for the reference entities. In the event all such specified credit events were to occur, the Company’s maximum amount at risk on these investments, as measured by the amount of the aggregate initial investment, was $4 million as of December 31, 2015 . The obligations associated with these investments expire at various dates on or before March 11, 2018. Related to the sale of LBL on April 1, 2014, ALIC agreed to indemnify Resolution Life Holdings, Inc. in connection with certain representations, warranties and covenants of ALIC, and certain liabilities specifically excluded from the transaction, subject to specific contractual limitations regarding ALIC’s maximum obligation. Management does not believe these indemnifications will have a material effect on results of operations, cash flows or financial position of the Company. Related to the disposal through reinsurance of substantially all of Allstate Financial’s variable annuity business to Prudential in 2006, the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, ALIC and ALNY, have agreed to indemnify Prudential for certain pre-closing contingent liabilities (including extra-contractual liabilities of ALIC and ALNY and liabilities specifically excluded from the transaction) that ALIC and ALNY have agreed to retain. In addition, the Company, ALIC and ALNY will each indemnify Prudential for certain post-closing liabilities that may arise from the acts of ALIC, ALNY and their agents, including certain liabilities arising from ALIC’s and ALNY’s provision of transition services. The reinsurance agreements contain no limitations or indemnifications with regard to insurance risk transfer, and transferred all of the future risks and responsibilities for performance on the underlying variable annuity contracts to Prudential, including those related to benefit guarantees. Management does not believe this agreement will have a material effect on results of operations, cash flows or financial position of the Company. In the normal course of business, the Company provides standard indemnifications to contractual counterparties in connection with numerous transactions, including acquisitions and divestitures. The types of indemnifications typically provided include indemnifications for breaches of representations and warranties, taxes and certain other liabilities, such as third party lawsuits. The indemnification clauses are often standard contractual terms and are entered into in the normal course of business based on an assessment that the risk of loss would be remote. The terms of the indemnifications vary in duration and nature. In many cases, the maximum obligation is not explicitly stated and the contingencies triggering the obligation to indemnify have not occurred and are not expected to occur. Consequently, the maximum amount of the obligation under such indemnifications is not determinable. Historically, the Company has not made any material payments pursuant to these obligations. The aggregate liability balance related to all guarantees was not material as of December 31, 2015 . Regulation and Compliance The Company is subject to extensive laws, regulations, administrative directives, and regulatory actions. From time to time, regulatory authorities or legislative bodies seek to influence and restrict premium rates, require premium refunds to policyholders, require reinstatement of terminated policies, restrict the ability of insurers to cancel or non-renew policies, require insurers to continue to write new policies or limit their ability to write new policies, limit insurers’ ability to change coverage terms or to impose underwriting standards, impose additional regulations regarding agent and broker compensation, regulate the nature of and amount of investments, impose fines and penalties for unintended errors or mistakes, and otherwise expand overall regulation of insurance products and the insurance industry. In addition, the Company is subject to laws and regulations administered and enforced by federal agencies and other organizations, including but not limited to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the U.S. Department of Justice. The Company has established procedures and policies to facilitate compliance with laws and regulations, to foster prudent business operations, and to support financial reporting. The Company routinely reviews its practices to validate compliance with laws and regulations and with internal procedures and policies. As a result of these reviews, from time to time the Company may decide to modify some of its procedures and policies. Such modifications, and the reviews that led to them, may be accompanied by payments being made and costs being incurred. The ultimate changes and eventual effects of these actions on the Company’s business, if any, are uncertain. Legal and regulatory proceedings and inquiries The Company and certain subsidiaries are involved in a number of lawsuits, regulatory inquiries, and other legal proceedings arising out of various aspects of its business. Background These matters raise difficult and complicated factual and legal issues and are subject to many uncertainties and complexities, including the underlying facts of each matter; novel legal issues; variations between jurisdictions in which matters are being litigated, heard, or investigated; changes in assigned judges; differences or developments in applicable laws and judicial interpretations; judges reconsidering prior rulings; the length of time before many of these matters might be resolved by settlement, through litigation, or otherwise; adjustments with respect to anticipated trial schedules and other proceedings; developments in similar actions against other companies; the fact that some of the lawsuits are putative class actions in which a class has not been certified and in which the purported class may not be clearly defined; the fact that some of the lawsuits involve multi-state class actions in which the applicable law(s) for the claims at issue is in dispute and therefore unclear; and the current challenging legal environment faced by corporations and insurance companies. The outcome of these matters may be affected by decisions, verdicts, and settlements, and the timing of such decisions, verdicts, and settlements, in other individual and class action lawsuits that involve the Company, other insurers, or other entities and by other legal, governmental, and regulatory actions that involve the Company, other insurers, or other entities. The outcome may also be affected by future state or federal legislation, the timing or substance of which cannot be predicted. In the lawsuits, plaintiffs seek a variety of remedies which may include equitable relief in the form of injunctive and other remedies and monetary relief in the form of contractual and extra-contractual damages. In some cases, the monetary damages sought may include punitive or treble damages. Often specific information about the relief sought, such as the amount of damages, is not available because plaintiffs have not requested specific relief in their pleadings. When specific monetary demands are made, they are often set just below a state court jurisdictional limit in order to seek the maximum amount available in state court, regardless of the specifics of the case, while still avoiding the risk of removal to federal court. In Allstate’s experience, monetary demands in pleadings bear little relation to the ultimate loss, if any, to the Company. In connection with regulatory examinations and proceedings, government authorities may seek various forms of relief, including penalties, restitution, and changes in business practices. The Company may not be advised of the nature and extent of relief sought until the final stages of the examination or proceeding. Accrual and disclosure policy The Company reviews its lawsuits, regulatory inquiries, and other legal proceedings on an ongoing basis and follows appropriate accounting guidance when making accrual and disclosure decisions. The Company establishes accruals for such matters at management’s best estimate when the Company assesses that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company does not establish accruals for such matters when the Company does not believe both that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company’s assessment of whether a loss is reasonably possible or probable is based on its assessment of the ultimate outcome of the matter following all appeals. The Company does not include potential recoveries in its estimates of reasonably possible or probable losses. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. The Company continues to monitor its lawsuits, regulatory inquiries, and other legal proceedings for further developments that would make the loss contingency both probable and estimable, and accordingly accruable, or that could affect the amount of accruals that have been previously established. There may continue to be exposure to loss in excess of any amount accrued. Disclosure of the nature and amount of an accrual is made when there have been sufficient legal and factual developments such that the Company’s ability to resolve the matter would not be impaired by the disclosure of the amount of accrual. When the Company assesses it is reasonably possible or probable that a loss has been incurred, it discloses the matter. When it is possible to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss above the amount accrued, if any, for the matters disclosed, that estimate is aggregated and disclosed. Disclosure is not required when an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss cannot be made. For certain of the matters described below in the “Claims related proceedings” and “Other proceedings” subsections, the Company is able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss above the amount accrued, if any. In determining whether it is possible to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss, the Company reviews and evaluates the disclosed matters, in conjunction with counsel, in light of potentially relevant factual and legal developments. These developments may include information learned through the discovery process, rulings on dispositive motions, settlement discussions, information obtained from other sources, experience from managing these and other matters, and other rulings by courts, arbitrators or others. When the Company possesses sufficient appropriate information to develop an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss above the amount accrued, if any, that estimate is aggregated and disclosed below. There may be other disclosed matters for which a loss is probable or reasonably possible but such an estimate is not possible. Disclosure of the estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss above the amount accrued, if any, for any individual matter would only be considered when there have been sufficient legal and factual developments such that the Company’s ability to resolve the matter would not be impaired by the disclosure of the individual estimate. The Company currently estimates that the aggregate range of reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, if any, for the disclosed matters where such an estimate is possible is zero to $875 million , pre-tax. This disclosure is not an indication of expected loss, if any. Under accounting guidance, an event is “reasonably possible” if the chance of the future event or events occurring is more than remote but less than likely” and an event is “remote” if “the chance of the future event or events occurring is slight.” This estimate is based upon currently available information and is subject to significant judgment and a variety of assumptions, and known and unknown uncertainties. The matters underlying the estimate will change from time to time, and actual results may vary significantly from the current estimate. The estimate does not include matters or losses for which an estimate is not possible. Therefore, this estimate represents an estimate of possible loss only for certain matters meeting these criteria. It does not represent the Company’s maximum possible loss exposure. Information is provided below regarding the nature of all of the disclosed matters and, where specified, the amount, if any, of plaintiff claims associated with these loss contingencies. Due to the complexity and scope of the matters disclosed in the “Claims related proceedings” and “Other proceedings” subsections below and the many uncertainties that exist, the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be predicted. In the event of an unfavorable outcome in one or more of these matters, the ultimate liability may be in excess of amounts currently accrued, if any, and may be material to the Company’s operating results or cash flows for a particular quarterly or annual period. However, based on information currently known to it, management believes that the ultimate outcome of all matters described below, as they are resolved over time, is not likely to have a material effect on the financial position of the Company. Claims related proceedings The Company is litigating two class action cases in California in which the plaintiffs allege off-the-clock wage and hour claims. One case, involving two classes, is pending in Los Angeles Superior Court and was filed in December 2007. In this case, one class includes auto field physical damage adjusters employed in the state of California from January 1, 2005 to the date of final judgment, to the extent the Company failed to pay for off-the-clock work to those adjusters who performed certain duties prior to their first assignments. The other class includes all non-exempt employees in California from December 19, 2006 until January 2010 who received pay statements from Allstate which allegedly did not comply with California law. The other case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in September 2010. In April 2012, the trial court certified the class, and Allstate appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. On September 3, 2014, the Ninth Circuit affirmed the trial court’s decision to certify the class, and Allstate filed a motion for rehearing en banc. Allstate’s motion for rehearing en banc was denied and on January 27, 2015, Allstate filed a petition for a Writ of Certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court. On June 15, 2015, the Supreme Court denied Allstate’s petition for a writ of certiorari. The case is scheduled for trial on September 27, 2016. In addition to off-the-clock claims, the plaintiffs in this case allege other California Labor Code violations resulting from purported unpaid overtime. The class in this case includes all adjusters in the state of California, except auto field adjusters, from September 29, 2006 to final judgment. Plaintiffs in both cases seek recovery of unpaid compensation, liquidated damages, penalties, and attorneys’ fees and costs. In addition to the California class actions, a case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York alleging that no-fault claim adjusters have been improperly classified as exempt employees under New York Labor Law and the Fair Labor Standards Act. The case was filed in April 2011, and the plaintiffs are seeking unpaid wages, liquidated damages, injunctive relief, compensatory and punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees. On September 16, 2014, the court certified a class of no-fault adjusters under New York Labor Law and refused to decertify a Fair Labor Standards Act class of no-fault adjusters. Notice to the class was issued in December 2015. The class members will have sixty days from the date of mailing to opt out of the class. In the Company’s judgment a loss is not probable. The Florida personal injury protection statute permits insurers to pay personal injury protection benefits for reasonable medical expenses based on certain benefit reimbursement limitations which are authorized by the personal injury protection statute (generally referred to as “fee schedules”) resulting from automobile accidents. The Company is litigating one class action case in federal court in Illinois in which the plaintiffs allege that Allstate’s personal injury protection policies failed to include sufficient language providing notice of Allstate’s election to apply the fee schedules. This case is brought on behalf of health care providers and insureds who submitted claims for no-fault benefits under personal injury protection policies which were in effect from 2008 through 2012, and were reimburse

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company and its domestic subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Tax liabilities and benefits realized by the consolidated group are allocated as generated by the respective entities. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is currently examining the Company’s 2013 and 2014 federal income tax returns. The IRS completed the audit of the Company’s 2011 and 2012 federal income tax returns and issued a final Revenue Agent’s Report on June 10, 2015. The Company’s tax years prior to 2011 have been examined by the IRS and the statute of limitations has expired on those years. Any adjustments that may result from IRS examinations of the Company’s tax returns are not expected to have a material effect on the results of operations, cash flows or financial position of the Company. The reconciliation of the change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31 is as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Balance – beginning of year $ — $ — $ 25 Increase for tax positions taken in a prior year 4 — 1 Decrease for tax positions taken in a prior year — — — Increase for tax positions taken in the current year 3 — — Decrease for tax positions taken in the current year — — — Decrease for settlements — — (26 ) Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations — — — Balance – end of year $ 7 $ — $ — The Company believes it is reasonably possible that the liability balance will not significantly increase within the next twelve months. Because of the impact of deferred tax accounting, recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits is not expected to impact the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. The Company did not record interest income or expense relating to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense in 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , there was no interest accrued with respect to unrecognized tax benefits. No amounts have been accrued for penalties. The components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Deferred assets Unearned premium reserves $ 796 $ 763 Pension 236 254 Discount on loss reserves 203 210 Difference in tax bases of invested assets 202 64 Accrued compensation 189 206 Other postretirement benefits 76 138 Other assets 137 138 Total deferred assets 1,839 1,773 Deferred liabilities DAC (1,157 ) (1,076 ) Unrealized net capital gains (303 ) (994 ) Life and annuity reserves (260 ) (192 ) Other liabilities (209 ) (226 ) Total deferred liabilities (1,929 ) (2,488 ) Net deferred liability $ (90 ) $ (715 ) Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized based on the Company’s assessment that the deductions ultimately recognized for tax purposes will be fully utilized. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of $58 million which will expire at the end of 2025 through 2029. The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Current $ 1,033 $ 1,123 $ 869 Deferred 78 263 247 Total income tax expense $ 1,111 $ 1,386 $ 1,116 The Company paid income taxes of $1.07 billion , $1.07 billion and $500 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company had current income tax receivable of $59 million and current income tax payable of $158 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate on income from operations for the years ended December 31 is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Tax-exempt income (1.0 ) (0.9 ) (1.8 ) Tax credits (0.9 ) (0.7 ) (2.2 ) Sale of subsidiary — (0.9 ) 2.0 Other (1) 0.8 0.2 (0.1 ) Effective income tax rate 33.9 % 32.7 % 32.9 % ______________________________ (1) Includes $45 million of income tax expense related to the change in accounting guidance for investments in qualified affordable housing projects adopted in 2015.

Statutory Financial Information

Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Limitations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Limitations
Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Limitations	Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Limitations Allstate’s domestic property-liability and life insurance subsidiaries prepare their statutory-basis financial statements in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the insurance department of the applicable state of domicile. Prescribed statutory accounting practices include a variety of publications of the NAIC, as well as state laws, regulations and general administrative rules. Permitted statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed. All states require domiciled insurance companies to prepare statutory-basis financial statements in conformity with the NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual, subject to any deviations prescribed or permitted by the applicable insurance commissioner and/or director. Statutory accounting practices differ from GAAP primarily since they require charging policy acquisition and certain sales inducement costs to expense as incurred, establishing life insurance reserves based on different actuarial assumptions, and valuing certain investments and establishing deferred taxes on a different basis. Statutory net income (loss) and capital and surplus of Allstate’s domestic insurance subsidiaries, determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory authorities are as follows: ($ in millions) Net income (loss) Capital and surplus 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 Amounts by major business type: Property-Liability (1) $ 1,826 $ 2,501 $ 2,707 $ 13,332 $ 14,412 Allstate Financial (56 ) 1,130 504 3,154 2,907 Amount per statutory accounting practices $ 1,770 $ 3,631 $ 3,211 $ 16,486 $ 17,319 ______________________________ (1) The Property-Liability statutory capital and surplus balances exclude wholly-owned subsidiaries included in the Allstate Financial segment. Dividend Limitations There are no regulatory restrictions that limit the payment of dividends by the Corporation, except those generally applicable to corporations incorporated in Delaware. Dividends are payable only out of certain components of shareholders’ equity as permitted by Delaware law. However, the ability of the Corporation to pay dividends is dependent on business conditions, income, cash requirements of the Company, receipt of dividends from AIC and other relevant factors. The payment of shareholder dividends by AIC without the prior approval of the Illinois Department of Insurance (“IL DOI”) is limited to formula amounts based on net income and capital and surplus, determined in conformity with statutory accounting practices, as well as the timing and amount of dividends paid in the preceding twelve months. AIC paid dividends of $2.31 billion in 2015 . The maximum amount of dividends AIC will be able to pay without prior IL DOI approval at a given point in time during 2016 is $1.71 billion , less dividends paid during the preceding twelve months measured at that point in time. The payment of a dividend in excess of this amount requires 30 days advance written notice to the IL DOI. The dividend is deemed approved, unless the IL DOI disapproves it within the 30 day notice period. Additionally, any dividend must be paid out of unassigned surplus excluding unrealized appreciation from investments, which for AIC totaled $10.65 billion as of December 31, 2015 , and cannot result in capital and surplus being less than the minimum amount required by law. Under state insurance laws, insurance companies are required to maintain paid up capital of not less than the minimum capital requirement applicable to the types of insurance they are authorized to write. Insurance companies are also subject to risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements adopted by state insurance regulators. A company’s “authorized control level RBC” is calculated using various factors applied to certain financial balances and activity. Companies that do not maintain adjusted statutory capital and surplus at a level in excess of the company action level RBC, which is two times authorized control level RBC, are required to take specified actions. Company action level RBC is significantly in excess of the minimum capital requirements. Total adjusted statutory capital and surplus and authorized control level RBC of AIC were $15.62 billion and $2.48 billion , respectively, as of December 31, 2015 . Substantially all of the Corporation’s insurance subsidiaries are subsidiaries of and/or reinsure all of their business to AIC, including ALIC. The subsidiaries are included as a component of AIC’s total statutory capital and surplus. The amount of restricted net assets, as represented by the Corporation’s investment in its insurance subsidiaries, was $23 billion as of December 31, 2015 . Intercompany transactions Notification and approval of intercompany lending activities is also required by the IL DOI for transactions that exceed a level that is based on a formula using statutory admitted assets and statutory surplus.

Benefit Plans

Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	Benefit Plans Pension and other postretirement plans Defined benefit pension plans cover most full-time employees, certain part-time employees and employee-agents. Benefits under the pension plans are based upon the employee’s length of service, eligible annual compensation and, prior to January 1, 2014, either a cash balance or final average pay formula. A cash balance formula applies to all eligible employees hired after August 1, 2002. Eligible employees hired before August 1, 2002 chose between the cash balance formula and the final average pay formula. In July 2013, the Company amended its primary plans effective January 1, 2014 to introduce a new cash balance formula to replace the previous formulas (including the final average pay formula and the previous cash balance formula) under which eligible employees accrue benefits. The Company also provides a medical coverage subsidy for eligible employees hired before January 1, 2003, including their eligible dependents, when they retire and certain life insurance benefits for eligible retirees (“postretirement benefits”). In July 2013, the Company amended the plan to eliminate the life insurance benefits effective January 1, 2014 for current eligible employees and effective January 1, 2016 for eligible retirees who retired after 1989. In 2016, the Company continues to pay life insurance premiums for certain retiree plaintiffs subject to a court order requiring it to do so until such time as their lawsuit seeking to keep their life insurance benefits intact is resolved. Qualified employees may become eligible for a medical subsidy if they retire in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans and are continuously insured under the Company’s group plans or other approved plans in accordance with the plan’s participation requirements. The Company shares the cost of retiree medical benefits with non Medicare-eligible retirees based on years of service, with the Company’s share being subject to a 5% limit on future annual medical cost inflation after retirement. For Medicare-eligible retirees, the Company provides a fixed Company contribution based on years of service and other factors, which is not subject to adjustments for inflation. The Company has reserved the right to modify or terminate its benefit plans at any time and for any reason. Obligations and funded status The Company calculates benefit obligations based upon generally accepted actuarial methodologies using the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) for pension plans and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) for other postretirement plans. The determination of pension costs and other postretirement obligations are determined using a December 31 measurement date. The benefit obligations represent the actuarial present value of all benefits attributed to employee service rendered as of the measurement date. The PBO is measured using the pension benefit formulas and assumptions as to future compensation levels. A plan’s funded status is calculated as the difference between the benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets. The Company’s funding policy for the pension plans is to make annual contributions at a level that is in accordance with regulations under the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) and generally accepted actuarial principles. The Company’s postretirement benefit plans are not funded. The components of the plans’ funded status that are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) Pension benefits Postretirement benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Fair value of plan assets $ 5,353 $ 5,783 $ — $ — Less: Benefit obligation 6,130 6,493 405 575 Funded status $ (777 ) $ (710 ) $ (405 ) $ (575 ) Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost: Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 2,710 $ 2,707 $ (263 ) $ (111 ) Prior service credit (365 ) (422 ) (61 ) (83 ) Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost, pre-tax 2,345 2,285 (324 ) (194 ) Deferred income tax (821 ) (800 ) 115 72 Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost $ 1,524 $ 1,485 $ (209 ) $ (122 ) The $3 million increase in the pension net actuarial loss during 2015 is primarily related to lower than expected return on assets, substantially offset by an increase in the discount rate. The majority of the $2.71 billion net actuarial pension benefit losses not yet recognized in 2015 reflects decreases in the discount rate and the effect of unfavorable equity market conditions on the value of the pension plan assets in prior years. The $152 million increase in the OPEB net actuarial gain during 2015 primarily related to changes in the persistency and participation assumptions. The primary qualified employee plan represents 79% of the pension benefits’ underfunded status as of December 31, 2015 . The change in 2015 in items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost, which is recorded in unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost, is shown in the table below. ($ in millions) Pension benefits Postretirement benefits Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost – December 31, 2014 $ 2,285 $ (194 ) Net actuarial loss (gain) arising during the period 242 (158 ) Net actuarial (loss) gain amortized to net periodic benefit cost (221 ) 9 Prior service credit arising during the period — — Prior service credit amortized to net periodic benefit cost 56 22 Translation adjustment and other (17 ) (3 ) Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost – December 31, 2015 $ 2,345 $ (324 ) The net actuarial loss (gain) is recognized as a component of net periodic cost amortized over the average remaining service period of active employees expected to receive benefits. Estimates of the net actuarial loss (gain) and prior service credit expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during 2016 are shown in the table below. ($ in millions) Pension benefits Postretirement benefits Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 174 $ (32 ) Prior service credit (56 ) (21 ) The accumulated benefit obligation (“ABO”) for all defined benefit pension plans was $6.05 billion and $6.42 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The ABO is the actuarial present value of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered at the measurement date. However, it differs from the PBO due to the exclusion of an assumption as to future compensation levels. The PBO, ABO and fair value of plan assets for the Company’s pension plans with an ABO in excess of plan assets were $5.81 billion , $5.74 billion and $5.02 billion , respectively, as of December 31, 2015 and $6.12 billion , $6.06 billion and $5.38 billion , respectively, as of December 31, 2014 . Included in the accrued benefit cost of the pension benefits are certain unfunded non-qualified plans with accrued benefit costs of $143 million and $147 million for 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The changes in benefit obligations for all plans for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) Pension benefits Postretirement benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 6,493 $ 5,297 $ 575 $ 482 Service cost 114 96 12 10 Interest cost 258 262 23 23 Participant contributions — 1 19 19 Actuarial (gain) loss (225 ) 1,243 (158 ) 103 Benefits paid (1) (443 ) (368 ) (54 ) (57 ) Plan amendments — — — — Translation adjustment and other (67 ) (38 ) (12 ) (5 ) Curtailment gain — — — — Benefit obligation, end of year $ 6,130 $ 6,493 $ 405 $ 575 ______________________________ (1) Benefits paid include lump sum distributions, a portion of which may trigger settlement accounting treatment. Components of net periodic cost The components of net periodic cost for all plans for the years ended December 31 are as follows: Pension benefits Postretirement benefits ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Service cost $ 114 $ 96 $ 140 $ 12 $ 10 $ 12 Interest cost 258 262 265 23 23 28 Expected return on plan assets (424 ) (398 ) (394 ) — — — Amortization of: Prior service credit (56 ) (58 ) (28 ) (22 ) (23 ) (23 ) Net actuarial loss (gain) 190 127 235 (9 ) (22 ) (16 ) Settlement loss 31 54 277 — — — Curtailment gain — — — — — (181 ) Net periodic cost (credit) $ 113 $ 83 $ 495 $ 4 $ (12 ) $ (180 ) Assumptions Weighted average assumptions used to determine net pension cost and net postretirement benefit cost for the years ended December 31 are: Pension benefits Postretirement benefits ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 4.10 % 5.00 % 4.60 % 3.97 % 5.11 % 3.75 % Rate of increase in compensation levels 3.5 3.5 3.5 n/a n/a n/a Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.33 7.36 7.75 n/a n/a n/a Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31 are listed in the following table. Pension benefits Postretirement benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.83 % 4.10 % 4.56 % 4.15 % Rate of increase in compensation levels 3.2 3.5 n/a n/a The weighted average health care cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit cost is 6.3% for 2016, gradually declining to 4.5% in 2038 and remaining at that level thereafter. Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement health care plans. A one percentage-point increase in assumed health care cost trend rates would increase the total of the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost of other postretirement benefits and the APBO by $3 million and $20 million , respectively. A one percentage-point decrease in assumed health care cost trend rates would decrease the total of the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost of other postretirement benefits and the APBO by $2 million and $17 million , respectively. Pension plan assets The change in pension plan assets for the years ended December 31 is as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 5,783 $ 5,602 Actual return on plan assets (43 ) 540 Employer contribution 125 49 Benefits paid (443 ) (368 ) Translation adjustment and other (69 ) (40 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of year $ 5,353 $ 5,783 In general, the Company’s pension plan assets are managed in accordance with investment policies approved by pension investment committees. The purpose of the policies is to ensure the plans’ long-term ability to meet benefit obligations by prudently investing plan assets and Company contributions, while taking into consideration regulatory and legal requirements and current market conditions. The investment policies are reviewed periodically and specify target plan asset allocation by asset category. In addition, the policies specify various asset allocation and other risk limits. The target asset allocation takes the plans’ funding status into consideration, among other factors, including anticipated demographic changes or liquidity requirements that may affect the funding status such as the potential impact of lump sum settlements as well as existing or expected market conditions. In general, the allocation has a lower overall investment risk when a plan is in a stronger funded status position since there is less economic incentive to take risk to increase the expected returns on the plan assets. As a result, the primary employee plan has a greater allocation to equity securities than the employee-agent plan. The primary qualified employee plan comprises 80% of total plan assets and 86% of equity securities. The pension plans’ asset exposure within each asset category is tracked against widely accepted established benchmarks for each asset class with limits on variation from the benchmark established in the investment policy. Pension plan assets are regularly monitored for compliance with these limits and other risk limits specified in the investment policies. The pension plans’ weighted average target asset allocation and the actual percentage of plan assets, by asset category as of December 31, 2015 are as follows: Target asset allocation (1) Actual percentage of plan assets Asset category 2015 2015 2014 Equity securities (2) 53 - 63% 60 % 41 % Fixed income securities 28 - 37% 30 50 Limited partnership interests 0 - 12% 7 7 Short-term investments and other — 3 2 Total without securities lending (3) 100 % 100 % ______________________________ (1) The target asset allocation considers risk based exposure while the actual percentage of plan assets utilizes a financial reporting view excluding exposure provided through derivatives. (2) The actual percentage of plan assets for equity securities include private equity investments that are subject to the limited partnership interests target allocation of 2% and 1 % in 2015 and 2014, respectively, fixed income mutual funds that are subject to the fixed income securities target allocation of 3% for both 2015 and 2014 as well as 9% of equity exposure created through a derivative which is not included in the actual allocations in 2014. (3) Securities lending collateral reinvestment of $152 million and $217 million is excluded from the table above in 2015 and 2014, respectively. The target asset allocation for an asset category may be achieved either through direct investment holdings, through replication using derivative instruments (e.g., futures or swaps) or net of hedges using derivative instruments to reduce exposure to an asset category. The net notional amount of derivatives used for replication and hedges is limited to 105% or 115% of total plan assets depending on the plan. Market performance of the different asset categories may, from time to time, cause deviation from the target asset allocation. The asset allocation mix is reviewed on a periodic basis and rebalanced to bring the allocation within the target ranges. Outside the target asset allocation, the pension plans participate in a securities lending program to enhance returns. As of December 31, 2015 , U.S. government fixed income securities and U.S. equity securities are lent out and cash collateral is invested 5% in fixed income securities and 95% in short-term investments. The following table presents the fair values of pension plan assets as of December 31, 2015 . ($ in millions) Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Balance as of December 31, 2015 Equity securities $ 136 $ 2,945 $ 100 $ 3,181 Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies 72 334 — 406 Municipal — — 7 7 Corporate — 1,205 10 1,215 Short-term investments 112 184 — 296 Limited partnership interests: Real estate funds (1) — — 104 104 Private equity funds (2) — — 237 237 Hedge funds — — 33 33 Cash and cash equivalents 22 — — 22 Total plan assets at fair value $ 342 $ 4,668 $ 491 5,501 % of total plan assets at fair value 6.2 % 84.9 % 8.9 % 100.0 % Securities lending obligation (3) (167 ) Other net plan assets (4) 19 Total reported plan assets $ 5,353 ______________________________ (1) Real estate funds held by the pension plans are primarily invested in U.S. commercial real estate. (2) Private equity investments held by the pension plans are primarily comprised of buyout and growth funds in North America and other developed markets. (3) The securities lending obligation represents the plan’s obligation to return securities lending collateral received under a securities lending program. The terms of the program allow both the plan and the counterparty the right and ability to redeem/return the securities loaned on short notice. Due to its relatively short-term nature, the outstanding balance of the obligation approximates fair value. (4) Other net plan assets represent interest and dividends receivable and net receivables related to settlements of investment transactions, such as purchases and sales. The following table presents the fair values of pension plan assets as of December 31, 2014 . ($ in millions) Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Balance as of December 31, 2014 Equity securities $ 161 $ 2,109 $ 75 $ 2,345 Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies 870 44 — 914 Foreign government — 28 — 28 Municipal — — 14 14 Corporate — 1,822 12 1,834 RMBS — 115 — 115 Short-term investments 55 254 — 309 Limited partnership interests: Real estate funds — — 154 154 Private equity funds — — 218 218 Hedge funds — — 32 32 Cash and cash equivalents 34 — — 34 Free-standing derivatives: Assets (1 ) — — (1 ) Liabilities (3 ) — — (3 ) Total plan assets at fair value $ 1,116 $ 4,372 $ 505 5,993 % of total plan assets at fair value 18.6 % 73.0 % 8.4 % 100.0 % Securities lending obligation (234 ) Other net plan assets 24 Total reported plan assets $ 5,783 The fair values of pension plan assets are estimated using the same methodologies and inputs as those used to determine the fair values for the respective asset category of the Company. These methodologies and inputs are disclosed in Note 6. The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 plan assets for the year ended December 31, 2015 . ($ in millions) Actual return on plan assets: Balance as of December 31, 2014 Relating to assets sold during the period Relating to assets still held at the reporting date Purchases, sales and settlements, net Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 Balance as of December 31, 2015 Equity securities $ 75 $ 1 $ (5 ) $ 29 $ — $ 100 Fixed income securities: Municipal 14 — — (7 ) — 7 Corporate 12 — — — (2 ) 10 Limited partnership interests: Real estate funds 154 — (12 ) (38 ) — 104 Private equity funds 218 — (8 ) 27 — 237 Hedge funds 32 — 1 — — 33 Total Level 3 plan assets $ 505 $ 1 $ (24 ) $ 11 $ (2 ) $ 491 The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 plan assets for the year ended December 31, 2014 . ($ in millions) Actual return on plan assets: Balance as of December 31, 2013 Relating to assets sold during the period Relating to assets still held at the reporting date Purchases, sales and settlements, net Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 Balance as of December 31, 2014 Equity securities $ 237 $ 2 $ 2 $ (166 ) $ — $ 75 Fixed income securities: Municipal 18 — — (4 ) — 14 Corporate 18 — — (6 ) — 12 Limited partnership interests: Real estate funds 197 (3 ) 6 (46 ) — 154 Private equity funds 211 (4 ) 4 7 — 218 Hedge funds 9 — — 23 — 32 Total Level 3 plan assets $ 690 $ (5 ) $ 12 $ (192 ) $ — $ 505 The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 plan assets for the year ended December 31, 2013 . ($ in millions) Actual return on plan assets: Balance as of December 31, 2012 Relating to assets sold during the period Relating to assets still held at the reporting date Purchases, sales and settlements, net Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 Balance as of December 31, 2013 Equity securities $ 314 $ 3 $ 18 $ (98 ) $ — $ 237 Fixed income securities: Municipal 129 7 1 (119 ) — 18 Corporate 10 5 — 3 — 18 Limited partnership interests: Real estate funds 214 — 11 (28 ) — 197 Private equity funds 199 — (2 ) 14 — 211 Hedge funds 80 — — (71 ) — 9 Total Level 3 plan assets $ 946 $ 15 $ 28 $ (299 ) $ — $ 690 The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects the average rate of earnings expected on plan assets. The Company’s assumption for the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is reviewed annually giving consideration to appropriate financial data including, but not limited to, the plan asset allocation, forward-looking expected returns for the period over which benefits will be paid, historical returns on plan assets and other relevant market data. Given the long-term forward looking nature of this assumption, the actual returns in any one year do not immediately result in a change. In giving consideration to the targeted plan asset allocation, the Company evaluated returns using the same sources it has used historically which include: historical average asset class returns from an independent nationally recognized vendor of this type of data blended together using the asset allocation policy weights for the Company’s pension plans; asset class return forecasts from a large global independent asset management firm that specializes in providing multi-asset class investment fund products which were blended together using the asset allocation policy weights; and expected portfolio returns from a proprietary simulation methodology of a widely recognized external investment consulting firm that performs asset allocation and actuarial services for corporate pension plan sponsors. This same methodology has been applied on a consistent basis each year. All of these were consistent with the Company’s weighted average long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption of 7.33% used for 2015 and 7.30% that will be used for 2016. The assumption for the primary qualified employee plan is 7.75% and the employee-agent plan is 5.75% for both years. The employee-agent plan assumption is lower than the primary qualified employee plan assumption due to a lower investment allocation to equity securities and a higher allocation to fixed income securities. As of the 2015 measurement date, the arithmetic average of the annual actual return on plan assets for the most recent 10 and 5 years was 6.9% and 7.7% , respectively. Cash flows There was no required cash contribution necessary to satisfy the minimum funding requirement under the IRC for the tax qualified pension plans as of December 31, 2015 . The Company currently plans to contribute $129 million to its pension plans in 2016 . The Company contributed $35 million and $38 million to the postretirement benefit plans in 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Contributions by participants were $19 million and $19 million in 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Estimated future benefit payments Estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid in the next 10 years, based on the assumptions used to measure the Company’s benefit obligation as of December 31, 2015 , are presented in the table below. ($ in millions) Pension benefits Postretirement benefits 2016 $ 341 $ 26 2017 372 26 2018 388 26 2019 436 28 2020 472 29 2021-2025 2,569 155 Total benefit payments $ 4,578 $ 290 Allstate 401(k) Savings Plan Employees of the Company, with the exception of those employed by the Company’s international, Esurance and Answer Financial subsidiaries, are eligible to become members of the Allstate 401(k) Savings Plan (“Allstate Plan”). The Company’s contributions are based on the Company’s matching obligation and certain performance measures. The Company is responsible for funding its anticipated contribution to the Allstate Plan, and may, at the discretion of management, use the ESOP to pre-fund certain portions. In connection with the Allstate Plan, the Company has a note from the ESOP with a principal balance of $11 million as of December 31, 2015 . The ESOP note has a fixed interest rate of 7.9% and matures in 2019. The Company records dividends on the ESOP shares in retained income and all the shares held by the ESOP are included in basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding. The Company’s contribution to the Allstate Plan was $79 million , $75 million and $54 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. These amounts were reduced by the ESOP benefit computed for the years ended December 31 as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Interest expense recognized by ESOP $ 1 $ 1 $ 2 Less: dividends accrued on ESOP shares (3 ) (4 ) (3 ) Cost of shares allocated 10 8 7 Compensation expense 8 5 6 Reduction of defined contribution due to ESOP 73 71 46 ESOP benefit $ (65 ) $ (66 ) $ (40 ) The Company made $2 million , $3 million and $2 million in contributions to the ESOP in 2015 , 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , total committed to be released, allocated and unallocated ESOP shares were 1 million , 36 million and 2 million , respectively. Allstate’s Canadian, Esurance and Answer Financial subsidiaries sponsor defined contribution plans for their eligible employees. Expense for these plans was $10 million , $11 million and $11 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

Equity Incentive Plans

Equity Incentive Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Incentive Plans
Equity Incentive Plans	18. Equity Incentive Plans The Company currently has equity incentive plans under which the Company grants nonqualified stock options, restricted stock units and performance stock awards to certain employees and directors of the Company. The total compensation expense related to equity awards was $81 million , $88 million and $93 million and the total income tax benefits were $28 million , $30 million and $32 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Total cash received from the exercise of options was $187 million , $314 million and $212 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Total tax benefit realized on options exercised and stock unrestricted was $82 million , $73 million and $65 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company records compensation expense related to awards under these plans over the shorter of the period in which the requisite service is rendered or retirement eligibility is attained. Compensation expense for performance share awards is based on the probable number of awards expected to vest using the performance level most likely to be achieved at the end of the performance period. As of December 31, 2015 , total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards was $71 million , of which $28 million related to nonqualified stock options which are expected to be recognized over the weighted average vesting period of 1.60 years, $35 million related to restricted stock units which are expected to be recognized over the weighted average vesting period of 1.84 years and $8 million related to performance stock awards which are expected to be recognized over the weighted average vesting period of 1.49 years. Options are granted to employees with exercise prices equal to the closing share price of the Company’s common stock on the applicable grant date. Options granted to employees on or after February 18, 2014 vest ratably over a three -year period. Options granted prior to February 18, 2014 vest 50% on the second anniversary of the grant date and 25% on each of the third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who are retirement eligible and in certain other limited circumstances. Options may be exercised once vested and will expire no later than ten years after the date of grant. Restricted stock units granted on or after February 18, 2014 vest and convert in full on the third anniversary of the grant date, except for directors whose awards vest immediately and convert after leaving the board. Restricted stock units granted to employees prior to February 18, 2014 convert 50% on the second anniversary of the grant date and 25% on each of the third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who are retirement eligible and in certain other limited circumstances. Performance stock awards vest and convert into shares of stock on the third anniversary of the grant date. Vesting of the number of performance stock awards earned based on the attainment of performance goals for each of the performance periods is subject to continued service, except for employees who are retirement eligible and in certain other limited circumstances, and achievement of performance goals. A total of 97.6 million shares of common stock were authorized to be used for awards under the plans, subject to adjustment in accordance with the plans’ terms. As of December 31, 2015 , 25.8 million shares were reserved and remained available for future issuance under these plans. The Company uses its treasury shares for these issuances. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial lattice model. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination within the valuation model. In addition, separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. The expected term of options granted is derived from the output of the binominal lattice model and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The expected volatility of the price of the underlying shares is implied based on traded options and historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The expected dividends were based on the current dividend yield of the Company’s stock as of the date of the grant. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The assumptions used are shown in the following table. 2015 2014 2013 Weighted average expected term 6.5 years 6.5 years 8.2 years Expected volatility 16.0 - 37.8% 16.8 - 42.2% 19.1 - 48.1% Weighted average volatility 24.7 % 28.3 % 31.0 % Expected dividends 1.6 - 2.1% 1.7 - 2.2% 1.9 - 2.2% Weighted average expected dividends 1.7 % 2.1 % 2.2 % Risk-free rate 0.0 - 2.4% 0.0 - 3.0% 0.0 - 2.9% A summary of option activity for the year ended December 31, 2015 is shown in the following table. Number (in 000s) Weighted average exercise price Aggregate intrinsic value (in 000s) Weighted average remaining contractual term (years) Outstanding as of January 1, 2015 17,989 $ 42.05 Granted 2,264 70.26 Exercised (4,375 ) 42.71 Forfeited (156 ) 54.58 Expired (6 ) 54.31 Outstanding as of December 31, 2015 15,716 45.81 $ 274,191 5.5 Outstanding, net of expected forfeitures 15,601 45.68 273,702 5.5 Outstanding, exercisable (“vested”) 10,097 40.62 217,292 4.1 The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted was $15.45 , $12.50 and $11.99 during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The intrinsic value, which is the difference between the fair value and the exercise price, of options exercised was $117 million , $151 million and $92 million during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The changes in restricted stock units are shown in the following table for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Number (in 000s) Weighted average grant date fair value Nonvested as of January 1, 2015 2,280 $ 42.71 Granted 579 69.25 Vested (891 ) 37.36 Forfeited (129 ) 54.00 Nonvested as of December 31, 2015 1,839 52.86 The fair value of restricted stock units is based on the market value of the Company’s stock as of the date of the grant. The market value in part reflects the payment of future dividends expected. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted was $69.25 , $52.70 and $45.78 during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock units vested was $63 million , $60 million and $104 million during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The changes in performance stock awards are shown in the following table for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Number (in 000s) Weighted average grant date fair value Nonvested as of January 1, 2015 1,304 $ 39.70 Granted 229 70.37 Adjustment for performance achievement 199 36.96 Vested (802 ) 32.05 Nonvested as of December 31, 2015 930 53.27 The increase in PSA’s comprises those initially granted in 2015 and the adjustment to previously granted PSA’s for performance achievement. The fair value of performance stock awards is based on the market value of the Company’s stock as of the date of the grant. The market value in part reflects the payment of future dividends expected. The weighted average grant date fair value of performance stock awards granted was $70.37 , $52.18 and $45.61 during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The total fair value of performance stock awards vested was $56 million during 2015. None of the performance stock awards vested during 2014 or 2013 . The tax benefit realized in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 related to tax deductions from stock option exercises and included in shareholders’ equity was $23 million , $23 million and $12 million , respectively. The tax benefit realized in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 related to all stock-based compensation and recorded directly to shareholders’ equity was $46 million , $32 million and $30 million , respectively.

Reporting Segments

Reporting Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reporting Segments	Reporting Segments Allstate management is organized around products and services, and this structure is considered in the identification of its four reportable segments. These segments and their respective operations are as follows: Allstate Protection principally sells private passenger auto and homeowners insurance in the United States and Canada. Revenues from external customers generated outside the United States were $1.03 billion , $1.08 billion and $1.06 billion in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company evaluates the results of this segment based upon underwriting results. Discontinued Lines and Coverages consists of property-liability business no longer written by Allstate, including results from asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines claims, and certain commercial and other businesses in run-off. This segment also includes the historical results of the commercial and reinsurance businesses sold in 1996. The Company evaluates the results of this segment based upon underwriting results. Allstate Financial sells traditional, interest-sensitive and variable life insurance and voluntary accident and health insurance products. Allstate Financial previously offered and continues to have in force fixed annuities such as deferred and immediate annuities, and institutional products consisting of funding agreements sold to unaffiliated trusts that use them to back medium-term notes. Allstate Financial had no revenues from external customers generated outside the United States in 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . The Company evaluates the results of this segment based upon operating income. Corporate and Other comprises holding company activities and certain non-insurance operations. Allstate Protection and Discontinued Lines and Coverages comprise Property-Liability. The Company does not allocate Property-Liability investment income, realized capital gains and losses, or assets to the Allstate Protection and Discontinued Lines and Coverages segments. Management reviews assets at the Property-Liability, Allstate Financial, and Corporate and Other levels for decision-making purposes. Allstate Protection and Allstate Financial performance and resources are managed by committees of senior officers of the respective segments. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 2. The effects of certain inter-segment transactions are excluded from segment performance evaluation and therefore are eliminated in the segment results. Measuring segment profit or loss The measure of segment profit or loss used by Allstate’s management in evaluating performance is underwriting income for the Allstate Protection and Discontinued Lines and Coverages segments and operating income for the Allstate Financial and Corporate and Other segments. A reconciliation of these measures to net income applicable to common shareholders is provided below. Underwriting income is calculated as premiums earned, less claims and claims expenses (“losses”), amortization of DAC, operating costs and expenses, and restructuring and related charges as determined using GAAP. Operating income is net income applicable to common shareholders, excluding: • realized capital gains and losses, after-tax, except for periodic settlements and accruals on non-hedge derivative instruments, which are reported with realized capital gains and losses but included in operating income, • valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged, after-tax, • amortization of DAC and DSI, to the extent they resulted from the recognition of certain realized capital gains and losses or valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged, after-tax, • amortization of purchased intangible assets, after-tax, • gain (loss) on disposition of operations, after-tax, and • adjustments for other significant non-recurring, infrequent or unusual items, when (a) the nature of the charge or gain is such that it is reasonably unlikely to recur within two years, or (b) there has been no similar charge or gain within the prior two years. Summarized revenue data for each of the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Revenues Property-Liability Property-liability insurance premiums Auto $ 20,410 $ 19,344 $ 18,449 Homeowners 7,136 6,904 6,613 Other personal lines 1,692 1,662 1,629 Commercial lines 510 476 456 Other business lines 561 542 471 Allstate Protection 30,309 28,928 27,618 Discontinued Lines and Coverages — 1 — Total property-liability insurance premiums 30,309 28,929 27,618 Net investment income 1,237 1,301 1,375 Realized capital gains and losses (237 ) 549 519 Total Property-Liability 31,309 30,779 29,512 Allstate Financial Life and annuity premiums and contract charges Life and annuity premiums Traditional life insurance 542 511 491 Immediate annuities with life contingencies — 4 37 Accident and health insurance 780 744 720 Total life and annuity premiums 1,322 1,259 1,248 Contract charges Interest-sensitive life insurance 822 879 1,086 Fixed annuities 14 19 18 Total contract charges 836 898 1,104 Total life and annuity premiums and contract charges 2,158 2,157 2,352 Net investment income 1,884 2,131 2,538 Realized capital gains and losses 267 144 74 Total Allstate Financial 4,309 4,432 4,964 Corporate and Other Service fees 3 5 9 Net investment income 35 27 30 Realized capital gains and losses — 1 1 Total Corporate and Other before reclassification of service fees 38 33 40 Reclassification of service fees (1) (3 ) (5 ) (9 ) Total Corporate and Other 35 28 31 Consolidated revenues $ 35,653 $ 35,239 $ 34,507 ______________________________ (1) For presentation in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, service fees of the Corporate and Other segment are reclassified to operating costs and expenses. Summarized financial performance data for each of the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Net income Property-Liability Underwriting income Allstate Protection $ 1,614 $ 1,887 $ 2,361 Discontinued Lines and Coverages (55 ) (115 ) (143 ) Total underwriting income 1,559 1,772 2,218 Net investment income 1,237 1,301 1,375 Income tax expense on operations (1) (952 ) (1,040 ) (1,177 ) Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax (154 ) 357 339 Gain (loss) on disposition of operations, after-tax — 37 (1 ) Property-Liability net income applicable to common shareholders 1,690 2,427 2,754 Allstate Financial Life and annuity premiums and contract charges 2,158 2,157 2,352 Net investment income 1,884 2,131 2,538 Periodic settlements and accruals on non-hedge derivative instruments — (1 ) 17 Contract benefits and interest credited to contractholder funds (2,563 ) (2,663 ) (3,171 ) Operating costs and expenses and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (729 ) (721 ) (895 ) Restructuring and related charges — (2 ) (7 ) Income tax expense on operations (241 ) (294 ) (246 ) Operating income 509 607 588 Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax 173 94 46 Valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged, after-tax (1 ) (15 ) (16 ) DAC and DSI amortization related to realized capital gains and losses and valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged, after-tax (3 ) (3 ) (5 ) DAC and DSI unlocking related to realized capital gains and losses, after-tax — — 7 Reclassification of periodic settlements and accruals on non-hedge derivative instruments, after-tax — 1 (11 ) Gain (loss) on disposition of operations, after-tax 2 (53 ) (514 ) Change in accounting for investments in qualified affordable housing projects, after-tax (17 ) — — Allstate Financial net income applicable to common shareholders 663 631 95 Corporate and Other Service fees (2) 3 5 9 Net investment income 35 27 30 Operating costs and expenses (2) (329 ) (364 ) (627 ) Income tax benefit on operations 109 124 220 Preferred stock dividends (116 ) (104 ) (17 ) Operating loss (298 ) (312 ) (385 ) Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax — — — Loss on extinguishment of debt, after-tax — — (319 ) Postretirement benefits curtailment gain, after-tax — — 118 Corporate and Other net loss applicable to common shareholders (298 ) (312 ) (586 ) Consolidated net income applicable to common shareholders $ 2,055 $ 2,746 $ 2,263 ______________________________ (1) Income tax on operations for Property-Liability segment includes $28 million of expense related to the change in accounting guidance for investments in qualified affordable housing projects adopted in 2015. (2) For presentation in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, service fees of the Corporate and Other segment are reclassified to operating costs and expenses. Additional significant financial performance data for each of the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Amortization of DAC Property-Liability $ 4,102 $ 3,875 $ 3,674 Allstate Financial 262 260 328 Consolidated $ 4,364 $ 4,135 $ 4,002 ​ ​ ​ ​ Income tax expense Property-Liability $ 869 $ 1,211 $ 1,357 Allstate Financial 351 299 87 Corporate and Other (109 ) (124 ) (328 ) Consolidated $ 1,111 $ 1,386 $ 1,116 Interest expense is primarily incurred in the Corporate and Other segment. Capital expenditures for long-lived assets are generally made in the Property-Liability segment. A portion of these long-lived assets are used by entities included in the Allstate Financial and Corporate and Other segments and, accordingly, are charged expenses in proportion to their use. Summarized data for total assets and investments for each of the Company’s reportable segments as of December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Assets Property-Liability $ 55,671 $ 55,767 $ 54,726 Allstate Financial 46,342 49,248 65,707 Corporate and Other 2,643 3,464 3,027 Consolidated $ 104,656 $ 108,479 $ 123,460 ​ ​ ​ ​ Investments Property-Liability $ 38,479 $ 39,083 $ 39,638 Allstate Financial 36,792 38,809 39,105 Corporate and Other 2,487 3,221 2,412 Consolidated $ 77,758 $ 81,113 $ 81,155 The balances above reflect the elimination of related party investments between segments.

Other Comprehensive Income

Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income	Other Comprehensive Income The components of other comprehensive income (loss) on a pre - tax and after-tax basis for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Pre-tax Tax After-tax Pre-tax Tax After-tax Pre-tax Tax After-tax Unrealized net holding gains and losses arising during the period, net of related offsets $ (1,896 ) $ 663 $ (1,233 ) $ 1,026 $ (358 ) $ 668 $ (1,278 ) $ 447 $ (831 ) Less: reclassification adjustment of realized capital gains and losses 112 (39 ) 73 597 (209 ) 388 549 (192 ) 357 Unrealized net capital gains and losses (2,008 ) 702 (1,306 ) 429 (149 ) 280 (1,827 ) 639 (1,188 ) Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments (89 ) 31 (58 ) (62 ) 22 (40 ) (49 ) 17 (32 ) Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost arising during the period (64 ) 25 (39 ) (1,197 ) 421 (776 ) 1,231 (429 ) 802 Less: reclassification adjustment of net periodic cost recognized in operating costs and expenses (134 ) 47 (87 ) (78 ) 27 (51 ) (445 ) 156 (289 ) Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost 70 (22 ) 48 (1,119 ) 394 (725 ) 1,676 (585 ) 1,091 Other comprehensive loss $ (2,027 ) $ 711 $ (1,316 ) $ (752 ) $ 267 $ (485 ) $ (200 ) $ 71 $ (129 )

Quarterly Results (unaudited)

Quarterly Results (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Results (unaudited)	Quarterly Results (unaudited) ($ in millions, except per share data) First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues $ 8,952 $ 8,684 $ 8,982 $ 8,860 $ 9,028 $ 8,936 $ 8,691 $ 8,759 Net income applicable to common shareholders 648 587 326 614 621 750 460 795 Net income applicable to common shareholders earnings per common share - Basic 1.56 1.31 0.80 1.41 1.56 1.77 1.19 1.89 Net income applicable to common shareholders earnings per common share - Diluted 1.53 1.30 0.79 1.39 1.54 1.74 1.18 1.86

SCHEDULE I - SUMMARY OF INVESTM

SCHEDULE I - SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]
SCHEDULE I - SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES	THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE I — SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES DECEMBER 31, 2015 ($ in millions) Cost/amortized cost Fair value Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet Type of investment Fixed maturities: Bonds: United States government, government agencies and authorities $ 3,836 $ 3,922 $ 3,922 States, municipalities and political subdivisions 7,032 7,401 7,401 Foreign governments 983 1,033 1,033 Public utilities 4,605 4,864 4,864 All other corporate bonds 37,069 36,963 36,963 Asset-backed securities 2,359 2,327 2,327 Residential mortgage-backed securities 857 947 947 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 438 466 466 Redeemable preferred stocks 22 25 25 Total fixed maturities 57,201 $ 57,948 57,948 Equity securities: Common stocks: Public utilities 109 $ 111 111 Banks, trusts and insurance companies 1,160 1,193 1,193 Industrial, miscellaneous and all other 3,453 3,672 3,672 Nonredeemable preferred stocks 84 106 106 Total equity securities 4,806 $ 5,082 5,082 Mortgage loans on real estate 4,338 $ 4,489 4,338 Real estate (includes $6 acquired in satisfaction of debt) 245 245 Policy loans 905 905 Derivative instruments 47 $ 53 53 Limited partnership interests 4,874 4,874 Other long-term investments 2,191 2,191 Short-term investments 2,122 $ 2,122 2,122 Total investments $ 76,729 $ 77,758

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCI

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT	THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II — CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS ($ in millions) Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenues Investment income, less investment expense $ 8 $ 3 $ 3 Other income 66 67 42 74 70 45 Expenses Interest expense 292 321 366 Loss on extinguishment of debt — 1 491 Pension and other postretirement benefit expense (15 ) 41 (184 ) Other operating expenses 34 38 30 311 401 703 Loss from operations before income tax benefit and equity in net income of subsidiaries (237 ) (331 ) (658 ) Income tax benefit (108 ) (142 ) (251 ) Loss before equity in net income of subsidiaries (129 ) (189 ) (407 ) Equity in net income of subsidiaries 2,300 3,039 2,687 Net income 2,171 2,850 2,280 Preferred stock dividends 116 104 17 Net income applicable to common shareholders 2,055 2,746 2,263 Other comprehensive (loss) income, after-tax Changes in: Unrealized net capital gains and losses (1,306 ) 280 (1,188 ) Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments (58 ) (40 ) (32 ) Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost 48 (725 ) 1,091 Other comprehensive loss, after-tax (1,316 ) (485 ) (129 ) Comprehensive income $ 855 $ 2,365 $ 2,151 See accompanying notes to condensed financial information and notes to consolidated financial statements. THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II (CONTINUED) — CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION ($ in millions, except par value data) December 31, 2015 2014 Assets Investments in subsidiaries $ 25,047 $ 26,362 Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $485 and $878) 485 880 Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost $277 and $673) 277 673 Cash 4 155 Receivable from subsidiaries 339 342 Deferred income taxes 302 352 Other assets 133 167 Total assets $ 26,587 $ 28,931 Liabilities Long-term debt $ 5,124 $ 5,140 Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 948 977 Deferred compensation 259 263 Dividends payable to shareholders 150 155 Deferred income taxes — — Other liabilities 81 92 Total liabilities 6,562 6,627 Shareholders’ equity Preferred stock and additional capital paid-in, $1 par value, 25 million shares authorized, 72.2 thousand issued and outstanding, and $1,805 aggregate liquidation preference 1,746 1,746 Common stock, $.01 par value, 2.0 billion shares authorized and 900 million issued, 381 million and 418 million shares outstanding 9 9 Additional capital paid-in 3,245 3,199 Retained income 39,413 37,842 Deferred ESOP expense (13 ) (23 ) Treasury stock, at cost (519 million and 482 million shares) (23,620 ) (21,030 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income: Unrealized net capital gains and losses 620 1,926 Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments (60 ) (2 ) Unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit cost (1,315 ) (1,363 ) Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (755 ) 561 Total shareholders’ equity 20,025 22,304 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 26,587 $ 28,931 See accompanying notes to condensed financial information and notes to consolidated financial statements. THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II (CONTINUED) — CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS ($ in millions) Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Cash flows from operating activities Net income $ 2,171 $ 2,850 $ 2,280 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Equity in net income of subsidiaries (2,300 ) (3,039 ) (2,687 ) Dividends received from subsidiaries 2,300 2,497 1,992 Loss on extinguishment of debt — 1 491 Changes in: Pension and other postretirement benefits (15 ) 41 (184 ) Income taxes 77 (158 ) 113 Operating assets and liabilities 26 (29 ) 25 Net cash provided by operating activities 2,259 2,163 2,030 Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from sales of investments 399 351 — Investment purchases (4 ) (1,174 ) (156 ) Investment collections — 155 200 Return of capital from subsidiaries 50 1,200 37 Change in short-term investments, net 397 (88 ) (450 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 842 444 (369 ) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — — 2,271 Repayment of long-term debt (20 ) (962 ) (2,627 ) Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock — 965 781 Dividends paid on common stock (483 ) (477 ) (352 ) Dividends paid on preferred stock (116 ) (87 ) (6 ) Treasury stock purchases (2,808 ) (2,301 ) (1,834 ) Shares reissued under equity incentive plans, net 130 266 170 Excess tax benefits on share-based payment arrangements 45 41 38 Other — (2 ) (1 ) Net cash used in financing activities (3,252 ) (2,557 ) (1,560 ) Net (decrease) increase in cash (151 ) 50 101 Cash at beginning of year 155 105 4 Cash at end of year $ 4 $ 155 $ 105 See accompanying notes to condensed financial information and notes to consolidated financial statements. THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II (CONTINUED) — CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION 1. General The financial statements of the Registrant should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 8. The long-term debt presented in Note 12 “Capital Structure” are direct obligations of the Registrant. A majority of the pension and other postretirement benefits plans presented in Note 17 “Benefit Plans” are direct obligations of the Registrant. Participating subsidiaries fund the pension plans contributions under a master services cost sharing agreement. In addition, as a result of joint and several pension liability rules under the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, many liabilities that arise in connection with pension plans are joint and several across all members of a controlled group of entities. 2. Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information The Registrant paid $289 million , $332 million and $359 million of interest on debt in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY IN

SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION	THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE III — SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION ($ in millions) As of December 31, For the year ended December 31, Segment Deferred policy acquisition costs Reserves for claims and claims expense, contract benefits and contractholder funds Unearned premiums Premium revenue and contract charges Net investment income (1) Claims and claims expense, contract benefits and interest credited to contractholders Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs Other operating costs and expenses Premiums written (excluding life) 2015 Property-Liability operations Allstate Protection $ 2,029 $ 21,807 $ 12,189 $ 30,309 $ 20,981 $ 4,102 $ 3,612 $ 30,871 Discontinued Lines and Coverages — 2,062 — — 53 — 2 — Total Property-Liability 2,029 23,869 12,189 30,309 $ 1,237 21,034 4,102 3,614 30,871 Allstate Financial operations 1,832 33,542 13 2,158 1,884 2,564 262 472 777 Corporate and Other — — — — 35 — — 326 — Total $ 3,861 $ 57,411 $ 12,202 $ 32,467 $ 3,156 $ 23,598 $ 4,364 $ 4,412 $ 31,648 2014 Property-Liability operations Allstate Protection $ 1,820 $ 20,709 $ 11,640 $ 28,928 $ 19,315 $ 3,875 $ 3,851 $ 29,613 Discontinued Lines and Coverages — 2,214 — 1 113 — 3 1 Total Property-Liability 1,820 22,923 11,640 28,929 $ 1,301 19,428 3,875 3,854 29,614 Allstate Financial operations 1,705 34,909 15 2,157 2,131 2,684 260 468 746 Corporate and Other — — — — 27 — — 360 — Total $ 3,525 $ 57,832 $ 11,655 $ 31,086 $ 3,459 $ 22,112 $ 4,135 $ 4,682 $ 30,360 2013 Property-Liability operations Allstate Protection $ 1,625 $ 19,598 $ 10,917 $ 27,618 $ 17,769 $ 3,674 $ 3,814 $ 28,164 Discontinued Lines and Coverages — 2,259 — — 142 — 1 — Total Property-Liability 1,625 21,857 10,917 27,618 $ 1,375 17,911 3,674 3,815 28,164 Allstate Financial operations 1,747 36,690 15 2,352 2,538 3,195 328 572 723 Corporate and Other — — — — 30 — — 928 — Total $ 3,372 $ 58,547 $ 10,932 $ 29,970 $ 3,943 $ 21,106 $ 4,002 $ 5,315 $ 28,887 ________________________ (1) A single investment portfolio supports both Allstate Protection and Discontinued Lines and Coverages segments.

SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE

SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]
SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE	THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE IV — REINSURANCE ($ in millions) Gross amount Ceded to other companies (1) Assumed from other companies Net amount Percentage of amount assumed to net Year ended December 31, 2015 Life insurance in force $ 156,486 $ 93,326 $ 280,644 $ 343,804 81.6 % Premiums and contract charges: Life insurance $ 828 $ 299 $ 849 $ 1,378 61.6 % Accident and health insurance 813 33 — 780 — % Property-liability insurance 31,274 1,006 41 30,309 0.1 % Total premiums and contract charges $ 32,915 $ 1,338 $ 890 $ 32,467 2.7 % Year ended December 31, 2014 Life insurance in force $ 135,627 $ 98,165 $ 290,565 $ 328,027 88.6 % Premiums and contract charges: Life insurance $ 1,144 $ 360 $ 629 $ 1,413 44.5 % Accident and health insurance 800 56 — 744 — % Property-liability insurance 29,914 1,030 45 28,929 0.2 % Total premiums and contract charges $ 31,858 $ 1,446 $ 674 $ 31,086 2.2 % Year ended December 31, 2013 Life insurance in force $ 528,473 $ 196,274 $ 14,003 $ 346,202 4.0 % Premiums and contract charges: Life insurance $ 2,088 $ 538 $ 82 $ 1,632 5.0 % Accident and health insurance 821 101 — 720 — % Property-liability insurance 28,638 1,069 49 27,618 0.2 % Total premiums and contract charges $ 31,547 $ 1,708 $ 131 $ 29,970 0.4 % ______________________________ (1) No reinsurance or coinsurance income was netted against premium ceded in 2015 , 2014 or 2013 .

SCHEDULE V - VALUATION ALLOWANC

SCHEDULE V - VALUATION ALLOWANCES AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SCHEDULE V - VALUATION ALLOWANCES AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE V — VALUATION ALLOWANCES AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS ($ in millions) Additions Description Balance as of beginning of period Charged to costs and expenses Other additions Deductions Balance as of end of period Year ended December 31, 2015 Allowance for reinsurance recoverables $ 95 $ (15 ) $ — $ — $ 80 Allowance for premium installment receivable 83 107 — 100 90 Allowance for deferred tax assets — — — — — Allowance for estimated losses on mortgage loans 8 (4 ) — 1 3 Year ended December 31, 2014 Allowance for reinsurance recoverables $ 92 $ 3 $ — $ — $ 95 Allowance for premium installment receivable 77 99 — 93 83 Allowance for deferred tax assets — — — — — Allowance for estimated losses on mortgage loans 21 (5 ) — 8 8 Year ended December 31, 2013 Allowance for reinsurance recoverables $ 87 $ 8 $ — $ 3 $ 92 Allowance for premium installment receivable 70 96 — 89 77 Allowance for deferred tax assets — — — — — Allowance for estimated losses on mortgage loans 42 (11 ) — 10 21

SCHEDULE VI - SUPPLEMENTARY INF

SCHEDULE VI - SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION CONCERNING CONSOLIDATED PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]
SCHEDULE VI - SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION CONCERNING CONSOLIDATED PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS	THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE VI — SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION CONCERNING CONSOLIDATED PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS ($ in millions) As of December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Deferred policy acquisition costs $ 2,029 $ 1,820 $ 1,625 Reserves for insurance claims and claims expense 23,869 22,923 21,857 Unearned premiums 12,189 11,640 10,917 Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Earned premiums $ 30,309 $ 28,929 $ 27,618 Net investment income 1,237 1,301 1,375 Claims and claims adjustment expense incurred Current year 20,953 19,512 18,032 Prior years 81 (84 ) (121 ) Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 4,102 3,875 3,674 Paid claims and claims adjustment expense 20,286 19,392 17,996 Premiums written 30,871 29,614 28,164

Summary of Significant Accoun36

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Fixed income securities include bonds, asset-backed securities (“ABS”), residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and redeemable preferred stocks. Fixed income securities, which may be sold prior to their contractual maturity, are designated as available for sale and are carried at fair value. The difference between amortized cost and fair value, net of deferred income taxes and related life and annuity deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”), deferred sales inducement costs (“DSI”) and reserves for life-contingent contract benefits, is reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Cash received from calls and make-whole payments is reflected as a component of proceeds from sales and cash received from maturities and pay-downs is reflected as a component of investment collections within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Equity securities primarily include common stocks, exchange traded and mutual funds, non-redeemable preferred stocks and real estate investment trust equity investments. Equity securities are designated as available for sale and are carried at fair value. The difference between cost and fair value, net of deferred income taxes, is reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Mortgage loans are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of unamortized premium or discount and valuation allowances. Valuation allowances are established for impaired loans when it is probable that contractual principal and interest will not be collected. Investments in limited partnership interests include interests in private equity funds and co-investments, real estate funds and joint ventures, and other funds. Where the Company’s interest is so minor that it exercises virtually no influence over operating and financial policies, investments in limited partnership interests are accounted for in accordance with the cost method of accounting; all other investments in limited partnership interests are accounted for in accordance with the equity method of accounting (“EMA”). Short-term investments, including money market funds, commercial paper and other short-term investments, are carried at fair value. Other investments primarily consist of bank loans, policy loans, agent loans and derivatives. Bank loans are primarily senior secured corporate loans and are carried at amortized cost. Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances and were $905 million and $909 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Agent loans are loans issued to exclusive Allstate agents and are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of valuation allowances and unamortized deferred fees or costs. Derivatives are carried at fair value. Investment income primarily consists of interest, dividends, income from limited partnership interests, and income from certain derivative transactions. Interest is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective yield method and dividends are recorded at the ex-dividend date. Interest income for ABS, RMBS and CMBS is determined considering estimated pay-downs, including prepayments, obtained from third party data sources and internal estimates. Actual prepayment experience is periodically reviewed and effective yields are recalculated when differences arise between the prepayments originally anticipated and the actual prepayments received and currently anticipated. For ABS, RMBS and CMBS of high credit quality with fixed interest rates, the effective yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis. For all others, the effective yield is recalculated on a prospective basis. Accrual of income is suspended for other-than-temporarily impaired fixed income securities when the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be received is not reasonably estimable. Accrual of income is suspended for mortgage loans, bank loans and agent loans that are in default or when full and timely collection of principal and interest payments is not probable. Cash receipts on investments on nonaccrual status are generally recorded as a reduction of carrying value. Income from cost method limited partnership interests is recognized upon receipt of amounts distributed by the partnerships. Income from EMA limited partnership interests is recognized based on the Company’s share of the partnerships’ net income, including unrealized gains and losses, and is generally recognized on a three month delay due to the availability of the related financial statements. Realized capital gains and losses include gains and losses on investment sales, write-downs in value due to other-than-temporary declines in fair value, adjustments to valuation allowances on mortgage loans and agent loans, and periodic changes in fair value and settlements of certain derivatives including hedge ineffectiveness. Realized capital gains and losses on investment sales are determined on a specific identification basis.
Derivative and embedded derivative financial instruments	Derivative and embedded derivative financial instruments Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, futures (interest rate and equity), options (including swaptions), interest rate caps, warrants and rights, foreign currency swaps, foreign currency forwards, certain investment risk transfer reinsurance agreements, and certain bond forward purchase commitments. Derivatives required to be separated from the host instrument and accounted for as derivative financial instruments (“subject to bifurcation”) are embedded in certain fixed income securities, equity-indexed life and annuity contracts, reinsured variable annuity contracts and certain funding agreements. All derivatives are accounted for on a fair value basis and reported as other investments, other assets, other liabilities and accrued expenses or contractholder funds. Embedded derivative instruments subject to bifurcation are also accounted for on a fair value basis and are reported together with the host contract. The change in fair value of derivatives embedded in certain fixed income securities and subject to bifurcation is reported in realized capital gains and losses. The change in fair value of derivatives embedded in life and annuity product contracts and subject to bifurcation is reported in life and annuity contract benefits or interest credited to contractholder funds. Cash flows from embedded derivatives subject to bifurcation and derivatives receiving hedge accounting are reported consistently with the host contracts and hedged risks, respectively, within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Cash flows from other derivatives are reported in cash flows from investing activities within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. When derivatives meet specific criteria, they may be designated as accounting hedges and accounted for as fair value, cash flow, foreign currency fair value or foreign currency cash flow hedges. The hedged item may be either all or a specific portion of a recognized asset, liability or an unrecognized firm commitment attributable to a particular risk for fair value hedges. At the inception of the hedge, the Company formally documents the hedging relationship and risk management objective and strategy. The documentation identifies the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the nature of the risk being hedged and the methodology used to assess the effectiveness of the hedging instrument in offsetting the exposure to changes in the hedged item’s fair value attributable to the hedged risk. For a cash flow hedge, this documentation includes the exposure to changes in the variability in cash flows attributable to the hedged risk. The Company does not exclude any component of the change in fair value of the hedging instrument from the effectiveness assessment. At each reporting date, the Company confirms that the hedging instrument continues to be highly effective in offsetting the hedged risk. Ineffectiveness in fair value hedges and cash flow hedges, if any, is reported in realized capital gains and losses. Fair value hedges The change in fair value of hedging instruments used in fair value hedges of investment assets or a portion thereof is reported in net investment income, together with the change in fair value of the hedged items. The change in fair value of hedging instruments used in fair value hedges of contractholder funds liabilities or a portion thereof is reported in interest credited to contractholder funds, together with the change in fair value of the hedged items. Accrued periodic settlements on swaps are reported together with the changes in fair value of the swaps in net investment income or interest credited to contractholder funds. The amortized cost for fixed income securities, the carrying value for mortgage loans or the carrying value of the hedged liability is adjusted for the change in fair value of the hedged risk. Cash flow hedges For hedging instruments used in cash flow hedges, the changes in fair value of the derivatives representing the effective portion of the hedge are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. Amounts are reclassified to net investment income, realized capital gains and losses or interest expense as the hedged or forecasted transaction affects income. Accrued periodic settlements on derivatives used in cash flow hedges are reported in net investment income. The amount reported in accumulated other comprehensive income for a hedged transaction is limited to the lesser of the cumulative gain or loss on the derivative less the amount reclassified to income, or the cumulative gain or loss on the derivative needed to offset the cumulative change in the expected future cash flows on the hedged transaction from inception of the hedge less the derivative gain or loss previously reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to income. If the Company expects at any time that the loss reported in accumulated other comprehensive income would lead to a net loss on the combination of the hedging instrument and the hedged transaction which may not be recoverable, a loss is recognized immediately in realized capital gains and losses. If an impairment loss is recognized on an asset or an additional obligation is incurred on a liability involved in a hedge transaction, any offsetting gain in accumulated other comprehensive income is reclassified and reported together with the impairment loss or recognition of the obligation. Termination of hedge accounting If, subsequent to entering into a hedge transaction, the derivative becomes ineffective (including if the hedged item is sold or otherwise extinguished, the occurrence of a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable or the hedged asset becomes other-than-temporarily impaired), the Company may terminate the derivative position. The Company may also terminate derivative instruments or redesignate them as non-hedge as a result of other events or circumstances. If the derivative instrument is not terminated when a fair value hedge is no longer effective, the future gains and losses recognized on the derivative are reported in realized capital gains and losses. When a fair value hedge is no longer effective, is redesignated as non-hedge or when the derivative has been terminated, the fair value gain or loss on the hedged asset, liability or portion thereof which has already been recognized in income while the hedge was in place and used to adjust the amortized cost for fixed income securities, the carrying value for mortgage loans or the carrying value of the hedged liability, is amortized over the remaining life of the hedged asset, liability or portion thereof, and reflected in net investment income or interest credited to contractholder funds beginning in the period that hedge accounting is no longer applied. If the hedged item in a fair value hedge is an asset that has become other-than-temporarily impaired, the adjustment made to the amortized cost for fixed income securities or the carrying value for mortgage loans is subject to the accounting policies applied to other-than-temporarily impaired assets. When a derivative instrument used in a cash flow hedge of an existing asset or liability is no longer effective or is terminated, the gain or loss recognized on the derivative is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to income as the hedged risk impacts income. If the derivative instrument is not terminated when a cash flow hedge is no longer effective, the future gains and losses recognized on the derivative are reported in realized capital gains and losses. When a derivative instrument used in a cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction is terminated because it is probable the forecasted transaction will not occur, the gain or loss recognized on the derivative is immediately reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to realized capital gains and losses in the period that hedge accounting is no longer applied. Non-hedge derivative financial instruments For derivatives for which hedge accounting is not applied, the income statement effects, including fair value gains and losses and accrued periodic settlements, are reported either in realized capital gains and losses or in a single line item together with the results of the associated asset or liability for which risks are being managed.
Securities loaned	Securities loaned The Company’s business activities include securities lending transactions, which are used primarily to generate net investment income. The proceeds received in conjunction with securities lending transactions are reinvested in short-term investments. These transactions are short-term in nature, usually 30 days or less. The Company receives cash collateral for securities loaned in an amount generally equal to 102% and 105% of the fair value of domestic and foreign securities, respectively, and records the related obligations to return the collateral in other liabilities and accrued expenses. The carrying value of these obligations approximates fair value because of their relatively short-term nature. The Company monitors the market value of securities loaned on a daily basis and obtains additional collateral as necessary under the terms of the agreements to mitigate counterparty credit risk. The Company maintains the right and ability to repossess the securities loaned on short notice.
Recognition of premium revenues and contract charges, and related benefits and interest credited	Recognition of premium revenues and contract charges, and related benefits and interest credited Property-liability premiums are deferred and earned on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the policies, typically periods of six or twelve months. The portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired terms of the policies is recorded as unearned premiums. Premium installment receivables, net, represent premiums written and not yet collected, net of an allowance for uncollectible premiums. The Company regularly evaluates premium installment receivables and adjusts its valuation allowance as appropriate. The valuation allowance for uncollectible premium installment receivables was $90 million and $83 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Traditional life insurance products consist principally of products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, primarily term and whole life insurance products. Voluntary accident and health insurance products are expected to remain in force for an extended period and therefore are primarily classified as long-duration contracts. Premiums from these products are recognized as revenue when due from policyholders. Benefits are reflected in life and annuity contract benefits and recognized in relation to premiums, so that profits are recognized over the life of the policy. Immediate annuities with life contingencies, including certain structured settlement annuities, provide insurance protection over a period that extends beyond the period during which premiums are collected. Premiums from these products are recognized as revenue when received at the inception of the contract. Benefits and expenses are recognized in relation to premiums. Profits from these policies come from investment income, which is recognized over the life of the contract. Interest-sensitive life contracts, such as universal life and single premium life, are insurance contracts whose terms are not fixed and guaranteed. The terms that may be changed include premiums paid by the contractholder, interest credited to the contractholder account balance and contract charges assessed against the contractholder account balance. Premiums from these contracts are reported as contractholder fund deposits. Contract charges consist of fees assessed against the contractholder account balance for the cost of insurance (mortality risk), contract administration and surrender of the contract prior to contractually specified dates. These contract charges are recognized as revenue when assessed against the contractholder account balance. Life and annuity contract benefits include life-contingent benefit payments in excess of the contractholder account balance. Contracts that do not subject the Company to significant risk arising from mortality or morbidity are referred to as investment contracts. Fixed annuities, including market value adjusted annuities, equity-indexed annuities and immediate annuities without life contingencies, and funding agreements (primarily backing medium-term notes) are considered investment contracts. Consideration received for such contracts is reported as contractholder fund deposits. Contract charges for investment contracts consist of fees assessed against the contractholder account balance for maintenance, administration and surrender of the contract prior to contractually specified dates, and are recognized when assessed against the contractholder account balance. Interest credited to contractholder funds represents interest accrued or paid on interest-sensitive life and investment contracts. Crediting rates for certain fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts are adjusted periodically by the Company to reflect current market conditions subject to contractually guaranteed minimum rates. Crediting rates for indexed life and annuities and indexed funding agreements are generally based on a specified interest rate index or an equity index, such as the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index. Interest credited also includes amortization of DSI expenses. DSI is amortized into interest credited using the same method used to amortize DAC. Contract charges for variable life and variable annuity products consist of fees assessed against the contractholder account balances for contract maintenance, administration, mortality, expense and surrender of the contract prior to contractually specified dates. Contract benefits incurred for variable annuity products include guaranteed minimum death, income, withdrawal and accumulation benefits. Substantially all of the Company’s variable annuity business is ceded through reinsurance agreements and the contract charges and contract benefits related thereto are reported net of reinsurance ceded.
Deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs	Deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs Costs that are related directly to the successful acquisition of new or renewal property-liability insurance, life insurance and investment contracts are deferred and recorded as DAC. These costs are principally agents’ and brokers’ remuneration, premium taxes and certain underwriting expenses. DSI costs, which are deferred and recorded as other assets, relate to sales inducements offered on sales to new customers, principally on fixed annuity and interest-sensitive life contracts. These sales inducements are primarily in the form of additional credits to the customer’s account balance or enhancements to interest credited for a specified period which are in excess of the rates currently being credited to similar contracts without sales inducements. All other acquisition costs are expensed as incurred and included in operating costs and expenses. DAC associated with property-liability insurance is amortized into income as premiums are earned, typically over periods of six or twelve months, and is included in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. DAC associated with property-liability insurance is periodically reviewed for recoverability and adjusted if necessary. Future investment income is considered in determining the recoverability of DAC. Amortization of DAC associated with life insurance and investment contracts is included in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and is described in more detail below. DSI is amortized into income using the same methodology and assumptions as DAC and is included in interest credited to contractholder funds. For traditional life insurance, DAC is amortized over the premium paying period of the related policies in proportion to the estimated revenues on such business. Assumptions used in the amortization of DAC and reserve calculations are established at the time the policy is issued and are generally not revised during the life of the policy. Any deviations from projected business in force resulting from actual policy terminations differing from expected levels and any estimated premium deficiencies may result in a change to the rate of amortization in the period such events occur. Generally, the amortization periods for these policies approximates the estimated lives of the policies. The Company periodically reviews the recoverability of DAC for these policies on an aggregate basis using actual experience. The Company aggregates all traditional life insurance products and immediate annuities with life contingencies in the analysis. If actual experience is significantly adverse compared to the original assumptions and a premium deficiency is determined to exist, any remaining unamortized DAC balance would be expensed to the extent not recoverable and the establishment of a premium deficiency reserve may be required. For interest-sensitive life insurance and fixed annuities, DAC and DSI are amortized in proportion to the incidence of the total present value of gross profits, which includes both actual historical gross profits (“AGP”) and estimated future gross profits (“EGP”) expected to be earned over the estimated lives of the contracts. The amortization is net of interest on the prior period DAC balance using rates established at the inception of the contracts. Actual amortization periods generally range from 15 - 30 years; however, incorporating estimates of the rate of customer surrenders, partial withdrawals and deaths generally results in the majority of the DAC being amortized during the surrender charge period, which is typically 10 - 20 years for interest-sensitive life and 5 - 10 years for fixed annuities. The cumulative DAC and DSI amortization is reestimated and adjusted by a cumulative charge or credit to income when there is a difference between the incidence of actual versus expected gross profits in a reporting period or when there is a change in total EGP. When DAC or DSI amortization or a component of gross profits for a quarterly period is potentially negative (which would result in an increase of the DAC or DSI balance) as a result of negative AGP, the specific facts and circumstances surrounding the potential negative amortization are considered to determine whether it is appropriate for recognition in the consolidated financial statements. Negative amortization is only recorded when the increased DAC or DSI balance is determined to be recoverable based on facts and circumstances. Recapitalization of DAC and DSI is limited to the originally deferred costs plus interest. AGP and EGP primarily consist of the following components: contract charges for the cost of insurance less mortality costs and other benefits; investment income and realized capital gains and losses less interest credited; and surrender and other contract charges less maintenance expenses. The principal assumptions for determining the amount of EGP are persistency, mortality, expenses, investment returns, including capital gains and losses on assets supporting contract liabilities, interest crediting rates to contractholders, and the effects of any hedges. For products whose supporting investments are exposed to capital losses in excess of the Company’s expectations which may cause periodic AGP to become temporarily negative, EGP and AGP utilized in DAC and DSI amortization may be modified to exclude the excess capital losses. The Company performs quarterly reviews of DAC and DSI recoverability for interest-sensitive life and fixed annuity contracts in the aggregate using current assumptions. If a change in the amount of EGP is significant, it could result in the unamortized DAC or DSI not being recoverable, resulting in a charge which is included as a component of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs or interest credited to contractholder funds, respectively. The DAC and DSI balances presented include adjustments to reflect the amount by which the amortization of DAC and DSI would increase or decrease if the unrealized capital gains or losses in the respective product investment portfolios were actually realized. The adjustments are recorded net of tax in accumulated other comprehensive income. DAC, DSI and deferred income taxes determined on unrealized capital gains and losses and reported in accumulated other comprehensive income recognize the impact on shareholders’ equity consistently with the amounts that would be recognized in the income statement on realized capital gains and losses. Customers of the Company may exchange one insurance policy or investment contract for another offered by the Company, or make modifications to an existing investment, life or property-liability contract issued by the Company. These transactions are identified as internal replacements for accounting purposes. Internal replacement transactions determined to result in replacement contracts that are substantially unchanged from the replaced contracts are accounted for as continuations of the replaced contracts. Unamortized DAC and DSI related to the replaced contracts continue to be deferred and amortized in connection with the replacement contracts. For interest-sensitive life and investment contracts, the EGP of the replacement contracts are treated as a revision to the EGP of the replaced contracts in the determination of amortization of DAC and DSI. For traditional life and property-liability insurance policies, any changes to unamortized DAC that result from replacement contracts are treated as prospective revisions. Any costs associated with the issuance of replacement contracts are characterized as maintenance costs and expensed as incurred. Internal replacement transactions determined to result in a substantial change to the replaced contracts are accounted for as an extinguishment of the replaced contracts, and any unamortized DAC and DSI related to the replaced contracts are eliminated with a corresponding charge to amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs or interest credited to contractholder funds, respectively. The costs assigned to the right to receive future cash flows from certain business purchased from other insurers are also classified as DAC in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The costs capitalized represent the present value of future profits expected to be earned over the lives of the contracts acquired. These costs are amortized as profits emerge over the lives of the acquired business and are periodically evaluated for recoverability.
Reinsurance	Reinsurance In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to limit aggregate and single exposure to losses on large risks by purchasing reinsurance. The Company has also used reinsurance to effect the disposition of certain blocks of business. The Company also participates in various reinsurance mechanisms, including industry pools and facilities, which are backed by the financial resources of the property-liability insurance company market participants. The amounts reported as reinsurance recoverables include amounts billed to reinsurers on losses paid as well as estimates of amounts expected to be recovered from reinsurers on insurance liabilities and contractholder funds that have not yet been paid. Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses are estimated based upon assumptions consistent with those used in establishing the liabilities related to the underlying reinsured contracts. Insurance liabilities are reported gross of reinsurance recoverables. Reinsurance premiums are generally reflected in income in a manner consistent with the recognition of premiums on the reinsured contracts. For catastrophe coverage, the cost of reinsurance premiums is recognized ratably over the contract period to the extent coverage remains available. Reinsurance does not extinguish the Company’s primary liability under the policies written. Therefore, the Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers, including their activities with respect to claim settlement practices and commutations, and establishes allowances for uncollectible reinsurance as appropriate.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of amounts paid for acquiring businesses over the fair value of the net assets acquired. The goodwill balances were $823 million and $396 million as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 for the Allstate Protection segment and the Allstate Financial segment, respectively. The Company’s reporting units are equivalent to its reporting segments, Allstate Protection and Allstate Financial. Goodwill is allocated to reporting units based on which unit is expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually. The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment testing during the fourth quarter of each year based upon data as of the close of the third quarter. The Company also reviews goodwill for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as deteriorating or adverse market conditions, indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of goodwill may exceed its implied fair value. To estimate the fair value of its reporting units, the Company may utilize a combination of widely accepted valuation techniques including a stock price and market capitalization analysis, discounted cash flow calculations and peer company price to earnings multiples analysis. The stock price and market capitalization analysis takes into consideration the quoted market price of the Company’s outstanding common stock and includes a control premium, derived from historical insurance industry acquisition activity, in determining the estimated fair value of the consolidated entity before allocating that fair value to individual reporting units. The discounted cash flow analysis utilizes long term assumptions for revenue growth, capital growth, earnings projections including those used in the Company’s strategic plan, and an appropriate discount rate. The peer company price to earnings multiples analysis takes into consideration the price to earnings multiples of peer companies for each reporting unit and estimated income from the Company’s strategic plan.
Property and equipment	Property and equipment Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Included in property and equipment are capitalized costs related to computer software licenses and software developed for internal use. These costs generally consist of certain external payroll and payroll related costs. Certain facilities and equipment held under capital leases are also classified as property and equipment with the related lease obligations recorded as liabilities. Property and equipment depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally 3 to 10 years for equipment and 40 years for real property. Depreciation expense is reported in operating costs and expenses. Accumulated depreciation on property and equipment was $2.09 billion and $2.12 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Depreciation expense on property and equipment was $255 million , $228 million and $208 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company reviews its property and equipment for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Income taxes	Income taxes The income tax provision is calculated under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rates. The principal assets and liabilities giving rise to such differences are DAC, unearned premiums, unrealized capital gains and losses and insurance reserves. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is established when there is uncertainty that such assets will be realized.
Reserves for property-liability insurance claims and claims expense and life-contingent contract benefits	Reserves for property-liability insurance claims and claims expense and life-contingent contract benefits The reserve for property-liability insurance claims and claims expense is the estimate of amounts necessary to settle all reported and unreported claims for the ultimate cost of insured property-liability losses, based upon the facts of each case and the Company’s experience with similar cases. Estimated amounts of salvage and subrogation are deducted from the reserve for claims and claims expense. The establishment of appropriate reserves, including reserves for catastrophe losses, is an inherently uncertain and complex process. Reserve estimates are regularly reviewed and updated, using the most current information available. Any resulting reestimates are reflected in current results of operations. The reserve for life-contingent contract benefits payable under insurance policies, including traditional life insurance, life-contingent immediate annuities and voluntary accident and health insurance products, is computed on the basis of long-term actuarial assumptions of future investment yields, mortality, morbidity, policy terminations and expenses. These assumptions, which for traditional life insurance are applied using the net level premium method, include provisions for adverse deviation and generally vary by characteristics such as type of coverage, year of issue and policy duration. The assumptions are established at the time the policy is issued and are generally not changed during the life of the policy. The Company periodically reviews the adequacy of reserves for these policies on an aggregate basis using actual experience. If actual experience is significantly adverse compared to the original assumptions and a premium deficiency is determined to exist, any remaining unamortized DAC balance would be expensed to the extent not recoverable and the establishment of a premium deficiency reserve may be required. To the extent that unrealized gains on fixed income securities would result in a premium deficiency if those gains were realized, the related increase in reserves for certain immediate annuities with life contingencies is recorded net of tax as a reduction of unrealized net capital gains included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Contractholder funds	Contractholder funds Contractholder funds represent interest-bearing liabilities arising from the sale of products such as interest-sensitive life insurance, fixed annuities and funding agreements. Contractholder funds primarily comprise cumulative deposits received and interest credited to the contractholder less cumulative contract benefits, surrenders, withdrawals, maturities and contract charges for mortality or administrative expenses. Contractholder funds also include reserves for secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life insurance and certain fixed annuity contracts and reserves for certain guarantees on reinsured variable annuity contracts.
Separate accounts	Separate accounts Separate accounts assets are carried at fair value. The assets of the separate accounts are legally segregated and available only to settle separate account contract obligations. Separate accounts liabilities represent the contractholders’ claims to the related assets and are carried at an amount equal to the separate accounts assets. Investment income and realized capital gains and losses of the separate accounts accrue directly to the contractholders and therefore are not included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Deposits to and surrenders and withdrawals from the separate accounts are reflected in separate accounts liabilities and are not included in consolidated cash flows. Absent any contract provision wherein the Company provides a guarantee, variable annuity and variable life insurance contractholders bear the investment risk that the separate accounts’ funds may not meet their stated investment objectives. Substantially all of the Company’s variable annuity business was reinsured beginning in 2006.
Deferred Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") expense	Deferred Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) expense Deferred ESOP expense represents the remaining unrecognized cost of shares acquired by the Allstate ESOP to pre-fund a portion of the Company’s contribution to the Allstate 401(k) Savings Plan.
Equity incentive plans	Equity incentive plans The Company has equity incentive plans under which the Company grants nonqualified stock options, restricted stock units and performance stock awards (“equity awards”) to certain employees and directors of the Company. The Company measures the fair value of equity awards at the award date and recognizes the expense over the shorter of the period in which the requisite service is rendered or retirement eligibility is attained. The expense for performance stock awards is adjusted each period to reflect the performance factor most likely to be achieved at the end of the performance period. The Company uses a binomial lattice model to determine the fair value of employee stock options.
Off-balance sheet financial instruments	Off-balance sheet financial instruments Commitments to invest, commitments to purchase private placement securities, commitments to extend loans, financial guarantees and credit guarantees have off-balance sheet risk because their contractual amounts are not recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (see Note 7 and Note 14).
Consolidation of variable interest entities ("VIEs")	Consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIEs”) The Company consolidates VIEs when it is the primary beneficiary. A primary beneficiary is the variable interest holder in a VIE with both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses, or the right to receive benefits, that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Foreign currency translation	Foreign currency translation The local currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is deemed to be the functional currency of the country in which these subsidiaries operate. The financial statements of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the end of a reporting period for assets and liabilities and at average exchange rates during the period for results of operations. The unrealized gains and losses from the translation of the net assets are recorded as unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments and included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Changes in unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments are included in other comprehensive income. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are reported in operating costs and expenses and have not been material.
Earnings per common share	Earnings per common share Basic earnings per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, including unvested participating restricted stock units. Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding. For the Company, dilutive potential common shares consist of outstanding stock options and unvested non-participating restricted stock units and contingently issuable performance stock awards.
Accounting standards	Adopted accounting standard Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance which allows entities that invest in certain qualified affordable housing projects through limited liability entities the option to account for these investments using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, the entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense or benefit. Adoption of the new guidance in the first quarter of 2015 resulted in a one-time $45 million increase in income tax expense. Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance that amends the accounting for debt issuance costs. The amended guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented as a direct reduction in the carrying amount of the debt liability. The amortization of debt issuance costs should be classified as interest expense. In August 2015, the FASB expanded the guidance on debt issuance costs to address debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit agreements. The guidance allows reporting entities to defer and present debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements as an asset and subsequently amortize the deferred costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The Company adopted the new guidance on a retrospective basis in the fourth quarter of 2015. The impact of the retrospective adjustments on the previously issued December 31, 2014 consolidated statement of financial position was a $54 million decrease in both other assets and long-term debt. The adoption had no impact on the Company’s results of operations. Pending accounting standards Revenue from Contracts with Customers In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance which revises the criteria for revenue recognition. Insurance contracts are excluded from the scope of the new guidance. Under the guidance, the transaction price is attributed to underlying performance obligations in the contract and revenue is recognized as the entity satisfies the performance obligations and transfers control of a good or service to the customer. Incremental costs of obtaining a contract may be capitalized to the extent the entity expects to recover those costs. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied retrospectively. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption, which is not expected to be material to the Company’s results of operations or financial position. Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance which clarifies that a performance target that affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period should be treated as a performance condition and not reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation costs should reflect the amount attributable to the periods for which the requisite service has been rendered. Total compensation expense recognized during and after the requisite service period (which may differ from the vesting period) should reflect the number of awards that are expected to vest and should be adjusted to reflect the number of awards that ultimately vest. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company’s existing accounting policy for performance targets that affect the vesting of share-based payment awards is consistent with the proposed guidance and as such the impact of adoption is not expected to impact the Company’s results of operations or financial position. Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance affecting the consolidation evaluation for limited partnerships and similar entities, fees paid to a decision maker or service provider, and variable interests in a variable interest entity held by related parties of the reporting enterprise. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of adoption which is not expected to be material to the Company’s results of operations or financial position. Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts In May 2015, the FASB issued guidance requiring expanded disclosures for insurance entities that issue short-duration contracts. The expanded disclosures are designed to provide additional insight into an insurance entity’s significant estimates made in measuring the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. The disclosures include information about incurred and paid claims development by accident year, on a net basis after reinsurance, for the number of years claims incurred typically remain outstanding, not to exceed ten years. Each period presented in the disclosure about claims development that precedes the current reporting period is considered required supplementary information. The expanded disclosures also include information about significant changes in methodologies and assumptions, a reconciliation of incurred and paid claims development to the carrying amount of the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, the total amount of incurred but not reported liabilities plus expected development, claims frequency information including the methodology used to determine claim frequency and claim duration. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and is to be applied retrospectively. The new guidance affects disclosures only and will have no impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance requiring equity investments, including equity securities and limited partnership interests, that are not accounted for under the equity method of accounting or result in consolidation to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Equity investments without readily determinable fair values may be measured at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. When a qualitative assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values indicates that impairment exists, the carrying value is required to be adjusted to fair value, if lower. The guidance clarifies that an entity should evaluate the realizability of a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale fixed income securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. The guidance also changes certain disclosure requirements. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and is to be applied through a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained income as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The new guidance related to equity investments without readily determinable fair values is to be applied prospectively as of the date of adoption. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption. The most significant impact is expected to be the change in accounting for equity securities and cost method limited partnership interests.

Summary of Significant Accoun37

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended December 31 is presented in the following table. ($ in millions, except per share data) 2015 2014 2013 Numerator: Net income $ 2,171 $ 2,850 $ 2,280 Less: Preferred stock dividends 116 104 17 Net income applicable to common shareholders (1) $ 2,055 $ 2,746 $ 2,263 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding 401.1 431.4 464.4 Effect of dilutive potential common shares: Stock options 4.0 4.7 4.1 Restricted stock units (non-participating) and performance stock awards 1.7 2.1 1.8 Weighted average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding 406.8 438.2 470.3 Earnings per common share – Basic $ 5.12 $ 6.37 $ 4.87 Earnings per common share – Diluted $ 5.05 $ 6.27 $ 4.81 _____________________________ (1) Net income applicable to common shareholders is net income less preferred stock dividends.

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform38

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Schedule of supplemental cash flow information from collateralized securities received	The accompanying cash flows are included in cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows along with the activities resulting from management of the proceeds, which for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Net change in proceeds managed Net change in short-term investments $ (59 ) $ (167 ) $ 190 Operating cash flow (used) provided (59 ) (167 ) 190 Net change in cash 1 9 (6 ) Net change in proceeds managed $ (58 ) $ (158 ) $ 184 Net change in liabilities Liabilities for collateral, beginning of year $ (782 ) $ (624 ) $ (808 ) Liabilities for collateral, end of year (840 ) (782 ) (624 ) Operating cash flow provided (used) $ 58 $ 158 $ (184 )

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Schedule for fixed income securities at amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value	The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value for fixed income securities are as follows: Gross unrealized ($ in millions) Amortized cost Gains Losses Fair value December 31, 2015 U.S. government and agencies $ 3,836 $ 90 $ (4 ) $ 3,922 Municipal 7,032 389 (20 ) 7,401 Corporate 41,674 1,032 (879 ) 41,827 Foreign government 983 50 — 1,033 ABS 2,359 11 (43 ) 2,327 RMBS 857 100 (10 ) 947 CMBS 438 32 (4 ) 466 Redeemable preferred stock 22 3 — 25 Total fixed income securities $ 57,201 $ 1,707 $ (960 ) $ 57,948 December 31, 2014 U.S. government and agencies $ 4,192 $ 139 $ (3 ) $ 4,328 Municipal 7,877 645 (25 ) 8,497 Corporate 40,386 1,998 (240 ) 42,144 Foreign government 1,543 102 — 1,645 ABS 3,971 38 (31 ) 3,978 RMBS 1,108 112 (13 ) 1,207 CMBS 573 44 (2 ) 615 Redeemable preferred stock 22 4 — 26 Total fixed income securities $ 59,672 $ 3,082 $ (314 ) $ 62,440
Schedule for fixed income securities based on contractual maturities	The scheduled maturities for fixed income securities are as follows as of December 31, 2015 : ($ in millions) Amortized cost Fair value Due in one year or less $ 4,030 $ 4,050 Due after one year through five years 26,999 27,337 Due after five years through ten years 16,885 16,778 Due after ten years 5,633 6,043 53,547 54,208 ABS, RMBS and CMBS 3,654 3,740 Total $ 57,201 $ 57,948
Schedule of net investment income	Net investment income for the years ended December 31 is as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Fixed income securities $ 2,218 $ 2,447 $ 2,921 Equity securities 110 117 149 Mortgage loans 228 265 372 Limited partnership interests 549 614 541 Short-term investments 9 7 5 Other 192 170 161 Investment income, before expense 3,306 3,620 4,149 Investment expense (150 ) (161 ) (206 ) Net investment income $ 3,156 $ 3,459 $ 3,943
Schedule of realized capital gains and losses by asset type	Realized capital gains and losses by asset type for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Fixed income securities $ 212 $ 130 $ 262 Equity securities (50 ) 582 327 Mortgage loans 6 2 20 Limited partnership interests (93 ) 13 (5 ) Derivatives (21 ) (38 ) (10 ) Other (24 ) 5 — Realized capital gains and losses $ 30 $ 694 $ 594
Schedule of realized capital gains and losses by transaction type	Realized capital gains and losses by transaction type for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Impairment write-downs $ (195 ) $ (32 ) $ (72 ) Change in intent write-downs (221 ) (213 ) (143 ) Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings (416 ) (245 ) (215 ) Sales and other 470 975 819 Valuation and settlements of derivative instruments (24 ) (36 ) (10 ) Realized capital gains and losses $ 30 $ 694 $ 594
Schedule of other-than-temporary impairment losses by asset type	Other-than-temporary impairment losses by asset type for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Gross Included in OCI Net Gross Included in OCI Net Gross Included in OCI Net Fixed income securities: Municipal $ (17 ) $ 4 $ (13 ) $ (10 ) $ — $ (10 ) $ (24 ) $ (5 ) $ (29 ) Corporate (61 ) 11 (50 ) (7 ) — (7 ) — — — ABS (33 ) 22 (11 ) (12 ) 1 (11 ) — (2 ) (2 ) RMBS 1 (1 ) — 6 (4 ) 2 (3 ) 2 (1 ) CMBS (1 ) — (1 ) (1 ) — (1 ) (32 ) (3 ) (35 ) Total fixed income securities (111 ) 36 (75 ) (24 ) (3 ) (27 ) (59 ) (8 ) (67 ) Equity securities (279 ) — (279 ) (196 ) — (196 ) (137 ) — (137 ) Mortgage loans 4 — 4 5 — 5 11 — 11 Limited partnership interests (51 ) — (51 ) (27 ) — (27 ) (18 ) — (18 ) Other (15 ) — (15 ) — — — (4 ) — (4 ) Other-than-temporary impairment losses $ (452 ) $ 36 $ (416 ) $ (242 ) $ (3 ) $ (245 ) $ (207 ) $ (8 ) $ (215 )
Schedule of other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed income securities included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The total amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income at the time of impairment for fixed income securities, which were not included in earnings, are presented in the following table. The amount excludes $233 million as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, of net unrealized gains related to changes in valuation of the fixed income securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date. ($ in millions) December 31, December 31, Municipal $ (9 ) $ (8 ) Corporate (7 ) — ABS (23 ) (2 ) RMBS (102 ) (108 ) CMBS (6 ) (5 ) Total $ (147 ) $ (123 )
Schedule of credit losses on fixed income securities recognized in earnings	Rollforwards of the cumulative credit losses recognized in earnings for fixed income securities held as of December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Beginning balance $ (380 ) $ (513 ) $ (617 ) Additional credit loss for securities previously other-than-temporarily impaired (30 ) (6 ) (30 ) Additional credit loss for securities not previously other-than-temporarily impaired (45 ) (18 ) (19 ) Reduction in credit loss for securities disposed or collected 60 95 150 Reduction in credit loss for securities the Company has made the decision to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell — — 2 Change in credit loss due to accretion of increase in cash flows 3 3 1 Reduction in credit loss for securities sold in LBL disposition — 59 — Ending balance $ (392 ) $ (380 ) $ (513 )
Schedule of unrealized net capital gains and losses	Unrealized net capital gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows: Gross unrealized ($ in millions) Fair value Gains Losses Unrealized net gains (losses) December 31, 2015 Fixed income securities $ 57,948 $ 1,707 $ (960 ) $ 747 Equity securities 5,082 415 (139 ) 276 Short-term investments 2,122 — — — Derivative instruments (1) 10 10 (4 ) 6 EMA limited partnerships (2) (4 ) Unrealized net capital gains and losses, pre-tax 1,025 Amounts recognized for: Insurance reserves (3) — DAC and DSI (4) (67 ) Amounts recognized (67 ) Deferred income taxes (338 ) Unrealized net capital gains and losses, after-tax $ 620 ______________________________ (1) Included in the fair value of derivative instruments are $6 million classified as assets and $(4) million classified as liabilities. (2) Unrealized net capital gains and losses for limited partnership interests represent the Company’s share of EMA limited partnerships’ other comprehensive income. Fair value and gross unrealized gains and losses are not applicable. (3) The insurance reserves adjustment represents the amount by which the reserve balance would increase if the net unrealized gains in the applicable product portfolios were realized and reinvested at current lower interest rates, resulting in a premium deficiency. Although the Company evaluates premium deficiencies on the combined performance of life insurance and immediate annuities with life contingencies, the adjustment primarily relates to structured settlement annuities with life contingencies, in addition to annuity buy-outs and certain payout annuities with life contingencies. (4) The DAC and DSI adjustment balance represents the amount by which the amortization of DAC and DSI would increase or decrease if the unrealized gains or losses in the respective product portfolios were realized. Gross unrealized ($ in millions) Fair value Gains Losses Unrealized net gains (losses) December 31, 2014 Fixed income securities $ 62,440 $ 3,082 $ (314 ) $ 2,768 Equity securities 4,104 467 (55 ) 412 Short-term investments 2,540 — — — Derivative instruments (1) 2 3 (5 ) (2 ) EMA limited partnerships (5 ) Unrealized net capital gains and losses, pre-tax 3,173 Amounts recognized for: Insurance reserves (28 ) DAC and DSI (179 ) Amounts recognized (207 ) Deferred income taxes (1,040 ) Unrealized net capital gains and losses, after-tax $ 1,926 ______________________________ (1) Included in the fair value of derivative instruments are $3 million classified as assets and $1 million classified as liabilities.
Schedule of change in unrealized net capital gains and losses	The change in unrealized net capital gains and losses for the years ended December 31 is as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Fixed income securities $ (2,021 ) $ 866 $ (3,200 ) Equity securities (136 ) (212 ) 164 Derivative instruments 8 16 4 EMA limited partnerships 1 (2 ) (10 ) Investments classified as held for sale — (190 ) 190 Total (2,148 ) 478 (2,852 ) Amounts recognized for: Insurance reserves 28 (28 ) 771 DAC and DSI 112 (21 ) 254 Amounts recognized 140 (49 ) 1,025 Deferred income taxes 702 (149 ) 639 (Decrease) increase in unrealized net capital gains and losses, after-tax $ (1,306 ) $ 280 $ (1,188 )
Schedule of gross unrealized losses and fair value of available for sale securities by length of time	The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses and fair value of fixed income and equity securities by the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position. ($ in millions) Less than 12 months 12 months or more Number of issues Fair value Unrealized losses Number of issues Fair value Unrealized losses Total unrealized losses December 31, 2015 Fixed income securities U.S. government and agencies 53 $ 1,874 $ (4 ) — $ — $ — $ (4 ) Municipal 222 810 (6 ) 9 36 (14 ) (20 ) Corporate 1,361 17,915 (696 ) 111 1,024 (183 ) (879 ) Foreign government 9 44 — — — — — ABS 133 1,733 (24 ) 20 324 (19 ) (43 ) RMBS 88 69 — 176 125 (10 ) (10 ) CMBS 13 75 (2 ) 1 2 (2 ) (4 ) Total fixed income securities 1,879 22,520 (732 ) 317 1,511 (228 ) (960 ) Equity securities 265 1,397 (107 ) 37 143 (32 ) (139 ) Total fixed income and equity securities 2,144 $ 23,917 $ (839 ) 354 $ 1,654 $ (260 ) $ (1,099 ) Investment grade fixed income securities 1,405 $ 17,521 $ (362 ) 225 $ 972 $ (105 ) $ (467 ) Below investment grade fixed income securities 474 4,999 (370 ) 92 539 (123 ) (493 ) Total fixed income securities 1,879 $ 22,520 $ (732 ) 317 $ 1,511 $ (228 ) $ (960 ) December 31, 2014 Fixed income securities U.S. government and agencies 21 $ 1,501 $ (3 ) — $ — $ — $ (3 ) Municipal 252 1,008 (9 ) 19 116 (16 ) (25 ) Corporate 576 7,545 (147 ) 119 1,214 (93 ) (240 ) Foreign government 2 13 — 1 19 — — ABS 81 1,738 (11 ) 26 315 (20 ) (31 ) RMBS 75 70 (1 ) 188 156 (12 ) (13 ) CMBS 8 33 — 3 32 (2 ) (2 ) Total fixed income securities 1,015 11,908 (171 ) 356 1,852 (143 ) (314 ) Equity securities 258 866 (53 ) 1 11 (2 ) (55 ) Total fixed income and equity securities 1,273 $ 12,774 $ (224 ) 357 $ 1,863 $ (145 ) $ (369 ) Investment grade fixed income securities 754 $ 9,951 $ (71 ) 281 $ 1,444 $ (87 ) $ (158 ) Below investment grade fixed income securities 261 1,957 (100 ) 75 408 (56 ) (156 ) Total fixed income securities 1,015 $ 11,908 $ (171 ) 356 $ 1,852 $ (143 ) $ (314 )
Principal geographic distribution of commercial real estate represented in the mortgage portfolio	The following table shows the principal geographic distribution of commercial real estate represented in the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio. No other state represented more than 5% of the portfolio as of December 31. (% of mortgage loan portfolio carrying value) 2015 2014 California 21.3 % 23.9 % Texas 9.7 8.0 New Jersey 8.7 8.0 Illinois 7.1 9.4 Florida 5.3 5.0 New York 4.4 5.9
Types of property collateralizing the mortgage loans	The types of properties collateralizing the mortgage loans as of December 31 are as follows: (% of mortgage loan portfolio carrying value) 2015 2014 Apartment complex 26.4 % 23.3 % Office buildings 22.7 24.3 Retail 21.3 22.2 Warehouse 18.4 17.8 Other 11.2 12.4 Total 100.0 % 100.0 %
Contractual maturities of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio	The contractual maturities of the mortgage loan portfolio as of December 31, 2015 are as follows: ($ in millions) Number of loans Carrying value Percent 2016 31 $ 289 6.7 % 2017 34 379 8.7 2018 33 392 9.0 2019 9 234 5.4 Thereafter 210 3,044 70.2 Total 317 $ 4,338 100.0 %
Carrying value of non-impaired fixed and variable rate mortgage loans by debt service coverage ratio distribution	The following table reflects the carrying value of non-impaired fixed rate and variable rate mortgage loans summarized by debt service coverage ratio distribution as of December 31: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Debt service coverage ratio distribution Fixed rate mortgage loans Variable rate mortgage loans Total Fixed rate mortgage loans Variable rate mortgage loans Total Below 1.0 $ 64 $ — $ 64 $ 110 $ — $ 110 1.0 - 1.25 382 — 382 424 — 424 1.26 - 1.50 1,219 — 1,219 1,167 1 1,168 Above 1.50 2,667 — 2,667 2,450 20 2,470 Total non-impaired mortgage loans $ 4,332 $ — $ 4,332 $ 4,151 $ 21 $ 4,172
Net carrying value of impaired mortgage loans	The net carrying value of impaired mortgage loans as of December 31 is as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Impaired mortgage loans with a valuation allowance $ 6 $ 16 Impaired mortgage loans without a valuation allowance — — Total impaired mortgage loans $ 6 $ 16 Valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans $ 3 $ 8
Valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans	The rollforward of the valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans for the years ended December 31 is as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Beginning balance $ 8 $ 21 $ 42 Net decrease in valuation allowance (4 ) (5 ) (11 ) Charge offs (1 ) (8 ) (8 ) Mortgage loans classified as held for sale — — (2 ) Ending balance $ 3 $ 8 $ 21
Principal geographic distribution of municipal bond	The following table shows the principal geographic distribution of municipal bond issuers represented in the Company’s portfolio as of December 31. No other state represents more than 5% of the portfolio. (% of municipal bond portfolio carrying value) 2015 2014 Texas 9.2 % 9.1 % New York 7.7 6.7 California 6.3 9.1 Florida 5.6 5.9 Washington 5.6 4.2

Fair Value of Assets and Liab40

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis	The following table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 . ($ in millions) Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Counterparty and cash collateral netting Balance as of December 31, 2015 Assets Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies $ 3,056 $ 861 $ 5 $ 3,922 Municipal — 7,240 161 7,401 Corporate - public — 30,356 46 30,402 Corporate - privately placed — 10,923 502 11,425 Foreign government — 1,033 — 1,033 ABS - CDO — 716 61 777 ABS - consumer and other — 1,500 50 1,550 RMBS — 946 1 947 CMBS — 446 20 466 Redeemable preferred stock — 25 — 25 Total fixed income securities 3,056 54,046 846 57,948 Equity securities 4,786 163 133 5,082 Short-term investments 615 1,507 — 2,122 Other investments: Free-standing derivatives — 65 1 $ (13 ) 53 Separate account assets 3,658 — — 3,658 Other assets 2 — 1 3 Total recurring basis assets 12,117 55,781 981 (13 ) 68,866 Non-recurring basis (1) — — 55 55 Total assets at fair value $ 12,117 $ 55,781 $ 1,036 $ (13 ) $ 68,921 % of total assets at fair value 17.6 % 80.9 % 1.5 % — % 100.0 % Liabilities Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $ — $ — $ (299 ) $ (299 ) Other liabilities: Free-standing derivatives (1 ) (23 ) (8 ) $ 7 (25 ) Total liabilities at fair value $ (1 ) $ (23 ) $ (307 ) $ 7 $ (324 ) % of total liabilities at fair value 0.3 % 7.1 % 94.8 % (2.2 )% 100.0 % ______________________________ (1) Includes $42 million of limited partnership interests and $13 million of other investments written-down to fair value in connection with recognizing other-than-temporary impairments. The following table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 : ($ in millions) Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Counterparty and cash collateral netting Balance as of December 31, 2014 Assets Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies $ 3,240 $ 1,082 $ 6 $ 4,328 Municipal — 8,227 270 8,497 Corporate - public — 31,340 214 31,554 Corporate - privately placed — 9,913 677 10,590 Foreign government — 1,645 — 1,645 ABS - CDO — 1,044 104 1,148 ABS - consumer and other — 2,738 92 2,830 RMBS — 1,206 1 1,207 CMBS — 592 23 615 Redeemable preferred stock — 26 — 26 Total fixed income securities 3,240 57,813 1,387 62,440 Equity securities 3,787 234 83 4,104 Short-term investments 692 1,843 5 2,540 Other investments: Free-standing derivatives — 95 2 $ (5 ) 92 Separate account assets 4,396 — — 4,396 Other assets 2 — 1 3 Total recurring basis assets 12,117 59,985 1,478 (5 ) 73,575 Non-recurring basis (1) — — 9 9 Total assets at fair value $ 12,117 $ 59,985 $ 1,487 $ (5 ) $ 73,584 % of total assets at fair value 16.5 % 81.5 % 2.0 % — % 100.0 % Liabilities Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $ — $ — $ (323 ) $ (323 ) Other liabilities: Free-standing derivatives (1 ) (50 ) (9 ) $ 22 (38 ) Total liabilities at fair value $ (1 ) $ (50 ) $ (332 ) $ 22 $ (361 ) % of total liabilities at fair value 0.3 % 13.8 % 92.0 % (6.1 )% 100.0 % ______________________________ (1) Includes $6 million of mortgage loans and $3 million of limited partnership interests written-down to fair value in connection with recognizing other-than-temporary impairments.
Summary of quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs	The following table summarizes quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements. ($ in millions) Fair value Valuation technique Unobservable input Range Weighted average December 31, 2015 Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts — Equity-indexed and forward starting options $ (247 ) Stochastic cash flow model Projected option cost 1.0 - 2.2% 1.76% December 31, 2014 Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts — Equity-indexed and forward starting options $ (278 ) Stochastic cash flow model Projected option cost 1.0 - 2.0% 1.76%
Schedule of the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis	The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2015 . ($ in millions) Total gains (losses) included in: Balance as of December 31, 2014 Net income (1) OCI Transfers into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 Assets Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies $ 6 $ — $ — $ — $ — Municipal 270 (4 ) (7 ) 3 (2 ) Corporate - public 214 — — — (175 ) Corporate - privately placed 677 13 (20 ) 13 (106 ) ABS - CDO 104 (1 ) 4 43 (52 ) ABS - consumer and other 92 (1 ) — — (98 ) RMBS 1 — — — — CMBS 23 — — — — Total fixed income securities 1,387 7 (23 ) 59 (433 ) Equity securities 83 (3 ) (5 ) — — Short-term investments 5 — — — — Free-standing derivatives, net (7 ) 1 — — — Other assets 1 — — — — Total recurring Level 3 assets $ 1,469 $ 5 $ (28 ) $ 59 $ (433 ) Liabilities Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $ (323 ) $ 19 $ — $ — $ — Total recurring Level 3 liabilities $ (323 ) $ 19 $ — $ — $ — Purchases Issues Sales Settlements Balance as of December 31, 2015 Assets Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies $ — $ — $ — $ (1 ) $ 5 Municipal — — (91 ) (8 ) 161 Corporate - public 11 — — (4 ) 46 Corporate - privately placed 79 — (74 ) (80 ) 502 ABS - CDO — — (2 ) (35 ) 61 ABS - consumer and other 70 — (5 ) (8 ) 50 RMBS — — — — 1 CMBS 12 — — (15 ) 20 Total fixed income securities 172 — (172 ) (151 ) 846 Equity securities 69 — (11 ) — 133 Short-term investments 35 — (40 ) — — Free-standing derivatives, net — — — (1 ) (7 ) (2 ) Other assets — — — — 1 Total recurring Level 3 assets $ 276 $ — $ (223 ) $ (152 ) $ 973 Liabilities Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $ — $ (2 ) $ — $ 7 $ (299 ) Total recurring Level 3 liabilities $ — $ (2 ) $ — $ 7 $ (299 ) ______________________________ (1) The effect to net income totals $24 million and is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows: $(8) million in realized capital gains and losses, $13 million in net investment income, $26 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $(7) million in life and annuity contract benefits. (2) Comprises $1 million of assets and $8 million of liabilities. The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2014 . ($ in millions) Total gains (losses) included in: Balance as of December 31, 2013 Net income (1) OCI Transfers into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 Assets Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies $ 7 $ — $ — $ — $ — Municipal 343 (2 ) 18 — (17 ) Corporate 1,109 24 (14 ) 89 (125 ) ABS 192 1 2 49 (144 ) RMBS 2 — — — — CMBS 43 (1 ) — 5 (4 ) Redeemable preferred stock 1 — — — — Total fixed income securities 1,697 22 6 143 (290 ) Equity securities 132 22 (16 ) — (2 ) Short-term investments — — — — — Free-standing derivatives, net (5 ) — — — — Other assets — 1 — — — Assets held for sale 362 (1 ) 2 4 (2 ) Total recurring Level 3 assets $ 2,186 $ 44 $ (8 ) $ 147 $ (294 ) Liabilities Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $ (307 ) $ (8 ) $ — $ — $ — Liabilities held for sale (246 ) 17 — — — Total recurring Level 3 liabilities $ (553 ) $ 9 $ — $ — $ — Sold in LBL disposition (3) Purchases/Issues (4) Sales Settlements Balance as of December 31, 2014 Assets Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies $ — $ — $ — $ (1 ) $ 6 Municipal — 6 (74 ) (4 ) 270 Corporate — 64 (140 ) (116 ) 891 ABS — 119 — (23 ) 196 RMBS — — — (1 ) 1 CMBS 4 8 (1 ) (31 ) 23 Redeemable preferred stock — — (1 ) — — Total fixed income securities 4 197 (216 ) (176 ) 1,387 Equity securities — 83 (136 ) — 83 Short-term investments — 45 (40 ) — 5 Free-standing derivatives, net — 2 — (4 ) (7 ) (2) Other assets — — — — 1 Assets held for sale (351 ) — (8 ) (6 ) — Total recurring Level 3 assets $ (347 ) $ 327 $ (400 ) $ (186 ) $ 1,469 Liabilities Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $ — $ (14 ) $ — $ 6 $ (323 ) Liabilities held for sale 230 (4 ) — 3 — Total recurring Level 3 liabilities $ 230 $ (18 ) $ — $ 9 $ (323 ) ______________________________ (1) The effect to net income totals $53 million and is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows: $34 million in realized capital gains and losses, $13 million in net investment income, $(5) million in interest credited to contractholder funds, $15 million in life and annuity contract benefits and $(4) million in loss on disposition of operations. (2) Comprises $2 million of assets and $9 million of liabilities. (3) Includes transfers from held for sale that took place in first quarter 2014 of $4 million for CMBS and $(4) million for Assets held for sale. (4) Represents purchases for assets and issues for liabilities. The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2013 . ($ in millions) Total gains (losses) included in: Balance as of December 31, 2012 Net income (1) OCI Transfers into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 Assets Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies $ 8 $ — $ — $ — $ — Municipal 965 (33 ) 47 6 (63 ) Corporate 1,617 35 (32 ) 84 (323 ) ABS 251 — 29 29 (86 ) RMBS 3 — — — — CMBS 52 (1 ) 2 4 — Redeemable preferred stock 1 — — — — Total fixed income securities 2,897 1 46 123 (472 ) Equity securities 171 3 7 — — Free-standing derivatives, net (27 ) 19 — — — Other assets 1 (1 ) — — — Assets held for sale — (2 ) (6 ) 13 (13 ) Total recurring Level 3 assets $ 3,042 $ 20 $ 47 $ 136 $ (485 ) Liabilities Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $ (553 ) $ 89 $ — $ — $ — Liabilities held for sale — 20 — — — Total recurring Level 3 liabilities $ (553 ) $ 109 $ — $ — $ — Transfer to held for sale Purchases/Issues (2) Sales Settlements Balance as of December 31, 2013 Assets Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies $ — $ — $ — $ (1 ) $ 7 Municipal (51 ) 55 (558 ) (25 ) 343 Corporate (244 ) 504 (389 ) (143 ) 1,109 ABS (85 ) 174 (82 ) (38 ) 192 RMBS — — — (1 ) 2 CMBS (5 ) 11 (19 ) (1 ) 43 Redeemable preferred stock — — — — 1 Total fixed income securities (385 ) 744 (1,048 ) (209 ) 1,697 Equity securities — 1 (50 ) — 132 Free-standing derivatives, net — 9 — (6 ) (5 ) (3 ) Other assets — — — — — Assets held for sale 385 — (10 ) (5 ) 362 Total recurring Level 3 assets $ — $ 754 $ (1,108 ) $ (220 ) $ 2,186 Liabilities Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $ 265 $ (111 ) $ — $ 3 $ (307 ) Liabilities held for sale (265 ) (6 ) — 5 (246 ) Total recurring Level 3 liabilities $ — $ (117 ) $ — $ 8 $ (553 ) ______________________________ (1) The effect to net income totals $129 million and is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows: $3 million in realized capital gains and losses, $18 million in net investment income, $40 million in interest credited to contractholder funds, $74 million in life and annuity contract benefits and $(6) million in loss on disposition of operations. (2) Represents purchases for assets and issues for liabilities. (3) Comprises $9 million of assets and $14 million of liabilities.
Schedule of gains and losses included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at the balance sheet date	The following table provides the change in unrealized gains and losses included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities held as of December 31. ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Assets Fixed income securities: Municipal $ (12 ) $ (7 ) $ (19 ) Corporate 11 11 13 ABS 2 1 (1 ) RMBS — (1 ) (1 ) CMBS — — (2 ) Total fixed income securities 1 4 (10 ) Equity securities (4 ) — — Free-standing derivatives, net 1 5 10 Other assets — 1 (1 ) Assets held for sale — — (2 ) Total recurring Level 3 assets $ (2 ) $ 10 $ (3 ) Liabilities Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $ 19 $ (8 ) $ 89 Liabilities held for sale — 17 20 Total recurring Level 3 liabilities $ 19 $ 9 $ 109
Schedule of carrying values and fair value estimates of financial instruments not carried at fair value	Financial liabilities ($ in millions) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying value Fair value Carrying value Fair value Contractholder funds on investment contracts $ 12,424 $ 12,874 $ 13,734 $ 14,390 Long-term debt 5,124 5,648 5,140 5,835 Liability for collateral 840 840 782 782 Financial assets ($ in millions) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying value Fair value Carrying value Fair value Mortgage loans $ 4,338 $ 4,489 $ 4,188 $ 4,446 Cost method limited partnerships 1,154 1,450 1,122 1,488 Bank loans 1,565 1,527 1,663 1,638 Agent loans 422 408 368 361

Derivative Financial Instrume41

Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments
Volume and fair value positions of derivative instruments and location in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	The following table provides a summary of the volume and fair value positions of derivative instruments as well as their reporting location in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2015 . ($ in millions, except number of contracts) Volume (1) Balance sheet location Notional amount Number of contracts Fair value, net Gross asset Gross liability Asset derivatives Derivatives designated as accounting hedging instruments Foreign currency swap agreements Other investments $ 45 n/a $ 6 $ 6 $ — Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments Interest rate contracts Interest rate cap agreements Other investments 42 n/a — — — Equity and index contracts Options and warrants (2) Other investments — 3,730 44 44 — Financial futures contracts Other assets — 1,897 2 2 — Foreign currency contracts Foreign currency forwards Other investments 185 n/a 1 2 (1 ) Embedded derivative financial instruments Other embedded derivative financial instruments Other investments 1,000 n/a — — — Credit default contracts Credit default swaps — buying protection Other investments 112 n/a 4 5 (1 ) Credit default swaps — selling protection Other investments 150 n/a 2 2 — Other contracts Other contracts Other investments 31 n/a 1 1 — Other contracts Other assets 3 n/a 1 1 — Subtotal 1,523 5,627 55 57 (2 ) Total asset derivatives $ 1,568 5,627 $ 61 $ 63 $ (2 ) Liability derivatives Derivatives designated as accounting hedging instruments Foreign currency swap agreements Other liabilities & accrued expenses $ 19 n/a $ 4 $ 4 $ — Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments Interest rate contracts Interest rate swap agreements Other liabilities & accrued expenses 85 n/a — — — Interest rate cap agreements Other liabilities & accrued expenses 72 n/a 1 1 — Equity and index contracts Options and futures Other liabilities & accrued expenses — 4,406 (7 ) — (7 ) Foreign currency contracts Foreign currency forwards Other liabilities & accrued expenses 361 n/a (12 ) 1 (13 ) Embedded derivative financial instruments Guaranteed accumulation benefits Contractholder funds 481 n/a (38 ) — (38 ) Guaranteed withdrawal benefits Contractholder funds 332 n/a (14 ) — (14 ) Equity-indexed and forward starting options in life and annuity product contracts Contractholder funds 1,781 n/a (247 ) — (247 ) Other embedded derivative financial instruments Contractholder funds 85 n/a — — — Credit default contracts Credit default swaps — buying protection Other liabilities & accrued expenses 88 n/a (2 ) — (2 ) Credit default swaps — selling protection Other liabilities & accrued expenses 105 n/a (8 ) — (8 ) Subtotal 3,390 4,406 (327 ) 2 (329 ) Total liability derivatives 3,409 4,406 (323 ) $ 6 $ (329 ) Total derivatives $ 4,977 10,033 $ (262 ) ______________________________ (1) Volume for OTC derivative contracts is represented by their notional amounts. Volume for exchange traded derivatives is represented by the number of contracts, which is the basis on which they are traded. (n/a = not applicable) (2) In addition to the number of contracts presented in the table, the Company held 220 stock rights and warrants. Stock rights and warrants can be converted to cash upon sale of those instruments or exercised for shares of common stock. The following table provides a summary of the volume and fair value positions of derivative instruments as well as their reporting location in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2014 . ($ in millions, except number of contracts) Volume (1) Balance sheet location Notional amount Number of contracts Fair value, net Gross asset Gross liability Asset derivatives Derivatives designated as accounting hedging instruments Foreign currency swap agreements Other investments $ 85 n/a $ 3 $ 3 $ — Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments Interest rate contracts Interest rate cap agreements Other investments 163 n/a 2 2 — Equity and index contracts Options and warrants (2) Other investments — 3,225 83 83 — Financial futures contracts Other assets — 2,204 2 2 — Foreign currency contracts Foreign currency forwards Other investments 471 n/a (15 ) 1 (16 ) Embedded derivative financial instruments Other embedded derivative financial instruments Other investments 1,000 n/a — — — Credit default contracts Credit default swaps — buying protection Other investments 29 n/a — — — Credit default swaps — selling protection Other investments 100 n/a 2 2 — Other contracts Other contracts Other assets 3 n/a 1 1 — Subtotal 1,766 5,429 75 91 (16 ) Total asset derivatives $ 1,851 5,429 $ 78 $ 94 $ (16 ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Liability derivatives Derivatives designated as accounting hedging instruments Foreign currency swap agreements Other liabilities & accrued expenses $ 50 n/a $ (1 ) $ — $ (1 ) Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments Interest rate contracts Interest rate swap agreements Other liabilities & accrued expenses 85 n/a 1 1 — Interest rate cap agreements Other liabilities & accrued expenses 11 n/a — — — Financial futures contracts Other liabilities & accrued expenses — 700 — — — Equity and index contracts Options Other liabilities & accrued expenses — 3,960 (23 ) — (23 ) Foreign currency contracts Foreign currency forwards Other liabilities & accrued expenses 228 n/a (1 ) 2 (3 ) Embedded derivative financial instruments Guaranteed accumulation benefits Contractholder funds 615 n/a (32 ) — (32 ) Guaranteed withdrawal benefits Contractholder funds 425 n/a (13 ) — (13 ) Equity-indexed and forward starting options in life and annuity product contracts Contractholder funds 1,786 n/a (278 ) — (278 ) Other embedded derivative financial instruments Contractholder funds 85 n/a — — — Credit default contracts Credit default swaps — buying protection Other liabilities & accrued expenses 420 n/a (6 ) 1 (7 ) Credit default swaps — selling protection Other liabilities & accrued expenses 205 n/a (8 ) 2 (10 ) Subtotal 3,860 4,660 (360 ) 6 (366 ) Total liability derivatives 3,910 4,660 (361 ) $ 6 $ (367 ) Total derivatives $ 5,761 10,089 $ (283 ) ______________________________ (1) Volume for OTC derivative contracts is represented by their notional amounts. Volume for exchange traded derivatives is represented by the number of contracts, which is the basis on which they are traded. (n/a = not applicable) (2) In addition to the number of contracts presented in the table, the Company held 220 stock rights and warrants. Stock rights and warrants can be converted to cash upon sale of those instruments or exercised for shares of common stock.
Schedule of gross and net amount for the Company's OTC derivatives subject to enforceable master netting arrangements	The following table provides gross and net amounts for the Company’s OTC derivatives, all of which are subject to enforceable master netting agreements. ($ in millions) Offsets Gross amount Counter- party netting Cash collateral (received) pledged Net amount on balance sheet Securities collateral (received) pledged Net amount December 31, 2015 Asset derivatives $ 21 $ (8 ) $ (5 ) $ 8 $ (4 ) $ 4 Liability derivatives (25 ) 8 (1 ) (18 ) 9 (9 ) December 31, 2014 Asset derivatives $ 12 $ (22 ) $ 17 $ 7 $ (4 ) $ 3 Liability derivatives (35 ) 22 — (13 ) 8 (5 )
Impacts on operations and AOCI from foreign currency contracts, cash flow hedges	The following table provides a summary of the impacts of the Company’s foreign currency contracts in cash flow hedging relationships for the years ended December 31. Amortization of net gains from accumulated other comprehensive income related to cash flow hedges is expected to be a gain of $3 million during the next twelve months. There was no hedge ineffectiveness reported in realized gains and losses in 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Gain recognized in OCI on derivatives during the period $ 10 $ 12 $ 3 Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives during the term of the hedging relationship 6 (2 ) (18 ) Loss reclassified from AOCI into income (net investment income) (1 ) (2 ) (1 ) Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (realized capital gains and losses) 3 (2 ) —
Gains and losses from valuation, settlements, and hedge ineffectiveness, fair value hedges and derivatives not designated as hedges	The following tables present gains and losses from valuation and settlements reported on derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company had no derivatives used in fair value hedging relationships. ($ in millions) Realized capital gains and losses Life and annuity contract benefits Interest credited to contractholder funds Operating costs and expenses Loss on disposition of operations Total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives 2015 Interest rate contracts $ 1 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1 Equity and index contracts 1 — (9 ) (1 ) — (9 ) Embedded derivative financial instruments — (7 ) 31 — — 24 Foreign currency contracts (24 ) — — (8 ) — (32 ) Credit default contracts (2 ) — — — — (2 ) Other contracts — — — — — — Total $ (24 ) $ (7 ) $ 22 $ (9 ) $ — $ (18 ) 2014 Interest rate contracts $ (10 ) $ — $ — $ — $ (4 ) $ (14 ) Equity and index contracts (18 ) — 38 9 — 29 Embedded derivative financial instruments — 15 (14 ) — — 1 Foreign currency contracts (9 ) — — (8 ) — (17 ) Credit default contracts 1 — — — — 1 Other contracts — — (2 ) — — (2 ) Total $ (36 ) $ 15 $ 22 $ 1 $ (4 ) $ (2 ) 2013 Interest rate contracts $ 4 $ — $ — $ — $ (6 ) $ (2 ) Equity and index contracts (12 ) — 94 34 — 116 Embedded derivative financial instruments (1 ) 74 (75 ) — — (2 ) Foreign currency contracts (9 ) — — 7 — (2 ) Credit default contracts 8 — — — — 8 Other contracts — — (3 ) — — (3 ) Total $ (10 ) $ 74 $ 16 $ 41 $ (6 ) $ 115
Counterparty credit exposure by counterparty credit rating	The following table summarizes the counterparty credit exposure as of December 31 by counterparty credit rating as it relates to the Company’s OTC derivatives. ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Rating (1) Number of counter-parties Notional amount (2) Credit exposure (2) Exposure, net of collateral (2) Number of counter-parties Notional amount (2) Credit exposure (2) Exposure, net of collateral (2) A+ 1 $ 82 $ 5 $ — 1 $ 164 $ 2 $ 1 A 5 375 9 6 3 118 3 2 A– 1 41 3 — 1 8 — — BBB+ 2 49 — 1 1 11 — — BBB — — — — 1 52 — — Total 9 $ 547 $ 17 $ 7 7 $ 353 $ 5 $ 3 ______________________________ (1) Rating is the lower of S&P or Moody’s ratings. (2) Only OTC derivatives with a net positive fair value are included for each counterparty.
Derivative instruments with credit features in a liability position, including fair value of assets and collateral netted against the liability	The following summarizes the fair value of derivative instruments with termination, cross-default or collateral credit-risk-contingent features that are in a liability position as of December 31, as well as the fair value of assets and collateral that are netted against the liability in accordance with provisions within legally enforceable MNAs. ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Gross liability fair value of contracts containing credit-risk-contingent features $ 21 $ 16 Gross asset fair value of contracts containing credit-risk-contingent features and subject to MNAs (3 ) (4 ) Collateral posted under MNAs for contracts containing credit-risk-contingent features (13 ) (7 ) Maximum amount of additional exposure for contracts with credit-risk-contingent features if all features were triggered concurrently $ 5 $ 5
CDS notional amounts by credit rating and fair value of protection sold	The following table shows the CDS notional amounts by credit rating and fair value of protection sold. ($ in millions) Notional amount AA A BBB BB and lower Total Fair value December 31, 2015 Single name Corporate debt $ 20 $ 10 $ 45 $ — $ 75 $ 1 First-to-default Basket Municipal — — 100 — 100 (8 ) Index Corporate debt 1 20 52 7 80 1 Total $ 21 $ 30 $ 197 $ 7 $ 255 $ (6 ) December 31, 2014 Single name Corporate debt $ 20 $ 15 $ 90 $ — $ 125 $ 1 First-to-default Basket Municipal — 100 — — 100 (9 ) Index Corporate debt — 22 52 6 80 2 Total $ 20 $ 137 $ 142 $ 6 $ 305 $ (6 )
Contractual amounts of off-balance-sheet financial instruments	The contractual amounts of off-balance sheet financial instruments as of December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Commitments to invest in limited partnership interests $ 2,551 $ 2,429 Commitments to extend mortgage loans — 49 Private placement commitments 89 98 Municipal bond forward commitments 36 — Other loan commitments 46 46

Reserve for Property-Liabilit42

Reserve for Property-Liability Insurance Claims and Claims Expense (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Reserve for Property-Liability Insurance Claims and Claims Expense
Activity in the reserve for property-liability insurance claims and claims expense	Activity in the reserve for property-liability insurance claims and claims expense is summarized as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Balance as of January 1 $ 22,923 $ 21,857 $ 21,288 Less reinsurance recoverables 5,694 4,664 4,010 Net balance as of January 1 17,229 17,193 17,278 Incurred claims and claims expense related to: Current year 20,953 19,512 18,032 Prior years 81 (84 ) (121 ) Total incurred 21,034 19,428 17,911 Claims and claims expense paid related to: Current year 13,660 12,924 11,658 Prior years 6,626 6,468 6,338 Total paid 20,286 19,392 17,996 Net balance as of December 31 17,977 17,229 17,193 Plus reinsurance recoverables 5,892 5,694 4,664 Balance as of December 31 $ 23,869 $ 22,923 $ 21,857

Reserve for Life-Contingent C43

Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	As of December 31, the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits consists of the following: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Immediate fixed annuities: Structured settlement annuities $ 6,673 $ 6,682 Other immediate fixed annuities 2,041 2,250 Traditional life insurance 2,584 2,521 Accident and health insurance 844 830 Other 105 97 Total reserve for life-contingent contract benefits $ 12,247 $ 12,380
Key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	The following table highlights the key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits: Product Mortality Interest rate Estimation method Structured settlement annuities U.S. population with projected calendar year improvements; mortality rates adjusted for each impaired life based on reduction in life expectancy Interest rate assumptions range from 2.7% to 9.0% Present value of contractually specified future benefits Other immediate fixed annuities 1983 group annuity mortality table with internal modifications; 1983 individual annuity mortality table; Annuity 2000 mortality table with internal modifications; Annuity 2000 mortality table; 1983 individual annuity mortality table with internal modifications Interest rate assumptions range from 0% to 11.5% Present value of expected future benefits based on historical experience Traditional life insurance Actual company experience plus loading Interest rate assumptions range from 2.5% to 11.3% Net level premium reserve method using the Company’s withdrawal experience rates; includes reserves for unpaid claims Accident and health insurance Actual company experience plus loading Interest rate assumptions range from 3.0% to 7.0% Unearned premium; additional contract reserves for mortality risk and unpaid claims Other: Variable annuity guaranteed minimum death benefits (1) Annuity 2012 mortality table with internal modifications Interest rate assumptions range from 2.1% to 5.8% Projected benefit ratio applied to cumulative assessments ______________________________ (1) In 2006, the Company disposed of substantially all of its variable annuity business through reinsurance agreements with The Prudential Insurance Company of America, a subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. (collectively “Prudential”).
Contractholder funds	As of December 31, contractholder funds consist of the following: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Interest-sensitive life insurance $ 7,975 $ 7,880 Investment contracts: Fixed annuities 12,974 14,310 Funding agreements backing medium-term notes 85 85 Other investment contracts 261 254 Total contractholder funds $ 21,295 $ 22,529
Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds	The following table highlights the key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds: Product Interest rate Withdrawal/surrender charges Interest-sensitive life insurance Interest rates credited range from 0% to 10.5% for equity-indexed life (whose returns are indexed to the S&P 500) and 1.0% to 6.0% for all other products Either a percentage of account balance or dollar amount grading off generally over 20 years Fixed annuities Interest rates credited range from 0% to 9.8% for immediate annuities; (8.0)% to 13.5% for equity-indexed annuities (whose returns are indexed to the S&P 500); and 0.1% to 6.0% for all other products Either a declining or a level percentage charge generally over ten years or less. Additionally, approximately 19.2% of fixed annuities are subject to market value adjustment for discretionary withdrawals Funding agreements backing medium-term notes Interest rate credited is a floating rate, currently 0% Not applicable Other investment contracts: Guaranteed minimum income, accumulation and withdrawal benefits on variable (1) and fixed annuities and secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life insurance and fixed annuities Interest rates used in establishing reserves range from 1.7% to 10.3% Withdrawal and surrender charges are based on the terms of the related interest-sensitive life insurance or fixed annuity contract ______________________________ (1) In 2006, the Company disposed of substantially all of its variable annuity business through reinsurance agreements with Prudential.
Contractholder funds activity	Contractholder funds activity for the years ended December 31 is as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of year $ 22,529 $ 24,304 $ 39,319 Classified as held for sale, beginning balance — 10,945 — Total, including those classified as held for sale 22,529 35,249 39,319 Deposits 1,203 1,333 2,440 Interest credited 760 919 1,295 Benefits (1,077 ) (1,197 ) (1,535 ) Surrenders and partial withdrawals (1,278 ) (2,273 ) (3,299 ) Maturities of and interest payments on institutional products (1 ) (2 ) (1,799 ) Contract charges (818 ) (881 ) (1,112 ) Net transfers from separate accounts 7 7 12 Other adjustments (30 ) 36 (72 ) Sold in LBL disposition — (10,662 ) — Classified as held for sale, ending balance — — (10,945 ) Balance, end of year $ 21,295 $ 22,529 $ 24,304
Variable annuity contracts with guarantees	The table below presents information regarding the Company’s variable annuity contracts with guarantees. The Company’s variable annuity contracts may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract; therefore, the sum of amounts listed exceeds the total account balances of variable annuity contracts’ separate accounts with guarantees. ($ in millions) December 31, 2015 2014 In the event of death Separate account value $ 3,560 $ 4,288 Net amount at risk (1) $ 675 $ 581 Average attained age of contractholders 69 years 69 years At annuitization (includes income benefit guarantees) Separate account value $ 967 $ 1,142 Net amount at risk (2) $ 281 $ 238 Weighted average waiting period until annuitization options available None None For cumulative periodic withdrawals Separate account value $ 294 $ 382 Net amount at risk (3) $ 10 $ 8 Accumulation at specified dates Separate account value $ 371 $ 480 Net amount at risk (4) $ 31 $ 24 Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date 4 years 4 years ______________________________ (1) Defined as the estimated current guaranteed minimum death benefit in excess of the current account balance as of the balance sheet date. (2) Defined as the estimated present value of the guaranteed minimum annuity payments in excess of the current account balance. (3) Defined as the estimated current guaranteed minimum withdrawal balance (initial deposit) in excess of the current account balance as of the balance sheet date. (4) Defined as the estimated present value of the guaranteed minimum accumulation balance in excess of the current account balance.
Liabilities for guarantees	The following table summarizes the liabilities for guarantees. ($ in millions) Liability for guarantees related to death benefits and interest-sensitive life products Liability for guarantees related to income benefits Liability for guarantees related to accumulation and withdrawal benefits Total Balance, December 31, 2014 (1) $ 195 $ 95 $ 60 $ 350 Less reinsurance recoverables 98 91 45 234 Net balance as of December 31, 2014 97 4 15 116 Incurred guarantee benefits 20 — 8 28 Paid guarantee benefits — — — — Net change 20 — 8 28 Net balance as of December 31, 2015 117 4 23 144 Plus reinsurance recoverables 106 64 52 222 Balance, December 31, 2015 (2) $ 223 $ 68 $ 75 $ 366 Balance, December 31, 2013 (3) $ 377 $ 113 $ 65 $ 555 Less reinsurance recoverables 100 99 56 255 Net balance as of December 31, 2013 277 14 9 300 Incurred guarantee benefits 34 — 9 43 Paid guarantee benefits — — — — Sold in LBL disposition (214 ) (10 ) (3 ) (227 ) Net change (180 ) (10 ) 6 (184 ) Net balance as of December 31, 2014 97 4 15 116 Plus reinsurance recoverables 98 91 45 234 Balance, December 31, 2014 (1) $ 195 $ 95 $ 60 $ 350 ______________________________ (1) Included in the total liability balance as of December 31, 2014 are reserves for variable annuity death benefits of $96 million , variable annuity income benefits of $92 million , variable annuity accumulation benefits of $32 million , variable annuity withdrawal benefits of $13 million and other guarantees of $117 million . (2) Included in the total liability balance as of December 31, 2015 are reserves for variable annuity death benefits of $105 million , variable annuity income benefits of $65 million , variable annuity accumulation benefits of $38 million , variable annuity withdrawal benefits of $14 million and other guarantees of $144 million . (3) Included in the total liability balance as of December 31, 2013 are reserves for variable annuity death benefits of $98 million , variable annuity income benefits of $99 million , variable annuity accumulation benefits of $43 million , variable annuity withdrawal benefits of $13 million and other guarantees of $302 million .

Reinsurance (Tables)

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Effects of reinsurance on property-liability insurance premiums written and earned and life and annuity premiums and contract charges	The effects of reinsurance on property-liability insurance premiums written and earned and life and annuity premiums and contract charges for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Property-liability insurance premiums written Direct $ 31,924 $ 30,686 $ 29,241 Assumed 39 48 52 Ceded (1,092 ) (1,120 ) (1,129 ) Property-liability insurance premiums written, net of reinsurance $ 30,871 $ 29,614 $ 28,164 Property-liability insurance premiums earned Direct $ 31,274 $ 29,914 $ 28,638 Assumed 41 45 49 Ceded (1,006 ) (1,030 ) (1,069 ) Property-liability insurance premiums earned, net of reinsurance $ 30,309 $ 28,929 $ 27,618 Life and annuity premiums and contract charges Direct $ 1,641 $ 1,944 $ 2,909 Assumed 849 629 82 Ceded (332 ) (416 ) (639 ) Life and annuity premiums and contract charges, net of reinsurance $ 2,158 $ 2,157 $ 2,352
Summary of retention limits by period of policy issuance	The following table summarizes those retention limits by period of policy issuance. Period Retention limits April 2015 through current Single life: $2 million per life Joint life: no longer offered April 2011 through March 2015 Single life: $5 million per life, $3 million age 70 and over, and $10 million for contracts that meet specific criteria Joint life: $8 million per life, and $10 million for contracts that meet specific criteria July 2007 through March 2011 $5 million per life, $3 million age 70 and over, and $10 million for contracts that meet specific criteria September 1998 through June 2007 $2 million per life, in 2006 the limit was increased to $5 million for instances when specific criteria were met August 1998 and prior Up to $1 million per life
Summary of reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid benefits	Allstate Financial’s reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid benefits as of December 31 are summarized in the following table. ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Annuities $ 1,457 $ 1,594 Life insurance 897 916 Other 185 197 Total Allstate Financial $ 2,539 $ 2,707

Deferred Policy Acquisition a45

Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs
Schedule of deferred policy acquisition costs	Deferred policy acquisition costs for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 Allstate Financial Property-Liability Total Balance, beginning of year $ 1,705 $ 1,820 $ 3,525 Acquisition costs deferred 285 4,311 4,596 Amortization charged to income (262 ) (4,102 ) (4,364 ) Effect of unrealized gains and losses 104 — 104 Balance, end of year $ 1,832 $ 2,029 $ 3,861 2014 Allstate Financial Property-Liability Total Balance, beginning of year $ 1,747 $ 1,625 $ 3,372 Classified as held for sale, beginning balance 743 — 743 Total, including those classified as held for sale 2,490 1,625 4,115 Acquisition costs deferred 280 4,070 4,350 Amortization charged to income (260 ) (3,875 ) (4,135 ) Effect of unrealized gains and losses (98 ) — (98 ) Sold in LBL disposition (707 ) — (707 ) Balance, end of year $ 1,705 $ 1,820 $ 3,525 2013 Allstate Financial Property-Liability Total Balance, beginning of year $ 2,225 $ 1,396 $ 3,621 Acquisition costs deferred 364 3,903 4,267 Amortization charged to income (328 ) (3,674 ) (4,002 ) Effect of unrealized gains and losses 229 — 229 Classified as held for sale (743 ) — (743 ) Balance, end of year $ 1,747 $ 1,625 $ 3,372
Schedule of DSI activity for Allstate Financial	DSI activity for Allstate Financial, which primarily relates to fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts, for the years ended December 31 was as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of year $ 44 $ 42 $ 41 Classified as held for sale, beginning balance — 28 — Total, including those classified as held for sale 44 70 41 Sales inducements deferred 3 4 24 Amortization charged to income (4 ) (4 ) (7 ) Effect of unrealized gains and losses 2 (3 ) 12 Sold in LBL disposition — (23 ) — Classified as held for sale, ending balance — — (28 ) Balance, end of year $ 45 $ 44 $ 42

Capital Structure (Tables)

Capital Structure (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Capital Structure
Total debt outstanding	Total debt outstanding as of December 31 consisted of the following: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 6.75% Senior Debentures, due 2018 $ 176 $ 176 7.45% Senior Notes, due 2019 (1) 317 317 3.15% Senior Notes, due 2023 (1) 500 500 6.125% Senior Notes, due 2032 (1) 159 159 5.35% Senior Notes due 2033 (1) 323 323 5.55% Senior Notes due 2035 (1) 546 546 5.95% Senior Notes, due 2036 (1) 386 386 6.90% Senior Debentures, due 2038 165 165 5.20% Senior Notes, due 2042 (1) 62 62 4.50% Senior Notes, due 2043 (1) 500 500 5.10% Subordinated Debentures, due 2053 500 500 5.75% Subordinated Debentures, due 2053 800 800 6.125% Junior Subordinated Debentures, due 2067 241 252 6.50% Junior Subordinated Debentures, due 2067 500 500 Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, due 2018 — 8 Long-term debt total principal 5,175 5,194 Debt issuance costs (51 ) (54 ) Total long-term debt 5,124 5,140 Short-term debt (2) — — Total debt $ 5,124 $ 5,140 ______________________________ (1) Senior Notes are subject to redemption at the Company’s option in whole or in part at any time at the greater of either 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date or the discounted sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest and accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. (2) The Company classifies any borrowings which have a maturity of twelve months or less at inception as short-term debt.
Schedule of debt maturities for each of the next five years and thereafter	Debt maturities for each of the next five years and thereafter as of December 31, 2015 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2016 $ — 2017 — 2018 176 2019 317 2020 — Thereafter 4,682 Total long-term debt principal $ 5,175
Schedule of noncumulative outstanding preferred stock	The following table summarizes the Company’s outstanding preferred stock as of December 31, 2015 . All represent noncumulative perpetual preferred stock with a $1.00 par value per share and a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share. ($ in millions, except per share data) Aggregate liquidation preference Dividend Per Share Aggregate Dividend Payment Shares Dividend rate 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Series A 11,500 $ 287.5 5.625 % $ 1.41 $ 1.41 $ 0.83 $ 16 $ 16 $ 9 Series C 15,400 385.0 6.750 % 1.69 1.69 0.49 26 26 8 Series D 5,400 135.0 6.625 % 1.66 1.79 — 9 10 — Series E 29,900 747.5 6.625 % 1.66 1.44 — 49 43 — Series F 10,000 250.0 6.250 % 1.56 0.92 — 16 9 — Total 72,200 $ 1,805 $ 116 $ 104 $ 17

Company Restructuring (Tables)

Company Restructuring (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in the restructuring liability	The following table presents changes in the restructuring liability in 2015 . ($ in millions) Employee costs Exit costs Total liability Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 3 $ 1 $ 4 Expense incurred 18 10 28 Adjustments to liability (5 ) — (5 ) Payments applied against liability (15 ) (10 ) (25 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 1 $ 1 $ 2

Commitments, Guarantees and C48

Commitments, Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities
Minimum rental commitments under noncancelable capital and operating leases	Minimum rental commitments under noncancelable capital and operating leases with an initial or remaining term of more than one year as of December 31, 2015 are as follows: ($ in millions) Capital leases Operating leases 2016 $ 5 $ 132 2017 — 105 2018 — 87 2019 — 73 2020 — 58 Thereafter — 175 Total $ 5 $ 630 Present value of minimum capital lease payments $ 5

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliation of the change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits	The reconciliation of the change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31 is as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Balance – beginning of year $ — $ — $ 25 Increase for tax positions taken in a prior year 4 — 1 Decrease for tax positions taken in a prior year — — — Increase for tax positions taken in the current year 3 — — Decrease for tax positions taken in the current year — — — Decrease for settlements — — (26 ) Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations — — — Balance – end of year $ 7 $ — $ —
Components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities	The components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Deferred assets Unearned premium reserves $ 796 $ 763 Pension 236 254 Discount on loss reserves 203 210 Difference in tax bases of invested assets 202 64 Accrued compensation 189 206 Other postretirement benefits 76 138 Other assets 137 138 Total deferred assets 1,839 1,773 Deferred liabilities DAC (1,157 ) (1,076 ) Unrealized net capital gains (303 ) (994 ) Life and annuity reserves (260 ) (192 ) Other liabilities (209 ) (226 ) Total deferred liabilities (1,929 ) (2,488 ) Net deferred liability $ (90 ) $ (715 )
Components of income tax expense	The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Current $ 1,033 $ 1,123 $ 869 Deferred 78 263 247 Total income tax expense $ 1,111 $ 1,386 $ 1,116
Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate on income from operations	A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate on income from operations for the years ended December 31 is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Tax-exempt income (1.0 ) (0.9 ) (1.8 ) Tax credits (0.9 ) (0.7 ) (2.2 ) Sale of subsidiary — (0.9 ) 2.0 Other (1) 0.8 0.2 (0.1 ) Effective income tax rate 33.9 % 32.7 % 32.9 % ______________________________ (1) Includes $45 million of income tax expense related to the change in accounting guidance for investments in qualified affordable housing projects adopted in 2015.

Statutory Financial Informati50

Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Limitations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Limitations
Statutory net income and capital and surplus	Statutory net income (loss) and capital and surplus of Allstate’s domestic insurance subsidiaries, determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory authorities are as follows: ($ in millions) Net income (loss) Capital and surplus 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 Amounts by major business type: Property-Liability (1) $ 1,826 $ 2,501 $ 2,707 $ 13,332 $ 14,412 Allstate Financial (56 ) 1,130 504 3,154 2,907 Amount per statutory accounting practices $ 1,770 $ 3,631 $ 3,211 $ 16,486 $ 17,319 ______________________________ (1) The Property-Liability statutory capital and surplus balances exclude wholly-owned subsidiaries included in the Allstate Financial segment.

Benefit Plans (Tables)

Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of the plans' funded status reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position	The components of the plans’ funded status that are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) Pension benefits Postretirement benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Fair value of plan assets $ 5,353 $ 5,783 $ — $ — Less: Benefit obligation 6,130 6,493 405 575 Funded status $ (777 ) $ (710 ) $ (405 ) $ (575 ) Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost: Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 2,710 $ 2,707 $ (263 ) $ (111 ) Prior service credit (365 ) (422 ) (61 ) (83 ) Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost, pre-tax 2,345 2,285 (324 ) (194 ) Deferred income tax (821 ) (800 ) 115 72 Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost $ 1,524 $ 1,485 $ (209 ) $ (122 )
Change during the period in items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost	The change in 2015 in items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost, which is recorded in unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost, is shown in the table below. ($ in millions) Pension benefits Postretirement benefits Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost – December 31, 2014 $ 2,285 $ (194 ) Net actuarial loss (gain) arising during the period 242 (158 ) Net actuarial (loss) gain amortized to net periodic benefit cost (221 ) 9 Prior service credit arising during the period — — Prior service credit amortized to net periodic benefit cost 56 22 Translation adjustment and other (17 ) (3 ) Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost – December 31, 2015 $ 2,345 $ (324 )
Estimates of the net actuarial loss (gain) and prior service credit expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in next fiscal year	The net actuarial loss (gain) is recognized as a component of net periodic cost amortized over the average remaining service period of active employees expected to receive benefits. Estimates of the net actuarial loss (gain) and prior service credit expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during 2016 are shown in the table below. ($ in millions) Pension benefits Postretirement benefits Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 174 $ (32 ) Prior service credit (56 ) (21 )
Changes in benefit obligations for all plans	The changes in benefit obligations for all plans for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) Pension benefits Postretirement benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 6,493 $ 5,297 $ 575 $ 482 Service cost 114 96 12 10 Interest cost 258 262 23 23 Participant contributions — 1 19 19 Actuarial (gain) loss (225 ) 1,243 (158 ) 103 Benefits paid (1) (443 ) (368 ) (54 ) (57 ) Plan amendments — — — — Translation adjustment and other (67 ) (38 ) (12 ) (5 ) Curtailment gain — — — — Benefit obligation, end of year $ 6,130 $ 6,493 $ 405 $ 575
Components of net periodic cost	The components of net periodic cost for all plans for the years ended December 31 are as follows: Pension benefits Postretirement benefits ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Service cost $ 114 $ 96 $ 140 $ 12 $ 10 $ 12 Interest cost 258 262 265 23 23 28 Expected return on plan assets (424 ) (398 ) (394 ) — — — Amortization of: Prior service credit (56 ) (58 ) (28 ) (22 ) (23 ) (23 ) Net actuarial loss (gain) 190 127 235 (9 ) (22 ) (16 ) Settlement loss 31 54 277 — — — Curtailment gain — — — — — (181 ) Net periodic cost (credit) $ 113 $ 83 $ 495 $ 4 $ (12 ) $ (180 )
Weighted average assumptions used to determine for pension plans and postretirement benefits plans the net benefit cost and benefit obligation	Weighted average assumptions used to determine net pension cost and net postretirement benefit cost for the years ended December 31 are: Pension benefits Postretirement benefits ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 4.10 % 5.00 % 4.60 % 3.97 % 5.11 % 3.75 % Rate of increase in compensation levels 3.5 3.5 3.5 n/a n/a n/a Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.33 7.36 7.75 n/a n/a n/a Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31 are listed in the following table. Pension benefits Postretirement benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.83 % 4.10 % 4.56 % 4.15 % Rate of increase in compensation levels 3.2 3.5 n/a n/a
Change in pension plan assets	The change in pension plan assets for the years ended December 31 is as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 5,783 $ 5,602 Actual return on plan assets (43 ) 540 Employer contribution 125 49 Benefits paid (443 ) (368 ) Translation adjustment and other (69 ) (40 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of year $ 5,353 $ 5,783
Pension plans' weighted average target asset allocation and the actual percentage of plan assets	The pension plans’ weighted average target asset allocation and the actual percentage of plan assets, by asset category as of December 31, 2015 are as follows: Target asset allocation (1) Actual percentage of plan assets Asset category 2015 2015 2014 Equity securities (2) 53 - 63% 60 % 41 % Fixed income securities 28 - 37% 30 50 Limited partnership interests 0 - 12% 7 7 Short-term investments and other — 3 2 Total without securities lending (3) 100 % 100 % ______________________________ (1) The target asset allocation considers risk based exposure while the actual percentage of plan assets utilizes a financial reporting view excluding exposure provided through derivatives. (2) The actual percentage of plan assets for equity securities include private equity investments that are subject to the limited partnership interests target allocation of 2% and 1 % in 2015 and 2014, respectively, fixed income mutual funds that are subject to the fixed income securities target allocation of 3% for both 2015 and 2014 as well as 9% of equity exposure created through a derivative which is not included in the actual allocations in 2014. (3) Securities lending collateral reinvestment of $152 million and $217 million is excluded from the table above in 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Fair values of pension plan assets	The following table presents the fair values of pension plan assets as of December 31, 2015 . ($ in millions) Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Balance as of December 31, 2015 Equity securities $ 136 $ 2,945 $ 100 $ 3,181 Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies 72 334 — 406 Municipal — — 7 7 Corporate — 1,205 10 1,215 Short-term investments 112 184 — 296 Limited partnership interests: Real estate funds (1) — — 104 104 Private equity funds (2) — — 237 237 Hedge funds — — 33 33 Cash and cash equivalents 22 — — 22 Total plan assets at fair value $ 342 $ 4,668 $ 491 5,501 % of total plan assets at fair value 6.2 % 84.9 % 8.9 % 100.0 % Securities lending obligation (3) (167 ) Other net plan assets (4) 19 Total reported plan assets $ 5,353 ______________________________ (1) Real estate funds held by the pension plans are primarily invested in U.S. commercial real estate. (2) Private equity investments held by the pension plans are primarily comprised of buyout and growth funds in North America and other developed markets. (3) The securities lending obligation represents the plan’s obligation to return securities lending collateral received under a securities lending program. The terms of the program allow both the plan and the counterparty the right and ability to redeem/return the securities loaned on short notice. Due to its relatively short-term nature, the outstanding balance of the obligation approximates fair value. (4) Other net plan assets represent interest and dividends receivable and net receivables related to settlements of investment transactions, such as purchases and sales. The following table presents the fair values of pension plan assets as of December 31, 2014 . ($ in millions) Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Balance as of December 31, 2014 Equity securities $ 161 $ 2,109 $ 75 $ 2,345 Fixed income securities: U.S. government and agencies 870 44 — 914 Foreign government — 28 — 28 Municipal — — 14 14 Corporate — 1,822 12 1,834 RMBS — 115 — 115 Short-term investments 55 254 — 309 Limited partnership interests: Real estate funds — — 154 154 Private equity funds — — 218 218 Hedge funds — — 32 32 Cash and cash equivalents 34 — — 34 Free-standing derivatives: Assets (1 ) — — (1 ) Liabilities (3 ) — — (3 ) Total plan assets at fair value $ 1,116 $ 4,372 $ 505 5,993 % of total plan assets at fair value 18.6 % 73.0 % 8.4 % 100.0 % Securities lending obligation (234 ) Other net plan assets 24 Total reported plan assets $ 5,783
Rollforward of Level 3 plan assets	The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 plan assets for the year ended December 31, 2015 . ($ in millions) Actual return on plan assets: Balance as of December 31, 2014 Relating to assets sold during the period Relating to assets still held at the reporting date Purchases, sales and settlements, net Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 Balance as of December 31, 2015 Equity securities $ 75 $ 1 $ (5 ) $ 29 $ — $ 100 Fixed income securities: Municipal 14 — — (7 ) — 7 Corporate 12 — — — (2 ) 10 Limited partnership interests: Real estate funds 154 — (12 ) (38 ) — 104 Private equity funds 218 — (8 ) 27 — 237 Hedge funds 32 — 1 — — 33 Total Level 3 plan assets $ 505 $ 1 $ (24 ) $ 11 $ (2 ) $ 491 The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 plan assets for the year ended December 31, 2014 . ($ in millions) Actual return on plan assets: Balance as of December 31, 2013 Relating to assets sold during the period Relating to assets still held at the reporting date Purchases, sales and settlements, net Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 Balance as of December 31, 2014 Equity securities $ 237 $ 2 $ 2 $ (166 ) $ — $ 75 Fixed income securities: Municipal 18 — — (4 ) — 14 Corporate 18 — — (6 ) — 12 Limited partnership interests: Real estate funds 197 (3 ) 6 (46 ) — 154 Private equity funds 211 (4 ) 4 7 — 218 Hedge funds 9 — — 23 — 32 Total Level 3 plan assets $ 690 $ (5 ) $ 12 $ (192 ) $ — $ 505 The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 plan assets for the year ended December 31, 2013 . ($ in millions) Actual return on plan assets: Balance as of December 31, 2012 Relating to assets sold during the period Relating to assets still held at the reporting date Purchases, sales and settlements, net Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 Balance as of December 31, 2013 Equity securities $ 314 $ 3 $ 18 $ (98 ) $ — $ 237 Fixed income securities: Municipal 129 7 1 (119 ) — 18 Corporate 10 5 — 3 — 18 Limited partnership interests: Real estate funds 214 — 11 (28 ) — 197 Private equity funds 199 — (2 ) 14 — 211 Hedge funds 80 — — (71 ) — 9 Total Level 3 plan assets $ 946 $ 15 $ 28 $ (299 ) $ — $ 690
Estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid	Estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid in the next 10 years, based on the assumptions used to measure the Company’s benefit obligation as of December 31, 2015 , are presented in the table below. ($ in millions) Pension benefits Postretirement benefits 2016 $ 341 $ 26 2017 372 26 2018 388 26 2019 436 28 2020 472 29 2021-2025 2,569 155 Total benefit payments $ 4,578 $ 290
Schedule of ESOP benefit	These amounts were reduced by the ESOP benefit computed for the years ended December 31 as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Interest expense recognized by ESOP $ 1 $ 1 $ 2 Less: dividends accrued on ESOP shares (3 ) (4 ) (3 ) Cost of shares allocated 10 8 7 Compensation expense 8 5 6 Reduction of defined contribution due to ESOP 73 71 46 ESOP benefit $ (65 ) $ (66 ) $ (40 )

Equity Incentive Plans (Tables)

Equity Incentive Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Incentive Plans
Assumptions used to determine the fair value of options granted	The assumptions used are shown in the following table. 2015 2014 2013 Weighted average expected term 6.5 years 6.5 years 8.2 years Expected volatility 16.0 - 37.8% 16.8 - 42.2% 19.1 - 48.1% Weighted average volatility 24.7 % 28.3 % 31.0 % Expected dividends 1.6 - 2.1% 1.7 - 2.2% 1.9 - 2.2% Weighted average expected dividends 1.7 % 2.1 % 2.2 % Risk-free rate 0.0 - 2.4% 0.0 - 3.0% 0.0 - 2.9%
Summary of option activity	A summary of option activity for the year ended December 31, 2015 is shown in the following table. Number (in 000s) Weighted average exercise price Aggregate intrinsic value (in 000s) Weighted average remaining contractual term (years) Outstanding as of January 1, 2015 17,989 $ 42.05 Granted 2,264 70.26 Exercised (4,375 ) 42.71 Forfeited (156 ) 54.58 Expired (6 ) 54.31 Outstanding as of December 31, 2015 15,716 45.81 $ 274,191 5.5 Outstanding, net of expected forfeitures 15,601 45.68 273,702 5.5 Outstanding, exercisable (“vested”) 10,097 40.62 217,292 4.1
Changes in restricted stock units	The changes in restricted stock units are shown in the following table for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Number (in 000s) Weighted average grant date fair value Nonvested as of January 1, 2015 2,280 $ 42.71 Granted 579 69.25 Vested (891 ) 37.36 Forfeited (129 ) 54.00 Nonvested as of December 31, 2015 1,839 52.86
Changes in performance stock units	The changes in performance stock awards are shown in the following table for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Number (in 000s) Weighted average grant date fair value Nonvested as of January 1, 2015 1,304 $ 39.70 Granted 229 70.37 Adjustment for performance achievement 199 36.96 Vested (802 ) 32.05 Nonvested as of December 31, 2015 930 53.27

Reporting Segments (Tables)

Reporting Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of business segments revenue disclosures	Summarized revenue data for each of the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Revenues Property-Liability Property-liability insurance premiums Auto $ 20,410 $ 19,344 $ 18,449 Homeowners 7,136 6,904 6,613 Other personal lines 1,692 1,662 1,629 Commercial lines 510 476 456 Other business lines 561 542 471 Allstate Protection 30,309 28,928 27,618 Discontinued Lines and Coverages — 1 — Total property-liability insurance premiums 30,309 28,929 27,618 Net investment income 1,237 1,301 1,375 Realized capital gains and losses (237 ) 549 519 Total Property-Liability 31,309 30,779 29,512 Allstate Financial Life and annuity premiums and contract charges Life and annuity premiums Traditional life insurance 542 511 491 Immediate annuities with life contingencies — 4 37 Accident and health insurance 780 744 720 Total life and annuity premiums 1,322 1,259 1,248 Contract charges Interest-sensitive life insurance 822 879 1,086 Fixed annuities 14 19 18 Total contract charges 836 898 1,104 Total life and annuity premiums and contract charges 2,158 2,157 2,352 Net investment income 1,884 2,131 2,538 Realized capital gains and losses 267 144 74 Total Allstate Financial 4,309 4,432 4,964 Corporate and Other Service fees 3 5 9 Net investment income 35 27 30 Realized capital gains and losses — 1 1 Total Corporate and Other before reclassification of service fees 38 33 40 Reclassification of service fees (1) (3 ) (5 ) (9 ) Total Corporate and Other 35 28 31 Consolidated revenues $ 35,653 $ 35,239 $ 34,507 ______________________________ (1) For presentation in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, service fees of the Corporate and Other segment are reclassified to operating costs and expenses
Schedule of business segments net income disclosures	Summarized financial performance data for each of the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Net income Property-Liability Underwriting income Allstate Protection $ 1,614 $ 1,887 $ 2,361 Discontinued Lines and Coverages (55 ) (115 ) (143 ) Total underwriting income 1,559 1,772 2,218 Net investment income 1,237 1,301 1,375 Income tax expense on operations (1) (952 ) (1,040 ) (1,177 ) Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax (154 ) 357 339 Gain (loss) on disposition of operations, after-tax — 37 (1 ) Property-Liability net income applicable to common shareholders 1,690 2,427 2,754 Allstate Financial Life and annuity premiums and contract charges 2,158 2,157 2,352 Net investment income 1,884 2,131 2,538 Periodic settlements and accruals on non-hedge derivative instruments — (1 ) 17 Contract benefits and interest credited to contractholder funds (2,563 ) (2,663 ) (3,171 ) Operating costs and expenses and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (729 ) (721 ) (895 ) Restructuring and related charges — (2 ) (7 ) Income tax expense on operations (241 ) (294 ) (246 ) Operating income 509 607 588 Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax 173 94 46 Valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged, after-tax (1 ) (15 ) (16 ) DAC and DSI amortization related to realized capital gains and losses and valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged, after-tax (3 ) (3 ) (5 ) DAC and DSI unlocking related to realized capital gains and losses, after-tax — — 7 Reclassification of periodic settlements and accruals on non-hedge derivative instruments, after-tax — 1 (11 ) Gain (loss) on disposition of operations, after-tax 2 (53 ) (514 ) Change in accounting for investments in qualified affordable housing projects, after-tax (17 ) — — Allstate Financial net income applicable to common shareholders 663 631 95 Corporate and Other Service fees (2) 3 5 9 Net investment income 35 27 30 Operating costs and expenses (2) (329 ) (364 ) (627 ) Income tax benefit on operations 109 124 220 Preferred stock dividends (116 ) (104 ) (17 ) Operating loss (298 ) (312 ) (385 ) Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax — — — Loss on extinguishment of debt, after-tax — — (319 ) Postretirement benefits curtailment gain, after-tax — — 118 Corporate and Other net loss applicable to common shareholders (298 ) (312 ) (586 ) Consolidated net income applicable to common shareholders $ 2,055 $ 2,746 $ 2,263 ______________________________ (1) Income tax on operations for Property-Liability segment includes $28 million of expense related to the change in accounting guidance for investments in qualified affordable housing projects adopted in 2015. (2) For presentation in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, service fees of the Corporate and Other segment are reclassified to operating costs and expenses.
Additional significant financial performance data	Additional significant financial performance data for each of the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Amortization of DAC Property-Liability $ 4,102 $ 3,875 $ 3,674 Allstate Financial 262 260 328 Consolidated $ 4,364 $ 4,135 $ 4,002 ​ ​ ​ ​ Income tax expense Property-Liability $ 869 $ 1,211 $ 1,357 Allstate Financial 351 299 87 Corporate and Other (109 ) (124 ) (328 ) Consolidated $ 1,111 $ 1,386 $ 1,116
Summarized data for total assets and investments	Summarized data for total assets and investments for each of the Company’s reportable segments as of December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Assets Property-Liability $ 55,671 $ 55,767 $ 54,726 Allstate Financial 46,342 49,248 65,707 Corporate and Other 2,643 3,464 3,027 Consolidated $ 104,656 $ 108,479 $ 123,460 ​ ​ ​ ​ Investments Property-Liability $ 38,479 $ 39,083 $ 39,638 Allstate Financial 36,792 38,809 39,105 Corporate and Other 2,487 3,221 2,412 Consolidated $ 77,758 $ 81,113 $ 81,155

Other Comprehensive Income (Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss) on a pre-tax and after-tax basis	The components of other comprehensive income (loss) on a pre - tax and after-tax basis for the years ended December 31 are as follows: ($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Pre-tax Tax After-tax Pre-tax Tax After-tax Pre-tax Tax After-tax Unrealized net holding gains and losses arising during the period, net of related offsets $ (1,896 ) $ 663 $ (1,233 ) $ 1,026 $ (358 ) $ 668 $ (1,278 ) $ 447 $ (831 ) Less: reclassification adjustment of realized capital gains and losses 112 (39 ) 73 597 (209 ) 388 549 (192 ) 357 Unrealized net capital gains and losses (2,008 ) 702 (1,306 ) 429 (149 ) 280 (1,827 ) 639 (1,188 ) Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments (89 ) 31 (58 ) (62 ) 22 (40 ) (49 ) 17 (32 ) Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost arising during the period (64 ) 25 (39 ) (1,197 ) 421 (776 ) 1,231 (429 ) 802 Less: reclassification adjustment of net periodic cost recognized in operating costs and expenses (134 ) 47 (87 ) (78 ) 27 (51 ) (445 ) 156 (289 ) Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost 70 (22 ) 48 (1,119 ) 394 (725 ) 1,676 (585 ) 1,091 Other comprehensive loss $ (2,027 ) $ 711 $ (1,316 ) $ (752 ) $ 267 $ (485 ) $ (200 ) $ 71 $ (129 )

Quarterly Results (unaudited) (

Quarterly Results (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Results	($ in millions, except per share data) First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues $ 8,952 $ 8,684 $ 8,982 $ 8,860 $ 9,028 $ 8,936 $ 8,691 $ 8,759 Net income applicable to common shareholders 648 587 326 614 621 750 460 795 Net income applicable to common shareholders earnings per common share - Basic 1.56 1.31 0.80 1.41 1.56 1.77 1.19 1.89 Net income applicable to common shareholders earnings per common share - Diluted 1.53 1.30 0.79 1.39 1.54 1.74 1.18 1.86

General (Details)

General (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015item
Allstate Protection
Nature of Operations
Premiums earned by Allstate Protection segment as a percentage of consolidated revenue	85.00%
Number of states in which entity is authorized to operate	50
Minimum percentage of premiums from one jurisdiction to be considered as significant	5.00%
Allstate Financial
Nature of Operations
Number of states in which entity is authorized to operate	50
Minimum percentage of premiums from one jurisdiction to be considered as significant	5.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun57

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Policy loans	$ 905	$ 909

Summary of Significant Accoun58

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Recognition of premium revenues and contract charges, and related benefits and interest credited
Valuation allowance for uncollectible premium installment receivables	$ 90	$ 83
Securities loaned
Cash collateral received as percentage of fair value of domestic securities loaned	102.00%
Cash collateral received as a percent of fair value of foreign securities loaned	105.00%
Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs
Present value of future profits	$ 58	66
Amortization expense of present value of future profits	$ 8	$ 13	$ 16
Minimum
Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs
Property-liability policies, term for deferment and recognition of premiums	6 months
Period for amortization of DAC for property-liability insurance	6 months
Period for amortization of DAC and DSI for interest-sensitive life, fixed annuities and other investment contracts	15 years
Maximum
Securities loaned
Securities lending transactions length	30 days
Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs
Property-liability policies, term for deferment and recognition of premiums	12 months
Period for amortization of DAC for property-liability insurance	12 months
Period for amortization of DAC and DSI for interest-sensitive life, fixed annuities and other investment contracts	30 years
Interest-sensitive life insurance | Minimum
Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs
Period for amortization of DAC and DSI for interest-sensitive life, fixed annuities and other investment contracts	10 years
Interest-sensitive life insurance | Maximum
Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs
Period for amortization of DAC and DSI for interest-sensitive life, fixed annuities and other investment contracts	20 years
Fixed annuities | Minimum
Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs
Period for amortization of DAC and DSI for interest-sensitive life, fixed annuities and other investment contracts	5 years
Fixed annuities | Maximum
Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs
Period for amortization of DAC and DSI for interest-sensitive life, fixed annuities and other investment contracts	10 years

Summary of Significant Accoun59

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill
Goodwill allocated to segments	$ 1,219	$ 1,219
Goodwill impairment	0
Allstate Protection
Goodwill
Goodwill allocated to segments	823	823
Allstate Financial
Goodwill
Goodwill allocated to segments	$ 396	$ 396

Summary of Significant Accoun60

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property and equipment
Accumulated depreciation on property and equipment	$ 2,090	$ 2,120
Depreciation expense on property and equipment	$ 255	$ 228	$ 208
Real property
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, estimated useful life, average	40 years
Equipment | Minimum
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, estimated useful life, average	3 years
Equipment | Maximum
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, estimated useful life, average	10 years

Summary of Significant Accoun61

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Numerator:
Net income									$ 2,171	$ 2,850	$ 2,280
Less: Preferred stock dividends									116	104	17
Net income applicable to common shareholders	$ 460	$ 621	$ 326	$ 648	$ 795	$ 750	$ 614	$ 587	$ 2,055	$ 2,746	$ 2,263
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding									401.1	431.4	464.4
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:
Stock options (in shares)									4	4.7	4.1
Restricted stock units(non-participating) and performance stock awards (in shares)									1.7	2.1	1.8
Weighted average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding									406.8	438.2	470.3
Earnings per common share - Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.19	$ 1.56	$ 0.80	$ 1.56	$ 1.89	$ 1.77	$ 1.41	$ 1.31	$ 5.12	$ 6.37	$ 4.87
Earnings per common share - Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.18	$ 1.54	$ 0.79	$ 1.53	$ 1.86	$ 1.74	$ 1.39	$ 1.30	$ 5.05	$ 6.27	$ 4.81
Other Earnings Per Share Disclosures
Antidilutive stock options, exercise price exceeds market price (in shares)									2.2	3	8.8
Antidilutive stock options, exercise price exceeds market price, exercise price range, low end of range (in dollars per share)									$ 57.98	$ 49.96	$ 40.49
Antidilutive stock options, exercise price exceeds market price, exercise price range, high end of range (in dollars per share)									$ 71.29	$ 67.61	$ 62.42

Summary of Significant Accoun62

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Income tax expense		$ 1,111	$ 1,386	$ 1,116
Other Assets		(2,010)	(1,992)
Long-term Debt		$ (5,124)	(5,140)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-01
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Income tax expense	$ 45
Long-term Debt			54
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other Assets			$ 54

Disposition (Details)

Disposition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 02, 2014
Disposition
(Gain) loss on disposition of operations	$ (3)	$ 74	$ 688
LBL
Disposition
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration				$ 797
Cash and retention tax benefits				$ 596
(Gain) loss on disposition of operations		101	698
Loss on disposition, after-tax		60	$ 521
Reduction in goodwill, included in loss on disposition, pre-tax		$ 22

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform64

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Non-cash modifications of certain mortgage loans, fixed income securities, limited partnership interests and other investments, as well as mergers completed with equity securities	$ 131	$ 120	$ 322
Liabilities Assumed	89
Non-cash financing activities related to the issuance of shares for vested restricted stock units	74	47	94
Liabilities for collateral received reported in other liabilities and accrued expenses	829	780	609
Obligations to return cash collateral for over-the-counter ("OTC") and cleared derivatives reported in other liabilities and accrued expenses or other investments	11	2	15
Net change in proceeds managed
Net change in short-term investments	(59)	(167)	190
Operating cash flow (used) provided	(59)	(167)	190
Net change in cash	1	9	(6)
Net change in proceeds managed	(58)	(158)	184
Net change in liabilities
Liabilities for collateral, beginning of year	(782)	(624)	(808)
Liabilities for collateral, end of year	(840)	(782)	(624)
Operating cash flow provided (used)	$ 58	$ 158	$ (184)

Investments (Details)

Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities
Amortized cost	$ 57,201	$ 59,672
Gross unrealized gains	(1,707)	(3,082)
Gross unrealized losses	(960)	(314)
Fair value	57,948	62,440
U.S. government and agencies
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities
Amortized cost	3,836	4,192
Gross unrealized gains	(90)	(139)
Gross unrealized losses	(4)	(3)
Fair value	3,922	4,328
Municipal
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities
Amortized cost	7,032	7,877
Gross unrealized gains	(389)	(645)
Gross unrealized losses	(20)	(25)
Fair value	7,401	8,497
Corporate
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities
Amortized cost	41,674	40,386
Gross unrealized gains	(1,032)	(1,998)
Gross unrealized losses	(879)	(240)
Fair value	41,827	42,144
Foreign government
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities
Amortized cost	983	1,543
Gross unrealized gains	(50)	(102)
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	1,033	1,645
ABS
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities
Amortized cost	2,359	3,971
Gross unrealized gains	(11)	(38)
Gross unrealized losses	(43)	(31)
Fair value	2,327	3,978
RMBS
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities
Amortized cost	857	1,108
Gross unrealized gains	(100)	(112)
Gross unrealized losses	(10)	(13)
Fair value	947	1,207
CMBS
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities
Amortized cost	438	573
Gross unrealized gains	(32)	(44)
Gross unrealized losses	(4)	(2)
Fair value	466	615
Redeemable preferred stock
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities
Amortized cost	22	22
Gross unrealized gains	(3)	(4)
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	$ 25	$ 26

Investments (Details 2)

Investments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Amortized cost
Due in one year or less	$ 4,030
Due after one year through five years	26,999
Due after five years through ten years	16,885
Due after ten years	5,633
Subtotal	53,547
ABS, RMBS and CMBS	3,654
Amortized cost	57,201	$ 59,672
Fair value
Due in one year or less	4,050
Due after one year through five years	27,337
Due after five years through ten years	16,778
Due after ten years	6,043
Subtotal	54,208
ABS, RMBS and CMBS	3,740
Fair value	$ 57,948	$ 62,440

Investments (Details 3)

Investments (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Investment Income:
Investment income, before expense	$ 3,306	$ 3,620	$ 4,149
Investment expense	(150)	(161)	(206)
Net investment income	3,156	3,459	3,943
Fixed income securities
Net Investment Income:
Investment income, before expense	2,218	2,447	2,921
Equity securities
Net Investment Income:
Investment income, before expense	110	117	149
Mortgage loans
Net Investment Income:
Investment income, before expense	228	265	372
Limited partnership interests
Net Investment Income:
Investment income, before expense	549	614	541
Short-term investments
Net Investment Income:
Investment income, before expense	9	7	5
Other
Net Investment Income:
Investment income, before expense	$ 192	$ 170	$ 161

Investments (Details 4)

Investments (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Realized capital gains and losses by asset type
Realized capital gains and losses	$ 30	$ 694	$ 594
Fixed income securities
Realized capital gains and losses by asset type
Realized capital gains and losses	212	130	262
Equity securities
Realized capital gains and losses by asset type
Realized capital gains and losses	(50)	582	327
Mortgage loans
Realized capital gains and losses by asset type
Realized capital gains and losses	6	2	20
Limited partnership interests
Realized capital gains and losses by asset type
Realized capital gains and losses	(93)	13	(5)
Derivatives
Realized capital gains and losses by asset type
Realized capital gains and losses	(21)	(38)	(10)
Other
Realized capital gains and losses by asset type
Realized capital gains and losses	$ (24)	$ 5	$ 0

Investments (Details 5)

Investments (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments [Abstract]
Impairment write-downs	$ (195)	$ (32)	$ (72)
Change in intent write-downs	(221)	(213)	(143)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(416)	(245)	(215)
Sales and other	470	975	819
Valuation and settlements of derivative instruments	(24)	(36)	(10)
Total realized capital gains and losses	30	694	594
Fixed income and equity securities
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities
Gross gains on sales of fixed income securities	915	1,100	968
Gross loss on sales of fixed income securities	$ 399	$ 169	$ 175

Investments (Details 6)

Investments (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other-than-temporary impairment losses by asset type
Gross	$ (452)	$ (242)	$ (207)
Included in OCI	36	(3)	(8)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(416)	(245)	(215)
Fixed income securities
Other-than-temporary impairment losses by asset type
Gross	(111)	(24)	(59)
Included in OCI	36	(3)	(8)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(75)	(27)	(67)
Municipal
Other-than-temporary impairment losses by asset type
Gross	(17)	(10)	(24)
Included in OCI	4	0	(5)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(13)	(10)	(29)
Corporate
Other-than-temporary impairment losses by asset type
Gross	(61)	(7)	0
Included in OCI	11	0	0
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(50)	(7)	0
ABS
Other-than-temporary impairment losses by asset type
Gross	(33)	(12)	0
Included in OCI	22	1	(2)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(11)	(11)	(2)
RMBS
Other-than-temporary impairment losses by asset type
Gross	1	6	(3)
Included in OCI	(1)	(4)	2
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	2	(1)
CMBS
Other-than-temporary impairment losses by asset type
Gross	(1)	(1)	(32)
Included in OCI	0	0	(3)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(1)	(1)	(35)
Equity securities
Other-than-temporary impairment losses by asset type
Gross	(279)	(196)	(137)
Included in OCI	0	0	0
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(279)	(196)	(137)
Mortgage loans
Other-than-temporary impairment losses by asset type
Gross	4	5	11
Included in OCI	0	0	0
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	4	5	11
Limited partnership interests
Other-than-temporary impairment losses by asset type
Gross	(51)	(27)	(18)
Included in OCI	0	0	0
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(51)	(27)	(18)
Other
Other-than-temporary impairment losses by asset type
Gross	(15)	0	(4)
Included in OCI	0	0	0
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings	$ (15)	$ 0	$ (4)

Investments (Details 7)

Investments (Details 7) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Net unrealized gains related to changes in valuation of fixed income securities subsequent to impairment measurement date	$ 233	$ 233
Other-than Impairment Losses Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income for fixed income securities, not included in earnings	(147)	(123)
Municipal
Other-than Impairment Losses Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income for fixed income securities, not included in earnings	(9)	(8)
Corporate
Other-than Impairment Losses Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income for fixed income securities, not included in earnings	(7)	0
ABS
Other-than Impairment Losses Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income for fixed income securities, not included in earnings	(23)	(2)
RMBS
Other-than Impairment Losses Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income for fixed income securities, not included in earnings	(102)	(108)
CMBS
Other-than Impairment Losses Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income for fixed income securities, not included in earnings	$ (6)	$ (5)

Investments (Details 8)

Investments (Details 8) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Credit Losses on Fixed Income Securities
Beginning balance	$ (380)	$ (513)	$ (617)
Additional credit loss for securities previously other-than-temporarily impaired	(30)	(6)	(30)
Additional credit loss for securities not previously other-than-temporarily impaired	(45)	(18)	(19)
Reduction in credit loss for securities disposed or collected	60	95	150
Reduction in credit loss for securities the Company has made the decision to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell	0	0	2
Change in credit loss due to accretion of increase in cash flows	3	3	1
Reduction in credit loss for securities sold in LBL disposition	0	59	0
Ending balance	$ (392)	$ (380)	$ (513)

Investments (Details 9)

Investments (Details 9) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair value
Fair value	$ 57,948	$ 62,440
Equity securities	5,082	4,104
Short-term investments	2,122	2,540
Derivative instruments	10	2
Gross unrealized Gains
Fixed income securities	1,707	3,082
Equity securities	415	467
Short-term investments	0	0
Derivative instruments	10	3
Gross unrealized Losses
Fixed income securities	(960)	(314)
Equity securities	(139)	(55)
Short-term investments	0	0
Derivative instruments	(4)	(5)
Unrealized net gains (losses)
Fixed income securities	747	2,768
Equity securities	276	412
Short-term investments	0	0
Derivative instruments	6	(2)
EMA limited partnerships	(4)	(5)
Unrealized net capital gains and losses, pre-tax	1,025	3,173
Amounts recognized for:
Insurance reserves	0	(28)
DAC and DSI	(67)	(179)
Amounts recognized	(67)	(207)
Deferred income taxes	(338)	(1,040)
Total unrealized net capital gains and losses	620	1,926
Fair value of derivative securities classified as assets, with unrealized net gains (losses) in AOCI	6	3
Fair value of derivative securities classified as liabilities, with unrealized net gains (losses) in AOCI	$ (4)	$ 1

Investments (Details 10)

Investments (Details 10) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses	$ (2,148)	$ 478	$ (2,852)
Amounts recognized for:
Insurance reserves	28	(28)	771
DAC and DSI	112	(21)	254
Amounts recognized	140	(49)	1,025
Deferred income taxes	702	(149)	639
(Decrease) increase in unrealized net capital gains and losses, after-tax	(1,306)	280	(1,188)
EMA limited partnerships
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses	1	(2)	(10)
Fixed income securities
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses	(2,021)	866	(3,200)
Equity securities
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses	(136)	(212)	164
Derivatives
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses	8	16	4
Investments classified as held for sale
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses	$ 0	$ (190)	$ 190

Investments (Details 11)

Investments (Details 11) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)security
Fixed income and equity securities
Less than 12 months
Number of issues | security	2,144	1,273
Fair value	$ 23,917	$ 12,774
Unrealized losses	$ (839)	$ (224)
12 months or more
Number of issues | security	354	357
Fair value	$ 1,654	$ 1,863
Unrealized losses	(260)	(145)
Total unrealized losses
Total unrealized losses	$ (1,099)	$ (369)
Fixed income securities
Less than 12 months
Number of issues | security	1,879	1,015
Fair value	$ 22,520	$ 11,908
Unrealized losses	$ (732)	$ (171)
12 months or more
Number of issues | security	317	356
Fair value	$ 1,511	$ 1,852
Unrealized losses	(228)	(143)
Total unrealized losses
Total unrealized losses	$ (960)	$ (314)
U.S. government and agencies
Less than 12 months
Number of issues | security	53	21
Fair value	$ 1,874	$ 1,501
Unrealized losses	$ (4)	$ (3)
12 months or more
Number of issues | security	0	0
Fair value	$ 0	$ 0
Unrealized losses	0	0
Total unrealized losses
Total unrealized losses	$ (4)	$ (3)
Municipal
Less than 12 months
Number of issues | security	222	252
Fair value	$ 810	$ 1,008
Unrealized losses	$ (6)	$ (9)
12 months or more
Number of issues | security	9	19
Fair value	$ 36	$ 116
Unrealized losses	(14)	(16)
Total unrealized losses
Total unrealized losses	$ (20)	$ (25)
Corporate
Less than 12 months
Number of issues | security	1,361	576
Fair value	$ 17,915	$ 7,545
Unrealized losses	$ (696)	$ (147)
12 months or more
Number of issues | security	111	119
Fair value	$ 1,024	$ 1,214
Unrealized losses	(183)	(93)
Total unrealized losses
Total unrealized losses	$ (879)	$ (240)
Foreign government
Less than 12 months
Number of issues | security	9	2
Fair value	$ 44	$ 13
Unrealized losses	$ 0	$ 0
12 months or more
Number of issues | security	0	1
Fair value	$ 0	$ 19
Unrealized losses	0	0
Total unrealized losses
Total unrealized losses	$ 0	$ 0
ABS
Less than 12 months
Number of issues | security	133	81
Fair value	$ 1,733	$ 1,738
Unrealized losses	$ (24)	$ (11)
12 months or more
Number of issues | security	20	26
Fair value	$ 324	$ 315
Unrealized losses	(19)	(20)
Total unrealized losses
Total unrealized losses	$ (43)	$ (31)
RMBS
Less than 12 months
Number of issues | security	88	75
Fair value	$ 69	$ 70
Unrealized losses	$ 0	$ (1)
12 months or more
Number of issues | security	176	188
Fair value	$ 125	$ 156
Unrealized losses	(10)	(12)
Total unrealized losses
Total unrealized losses	$ (10)	$ (13)
CMBS
Less than 12 months
Number of issues | security	13	8
Fair value	$ 75	$ 33
Unrealized losses	$ (2)	$ 0
12 months or more
Number of issues | security	1	3
Fair value	$ 2	$ 32
Unrealized losses	(2)	(2)
Total unrealized losses
Total unrealized losses	$ (4)	$ (2)
Equity securities
Less than 12 months
Number of issues | security	265	258
Fair value	$ 1,397	$ 866
Unrealized losses	$ (107)	$ (53)
12 months or more
Number of issues | security	37	1
Fair value	$ 143	$ 11
Unrealized losses	(32)	(2)
Total unrealized losses
Total unrealized losses	$ (139)	$ (55)
Investment grade fixed income securities
Less than 12 months
Number of issues | security	1,405	754
Fair value	$ 17,521	$ 9,951
Unrealized losses	$ (362)	$ (71)
12 months or more
Number of issues | security	225	281
Fair value	$ 972	$ 1,444
Unrealized losses	(105)	(87)
Total unrealized losses
Total unrealized losses	$ (467)	$ (158)
Below investment grade fixed income securities
Less than 12 months
Number of issues | security	474	261
Fair value	$ 4,999	$ 1,957
Unrealized losses	$ (370)	$ (100)
12 months or more
Number of issues | security	92	75
Fair value	$ 539	$ 408
Unrealized losses	(123)	(56)
Total unrealized losses
Total unrealized losses	$ (493)	$ (156)

Investments (Details 12)

Investments (Details 12) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment Holdings
Limited partnership interests	$ 4,874	$ 4,527
Other details of unrealized loss
Unrealized losses related to securities with unrealized loss position less than 20% of cost or amortized cost	710
Unrealized losses related to securities with unrealized loss position greater than or equal to 20% of cost or amortized cost	389
Fixed income and equity securities
Other details of unrealized loss
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	1,099	369
Investment grade fixed income securities
Other details of unrealized loss
Unrealized losses related to securities with unrealized loss position less than 20% of cost or amortized cost	338
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	467	158
Unrealized losses related to securities with unrealized loss position greater than or equal to 20% of cost or amortized cost	129
Below investment grade fixed income securities
Other details of unrealized loss
Unrealized losses related to securities with unrealized loss position less than 20% of cost or amortized cost	278
Available for sale Securities, Unrealized Losses Having Loss of Less than Twenty Percent, Less than 12 Months	227
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	493	156
Unrealized losses related to securities with unrealized loss position greater than or equal to 20% of cost or amortized cost	215
Unrealized losses related to securities with unrealized loss position greater than 20% of cost or amortized cost, unrealized loss position of 12 or more consecutive months	16
Equity securities
Other details of unrealized loss
Unrealized losses related to securities with unrealized loss position less than 20% of cost or amortized cost	94
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	139	55
Unrealized losses related to securities with unrealized loss position greater than or equal to 20% of cost or amortized cost	45
Equity-method limited partnerships
Investment Holdings
Limited partnership interests	3,720	3,410
Cost-method limited partnership interests
Investment Holdings
Limited partnership interests	$ 1,150	$ 1,120

Investments (Details 13)

Investments (Details 13) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)loan	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Investments [Abstract]
Threshold percentage of mortgage loans to total carrying value	5.00%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value	100.00%	100.00%
Carrying value	$ 4,338	$ 4,188
Apartment complex
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value	26.40%	23.30%
Office buildings
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value	22.70%	24.30%
Retail
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value	21.30%	22.20%
Warehouse
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value	18.40%	17.80%
Other
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value	11.20%	12.40%
California
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value	21.30%	23.90%
Texas
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value	9.70%	8.00%
New Jersey
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value	8.70%	8.00%
Illinois
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value	7.10%	9.40%
Florida
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value	5.30%	5.00%
New York
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value	4.40%	5.90%
Mortgage loans, not in foreclosure
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value	100.00%
Number of loans | loan	317
Carrying value	$ 4,338
Mortgage loans, not in foreclosure | 2016
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value	6.70%
Number of loans | loan	31
Carrying value	$ 289
Mortgage loans, not in foreclosure | 2017
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value	8.70%
Number of loans | loan	34
Carrying value	$ 379
Mortgage loans, not in foreclosure | 2018
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value	9.00%
Number of loans | loan	33
Carrying value	$ 392
Mortgage loans, not in foreclosure | 2019
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value	5.40%
Number of loans | loan	9
Carrying value	$ 234
Mortgage loans, not in foreclosure | Thereafter
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value	70.20%
Number of loans | loan	210
Carrying value	$ 3,044

Investments (Details 14)

Investments (Details 14) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Carrying value of non-impaired mortgage loans, summarized by debt service coverage ratio distribution
Total				$ 4,338	$ 4,188
Mortgage loans, non-impaired
Carrying value of non-impaired mortgage loans, summarized by debt service coverage ratio distribution
Fixed rate mortgage loans				4,332	4,151
Variable rate mortgage loans				0	21
Total				4,332	4,172
Net carrying value of impaired mortgage loans
Impaired mortgage loans with a valuation allowance				6	16
Impaired mortgage loans without a valuation allowance				0	0
Total impaired mortgage loans				6	16
Valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans	$ 8	$ 21	$ 42	3	8
Rollforward of the valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans
Beginning balance	8	21	42
Net decrease in valuation allowance	(4)	(5)	(11)
Charge offs	(1)	(8)	(8)
Mortgage loans classified as held for sale	0	0	(2)
Ending balance	3	8	21
Mortgage loans, non-impaired | Below 1.0
Carrying value of non-impaired mortgage loans, summarized by debt service coverage ratio distribution
Fixed rate mortgage loans				64	110
Variable rate mortgage loans				0	0
Total				64	110
Mortgage loans, non-impaired | 1.0 - 1.25
Carrying value of non-impaired mortgage loans, summarized by debt service coverage ratio distribution
Fixed rate mortgage loans				382	424
Variable rate mortgage loans				0	0
Total				382	424
Mortgage loans, non-impaired | 1.26 - 1.50
Carrying value of non-impaired mortgage loans, summarized by debt service coverage ratio distribution
Fixed rate mortgage loans				1,219	1,167
Variable rate mortgage loans				0	1
Total				1,219	1,168
Mortgage loans, non-impaired | Above 1.50
Carrying value of non-impaired mortgage loans, summarized by debt service coverage ratio distribution
Fixed rate mortgage loans				2,667	2,450
Variable rate mortgage loans				0	20
Total				$ 2,667	$ 2,470
Mortgage loans
Average carrying value and interest income recognized on impaired mortgage loans
Average impaired mortgage loans	$ 11	$ 27	$ 88

Investments (Details 15)

Investments (Details 15) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Municipal Bonds
Threshold percentage of municipal to total carrying value	5.00%
Securities loaned
Fixed income and equity securities loaned	$ 798	$ 755
Interest Income on collateral, net of fees	2	2	$ 2
Other investment information
Below investment grade assets	8,640	$ 6,690
Fixed income securities and short-term investments deposited with regulatory authorities	194
Non-income producing fixed income securities and other investments	$ 26
Shareholders' equity | Concentration of credit risk | Minimum
Municipal Bonds
Percentage of credit concentration risk of single issuer and affiliates of shareholder's equity	10.00%
Texas
Municipal Bonds
Percentage of municipal bonds carrying value	9.20%	9.10%
New York
Municipal Bonds
Percentage of municipal bonds carrying value	7.70%	6.70%
California
Municipal Bonds
Percentage of municipal bonds carrying value	6.30%	9.10%
Florida
Municipal Bonds
Percentage of municipal bonds carrying value	5.60%	5.90%
WASHINGTON
Municipal Bonds
Percentage of municipal bonds carrying value	5.60%	4.20%

Fair Value of Assets and Liab80

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	$ 57,948	$ 62,440
Equity securities	5,082	4,104
Short-term investments	2,122	2,540
Other investments: Free-standing derivatives	1	2	$ 9
Separate account assets	3,658	4,396
Counterparty and cash collateral netting	$ (13)	$ (5)
Assets as a percent of assets measured at fair value	0.00%	0.00%
Mortgage loans		$ 6
Limited partnership interests	$ 42	3
Other Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	13
Other liabilities:
Other liabilities: Free-standing derivatives	(8)	(9)	$ (14)
Counterparty and cash collateral netting	$ 7	$ 22
Counterparty and cash collateral netting as a percent of liabilities measured at fair value	(2.20%)	(6.10%)
U.S. government and agencies
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	$ 3,922	$ 4,328
Municipal
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	7,401	8,497
Foreign government
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	1,033	1,645
RMBS
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	947	1,207
CMBS
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	466	615
Redeemable preferred stock
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	25	26
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Assets
Total assets at fair value	$ 12,117	$ 12,117
Assets as a percent of assets measured at fair value	17.60%	16.50%
Other liabilities:
Liabilities as a percent of liabilities measured at fair value	0.30%	0.30%
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Assets
Total assets at fair value	$ 55,781	$ 59,985
Assets as a percent of assets measured at fair value	80.90%	81.50%
Other liabilities:
Liabilities as a percent of liabilities measured at fair value	7.10%	13.80%
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Total assets at fair value	$ 1,036	$ 1,487
Assets as a percent of assets measured at fair value	1.50%	2.00%
Other liabilities:
Liabilities as a percent of liabilities measured at fair value	94.80%	92.00%
Recurring
Assets
Counterparty and cash collateral netting	$ (13)	$ (5)
Other liabilities:
Counterparty and cash collateral netting	7	22
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	3,056	3,240
Equity securities	4,786	3,787
Short-term investments	615	692
Other investments: Free-standing derivatives	0	0
Separate account assets	3,658	4,396
Other assets	2	2
Total assets at fair value	12,117	12,117
Contract holder funds:
Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts	0	0
Other liabilities:
Other liabilities: Free-standing derivatives	(1)	(1)
Total liabilities at fair value	(1)	(1)
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | U.S. government and agencies
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	3,056	3,240
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Municipal
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	0	0
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Corporate - public
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	0	0
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Corporate - privately placed
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	0	0
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Foreign government
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	0	0
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ABS - CDO
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	0	0
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ABS - consumer and other
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	0	0
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | RMBS
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	0	0
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | CMBS
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	0	0
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Redeemable preferred stock
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	0	0
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	54,046	57,813
Equity securities	163	234
Short-term investments	1,507	1,843
Other investments: Free-standing derivatives	65	95
Separate account assets	0	0
Other assets	0	0
Total assets at fair value	55,781	59,985
Contract holder funds:
Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts	0	0
Other liabilities:
Other liabilities: Free-standing derivatives	(23)	(50)
Total liabilities at fair value	(23)	(50)
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | U.S. government and agencies
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	861	1,082
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Municipal
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	7,240	8,227
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Corporate - public
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	30,356	31,340
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Corporate - privately placed
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	10,923	9,913
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Foreign government
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	1,033	1,645
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ABS - CDO
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	716	1,044
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ABS - consumer and other
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	1,500	2,738
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | RMBS
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	946	1,206
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | CMBS
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	446	592
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Redeemable preferred stock
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	25	26
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	846	1,387
Equity securities	133	83
Short-term investments	0	5
Other investments: Free-standing derivatives	1	2
Separate account assets	0	0
Other assets	1	1
Total assets at fair value	981	1,478
Contract holder funds:
Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts	(299)	(323)
Other liabilities:
Other liabilities: Free-standing derivatives	(8)	(9)
Total liabilities at fair value	(307)	(332)
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | U.S. government and agencies
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	5	6
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Municipal
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	161	270
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Corporate - public
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	46	214
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Corporate - privately placed
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	502	677
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Foreign government
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	0	0
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ABS - CDO
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	61	104
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ABS - consumer and other
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	50	92
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | RMBS
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	1	1
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | CMBS
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	20	23
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Redeemable preferred stock
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	0	0
Non-recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Non-recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Non-recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Total assets at fair value	55	9
Fair value
Assets
Total assets at fair value	$ 68,921	$ 73,584
Assets as a percent of assets measured at fair value	100.00%	100.00%
Other liabilities:
Liabilities as a percent of liabilities measured at fair value	100.00%	100.00%
Fair value | Recurring
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	$ 57,948	$ 62,440
Equity securities	5,082	4,104
Short-term investments	2,122	2,540
Other investments: Free-standing derivatives	53	92
Separate account assets	3,658	4,396
Other assets	3	3
Total assets at fair value	68,866	73,575
Contract holder funds:
Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts	(299)	(323)
Other liabilities:
Other liabilities: Free-standing derivatives	(25)	(38)
Total liabilities at fair value	(324)	(361)
Fair value | Recurring | U.S. government and agencies
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	3,922	4,328
Fair value | Recurring | Municipal
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	7,401	8,497
Fair value | Recurring | Corporate - public
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	30,402	31,554
Fair value | Recurring | Corporate - privately placed
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	11,425	10,590
Fair value | Recurring | Foreign government
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	1,033	1,645
Fair value | Recurring | ABS - CDO
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	777	1,148
Fair value | Recurring | ABS - consumer and other
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	1,550	2,830
Fair value | Recurring | RMBS
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	947	1,207
Fair value | Recurring | CMBS
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	466	615
Fair value | Recurring | Redeemable preferred stock
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)	25	26
Fair value | Non-recurring
Assets
Total assets at fair value	$ 55	$ 9

Fair Value of Assets and Liab81

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs
Fair value	$ 57,948	$ 62,440
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts - Equity-indexed and forward starting options | Stochastic cash flow model
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs
Weighted average projected option cost (as a percent)	1.76%	1.76%
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts - Equity-indexed and forward starting options | Minimum | Stochastic cash flow model
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs
Projected option cost (as a percent)	1.00%	1.00%
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts - Equity-indexed and forward starting options | Maximum | Stochastic cash flow model
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs
Projected option cost (as a percent)	2.20%	2.00%
Fixed income securities - non-binding broker quotes
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 625	$ 1,030
Municipal - not rated by third party credit rating agencies
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	96	169
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,036	1,487
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts - Equity-indexed and forward starting options | Stochastic cash flow model
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	(247)	(278)
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	(307)	(332)
Fair value	846	1,387
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 981	$ 1,478

Fair Value of Assets and Liab82

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Balance at beginning of period	$ 2,186	$ 1,469	$ 2,186	$ 3,042
Total gains (losses) included in: net income		5	44	20
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI		(28)	(8)	47
Transfers into Level 3		59	147	136
Transfers out of Level 3		(433)	(294)	(485)
Sold in LBL disposition			(347)	0
Purchases		276	327	754
Issues		0
Sales		(223)	(400)	(1,108)
Settlements		(152)	(186)	(220)
Balance at end of period		973	1,469	2,186
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis, gain (loss) included in earnings
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in net income, recurring Level 3 assets and liabilities		24	53	129
Other investments: Free-standing derivatives		1	2	9
Free-standing derivatives, liabilities		8	9	14
Assets transferred between Level 1 and Level 2			0
Liabilities transferred between Level 1 and Level 2		0	0
Realized capital gains and losses
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Total gains (losses) included in: net income		8	(34)	(3)
Net investment income
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Total gains (losses) included in: net income		(13)	(13)	(18)
Interest credited to contractholder funds
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Total gains (losses) included in: net income		(26)	5	(40)
Life and annuity contract benefits
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Total gains (losses) included in: net income		7	(15)	(74)
Loss on disposition of operations
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Total gains (losses) included in: net income			4	6
Fixed income securities
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Balance at beginning of period	1,697	1,387	1,697	2,897
Total gains (losses) included in: net income		7	22	1
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI		(23)	6	46
Transfers into Level 3		59	143	123
Transfers out of Level 3		(433)	(290)	(472)
Sold in LBL disposition			4	(385)
Purchases		172	197	744
Issues		0
Sales		(172)	(216)	(1,048)
Settlements		(151)	(176)	(209)
Balance at end of period		846	1,387	1,697
U.S. government and agencies
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Balance at beginning of period	7	6	7	8
Total gains (losses) included in: net income		0	0	0
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI		0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3		0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3		0	0	0
Sold in LBL disposition			0	0
Purchases		0	0	0
Issues		0
Sales		0	0	0
Settlements		(1)	(1)	(1)
Balance at end of period		5	6	7
Municipal
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Balance at beginning of period	343	270	343	965
Total gains (losses) included in: net income		(4)	(2)	(33)
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI		(7)	18	47
Transfers into Level 3		3	0	6
Transfers out of Level 3		(2)	(17)	(63)
Sold in LBL disposition			0	(51)
Purchases		0	6	55
Issues		0
Sales		(91)	(74)	(558)
Settlements		(8)	(4)	(25)
Balance at end of period		161	270	343
Corporate - public
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Balance at beginning of period		214
Total gains (losses) included in: net income		0
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI		0
Transfers into Level 3		0
Transfers out of Level 3		(175)
Purchases		11
Issues		0
Sales		0
Settlements		(4)
Balance at end of period		46	214
Corporate - privately placed
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Balance at beginning of period		677
Total gains (losses) included in: net income		13
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI		(20)
Transfers into Level 3		13
Transfers out of Level 3		(106)
Purchases		79
Issues		0
Sales		(74)
Settlements		(80)
Balance at end of period		502	677
ABS - CDO
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Balance at beginning of period		104
Total gains (losses) included in: net income		(1)
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI		4
Transfers into Level 3		43
Transfers out of Level 3		(52)
Purchases		0
Issues		0
Sales		(2)
Settlements		(35)
Balance at end of period		61	104
ABS - consumer and other
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Balance at beginning of period		92
Total gains (losses) included in: net income		(1)
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI		0
Transfers into Level 3		0
Transfers out of Level 3		(98)
Purchases		70
Issues		0
Sales		(5)
Settlements		(8)
Balance at end of period		50	92
Corporate
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Balance at beginning of period	1,109	891	1,109	1,617
Total gains (losses) included in: net income			24	35
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI			(14)	(32)
Transfers into Level 3			89	84
Transfers out of Level 3			(125)	(323)
Sold in LBL disposition			0	(244)
Purchases			64	504
Sales			(140)	(389)
Settlements			(116)	(143)
Balance at end of period			891	1,109
ABS
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Balance at beginning of period	192	196	192	251
Total gains (losses) included in: net income			1	0
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI			2	29
Transfers into Level 3			49	29
Transfers out of Level 3			(144)	(86)
Sold in LBL disposition			0	(85)
Purchases			119	174
Sales			0	(82)
Settlements			(23)	(38)
Balance at end of period			196	192
RMBS
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Balance at beginning of period	2	1	2	3
Total gains (losses) included in: net income		0	0	0
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI		0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3		0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3		0	0	0
Sold in LBL disposition			0	0
Purchases		0	0	0
Issues		0
Sales		0	0	0
Settlements		0	(1)	(1)
Balance at end of period		1	1	2
CMBS
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Balance at beginning of period	43	23	43	52
Total gains (losses) included in: net income		0	(1)	(1)
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI		0	0	2
Transfers into Level 3		0	5	4
Transfers out of Level 3		0	(4)	0
Sold in LBL disposition			4	(5)
Purchases		12	8	11
Issues		0
Sales		0	(1)	(19)
Settlements		(15)	(31)	(1)
Balance at end of period		20	23	43
CMBS | LBL
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Transfer from held for sale	4
Redeemable preferred stock
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Balance at beginning of period	1	0	1	1
Total gains (losses) included in: net income			0	0
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI			0	0
Transfers into Level 3			0	0
Transfers out of Level 3			0	0
Sold in LBL disposition			0	0
Purchases			0	0
Sales			(1)	0
Settlements			0	0
Balance at end of period			0	1
Equity securities
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Balance at beginning of period	132	83	132	171
Total gains (losses) included in: net income		(3)	22	3
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI		(5)	(16)	7
Transfers into Level 3		0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3		0	(2)	0
Sold in LBL disposition			0	0
Purchases		69	83	1
Issues		0
Sales		(11)	(136)	(50)
Settlements		0	0	0
Balance at end of period		133	83	132
Short-term investments
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Balance at beginning of period	0	5	0
Total gains (losses) included in: net income		0	0
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI		0	0
Transfers into Level 3		0	0
Transfers out of Level 3		0	0
Sold in LBL disposition			0
Purchases		35	45
Issues		0
Sales		(40)	(40)
Settlements		0	0
Balance at end of period		0	5	0
Free-standing derivatives, net
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Balance at beginning of period	(5)	(7)	(5)	(27)
Total gains (losses) included in: net income		1	0	19
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI		0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3		0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3		0	0	0
Sold in LBL disposition			0	0
Purchases		0	2	9
Issues		0
Sales		0	0	0
Settlements		(1)	(4)	(6)
Balance at end of period		(7)	(7)	(5)
Other assets
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Balance at beginning of period	0	1	0	1
Total gains (losses) included in: net income		0	1	(1)
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI		0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3		0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3		0	0	0
Sold in LBL disposition			0	0
Purchases		0	0	0
Issues		0
Sales		0	0	0
Settlements		0	0	0
Balance at end of period		1	1	0
Assets held for sale
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Balance at beginning of period	362	$ 0	362	0
Total gains (losses) included in: net income			(1)	(2)
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI			2	(6)
Transfers into Level 3			4	13
Transfers out of Level 3			(2)	(13)
Sold in LBL disposition			(351)	385
Purchases			0	0
Sales			(8)	(10)
Settlements			(6)	(5)
Balance at end of period			$ 0	$ 362
Assets held for sale | LBL
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation Rollforward
Transfer from held for sale	$ (4)

Fair Value of Assets and Liab83

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ (323)	$ (553)	$ (553)
Total gains (losses) included in: net income	19	9	109
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0
Sold in LBL disposition		230	0
Purchases/Issues		18	117
Purchases	0
Issues	(2)
Sales	0	0	0
Settlements	7	9	8
Balance at the end of the period	(299)	(323)	(553)
Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts
Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation
Balance at the beginning of the period	(323)	(307)	(553)
Total gains (losses) included in: net income	19	(8)	89
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0
Sold in LBL disposition		0	265
Purchases/Issues		14	111
Purchases	0
Issues	(2)
Sales	0	0	0
Settlements	7	6	3
Balance at the end of the period	(299)	(323)	(307)
Liabilities held for sale
Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Calculation
Balance at the beginning of the period	0	(246)	0
Total gains (losses) included in: net income	$ 0	17	20
Total gains (losses) included in: OCI		0	0
Transfers into Level 3		0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3		0	0
Sold in LBL disposition		230	(265)
Purchases/Issues		4	6
Sales		0	0
Settlements		3	5
Balance at the end of the period		$ 0	$ (246)

Fair Value of Assets and Liab84

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	$ (2)	$ 10	$ (3)
Gains (losses) for Level 3 liabilities still held at the balance sheet date, included in earnings	19	9	109
Gains (losses) for Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at the balance sheet date, included in earnings	17	19	106
Realized capital gains and losses
Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Gains (losses) for Level 3 assets still held at the balance sheet date	(20)	(3)	(9)
Net investment income
Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Gains (losses) for Level 3 assets still held at the balance sheet date	18	12	12
Interest credited to contractholder funds
Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Gains (losses) for Level 3 assets still held at the balance sheet date	26	(5)	35
Life and annuity contract benefits
Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Gains (losses) for Level 3 assets still held at the balance sheet date	(7)	15	74
Loss on disposition of operations
Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Gains (losses) for Level 3 assets still held at the balance sheet date			(6)
Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts
Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Gains (losses) for Level 3 liabilities still held at the balance sheet date, included in earnings	19	(8)	89
Liabilities held for sale
Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Gains (losses) for Level 3 liabilities still held at the balance sheet date, included in earnings	0	17	20
Fixed income securities
Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	1	4	(10)
Municipal
Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(12)	(7)	(19)
Corporate
Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	11	11	13
ABS
Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	2	1	(1)
RMBS
Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	(1)	(1)
CMBS
Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	0	(2)
Equity securities
Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(4)	0	0
Free-standing derivatives, net
Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	1	5	10
Other assets
Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	1	(1)
Assets held for sale
Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	$ 0	$ 0	$ (2)

Fair Value of Assets and Liab85

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financial assets
Mortgage loans	$ 4,338	$ 4,188
Financial liabilities
Long-term debt	5,124	5,140
Liability for collateral	840	782	$ 624	$ 808
Carrying value
Financial assets
Mortgage loans	4,338	4,188
Cost method limited partnerships	1,154	1,122
Bank loans	1,565	1,663
Agent loans	422	368
Financial liabilities
Contractholder funds on investment contracts	12,424	13,734
Long-term debt	5,124	5,140
Liability for collateral	840	782
Fair value
Financial assets
Mortgage loans	4,489	4,446
Cost method limited partnerships	1,450	1,488
Bank loans	1,527	1,638
Agent loans	408	361
Financial liabilities
Contractholder funds on investment contracts	12,874	14,390
Long-term debt	5,648	5,835
Liability for collateral	$ 840	$ 782

Derivative Financial Instrume86

Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)contractshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)contractshares
Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments
Assumed recoveries under sale of credit protection	$ 0
Cash and securities pledged in the form of margin deposits	20
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total asset derivatives, Notional amount	1,568	$ 1,851
Total liability derivatives, Notional amount	3,409	3,910
Total derivatives, Notional amount	$ 4,977	$ 5,761
Total asset derivatives, Number of contracts | contract	5,627	5,429
Total liability derivatives, Number of contracts | contract	4,406	4,660
Total derivatives, Number of contracts | contract	10,033	10,089
Net amount on balance sheet	$ 61	$ 78
Asset derivatives, Gross asset	63	94
Asset derivatives, Gross liability	(2)	(16)
Net amount on balance sheet	(323)	(361)
Total derivatives, Fair value, net	(262)	(283)
Liability derivatives, Gross asset	6	6
Liability derivatives, Gross liability	$ (329)	$ (367)
Number of stock rights and warrants held by the company related to derivative contracts (in shares) | shares	220	220
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total asset derivatives, Notional amount	$ 1,523	$ 1,766
Total liability derivatives, Notional amount	$ 3,390	$ 3,860
Total asset derivatives, Number of contracts | contract	5,627	5,429
Total liability derivatives, Number of contracts | contract	4,406	4,660
Net amount on balance sheet	$ 55	$ 75
Asset derivatives, Gross asset	57	91
Asset derivatives, Gross liability	(2)	(16)
Net amount on balance sheet	(327)	(360)
Liability derivatives, Gross asset	2	6
Liability derivatives, Gross liability	(329)	(366)
Other liabilities & accrued expenses | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total liability derivatives, Notional amount		$ 0
Total liability derivatives, Number of contracts | contract		700
Net amount on balance sheet		$ 0
Liability derivatives, Gross asset		0
Liability derivatives, Gross liability		0
Foreign currency swap agreements | Other investments | Derivatives designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total asset derivatives, Notional amount	45	85
Net amount on balance sheet	6	3
Asset derivatives, Gross asset	6	3
Asset derivatives, Gross liability	0	0
Foreign currency swap agreements | Other liabilities & accrued expenses | Derivatives designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total liability derivatives, Notional amount	19	50
Net amount on balance sheet	4	(1)
Liability derivatives, Gross asset	4	0
Liability derivatives, Gross liability	0	(1)
Interest rate swap agreements | Other liabilities & accrued expenses | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total liability derivatives, Notional amount	85	85
Net amount on balance sheet	0	1
Liability derivatives, Gross asset	0	1
Liability derivatives, Gross liability	0	0
Interest rate cap agreements | Other investments | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total asset derivatives, Notional amount	42	163
Net amount on balance sheet	0	2
Asset derivatives, Gross asset	0	2
Asset derivatives, Gross liability	0	0
Interest rate cap agreements | Other liabilities & accrued expenses | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total liability derivatives, Notional amount	72	11
Net amount on balance sheet	1	0
Liability derivatives, Gross asset	1	0
Liability derivatives, Gross liability	0	0
Options | Other liabilities & accrued expenses | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total liability derivatives, Notional amount		$ 0
Total liability derivatives, Number of contracts | contract		3,960
Net amount on balance sheet		$ (23)
Liability derivatives, Gross asset		0
Liability derivatives, Gross liability		(23)
Options and futures | Other liabilities & accrued expenses | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total liability derivatives, Notional amount	$ 0
Total liability derivatives, Number of contracts | contract	4,406
Net amount on balance sheet	$ (7)
Liability derivatives, Gross asset	0
Liability derivatives, Gross liability	(7)
Options and warrants | Other investments | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total asset derivatives, Notional amount	$ 0	$ 0
Total asset derivatives, Number of contracts | contract	3,730	3,225
Net amount on balance sheet	$ 44	$ 83
Asset derivatives, Gross asset	44	83
Asset derivatives, Gross liability	0	0
Financial futures contracts | Other assets | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total asset derivatives, Notional amount	$ 0	$ 0
Total asset derivatives, Number of contracts | contract	1,897	2,204
Net amount on balance sheet	$ 2	$ 2
Asset derivatives, Gross asset	2	2
Asset derivatives, Gross liability	0	0
Foreign currency forwards | Other investments | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total asset derivatives, Notional amount	185	471
Net amount on balance sheet	1	(15)
Asset derivatives, Gross asset	2	1
Asset derivatives, Gross liability	(1)	(16)
Foreign currency forwards | Other liabilities & accrued expenses | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total liability derivatives, Notional amount	361	228
Net amount on balance sheet	(12)	(1)
Liability derivatives, Gross asset	1	2
Liability derivatives, Gross liability	(13)	(3)
Guaranteed accumulation benefits | Contractholder funds | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total liability derivatives, Notional amount	481	615
Net amount on balance sheet	(38)	(32)
Liability derivatives, Gross asset	0	0
Liability derivatives, Gross liability	(38)	(32)
Guaranteed withdrawal benefits | Contractholder funds | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total liability derivatives, Notional amount	332	425
Net amount on balance sheet	(14)	(13)
Liability derivatives, Gross asset	0	0
Liability derivatives, Gross liability	(14)	(13)
Equity-indexed and forward starting options in life and annuity product contracts | Contractholder funds | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total liability derivatives, Notional amount	1,781	1,786
Net amount on balance sheet	(247)	(278)
Liability derivatives, Gross asset	0	0
Liability derivatives, Gross liability	(247)	(278)
Other embedded derivative financial instruments | Other investments | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total asset derivatives, Notional amount	1,000	1,000
Net amount on balance sheet	0	0
Asset derivatives, Gross asset	0	0
Asset derivatives, Gross liability	0	0
Other embedded derivative financial instruments | Contractholder funds | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total liability derivatives, Notional amount	85	85
Net amount on balance sheet	0	0
Liability derivatives, Gross asset	0	0
Liability derivatives, Gross liability	0	0
Credit default swaps — buying protection | Other investments | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total asset derivatives, Notional amount	112	29
Net amount on balance sheet	4	0
Asset derivatives, Gross asset	5	0
Asset derivatives, Gross liability	(1)	0
Credit default swaps — buying protection | Other liabilities & accrued expenses | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total liability derivatives, Notional amount	88	420
Net amount on balance sheet	(2)	(6)
Liability derivatives, Gross asset	0	1
Liability derivatives, Gross liability	(2)	(7)
Credit default swaps — selling protection | Other investments | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total asset derivatives, Notional amount	150	100
Net amount on balance sheet	2	2
Asset derivatives, Gross asset	2	2
Asset derivatives, Gross liability	0	0
Credit default swaps — selling protection | Other liabilities & accrued expenses | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total liability derivatives, Notional amount	105	205
Net amount on balance sheet	(8)	(8)
Liability derivatives, Gross asset	0	2
Liability derivatives, Gross liability	(8)	(10)
Other contracts | Other investments | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total asset derivatives, Notional amount	31
Net amount on balance sheet	1
Asset derivatives, Gross asset	1
Asset derivatives, Gross liability	0
Other contracts | Other assets | Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value
Total asset derivatives, Notional amount	3	3
Net amount on balance sheet	1	1
Asset derivatives, Gross asset	1	1
Asset derivatives, Gross liability	$ 0	$ 0

Derivative Financial Instrume87

Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Asset derivatives
Gross amount	$ 63	$ 94
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(2)	(16)
Net amount on balance sheet	61	78
Liability derivatives
Gross amount	(329)	(367)
Liability derivatives, Gross asset	6	6
Net amount on balance sheet	(323)	(361)
OTC derivatives
Asset derivatives
Gross amount	21	12
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(8)	(22)
Derivative asset offsets under cash collateral received	(5)
Derivative asset offsets under cash collateral pledged		17
Net amount on balance sheet	8	7
Securities collateral (received) pledged	(4)	(4)
Net amount	4	3
Liability derivatives
Gross amount	(25)	(35)
Liability derivatives, Gross asset	8	22
Derivative liability offsets under cash collateral pledged	(1)	0
Net amount on balance sheet	(18)	(13)
Securities collateral (received) pledged	9	8
Net amount	$ 9	$ 5

Derivative Financial Instrume88

Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain recognized in OCI on derivatives during the period	$ 10	$ 12	$ 3
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives during the term of the hedging relationship	6	(2)	(18)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Cash flow hedges | Net investment income
Derivative [Line Items]
Investment Income, Net	(1)	(2)	(1)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Cash flow hedges | Realized capital gains and losses
Derivative [Line Items]
Investment Income, Net	$ 3	$ (2)	$ 0

Derivative Financial Instrume89

Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments
Cash flow hedge gain to be reclassified from AOCI during the next twelve months	$ 3
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings during the reporting period representing the amount of the fair value of the hedges' ineffectiveness.	0	$ 0	$ 0
Effective portion
Gain recognized in OCI on derivatives during the period	10	12	3
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives during the term of the hedging relationship	6	(2)	(18)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	(18)	(2)	115
Realized capital gains and losses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	(24)	(36)	(10)
Life and annuity contract benefits
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	(7)	15	74
Interest credited to contractholder funds
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	22	22	16
Operating costs and expenses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	(9)	1	41
Loss on disposition of operations
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	(4)	(6)
Interest rate contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	1	(14)	(2)
Interest rate contracts | Realized capital gains and losses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	1	(10)	4
Interest rate contracts | Life and annuity contract benefits
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	0	0
Interest rate contracts | Interest credited to contractholder funds
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	0	0
Interest rate contracts | Operating costs and expenses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	0	0
Interest rate contracts | Loss on disposition of operations
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	(4)	(6)
Equity and index contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	(9)	29	116
Equity and index contracts | Realized capital gains and losses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	1	(18)	(12)
Equity and index contracts | Life and annuity contract benefits
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	0	0
Equity and index contracts | Interest credited to contractholder funds
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	(9)	38	94
Equity and index contracts | Operating costs and expenses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	(1)	9	34
Equity and index contracts | Loss on disposition of operations
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	0	0
Embedded derivative financial instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	24	1	(2)
Embedded derivative financial instruments | Realized capital gains and losses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	0	(1)
Embedded derivative financial instruments | Life and annuity contract benefits
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	(7)	15	74
Embedded derivative financial instruments | Interest credited to contractholder funds
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	31	(14)	(75)
Embedded derivative financial instruments | Operating costs and expenses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	0	0
Embedded derivative financial instruments | Loss on disposition of operations
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	0	0
Foreign currency contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	(32)	(17)	(2)
Foreign currency contracts | Realized capital gains and losses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	(24)	(9)	(9)
Foreign currency contracts | Life and annuity contract benefits
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	0	0
Foreign currency contracts | Interest credited to contractholder funds
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	0	0
Foreign currency contracts | Operating costs and expenses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	(8)	(8)	7
Foreign currency contracts | Loss on disposition of operations
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	0	0
Credit default swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	(2)	1	8
Credit default swaps | Realized capital gains and losses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	(2)	1	8
Credit default swaps | Life and annuity contract benefits
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	0	0
Credit default swaps | Interest credited to contractholder funds
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	0	0
Credit default swaps | Operating costs and expenses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	0	0
Credit default swaps | Loss on disposition of operations
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	0	0
Other contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	(2)	(3)
Other contracts | Realized capital gains and losses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	0	0
Other contracts | Life and annuity contract benefits
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	0	0
Other contracts | Interest credited to contractholder funds
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	(2)	(3)
Other contracts | Operating costs and expenses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	0	0	0
Other contracts | Loss on disposition of operations
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Derivative Financial Instrume90

Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments (Details 5) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)counter-party	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)counter-party
Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments
Cash and securities pledged as collateral by counterparties	$ 14
Securities pledged as collateral to counterparties	13
Collateral posted under MNAs, credit-risk-contingent provisions in a liability position	$ (13)	$ (7)
Credit Derivatives
Number of counter-parties | counter-party	9	7
Notional amount	$ 547	$ 353
Credit exposure	17	5
Exposure, net of collateral	7	3
Gross liability fair value of contracts containing credit-risk-contingent features	21	16
Gross asset fair value of contracts containing credit-risk-contingent features and subject to MNAs	(3)	(4)
Collateral posted under MNAs for contracts containing credit-risk-contingent features	(13)	(7)
Maximum amount of additional exposure for contracts with credit-risk-contingent features if all features were triggered concurrently	$ 5	$ 5
A+
Credit Derivatives
Number of counter-parties | counter-party	1	1
Notional amount	$ 82	$ 164
Credit exposure	5	2
Exposure, net of collateral	$ 0	$ 1
A
Credit Derivatives
Number of counter-parties | counter-party	5	3
Notional amount	$ 375	$ 118
Credit exposure	9	3
Exposure, net of collateral	$ 6	$ 2
A-
Credit Derivatives
Number of counter-parties | counter-party	1	1
Notional amount	$ 41	$ 8
Credit exposure	3	0
Exposure, net of collateral	$ 0	$ 0
BBB+
Credit Derivatives
Number of counter-parties | counter-party	2	1
Notional amount	$ 49	$ 11
Credit exposure	0	0
Exposure, net of collateral	$ 1	$ 0
BBB
Credit Derivatives
Number of counter-parties | counter-party	0	1
Notional amount	$ 0	$ 52
Credit exposure	0	0
Exposure, net of collateral	$ 0	$ 0

Derivative Financial Instrume91

Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments (Details 6) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)entity	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments
Term of credit default swaps (in years)	5 years
The number of reference entities generally included in a CDX index | entity	125
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	$ 4,977	$ 5,761
Credit default swaps
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	255	305
Fair value	(6)	(6)
Credit default swaps | Single name | Corporate
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	75	125
Fair value	1	1
Credit default swaps | First-to-default Basket | Municipal
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	100	100
Fair value	(8)	(9)
Credit default swaps | Index | Corporate
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	80	80
Fair value	1	2
AA | Credit default swaps
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	21	20
AA | Credit default swaps | Single name | Corporate
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	20	20
AA | Credit default swaps | First-to-default Basket | Municipal
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	0	0
AA | Credit default swaps | Index | Corporate
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	1	0
A | Credit default swaps
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	30	137
A | Credit default swaps | Single name | Corporate
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	10	15
A | Credit default swaps | First-to-default Basket | Municipal
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	0	100
A | Credit default swaps | Index | Corporate
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	20	22
BBB | Credit default swaps
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	197	142
BBB | Credit default swaps | Single name | Corporate
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	45	90
BBB | Credit default swaps | First-to-default Basket | Municipal
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	100	0
BBB | Credit default swaps | Index | Corporate
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	52	52
BB and lower | Credit default swaps
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	7	6
BB and lower | Credit default swaps | Single name | Corporate
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	0	0
BB and lower | Credit default swaps | First-to-default Basket | Municipal
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	0	0
BB and lower | Credit default swaps | Index | Corporate
Credit Derivatives
Notional amount	$ 7	$ 6

Derivative Financial Instrume92

Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments (Details 7) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments
Commitments to invest in limited partnership interests	$ 2,551	$ 2,429
Commitments to extend mortgage loans	0	49
Private placement commitments	89	98
Municipal bond forward commitments	36	0
Other loan commitments	46	$ 46
Municipal Bond Forward Commitments, Fair Value	$ 1

Reserve for Property-Liabilit93

Reserve for Property-Liability Insurance Claims and Claims Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Incurred claims and claims expense related to:
Current year	$ 20,953	$ 19,512	$ 18,032
Prior years	81	(84)	(121)
Property-Liability
Activity in the reserve for property-liability insurance claims and claims expense:
Balance as of January 1	22,923	21,857	21,288
Less reinsurance recoverables	5,694	4,664	4,010
Net balance as of January 1	17,229	17,193	17,278
Incurred claims and claims expense related to:
Current year	20,953	19,512	18,032
Prior years	81	(84)	(121)
Total incurred	21,034	19,428	17,911
Claims and claims expense paid related to:
Current year	13,660	12,924	11,658
Prior years	6,626	6,468	6,338
Total paid	20,286	19,392	17,996
Net balance as of December 31	17,977	17,229	17,193
Plus reinsurance recoverables	5,892	5,694	4,664
Balance as of December 31	$ 23,869	$ 22,923	$ 21,857

Reserve for Property-Liabilit94

Reserve for Property-Liability Insurance Claims and Claims Expense (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Increase (decrease) in claims and claims expense
Net increase (decrease) to reserves	$ 81	$ (84)	$ (121)
Total auto
Increase (decrease) in claims and claims expense
Net increase (decrease) to reserves	30	(238)	(237)
Catastrophes
Increase (decrease) in claims and claims expense
Losses from catastrophes, net of recoveries	1,720	1,990	1,250
Reserve reestimates | Other personal lines
Increase (decrease) in claims and claims expense
Net increase (decrease) to reserves	22	13	(21)
Reserve reestimates | Discontinued Lines and Coverages
Increase (decrease) in claims and claims expense
Net increase (decrease) to reserves	53	112	142
Catastrophe loss reestimates
Increase (decrease) in claims and claims expense
Net increase (decrease) to reserves	15	43	(88)
Catastrophe loss reestimates | Homeowners
Increase (decrease) in claims and claims expense
Net increase (decrease) to reserves			$ (5)
Non-catastrophes loss reestimates | Homeowners
Increase (decrease) in claims and claims expense
Net increase (decrease) to reserves	$ (24)	$ 29

Reserve for Life-Contingent C95

Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reserve for life-contingent benefits:
Total reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	$ 12,247	$ 12,380
Key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits:
Premium deficiency reserve	0	28
Structured settlement annuities
Reserve for life-contingent benefits:
Total reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	$ 6,673	6,682
Structured settlement annuities | Minimum
Key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits:
Life contingent contract benefits, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	2.70%
Structured settlement annuities | Maximum
Key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits:
Life contingent contract benefits, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	9.00%
Other immediate fixed annuities
Reserve for life-contingent benefits:
Total reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	$ 2,041	2,250
Other immediate fixed annuities | Minimum
Key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits:
Life contingent contract benefits, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	0.00%
Other immediate fixed annuities | Maximum
Key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits:
Life contingent contract benefits, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	11.50%
Traditional life insurance
Reserve for life-contingent benefits:
Total reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	$ 2,584	2,521
Traditional life insurance | Minimum
Key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits:
Life contingent contract benefits, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	2.50%
Traditional life insurance | Maximum
Key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits:
Life contingent contract benefits, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	11.30%
Accident and health insurance
Reserve for life-contingent benefits:
Total reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	$ 844	830
Accident and health insurance | Minimum
Key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits:
Life contingent contract benefits, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	3.00%
Accident and health insurance | Maximum
Key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits:
Life contingent contract benefits, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	7.00%
Other
Reserve for life-contingent benefits:
Total reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	$ 105	$ 97
Other | Minimum
Key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits:
Life contingent contract benefits, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	2.10%
Other | Maximum
Key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits:
Life contingent contract benefits, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	5.80%

Reserve for Life-Contingent C96

Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Contractholder funds
Total contractholder funds	$ 21,295	$ 22,529	$ 24,304	$ 39,319
Interest-sensitive life insurance
Contractholder funds
Total contractholder funds	$ 7,975	7,880
Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds:
Period for withdrawal or surrender charges	20 years
Equity-indexed life insurance | Minimum
Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds:
Contractholder funds, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	0.00%
Equity-indexed life insurance | Maximum
Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds:
Contractholder funds, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	10.50%
Other life insurance | Minimum
Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds:
Contractholder funds, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	1.00%
Other life insurance | Maximum
Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds:
Contractholder funds, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	6.00%
Fixed annuities
Contractholder funds
Total contractholder funds	$ 12,974	14,310
Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds:
Percent of fixed annuities subject to market value adjustment for discretionary withdrawals	19.20%
Fixed annuities | Maximum
Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds:
Period for withdrawal or surrender charges	10 years
Immediate fixed annuities | Minimum
Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds:
Contractholder funds, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	0.00%
Immediate fixed annuities | Maximum
Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds:
Contractholder funds, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	9.80%
Equity indexed fixed annuities | Minimum
Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds:
Contractholder funds, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	(8.00%)
Equity indexed fixed annuities | Maximum
Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds:
Contractholder funds, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	13.50%
Other fixed annuities | Minimum
Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds:
Contractholder funds, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	0.10%
Other fixed annuities | Maximum
Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds:
Contractholder funds, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	6.00%
Funding agreements backing medium-term notes
Contractholder funds
Total contractholder funds	$ 85	85
Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds:
Contractholder funds, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	0.00%
Other investment contracts
Contractholder funds
Total contractholder funds	$ 261	$ 254
Other investment contracts | Minimum
Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds:
Contractholder funds, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	1.70%
Other investment contracts | Maximum
Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds:
Contractholder funds, interest rate assumptions (as a percent)	10.30%

Reserve for Life-Contingent C97

Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Contractholder funds activity
Balance, beginning of year	$ 22,529	$ 24,304	$ 39,319
Classified as held for sale, beginning balance	0	10,945	0
Total, including those classified as held for sale	22,529	35,249	39,319
Deposits	1,203	1,333	2,440
Interest credited	760	919	1,295
Benefits	(1,077)	(1,197)	(1,535)
Surrenders and partial withdrawals	(1,278)	(2,273)	(3,299)
Maturities of and interest payments on institutional products	(1)	(2)	(1,799)
Contract charges	(818)	(881)	(1,112)
Net transfers from separate accounts	7	7	12
Other adjustments	(30)	36	(72)
Sold in LBL disposition	0	(10,662)	0
Classified as held for sale, ending balance	0	0	10,945
Balance, end of year	$ 21,295	$ 22,529	$ 24,304

Reserve for Life-Contingent C98

Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds (Details 4) - Variable annuities - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable annuity contracts with guarantees
Account balances of separate accounts with guarantees, invested in equity, fixed income and balanced mutual funds	$ 3,220	$ 3,820
Account balances of separate accounts with guarantees, invested in money market mutual funds	341	467
In the event of death
Variable annuity contracts with guarantees
Separate account value	3,560	4,288
Net amount at risk	$ 675	$ 581
Average attained age of contractholders	69 years	69 years
At annuitization (includes income benefit guarantees)
Variable annuity contracts with guarantees
Separate account value	$ 967	$ 1,142
Net amount at risk	281	238
For cumulative periodic withdrawals
Variable annuity contracts with guarantees
Separate account value	294	382
Net amount at risk	10	8
Accumulation at specified dates
Variable annuity contracts with guarantees
Separate account value	371	480
Net amount at risk	$ 31	$ 24
Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date	4 years	4 years

Reserve for Life-Contingent C99

Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 350	$ 555
Less reinsurance recoverables	234	255
Net balance at beginning of period	116	300
Incurred guarantee benefits	28	43
Paid guarantee benefits	0	0
Sold in LBL disposition		(227)
Net change	28	(184)
Net balance at end of period	144	116
Plus reinsurance recoverables	222	234
Balance at end of period	366	350
Liability for guarantees related to death benefits and interest-sensitive life products
Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	195	377
Less reinsurance recoverables	98	100
Net balance at beginning of period	97	277
Incurred guarantee benefits	20	34
Paid guarantee benefits	0	0
Sold in LBL disposition		(214)
Net change	20	(180)
Net balance at end of period	117	97
Plus reinsurance recoverables	106	98
Balance at end of period	223	195
At annuitization (includes income benefit guarantees)
Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	95	113
Less reinsurance recoverables	91	99
Net balance at beginning of period	4	14
Incurred guarantee benefits	0	0
Paid guarantee benefits	0	0
Sold in LBL disposition		(10)
Net change	0	(10)
Net balance at end of period	4	4
Plus reinsurance recoverables	64	91
Balance at end of period	68	95
Liability for guarantees related to accumulation and withdrawal benefits
Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	60	65
Less reinsurance recoverables	45	56
Net balance at beginning of period	15	9
Incurred guarantee benefits	8	9
Paid guarantee benefits	0	0
Sold in LBL disposition		(3)
Net change	8	6
Net balance at end of period	23	15
Plus reinsurance recoverables	52	45
Balance at end of period	$ 75	$ 60

Reserve for Life-Contingent 100

Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Liabilities for guarantees:
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross	$ 366	$ 350	$ 555
In the event of death | Variable annuities
Liabilities for guarantees:
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross	105	96	98
At annuitization (includes income benefit guarantees) | Variable annuities
Liabilities for guarantees:
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross	65	92	99
Accumulation at specified dates | Variable annuities
Liabilities for guarantees:
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross	38	32	43
For cumulative periodic withdrawals | Variable annuities
Liabilities for guarantees:
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross	14	13	13
Other Guarantees [Member] | Variable annuities
Liabilities for guarantees:
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross	$ 144	$ 117	$ 302

Reinsurance (Details)

Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property-liability insurance premiums earned
Direct	$ 32,915	$ 31,858	$ 31,547
Assumed	890	674	131
Ceded	(1,338)	(1,446)	(1,708)
Net amount	32,467	31,086	29,970
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges, net of reinsurance	2,158	2,157	2,352
Life and annuity contract benefits
Reinsurance
Reinsurance ceded amount	219	356	355
Interest credited to contractholder funds
Reinsurance
Reinsurance ceded amount	25	26	27
Property-liability insurance premiums earned
Property-liability insurance premiums written
Direct	31,924	30,686	29,241
Assumed	39	48	52
Ceded	(1,092)	(1,120)	(1,129)
Property-liability insurance premiums written, net of reinsurance	30,871	29,614	28,164
Property-liability insurance premiums earned
Direct	31,274	29,914	28,638
Assumed	41	45	49
Ceded	(1,006)	(1,030)	(1,069)
Net amount	30,309	28,929	27,618
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges
Direct	1,641	1,944	2,909
Assumed	849	629	82
Ceded	(332)	(416)	(639)
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges, net of reinsurance	2,158	2,157	2,352
Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund
Reinsurance
Reinsurance ceded amount		0	0
Property-liability insurance premiums earned
Ceded	(13)	(11)	$ (16)
Property-Liability
Reinsurance
Maximum amount due from any single reinsurer not separately disclosed	$ 32	$ 34

Reinsurance (Details 2)

Reinsurance (Details 2)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)contractlayer	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)contracthurricanelimitstatereinstatement	May. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)
Reinsurance recoverable
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities		$ 8,518,000,000	$ 8,518,000,000	$ 8,518,000,000		$ 8,490,000,000
Catastrophe Reinsurance Coverage Amount			4,420,000,000
Accumulated deficit		39,413,000,000	39,413,000,000	39,413,000,000		37,842,000,000
Ceded premium earned				1,338,000,000		1,446,000,000	$ 1,708,000,000
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement			3,070,000,000	$ 400,000,000
Catastrophe Insurance, Quota Share Basis, Percentage				100.00%
Catastrophe Reinsurance Aggregate Loss Limit				$ 400,000,000
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts			$ 500,000,000
Number of Hurricanes | hurricane				2
Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Agreement Buffer Layer
Reinsurance recoverable
Contracts number | contract			2
Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Agreement Seventh Buffer Layer [Domain]
Reinsurance recoverable
Retention percentage of reinsurance limit			34.00%
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement			$ 20,000,000
Catastrophe Reinsurance Aggregate Annual Loss Limit			60,000,000
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts			$ 3,510,000,000
Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Agreement Eight Buffer Layer [Member]
Reinsurance recoverable
Retention percentage of reinsurance limit			95.00%
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement			$ 50,000,000
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts			3,570,000,000
Michigan Catastrophic Claim Association
Reinsurance recoverable
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities		4,660,000,000	4,660,000,000	$ 4,660,000,000		4,420,000,000
Retention level per claim		$ 545,000						$ 530,000
Reduction in accumulated deficit	$ 50,640,000,000
Accumulated deficit	$ 691,000,000							$ 691,000,000
Term of catastrophe reinsurance agreement contract		2 years
Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund
Reinsurance recoverable
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities		$ 0	0	0
Ceded premium earned				13,000,000		11,000,000	16,000,000
Ceded losses incurred						0	0
Percent of losses in excess of retention level to be reimbursed					90.00%
Retention level for losses related to 2 largest hurricanes					$ 63,000,000
Retention level for losses related to other hurricanes					21,000,000
Maximum Retention level for losses related to hurricanes					$ 199,000,000
National Flood Insurance Program
Reinsurance recoverable
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities		27,000,000	27,000,000	27,000,000		7,000,000
Ceded premium earned				293,000,000		312,000,000	316,000,000
Ceded losses incurred				120,000,000		38,000,000	289,000,000
Catastrophe reinsurance
Reinsurance recoverable
Ceded losses incurred				$ 0
Contracts number | contract				4
New Jersey Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement
Reinsurance recoverable
Contracts number | contract				3
New Jersey agreement, contract one
Reinsurance recoverable
Retention percentage of reinsurance limit				32.00%
Number of reinstatements each year for each contract | reinstatement				1
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts				$ 165,000,000
New Jersey agreement, contract two
Reinsurance recoverable
Retention percentage of reinsurance limit				32.00%
Number of reinstatements each year for each contract | reinstatement				1
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts				$ 157,000,000
New Jersey agreement, contract three
Reinsurance recoverable
Retention percentage of reinsurance limit				32.00%
Number of reinstatements each year for each contract | reinstatement				1
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts				$ 150,000,000
Kentucky agreement subject to three limits
Reinsurance recoverable
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement				25,000,000
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts				$ 5,000,000
Number of limits | limit				3
Kentucky agreement subject to two limits
Reinsurance recoverable
Retention percentage of reinsurance limit				95.00%
Contracts number | contract				1
Number of limits | limit				2
E&S Earthquake Agreement [Member]
Reinsurance recoverable
Contracts number | contract				1
Term of catastrophe reinsurance agreement contract				3 years
Pennsylvania Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement
Reinsurance recoverable
Term of catastrophe reinsurance agreement contract				3 years
Pennsylvania agreement subject to three limits
Reinsurance recoverable
Number of limits | limit				3
Pennsylvania agreement subject to two limits
Reinsurance recoverable
Retention percentage of reinsurance limit				95.00%
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement				$ 100,000,000
Contracts number | contract				1
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts				$ 100,000,000
Number of limits | limit				2
Castle Key Insurance Company and its subsidiaries agreements
Reinsurance recoverable
Number of separate catastrophe reinsurance agreements coordinating coverage for excess losses for Castle Key | contract				4
Catastrophe Reinsurance Ninth Layer [Member]
Reinsurance recoverable
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement				$ 131,000,000
Catastrophe Reinsurance Aggregate, Loss Limit Per Contract Year, Percent				29.00%
Catastrophe Reinsurance Aggregate Annual Loss Limit			$ 446,000,000
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts				$ 3,620,000,000
Catastrophe reinsurance, first five layers
Reinsurance recoverable
Retention percentage of reinsurance limit				31.70%
Catastrophe reinsurance, first coverage limit of fifth layer
Reinsurance recoverable
Retention percentage of reinsurance limit				95.00%
Catastrophe reinsurance, sixth layer
Reinsurance recoverable
Retention percentage of reinsurance limit				95.00%
Contracts number | contract				2
PCS excess catastrophe reinsurance agreement
Reinsurance recoverable
Number of states covered by reinsurance agreement | state				28
PCS Class B excess catastrophe reinsurance agreement
Reinsurance recoverable
Retention percentage of reinsurance limit			34.00%
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement						150,000,000
Catastrophe Reinsurance Aggregate Annual Loss Limit			$ 440,000,000
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts						3,070,000,000
PCS Class A excess catastrophe reinsurance agreement
Reinsurance recoverable
Retention percentage of reinsurance limit			45.00%
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement						200,000,000
Catastrophe Reinsurance Aggregate Annual Loss Limit			$ 446,000,000
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts						3,620,000,000
Florida Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement
Reinsurance recoverable
Ceded premium earned				$ 414,000,000		437,000,000	471,000,000
Percent of losses in excess of retention level to be reimbursed				5.00%
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement				$ 163,000,000
Catastrophe Reinsurance Aggregate, Loss Limit Per Contract Year, Percent				90.00%
Contracts number | contract				6
Term of catastrophe reinsurance agreement contract one				3 years
Catastrophe Reinsurance Loss Amount				$ 181,000,000
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts				$ 66,000,000
Term of catastrophe reinsurance agreement				1 year
Florida Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Agreement, Two Largest Hurricanes [Member]
Reinsurance recoverable
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement				$ 66,000,000
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts				22,000,000
Florida Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Agreement, Provisional [Member]
Reinsurance recoverable
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement				707,000,000
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts				15,000,000
Catastrophe Reinsurance First Four Layers [Member]
Reinsurance recoverable
Number of layers subject to reinstatement in which catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts are placed | layer			3
Lloyd's of London
Reinsurance recoverable
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities		183,000,000	$ 183,000,000	183,000,000		202,000,000
New Jersey Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund
Reinsurance recoverable
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities		500,000,000	$ 500,000,000	500,000,000		508,000,000
Minimum medical benefits portion of personal injury protection coverage for reimbursement to insurers for policies issued or renewed prior to January 1, 1991				75,000
Minimum medical benefits portion of personal injury protection coverage for reimbursement to insurers for policies issued or renewed from January 1, 1991 to December 31, 2004				75,000
Maximum reimbursement to insurers for medical benefits paid under personal injury protection coverage.				$ 250,000
2014-1 PCS
Reinsurance recoverable
Contracts number | contract				3
Number of states covered by reinsurance agreement | state				29
PCS Class D excess catastrophe reinsurance agreement with a portion of seventh layer
Reinsurance recoverable
Retention percentage of reinsurance limit			61.00%
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement				$ 305,000,000
Catastrophe Reinsurance Aggregate Annual Loss Limit			$ 500,000,000
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts				3,070,000,000
PCS Class C excess catastrophe reinsurance agreement with a portion of ninth layer
Reinsurance recoverable
Retention percentage of reinsurance limit			26.00%
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement				115,000,000
Catastrophe Reinsurance Aggregate Annual Loss Limit			$ 446,000,000
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts				3,620,000,000
PCS Class B excess catastrophe reinsurance agreement with a portion of tenth layer
Reinsurance recoverable
Retention percentage of reinsurance limit			95.00%
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement				330,000,000
Catastrophe Reinsurance Aggregate Annual Loss Limit			$ 347,000,000
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts				4,070,000,000
Property-Liability
Reinsurance recoverable
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities		5,980,000,000	5,980,000,000	5,980,000,000		5,780,000,000
Reinsurance recoverables related to losses paid by the Company and billed to reinsurers		86,000,000	86,000,000	86,000,000		89,000,000
Reinsurance recoverables related to ceded unpaid losses		5,892,000,000	5,892,000,000	5,892,000,000		5,694,000,000	$ 4,664,000,000		$ 4,010,000,000
Maximum amount due from any single reinsurer not separately disclosed				32,000,000		34,000,000
Property-Liability | Westport Insurance Corporation
Reinsurance recoverable
Largest reinsurance recoverable from a single reinsurer				62,000,000		65,000,000
Discontinued Lines and Coverages
Reinsurance recoverable
Allowance for uncollectible reinsurance		$ 80,000,000	$ 80,000,000	$ 80,000,000		$ 95,000,000

Reinsurance (Details 3)

Reinsurance (Details 3) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 1998USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)contract	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)contractstatereinsurer	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2007USD ($)
Reinsurance recoverable
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities	$ 8,518	$ 8,490		$ 8,518	$ 8,518	$ 8,518	$ 8,490
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement				3,070		400
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts				500
Life insurance in force ceded to unaffiliated reinsurers	93,326	98,165		$ 93,326	93,326	93,326	98,165	$ 196,274
Catastrophe reinsurance, seventh layer
Reinsurance recoverable
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement						131
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts						$ 3,620
2014-1 PCS
Reinsurance recoverable
Contracts number | contract						3
Number of states covered by reinsurance agreement | state						29
PCS Class D excess catastrophe reinsurance agreement with a portion of seventh layer
Reinsurance recoverable
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement						$ 305
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts						3,070
Retention percentage of reinsurance limit				61.00%
PCS Class C excess catastrophe reinsurance agreement with a portion of ninth layer
Reinsurance recoverable
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement						115
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts						3,620
Retention percentage of reinsurance limit				26.00%
PCS Class B excess catastrophe reinsurance agreement with a portion of tenth layer
Reinsurance recoverable
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement						330
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts						$ 4,070
Retention percentage of reinsurance limit				95.00%
Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Agreement Buffer Layer
Reinsurance recoverable
Contracts number | contract				2
Florida Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement
Reinsurance recoverable
Contracts number | contract						6
Term of catastrophe reinsurance agreement						1 year
Term of catastrophe reinsurance agreement contract one						3 years
Limit of aggregate losses under aggregate excess agreement						$ 163
Retention amount for catastrophe reinsurance agreement contracts						66
Contract benefits
Reinsurance recoverable
Reinsurance ceded amount						219	356	355
Interest credited to contractholder funds
Reinsurance recoverable
Reinsurance ceded amount						$ 25	26	27
Allstate Financial
Reinsurance recoverable
Percent of morbidity risk ceded for term-life insurance policies						90.00%
Number of unaffiliated reinsurers | reinsurer						14
Retention level for most contracts			$ 1						$ 5		$ 2
Retention level for contracts issued to individuals age 70 and over									3
Retention level for certain large contracts meeting specific criteria									$ 10		$ 5
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities	2,539	$ 2,707		$ 2,539	2,539	$ 2,539	2,707
Gross life insurance in force	437,130			437,130	437,130	437,130
Life insurance in force ceded to unaffiliated reinsurers	$ 93,330			93,330	93,330	93,330
Allstate Financial | Reinsurer Concentration Risk [Member] | A-
Reinsurance recoverable
Concentration Risk, Percentage	92.00%	94.00%
Allstate Financial | Prudential
Reinsurance recoverable
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities	$ 1,440	$ 1,460		1,440	1,440	1,440	1,460
Allstate Financial | Citigroup Subsidiaries and Scottish Re
Reinsurance recoverable
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities	148	118		148	148	148	118
Allstate Financial | Life and annuity premiums and contract charges | Prudential
Reinsurance recoverable
Reinsurance ceded amount						94	109	120
Allstate Financial | Contract benefits | Prudential
Reinsurance recoverable
Reinsurance ceded amount						40	36	139
Allstate Financial | Interest credited to contractholder funds | Prudential
Reinsurance recoverable
Reinsurance ceded amount						21	21	22
Allstate Financial | Operating costs and expenses | Prudential
Reinsurance recoverable
Reinsurance ceded amount						18	20	$ 23
Allstate Financial | Annuities
Reinsurance recoverable
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities	1,457	1,594		1,457	1,457	1,457	1,594
Allstate Financial | Life insurance
Reinsurance recoverable
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities	897	916		897	897	897	916
Allstate Financial | Single life
Reinsurance recoverable
Retention level for most contracts					2					$ 5
Retention level for contracts issued to individuals age 70 and over										3
Retention level for certain large contracts meeting specific criteria										10
Allstate Financial | Joint life
Reinsurance recoverable
Retention level for most contracts										8
Retention level for certain large contracts meeting specific criteria										$ 10
Allstate Financial | Other
Reinsurance recoverable
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities	185	$ 197		185	185	185	$ 197
Linco in Benefit Life Company [Member]
Reinsurance recoverable
Investments Held by Trust	$ 5,320			$ 5,320	$ 5,320	$ 5,320

Deferred Policy Acquisition 104

Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Balance, beginning of year	$ 3,525	$ 3,372	$ 3,621
Classified as held for sale, beginning balance			743
Total, including those classified as held for sale			4,115
Acquisition costs deferred	4,596	4,350	4,267
Amortization charged to income	(4,364)	(4,135)	(4,002)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses	104	(98)	229
Sold in LBL disposition		(707)
Classified as held for sale			(743)
Balance, end of year	3,861	3,525	3,372
DSI activity relates to fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts
Balance, beginning of year	44	42	41
Classified as held for sale, beginning balance	0	28	0
Total, including those classified as held for sale	44	70	41
Sales inducements deferred	3	4	24
Amortization charged to income	(4)	(4)	(7)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses	2	(3)	12
Sold in LBL disposition	0	(23)	0
Classified as held for sale, ending balance	0	0	28
Balance, end of year	45	44	42
Allstate Financial
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Balance, beginning of year	1,705	1,747	2,225
Classified as held for sale, beginning balance			743
Total, including those classified as held for sale			2,490
Acquisition costs deferred	285	280	364
Amortization charged to income	(262)	(260)	(328)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses	104	(98)	229
Sold in LBL disposition		(707)
Classified as held for sale			(743)
Balance, end of year	1,832	1,705	1,747
Property-Liability
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Balance, beginning of year	1,820	1,625	1,396
Classified as held for sale, beginning balance			0
Total, including those classified as held for sale			1,625
Acquisition costs deferred	4,311	4,070	3,903
Amortization charged to income	(4,102)	(3,875)	(3,674)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses	0	0	0
Sold in LBL disposition		0
Classified as held for sale			0
Balance, end of year	$ 2,029	$ 1,820	$ 1,625

Capital Structure Capital Struc

Capital Structure Capital Structure, Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt outstanding:
Long-term debt	$ 5,124	$ 5,140
Long-term debt total principal	5,175	5,194
Debt issuance costs	(51)	(54)
Short-term debt	0	0
Total debt	$ 5,124	5,140
Redemption price as percentage of principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest	100.00%
6.75% Senior Debentures, due 2018
Debt outstanding:
Long-term debt	$ 176	$ 176
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)	6.75%	6.75%
7.45% Senior Notes, due 2019
Debt outstanding:
Long-term debt	$ 317	$ 317
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)	7.45%	7.45%
3.15% Senior Notes, due 2023
Debt outstanding:
Long-term debt	$ 500	$ 500
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)	3.15%	3.15%
6.125% Senior Notes, due 2032
Debt outstanding:
Long-term debt	$ 159	$ 159
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)	6.125%	6.125%
5.35% Senior Notes due 2033
Debt outstanding:
Long-term debt	$ 323	$ 323
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.35%	5.35%
5.55% Senior Notes due 2035
Debt outstanding:
Long-term debt	$ 546	$ 546
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.55%	5.55%
5.95% Senior Notes, due 2036
Debt outstanding:
Long-term debt	$ 386	$ 386
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.95%	5.95%
6.90% Senior Debentures, due 2038
Debt outstanding:
Long-term debt	$ 165	$ 165
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)	6.90%	6.90%
5.20% Senior Notes due 2042
Debt outstanding:
Long-term debt	$ 62	$ 62
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.20%	5.20%
4.50% Senior Notes, due 2043
Debt outstanding:
Long-term debt	$ 500	$ 500
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.50%	4.50%
5.10% Subordinated Debentures, due 2053
Debt outstanding:
Long-term debt	$ 500	$ 500
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.10%	5.10%
5.75% Subordinated Debentures, due 2053
Debt outstanding:
Long-term debt	$ 800	$ 800
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.75%	5.75%
6.125% Junior Subordinated Debentures, due 2067
Debt outstanding:
Long-term debt	$ 241	$ 252
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)	6.125%	6.125%
6.50% Junior Subordinated Debentures, due 2067
Debt outstanding:
Long-term debt	$ 500	$ 500
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)	6.50%	6.50%
Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, due 2018
Debt outstanding:
Long-term debt	$ 0	$ 8

Capital Structure, Debt Maturit

Capital Structure, Debt Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Total debt outstanding by maturity:
2,016	$ 0
2,017	0
2,018	176
2,019	317
2,020	0
Thereafter	4,682
Total debt	$ 5,175	$ 5,194

Capital Structure Capital St107

Capital Structure Capital Structure, Preferred Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued			72,200	72,200
Aggregate liquidation preference			$ 1,805
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share
Preferred stock dividends			$ 116	$ 104	$ 17
Series A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued			11,500
Aggregate liquidation preference			$ 287.5
Dividend rate			5.625%
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share			$ 1.41	$ 1.41	$ 0.83
Preferred stock dividends			$ 16	$ 16	$ 9
Series C
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued			15,400
Aggregate liquidation preference			$ 385
Dividend rate			6.75%
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share			$ 1.69	$ 1.69	$ 0.49
Preferred stock dividends			$ 26	$ 26	$ 8
Series D
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued			5,400
Aggregate liquidation preference			$ 135
Dividend rate			6.625%
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share			$ 1.66	$ 1.79	$ 0
Preferred stock dividends			$ 9	$ 10	$ 0
Series E
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued		29,900	29,900
Aggregate liquidation preference		$ 747.5	$ 747.5
Dividend rate			6.625%
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share			$ 1.66	$ 1.44	$ 0
Preferred stock dividends			$ 49	$ 43	$ 0
Series F
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued	10,000		10,000
Aggregate liquidation preference	$ 250		$ 250
Dividend rate			6.25%
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share			$ 1.56	$ 0.92	$ 0
Preferred stock dividends			$ 16	$ 9	$ 0

Capital Structure Capital St108

Capital Structure Capital Structure, Narrative (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)shares	Apr. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)director$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Jun. 12, 2013$ / shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchased principal amounts of debt				$ 11	$ 10
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt				0	(1)	$ (491)
Long-term debt				5,124	5,140
Unsecured revolving credit facility				1,000
Commercial Paper maximum borrowing capacity				1,000
Credit facility extended term		1 year
Additional borrowing capacity under credit facility increase provision				$ 500
Maximum debt to capital ratio allowed under credit facility covenant (as a percent)				37.50%
Interest paid on debt				$ 289	$ 332	$ 361
Other liabilities and accrued expenses				$ 107
Common stock
Common stock, shares issued | shares				900,000,000	900,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding | shares				381,000,000	418,000,000
Treasury stock, shares | shares				519,000,000	482,000,000
Reacquired shares | shares				43,000,000
Average cost of reacquired shares (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 65.55
Reissued net shares under equity incentive plans | shares				6,000,000
Preferred stock
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares issued | shares				72,200	72,200
Aggregate liquidation preference				$ 1,805
Period of issuance of common stock prior to dividend declaration date during which dividend declaration is prohibited				90 days
Series E
Preferred stock
Preferred stock, shares issued | shares			29,900	29,900
Dividend rate				6.625%
Aggregate liquidation preference			$ 747.5	$ 747.5
Series F
Preferred stock
Preferred stock, shares issued | shares	10,000			10,000
Dividend rate				6.25%
Aggregate liquidation preference	$ 250			$ 250
Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock
Preferred stock
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 1
Preferred stock, shares liquidation preference (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				25,000
Preferred stock, redemption price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 25,000			$ 25,000
Period after occurrence of certain tax and rating agency events in which redemption of debt in whole permissible				90 days
Minimum
Preferred stock
Collective risk-based capital ratios of subsidiaries as a percentage of net written premiums of insurance business				80.00%
Percentage of decline in consolidated shareholders' equity from benchmark quarter				20.00%
Maximum
Preferred stock
Risk-based capital ratios as a percentage of action level risk-based capital				175.00%
Percentage by which consolidated shareholders' equity should increase or decrease to avoid restriction on dividends				20.00%
Maximum | Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock
Preferred stock
Additional members of the board of directors | director				2
6.75% Senior Debentures, due 2018
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)				6.75%	6.75%
Long-term debt				$ 176	$ 176
Threshold percentage of repurchase or redemption of outstanding principal debentures for non applicability of promises and covenants contained in the new RCC				10.00%
Period within which threshold percentage of outstanding principal of debentures is to be purchased for non applicability of promises and covenants contained in the new RCC				1 year
Specified period within which percentage of outstanding principal of debentures is to be purchased for non applicability of promises and covenants contained in the new RCC				10 years
6.75% Senior Debentures, due 2018 | Maximum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Percentage of repurchase or redemption of outstanding principal debentures within specified period for non applicability of promises and covenants contained in the new RCC				25.00%
The Debentures
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Maximum period for deferment of interest payment				10 years
Reserved common stock authorized and unissued for debentures obligations (in shares) | shares				75,000,000
6.125% Junior Subordinated Debentures, due 2067
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)				6.125%	6.125%
Long-term debt				$ 241	$ 252
Interest rate spread over LIBOR (as a percent)				1.935%
6.50% Junior Subordinated Debentures, due 2067
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)				6.50%	6.50%
Long-term debt				$ 500	$ 500
Interest rate spread over LIBOR (as a percent)				2.12%
Subordinated Debentures
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Minimum principal outstanding amount for redemption of debt in whole or in part				$ 25
Interest on debentures payment terms				three-month LIBOR
Maximum period for deferment of interest payment				5 years
Preferred stock
Period after occurrence of certain tax and rating agency events in which redemption of debt in whole permissible				90 days
5.75% Subordinated Debentures, due 2053
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)				5.75%	5.75%
Interest on debentures payment terms				three-month LIBOR
Long-term debt				$ 800	$ 800
Interest rate spread over LIBOR (as a percent)				2.938%
5.10% Subordinated Debentures, due 2053
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Note stated interest rate (as a percent)				5.10%	5.10%
Interest on debentures payment terms				three-month LIBOR
Long-term debt				$ 500	$ 500
Interest rate spread over LIBOR (as a percent)				3.165%
Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, due 2018
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Long-term debt				$ 0	8
Commercial Paper
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Amount of commercial paper outstanding				0	$ 0
Limited Partnership [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Other liabilities and accrued expenses				89
Debt Related to Other Investments [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Other liabilities and accrued expenses				$ 18

Company Restructuring (Details)

Company Restructuring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges	$ 39	$ 18	$ 70

Company Restructuring (Details

Company Restructuring (Details 2) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$ 4
Expense incurred	28
Adjustments to liability	(5)
Payments applied against liability	(25)
Balance as of December 31, 2015	2
Employee costs
Restructuring Reserve
Balance as of December 31, 2014	3
Expense incurred	18
Adjustments to liability	(5)
Payments applied against liability	(15)
Balance as of December 31, 2015	1
Cumulative amount incurred to date for active programs	83
Exit costs
Restructuring Reserve
Balance as of December 31, 2014	1
Expense incurred	10
Adjustments to liability	0
Payments applied against liability	(10)
Balance as of December 31, 2015	1
Cumulative amount incurred to date for active programs	$ 60

Commitments, Guarantees and 111

Commitments, Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities
Total rent expense for all leases	$ 179	$ 187	$ 192
Capital leases, future minimum lease payments
2,016	5
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
Thereafter	0
Total	5
Present value of minimum capital lease payments	5
Operating leases, future minimum lease payments
2,016	132
2,017	105
2,018	87
2,019	73
2,020	58
Thereafter	175
Total	$ 630

Commitments, Guarantees and 112

Commitments, Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities (Details 2) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2008	Sep. 30, 2015
Loss Contingencies
Proceeds of Revenue Bonds	$ 668,000,000
FL Citizens
Loss Contingencies
Assessment rate, percent of deficit or prior year premiums		2.00%
Surcharge on policies, deadline for filing prior to imposing		15 days
Emergency Assessment Maximum Percentage of Premiums Subsequent Years, FL OIR		0.00%
LA Citizens
Loss Contingencies
Assessment rate, percent of deficit or prior year premiums		10.00%
Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund
Loss Contingencies
Maximum emergency assessment as percent of premiums, first year		6.00%
Emergency Assessment Maximum Percentage of Premiums Subsequent Years		10.00%
Catastrophe fund, bonds issued				$ 2,000,000,000	$ 676,000,000	$ 625,000,000
Emergency assessment ordered as percent of premiums from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2010		1.00%
Emergency assessment ordered as percent of premiums after January 1, 2011		1.30%
Emergency Assessment Maximum Percentage of Premiums Subsequent Years, FL OIR		0.00%
California Earthquake Authority
Loss Contingencies
CEA capital balance	4,880,000,000
CEA existing reinsurance layer	4,110,000,000
Current estimated maximum CEA assessment	1,660,000,000
CEA capital balance threshold	350,000,000
Estimated maximum second CEA assessment	238,000,000
CEA threshold earthquake losses	11,560,000,000
CEA capital balance to be restored	350,000,000
Projected aggregate claim paying capacity	$ 11,560,000,000
Share of the CEA (as a percent)			13.10%
Maximum possible assessment			$ 248,000,000
Guaranty Funds
Loss Contingencies
Liability for insurance assessments		$ 13,000,000	16,000,000
Insurance assessments, premium tax offsets		14,000,000	$ 15,000,000
Texas Windstorm Insurance Association
Loss Contingencies
Maximum possible assessment		800,000,000
Issuance of securities to participating insurers upon utilization of funds set aside		$ 1,000,000,000
Percentage of securities to be repaid by participating insurers' assessments		30.00%
Percentage of securities to be repaid by surcharges on coastal property policies		70.00%
Additional securities to be issued to participating insurers		$ 500,000,000
Participation ratio		13.00%
New Jersey Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund
Loss Contingencies
Minimum medical benefits portion of personal injury protection coverage for reimbursement to insurers for policies issued or renewed prior to January 1, 1991		$ 75,000
Minimum medical benefits portion of personal injury protection coverage for reimbursement to insurers for policies issued or renewed from January 1, 1991 to December 31, 2004		75,000
Maximum reimbursement to insurers for medical benefits paid under personal injury protection coverage.		250,000
Liability for insurance assessments		8,600,000
North Carolina Reinsurance Facility
Loss Contingencies
Fund's surplus to cover future losses							$ 69,900,000
North Carolina Joint Underwriters Association
Loss Contingencies
Plan surplus receivable		1,500,000
Funds Surplus in Member's equity		11,900,000
North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association
Loss Contingencies
Maximum possible assessment		$ 1,000,000,000
Percentage of surcharge on property insurance policy statewide to be remitted to the plan		10.00%

Commitments, Guarantees and 113

Commitments, Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities (Details 3) $ in Millions	Jun. 17, 2015Plaintiff	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)claimPlaintiff	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)itemclaimemployeecase	Aug. 19, 2015opinion	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Guarantees:
Limitations or indemnifications of reinsurance agreements		$ 0	$ 0
Proceedings:
Number of former employee agents | item			32
Number of former employee agents plaintiffs seek benefits for | employee			6,300
Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs | Plaintiff	10	459
Reserves for asbestos claims		$ 960	$ 960		$ 1,010
Reinsurance recoverables for asbestos claims		458	458		478
Reserves for environmental claims		179	179		203
Reinsurance recoverables for environmental claims		$ 43	$ 43		$ 64
Percentage of net asbestos and environmental reserves that were for incurred but not reported estimated losses		57.00%	57.00%		57.00%
Number of class action cases | case			1
Number of cases pending | claim		4	4
Loss Contingency, Opinions, Number | opinion				3
Minimum
Proceedings:
Loss contingencies, reasonably possible pretax loss exposure in excess of the amount accrued			$ 0
Maximum
Proceedings:
Loss contingencies, reasonably possible pretax loss exposure in excess of the amount accrued			875
Residual guarantee
Guarantees:
Potential leased automobiles residual value		$ 50	50
Maximum amount at risk pursuant to a guarantee		$ 4	$ 4
Guarantee obligations term, low end of range			1 year
Guarantee obligations term, high end of range			4 years
Against Allstate [Member]
Proceedings:
Loss Contingency, Opinions, Number | opinion				2
In Favor of Allstate [Member]
Proceedings:
Loss Contingency, Opinions, Number | opinion				1
Signed Releases Knowingly and Voluntarily [Member] | Judicial Ruling [Member]
Proceedings:
Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs | Plaintiff	2
Did Not Sign Releases Knowingly and Voluntarily [Member] | Judicial Ruling [Member]
Proceedings:
Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs | Plaintiff	8

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of the change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits
Balance – beginning of year	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 25
Increase for tax positions taken in a prior year		4	0	1
Decrease for tax positions taken in a prior year		0	0	0
Increase for tax positions taken in the current year		3	0	0
Decrease for tax positions taken in the current year		0	0	0
Decrease for settlements		0	0	(26)
Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations		0	0	0
Balance – end of year		7	0	0
Net operating loss carryforward		58
Deferred assets
Unearned premium reserves		796	763
Pension		236	254
Discount on loss reserves		203	210
Difference in tax bases of invested assets		202	64
Accrued compensation		189	206
Other postretirement benefits		76	138
Other assets		137	138
Total deferred assets		1,839	1,773
Deferred liabilities
DAC		(1,157)	(1,076)
Unrealized net capital gains		(303)	(994)
Life and annuity reserves		(260)	(192)
Other liabilities		(209)	(226)
Total deferred liabilities		(1,929)	(2,488)
Net deferred liability		(90)	(715)
Components of income tax expense (benefit)
Current		1,033	1,123	869
Deferred		78	263	247
Total income tax expense		1,111	1,386	1,116
Income tax paid		1,070	1,070	$ 500
Current income tax receivable		$ 59
Current income tax payable			$ 158
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation
Statutory federal income tax rate (as a percent)		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Tax-exempt income (as a percent)		(1.00%)	(0.90%)	(1.80%)
Tax credits (as a percent)		(0.90%)	(0.70%)	(2.20%)
Sale of subsidiary (as a percent)		0.00%	(0.90%)	2.00%
Other (as a percent)		0.80%	0.20%	(0.10%)
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)		33.90%	32.70%	32.90%
Accounting Standards Update 2014-01
Components of income tax expense (benefit)
Total income tax expense	$ 45

Statutory Financial Informat115

Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Limitations (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Limitations
Restricted net assets	$ 23,000
Amount per statutory accounting practices
Net income (loss)	1,770	$ 3,631	$ 3,211
Capital and surplus	$ 16,486	17,319
Dividend Limitations
Action level RBC expressed as a multiplier of authorized control level RBC, which if not achieved would require specific actions to be taken	2
Allstate Insurance Company ("AIC")
Amount per statutory accounting practices
Capital and surplus	$ 15,620
Dividend Limitations
Dividends paid	2,310
Maximum amount of dividends without prior approval	$ 1,710
Advance notice period required for payment of dividend in excess of amount available for distribution without prior approval	30 days
Unassigned surplus excluding unrealized appreciation from investments	$ 10,650
Authorized control level RBC	2,480
Property-Liability
Amount per statutory accounting practices
Net income (loss)	1,826	2,501	2,707
Capital and surplus	13,332	14,412
Allstate Financial
Amount per statutory accounting practices
Net income (loss)	(56)	1,130	$ 504
Capital and surplus	$ 3,154	$ 2,907

Benefit Plans (Details)

Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Maximum annual medical cost inflation after retirement for Company's share of retiree medical benefits cost for non Medicare-eligible retirees (as a percent)	5.00%
Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost:
Deferred income tax				$ (90)	$ (715)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost				1,315	1,363
Pension benefits
Components of net periodic cost
Fair value of plan assets	$ 5,783	$ 5,602	$ 5,602	5,353	5,783
Less: Benefit obligation	6,493	5,297	5,297	6,130	6,493
Funded status				(777)	(710)
Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost:
Net actuarial loss (gain)				2,710	2,707
Prior service credit				(365)	(422)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost, pre-tax	2,285	2,285		2,345	2,285
Deferred income tax				(821)	(800)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost				1,524	1,485
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit net actuarial loss arising during the period	$ 3
Percentage of underfunded status relating to the primary employee plans	79.00%
Change in items not yet recognized as a component of defined benefit plans, net periodic cost
Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost – December 31, 2014	$ 2,285
Net actuarial loss (gain) arising during the period	242
Net actuarial (loss) gain amortized to net periodic benefit cost	221
Prior service credit arising during the period	0
Prior service credit amortized to net periodic benefit cost	(56)
Translation adjustment and other	(17)
Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost – December 31, 2015	2,345	2,285
Estimates of the net actuarial loss (gain) and prior service credit expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during 2015
Net actuarial loss (gain)	174
Prior service credit	(56)
Accumulated benefit obligation (ABO)				6,050	6,420
Company's Pension Plans with an ABO in excess of plan assets
Company's pension plans with ABO in excess of plan assets, aggregate projected benefit obligation				5,810	6,120
Company's pension plans with ABO in excess of plan assets, aggregate accumulated benefit obligation				5,740	6,060
Company's pension plans with ABO in excess of plan assets, aggregate fair value of plan assets				5,020	5,380
Defined benefit plans' accrued benefit costs related to certain unfunded and non-qualified plans				$ 143	$ 147
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	6,493	5,297
Service cost	114	96	140
Interest cost	258	262	265
Participant contributions	0	1
Actuarial (gain) loss	(225)	1,243
Benefits paid	(443)	(368)
Plan amendments	0	0
Translation adjustment and other	(67)	(38)
Curtailment gain	0	0
Benefit obligation, end of year	6,130	6,493	5,297
Components of net periodic cost
Service cost	114	96	140
Interest cost	258	262	265
Expected return on plan assets	(424)	(398)	(394)
Amortization of:
Prior service credit	(56)	(58)	(28)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	190	127	235
Settlement loss	31	54	277
Curtailment gain	0	0	0
Net periodic cost (credit)	$ 113	$ 83	$ 495
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net pension cost and net postretirement benefit cost
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.10%	5.00%	4.60%
Rate of increase in compensation levels (as a percent)	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)	7.33%	7.36%	7.75%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)				4.83%	4.10%
Rate of increase in compensation levels (as a percent)				3.20%	3.50%
Pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$ 5,783	$ 5,602
Actual return on plan assets	(43)	540
Employer contribution	125	49
Benefits paid	(443)	(368)
Translation adjustment and other	(69)	(40)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	5,353	5,783	$ 5,602
Postretirement benefits
Components of net periodic cost
Fair value of plan assets	0	0		$ 0	$ 0
Less: Benefit obligation	575	482	482	405	575
Funded status				(405)	(575)
Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost:
Net actuarial loss (gain)				(263)	(111)
Prior service credit				(61)	(83)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost, pre-tax	(194)	(194)		(324)	(194)
Deferred income tax				115	72
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost				$ (209)	$ (122)
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit net actuarial loss arising during the period	152
Change in items not yet recognized as a component of defined benefit plans, net periodic cost
Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost – December 31, 2014	(194)
Net actuarial loss (gain) arising during the period	(158)
Net actuarial (loss) gain amortized to net periodic benefit cost	(9)
Prior service credit arising during the period	0
Prior service credit amortized to net periodic benefit cost	(22)
Translation adjustment and other	(3)
Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost – December 31, 2015	(324)	(194)
Estimates of the net actuarial loss (gain) and prior service credit expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during 2015
Net actuarial loss (gain)	(32)
Prior service credit	(21)
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	575	482
Service cost	12	10	12
Interest cost	23	23	28
Participant contributions	19	19
Actuarial (gain) loss	(158)	103
Benefits paid	(54)	(57)
Plan amendments	0	0
Translation adjustment and other	(12)	(5)
Curtailment gain	0	0
Benefit obligation, end of year	405	575	482
Components of net periodic cost
Service cost	12	10	12
Interest cost	23	23	28
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Amortization of:
Prior service credit	(22)	(23)	(23)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	(9)	(22)	(16)
Settlement loss	0	0	0
Curtailment gain	0	0	(181)
Net periodic cost (credit)	$ 4	$ (12)	$ (180)
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net pension cost and net postretirement benefit cost
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.97%	5.11%	3.75%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)				4.56%	4.15%
Defined benefit plan, assumed health care cost trend rates
Defined Benefit plan, Weighted average health care cost trend rate (as a percent)	6.30%
Defined Benefit plan, ultimate health care cost trend rate in 2038 and thereafter (as a percent)	4.50%
Increase in the total of service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost due to one percentage-point increase in assumed health care cost trend rates	$ 3
Increase in APBO due to one percentage-point increase in assumed health care cost trend rates	20
Decrease in APBO due to one percentage-point decrease in assumed health care cost trend rates	2
Decrease in the total of service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost due to one percentage-point decrease in assumed health care cost trend rates	17
Pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	0
Employer contribution	35	$ 38
Benefits paid	(54)	(57)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$ 0	$ 0

Benefit Plans (Details 2)

Benefit Plans (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension benefits
Pension plans' assets
Actual return on plan assets	$ (43)	$ 540
Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Allocation, Derivatives, Minimum	105.00%
Percentage of total plan assets for primary qualified employee				80.00%
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Actual percentage of plan assets				100.00%	100.00%
Notional amount of derivatives, maximum percentage of plan assets	115.00%
Total plan assets at fair value				$ 5,501	$ 5,993
Total plan assets at fair value, allocation (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%
Securities lending obligation				(167)	(234)
Other net plan assets				19	24
Total reported plan assets	$ 5,783	$ 5,602	$ 5,602	$ 5,353	5,783
Pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	5,783	5,602
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$ 5,353	$ 5,783	$ 5,602
Expected weighted average long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)	7.33%	7.36%	7.75%
Expected weighted average long-term rate of return on plan assets for the next fiscal year (as a percent)	7.30%
Expected weighted average long-term rate of return on primary employee plan assets for the next fiscal year (as a percent)	7.75%
Expected weighted average long-term rate of return on employee-agent plan assets for the next fiscal year (as a percent)	5.75%
Arithmetic average of the annual actual return on plan assets for the last 10 years (as a percent)				6.90%
Arithmetic average of the annual actual return on plan assets for the last 5 years (as a percent)				7.70%
Cash flows
Defined benefit pension plans, estimated employer contributions in next fiscal year	$ 129
Employer contribution	125	$ 49
Participant contributions	$ 0	$ 1
Estimated future benefit payments
2,016				$ 341
2,017				372
2,018				388
2,019				436
2,020				472
2021-2025				2,569
Total benefit payments				4,578
Pension benefits | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				342	1,116
Total plan assets at fair value, allocation (as a percent)	6.20%	18.60%
Pension benefits | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				4,668	4,372
Total plan assets at fair value, allocation (as a percent)	84.90%	73.00%
Pension benefits | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				491	505
Total plan assets at fair value, allocation (as a percent)	8.90%	8.40%
Total reported plan assets	$ 505	$ 690	$ 946	491	505
Pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	505	690	946
Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets sold during the period	1	(5)	15
Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	(24)	12	28
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	11	(192)	(299)
Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3	(2)	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	491	505	690
Postretirement benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total reported plan assets	0	0		0	$ 0
Pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	0	0
Cash flows
Employer contribution	35	38
Participant contributions	$ 19	19
Estimated future benefit payments
2,016				26
2,017				26
2,018				26
2,019				28
2,020				29
2021-2025				155
Total benefit payments				$ 290
Equity securities | Pension benefits
Pension plans' assets
Percent of total equity securities in primary qualified employee plan	86.00%
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum	53.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum	63.00%
Actual percentage of plan assets				60.00%	41.00%
Total plan assets at fair value				$ 3,181	$ 2,345
Equity securities | Pension benefits | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				136	161
Equity securities | Pension benefits | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				2,945	2,109
Equity securities | Pension benefits | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				100	75
Total reported plan assets	$ 75	237	314	$ 100	$ 75
Pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	75	237	314
Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets sold during the period	1	2	3
Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	(5)	2	18
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	29	(166)	(98)
Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3	0	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$ 100	75	237
Fixed income securities | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum	28.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum	37.00%
Actual percentage of plan assets				30.00%	50.00%
Cash collateral from target asset allocation, investment allocation (as a percent)	5.00%
U.S. government and agencies | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				$ 406	$ 914
U.S. government and agencies | Pension benefits | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				72	870
U.S. government and agencies | Pension benefits | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				334	44
U.S. government and agencies | Pension benefits | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				0	0
Foreign government | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value					28
Foreign government | Pension benefits | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value					0
Foreign government | Pension benefits | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value					28
Foreign government | Pension benefits | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value					0
Municipal | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				7	14
Municipal | Pension benefits | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				0	0
Municipal | Pension benefits | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				0	0
Municipal | Pension benefits | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				7	14
Total reported plan assets	$ 14	18	129	7	14
Pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	14	18	129
Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets sold during the period	0	0	7
Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	0	0	1
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	(7)	(4)	(119)
Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3	0	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	7	14	18
Corporate | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				1,215	1,834
Corporate | Pension benefits | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				0	0
Corporate | Pension benefits | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				1,205	1,822
Corporate | Pension benefits | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				10	12
Total reported plan assets	12	18	10	10	12
Pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	12	18	10
Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets sold during the period	0	0	5
Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	0	0	0
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	0	(6)	3
Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3	(2)	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$ 10	12	18
RMBS | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value					115
RMBS | Pension benefits | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value					0
RMBS | Pension benefits | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value					115
RMBS | Pension benefits | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value					0
Securities Pledged as Collateral [Member] | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits				$ 152	$ 217
Limited partnership interests | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum	0.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum	12.00%
Actual percentage of plan assets				7.00%	7.00%
Short-term investments | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Cash collateral from target asset allocation, investment allocation (as a percent)	95.00%
Total plan assets at fair value				$ 296	$ 309
Short-term investments | Pension benefits | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				112	55
Short-term investments | Pension benefits | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				184	254
Short-term investments | Pension benefits | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				$ 0	$ 0
Short-term investments and other | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Target asset allocation	0.00%
Actual percentage of plan assets				3.00%	2.00%
Real estate funds | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				$ 104	$ 154
Real estate funds | Pension benefits | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				0	0
Real estate funds | Pension benefits | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				0	0
Real estate funds | Pension benefits | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				104	154
Total reported plan assets	$ 154	197	214	104	154
Pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	154	197	214
Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets sold during the period	0	(3)	0
Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	(12)	6	11
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	(38)	(46)	(28)
Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3	0	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	104	154	197
Private equity funds | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				237	218
Private equity funds | Pension benefits | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				0	0
Private equity funds | Pension benefits | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				0	0
Private equity funds | Pension benefits | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				237	218
Total reported plan assets	218	211	199	237	218
Pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	218	211	199
Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets sold during the period	0	(4)	0
Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	(8)	4	(2)
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	27	7	14
Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3	0	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	237	218	211
Hedge funds | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				33	32
Hedge funds | Pension benefits | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				0	0
Hedge funds | Pension benefits | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				0	0
Hedge funds | Pension benefits | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				33	32
Total reported plan assets	32	9	80	33	32
Pension plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	32	9	80
Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets sold during the period	0	0	0
Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	1	0	0
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	0	23	(71)
Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3	0	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$ 33	$ 32	$ 9
Cash and cash equivalents | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				22	34
Cash and cash equivalents | Pension benefits | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				22	34
Cash and cash equivalents | Pension benefits | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				0	0
Cash and cash equivalents | Pension benefits | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value				$ 0	0
Free Standing Derivative Assets | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value					(1)
Free Standing Derivative Assets | Pension benefits | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value					(1)
Free Standing Derivative Assets | Pension benefits | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value					0
Free Standing Derivative Assets | Pension benefits | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value					0
Free Standing Derivatives Liabilities | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value					(3)
Free Standing Derivatives Liabilities | Pension benefits | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value					(3)
Free Standing Derivatives Liabilities | Pension benefits | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value					0
Free Standing Derivatives Liabilities | Pension benefits | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Total plan assets at fair value					$ 0
Equity securities | Fixed income securities | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Actual percentage of plan assets				3.00%	3.00%
Equity securities | Derivatives | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Actual percentage of plan assets					9.00%
Equity securities | Private equity funds | Pension benefits
Pension plans' weighted average target percentage of plan assets and the actual percentage of plan assets
Actual percentage of plan assets				2.00%	1.00%

Benefit Plans (Details 3)

Benefit Plans (Details 3) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Principal balance of note from ESOP	$ 11
Interest rate on note from ESOP (as a percent)	7.90%
Company's contribution to the Allstate Plan	$ 79	$ 75	$ 54
ESOP benefit computed
Interest expense recognized by ESOP	1	1	2
Less: dividends accrued on ESOP shares	(3)	(4)	(3)
Cost of shares allocated	10	8	7
Compensation expense	8	5	6
Reduction of defined contribution due to ESOP	73	71	46
ESOP benefit	(65)	(66)	(40)
Contributions to ESOP	$ 2	3	2
ESOP shares committed to be released	1
Allocated ESOP shares	36
Unallocated ESOP shares	2
Defined contribution plan expense for eligible employees of Canadian insurance subsidiaries and Sterling	$ 10	$ 11	$ 11

Equity Incentive Plans (Details

Equity Incentive Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Incentive Plans
Compensation expense	$ 81,000	$ 88,000	$ 93,000
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, recognized tax benefits	28,000	30,000	32,000
Cash received from the exercise of options	187,000	314,000	212,000
Tax benefit realized on options exercised and stock unrestricted	82,000	73,000	65,000
Equity Incentive Plans
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested awards	71,000
Tax (expense) benefit realized related to all stock-based compensation included in shareholder's equity	$ 46,000	32,000	30,000
Common stock authorized for stock-based awards (in shares)	97,600
Common stock reserved for further issuance (in shares)	25,800
Stock options
Equity Incentive Plans
Tax (expense) benefit realized related to all stock-based compensation included in shareholder's equity	$ 23,000	$ 23,000	$ 12,000
Vesting period of options granted prior to 2010	3 years
Portion of awards vesting and unrestricting on second anniversary of grant date (as a percent)	50.00%
Portion of awards vesting and unrestricting on third and fourth anniversaries of grant date (as a percent)	25.00%
Expiration term for options	10 years
Assumptions used to determine fair value of options granted
Weighted average expected term	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months	8 years 2 months 12 days
Expected volatility, low end of the range (as a percent)	16.00%	16.80%	19.10%
Expected volatility, high end of the range (as a percent)	37.80%	42.20%	48.10%
Weighted average volatility (as a percent)	24.70%	28.30%	31.00%
Expected dividends, minimum range (as a percent)	1.60%	1.70%	1.90%
Expected dividends, maximum range (as a percent)	2.10%	2.20%	2.20%
Weighted average expected dividends (as a percent)	1.70%	2.10%	2.20%
Risk-free rate, low end of the range (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free rate, high end of the range (as a percent)	2.40%	3.00%	2.90%
Stock option activity
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	17,989
Granted (in shares)	2,264
Exercised (in shares)	(4,375)
Forfeited (in shares)	(156)
Expired (in shares)	(6)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	15,716	17,989
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 42.05
Granted (in dollars per share)	70.26
Exercised (in dollars per share)	42.71
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	54.58
Expired (in dollars per share)	54.31
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 45.81	$ 42.05
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Aggregate intrinsic value, Outstanding	$ 274,191
Aggregate intrinsic value, net of expected forfeitures, outstanding	273,702
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable ("vested"), outstanding	$ 217,292
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Outstanding	5 years 6 months
Weighted average remaining contractual term, net of expected forfeitures, outstanding	5 years 6 months
Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercisable ("vested"), outstanding	4 years 1 month 6 days
Outstanding, net of expected forfeitures (in shares)	15,601
Outstanding, exercisable ("vested") (in shares)	10,097
Outstanding, net of expected forfeitures (in dollars per share)	$ 45.68
Outstanding, exercisable ("vested") (in dollars per share)	40.62
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 15.45	$ 12.50	$ 11.99
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 117,000	$ 151,000	$ 92,000
Nonqualified stock options
Equity Incentive Plans
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested awards	$ 28,000
Expected period of recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	1 year 7 months 6 days
Restricted stock units
Equity Incentive Plans
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested awards	$ 35,000
Expected period of recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	1 year 10 months 2 days
Portion of awards vesting and unrestricting on second anniversary of grant date (as a percent)	50.00%
Portion of awards vesting and unrestricting on third and fourth anniversaries of grant date (as a percent)	25.00%
Stock units activity
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	2,280
Granted (in shares)	579
Vested (in shares)	(891)
Forfeited (in shares)	(129)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	1,839	2,280
Weighted average grant date fair value
Weighted average grant date fair value, nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 42.71
Weighted average grant date fair value, granted (in dollars per share)	69.25	$ 52.70	$ 45.78
Weighted average grant date fair value, vested (in dollars per share)	37.36
Weighted average grant date fair value, forfeited (in dollars per share)	54
Weighted average grant date fair value, nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 52.86	$ 42.71
Total fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units vested	$ 63,000	$ 60,000	$ 104,000
Performance stock awards
Equity Incentive Plans
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested awards	$ 8,000
Expected period of recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	1 year 5 months 27 days
Stock units activity
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	1,304
Granted (in shares)	229
Vested (in shares)	(802)	0	0
Adjustment for performance achievement (in shares)	199
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	930	1,304
Weighted average grant date fair value
Weighted average grant date fair value, nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 39.70
Weighted average grant date fair value, granted (in dollars per share)	70.37	$ 52.18	$ 45.61
Weighted average grant date fair value, adjustment for performance achievement (in dollars per share)	36.96
Weighted average grant date fair value, vested (in dollars per share)	32.05
Weighted average grant date fair value, nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 53.27	$ 39.70
Total fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units vested	$ 56,000

Reporting Segments (Details)

Reporting Segments (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment	4
Period within which an unusual or infrequent item is unlikely to recur	2 years
Prior period with no similar unusual or infrequent item	2 years
Outside United States
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues from external customers generated outside the United States	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Allstate Protection
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues from external customers generated outside the United States	$ 1,030	$ 1,080	$ 1,060

Reporting Segments (Details 2)

Reporting Segments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information
Property-liability insurance premiums									$ 30,309	$ 28,929	$ 27,618
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges									2,158	2,157	2,352
Net investment income									3,156	3,459	3,943
Realized capital gains and losses									30	694	594
Revenues	$ 8,691	$ 9,028	$ 8,982	$ 8,952	$ 8,759	$ 8,936	$ 8,860	$ 8,684	35,653	35,239	34,507
Property-Liability
Segment Reporting Information
Property-liability insurance premiums									30,309	28,928	27,618
Net investment income									1,237	1,301	1,375
Realized capital gains and losses									(237)	549	519
Revenues									31,309	30,779	29,512
Property-Liability | Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Property-liability insurance premiums									20,410	19,344	18,449
Property-Liability | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Property-liability insurance premiums									7,136	6,904	6,613
Property-Liability | Other personal lines
Segment Reporting Information
Property-liability insurance premiums									1,692	1,662	1,629
Property-Liability | Commercial lines
Segment Reporting Information
Property-liability insurance premiums									510	476	456
Property-Liability | Other business lines
Segment Reporting Information
Property-liability insurance premiums									561	542	471
Discontinued Lines and Coverages
Segment Reporting Information
Property-liability insurance premiums									0	1	0
Allstate Financial
Segment Reporting Information
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges									2,158	2,157	2,352
Net investment income									1,884	2,131	2,538
Realized capital gains and losses									267	144	74
Revenues									4,309	4,432	4,964
Allstate Financial | Total life and annuity premiums
Segment Reporting Information
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges									1,322	1,259	1,248
Allstate Financial | Traditional life insurance
Segment Reporting Information
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges									542	511	491
Allstate Financial | Immediate annuities with life contingencies
Segment Reporting Information
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges									0	4	37
Allstate Financial | Accident and health insurance
Segment Reporting Information
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges									780	744	720
Allstate Financial | Total contract charges
Segment Reporting Information
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges									836	898	1,104
Allstate Financial | Interest-sensitive life insurance
Segment Reporting Information
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges									822	879	1,086
Allstate Financial | Fixed annuities
Segment Reporting Information
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges									14	19	18
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net investment income									35	27	30
Realized capital gains and losses									0	1	1
Service fees									3	5	9
Total Corporate and Other before reclassification of service fees									38	33	40
Reclassification of service fees									(3)	(5)	(9)
Revenues									$ 35	$ 28	$ 31

Reporting Segments (Details 3)

Reporting Segments (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges									$ 2,158	$ 2,157	$ 2,352
Net investment income									3,156	3,459	3,943
Restructuring and related charges									(39)	(18)	(70)
Net income applicable to common shareholders	$ 460	$ 621	$ 326	$ 648	$ 795	$ 750	$ 614	$ 587	2,055	2,746	2,263
Amortization of DAC									4,364	4,135	4,002
Total income tax expense									1,111	1,386	1,116
Property-Liability
Segment Reporting Information
Underwriting income									1,559	1,772	2,218
Net investment income									1,237	1,301	1,375
Income tax expense on operations									(952)	(1,040)	(1,177)
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax									(154)	357	339
Gain (loss) on disposition of operations, after-tax									0	37	(1)
Net income applicable to common shareholders									1,690	2,427	2,754
Amortization of DAC									4,102	3,875	3,674
Total income tax expense									869	1,211	1,357
Allstate Protection
Segment Reporting Information
Underwriting income									1,614	1,887	2,361
Discontinued Lines and Coverages
Segment Reporting Information
Underwriting income									(55)	(115)	(143)
Allstate Financial
Segment Reporting Information
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges									2,158	2,157	2,352
Net investment income									1,884	2,131	2,538
Periodic settlements and accruals on non-hedge derivative instruments									0	(1)	17
Contract benefits and interest credited to contractholder funds									(2,563)	(2,663)	(3,171)
Operating costs and expenses and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs									(729)	(721)	(895)
Restructuring and related charges									0	(2)	(7)
Income tax expense on operations									(241)	(294)	(246)
Operating Income (loss)									509	607	588
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax									173	94	46
Valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged, after-tax									(1)	(15)	(16)
DAC and DSI amortization related to realized capital gains and losses and valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged, after-tax									(3)	(3)	(5)
DAC and DSI unlocking related to realized capital gains and losses, after-tax									0	0	7
Reclassification of periodic settlements and accruals on non-hedge derivative instruments, after-tax									0	1	(11)
Gain (loss) on disposition of operations, after-tax									2	(53)	(514)
Change in accounting for investments in qualified affordable housing projects, after-tax									(17)	0	0
Net income applicable to common shareholders									663	631	95
Amortization of DAC									262	260	328
Total income tax expense									351	299	87
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information
Service fees									3	5	9
Net investment income									35	27	30
Operating costs and expenses									(329)	(364)	(627)
Income tax expense on operations									109	124	220
Preferred stock dividends									(116)	(104)	(17)
Operating Income (loss)									(298)	(312)	(385)
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax									0	0	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt, after-tax									0	0	(319)
Postretirement benefits curtailment gain, after-tax									0	0	118
Net income applicable to common shareholders									(298)	(312)	(586)
Total income tax expense									(109)	$ (124)	$ (328)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-01
Segment Reporting Information
Total income tax expense				$ 45
Accounting Standards Update 2014-01 | Property-Liability
Segment Reporting Information
Total income tax expense									$ 28

Reporting Segments (Details 4)

Reporting Segments (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information
Assets	$ 104,656	$ 108,479	$ 123,460
Investments	77,758	81,113	81,155
Property-Liability
Segment Reporting Information
Assets	55,671	55,767	54,726
Investments	38,479	39,083	39,638
Allstate Financial
Segment Reporting Information
Assets	46,342	49,248	65,707
Investments	36,792	38,809	39,105
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information
Assets	2,643	3,464	3,027
Investments	$ 2,487	$ 3,221	$ 2,412

Other Comprehensive Income (Det

Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pre-tax
Unrealized net holding gains and losses arising during the period, net of related offsets	$ (1,896)	$ 1,026	$ (1,278)
Less: reclassification adjustment of realized capital gains and losses	112	597	549
Unrealized net capital gains and losses	(2,008)	429	(1,827)
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	(89)	(62)	(49)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost arising during the period	(64)	(1,197)	1,231
Less: reclassification adjustment of net periodic cost recognized in operating costs and expenses	(134)	(78)	(445)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost	70	(1,119)	1,676
Other comprehensive loss	(2,027)	(752)	(200)
Tax
Unrealized net holding gains and losses arising during the period, net of related offsets	663	(358)	447
Less: reclassification adjustment of realized capital gains and losses	(39)	(209)	(192)
Unrealized net capital gains and losses	702	(149)	639
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	31	22	17
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost arising during the period	25	421	(429)
Less: reclassification adjustment of net periodic cost recognized in operating costs and expenses	47	27	156
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost	(22)	394	(585)
Other comprehensive loss	711	267	71
After-tax
Unrealized net holding gains and losses arising during the period, net of related offsets	(1,233)	668	(831)
Less: reclassification adjustment of realized capital gains and losses	73	388	357
Unrealized net capital gains and losses	(1,306)	280	(1,188)
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	(58)	(40)	(32)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost arising during the period	(39)	(776)	802
Less: reclassification adjustment of net periodic cost recognized in operating costs and expenses	(87)	(51)	(289)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost	48	(725)	1,091
Other comprehensive loss, after-tax	$ (1,316)	$ (485)	$ (129)

Quarterly Results (unaudited125

Quarterly Results (unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 8,691	$ 9,028	$ 8,982	$ 8,952	$ 8,759	$ 8,936	$ 8,860	$ 8,684	$ 35,653	$ 35,239	$ 34,507
Net income applicable to common shareholders	$ 460	$ 621	$ 326	$ 648	$ 795	$ 750	$ 614	$ 587	$ 2,055	$ 2,746	$ 2,263
Net income applicable to common shareholders earnings per common share - Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.19	$ 1.56	$ 0.80	$ 1.56	$ 1.89	$ 1.77	$ 1.41	$ 1.31	$ 5.12	$ 6.37	$ 4.87
Net income applicable to common shareholders earnings per common share - Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.18	$ 1.54	$ 0.79	$ 1.53	$ 1.86	$ 1.74	$ 1.39	$ 1.30	$ 5.05	$ 6.27	$ 4.81

SCHEDULE I - SUMMARY OF INVE126

SCHEDULE I - SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	$ 76,729
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	77,758
United States government, government agencies and authorities
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	3,836
Fair value	3,922
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	3,922
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	7,032
Fair value	7,401
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	7,401
Foreign governments
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	983
Fair value	1,033
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	1,033
Public utilities
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	4,605
Fair value	4,864
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	4,864
All other corporate bonds
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	37,069
Fair value	36,963
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	36,963
Asset-backed securities
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	2,359
Fair value	2,327
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	2,327
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	857
Fair value	947
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	947
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	438
Fair value	466
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	466
Redeemable preferred stock
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	22
Fair value	25
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	25
Fixed income securities
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	57,201
Fair value	57,948
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	57,948
Public utilities
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	109
Fair value	111
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	111
Banks, trusts and insurance companies
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	1,160
Fair value	1,193
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	1,193
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	3,453
Fair value	3,672
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	3,672
Nonredeemable preferred stocks
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	84
Fair value	106
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	106
Equity securities
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	4,806
Fair value	5,082
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	5,082
Mortgage loans on real estate
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	4,338
Fair value	4,489
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	4,338
Real estate
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	245
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	245
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	6
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	6
Policy loans
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	905
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	905
Derivative instruments
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	47
Fair value	53
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	53
Limited partnership interests
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	4,874
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	4,874
Other long-term investments
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	2,191
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	2,191
Short-term investments
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	2,122
Fair value	2,122
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	$ 2,122

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINA127

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues
Net investment income									$ 3,156	$ 3,459	$ 3,943
Revenues	$ 8,691	$ 9,028	$ 8,982	$ 8,952	$ 8,759	$ 8,936	$ 8,860	$ 8,684	35,653	35,239	34,507
Expenses
Interest expense									292	322	367
Loss on extinguishment of debt									0	1	491
Other operating expenses									4,081	4,341	4,387
Total costs and expenses									32,374	30,929	30,423
Income tax benefit									1,111	1,386	1,116
Net income									2,171	2,850	2,280
Preferred stock dividends									116	104	17
Net income applicable to common shareholders	$ 460	$ 621	$ 326	$ 648	$ 795	$ 750	$ 614	$ 587	2,055	2,746	2,263
Other comprehensive (loss) income, after-tax
Unrealized net capital gains and losses									(1,306)	280	(1,188)
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments									(58)	(40)	(32)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost									48	(725)	1,091
Other comprehensive loss, after-tax									(1,316)	(485)	(129)
Comprehensive income									855	2,365	2,151
Allstate Corporation
Revenues
Net investment income									8	3	3
Other income									66	67	42
Revenues									74	70	45
Expenses
Interest expense									292	321	366
Loss on extinguishment of debt									0	1	491
Pension and other postretirement benefit expense									(15)	41	(184)
Other operating expenses									34	38	30
Total costs and expenses									311	401	703
Loss from operations before income tax benefit and equity in net income of subsidiaries									(237)	(331)	(658)
Income tax benefit									(108)	(142)	(251)
Loss before equity in net income of subsidiaries									(129)	(189)	(407)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									2,300	3,039	2,687
Net income									2,171	2,850	2,280
Preferred stock dividends									116	104	17
Net income applicable to common shareholders									2,055	2,746	2,263
Other comprehensive (loss) income, after-tax
Unrealized net capital gains and losses									(1,306)	280	(1,188)
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments									(58)	(40)	(32)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost									48	(725)	1,091
Other comprehensive loss, after-tax									(1,316)	(485)	(129)
Comprehensive income									$ 855	$ 2,365	$ 2,151

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINA128

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Details 2) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $485 and $878)	$ 57,948	$ 62,440
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost $277 and $673)	2,122	2,540
Cash	495	657	$ 675	$ 806
Total assets	104,656	108,479	123,460
Liabilities
Long-term debt	5,124	5,140
Total liabilities	84,631	86,175
Shareholders’ equity
Common stock, $.01 par value, 2.0 billion shares authorized and 900 million issued, 381 million and 418 million shares outstanding	9	9
Additional capital paid-in	3,245	3,199
Retained income	39,413	37,842
Deferred ESOP expense	(13)	(23)
Treasury stock, at cost (519 million and 482 million shares)	(23,620)	(21,030)
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Unrealized net capital gains and losses	620	1,926
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	(60)	(2)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost	(1,315)	(1,363)
Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(755)	561
Total shareholders’ equity	20,025	22,304
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	104,656	108,479
Additional balance sheet disclosures:
Short-term, at fair value, amortized cost (in dollars)	$ 2,122	$ 2,540
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	72,200	72,200
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	72,200	72,200
Preferred stock, shares aggregate liquidation preference (in dollars)	$ 1,805	$ 1,805
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	2,000,000,000	2,000,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	900,000,000	900,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	381,000,000	418,000,000
Treasury stock, shares	519,000,000	482,000,000
Allstate Corporation
Assets
Investments in subsidiaries	$ 25,047	$ 26,362
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $485 and $878)	485	880
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost $277 and $673)	277	673
Cash	4	155	$ 105	$ 4
Receivable from subsidiaries	339	342
Deferred income taxes	302	352
Other assets	133	167
Total assets	26,587	28,931
Liabilities
Long-term debt	5,124	5,140
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations	948	977
Deferred compensation	259	263
Dividends payable to shareholders	150	155
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other liabilities	81	92
Total liabilities	6,562	6,627
Shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock and additional capital paid-in, $1 par value, 25 million shares authorized, 72.2 thousand issued and outstanding, and $1,805 aggregate liquidation preference	1,746	1,746
Common stock, $.01 par value, 2.0 billion shares authorized and 900 million issued, 381 million and 418 million shares outstanding	9	9
Additional capital paid-in	3,245	3,199
Retained income	39,413	37,842
Deferred ESOP expense	(13)	(23)
Treasury stock, at cost (519 million and 482 million shares)	(23,620)	(21,030)
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Unrealized net capital gains and losses	620	1,926
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	(60)	(2)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost	(1,315)	(1,363)
Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(755)	561
Total shareholders’ equity	20,025	22,304
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	26,587	28,931
Additional balance sheet disclosures:
Fixed income securities, at fair value, amortized cost (in dollars)	485	878
Short-term, at fair value, amortized cost (in dollars)	$ 277	$ 673
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	72,200	72,200
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	72,200	72,200
Preferred stock, shares aggregate liquidation preference (in dollars)	$ 1,805	$ 1,805
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	2,000,000,000	2,000,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	900,000,000	900,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	381,000,000	418,000,000
Treasury stock, shares	519,000,000	482,000,000

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINA129

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 2,171	$ 2,850	$ 2,280
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	1	491
Changes in:
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,616	3,236	4,242
Cash flows from investing activities
Change in short-term investments, net	385	272	(427)
Net cash provided by investing activities	$ 742	1,621	1,580
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		0	2,271
Repayments of long-term debt	$ (20)	(1,006)	(2,627)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	0	965	781
Dividends paid on common stock	(483)	(477)	(352)
Dividends paid on preferred stock	(116)	(87)	(6)
Treasury stock purchases	(2,808)	(2,301)	(1,834)
Shares reissued under equity incentive plans, net	130	266	170
Excess tax benefits on share-based payment arrangements	45	41	38
Other	7	(14)	(12)
Net cash used in financing activities	(4,520)	(4,875)	(5,953)
Net decrease in cash	(162)	(18)	(131)
Cash at beginning of year	657	675	806
Cash at end of year	495	657	675
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing activity and cash flow information
Interest paid on debt	289	332	361
Allstate Corporation
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	2,171	2,850	2,280
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in net income of subsidiaries	(2,300)	(3,039)	(2,687)
Dividends received from subsidiaries	2,300	2,497	1,992
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	1	491
Changes in:
Pension and other postretirement benefits	(15)	41	(184)
Income taxes	77	(158)	113
Operating assets and liabilities	26	(29)	25
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,259	2,163	2,030
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sales of investments	399	351	0
Investment purchases	(4)	(1,174)	(156)
Investment collections	0	155	200
Return of capital from subsidiaries	50	1,200	37
Change in short-term investments, net	397	(88)	(450)
Net cash provided by investing activities	842	444	(369)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	0	2,271
Repayments of long-term debt	(20)	(962)	(2,627)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	0	965	781
Dividends paid on common stock	(483)	(477)	(352)
Dividends paid on preferred stock	(116)	(87)	(6)
Treasury stock purchases	(2,808)	(2,301)	(1,834)
Shares reissued under equity incentive plans, net	130	266	170
Excess tax benefits on share-based payment arrangements	45	41	38
Other	0	(2)	(1)
Net cash used in financing activities	(3,252)	(2,557)	(1,560)
Net decrease in cash	(151)	50	101
Cash at beginning of year	155	105	4
Cash at end of year	4	155	105
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing activity and cash flow information
Interest paid on debt	$ 289	$ 332	$ 359

SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY130

SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplementary Insurance Information
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$ 3,861	$ 3,525	$ 3,372
Reserves for claims and claims expense, contract benefits and contractholder funds	57,411	57,832	58,547
Unearned premiums	12,202	11,655	10,932
Premium revenue and contract charges	32,467	31,086	29,970
Net investment income	3,156	3,459	3,943
Claims and claims expense, contract benefits and interest credited to contractholders	23,598	22,112	21,106
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	4,364	4,135	4,002
Other operating costs and expenses	4,412	4,682	5,315
Premiums written (excluding life)	31,648	30,360	28,887
Allstate Protection
Supplementary Insurance Information
Deferred policy acquisition costs	2,029	1,820	1,625
Reserves for claims and claims expense, contract benefits and contractholder funds	21,807	20,709	19,598
Unearned premiums	12,189	11,640	10,917
Premium revenue and contract charges	30,309	28,928	27,618
Claims and claims expense, contract benefits and interest credited to contractholders	20,981	19,315	17,769
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	4,102	3,875	3,674
Other operating costs and expenses	3,612	3,851	3,814
Premiums written (excluding life)	30,871	29,613	28,164
Discontinued Lines and Coverages
Supplementary Insurance Information
Deferred policy acquisition costs	0	0	0
Reserves for claims and claims expense, contract benefits and contractholder funds	2,062	2,214	2,259
Unearned premiums	0	0	0
Premium revenue and contract charges	0	1	0
Claims and claims expense, contract benefits and interest credited to contractholders	53	113	142
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	0	0	0
Other operating costs and expenses	2	3	1
Premiums written (excluding life)	0	1	0
Property-Liability
Supplementary Insurance Information
Deferred policy acquisition costs	2,029	1,820	1,625
Reserves for claims and claims expense, contract benefits and contractholder funds	23,869	22,923	21,857
Unearned premiums	12,189	11,640	10,917
Premium revenue and contract charges	30,309	28,929	27,618
Net investment income	1,237	1,301	1,375
Claims and claims expense, contract benefits and interest credited to contractholders	21,034	19,428	17,911
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	4,102	3,875	3,674
Other operating costs and expenses	3,614	3,854	3,815
Premiums written (excluding life)	30,871	29,614	28,164
Allstate Financial operations
Supplementary Insurance Information
Deferred policy acquisition costs	1,832	1,705	1,747
Reserves for claims and claims expense, contract benefits and contractholder funds	33,542	34,909	36,690
Unearned premiums	13	15	15
Premium revenue and contract charges	2,158	2,157	2,352
Net investment income	1,884	2,131	2,538
Claims and claims expense, contract benefits and interest credited to contractholders	2,564	2,684	3,195
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	262	260	328
Other operating costs and expenses	472	468	572
Premiums written (excluding life)	777	746	723
Corporate and Other
Supplementary Insurance Information
Deferred policy acquisition costs	0	0	0
Reserves for claims and claims expense, contract benefits and contractholder funds	0	0	0
Unearned premiums	0	0	0
Premium revenue and contract charges	0	0	0
Net investment income	35	27	30
Claims and claims expense, contract benefits and interest credited to contractholders	0	0	0
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	0	0	0
Other operating costs and expenses	326	360	928
Premiums written (excluding life)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE (Deta

SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Life insurance in force
Gross amount	$ 156,486	$ 135,627	$ 528,473
Ceded to other companies	93,326	98,165	196,274
Assumed from other companies	280,644	290,565	14,003
Net amount	$ 343,804	$ 328,027	$ 346,202
Percentage of amount assumed to net	81.60%	88.60%	4.00%
Premiums and contract charges:
Gross amount	$ 32,915	$ 31,858	$ 31,547
Ceded to other companies	1,338	1,446	1,708
Assumed from other companies	890	674	131
Net amount	$ 32,467	$ 31,086	$ 29,970
Percentage of amount assumed to net	2.70%	2.20%	0.40%
Reinsurance or coinsurance income net of premium ceded	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Life insurance
Premiums and contract charges:
Gross amount	828	1,144	2,088
Ceded to other companies	299	360	538
Assumed from other companies	849	629	82
Net amount	$ 1,378	$ 1,413	$ 1,632
Percentage of amount assumed to net	61.60%	44.50%	5.00%
Accident and health insurance
Premiums and contract charges:
Gross amount	$ 813	$ 800	$ 821
Ceded to other companies	33	56	101
Assumed from other companies	0	0	0
Net amount	$ 780	$ 744	$ 720
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Property-liability insurance
Premiums and contract charges:
Gross amount	$ 31,274	$ 29,914	$ 28,638
Ceded to other companies	1,006	1,030	1,069
Assumed from other companies	41	45	49
Net amount	$ 30,309	$ 28,929	$ 27,618
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.10%	0.20%	0.20%

SCHEDULE V - VALUATION ALLOW132

SCHEDULE V - VALUATION ALLOWANCES AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for reinsurance recoverables
Valuation allowances and qualifying accounts
Balance as of beginning of period	$ 95	$ 92	$ 87
Additions charged to costs and expenses	(15)	3	8
Deductions	0	0	3
Balance as of end of period	80	95	92
Allowance for premium installment receivable
Valuation allowances and qualifying accounts
Balance as of beginning of period	83	77	70
Additions charged to costs and expenses	107	99	96
Deductions	100	93	89
Balance as of end of period	90	83	77
Allowance for deferred tax assets
Valuation allowances and qualifying accounts
Balance as of beginning of period	0	0	0
Additions charged to costs and expenses	0	0	0
Deductions	0	0	0
Balance as of end of period	0	0	0
Allowance for estimated losses on mortgage loans
Valuation allowances and qualifying accounts
Balance as of beginning of period	8	21	42
Additions charged to costs and expenses	(4)	(5)	(11)
Deductions	1	8	10
Balance as of end of period	$ 3	$ 8	$ 21

SCHEDULE VI - SUPPLEMENTARY 133

SCHEDULE VI - SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION CONCERNING CONSOLIDATED PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$ 2,029	$ 1,820	$ 1,625
Reserves for insurance claims and claims expense	23,869	22,923	21,857
Unearned premiums	12,189	11,640	10,917
Earned premiums	30,309	28,929	27,618
Net investment income	1,237	1,301	1,375
Claims and claims adjustment expense incurred
Current Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	20,953	19,512	18,032
Prior years	81	(84)	(121)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	4,102	3,875	3,674
Paid claims and claims adjustment expense	20,286	19,392	17,996
Premiums written	$ 30,871	$ 29,614	$ 28,164