| Component: (Network and Table) | |
|---|---|
| Network | 2408406 - Disclosure - Taxation (Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (http://www.acegroup.com/role/TaxationReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails) |
| Table | (Implied) |
| Reporting Entity [Axis] | 0000896159 (http://www.sec.gov/CIK) |
| Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | Period [Axis] | |
|---|---|---|
2012-01-01 - 2012-12-31 | 2011-01-01 - 2011-12-31 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] | ||
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, beginning of year | 134,000,000 | 139,000,000 |
Additions based on tax provisions related to the current year | 19,000,000 | 1,000,000 |
Reduction for tax positions of prior years | 0 | (6,000,000) |
Reductions for settlements with tax authorities | (16,000,000) | 0 |
Reductions for the lapse of the applicable statutes of limitations | (111,000,000) | 0 |
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, end of year | 26,000,000 | 134,000,000 |