| **Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)In Millions, unless otherwise specified** | Mar. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------|---------------|
| **Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]**             |          |          |
| Finance receivable                                                                                           | $ 76          | $ 75          |
| Loss and loss expense reserves                                                                               | 4,240         | 4,230         |
| Maximum                                                                                                      |          |          |
| **Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]**             |          |          |
| Percentage of Level 3 assets measured at fair value                                                          | 1.00%         |          |
| Life Policy Loans                                                                                            |          |          |
| **Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]**             |          |          |
| Finance receivable                                                                                           | 36            | 37            |
| Deferred Annuities And Structured Settlements                                                                |          |          |
| **Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]**             |          |          |
| Loss and loss expense reserves                                                                               | $ 1,046       | $ 1,043       |

| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Percentage of Level 3 Assets to Total Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value
+ References
No definition available.
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| - Definition
The amount needed to reflect the estimated ultimate cost of settling claims relating to casualty insurance insured events that have occurred on or before a particular date (ordinarily, the balance sheet date) and the amount needed to provide for the estimated ultimate cost required to investigate and settle claims relating to insured events that have occurred on or before a particular date (ordinarily, the balance sheet date), whether or not reported to the insurer at that date.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 18 -Article 12Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 94-5 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph a -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.  This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a),(b),(c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482485&loc=d3e14764-158437
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| - Definition
Amount after allowance and deduction of deferred interest and fees, unamortized costs and premiums and discounts from face amounts, of loans and leases held in portfolio, including but not limited to, commercial and consumer loans. Excludes loans and leases covered under loss sharing agreements.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6375948&loc=d3e4428-111522Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 01-6 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph e -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.  This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.7) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878
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