ACE LTD, 10-Q filed on 4/29/2015
Quarterly Report
Document and Entity Information
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Apr. 15, 2015
Entity Information [Line Items]
 
 
Document Type
10-Q 
 
Amendment Flag
false 
 
Document Period End Date
Mar. 31, 2015 
 
Document Fiscal Year Focus
2015 
 
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Q1 
 
Trading Symbol
ACE 
 
Entity Registrant Name
ACE Ltd 
 
Entity Central Index Key
0000896159 
 
Current Fiscal Year End Date
--12-31 
 
Entity Filer Category
Large Accelerated Filer 
 
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
 
326,592,412 
Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost - $48,384 and $47,826) (includes hybrid financial instruments of $284 and $274)
$ 50,410 
$ 49,395 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
6,982 
7,331 
Equity securities, at fair value (cost – $447 and $440)
536 
510 
Short-term investments, at fair value and amortized cost
2,536 
2,322 
Other investments (cost – $3,096 and $2,999)
3,430 
3,346 
Total investments
63,894 
62,904 
Cash
948 1 2
655 1 3
Securities lending collateral
1,033 
1,330 
Accrued investment income
530 
552 
Insurance and reinsurance balances receivable
5,026 
5,426 
Reinsurance recoverable on losses and loss expenses
11,588 
11,992 
Reinsurance recoverable on policy benefits
215 
217 
Deferred policy acquisition costs
2,683 
2,601 
Value of business acquired
440 
466 
Goodwill and other intangible assets
5,516 
5,724 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
1,981 
2,026 
Deferred tax assets
224 
295 
Investments in partially-owned insurance companies
590 
504 
Other assets
3,730 
3,556 
Total assets
98,398 
98,248 
Liabilities
 
 
Unpaid losses and loss expenses
37,326 
38,315 
Unearned premiums
8,182 
8,222 
Future policy benefits
4,744 
4,754 
Insurance and reinsurance balances payable
4,198 
4,095 
Securities lending payable
1,034 
1,331 
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities
6,194 
5,726 
Short-term debt
2,552 
2,552 
Long-term debt
4,157 
3,357 
Trust preferred securities
309 
309 
Total liabilities
68,696 
68,661 
Commitments and contingencies
   
   
Shareholders’ equity
 
 
Common Shares (CHF 24.15 and CHF 24.77 par value; 342,832,412 shares issued; 327,084,762 and 328,659,686 shares outstanding)
7,833 
8,055 
Common Shares in treasury (15,747,650 and 14,172,726 shares)
(1,645)
(1,448)
Additional paid-in capital
5,037 
5,145 
Retained earnings
17,325 
16,644 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI)
1,152 
1,191 
Total shareholders’ equity
29,702 
29,587 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$ 98,398 
$ 98,248 
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Mar. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2015
CHF
Dec. 31, 2014
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2014
CHF
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale, at amortized cost
$ 48,384 
 
$ 47,826 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale, hybrid financial instruments
284 
 
274 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost
7,307 
 
7,589 
 
Equity securities, at cost
447 
 
440 
 
Other investments, cost
$ 3,096 
 
$ 2,999 
 
Common Shares, par value
 
 24.15 
 
 24.77 
Common Shares, shares issued
342,832,412 
342,832,412 
342,832,412 
342,832,412 
Common Shares, shares outstanding
327,084,762 
327,084,762 
328,659,686 
328,659,686 
Common Shares in treasury, shares
15,747,650 
15,747,650 
14,172,726 
14,172,726 
Consolidated Statements Of Operations and Comprehensive Income (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues
 
 
Net premiums written
$ 4,076 
$ 4,185 
Increase in unearned premiums
(149)
(215)
Net premiums earned
3,927 
3,970 
Net investment income
551 
553 
Net realized gains (losses):
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses gross
(13)
(12)
Portion of OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI)
Net OTTI losses recognized in income
(13)
(11)
Net realized gains (losses) excluding OTTI losses
(76)
(93)
Total net realized gains (losses) (includes $(3) and $6 reclassified from AOCI)
(89)
(104)
Total revenues
4,389 
4,419 
Expenses
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
2,122 
2,161 
Policy benefits
142 
114 
Policy acquisition costs
707 
728 
Administrative expenses
554 
535 
Interest expense
68 
71 
Other (income) expense
(5)
(17)
Total expenses
3,588 
3,592 
Income before income tax
801 
827 
Income tax expense (benefit) (includes $4 and $(3) on reclassified unrealized gains and losses)
120 
93 
Net income
681 
734 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
Unrealized appreciation
441 
519 
Reclassification adjustment for net realized (gains) losses included in net income
(6)
Unrealized appreciation (Depreciation) after reclassification adjustment
444 
513 
Change in:
 
 
Cumulative translation adjustment
(421)
(33)
Pension liability
13 
(8)
Other comprehensive income, before income tax
36 
472 
Income tax expense related to OCI items
(75)
(98)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(39)
374 
Comprehensive income
642 
1,108 
Earnings per share
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$ 2.08 
$ 2.16 
Diluted earnings per share
$ 2.05 
$ 2.14 
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] |
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
 
 
Net realized gains (losses):
 
 
Total net realized gains (losses) (includes $(3) and $6 reclassified from AOCI)
(3)
Expenses
 
 
Income tax expense (benefit) (includes $4 and $(3) on reclassified unrealized gains and losses)
$ 4 
$ (3)
Consolidated Statements Of Operations and Comprehensive Income Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Income tax expense (benefit)
$ 120 
$ 93 
Net realized gains (losses)
(89)
(104)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] |
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
 
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
(3)
Net realized gains (losses)
$ (3)
$ 6 
Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)
In Millions
Total
Common Stock [Member]
Treasury Stock [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Balance - beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2013
 
$ 8,899 
$ (255)
$ 5,238 
$ 13,791 
$ 1,174 
$ 63 
$ (85)
 
Dividends declared on Common Shares – par value reduction
 
(175)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net shares redeemed under employee share-based compensation plans
 
 
144 
(154)
 
 
 
 
 
Common Shares repurchased
 
 
(332)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercise of stock options
 
 
 
(18)
 
 
 
 
 
Share-based compensation expense and other
 
 
 
52 
 
 
 
 
 
Funding of dividends declared to Retained earnings
 
 
 
(81)
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
734 
 
 
 
734 
 
 
 
 
Funding of dividends declared from Additional paid-in capital
 
 
 
 
81 
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared on Common Shares
 
 
 
 
(81)
 
 
 
 
Change in period, before reclassification from AOCI, net of income tax expense of $(87) and $(90)
 
 
 
 
 
429 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $4 and $(3)
 
 
 
 
 
(9)
 
 
 
Change in period, net of income tax expense of $(83) and $(93)
 
 
 
 
 
420 
 
 
 
Change in period, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $11 and $(8)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(41)
 
 
Change in period, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $(3) and $3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(5)
 
Balance - end of period at Mar. 31, 2014
29,369 
8,724 
(443)
5,037 
14,525 
1,594 
22 
(90)
1,526 
Balance - beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014
29,587 
8,055 
(1,448)
5,145 
16,644 
1,851 
(581)
(79)
 
Dividends declared on Common Shares – par value reduction
 
(222)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net shares redeemed under employee share-based compensation plans
 
 
143 
(153)
 
 
 
 
 
Common Shares repurchased
 
 
(340)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercise of stock options
 
 
 
(18)
 
 
 
 
 
Share-based compensation expense and other
 
 
 
63 
 
 
 
 
 
Funding of dividends declared to Retained earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
681 
 
 
 
681 
 
 
 
 
Funding of dividends declared from Additional paid-in capital
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared on Common Shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in period, before reclassification from AOCI, net of income tax expense of $(87) and $(90)
 
 
 
 
 
354 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $4 and $(3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in period, net of income tax expense of $(83) and $(93)
 
 
 
 
 
361 
 
 
 
Change in period, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $11 and $(8)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(410)
 
 
Change in period, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $(3) and $3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10 
 
Balance - end of period at Mar. 31, 2015
$ 29,702 
$ 7,833 
$ (1,645)
$ 5,037 
$ 17,325 
$ 2,212 
$ (991)
$ (69)
$ 1,152 
Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Net unrealized appreciation on investments, Change in period, income tax (expense) benefit
$ (83)
$ (93)
Cumulative translation adjustment, Change in period, income tax(expense) benefit
11 
(8)
Pension liability adjustment, Change in period, income tax (expense) benefit
(3)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] |
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
 
 
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Tax
(87)
(90)
Income tax benefit (expense) from reclassification of unrealized gains
$ 4 
$ (3)
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
Net income
$ 681 
$ 734 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities
 
 
Net realized (gains) losses
89 
104 
Amortization of premiums/discounts on fixed maturities
36 
53 
Deferred income taxes
Unpaid losses and loss expenses
(320)
(598)
Unearned premiums
212 
270 
Future policy benefits
48 
56 
Insurance and reinsurance balances payable
158 
112 
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities
(46)
(64)
Income taxes payable
20 
15 
Insurance and reinsurance balances receivable
240 
264 
Reinsurance recoverable on losses and loss expenses
185 
478 
Reinsurance recoverable on policy benefits
(2)
Deferred policy acquisition costs
(128)
(99)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
(32)
(52)
Other
(77)
(21)
Net cash flows from operating activities
1,075 
1,250 
Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
Purchases of fixed maturities available for sale
(4,305)
(3,522)
Purchases of to be announced mortgage-backed securities
(31)
Purchases of fixed maturities held to maturity
(21)
(30)
Purchases of equity securities
(39)
(37)
Sales of fixed maturities available for sale
2,002 
2,208 
Sales of equity securities
28 
27 
Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities available for sale
1,481 
1,550 
Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities held to maturity
324 
212 
Net change in short-term investments
(255)
(765)
Net derivative instruments settlements
(51)
(96)
Other
(153)
(50)
Net cash flows used for investing activities
(1,020)
(503)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
Dividends paid on Common Shares
(214)
(214)
Common Shares repurchased
(347)
(335)
Policyholder contract deposits
101 
51 
Policyholder contract withdrawals
(40)
(14)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
800 
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt
477 
426 
Repayment of short-term debt
(477)
(426)
Proceeds from share-based compensation plans, including windfall tax benefits
39 
40 
Other
(6)
Net cash flows from (used for) financing activities
333 
(472)
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(95)
(7)
Net increase in cash
293 
268 
Cash – beginning of period
655 1 2
579 3
Cash – end of period
948 1 4
847 3
Supplemental cash flow information
 
 
Taxes paid
96 
60 
Interest paid
$ 48 
$ 51 
General
General
General

a) Basis of presentation
ACE Limited is a holding company incorporated in Zurich, Switzerland. ACE Limited, through its subsidiaries, provides a broad range of insurance and reinsurance products to insureds worldwide. ACE operates through five business segments: Insurance – North American P&C, Insurance – North American Agriculture, Insurance – Overseas General, Global Reinsurance, and Life. Refer to Note 10 for additional information.

The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements, which include the accounts of ACE Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively, ACE, we, us, or our), have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments (consisting of normally recurring accruals) necessary for a fair statement of the results and financial position for such periods. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions, including internal reinsurance transactions, have been eliminated.

The results of operations and cash flows for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our 2014 Form 10-K.

b) Accounting guidance not yet adopted

Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs
In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued new guidance related to the accounting for debt issuance costs.  The new guidance requires presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of a deferred charge.  The new guidance requires retrospective adoption and is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance will not have any effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Acquisitions

Large Corporate Account P&C Insurance Business of Itaú Seguros, S.A. (Itaú Seguros)
On October 31, 2014, we expanded our presence in Brazil with the acquisition of the large corporate account property and casualty (P&C) insurance business of Itaú Seguros, Brazil's leading carrier for that business, for $610 million in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment under the purchase agreement expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2015. This acquisition generated $449 million of goodwill, attributable to expected growth and profitability, none of which is currently deductible for income tax purposes, and other intangible assets of $60 million, primarily related to renewal rights, based on ACE’s preliminary purchase price allocation. Goodwill may become deductible for income tax purposes under Brazilian tax law if this acquired entity is merged with certain ACE legal entities. 

The Siam Commercial Samaggi Insurance PCL (Samaggi)
We and our local partner acquired 60.86 percent of Samaggi, a general insurance company in Thailand, from Siam Commercial Bank on April 28, 2014, and subsequently acquired an additional 32.17 percent ownership, through a mandatory tender offer, which expired on June 17, 2014. The purchase price for 93.03 percent of the company was $176 million in cash. This acquisition expands our presence in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

The acquisition generated $46 million of goodwill, attributable to expected growth and profitability, none of which is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes, and other intangible assets of $80 million based on ACE’s preliminary purchase price allocation.  The other intangible assets primarily relate to a bancassurance agreement.

Goodwill and other intangible assets arising from the acquisitions described above are included in our Insurance – Overseas General segment. The consolidated financial statements include results of acquired businesses from the acquisition dates.

Fireman's Fund Insurance Company High Net Worth Personal Lines Insurance Business in the U.S. (Fireman's Fund)
On April 1, 2015, we acquired the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company high net worth personal lines insurance business in the U.S., which included the renewal rights for new and existing business and reinsurance of all existing reserves, from Allianz of America, Inc. for $365 million in cash. The acquisition expands our position as one of the largest high net worth personal lines insurers in the U.S. The Fireman’s Fund business is being integrated into our existing high net worth personal lines business, ACE Private Risk Services, which offers a broad range of coverage including homeowners, automobile, umbrella and excess liability, collectibles and yachts.
Investments
Investments
Investments

a) Fixed maturities
 
March 31, 2015
Amortized
Cost

 
Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation

 
Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation

 
Fair
Value

 
OTTI Recognized
in AOCI

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
Available for sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
2,793

 
$
98

 
$
(2
)
 
$
2,889

 
$

Foreign
14,262

 
761

 
(76
)
 
14,947

 

Corporate securities
17,259

 
834

 
(94
)
 
17,999

 
(6
)
Mortgage-backed securities
10,459

 
362

 
(13
)
 
10,808

 
(1
)
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
3,611

 
160

 
(4
)
 
3,767

 

 
$
48,384

 
$
2,215

 
$
(189
)
 
$
50,410

 
$
(7
)
Held to maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
756

 
$
24

 
$

 
$
780

 
$

Foreign
816

 
57

 

 
873

 

Corporate securities
2,249

 
122

 

 
2,371

 

Mortgage-backed securities
1,907

 
77

 
(1
)
 
1,983

 

States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
1,254

 
47

 
(1
)
 
1,300

 

 
$
6,982

 
$
327

 
$
(2
)
 
$
7,307

 
$


December 31, 2014
Amortized
Cost

 
Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation

 
Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation

 
Fair
Value

 
OTTI Recognized
in AOCI

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
Available for sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
2,741

 
$
87

 
$
(8
)
 
$
2,820

 
$

Foreign
14,703

 
629

 
(90
)
 
15,242

 

Corporate securities
16,897

 
704

 
(170
)
 
17,431

 
(7
)
Mortgage-backed securities
10,011

 
304

 
(29
)
 
10,286

 
(1
)
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
3,474

 
147

 
(5
)
 
3,616

 

 
$
47,826

 
$
1,871

 
$
(302
)
 
$
49,395

 
$
(8
)
Held to maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
832

 
$
20

 
$
(2
)
 
$
850

 
$

Foreign
916

 
47

 

 
963

 

Corporate securities
2,323

 
102

 
(2
)
 
2,423

 

Mortgage-backed securities
1,983

 
57

 
(1
)
 
2,039

 

States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
1,277

 
40

 
(3
)
 
1,314

 

 
$
7,331

 
$
266

 
$
(8
)
 
$
7,589

 
$


As discussed in Note 3 d), if a credit loss is incurred on an impaired fixed maturity, an OTTI is considered to have occurred and the portion of the impairment not related to credit losses (non-credit OTTI) is recognized in OCI. Included in the “OTTI Recognized in AOCI” columns above are the cumulative amounts of non-credit OTTI recognized in OCI adjusted for subsequent sales, maturities, and redemptions. OTTI recognized in AOCI does not include the impact of subsequent changes in fair value of the related securities. In periods subsequent to a recognition of OTTI in OCI, changes in the fair value of the related fixed maturities are reflected in Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in the consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity. For both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, $4 million of net unrealized appreciation related to such securities is included in OCI. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, AOCI included cumulative net unrealized depreciation of $2 million and $3 million, respectively, related to securities remaining in the investment portfolio for which ACE has recognized a non-credit OTTI.

Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) issued by U.S. government agencies are combined with all other to be announced mortgage derivatives held (refer to Note 7 a) (iv)) and are included in the category, “Mortgage-backed securities”. Approximately 82 percent and 83 percent of the total mortgage-backed securities at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, are represented by investments in U.S. government agency bonds. The remainder of the mortgage exposure consists of collateralized mortgage obligations and non-government mortgage-backed securities, the majority of which provide a planned structure for principal and interest payments and carry a rating of AAA by the major credit rating agencies.

The following table presents fixed maturities by contractual maturity:
 
 
 
March 31

 
 
 
December 31

 
 
 
2015

 
 
 
2014

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
Amortized Cost

 
Fair Value

 
Amortized Cost

 
Fair Value

Available for sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due in 1 year or less
$
2,021

 
$
2,042

 
$
2,187

 
$
2,206

Due after 1 year through 5 years
16,209

 
16,735

 
15,444

 
15,857

Due after 5 years through 10 years
15,047

 
15,649

 
15,663

 
16,089

Due after 10 years
4,648

 
5,176

 
4,521

 
4,957

 
37,925

 
39,602

 
37,815

 
39,109

Mortgage-backed securities
10,459

 
10,808

 
10,011

 
10,286

 
$
48,384

 
$
50,410

 
$
47,826

 
$
49,395

Held to maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due in 1 year or less
$
318

 
$
321

 
$
353

 
$
355

Due after 1 year through 5 years
2,594

 
2,706

 
2,603

 
2,693

Due after 5 years through 10 years
1,214

 
1,270

 
1,439

 
1,489

Due after 10 years
949

 
1,027

 
953

 
1,013

 
5,075

 
5,324

 
5,348

 
5,550

Mortgage-backed securities
1,907

 
1,983

 
1,983

 
2,039

 
$
6,982

 
$
7,307

 
$
7,331

 
$
7,589



Expected maturities could differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations, with or without call or prepayment penalties. 

b) Equity securities
 
March 31


December 31

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
2015


2014

Cost
$
447

 
$
440

Gross unrealized appreciation
99

 
83

Gross unrealized depreciation
(10
)
 
(13
)
Fair value
$
536

 
$
510



c) Investments in partially-owned insurance companies
On March 27, 2015 and April 14, 2015, we paid approximately $70 million and $20 million, respectively, to acquire 11.3 percent of the common equity of ABR Reinsurance Capital Holdings Ltd. and warrants to acquire 0.5 percent of additional equity.  ABR Reinsurance Capital Holdings Ltd., is the parent company of ABR Reinsurance Ltd. (ABR Re), an innovative, independent reinsurance company. Through long-term arrangements, ACE will be the sole source of reinsurance risks ceded to ABR Re, and BlackRock, Inc. will be ABR Re’s exclusive investment management service provider. As an investor, ACE is expected to benefit from underwriting profit generated by ABR Re’s reinsuring a wide range of ACE’s primary insurance business and the income and capital appreciation BlackRock, Inc. seeks to deliver through its investment management services. Our minority ownership interest will be accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

d) Net realized gains (losses)
In accordance with guidance related to the recognition and presentation of OTTI, when an impairment related to a fixed maturity has occurred, OTTI is required to be recorded in Net income if management has the intent to sell the security or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost. Further, in cases where we do not intend to sell the security and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell the security, ACE must evaluate the security to determine the portion of the impairment, if any, related to credit losses. If a credit loss is incurred, an OTTI is considered to have occurred and any portion of the OTTI related to credit losses must be reflected in Net income while the portion of OTTI related to all other factors is recognized in OCI. For fixed maturities held to maturity, OTTI recognized in OCI is accreted from AOCI to the amortized cost of the fixed maturity prospectively over the remaining term of the securities.

Each quarter, securities in an unrealized loss position (impaired securities), including fixed maturities, securities lending collateral, equity securities, and other investments, are reviewed to identify impaired securities to be specifically evaluated for a potential OTTI.

For all non-fixed maturities, OTTI is evaluated based on the following:

the amount of time a security has been in a loss position and the magnitude of the loss position;
the period in which cost is expected to be recovered, if at all, based on various criteria including economic conditions and other issuer-specific developments; and
ACE’s ability and intent to hold the security to the expected recovery period.

As a general rule, we also consider that equity securities in an unrealized loss position for twelve consecutive months are other than temporarily impaired. For mutual funds included in equity securities in our consolidated balance sheet, we employ analysis similar to fixed maturities, when applicable.

We review each fixed maturity in an unrealized loss position to assess whether the security is a candidate for credit loss. Specifically, we consider credit rating, market price, and issuer-specific financial information, among other factors, to assess the likelihood of collection of all principal and interest as contractually due. Securities for which we determine that credit loss is likely are subjected to further analysis to estimate the credit loss recognized in Net income, if any. In general, credit loss recognized in Net income equals the difference between the security’s amortized cost and the net present value of its projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security. All significant assumptions used in determining credit losses are subject to change as market conditions evolve.

Projected cash flows for corporate securities (principally senior unsecured bonds) are driven primarily by assumptions regarding probability of default and also the timing and amount of recoveries associated with defaults. ACE developed projected cash flows for corporate securities using market observable data, issuer-specific information, and credit ratings. We use historical default data by Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) rating category to calculate a 1-in-100 year probability of default, which results in a default assumption in excess of the historical mean default rate. Consistent with management's approach, ACE assumed a 32 percent recovery rate (the par value of a defaulted security that will be recovered) across all rating categories rather than using Moody's historical mean recovery rate of 42 percent. We believe that use of a default assumption in excess of the historical mean is conservative in light of current market conditions.

For both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, credit losses recognized in Net income for corporate securities were $4 million.

For mortgage-backed securities, credit impairment is assessed using a cash flow model that estimates the cash flows on the underlying mortgages, using the security-specific collateral and transaction structure. The model estimates cash flows from the underlying mortgage loans and distributes those cash flows to various tranches of securities, considering the transaction structure and any subordination and credit enhancements that exist in that structure. The cash flow model incorporates actual cash flows on the mortgage-backed securities through the current period and then projects the remaining cash flows using a number of assumptions, including default rates, prepayment rates, and loss severity rates (the par value of a defaulted security that will not be recovered) on foreclosed properties.

For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no credit losses recognized in Net income for mortgage-backed securities.
The following table presents the Net realized gains (losses) and the losses included in Net realized gains (losses) and OCI as a result of conditions which caused us to conclude the decline in fair value of certain investments was “other-than-temporary”:
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
2015

 
2014

Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
OTTI on fixed maturities, gross
$
(13
)
 
$
(6
)
OTTI on fixed maturities recognized in OCI (pre-tax)

 
1

OTTI on fixed maturities, net
(13
)
 
(5
)
Gross realized gains excluding OTTI
44

 
36

Gross realized losses excluding OTTI
(35
)
 
(20
)
Total fixed maturities
(4
)
 
11

Equity securities:
 
 
 
OTTI on equity securities

 
(6
)
Gross realized gains excluding OTTI
3

 
2

Gross realized losses excluding OTTI
(2
)
 
(1
)
Total equity securities
1

 
(5
)
OTTI on other investments

 

Foreign exchange losses
(31
)
 
(9
)
Investment and embedded derivative instruments
1

 
(25
)
Fair value adjustments on insurance derivative
(45
)
 
(48
)
S&P put options and futures
(12
)
 
(19
)
Other derivative instruments

 
(2
)
Other
1

 
(7
)
Net realized gains (losses)
$
(89
)
 
$
(104
)

 
The following table presents a roll-forward of pre-tax credit losses related to fixed maturities for which a portion of OTTI was recognized in OCI: 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
2015

 
2014

Balance of credit losses related to securities still held – beginning of period
$
28

 
$
37

Additions where no OTTI was previously recorded
3

 
2

Additions where an OTTI was previously recorded
1

 
2

Reductions for securities sold during the period
(10
)
 
(6
)
Balance of credit losses related to securities still held – end of period
$
22

 
$
35



e) Gross unrealized loss
At March 31, 2015, there were 3,313 fixed maturities out of a total of 33,429 fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position. The largest single unrealized loss in the fixed maturities was $3 million. There were 78 equity securities out of a total of 306 equity securities in an unrealized loss position. The largest single unrealized loss in the equity securities was $1 million. Fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2015, comprised both investment grade and below investment grade securities for which fair value declined primarily due to widening credit spreads since the date of purchase.

The following tables present, for all securities in an unrealized loss position (including securities on loan), the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position:
 
0 – 12 Months
 
 
Over 12 Months
 
 
Total
 
March 31, 2015
Fair Value

 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss

 
Fair Value

 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss

 
Fair Value

 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
443

 
$
(1
)
 
$
141

 
$
(1
)
 
$
584

 
$
(2
)
Foreign
1,747

 
(64
)
 
317

 
(12
)
 
2,064

 
(76
)
Corporate securities
2,140

 
(79
)
 
500

 
(15
)
 
2,640

 
(94
)
Mortgage-backed securities
1,301

 
(6
)
 
560

 
(8
)
 
1,861

 
(14
)
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
462

 
(3
)
 
89

 
(2
)
 
551

 
(5
)
Total fixed maturities
6,093

 
(153
)
 
1,607

 
(38
)
 
7,700

 
(191
)
Equity securities
68

 
(10
)
 

 

 
68

 
(10
)
Other investments
92

 
(6
)
 

 

 
92

 
(6
)
Total
$
6,253

 
$
(169
)
 
$
1,607

 
$
(38
)
 
$
7,860

 
$
(207
)
 
 
0 – 12 Months
 
 
Over 12 Months
 
 
Total
 
December 31, 2014
Fair Value

 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss

 
Fair Value

 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss

 
Fair Value

 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
350

 
$
(1
)
 
$
666

 
$
(9
)
 
$
1,016

 
$
(10
)
Foreign
2,262

 
(75
)
 
375

 
(15
)
 
2,637

 
(90
)
Corporate securities
4,684

 
(150
)
 
738

 
(22
)
 
5,422

 
(172
)
Mortgage-backed securities
704

 
(2
)
 
1,663

 
(28
)
 
2,367

 
(30
)
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
458

 
(3
)
 
490

 
(5
)
 
948

 
(8
)
Total fixed maturities
8,458

 
(231
)
 
3,932

 
(79
)
 
12,390

 
(310
)
Equity securities
101

 
(13
)
 

 

 
101

 
(13
)
Total
$
8,559

 
$
(244
)
 
$
3,932

 
$
(79
)
 
$
12,491

 
$
(323
)


f) Restricted assets
ACE is required to maintain assets on deposit with various regulatory authorities to support its insurance and reinsurance operations. These requirements are generally promulgated in the statutory regulations of the individual jurisdictions. The assets on deposit are available to settle insurance and reinsurance liabilities. ACE is also required to restrict assets pledged under repurchase agreements, which represent ACE's agreement to sell securities and repurchase them at a future date for a predetermined price. We also use trust funds in certain large reinsurance transactions where the trust funds are set up for the benefit of the ceding companies and generally take the place of letter of credit (LOC) requirements. We also have investments in segregated portfolios primarily to provide collateral or guarantees for LOC and derivative transactions. Included in restricted assets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, are investments, primarily fixed maturities, totaling $16.5 billion and $16.3 billion, respectively, and cash of $102 million and $117 million, respectively.
The following table presents the components of restricted assets:
 
March 31

 
December 31

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
2015

 
2014

Trust funds
$
11,132

 
$
10,838

Deposits with non-U.S. regulatory authorities
2,296

 
2,305

Assets pledged under repurchase agreements
1,459

 
1,431

Deposits with U.S. regulatory authorities
1,336

 
1,345

Other pledged assets
446

 
457

 
$
16,669

 
$
16,376


g) Transfers of securities
During April 2015, we transferred securities, considered essential holdings in a diversified portfolio, with a total fair value of approximately $1.8 billion from Fixed maturities available for sale to Fixed maturities held to maturity. These securities, which we have the intent and ability to hold to maturity, will be transferred given the growth in ACE’s investment portfolio over the last several years, as well as continued efforts to manage the diversification of our global portfolio. The net unrealized appreciation at the date of the transfer will be reported in the carrying value of the transferred investments and will be amortized through OCI over the remaining life of the securities using the effective interest method in a manner consistent with the amortization of any premium or discount. This transfer represents a non-cash transaction and will not impact the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Fair value measurements
Fair value measurements
Fair value measurements

a) Fair value hierarchy
Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities is estimated based on the framework established in the fair value accounting guidance. The guidance defines fair value as the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy based on the reliability of the inputs. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data.
 
The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
Level 2 – Includes, among other items, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability such as
interest rates and yield curves, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; and
Level 3 – Inputs that are unobservable and reflect management’s judgments about assumptions that market participants
would use in pricing an asset or liability.

We categorize financial instruments within the valuation hierarchy at the balance sheet date based upon the lowest level of inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement. Accordingly, transfers between levels within the valuation hierarchy occur when there are significant changes to the inputs, such as increases or decreases in market activity, changes to the availability of current prices, changes to the transparency to underlying inputs, and whether there are significant variances in quoted prices. Transfers in and/or out of any level are assumed to occur at the end of the period.

We use pricing services to obtain fair value measurements for the majority of our investment securities. Based on management’s understanding of the methodologies used, these pricing services only produce an estimate of fair value if there is observable market information that would allow them to make a fair value estimate. Based on our understanding of the market inputs used by the pricing services, all applicable investments have been valued in accordance with GAAP. We do not adjust prices obtained from pricing services. The following is a description of the valuation techniques and inputs used to determine fair values for financial instruments carried at fair value, as well as the general classification of such financial instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

Fixed maturities
We use pricing services to estimate fair value measurements for the majority of our fixed maturities. The pricing services use market quotations for fixed maturities that have quoted prices in active markets; such securities are classified within Level 1. For fixed maturities other than U.S. Treasury securities that generally do not trade on a daily basis, the pricing services prepare estimates of fair value measurements using their pricing applications, which include available relevant market information, benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings, and matrix pricing. Additional valuation factors that can be taken into account are nominal spreads, dollar basis, and liquidity adjustments. The pricing services evaluate each asset class based on relevant market and credit information, perceived market movements, and sector news. The market inputs used in the pricing evaluation, listed in the approximate order of priority include: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data, and industry and economic events. The extent of the use of each input is dependent on the asset class and the market conditions. Given the asset class, the priority of the use of inputs may change, or some market inputs may not be relevant. Additionally, fixed maturities valuation is more subjective when markets are less liquid due to the lack of market based inputs (i.e., stale pricing), which may increase the potential that an investment's estimated fair value is not reflective of the price at which an actual transaction would occur. The overwhelming majority of fixed maturities are classified within Level 2 because the most significant inputs used in the pricing techniques are observable. For a small number of fixed maturities, we obtain a single broker quote (typically from a market maker). Due to the disclaimers on the quotes that indicate that the price is indicative only, we include these fair value estimates in Level 3. 

Equity securities
Equity securities with active markets are classified within Level 1 as fair values are based on quoted market prices. For equity securities in markets which are less active, fair values are based on market valuations and are classified within Level 2. Equity securities for which pricing is unobservable are classified within Level 3.

Short-term investments
Short-term investments, which comprise securities due to mature within one year of the date of purchase that are traded in active markets, are classified within Level 1 as fair values are based on quoted market prices. Securities such as commercial paper and discount notes are classified within Level 2 because these securities are typically not actively traded due to their approaching maturity and, as such, their cost approximates fair value. Short-term investments for which pricing is unobservable are classified within Level 3.

Other investments
Fair values for the majority of Other investments including investments in partially-owned investment companies, investment funds, and limited partnerships are based on their respective net asset values or equivalent (NAV). The majority of these investments, for which NAV was used as a practical expedient to measure fair value, are classified within Level 3 because either ACE will never have the contractual option to redeem the investments or will not have the contractual option to redeem the investments in the near term. The remainder of such investments is classified within Level 2. Certain of our long-duration contracts are supported by assets that do not qualify for separate account reporting under GAAP. These assets comprise mutual funds classified within Level 1 in the valuation hierarchy on the same basis as other equity securities traded in active markets. Other investments also includes equity securities and fixed maturities held in rabbi trusts maintained by ACE for deferred compensation plans, which are classified within the valuation hierarchy on the same basis as other equity securities and fixed maturities.

Securities lending collateral
The underlying assets included in Securities lending collateral in the consolidated balance sheets are fixed maturities which are classified in the valuation hierarchy on the same basis as other fixed maturities. Excluded from the valuation hierarchy is the corresponding liability related to ACE’s obligation to return the collateral plus interest as it is reported at contract value and not fair value in the consolidated balance sheets.

Investment derivative instruments
Actively traded investment derivative instruments, including futures, options, and forward contracts are classified within Level 1 as fair values are based on quoted market prices. The fair value of cross-currency swaps are based on market valuations and are classified within Level 2. Investment derivative instruments are recorded in either Other assets or Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Other derivative instruments
We maintain positions in other derivative instruments including exchange-traded equity futures contracts and option contracts designed to limit exposure to a severe equity market decline, which would cause an increase in expected claims and, therefore, an increase in reserves for our guaranteed minimum death benefits (GMDB) and guaranteed living benefits (GLB) reinsurance business. Our position in exchange-traded equity futures contracts is classified within Level 1. The fair value of the majority of the remaining positions in other derivative instruments is based on significant observable inputs including equity security and interest rate indices. Accordingly, these are classified within Level 2. Other derivative instruments based on unobservable inputs are classified within Level 3. Other derivative instruments are recorded in either Other assets or Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Separate account assets
Separate account assets represent segregated funds where investment risks are borne by the customers, except to the extent of certain guarantees made by ACE. Separate account assets comprise mutual funds classified within Level 1 in the valuation hierarchy on the same basis as other equity securities traded in active markets. Separate account assets also include fixed maturities classified within Level 2 because the most significant inputs used in the pricing techniques are observable. Excluded from the valuation hierarchy are the corresponding liabilities as they are reported at contract value and not fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. Separate account assets are recorded in Other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Guaranteed living benefits
The GLB arises from life reinsurance programs covering living benefit guarantees whereby we assume the risk of guaranteed minimum income benefits (GMIB) and guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (GMAB) associated with variable annuity contracts. GLB’s are recorded in Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities and Future policy benefits in the consolidated balance sheets. For GLB reinsurance, ACE estimates fair value using an internal valuation model which includes current market information and estimates of policyholder behavior. All of the treaties contain claim limits, which are factored into the valuation model. The fair value depends on a number of factors, including interest rates, equity markets, credit risk, current account value, market volatility, expected annuitization rates, and other policyholder behavior and changes in policyholder mortality.

The most significant policyholder behavior assumptions include lapse rates and the GMIB annuitization rates. Assumptions regarding lapse rates and GMIB annuitization rates differ by treaty, but the underlying methodologies to determine rates applied to each treaty are comparable.

A lapse rate is the percentage of in-force policies surrendered in a given calendar year. All else equal, as lapse rates increase, ultimate claim payments will decrease.

GMIB annuitization rate is the percentage of policies for which the policyholder will elect to annuitize using the guaranteed benefit provided under the GMIB. All else equal, as GMIB annuitization rates increase, ultimate claim payments will increase, subject to treaty claim limits.

The effect of changes in key market factors on assumed lapse and annuitization rates reflect emerging trends using data available from cedants. For treaties with limited experience, rates are established in line with data received from other ceding companies adjusted, as appropriate, with industry estimates. The model and related assumptions are regularly re-evaluated by management and enhanced, as appropriate, based upon additional experience obtained related to policyholder behavior and availability of updated information such as market conditions, market participant assumptions, and demographics of in-force annuities. Because of the significant use of unobservable inputs including policyholder behavior, GLB reinsurance is classified within Level 3. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, no material changes were made to actuarial or behavioral assumptions. We made minor technical refinements to the model with an unfavorable net income impact of approximately $400 thousand and $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For detailed information on our lapse and annuitization rate assumptions, refer to Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of our 2014 Form 10-K.

Financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis, by valuation hierarchy
March 31, 2015
Level 1

 
Level 2

 
Level 3

 
Total

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
1,747

 
$
1,142

 
$

 
$
2,889

Foreign

 
14,925

 
22

 
14,947

Corporate securities

 
17,832

 
167

 
17,999

Mortgage-backed securities

 
10,775

 
33

 
10,808

States, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 
3,767

 

 
3,767

 
1,747

 
48,441

 
222

 
50,410

Equity securities
518

 
16

 
2

 
536

Short-term investments
1,469

 
1,067

 

 
2,536

Other investments
364

 
277

 
2,789

 
3,430

Securities lending collateral

 
1,033

 

 
1,033

Investment derivative instruments
21

 

 

 
21

Other derivative instruments

 
1

 

 
1

Separate account assets
1,488

 
86

 

 
1,574

Total assets measured at fair value
$
5,607

 
$
50,921

 
$
3,013

 
$
59,541

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment derivative instruments
$
25

 
$

 
$

 
$
25

Other derivative instruments
3

 

 
4

 
7

GLB(1)

 

 
451

 
451

Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
28

 
$

 
$
455

 
$
483

(1) 
Our GLB reinsurance product meets the definition of a derivative instrument for accounting purposes and is accordingly carried at fair value. Excluded from the table above is the portion of the GLB derivative liability classified as Future policy benefits in the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 5 for additional information.
 
December 31, 2014
Level 1

 
Level 2

 
Level 3

 
Total

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
1,680

 
$
1,140

 
$

 
$
2,820

Foreign

 
15,220

 
22

 
15,242

Corporate securities

 
17,244

 
187

 
17,431

Mortgage-backed securities

 
10,271

 
15

 
10,286

States, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 
3,616

 

 
3,616

 
1,680

 
47,491

 
224

 
49,395

Equity securities
492

 
16

 
2

 
510

Short-term investments
1,183

 
1,139

 

 
2,322

Other investments
370

 
257

 
2,719

 
3,346

Securities lending collateral

 
1,330

 

 
1,330

Investment derivative instruments
18

 

 

 
18

Other derivative instruments

 
2

 

 
2

Separate account assets
1,400

 
90

 

 
1,490

Total assets measured at fair value
$
5,143

 
$
50,325

 
$
2,945

 
$
58,413

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment derivative instruments
$
36

 
$

 
$

 
$
36

Other derivative instruments
21

 

 
4

 
25

GLB(1)

 

 
406

 
406

Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
57

 
$

 
$
410

 
$
467

(1) 
Our GLB reinsurance product meets the definition of a derivative instrument for accounting purposes and is accordingly carried at fair value. Excluded from the table above is the portion of the GLB derivative liability classified as Future policy benefits in the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 5 for additional information.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

Fair value of alternative investments
Included in Other investments in the fair value hierarchy are investment funds, limited partnerships, and partially-owned investment companies measured at fair value using NAV as a practical expedient. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no probable or pending sales related to any of the investments measured at fair value using NAV. 

The following table presents, by investment category, the expected liquidation period, fair value, and maximum future funding commitments of alternative investments:
 
 
 
 
 
March 31

 
 
 
December 31

 
Expected
Liquidation
Period of Underlying Assets
 
 
 
2015

 
 
 
2014

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
Fair
Value

 
Maximum
Future Funding
Commitments

 
Fair
Value

 
Maximum
Future Funding
Commitments

Financial
5 to 9 Years
 
$
298

 
$
130

 
$
282

 
$
145

Real Assets
3 to 7 Years
 
478

 
193

 
464

 
214

Distressed
5 to 9 Years
 
251

 
249

 
232

 
175

Private Credit
3 to 7 Years
 
303

 
181

 
299

 
190

Traditional
3 to 9 Years
 
910

 
239

 
895

 
285

Vintage
1 to 2 Years
 
9

 

 
11

 
1

Investment funds
Not Applicable
 
383

 

 
378

 

 
 
 
$
2,632

 
$
992

 
$
2,561

 
$
1,010



In the first quarter of 2015, we redefined and regrouped certain alternative investment categories to better align with our management approach. The prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Included in all categories in the above table except for Investment funds are investments for which ACE will never have the contractual option to redeem but receives distributions based on the liquidation of the underlying assets. Further, for all categories except for Investment funds, ACE does not have the ability to sell or transfer the investments without the consent from the general partner of individual funds.
Investment Category
 
Consists of investments in private equity funds:
Financial
 
targeting financial services companies such as financial institutions and insurance services worldwide
Real Assets
 
targeting investments related to hard physical assets such as real estate, infrastructure and natural resources
Distressed
 
targeting distressed corporate debt/credit and equity opportunities in the U.S.
Private Credit
 
targeting privately originated corporate debt investments including senior secured loans and subordinated bonds
Traditional
 
employing traditional private equity investment strategies such as buyout and growth equity globally
Vintage
 
made before 2002 and where the funds’ commitment periods had already expired

Investment funds
ACE’s investment funds employ various investment strategies such as long/short equity and arbitrage/distressed. Included in this category are investments for which ACE has the option to redeem at agreed upon value as described in each investment fund’s subscription agreement. Depending on the terms of the various subscription agreements, investment fund investments may be redeemed monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. If ACE wishes to redeem an investment fund investment, it must first determine if the investment fund is still in a lock-up period (a time when ACE cannot redeem its investment so that the investment fund manager has time to build the portfolio). If the investment fund is no longer in its lock-up period, ACE must then notify the investment fund manager of its intention to redeem by the notification date prescribed by the subscription agreement. Subsequent to notification, the investment fund can redeem ACE’s investment within several months of the notification. Notice periods for redemption of the investment funds range between 5 and 120 days. ACE can redeem its investment funds without consent from the investment fund managers.

Level 3 financial instruments
The fair values of assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) consist of various inputs and assumptions that management makes when determining fair value. Management analyzes changes in fair value measurements classified within Level 3 by comparing pricing and returns of our investments to benchmarks, including month-over-month movements, investment credit spreads, interest rate movements, and credit quality of securities.

The following table presents the significant unobservable inputs used in the Level 3 liability valuations. Excluded from the table below are inputs used to determine the fair value of Level 3 assets which are based on single broker quotes or net asset value and contain no quantitative unobservable inputs developed by management. 
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except for percentages)
Fair Value
 
Valuation
Technique
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
 
Ranges
March 31, 2015

 
December 31, 2014

 
 
 
GLB(1)
$
451

 
$
406

 
Actuarial model
 
Lapse rate
 
1% – 30%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annuitization rate
 
0% – 55%
(1) 
Discussion of the most significant inputs used in the fair value measurement of GLB and the sensitivity of those assumptions is included within Note 4 a) Guaranteed living benefits.

The following tables present a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of financial instruments measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): 
 
Assets
 
 
 
Liabilities

Three Months Ended
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
 
 
Equity
securities

Other
investments

 
Other
derivative
instruments

GLB(1)

March 31, 2015
Foreign

 
Corporate
securities

 
MBS

 
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
Balance–Beginning of Period
$
22

 
$
187

 
$
15

 
$
2

$
2,719

 
$
4

$
406

Transfers into Level 3

 
1

 

 


 


Transfers out of Level 3

 

 

 


 


Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) included in OCI

 
3

 

 

(20
)
 


Net Realized Gains/Losses

 
(3
)
 

 


 

45

Purchases
1

 
8

 
18

 

147

 


Sales
(1
)
 
(3
)
 

 


 


Settlements

 
(26
)
 

 

(57
)
 


Balance–End of Period
$
22

 
$
167

 
$
33

 
$
2

$
2,789

 
$
4

$
451

Net Realized Gains/Losses Attributable to Changes in Fair Value at the Balance Sheet Date
$

 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
$

$

 
$

$
45

(1) 
Our GLB reinsurance product meets the definition of a derivative instrument for accounting purposes and is accordingly carried at fair value. Excluded from the table above is the portion of the GLB derivative liability classified as Future policy benefits in the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 5 for additional information.
  
Assets
 
 
Liabilities

Three Months Ended
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
 
 
Equity
securities

 
Short-term investments

 
Other
investments

 
GLB(1)

March 31, 2014
Foreign

 
Corporate
securities

 
MBS

 
 
 
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance–Beginning of Period
$
44

 
$
166

 
$
8

 
$
4

 
$
7

 
$
2,440

 
$
193

Transfers into Level 3

 
4

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
(18
)
 
(22
)
 

 
(2
)
 
(7
)
 

 

Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) included in OCI
(1
)
 

 

 
1

 

 
41

 

Net Realized Gains/Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 
50

Purchases
2

 
15

 

 
1

 

 
200

 

Sales
(1
)
 
(6
)
 

 
(2
)
 

 
(1
)
 

Settlements

 
(6
)
 

 

 

 
(69
)
 

Balance–End of Period
$
26

 
$
151

 
$
8

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
2,611

 
$
243

Net Realized Gains/Losses Attributable to Changes in Fair Value at the Balance Sheet Date
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
50

(1) 
Our GLB reinsurance product meets the definition of a derivative instrument for accounting purposes and is accordingly carried at fair value. Excluded from the table above is the portion of the GLB derivative liability classified as Future policy benefits in the consolidated balance sheets. The liability for GLB reinsurance was $483 million at March 31, 2014, and $427 million at December 31, 2013, which includes a fair value derivative adjustment of $243 million and $193 million, respectively.

b) Financial instruments disclosed, but not measured, at fair value
ACE uses various financial instruments in the normal course of its business. Our insurance contracts are excluded from fair value of financial instruments accounting guidance, and therefore, are not included in the amounts discussed below.

The carrying values of cash, other assets, other liabilities, and other financial instruments not included below approximated their fair values.

Investments in partially-owned insurance companies
Fair values for investments in partially-owned insurance companies are based on ACE’s share of the net assets based on the financial statements provided by those companies.

Short- and long-term debt and trust preferred securities
Where practical, fair values for short-term debt, long-term debt, and trust preferred securities are estimated using discounted cash flow calculations based principally on observable inputs including incremental borrowing rates, which reflect ACE’s credit rating, for similar types of borrowings with maturities consistent with those remaining for the debt being valued.

The following tables present fair value, by valuation hierarchy, and carrying value of the financial instruments not measured at fair value:
March 31, 2015
Fair Value
 
 
Carrying Value

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
Level 1

 
Level 2

 
Level 3

 
Total

 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
590

 
$
190

 
$

 
$
780

 
$
756

Foreign

 
873

 

 
873

 
816

Corporate securities

 
2,357

 
14

 
2,371

 
2,249

Mortgage-backed securities

 
1,983

 

 
1,983

 
1,907

States, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 
1,300

 

 
1,300

 
1,254

 
590

 
6,703

 
14

 
7,307

 
6,982

Partially-owned insurance companies

 

 
590

 
590

 
590

Total assets
$
590

 
$
6,703

 
$
604

 
$
7,897

 
$
7,572

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term debt
$

 
$
2,563

 
$

 
$
2,563

 
$
2,552

Long-term debt

 
4,575

 

 
4,575

 
4,157

Trust preferred securities

 
465

 

 
465

 
309

Total liabilities
$

 
$
7,603

 
$

 
$
7,603

 
$
7,018


December 31, 2014
Fair Value
 
 
Carrying Value

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
Level 1

 
Level 2

 
Level 3

 
Total

 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
659

 
$
191

 
$

 
$
850

 
$
832

Foreign

 
963

 

 
963

 
916

Corporate securities

 
2,408

 
15

 
2,423

 
2,323

Mortgage-backed securities

 
2,039

 

 
2,039

 
1,983

States, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 
1,314

 

 
1,314

 
1,277

 
659

 
6,915

 
15

 
7,589

 
7,331

Partially-owned insurance companies

 

 
504

 
504

 
504

Total assets
$
659

 
$
6,915

 
$
519

 
$
8,093

 
$
7,835

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term debt
$

 
$
2,571

 
$

 
$
2,571

 
$
2,552

Long-term debt

 
3,690

 

 
3,690

 
3,357

Trust preferred securities

 
462

 

 
462

 
309

Total liabilities
$

 
$
6,723

 
$

 
$
6,723

 
$
6,218

Assumed life reinsurance programs involving minimum benefit guarantees under annuity contracts
Assumed life reinsurance programs involving minimum benefit guarantees under annuity contracts
Assumed life reinsurance programs involving minimum benefit guarantees under variable annuity contracts

The following table presents income and expenses relating to GMDB and GLB reinsurance. GLBs include GMIBs as well as some GMABs originating in Japan.
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
2015

 
2014

GMDB
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
$
16

 
$
19

Policy benefits and other reserve adjustments
$
9

 
$
15

GLB
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
$
32

 
$
36

Policy benefits and other reserve adjustments
12

 
9

Net realized gains (losses)
(45
)
 
(50
)
Loss recognized in Net income
$
(25
)
 
$
(23
)
Less: Net cash received
28

 
33

Net increase in liability
$
(53
)
 
$
(56
)


Net realized gains (losses) in the table above include gains (losses) related to foreign exchange and fair value adjustments on insurance derivatives and exclude gains (losses) on S&P put options and futures held to partially offset the risk in the GLB reinsurance portfolio. Refer to Note 7 for additional information.

At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the reported liability for GMDB reinsurance was $112 million and $111 million, respectively. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the reported liability for GLB reinsurance was $716 million and $663 million, respectively, which includes a fair value derivative adjustment of $451 million and $406 million, respectively. Reported liabilities for both GMDB and GLB reinsurance are determined using internal valuation models. Such valuations require considerable judgment and are subject to significant uncertainty. The valuation of these products is subject to fluctuations arising from, among other factors, changes in interest rates, changes in equity markets, changes in credit markets, changes in the allocation of the investments underlying annuitants’ account values, and assumptions regarding future policyholder behavior. These models and the related assumptions are regularly reviewed by management and enhanced, as appropriate, based upon improvements in modeling assumptions and availability of updated information, such as market conditions and demographics of in-force annuities.
Debt
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
Debt

In March 2015, ACE INA Holdings Inc. issued $800 million of 3.15 percent senior notes due March 2025. These senior notes are redeemable at any time at ACE INA Holdings Inc.'s option subject to a “make-whole” premium (the present value of the remaining principal and interest discounted at the applicable U.S. Treasury rate plus 0.15 percent). The notes are also redeemable at par plus accrued and unpaid interest in the event of certain changes in tax law. These notes do not have the benefit of any sinking fund.  These senior unsecured notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by ACE Limited and they rank equally with all of ACE's other senior obligations.  They also contain customary limitations on lien provisions as well as customary events of default provisions which, if breached, could result in the accelerated maturity of such senior debt.
Commitments, contingencies, and guarantees
Commitments, contingencies, and guarantees
Commitments, contingencies, and guarantees

a) Derivative instruments
Foreign currency management
As a global company, ACE entities transact business in multiple currencies. Our policy is to generally match assets, liabilities and required capital for each individual jurisdiction in local currency, which would include the use of derivatives discussed below. We do not hedge our net asset non-USD capital positions, however we do consider hedging for planned cross border transactions.

Derivative instruments employed
ACE maintains positions in derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps, and foreign currency forward contracts for which the primary purposes are to manage duration and foreign currency exposure, yield enhancement, or to obtain an exposure to a particular financial market. ACE also maintains positions in convertible securities that contain embedded derivatives. Investment derivative instruments are recorded in either Other assets (OA) or Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities (AP), convertible bonds are recorded in Fixed maturities available for sale (FM AFS) and convertible equity securities are recorded in Equity securities (ES) in the consolidated balance sheets. These are the most numerous and frequent derivative transactions.

In addition, ACE from time to time purchases to be announced mortgage-backed securities (TBAs) as part of its investing activities.

Under reinsurance programs covering GLBs, ACE assumes the risk of GLBs, including GMIB and GMAB, associated with variable annuity contracts. The GMIB risk is triggered if, at the time the contract holder elects to convert the accumulated account value to a periodic payment stream (annuitize), the accumulated account value is not sufficient to provide a guaranteed minimum level of monthly income. The GMAB risk is triggered if, at contract maturity, the contract holder’s account value is less than a guaranteed minimum value. The GLB reinsurance product meets the definition of a derivative instrument. Benefit reserves in respect of GLBs are classified as Future policy benefits (FPB) while the fair value derivative adjustment is classified within AP. ACE also maintains positions in exchange-traded equity futures contracts and options on equity market indices to limit equity exposure in the GMDB and GLB blocks of business.

All derivative instruments are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in Net realized gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations. None of the derivative instruments are designated as hedges for accounting purposes.

The following table presents the balance sheet locations, fair values of derivative instruments in an asset or (liability) position, and notional values/payment provisions of our derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value
 
 
Notional
Value/
Payment
Provision

 
Fair Value
 
 
Notional
Value/
Payment
Provision

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Derivative Asset

 
Derivative (Liability)

 
 
Derivative Asset

 
Derivative (Liability)

 
Investment and embedded derivative instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forward contracts
OA / (AP)
 
$
15

 
$
(8
)
 
$
1,160

 
$
12

 
$
(7
)
 
$
1,329

Cross-currency swaps
OA / (AP)
 

 

 
95

 

 

 
95

Futures contracts on money market instruments
OA / (AP)
 
1

 
(1
)
 
4,355

 

 

 
2,467

Options/Futures contracts on notes and bonds
OA / (AP)
 
5

 
(16
)
 
1,276

 
6

 
(29
)
 
1,636

Convertible securities(1)
FM AFS / ES
 
298

 

 
272

 
291

 

 
267

TBAs
FM AFS
 
31

 

 
30

 

 

 

 
 
 
$
350

 
$
(25
)
 
$
7,188

 
$
309

 
$
(36
)
 
$
5,794

Other derivative instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Futures contracts on equities (2)
OA / (AP)
 
$

 
$
(3
)
 
$
1,340

 
$

 
$
(21
)
 
$
1,384

Options on equity market indices (2)
OA / (AP)
 
1

 

 
250

 
2

 

 
250

Other
OA / (AP)
 

 
(4
)
 
10

 

 
(4
)
 
10

 
 
 
$
1

 
$
(7
)
 
$
1,600

 
$
2

 
$
(25
)
 
$
1,644

GLB(3)
(AP) / (FPB)
 
$

 
$
(716
)
 
$
748

 
$

 
$
(663
)
 
$
675


(1) 
Includes fair value of embedded derivatives.
(2) 
Related to GMDB and GLB blocks of business.
(3) 
Includes both future policy benefits reserves and fair value derivative adjustment. Refer to Note 5 for additional information. Note that the payment provision related to GLB is the net amount at risk. The concept of a notional value does not apply to the GLB reinsurance contracts.

At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, derivative liabilities of $4 million and $34 million, respectively, included in the table above were subject to a master netting agreement. The remaining derivatives included in the table above were not subject to a master netting agreement. 

ACE participates in a securities lending program operated by a third-party banking institution whereby certain assets are loaned to qualified borrowers and from which we earn an incremental return. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, our securities lending payable was $1,034 million and $1,331 million, respectively, and our securities lending collateral was $1,033 million and $1,330 million, respectively. The securities lending collateral can only be accessed in the event that the institution borrowing the securities is in default under the lending agreement. An indemnification agreement with the lending agent protects us in the event a borrower becomes insolvent or fails to return any of the securities on loan. At both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, our repurchase agreement obligations of $1,402 million were fully collateralized. In contrast to securities lending programs, the use of cash received is not restricted for the repurchase obligations.

The following table presents net realized gains (losses) related to derivative instrument activity in the consolidated statements of operations:
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
2015

 
2014

Investment and embedded derivative instruments
 
 
 
Foreign currency forward contracts
$
25

 
$
(3
)
All other futures contracts and options
(29
)
 
(22
)
Convertible securities(1)
5

 

Total investment and embedded derivative instruments
$
1

 
$
(25
)
GLB and other derivative instruments
 
 
 
GLB(2)
$
(45
)
 
$
(48
)
Futures contracts on equities(3)
(11
)
 
(17
)
Options on equity market indices(3)
(1
)
 
(2
)
Other

 
(2
)
Total GLB and other derivative instruments
$
(57
)
 
$
(69
)
 
$
(56
)
 
$
(94
)
(1) 
Includes embedded derivatives.
(2) 
Excludes foreign exchange gains (losses) related to GLB.
(3) 
Related to GMDB and GLB blocks of business.

Derivative instrument objectives

(i) Foreign currency exposure management
A foreign currency forward contract (forward) is an agreement between participants to exchange specific foreign currencies at a future date. ACE uses forwards to minimize the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies as discussed above.

(ii) Duration management and market exposure
Futures
Futures contracts give the holder the right and obligation to participate in market movements, determined by the index or underlying security on which the futures contract is based. Settlement is made daily in cash by an amount equal to the change in value of the futures contract times a multiplier that scales the size of the contract. Exchange-traded futures contracts on money market instruments, notes and bonds are used in fixed maturity portfolios to more efficiently manage duration, as substitutes for ownership of the money market instruments, bonds and notes without significantly increasing the risk in the portfolio. Investments in futures contracts may be made only to the extent that there are assets under management not otherwise committed.

Exchange-traded equity futures contracts are used to limit exposure to a severe equity market decline, which would cause an increase in expected claims and therefore, an increase in reserves for GMDB and GLB reinsurance business.

Options
An option contract conveys to the holder the right, but not the obligation, to purchase or sell a specified amount or value of an underlying security at a fixed price. Option contracts are used in the investment portfolio as protection against unexpected shifts in interest rates, which would affect the duration of the fixed maturity portfolio. By using options in the portfolio, the overall interest rate sensitivity of the portfolio can be reduced. Option contracts may also be used as an alternative to futures contracts in the synthetic strategy as described above.

Another use for option contracts is to limit exposure to a severe equity market decline, which would cause an increase in expected claims and therefore, an increase in reserves for GMDB and GLB reinsurance business.

The price of an option is influenced by the underlying security, expected volatility, time to expiration, and supply and demand.

The credit risk associated with the above derivative financial instruments relates to the potential for non-performance by counterparties. Although non-performance is not anticipated, in order to minimize the risk of loss, management monitors the creditworthiness of its counterparties and obtains collateral. The performance of exchange-traded instruments is guaranteed by the exchange on which they trade. For non-exchange-traded instruments, the counterparties are principally banks which must meet certain criteria according to our investment guidelines.

Cross-currency swaps
Cross-currency swaps are agreements under which two counterparties exchange interest payments and principal denominated in different currencies at a future date.  We use cross-currency swaps to reduce the foreign currency and interest rate risk by converting cash flows back into local currency.  We invest in foreign currency denominated investments to improve credit diversification and also to obtain better duration matching to our liabilities that is limited in the local currency market.

Other
Included within Other are derivatives intended to reduce potential losses which may arise from certain exposures in our insurance business.  The economic benefit provided by these derivatives is similar to purchased reinsurance.  For example, ACE may enter into crop derivative contracts to protect underwriting results in the event of a significant decline in commodity prices. Also included within Other are certain life insurance products that meet the definition of a derivative instrument for accounting purposes. 

(iii) Convertible security investments
A convertible security is a debt instrument or preferred stock that can be converted into a predetermined amount of the issuer’s equity. The convertible option is an embedded derivative within the host instruments which are classified in the investment portfolio as either available for sale or as an equity security. ACE purchases convertible securities for their total return and not specifically for the conversion feature.

(iv) TBA
By acquiring TBAs, we make a commitment to purchase a future issuance of mortgage-backed securities. For the period between purchase of the TBAs and issuance of the underlying security, we account for our position as a derivative in the consolidated financial statements. ACE purchases TBAs both for their total return and for the flexibility they provide related to our mortgage-backed security strategy.

(v) GLB
Under the GLB program, as the assuming entity, ACE is obligated to provide coverage until the expiration or maturity of the underlying deferred annuity contracts or the expiry of the reinsurance treaty. Premiums received under the reinsurance treaties are classified as premium. Expected losses allocated to premiums received are classified as Future policy benefits and valued similar to GMDB reinsurance. Other changes in fair value, principally arising from changes in expected losses allocated to expected future premiums, are classified as Net realized gains (losses). Fair value represents management’s estimate of an exit price and thus, includes a risk margin. We may recognize a realized loss for other changes in fair value due to adverse changes in the capital markets (e.g., declining interest rates and/or declining equity markets) and changes in actual or estimated future policyholder behavior (e.g., increased annuitization or decreased lapse rates) although we expect the business to be profitable. We believe this presentation provides the most meaningful disclosure of changes in the underlying risk within the GLB reinsurance programs for a given reporting period.

b) Other investments
At March 31, 2015, included in Other investments in the consolidated balance sheet are investments in limited partnerships and partially-owned investment companies with a carrying value of $2.2 billion. In connection with these investments, we have commitments that may require funding of up to $992 million over the next several years. 

c) Taxation
At March 31, 2015, $23 million of unrecognized tax benefits remains outstanding. It is reasonably possible that over the next twelve months, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits may change resulting from the re-evaluation of unrecognized tax benefits arising from examinations of taxing authorities. With few exceptions, ACE is no longer subject to state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations for years before 2005.

d) Legal proceedings
Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to claims litigation involving disputed interpretations of policy coverages and, in some jurisdictions, direct actions by allegedly-injured persons seeking damages from policyholders. These lawsuits, involving claims on policies issued by our subsidiaries which are typical to the insurance industry in general and in the normal course of business, are considered in our loss and loss expense reserves. In addition to claims litigation, we are subject to lawsuits and regulatory actions in the normal course of business that do not arise from or directly relate to claims on insurance policies. This category of business litigation typically involves, among other things, allegations of underwriting errors or misconduct, employment claims, regulatory activity, or disputes arising from our business ventures. In the opinion of management, our ultimate liability for these matters could be, but we believe is not likely to be, material to our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
Shareholders' equity
Shareholders' equity
Shareholders’ equity

All of ACE’s Common Shares are authorized under Swiss corporate law. Though the par value of Common Shares is stated in Swiss francs, ACE continues to use U.S. dollars as its reporting currency for preparing consolidated financial statements. Under Swiss corporate law, dividends, including distributions through a reduction in par value (par value reduction) or from legal reserves, must be stated in Swiss francs though dividend payments are made by ACE in U.S. dollars.

At our May 2013 annual general meeting, our shareholders approved an annual dividend for the following year of $2.04 per share, payable in four quarterly installments of $0.51 per share after the annual general meeting in the form of a distribution by way of a par value reduction. At the January 10, 2014 extraordinary general meeting, our shareholders approved a resolution to increase our quarterly dividend from $0.51 per share to $0.63 per share for the final two quarterly installments (made on January 31, 2014 and April 17, 2014) that had been earlier approved at our 2013 annual general meeting. The $0.12 per share increase for each installment was distributed from capital contribution reserves (Additional paid-in capital), a subaccount of legal reserves, and transferred to free reserves (Retained earnings) for payment, while the existing $0.51 per share was distributed by way of a par value reduction.

At our May 2014 annual general meeting, our shareholders approved an annual dividend for the following year of $2.60 per share, payable in four quarterly installments of $0.65 per share after the annual general meeting in the form of a distribution by way of a par value reduction.

The following table presents dividend distributions per Common Share in Swiss francs (CHF) and U.S. dollars (USD):
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31
 
 
2015
 
 
2014
 
CHF

 
USD

 
CHF

 
USD

Dividends – par value reduction
0.62

 
$
0.65

 
0.45

 
$
0.51

Dividends  distributed from capital contribution reserves

 

 
0.20

 
0.24

Total dividend distributions per common share
0.62

 
$
0.65

 
0.65

 
$
0.75



Par value reductions have been reflected as such through Common Shares in the consolidated statements of shareholders' equity and had the effect of reducing par value per Common Share to CHF 24.15 at March 31, 2015.

Common Shares in treasury are used principally for issuance upon the exercise of employee stock options, grants of restricted stock, and purchases under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). At March 31, 2015, 15,747,650 Common Shares remain in treasury after net shares redeemed under employee share-based compensation plans.

ACE Limited securities repurchase authorization
On November 21, 2013, the Board of Directors (Board) announced authorization of a share repurchase program of up to $2.0 billion of ACE's Common Shares through December 31, 2014.

On November 24, 2014, the Board announced authorization of a share repurchase program of $1.5 billion of ACE's Common Shares for the period January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 to replace the November 2013 authorization when it expired on December 31, 2014.

The following table presents repurchases of ACE's Common Shares conducted in a series of open market transactions under the Board authorizations:
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except share data)
Three Months Ended
 March 31
 
 
April 1, 2015 through April 28, 2015

2015

 
2014

 
Number of shares repurchased
3,027,463

 
3,487,882

 
1,351,820

Dollar value of shares repurchased
$
340

 
$
332

 
$
149

Repurchase authorization remaining at end of period
$
1,160

 
$
1,612

 
$
1,011

Share-based compensation
Share-based compensation
Share-based compensation

The ACE Limited 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2004 LTIP) permits grants of both incentive and non-qualified stock options principally at an option price per share equal to the grant date fair value of ACE’s Common Shares. Stock options are generally granted with a 3-year vesting period and a 10-year term. Stock options typically vest in equal annual installments over the vesting period, which is also the requisite service period. On February 26, 2015, ACE granted 1,891,195 stock options with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $18.49 each. The fair value of the options issued is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

The 2004 LTIP also permits grants of restricted stock and restricted stock units. ACE generally grants restricted stock and restricted stock units with a 4-year vesting period, based on a graded vesting schedule. The restricted stock is granted at market close price on the grant date. On February 26, 2015, ACE granted 1,278,250 restricted stock awards and 290,475 restricted stock units to employees and officers with a grant date fair value of $114.78 each. Each restricted stock unit represents our obligation to deliver to the holder one Common Share upon vesting.
Segment information
Segment information
Segment information

ACE operates through five business segments: Insurance – North American P&C, Insurance – North American Agriculture, Insurance – Overseas General, Global Reinsurance, and Life. These segments distribute their products through various forms of brokers, agencies, and direct marketing programs. All business segments have established relationships with reinsurance intermediaries.

Corporate includes the results of ACE’s non-insurance subsidiaries, including ACE Limited, ACE Group Management and Holdings Ltd., and ACE INA Holdings, Inc.  Corporate results consist primarily of interest expense, corporate staff expenses and other expenses not attributable to specific reportable segments, and intersegment eliminations.

For segment reporting purposes, certain items have been presented in a different manner below than in the consolidated financial statements. Management uses underwriting income as the main measure of segment performance. ACE calculates underwriting income by subtracting Losses and loss expenses, Policy benefits, Policy acquisition costs, and Administrative expenses from Net premiums earned. For the Insurance – North American Agriculture segment, management includes gains and losses on crop derivatives as a component of underwriting income. For example, for the three months ended March 31, 2014, underwriting loss in our Insurance – North American Agriculture segment was $31 million. This amount includes $2 million of realized losses related to crop derivatives which are included in Net realized gains (losses) below. For the Life segment, management includes Net investment income and (Gains) losses from fair value changes in separate account assets that do not qualify for separate account reporting under GAAP as components of Life underwriting income. For example, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, Life underwriting income of $77 million includes Net investment income of $66 million and gains from fair value changes in separate account assets of $11 million.

The following tables present the Statement of Operations by segment:
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Insurance – North American P&C

 
Insurance – North American Agriculture

 
Insurance –
Overseas
General

 
Global
Reinsurance

 
Life

 
Corporate

 
ACE
Consolidated

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written
$
1,430

 
$
88

 
$
1,794

 
$
273

 
$
491

 
$

 
$
4,076

Net premiums earned
1,526

 
64

 
1,637

 
226

 
474

 

 
3,927

Losses and loss expenses
1,035

 
22

 
814

 
99

 
152

 

 
2,122

Policy benefits

 

 

 

 
142

 

 
142

Policy acquisition costs
161

 
(4
)
 
389

 
54

 
107

 

 
707

Administrative expenses
171

 
(1
)
 
256

 
12

 
73

 
43

 
554

Underwriting income (loss)
159

 
47

 
178

 
61

 

 
(43
)
 
402

Net investment income
263

 
6

 
138

 
75

 
66

 
3

 
551

Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI
(6
)
 

 
(10
)
 
(11
)
 
(59
)
 
(3
)
 
(89
)
Interest expense
2

 

 
1

 
1

 
1

 
63

 
68

Other (income) expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Gains) losses from fair value changes in separate account assets

 

 

 

 
(11
)
 

 
(11
)
Other
(7
)
 
8

 
17

 
(5
)
 
(12
)
 
5

 
6

Income tax expense (benefit)
80

 
10

 
52

 
8

 
9

 
(39
)
 
120

Net income (loss)
$
341

 
$
35

 
$
236

 
$
121

 
$
20

 
$
(72
)
 
$
681

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Insurance – North American P&C

 
Insurance – North American Agriculture

 
Insurance –
Overseas
General

 
Global
Reinsurance

 
Life

 
Corporate

 
ACE
Consolidated

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written
$
1,418

 
$
194

 
$
1,771

 
$
308

 
$
494

 
$

 
$
4,185

Net premiums earned
1,487

 
103

 
1,612

 
284

 
484

 

 
3,970

Losses and loss expenses
940

 
126

 
817

 
126

 
151

 
1

 
2,161

Policy benefits

 

 

 

 
114

 

 
114

Policy acquisition costs
159

 
5

 
386

 
67

 
111

 

 
728

Administrative expenses
161

 
1

 
250

 
14

 
68

 
41

 
535

Underwriting income (loss)
227

 
(29
)
 
159

 
77

 
40

 
(42
)
 
432

Net investment income
270

 
7

 
132

 
77

 
64

 
3

 
553

Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI
(9
)
 
(2
)
 
(10
)
 
(8
)
 
(76
)
 
1

 
(104
)
Interest expense
3

 

 
1

 
1

 
3

 
63

 
71

Other (income) expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Gains) losses from fair value changes in separate account assets

 

 

 

 
6

 

 
6

Other
(20
)
 
8

 
(6
)
 
(19
)
 
7

 
7

 
(23
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
83

 
(7
)
 
37

 
10

 
10

 
(40
)
 
93

Net income (loss)
$
422

 
$
(25
)
 
$
249

 
$
154

 
$
2

 
$
(68
)
 
$
734


Underwriting assets are reviewed in total by management for purposes of decision-making. Other than goodwill and other intangible assets, ACE does not allocate assets to its segments.

The following table presents net premiums earned for each segment by product:
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
Property &
All Other

 
Casualty

 
Life,
Accident &
Health

 
ACE
Consolidated

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
Insurance – North American P&C
$
410

 
$
1,015

 
$
101

 
$
1,526

Insurance – North American Agriculture
64

 

 

 
64

Insurance – Overseas General
728

 
382

 
527

 
1,637

Global Reinsurance
117

 
109

 

 
226

Life

 

 
474

 
474

 
$
1,319

 
$
1,506

 
$
1,102

 
$
3,927

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance – North American P&C
$
405

 
$
981

 
$
101

 
$
1,487

Insurance – North American Agriculture
103

 

 

 
103

Insurance – Overseas General
693

 
369

 
550

 
1,612

Global Reinsurance
154

 
130

 

 
284

Life

 

 
484

 
484

 
$
1,355

 
$
1,480

 
$
1,135

 
$
3,970

Earnings per share
Earnings per share
Earnings per share
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31
 
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
2015

 
2014

 
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
681

 
$
734

 
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
Denominator for basic earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares outstanding
328,212,376

 
338,869,562

 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
Share-based compensation plans
3,480,344

 
3,171,174

 
Weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversions
331,692,720

 
342,040,736

 
Basic earnings per share
$
2.08

 
$
2.16

 
Diluted earnings per share
$
2.05

 
$
2.14

 
Potential anti-dilutive share conversions
715,148

 
657,182

 


Excluded from weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversions is the impact of securities that would have been anti-dilutive during the respective periods.
Information provided in connection with outstanding debt of subsidiaries
Information provided in connection with outstanding debt of subsidiaries
Information provided in connection with outstanding debt of subsidiaries

The following tables present condensed consolidating financial information at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 for ACE Limited (Parent Guarantor) and ACE INA Holdings Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer). The Subsidiary Issuer is an indirect 100 percent-owned subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor. The Parent Guarantor fully and unconditionally guarantees certain of the debt of the Subsidiary Issuer. Condensed consolidating financial information of the Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer are presented on the equity method of accounting. The revenues and expenses and cash flows of the subsidiaries of the Subsidiary Issuer are presented in the Other ACE Limited Subsidiaries column on a combined basis.

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet at March 31, 2015
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
ACE
Limited
(Parent
Guarantor)

 
ACE INA
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

 
Other ACE
Limited
Subsidiaries

 
Consolidating
Adjustments and Eliminations

 
ACE Limited
Consolidated

Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments
$
31

 
$
10

 
$
63,853

 
$

 
$
63,894

Cash(1)
2

 
366

 
658

 
(78
)
 
948

Insurance and reinsurance balances receivable

 

 
5,746

 
(720
)
 
5,026

Reinsurance recoverable on losses and loss expenses

 

 
20,292

 
(8,704
)
 
11,588

Reinsurance recoverable on policy benefits

 

 
1,171

 
(956
)
 
215

Value of business acquired

 

 
440

 

 
440

Goodwill and other intangible assets

 

 
5,516

 

 
5,516

Investments in subsidiaries
29,798

 
18,767

 

 
(48,565
)
 

Due from subsidiaries and affiliates, net
233

 

 

 
(233
)
 

Other assets
4

 
291

 
14,088

 
(3,612
)
 
10,771

Total assets
$
30,068

 
$
19,434

 
$
111,764

 
$
(62,868
)
 
$
98,398

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unpaid losses and loss expenses
$

 
$

 
$
45,518

 
$
(8,192
)
 
$
37,326

Unearned premiums

 

 
9,912

 
(1,730
)
 
8,182

Future policy benefits

 

 
5,700

 
(956
)
 
4,744

Due to subsidiaries and affiliates, net

 
103

 
130

 
(233
)
 

Affiliated notional cash pooling programs(1)
78

 

 

 
(78
)
 

Short-term debt

 
1,150

 
1,402

 

 
2,552

Long-term debt

 
4,145

 
12

 

 
4,157

Trust preferred securities

 
309

 

 

 
309

Other liabilities
288

 
1,434

 
12,818

 
(3,114
)
 
11,426

Total liabilities
366

 
7,141

 
75,492

 
(14,303
)
 
68,696

Total shareholders’ equity
29,702

 
12,293

 
36,272

 
(48,565
)
 
29,702

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
30,068

 
$
19,434

 
$
111,764

 
$
(62,868
)
 
$
98,398


(1) 
ACE maintains two notional multicurrency cash pools (Pools) with a third-party bank. Various ACE entities participate in one or the other of the Pools, pursuant to which credit and debit balances in individual ACE accounts are translated daily into a single currency and pooled on a notional basis. Individual ACE entities are permitted to overdraw on their individual accounts provided the overall Pool balances do not fall below zero. At March 31, 2015, the cash balance of one or more entities was negative; however, the overall Pool balances were positive.
 




Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
ACE
Limited
(Parent
Guarantor)

 
ACE INA
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

 
Other ACE
Limited
Subsidiaries

 
Consolidating
Adjustments and Eliminations

 
ACE Limited
Consolidated

Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments
$
30

 
$
225

 
$
62,649

 
$

 
$
62,904

Cash(1)

 
1

 
1,209

 
(555
)
 
655

Insurance and reinsurance balances receivable

 

 
6,178

 
(752
)
 
5,426

Reinsurance recoverable on losses and loss expenses

 

 
20,992

 
(9,000
)
 
11,992

Reinsurance recoverable on policy benefits

 

 
1,194

 
(977
)
 
217

Value of business acquired

 

 
466

 

 
466

Goodwill and other intangible assets

 

 
5,724

 

 
5,724

Investments in subsidiaries
29,497

 
18,762

 

 
(48,259
)
 

Due from subsidiaries and affiliates, net
583

 

 

 
(583
)
 

Other assets
4

 
295

 
14,196

 
(3,631
)
 
10,864

Total assets
$
30,114

 
$
19,283

 
$
112,608

 
$
(63,757
)
 
$
98,248

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unpaid losses and loss expenses
$

 
$

 
$
46,770

 
$
(8,455
)
 
$
38,315

Unearned premiums

 

 
9,958

 
(1,736
)
 
8,222

Future policy benefits

 

 
5,731

 
(977
)
 
4,754

Due to subsidiaries and affiliates, net

 
422

 
161

 
(583
)
 

Affiliated notional cash pooling programs(1)
246

 
309

 

 
(555
)
 

Short-term debt

 
1,150

 
1,402

 

 
2,552

Long-term debt

 
3,345

 
12

 

 
3,357

Trust preferred securities

 
309

 

 

 
309

Other liabilities
281

 
1,404

 
12,659

 
(3,192
)
 
11,152

Total liabilities
527

 
6,939

 
76,693

 
(15,498
)
 
68,661

Total shareholders’ equity
29,587

 
12,344

 
35,915

 
(48,259
)
 
29,587

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
30,114

 
$
19,283

 
$
112,608

 
$
(63,757
)
 
$
98,248

(1) 
ACE maintains two notional multicurrency cash pools (Pools) with a third-party bank. Various ACE entities participate in one or the other of the Pools, pursuant to which credit and debit balances in individual ACE accounts are translated daily into a single currency and pooled on a notional basis. Individual ACE entities are permitted to overdraw on their individual accounts provided the overall Pool balances do not fall below zero. At December 31, 2014, the cash balance of one or more entities was negative; however, the overall Pool balances were positive.

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
ACE
Limited
(Parent
Guarantor)

 
ACE INA
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

 
Other ACE
Limited
Subsidiaries

 
Consolidating
Adjustments and Eliminations

 
ACE
Limited
Consolidated

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written
$

 
$

 
$
4,076

 
$

 
$
4,076

Net premiums earned

 

 
3,927

 

 
3,927

Net investment income
1

 
1

 
549

 

 
551

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
648

 
204

 

 
(852
)
 

Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI

 

 
(89
)
 

 
(89
)
Losses and loss expenses

 

 
2,122

 

 
2,122

Policy benefits

 

 
142

 

 
142

Policy acquisition costs and administrative expenses
14

 
6

 
1,241

 

 
1,261

Interest (income) expense
(8
)
 
69

 
7

 

 
68

Other (income) expense
(41
)
 
(3
)
 
39

 

 
(5
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
3

 
(26
)
 
143

 

 
120

Net income
$
681

 
$
159

 
$
693

 
$
(852
)
 
$
681

Comprehensive income
$
642

 
$
24

 
$
654

 
$
(678
)
 
$
642


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
ACE
Limited
(Parent
Guarantor)

 
ACE INA
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

 
Other ACE
Limited
Subsidiaries

 
Consolidating
Adjustments and Eliminations

 
ACE
Limited
Consolidated

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written
$

 
$

 
$
4,185

 
$

 
$
4,185

Net premiums earned

 

 
3,970

 

 
3,970

Net investment income

 

 
553

 

 
553

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
702

 
180

 

 
(882
)
 

Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI

 
(1
)
 
(103
)
 

 
(104
)
Losses and loss expenses

 

 
2,161

 

 
2,161

Policy benefits

 

 
114

 

 
114

Policy acquisition costs and administrative expenses
17

 
6

 
1,240

 

 
1,263

Interest (income) expense
(10
)
 
71

 
10

 

 
71

Other (income) expense
(42
)
 
14

 
11

 

 
(17
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
3

 
(30
)
 
120

 

 
93

Net income
$
734

 
$
118

 
$
764

 
$
(882
)
 
$
734

Comprehensive income
$
1,108

 
$
266

 
$
1,138

 
$
(1,404
)
 
$
1,108








Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
ACE
Limited
(Parent
Guarantor)

 
ACE INA
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

 
Other ACE
Limited
Subsidiaries

 
Consolidating
Adjustments and Eliminations

 
ACE
Limited
Consolidated

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
Net cash flows from operating activities
$
48

 
$
4

 
$
1,023

 
$

 
$
1,075

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of fixed maturities available for sale

 

 
(4,336
)
 

 
(4,336
)
Purchases of fixed maturities held to maturity

 

 
(21
)
 

 
(21
)
Purchases of equity securities

 

 
(39
)
 

 
(39
)
Sales of fixed maturities available for sale

 

 
2,002

 

 
2,002

Sales of equity securities

 

 
28

 

 
28

Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities available for sale

 

 
1,481

 

 
1,481

Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities held to maturity

 

 
324

 

 
324

Net change in short-term investments

 
216

 
(471
)
 

 
(255
)
Net derivative instruments settlements

 

 
(51
)
 

 
(51
)
Other

 

 
(153
)
 

 
(153
)
Net cash flows from (used for) investing activities

 
216

 
(1,236
)
 

 
(1,020
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends paid on Common Shares
(214
)
 

 

 

 
(214
)
Common Shares repurchased

 

 
(347
)
 

 
(347
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 
800

 

 

 
800

Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt

 

 
477

 

 
477

Repayment of short-term debt

 

 
(477
)
 

 
(477
)
Proceeds from share-based compensation plans, including windfall tax benefits

 

 
39

 

 
39

Advances (to) from affiliates
336

 
(340
)
 
4

 

 

Net payments to affiliated notional cash pooling programs(1)
(168
)
 
(309
)
 

 
477

 

Policyholder contract deposits

 

 
101

 

 
101

Policyholder contract withdrawals

 

 
(40
)
 

 
(40
)
Other

 
(6
)
 

 

 
(6
)
Net cash flows (used for) from financing activities
(46
)
 
145

 
(243
)
 
477

 
333

Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 
(95
)
 

 
(95
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
2

 
365

 
(551
)
 
477

 
293

Cash – beginning of period(1)

 
1

 
1,209

 
(555
)
 
655

Cash – end of period(1)
$
2

 
$
366

 
$
658

 
$
(78
)
 
$
948

(1) 
ACE maintains two notional multicurrency cash pools (Pools) with a third-party bank. Various ACE entities participate in one or the other of the Pools, pursuant to which credit and debit balances in individual ACE accounts are translated daily into a single currency and pooled on a notional basis. Individual ACE entities are permitted to overdraw on their individual accounts provided the overall Pool balances do not fall below zero. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the cash balance of one or more entities was negative; however, the overall Pool balances were positive.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
ACE
Limited
(Parent
Guarantor)

 
ACE INA
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

 
Other ACE
Limited
Subsidiaries

 
Consolidating
Adjustments and Eliminations

 
ACE
Limited
Consolidated

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
Net cash flows from (used for) operating activities
$
57

 
$
(13
)
 
$
1,206

 
$

 
$
1,250

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of fixed maturities available for sale

 

 
(3,522
)
 

 
(3,522
)
Purchases of fixed maturities held to maturity

 

 
(30
)
 

 
(30
)
Purchases of equity securities

 

 
(37
)
 

 
(37
)
Sales of fixed maturities available for sale

 

 
2,208

 

 
2,208

Sales of equity securities

 

 
27

 

 
27

Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities available for sale

 

 
1,550

 

 
1,550

Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities held to maturity

 

 
212

 

 
212

Net change in short-term investments

 
(8
)
 
(757
)
 

 
(765
)
Net derivative instruments settlements

 
(9
)
 
(87
)
 

 
(96
)
Other

 
(3
)
 
(47
)
 

 
(50
)
Net cash flows used for investing activities

 
(20
)
 
(483
)
 

 
(503
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends paid on Common Shares
(214
)
 

 

 

 
(214
)
Common Shares repurchased

 

 
(335
)
 

 
(335
)
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt

 

 
426

 

 
426

Repayment of short-term debt

 

 
(426
)
 

 
(426
)
Proceeds from share-based compensation plans, including windfall tax benefits

 

 
40

 

 
40

Advances (to) from affiliates
367

 
(367
)
 

 

 

Net proceeds from (payments to) affiliated notional cash pooling programs(1)
(185
)
 
385

 

 
(200
)
 

Policyholder contract deposits

 

 
51

 

 
51

Policyholder contract withdrawals

 

 
(14
)
 

 
(14
)
Net cash flows (used for) from financing activities
(32
)
 
18

 
(258
)
 
(200
)
 
(472
)
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 
(7
)
 

 
(7
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
25

 
(15
)
 
458

 
(200
)
 
268

Cash – beginning of period(1)

 
16

 
748

 
(185
)
 
579

Cash – end of period(1)
$
25

 
$
1

 
$
1,206

 
$
(385
)
 
$
847


(1) 
ACE maintains two notional multicurrency cash pools (Pools) with a third-party bank. Various ACE entities participate in one or the other of the Pools, pursuant to which credit and debit balances in individual ACE accounts are translated daily into a single currency and pooled on a notional basis. Individual ACE entities are permitted to overdraw on their individual accounts provided the overall Pool balances do not fall below zero. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the cash balance of one or more entities was negative; however, the overall Pool balances were positive.
General (Policies)
a) Basis of presentation
ACE Limited is a holding company incorporated in Zurich, Switzerland. ACE Limited, through its subsidiaries, provides a broad range of insurance and reinsurance products to insureds worldwide. ACE operates through five business segments: Insurance – North American P&C, Insurance – North American Agriculture, Insurance – Overseas General, Global Reinsurance, and Life. Refer to Note 10 for additional information.

The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements, which include the accounts of ACE Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively, ACE, we, us, or our), have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments (consisting of normally recurring accruals) necessary for a fair statement of the results and financial position for such periods. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions, including internal reinsurance transactions, have been eliminated.

The results of operations and cash flows for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our 2014 Form 10-K.
b) Accounting guidance not yet adopted

Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs
In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued new guidance related to the accounting for debt issuance costs.  The new guidance requires presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of a deferred charge.  The new guidance requires retrospective adoption and is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance will not have any effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Investments (Tables)
March 31, 2015
Amortized
Cost

 
Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation

 
Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation

 
Fair
Value

 
OTTI Recognized
in AOCI

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
Available for sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
2,793

 
$
98

 
$
(2
)
 
$
2,889

 
$

Foreign
14,262

 
761

 
(76
)
 
14,947

 

Corporate securities
17,259

 
834

 
(94
)
 
17,999

 
(6
)
Mortgage-backed securities
10,459

 
362

 
(13
)
 
10,808

 
(1
)
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
3,611

 
160

 
(4
)
 
3,767

 

 
$
48,384

 
$
2,215

 
$
(189
)
 
$
50,410

 
$
(7
)
Held to maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
756

 
$
24

 
$

 
$
780

 
$

Foreign
816

 
57

 

 
873

 

Corporate securities
2,249

 
122

 

 
2,371

 

Mortgage-backed securities
1,907

 
77

 
(1
)
 
1,983

 

States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
1,254

 
47

 
(1
)
 
1,300

 

 
$
6,982

 
$
327

 
$
(2
)
 
$
7,307

 
$


December 31, 2014
Amortized
Cost

 
Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation

 
Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation

 
Fair
Value

 
OTTI Recognized
in AOCI

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
Available for sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
2,741

 
$
87

 
$
(8
)
 
$
2,820

 
$

Foreign
14,703

 
629

 
(90
)
 
15,242

 

Corporate securities
16,897

 
704

 
(170
)
 
17,431

 
(7
)
Mortgage-backed securities
10,011

 
304

 
(29
)
 
10,286

 
(1
)
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
3,474

 
147

 
(5
)
 
3,616

 

 
$
47,826

 
$
1,871

 
$
(302
)
 
$
49,395

 
$
(8
)
Held to maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
832

 
$
20

 
$
(2
)
 
$
850

 
$

Foreign
916

 
47

 

 
963

 

Corporate securities
2,323

 
102

 
(2
)
 
2,423

 

Mortgage-backed securities
1,983

 
57

 
(1
)
 
2,039

 

States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
1,277

 
40

 
(3
)
 
1,314

 

 
$
7,331

 
$
266

 
$
(8
)
 
$
7,589

 
$


 
 
 
March 31

 
 
 
December 31

 
 
 
2015

 
 
 
2014

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
Amortized Cost

 
Fair Value

 
Amortized Cost

 
Fair Value

Available for sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due in 1 year or less
$
2,021

 
$
2,042

 
$
2,187

 
$
2,206

Due after 1 year through 5 years
16,209

 
16,735

 
15,444

 
15,857

Due after 5 years through 10 years
15,047

 
15,649

 
15,663

 
16,089

Due after 10 years
4,648

 
5,176

 
4,521

 
4,957

 
37,925

 
39,602

 
37,815

 
39,109

Mortgage-backed securities
10,459

 
10,808

 
10,011

 
10,286

 
$
48,384

 
$
50,410

 
$
47,826

 
$
49,395

Held to maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due in 1 year or less
$
318

 
$
321

 
$
353

 
$
355

Due after 1 year through 5 years
2,594

 
2,706

 
2,603

 
2,693

Due after 5 years through 10 years
1,214

 
1,270

 
1,439

 
1,489

Due after 10 years
949

 
1,027

 
953

 
1,013

 
5,075

 
5,324

 
5,348

 
5,550

Mortgage-backed securities
1,907

 
1,983

 
1,983

 
2,039

 
$
6,982

 
$
7,307

 
$
7,331

 
$
7,589

 
March 31


December 31

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
2015


2014

Cost
$
447

 
$
440

Gross unrealized appreciation
99

 
83

Gross unrealized depreciation
(10
)
 
(13
)
Fair value
$
536

 
$
510

 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
2015

 
2014

Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
OTTI on fixed maturities, gross
$
(13
)
 
$
(6
)
OTTI on fixed maturities recognized in OCI (pre-tax)

 
1

OTTI on fixed maturities, net
(13
)
 
(5
)
Gross realized gains excluding OTTI
44

 
36

Gross realized losses excluding OTTI
(35
)
 
(20
)
Total fixed maturities
(4
)
 
11

Equity securities:
 
 
 
OTTI on equity securities

 
(6
)
Gross realized gains excluding OTTI
3

 
2

Gross realized losses excluding OTTI
(2
)
 
(1
)
Total equity securities
1

 
(5
)
OTTI on other investments

 

Foreign exchange losses
(31
)
 
(9
)
Investment and embedded derivative instruments
1

 
(25
)
Fair value adjustments on insurance derivative
(45
)
 
(48
)
S&P put options and futures
(12
)
 
(19
)
Other derivative instruments

 
(2
)
Other
1

 
(7
)
Net realized gains (losses)
$
(89
)
 
$
(104
)
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
2015

 
2014

Balance of credit losses related to securities still held – beginning of period
$
28

 
$
37

Additions where no OTTI was previously recorded
3

 
2

Additions where an OTTI was previously recorded
1

 
2

Reductions for securities sold during the period
(10
)
 
(6
)
Balance of credit losses related to securities still held – end of period
$
22

 
$
35

 
0 – 12 Months
 
 
Over 12 Months
 
 
Total
 
March 31, 2015
Fair Value

 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss

 
Fair Value

 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss

 
Fair Value

 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
443

 
$
(1
)
 
$
141

 
$
(1
)
 
$
584

 
$
(2
)
Foreign
1,747

 
(64
)
 
317

 
(12
)
 
2,064

 
(76
)
Corporate securities
2,140

 
(79
)
 
500

 
(15
)
 
2,640

 
(94
)
Mortgage-backed securities
1,301

 
(6
)
 
560

 
(8
)
 
1,861

 
(14
)
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
462

 
(3
)
 
89

 
(2
)
 
551

 
(5
)
Total fixed maturities
6,093

 
(153
)
 
1,607

 
(38
)
 
7,700

 
(191
)
Equity securities
68

 
(10
)
 

 

 
68

 
(10
)
Other investments
92

 
(6
)
 

 

 
92

 
(6
)
Total
$
6,253

 
$
(169
)
 
$
1,607

 
$
(38
)
 
$
7,860

 
$
(207
)
 
 
0 – 12 Months
 
 
Over 12 Months
 
 
Total
 
December 31, 2014
Fair Value

 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss

 
Fair Value

 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss

 
Fair Value

 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
350

 
$
(1
)
 
$
666

 
$
(9
)
 
$
1,016

 
$
(10
)
Foreign
2,262

 
(75
)
 
375

 
(15
)
 
2,637

 
(90
)
Corporate securities
4,684

 
(150
)
 
738

 
(22
)
 
5,422

 
(172
)
Mortgage-backed securities
704

 
(2
)
 
1,663

 
(28
)
 
2,367

 
(30
)
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
458

 
(3
)
 
490

 
(5
)
 
948

 
(8
)
Total fixed maturities
8,458

 
(231
)
 
3,932

 
(79
)
 
12,390

 
(310
)
Equity securities
101

 
(13
)
 

 

 
101

 
(13
)
Total
$
8,559

 
$
(244
)
 
$
3,932

 
$
(79
)
 
$
12,491

 
$
(323
)
 
March 31

 
December 31

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
2015

 
2014

Trust funds
$
11,132

 
$
10,838

Deposits with non-U.S. regulatory authorities
2,296

 
2,305

Assets pledged under repurchase agreements
1,459

 
1,431

Deposits with U.S. regulatory authorities
1,336

 
1,345

Other pledged assets
446

 
457

 
$
16,669

 
$
16,376

Fair value measurements (Tables)
March 31, 2015
Level 1

 
Level 2

 
Level 3

 
Total

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
1,747

 
$
1,142

 
$

 
$
2,889

Foreign

 
14,925

 
22

 
14,947

Corporate securities

 
17,832

 
167

 
17,999

Mortgage-backed securities

 
10,775

 
33

 
10,808

States, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 
3,767

 

 
3,767

 
1,747

 
48,441

 
222

 
50,410

Equity securities
518

 
16

 
2

 
536

Short-term investments
1,469

 
1,067

 

 
2,536

Other investments
364

 
277

 
2,789

 
3,430

Securities lending collateral

 
1,033

 

 
1,033

Investment derivative instruments
21

 

 

 
21

Other derivative instruments

 
1

 

 
1

Separate account assets
1,488

 
86

 

 
1,574

Total assets measured at fair value
$
5,607

 
$
50,921

 
$
3,013

 
$
59,541

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment derivative instruments
$
25

 
$

 
$

 
$
25

Other derivative instruments
3

 

 
4

 
7

GLB(1)

 

 
451

 
451

Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
28

 
$

 
$
455

 
$
483

(1) 
Our GLB reinsurance product meets the definition of a derivative instrument for accounting purposes and is accordingly carried at fair value. Excluded from the table above is the portion of the GLB derivative liability classified as Future policy benefits in the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 5 for additional information.
 
December 31, 2014
Level 1

 
Level 2

 
Level 3

 
Total

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
1,680

 
$
1,140

 
$

 
$
2,820

Foreign

 
15,220

 
22

 
15,242

Corporate securities

 
17,244

 
187

 
17,431

Mortgage-backed securities

 
10,271

 
15

 
10,286

States, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 
3,616

 

 
3,616

 
1,680

 
47,491

 
224

 
49,395

Equity securities
492

 
16

 
2

 
510

Short-term investments
1,183

 
1,139

 

 
2,322

Other investments
370

 
257

 
2,719

 
3,346

Securities lending collateral

 
1,330

 

 
1,330

Investment derivative instruments
18

 

 

 
18

Other derivative instruments

 
2

 

 
2

Separate account assets
1,400

 
90

 

 
1,490

Total assets measured at fair value
$
5,143

 
$
50,325

 
$
2,945

 
$
58,413

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment derivative instruments
$
36

 
$

 
$

 
$
36

Other derivative instruments
21

 

 
4

 
25

GLB(1)

 

 
406

 
406

Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
57

 
$

 
$
410

 
$
467

(1) 
Our GLB reinsurance product meets the definition of a derivative instrument for accounting purposes and is accordingly carried at fair value. Excluded from the table above is the portion of the GLB derivative liability classified as Future policy benefits in the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 5 for additional information.
 
 
 
 
 
March 31

 
 
 
December 31

 
Expected
Liquidation
Period of Underlying Assets
 
 
 
2015

 
 
 
2014

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
Fair
Value

 
Maximum
Future Funding
Commitments

 
Fair
Value

 
Maximum
Future Funding
Commitments

Financial
5 to 9 Years
 
$
298

 
$
130

 
$
282

 
$
145

Real Assets
3 to 7 Years
 
478

 
193

 
464

 
214

Distressed
5 to 9 Years
 
251

 
249

 
232

 
175

Private Credit
3 to 7 Years
 
303

 
181

 
299

 
190

Traditional
3 to 9 Years
 
910

 
239

 
895

 
285

Vintage
1 to 2 Years
 
9

 

 
11

 
1

Investment funds
Not Applicable
 
383

 

 
378

 

 
 
 
$
2,632

 
$
992

 
$
2,561

 
$
1,010

(in millions of U.S. dollars, except for percentages)
Fair Value
 
Valuation
Technique
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
 
Ranges
March 31, 2015

 
December 31, 2014

 
 
 
GLB(1)
$
451

 
$
406

 
Actuarial model
 
Lapse rate
 
1% – 30%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annuitization rate
 
0% – 55%
(1) 
Discussion of the most significant inputs used in the fair value measurement of GLB and the sensitivity of those assumptions is included within Note 4 a) Guaranteed living benefits.
 
Assets
 
 
 
Liabilities

Three Months Ended
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
 
 
Equity
securities

Other
investments

 
Other
derivative
instruments

GLB(1)

March 31, 2015
Foreign

 
Corporate
securities

 
MBS

 
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
Balance–Beginning of Period
$
22

 
$
187

 
$
15

 
$
2

$
2,719

 
$
4

$
406

Transfers into Level 3

 
1

 

 


 


Transfers out of Level 3

 

 

 


 


Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) included in OCI

 
3

 

 

(20
)
 


Net Realized Gains/Losses

 
(3
)
 

 


 

45

Purchases
1

 
8

 
18

 

147

 


Sales
(1
)
 
(3
)
 

 


 


Settlements

 
(26
)
 

 

(57
)
 


Balance–End of Period
$
22

 
$
167

 
$
33

 
$
2

$
2,789

 
$
4

$
451

Net Realized Gains/Losses Attributable to Changes in Fair Value at the Balance Sheet Date
$

 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
$

$

 
$

$
45

(1) 
Our GLB reinsurance product meets the definition of a derivative instrument for accounting purposes and is accordingly carried at fair value. Excluded from the table above is the portion of the GLB derivative liability classified as Future policy benefits in the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 5 for additional information.
  
Assets
 
 
Liabilities

Three Months Ended
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
 
 
Equity
securities

 
Short-term investments

 
Other
investments

 
GLB(1)

March 31, 2014
Foreign

 
Corporate
securities

 
MBS

 
 
 
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance–Beginning of Period
$
44

 
$
166

 
$
8

 
$
4

 
$
7

 
$
2,440

 
$
193

Transfers into Level 3

 
4

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
(18
)
 
(22
)
 

 
(2
)
 
(7
)
 

 

Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) included in OCI
(1
)
 

 

 
1

 

 
41

 

Net Realized Gains/Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 
50

Purchases
2

 
15

 

 
1

 

 
200

 

Sales
(1
)
 
(6
)
 

 
(2
)
 

 
(1
)
 

Settlements

 
(6
)
 

 

 

 
(69
)
 

Balance–End of Period
$
26

 
$
151

 
$
8

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
2,611

 
$
243

Net Realized Gains/Losses Attributable to Changes in Fair Value at the Balance Sheet Date
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
50

(1) 
Our GLB reinsurance product meets the definition of a derivative instrument for accounting purposes and is accordingly carried at fair value. Excluded from the table above is the portion of the GLB derivative liability classified as Future policy benefits in the consolidated balance sheets. The liability for GLB reinsurance was $483 million at March 31, 2014, and $427 million at December 31, 2013, which includes a fair value derivative adjustment of $243 million and $193 million, respectively.

March 31, 2015
Fair Value
 
 
Carrying Value

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
Level 1

 
Level 2

 
Level 3

 
Total

 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
590

 
$
190

 
$

 
$
780

 
$
756

Foreign

 
873

 

 
873

 
816

Corporate securities

 
2,357

 
14

 
2,371

 
2,249

Mortgage-backed securities

 
1,983

 

 
1,983

 
1,907

States, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 
1,300

 

 
1,300

 
1,254

 
590

 
6,703

 
14

 
7,307

 
6,982

Partially-owned insurance companies

 

 
590

 
590

 
590

Total assets
$
590

 
$
6,703

 
$
604

 
$
7,897

 
$
7,572

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term debt
$

 
$
2,563

 
$

 
$
2,563

 
$
2,552

Long-term debt

 
4,575

 

 
4,575

 
4,157

Trust preferred securities

 
465

 

 
465

 
309

Total liabilities
$

 
$
7,603

 
$

 
$
7,603

 
$
7,018


December 31, 2014
Fair Value
 
 
Carrying Value

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
Level 1

 
Level 2

 
Level 3

 
Total

 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
659

 
$
191

 
$

 
$
850

 
$
832

Foreign

 
963

 

 
963

 
916

Corporate securities

 
2,408

 
15

 
2,423

 
2,323

Mortgage-backed securities

 
2,039

 

 
2,039

 
1,983

States, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 
1,314

 

 
1,314

 
1,277

 
659

 
6,915

 
15

 
7,589

 
7,331

Partially-owned insurance companies

 

 
504

 
504

 
504

Total assets
$
659

 
$
6,915

 
$
519

 
$
8,093

 
$
7,835

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term debt
$

 
$
2,571

 
$

 
$
2,571

 
$
2,552

Long-term debt

 
3,690

 

 
3,690

 
3,357

Trust preferred securities

 
462

 

 
462

 
309

Total liabilities
$

 
$
6,723

 
$

 
$
6,723

 
$
6,218

Assumed life reinsurance programs involving minimum benefit guarantees under annuity contracts (Tables)
Schedule Of Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefits And Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefits Income And Expense
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
2015

 
2014

GMDB
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
$
16

 
$
19

Policy benefits and other reserve adjustments
$
9

 
$
15

GLB
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
$
32

 
$
36

Policy benefits and other reserve adjustments
12

 
9

Net realized gains (losses)
(45
)
 
(50
)
Loss recognized in Net income
$
(25
)
 
$
(23
)
Less: Net cash received
28

 
33

Net increase in liability
$
(53
)
 
$
(56
)
Commitments, contingencies, and guarantees (Tables)
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value
 
 
Notional
Value/
Payment
Provision

 
Fair Value
 
 
Notional
Value/
Payment
Provision

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Derivative Asset

 
Derivative (Liability)

 
 
Derivative Asset

 
Derivative (Liability)

 
Investment and embedded derivative instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forward contracts
OA / (AP)
 
$
15

 
$
(8
)
 
$
1,160

 
$
12

 
$
(7
)
 
$
1,329

Cross-currency swaps
OA / (AP)
 

 

 
95

 

 

 
95

Futures contracts on money market instruments
OA / (AP)
 
1

 
(1
)
 
4,355

 

 

 
2,467

Options/Futures contracts on notes and bonds
OA / (AP)
 
5

 
(16
)
 
1,276

 
6

 
(29
)
 
1,636

Convertible securities(1)
FM AFS / ES
 
298

 

 
272

 
291

 

 
267

TBAs
FM AFS
 
31

 

 
30

 

 

 

 
 
 
$
350

 
$
(25
)
 
$
7,188

 
$
309

 
$
(36
)
 
$
5,794

Other derivative instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Futures contracts on equities (2)
OA / (AP)
 
$

 
$
(3
)
 
$
1,340

 
$

 
$
(21
)
 
$
1,384

Options on equity market indices (2)
OA / (AP)
 
1

 

 
250

 
2

 

 
250

Other
OA / (AP)
 

 
(4
)
 
10

 

 
(4
)
 
10

 
 
 
$
1

 
$
(7
)
 
$
1,600

 
$
2

 
$
(25
)
 
$
1,644

GLB(3)
(AP) / (FPB)
 
$

 
$
(716
)
 
$
748

 
$

 
$
(663
)
 
$
675


(1) 
Includes fair value of embedded derivatives.
(2) 
Related to GMDB and GLB blocks of business.
(3) 
Includes both future policy benefits reserves and fair value derivative adjustment. Refer to Note 5 for additional information. Note that the payment provision related to GLB is the net amount at risk. The concept of a notional value does not apply to the GLB reinsurance contracts.
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
2015

 
2014

Investment and embedded derivative instruments
 
 
 
Foreign currency forward contracts
$
25

 
$
(3
)
All other futures contracts and options
(29
)
 
(22
)
Convertible securities(1)
5

 

Total investment and embedded derivative instruments
$
1

 
$
(25
)
GLB and other derivative instruments
 
 
 
GLB(2)
$
(45
)
 
$
(48
)
Futures contracts on equities(3)
(11
)
 
(17
)
Options on equity market indices(3)
(1
)
 
(2
)
Other

 
(2
)
Total GLB and other derivative instruments
$
(57
)
 
$
(69
)
 
$
(56
)
 
$
(94
)
(1) 
Includes embedded derivatives.
(2) 
Excludes foreign exchange gains (losses) related to GLB.
(3) 
Related to GMDB and GLB blocks of business.

Shareholders' equity Shareholders' Equity (Tables)
The following table presents dividend distributions per Common Share in Swiss francs (CHF) and U.S. dollars (USD):
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31
 
 
2015
 
 
2014
 
CHF

 
USD

 
CHF

 
USD

Dividends – par value reduction
0.62

 
$
0.65

 
0.45

 
$
0.51

Dividends  distributed from capital contribution reserves

 

 
0.20

 
0.24

Total dividend distributions per common share
0.62

 
$
0.65

 
0.65

 
$
0.75

The following table presents repurchases of ACE's Common Shares conducted in a series of open market transactions under the Board authorizations:
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except share data)
Three Months Ended
 March 31
 
 
April 1, 2015 through April 28, 2015

2015

 
2014

 
Number of shares repurchased
3,027,463

 
3,487,882

 
1,351,820

Dollar value of shares repurchased
$
340

 
$
332

 
$
149

Repurchase authorization remaining at end of period
$
1,160

 
$
1,612

 
$
1,011

Segment information (Tables)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Insurance – North American P&C

 
Insurance – North American Agriculture

 
Insurance –
Overseas
General

 
Global
Reinsurance

 
Life

 
Corporate

 
ACE
Consolidated

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written
$
1,430

 
$
88

 
$
1,794

 
$
273

 
$
491

 
$

 
$
4,076

Net premiums earned
1,526

 
64

 
1,637

 
226

 
474

 

 
3,927

Losses and loss expenses
1,035

 
22

 
814

 
99

 
152

 

 
2,122

Policy benefits

 

 

 

 
142

 

 
142

Policy acquisition costs
161

 
(4
)
 
389

 
54

 
107

 

 
707

Administrative expenses
171

 
(1
)
 
256

 
12

 
73

 
43

 
554

Underwriting income (loss)
159

 
47

 
178

 
61

 

 
(43
)
 
402

Net investment income
263

 
6

 
138

 
75

 
66

 
3

 
551

Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI
(6
)
 

 
(10
)
 
(11
)
 
(59
)
 
(3
)
 
(89
)
Interest expense
2

 

 
1

 
1

 
1

 
63

 
68

Other (income) expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Gains) losses from fair value changes in separate account assets

 

 

 

 
(11
)
 

 
(11
)
Other
(7
)
 
8

 
17

 
(5
)
 
(12
)
 
5

 
6

Income tax expense (benefit)
80

 
10

 
52

 
8

 
9

 
(39
)
 
120

Net income (loss)
$
341

 
$
35

 
$
236

 
$
121

 
$
20

 
$
(72
)
 
$
681

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Insurance – North American P&C

 
Insurance – North American Agriculture

 
Insurance –
Overseas
General

 
Global
Reinsurance

 
Life

 
Corporate

 
ACE
Consolidated

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written
$
1,418

 
$
194

 
$
1,771

 
$
308

 
$
494

 
$

 
$
4,185

Net premiums earned
1,487

 
103

 
1,612

 
284

 
484

 

 
3,970

Losses and loss expenses
940

 
126

 
817

 
126

 
151

 
1

 
2,161

Policy benefits

 

 

 

 
114

 

 
114

Policy acquisition costs
159

 
5

 
386

 
67

 
111

 

 
728

Administrative expenses
161

 
1

 
250

 
14

 
68

 
41

 
535

Underwriting income (loss)
227

 
(29
)
 
159

 
77

 
40

 
(42
)
 
432

Net investment income
270

 
7

 
132

 
77

 
64

 
3

 
553

Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI
(9
)
 
(2
)
 
(10
)
 
(8
)
 
(76
)
 
1

 
(104
)
Interest expense
3

 

 
1

 
1

 
3

 
63

 
71

Other (income) expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Gains) losses from fair value changes in separate account assets

 

 

 

 
6

 

 
6

Other
(20
)
 
8

 
(6
)
 
(19
)
 
7

 
7

 
(23
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
83

 
(7
)
 
37

 
10

 
10

 
(40
)
 
93

Net income (loss)
$
422

 
$
(25
)
 
$
249

 
$
154

 
$
2

 
$
(68
)
 
$
734


(in millions of U.S. dollars)
Property &
All Other

 
Casualty

 
Life,
Accident &
Health

 
ACE
Consolidated

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
Insurance – North American P&C
$
410

 
$
1,015

 
$
101

 
$
1,526

Insurance – North American Agriculture
64

 

 

 
64

Insurance – Overseas General
728

 
382

 
527

 
1,637

Global Reinsurance
117

 
109

 

 
226

Life

 

 
474

 
474

 
$
1,319

 
$
1,506

 
$
1,102

 
$
3,927

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance – North American P&C
$
405

 
$
981

 
$
101

 
$
1,487

Insurance – North American Agriculture
103

 

 

 
103

Insurance – Overseas General
693

 
369

 
550

 
1,612

Global Reinsurance
154

 
130

 

 
284

Life

 

 
484

 
484

 
$
1,355

 
$
1,480

 
$
1,135

 
$
3,970

Earnings per share (Tables)
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share, Basic And Diluted
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31
 
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
2015

 
2014

 
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
681

 
$
734

 
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
Denominator for basic earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares outstanding
328,212,376

 
338,869,562

 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
Share-based compensation plans
3,480,344

 
3,171,174

 
Weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversions
331,692,720

 
342,040,736

 
Basic earnings per share
$
2.08

 
$
2.16

 
Diluted earnings per share
$
2.05

 
$
2.14

 
Potential anti-dilutive share conversions
715,148

 
657,182

 
Information provided in connection with outstanding debt of subsidiaries (Tables)
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet at March 31, 2015
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
ACE
Limited
(Parent
Guarantor)

 
ACE INA
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

 
Other ACE
Limited
Subsidiaries

 
Consolidating
Adjustments and Eliminations

 
ACE Limited
Consolidated

Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments
$
31

 
$
10

 
$
63,853

 
$

 
$
63,894

Cash(1)
2

 
366

 
658

 
(78
)
 
948

Insurance and reinsurance balances receivable

 

 
5,746

 
(720
)
 
5,026

Reinsurance recoverable on losses and loss expenses

 

 
20,292

 
(8,704
)
 
11,588

Reinsurance recoverable on policy benefits

 

 
1,171

 
(956
)
 
215

Value of business acquired

 

 
440

 

 
440

Goodwill and other intangible assets

 

 
5,516

 

 
5,516

Investments in subsidiaries
29,798

 
18,767

 

 
(48,565
)
 

Due from subsidiaries and affiliates, net
233

 

 

 
(233
)
 

Other assets
4

 
291

 
14,088

 
(3,612
)
 
10,771

Total assets
$
30,068

 
$
19,434

 
$
111,764

 
$
(62,868
)
 
$
98,398

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unpaid losses and loss expenses
$

 
$

 
$
45,518

 
$
(8,192
)
 
$
37,326

Unearned premiums

 

 
9,912

 
(1,730
)
 
8,182

Future policy benefits

 

 
5,700

 
(956
)
 
4,744

Due to subsidiaries and affiliates, net

 
103

 
130

 
(233
)
 

Affiliated notional cash pooling programs(1)
78

 

 

 
(78
)
 

Short-term debt

 
1,150

 
1,402

 

 
2,552

Long-term debt

 
4,145

 
12

 

 
4,157

Trust preferred securities

 
309

 

 

 
309

Other liabilities
288

 
1,434

 
12,818

 
(3,114
)
 
11,426

Total liabilities
366

 
7,141

 
75,492

 
(14,303
)
 
68,696

Total shareholders’ equity
29,702

 
12,293

 
36,272

 
(48,565
)
 
29,702

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
30,068

 
$
19,434

 
$
111,764

 
$
(62,868
)
 
$
98,398


(1) 
ACE maintains two notional multicurrency cash pools (Pools) with a third-party bank. Various ACE entities participate in one or the other of the Pools, pursuant to which credit and debit balances in individual ACE accounts are translated daily into a single currency and pooled on a notional basis. Individual ACE entities are permitted to overdraw on their individual accounts provided the overall Pool balances do not fall below zero. At March 31, 2015, the cash balance of one or more entities was negative; however, the overall Pool balances were positive.
 




Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
ACE
Limited
(Parent
Guarantor)

 
ACE INA
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

 
Other ACE
Limited
Subsidiaries

 
Consolidating
Adjustments and Eliminations

 
ACE Limited
Consolidated

Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments
$
30

 
$
225

 
$
62,649

 
$

 
$
62,904

Cash(1)

 
1

 
1,209

 
(555
)
 
655

Insurance and reinsurance balances receivable

 

 
6,178

 
(752
)
 
5,426

Reinsurance recoverable on losses and loss expenses

 

 
20,992

 
(9,000
)
 
11,992

Reinsurance recoverable on policy benefits

 

 
1,194

 
(977
)
 
217

Value of business acquired

 

 
466

 

 
466

Goodwill and other intangible assets

 

 
5,724

 

 
5,724

Investments in subsidiaries
29,497

 
18,762

 

 
(48,259
)
 

Due from subsidiaries and affiliates, net
583

 

 

 
(583
)
 

Other assets
4

 
295

 
14,196

 
(3,631
)
 
10,864

Total assets
$
30,114

 
$
19,283

 
$
112,608

 
$
(63,757
)
 
$
98,248

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unpaid losses and loss expenses
$

 
$

 
$
46,770

 
$
(8,455
)
 
$
38,315

Unearned premiums

 

 
9,958

 
(1,736
)
 
8,222

Future policy benefits

 

 
5,731

 
(977
)
 
4,754

Due to subsidiaries and affiliates, net

 
422

 
161

 
(583
)
 

Affiliated notional cash pooling programs(1)
246

 
309

 

 
(555
)
 

Short-term debt

 
1,150

 
1,402

 

 
2,552

Long-term debt

 
3,345

 
12

 

 
3,357

Trust preferred securities

 
309

 

 

 
309

Other liabilities
281

 
1,404

 
12,659

 
(3,192
)
 
11,152

Total liabilities
527

 
6,939

 
76,693

 
(15,498
)
 
68,661

Total shareholders’ equity
29,587

 
12,344

 
35,915

 
(48,259
)
 
29,587

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
30,114

 
$
19,283

 
$
112,608

 
$
(63,757
)
 
$
98,248

(1) 
ACE maintains two notional multicurrency cash pools (Pools) with a third-party bank. Various ACE entities participate in one or the other of the Pools, pursuant to which credit and debit balances in individual ACE accounts are translated daily into a single currency and pooled on a notional basis. Individual ACE entities are permitted to overdraw on their individual accounts provided the overall Pool balances do not fall below zero. At December 31, 2014, the cash balance of one or more entities was negative; however, the overall Pool balances were positive.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
ACE
Limited
(Parent
Guarantor)

 
ACE INA
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

 
Other ACE
Limited
Subsidiaries

 
Consolidating
Adjustments and Eliminations

 
ACE
Limited
Consolidated

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written
$

 
$

 
$
4,076

 
$

 
$
4,076

Net premiums earned

 

 
3,927

 

 
3,927

Net investment income
1

 
1

 
549

 

 
551

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
648

 
204

 

 
(852
)
 

Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI

 

 
(89
)
 

 
(89
)
Losses and loss expenses

 

 
2,122

 

 
2,122

Policy benefits

 

 
142

 

 
142

Policy acquisition costs and administrative expenses
14

 
6

 
1,241

 

 
1,261

Interest (income) expense
(8
)
 
69

 
7

 

 
68

Other (income) expense
(41
)
 
(3
)
 
39

 

 
(5
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
3

 
(26
)
 
143

 

 
120

Net income
$
681

 
$
159

 
$
693

 
$
(852
)
 
$
681

Comprehensive income
$
642

 
$
24

 
$
654

 
$
(678
)
 
$
642


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
ACE
Limited
(Parent
Guarantor)

 
ACE INA
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

 
Other ACE
Limited
Subsidiaries

 
Consolidating
Adjustments and Eliminations

 
ACE
Limited
Consolidated

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written
$

 
$

 
$
4,185

 
$

 
$
4,185

Net premiums earned

 

 
3,970

 

 
3,970

Net investment income

 

 
553

 

 
553

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
702

 
180

 

 
(882
)
 

Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI

 
(1
)
 
(103
)
 

 
(104
)
Losses and loss expenses

 

 
2,161

 

 
2,161

Policy benefits

 

 
114

 

 
114

Policy acquisition costs and administrative expenses
17

 
6

 
1,240

 

 
1,263

Interest (income) expense
(10
)
 
71

 
10

 

 
71

Other (income) expense
(42
)
 
14

 
11

 

 
(17
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
3

 
(30
)
 
120

 

 
93

Net income
$
734

 
$
118

 
$
764

 
$
(882
)
 
$
734

Comprehensive income
$
1,108

 
$
266

 
$
1,138

 
$
(1,404
)
 
$
1,108








Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
ACE
Limited
(Parent
Guarantor)

 
ACE INA
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

 
Other ACE
Limited
Subsidiaries

 
Consolidating
Adjustments and Eliminations

 
ACE
Limited
Consolidated

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
Net cash flows from operating activities
$
48

 
$
4

 
$
1,023

 
$

 
$
1,075

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of fixed maturities available for sale

 

 
(4,336
)
 

 
(4,336
)
Purchases of fixed maturities held to maturity

 

 
(21
)
 

 
(21
)
Purchases of equity securities

 

 
(39
)
 

 
(39
)
Sales of fixed maturities available for sale

 

 
2,002

 

 
2,002

Sales of equity securities

 

 
28

 

 
28

Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities available for sale

 

 
1,481

 

 
1,481

Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities held to maturity

 

 
324

 

 
324

Net change in short-term investments

 
216

 
(471
)
 

 
(255
)
Net derivative instruments settlements

 

 
(51
)
 

 
(51
)
Other

 

 
(153
)
 

 
(153
)
Net cash flows from (used for) investing activities

 
216

 
(1,236
)
 

 
(1,020
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends paid on Common Shares
(214
)
 

 

 

 
(214
)
Common Shares repurchased

 

 
(347
)
 

 
(347
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 
800

 

 

 
800

Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt

 

 
477

 

 
477

Repayment of short-term debt

 

 
(477
)
 

 
(477
)
Proceeds from share-based compensation plans, including windfall tax benefits

 

 
39

 

 
39

Advances (to) from affiliates
336

 
(340
)
 
4

 

 

Net payments to affiliated notional cash pooling programs(1)
(168
)
 
(309
)
 

 
477

 

Policyholder contract deposits

 

 
101

 

 
101

Policyholder contract withdrawals

 

 
(40
)
 

 
(40
)
Other

 
(6
)
 

 

 
(6
)
Net cash flows (used for) from financing activities
(46
)
 
145

 
(243
)
 
477

 
333

Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 
(95
)
 

 
(95
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
2

 
365

 
(551
)
 
477

 
293

Cash – beginning of period(1)

 
1

 
1,209

 
(555
)
 
655

Cash – end of period(1)
$
2

 
$
366

 
$
658

 
$
(78
)
 
$
948

(1) 
ACE maintains two notional multicurrency cash pools (Pools) with a third-party bank. Various ACE entities participate in one or the other of the Pools, pursuant to which credit and debit balances in individual ACE accounts are translated daily into a single currency and pooled on a notional basis. Individual ACE entities are permitted to overdraw on their individual accounts provided the overall Pool balances do not fall below zero. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the cash balance of one or more entities was negative; however, the overall Pool balances were positive.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
ACE
Limited
(Parent
Guarantor)

 
ACE INA
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

 
Other ACE
Limited
Subsidiaries

 
Consolidating
Adjustments and Eliminations

 
ACE
Limited
Consolidated

(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
 
Net cash flows from (used for) operating activities
$
57

 
$
(13
)
 
$
1,206

 
$

 
$
1,250

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of fixed maturities available for sale

 

 
(3,522
)
 

 
(3,522
)
Purchases of fixed maturities held to maturity

 

 
(30
)
 

 
(30
)
Purchases of equity securities

 

 
(37
)
 

 
(37
)
Sales of fixed maturities available for sale

 

 
2,208

 

 
2,208

Sales of equity securities

 

 
27

 

 
27

Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities available for sale

 

 
1,550

 

 
1,550

Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities held to maturity

 

 
212

 

 
212

Net change in short-term investments

 
(8
)
 
(757
)
 

 
(765
)
Net derivative instruments settlements

 
(9
)
 
(87
)
 

 
(96
)
Other

 
(3
)
 
(47
)
 

 
(50
)
Net cash flows used for investing activities

 
(20
)
 
(483
)
 

 
(503
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends paid on Common Shares
(214
)
 

 

 

 
(214
)
Common Shares repurchased

 

 
(335
)
 

 
(335
)
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt

 

 
426

 

 
426

Repayment of short-term debt

 

 
(426
)
 

 
(426
)
Proceeds from share-based compensation plans, including windfall tax benefits

 

 
40

 

 
40

Advances (to) from affiliates
367

 
(367
)
 

 

 

Net proceeds from (payments to) affiliated notional cash pooling programs(1)
(185
)
 
385

 

 
(200
)
 

Policyholder contract deposits

 

 
51

 

 
51

Policyholder contract withdrawals

 

 
(14
)
 

 
(14
)
Net cash flows (used for) from financing activities
(32
)
 
18

 
(258
)
 
(200
)
 
(472
)
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 
(7
)
 

 
(7
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
25

 
(15
)
 
458

 
(200
)
 
268

Cash – beginning of period(1)

 
16

 
748

 
(185
)
 
579

Cash – end of period(1)
$
25

 
$
1

 
$
1,206

 
$
(385
)
 
$
847


(1) 
ACE maintains two notional multicurrency cash pools (Pools) with a third-party bank. Various ACE entities participate in one or the other of the Pools, pursuant to which credit and debit balances in individual ACE accounts are translated daily into a single currency and pooled on a notional basis. Individual ACE entities are permitted to overdraw on their individual accounts provided the overall Pool balances do not fall below zero. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the cash balance of one or more entities was negative; however, the overall Pool balances were positive.
Acquisitions (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
0 Months Ended
Jun. 17, 2014
The Siam Commercial Samaggi Insurance PCL [Member]
Jun. 17, 2014
The Siam Commercial Samaggi Insurance PCL [Member]
Apr. 28, 2014
The Siam Commercial Samaggi Insurance PCL [Member]
Oct. 31, 2014
Large Corporate P&C Business Of Itau Seguros [Member]
Apr. 1, 2015
Fireman's Fund high net worth personal lines [Member]
Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage
 
32.17% 
60.86% 
 
 
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount
 
 
$ 46 
$ 449 
 
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Intangible Assets Other than Goodwill
 
 
80 
60 
 
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Expected Cash Consideration
 
 
 
610 
365 
Business Combination Total Ownership Percentage
 
93.03% 
 
 
 
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred
$ 176 
 
 
 
 
Investments (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Security
Mar. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2014
Mar. 27, 2015
ABR Reinsurance Capital Holdings Ltd. [Member]
Apr. 30, 2015
Subsequent Event [Member]
Apr. 14, 2015
Subsequent Event [Member]
ABR Reinsurance Capital Holdings Ltd. [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total number of fixed maturities
33,429 
 
 
 
 
 
Largest single unrealized loss in the fixed maturities
$ 3,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of equity securities in an unrealized loss position
78 
 
 
 
 
 
Total number of equity securities
306 
 
 
 
 
 
Largest single unrealized loss in the equity securities
1,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted assets in fixed maturities and short-term investments
16,500,000,000 
 
16,300,000,000 
 
 
 
Restricted assets in cash
102,000,000 
 
117,000,000 
 
 
 
Moodys Historical Mean Recovery Rate
42.00% 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Assumed Recovery Rate
32.00% 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized depreciation included in AOCI
2,000,000 
 
3,000,000 
 
 
 
Fair value of securities transferred from AFS to HTM
 
 
 
 
1,800,000,000 
 
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage
 
 
 
 
 
11.30% 
Investments in partially-owned insurance companies
590,000,000 
 
504,000,000 
70,000,000 
 
20,000,000 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in OCI
(4,000,000)
(4,000,000)
 
 
 
 
Number of fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position
3,313 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit losses recognized in net income for mortgage-backed securities
 
 
 
 
Credit losses recognized in net income for corporate securities
$ 4,000,000 
$ 4,000,000 
 
 
 
 
Percentage of mortgage-backed securities represented by investments in US government agency bonds
82.00% 
 
83.00% 
 
 
 
Warrants & Rights Outstanding
 
 
 
0.50% 
 
 
Investments (Schedule Of Fixed Maturities By Contractual Maturity) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
 
 
Available for sale, Due in 1 year or less, Amortized Cost
$ 2,021 
$ 2,187 
Available for sale, Due after 1 year through 5 years, Amortized Cost
16,209 
15,444 
Available for sale, Due after 5 years though 10 years, Amortized Cost
15,047 
15,663 
Available for sale, Due after 10 years, Amortized Cost
4,648 
4,521 
Available for sale, Subtotal, Amortized Cost
37,925 
37,815 
Available for sale, Mortgage-backed securities, Amortized Cost
10,459 
10,011 
Available for sale, Amortized Cost
48,384 
47,826 
Available for sale, Fair Value
50,410 
49,395 
Held to maturity, Due in 1 year or less, Amortized Cost
318 
353 
Held to maturity, Due after 1 year through 5 years, Amortized Cost
2,594 
2,603 
Held to maturity, Due after 5 years through 10 years, Amortized Cost
1,214 
1,439 
Held to maturity, Due after 10 years, Amortized Cost
949 
953 
Held to maturity, Subtotal, Amortized Cost
5,075 
5,348 
Held to maturity, Mortgage backed securities, Amortized Cost
1,907 
1,983 
Available for sale, Due in 1 year or less, Fair Value
2,042 
2,206 
Available for sale, Due after 1 year through 5 years, Fair Value
16,735 
15,857 
Available for sale, Due after 5 years through 10 years, Fair Value
15,649 
16,089 
Available for sale, Due after 10 years, Fair Value
5,176 
4,957 
Available for sale, Subtotal, Fair Value
39,602 
39,109 
Available for sale, Mortgage backed securities, Fair Value
10,808 
10,286 
Held to maturity, Due in 1 year or less, Fair Value
321 
355 
Held to maturity, Due after 1 year through 5, Fair Value
2,706 
2,693 
Held to maturity, Due after 5 years through 10 years, Fair Value
1,270 
1,489 
Held to maturity, Due after 10 years, Fair Value
1,027 
1,013 
Held to maturity, Subtotal, Fair Value
5,324 
5,550 
Held to maturity, Mortgage backed securities, Fair Value
1,983 
2,039 
Held-to-maturity Securities
6,982 
7,331 
Held to maturity, Fair Value
$ 7,307 
$ 7,589 
Investments (Schedule Of Cost And Fair Value Of Equity Securities) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
 
 
Cost
$ 447 
$ 440 
Gross unrealized appreciation
99 
83 
Gross unrealized depreciation
(10)
(13)
Fair value
$ 536 
$ 510 
Investments (Net Realized Gains (Losses) And Losses Included In Net Realized Gains (Losses) And Other Comprehensive Income) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
 
 
OTTI on fixed maturities, gross
$ (13)
$ (6)
OTTI on fixed maturities recognized in OCI (pre-tax)
OTTI on fixed maturities, net
(13)
(5)
Fixed maturities, Gross realized gains excluding OTTI
44 
36 
Fixed maturities, Gross realized losses excluding OTTI
(35)
(20)
Total fixed maturities
(4)
11 
OTTI on equity securities
(6)
Equity securities, Gross realized gains excluding OTTI
Equity securities, Gross realized losses excluding OTTI
(2)
(1)
Total equity securities
(5)
OTTI on other investments
Foreign exchange losses
(31)
(9)
Investment and embedded derivative instruments
(25)
Fair value adjustments on insurance derivative
(45)
(48)
S&P put options and futures
(12)
(19)
Other derivative instruments
(2)
Other
(7)
Total net realized gains (losses) (includes $(3) and $6 reclassified from AOCI)
$ (89)
$ (104)
Investments (Aggregate Fair Value And Gross Unrealized Loss By Length Of Time Security Has Continuously Been In Unrealized Loss Position) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Investment [Line Items]
 
 
Document Period End Date
Mar. 31, 2015 
 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, 0-12 Months, Fair Value
$ 6,253 
$ 8,559 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, 0-12 Months, Gross Unrealized Loss
(169)
(244)
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Over 12 Months, Fair Value
1,607 
3,932 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Over 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Loss
(38)
(79)
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Total Fair Value
7,860 
12,491 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Total Gross Unrealized Loss
(207)
(323)
US Treasury and Government [Member]
 
 
Investment [Line Items]
 
 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, 0-12 Months, Fair Value
443 
350 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, 0-12 Months, Gross Unrealized Loss
(1)
(1)
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Over 12 Months, Fair Value
141 
666 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Over 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Loss
(1)
(9)
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Total Fair Value
584 
1,016 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Total Gross Unrealized Loss
(2)
(10)
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]
 
 
Investment [Line Items]
 
 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, 0-12 Months, Fair Value
1,747 
2,262 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, 0-12 Months, Gross Unrealized Loss
(64)
(75)
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Over 12 Months, Fair Value
317 
375 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Over 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Loss
(12)
(15)
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Total Fair Value
2,064 
2,637 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Total Gross Unrealized Loss
(76)
(90)
Corporate Securities [Member]
 
 
Investment [Line Items]
 
 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, 0-12 Months, Fair Value
2,140 
4,684 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, 0-12 Months, Gross Unrealized Loss
(79)
(150)
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Over 12 Months, Fair Value
500 
738 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Over 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Loss
(15)
(22)
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Total Fair Value
2,640 
5,422 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Total Gross Unrealized Loss
(94)
(172)
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
 
 
Investment [Line Items]
 
 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, 0-12 Months, Fair Value
1,301 
704 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, 0-12 Months, Gross Unrealized Loss
(6)
(2)
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Over 12 Months, Fair Value
560 
1,663 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Over 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Loss
(8)
(28)
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Total Fair Value
1,861 
2,367 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Total Gross Unrealized Loss
(14)
(30)
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
 
 
Investment [Line Items]
 
 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, 0-12 Months, Fair Value
462 
458 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, 0-12 Months, Gross Unrealized Loss
(3)
(3)
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Over 12 Months, Fair Value
89 
490 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Over 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Loss
(2)
(5)
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Total Fair Value
551 
948 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Total Gross Unrealized Loss
(5)
(8)
Fixed Maturities [Member]
 
 
Investment [Line Items]
 
 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, 0-12 Months, Fair Value
6,093 
8,458 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, 0-12 Months, Gross Unrealized Loss
(153)
(231)
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Over 12 Months, Fair Value
1,607 
3,932 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Over 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Loss
(38)
(79)
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Total Fair Value
7,700 
12,390 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Total Gross Unrealized Loss
(191)
(310)
Equity Securities [Member]
 
 
Investment [Line Items]
 
 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, 0-12 Months, Fair Value
68 
101 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, 0-12 Months, Gross Unrealized Loss
(10)
(13)
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Over 12 Months, Fair Value
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Over 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Loss
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Total Fair Value
68 
101 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Total Gross Unrealized Loss
(10)
(13)
Other Long-term Investments [Member]
 
 
Investment [Line Items]
 
 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, 0-12 Months, Fair Value
92 
 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, 0-12 Months, Gross Unrealized Loss
(6)
 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Over 12 Months, Fair Value
 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Over 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Loss
 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Total Fair Value
92 
 
Investment securities, Unrealized loss position, Total Gross Unrealized Loss
$ (6)
 
Investments (Schedule Of Components Of Restricted Assets) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
 
 
Trust funds
$ 11,132 
$ 10,838 
Deposits with non-U.S. regulatory authorities
2,296 
2,305 
Assets pledged under repurchase agreements
1,459 
1,431 
Deposits with U.S. regulatory authorities
1,336 
1,345 
Other pledged assets
446 
457 
Total restricted assets
$ 16,669 
$ 16,376 
Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
 
 
Guaranteed Living Benefits, Net Income Impact From Model Refinement
$ 400 
$ 3,000 
Redemption Notice Periods Lower Range [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
 
 
Notice period for redemption for alternative investments investment funds, days
5 days 
 
Redemption Notice Periods Upper Range [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
 
 
Notice period for redemption for alternative investments investment funds, days
120 days 
 
Fair Value Measurements (Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
$ 50,410 
$ 49,395 
Equity securities, at fair value
536 
510 
Short-term investments
2,536 
2,322 
Other investments
3,430 
3,346 
Securities lending collateral
1,033 
1,330 
Investment derivative instruments, assets
21 
18 
Other derivative instruments, assets
Separate account assets
1,574 
1,490 
Total assets measured at fair value
59,541 
58,413 
Investment derivative instruments, liabilities
25 
36 
Other derivative instruments, liability
25 
GLB
451 1
406 1
Total liabilities measured at fair value
483 
467 
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
1,747 
1,680 
Equity securities, at fair value
518 
492 
Short-term investments
1,469 
1,183 
Other investments
364 
370 
Securities lending collateral
Investment derivative instruments, assets
21 
18 
Other derivative instruments, assets
Separate account assets
1,488 
1,400 
Total assets measured at fair value
5,607 
5,143 
Investment derivative instruments, liabilities
25 
36 
Other derivative instruments, liability
21 
GLB
1
1
Total liabilities measured at fair value
28 
57 
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
48,441 
47,491 
Equity securities, at fair value
16 
16 
Short-term investments
1,067 
1,139 
Other investments
277 
257 
Securities lending collateral
1,033 
1,330 
Investment derivative instruments, assets
Other derivative instruments, assets
Separate account assets
86 
90 
Total assets measured at fair value
50,921 
50,325 
Investment derivative instruments, liabilities
Other derivative instruments, liability
GLB
1
1
Total liabilities measured at fair value
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
222 
224 
Equity securities, at fair value
Short-term investments
Other investments
2,789 
2,719 
Securities lending collateral
Investment derivative instruments, assets
Other derivative instruments, assets
Separate account assets
Total assets measured at fair value
3,013 
2,945 
Investment derivative instruments, liabilities
Other derivative instruments, liability
GLB
451 1
406 1
Total liabilities measured at fair value
455 
410 
U.S. Treasury And Agency [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
2,889 
2,820 
U.S. Treasury And Agency [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
1,747 
1,680 
U.S. Treasury And Agency [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
1,142 
1,140 
U.S. Treasury And Agency [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
Foreign [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
14,947 
15,242 
Foreign [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
Foreign [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
14,925 
15,220 
Foreign [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
22 
22 
Corporate Securities [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
17,999 
17,431 
Corporate Securities [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
Corporate Securities [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
17,832 
17,244 
Corporate Securities [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
167 
187 
Mortgage Backed-Securities [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
10,808 
10,286 
Mortgage Backed-Securities [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
Mortgage Backed-Securities [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
10,775 
10,271 
Mortgage Backed-Securities [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
33 
15 
States, Municipalities, And Political Subdivisions [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
3,767 
3,616 
States, Municipalities, And Political Subdivisions [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
States, Municipalities, And Political Subdivisions [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
3,767 
3,616 
States, Municipalities, And Political Subdivisions [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
 
 
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale at fair value
$ 0 
$ 0 
Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Significant Unobservable Inputs Used In Level 3 Liability Valuations) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Valuation Technique
Actuarial model 1
 
 
 
Minimum [Member]
 
 
 
 
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs Lapse rate
1.00% 1
 
 
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs Annuitization rate
0.00% 1
 
 
 
Maximum [Member]
 
 
 
 
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs Lapse rate
30.00% 1
 
 
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs Annuitization rate
55.00% 1
 
 
 
Guaranteed Living Benefit [Member]
 
 
 
 
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value
$ 451 2
$ 243 2
$ 406 2
$ 193 2
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings
45 2
50 2
 
 
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases
 
 
 
Fair Value
451 1
 
406 1
 
Short-term Investments [Member]
 
 
 
 
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value
 
 
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases
 
$ 0 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements (Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Securities [Member]
 
 
 
 
Schedule Of Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3
$ 0 
$ 0 
 
 
Balance- Beginning of Period, Assets
 
 
Transfers out of Level 3, Assets
(2)
 
 
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) included in OCI, Assets
 
 
Net Realized Gains/Losses, Assets
 
 
Purchases, Assets
 
 
Sales, Assets
(2)
 
 
Settlements, Assets
 
 
Balance-End of Period, Assets
 
 
Net Realized Gains/Losses Attributable to Changes in Fair Value at the Balance Sheet Date, Assets
 
 
 
Short-term Investments [Member]
 
 
 
 
Schedule Of Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3
 
 
 
Balance- Beginning of Period, Assets
 
 
 
Transfers out of Level 3, Assets
 
(7)
 
 
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) included in OCI, Assets
 
 
 
Net Realized Gains/Losses, Assets
 
 
 
Purchases, Assets
 
 
 
Sales, Assets
 
 
 
Settlements, Assets
 
 
 
Balance-End of Period, Assets
 
 
 
Other Long-term Investments [Member]
 
 
 
 
Schedule Of Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3
 
 
Balance- Beginning of Period, Assets
2,719 
2,440 
 
 
Transfers out of Level 3, Assets
 
 
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) included in OCI, Assets
(20)
41 
 
 
Net Realized Gains/Losses, Assets
 
 
Purchases, Assets
147 
200 
 
 
Sales, Assets
(1)
 
 
Settlements, Assets
(57)
(69)
 
 
Balance-End of Period, Assets
2,789 
2,611 
 
 
Net Realized Gains/Losses Attributable to Changes in Fair Value at the Balance Sheet Date, Assets
 
 
Other Derivative Instruments Fair Value [Member]
 
 
 
 
Schedule Of Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3
 
 
 
Balance- Beginning of Period, Assets
 
 
 
Transfers out of Level 3, Assets
 
 
 
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) included in OCI, Assets
 
 
 
Sales, Assets
 
 
 
Balance-End of Period, Assets
 
 
 
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] |
Foreign [Member]
 
 
 
 
Schedule Of Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3
 
 
Balance- Beginning of Period, Assets
22 
44 
 
 
Transfers out of Level 3, Assets
(18)
 
 
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) included in OCI, Assets
(1)
 
 
Net Realized Gains/Losses, Assets
 
 
Purchases, Assets
 
 
Sales, Assets
(1)
(1)
 
 
Settlements, Assets
 
 
Balance-End of Period, Assets
22 
26 
 
 
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] |
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
 
 
 
 
Schedule Of Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3
 
 
Balance- Beginning of Period, Assets
187 
166 
 
 
Transfers out of Level 3, Assets
(22)
 
 
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) included in OCI, Assets
 
 
Net Realized Gains/Losses, Assets
(3)
 
 
Purchases, Assets
15 
 
 
Sales, Assets
(3)
(6)
 
 
Settlements, Assets
(26)
(6)
 
 
Balance-End of Period, Assets
167 
151 
 
 
Net Realized Gains/Losses Attributable to Changes in Fair Value at the Balance Sheet Date, Assets
(2)
 
 
 
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] |
Mortgage Backed-Securities [Member]
 
 
 
 
Schedule Of Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3
 
 
Balance- Beginning of Period, Assets
15 
 
 
Transfers out of Level 3, Assets
 
 
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) included in OCI, Assets
 
 
Net Realized Gains/Losses, Assets
 
 
Purchases, Assets
18 
 
 
Sales, Assets
 
 
Settlements, Assets
 
 
Balance-End of Period, Assets
33 
 
 
Guaranteed Living Benefit [Member]
 
 
 
 
Schedule Of Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value
451 1
243 1
406 1
193 1
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3
 
 
 
Transfers out of Level 3, Assets
 
 
 
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) included in OCI, Assets
 
 
 
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings
45 1
50 1
 
 
Purchases, Assets
 
 
 
Sales, Assets
 
 
 
Settlements, Assets
 
 
 
Net Realized Gains/Losses Attributable to Changes in Fair Value at the Balance Sheet Date, Liabilities
45 
50 1
 
 
Reported liabilities
$ 716 
$ 483 
$ 663 
$ 427 
Fair Value Measurements (Carrying Values And Fair Values Of Financial Instruments Not Measured At Fair Value) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
$ 6,982 
$ 7,331 
Investments in partially-owned insurance companies
590 
504 
Total assets
98,398 
98,248 
Short-term debt
2,552 
2,552 
Long-term debt
4,157 
3,357 
Trust preferred securities
309 
309 
Total liabilities
68,696 
68,661 
Carrying Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
6,982 
7,331 
Investments in partially-owned insurance companies
590 
504 
Total assets
7,572 
7,835 
Short-term debt
2,552 
2,552 
Long-term debt
4,157 
3,357 
Trust preferred securities
309 
309 
Total liabilities
7,018 
6,218 
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
7,307 
7,589 
Investments in partially-owned insurance companies
590 
504 
Total assets
7,897 
8,093 
Short-term debt
2,563 
2,571 
Long-term debt
4,575 
3,690 
Trust preferred securities
465 
462 
Total liabilities
7,603 
6,723 
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
590 
659 
Investments in partially-owned insurance companies
Total assets
590 
659 
Short-term debt
Long-term debt
Trust preferred securities
Total liabilities
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
6,703 
6,915 
Investments in partially-owned insurance companies
Total assets
6,703 
6,915 
Short-term debt
2,563 
2,571 
Long-term debt
4,575 
3,690 
Trust preferred securities
465 
462 
Total liabilities
7,603 
6,723 
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
14 
15 
Investments in partially-owned insurance companies
590 
504 
Total assets
604 
519 
Short-term debt
Long-term debt
Trust preferred securities
Total liabilities
U.S. Treasury And Agency [Member] |
Carrying Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
756 
832 
U.S. Treasury And Agency [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
780 
850 
U.S. Treasury And Agency [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
590 
659 
U.S. Treasury And Agency [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
190 
191 
U.S. Treasury And Agency [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
Foreign [Member] |
Carrying Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
816 
916 
Foreign [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
873 
963 
Foreign [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
Foreign [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
873 
963 
Foreign [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] |
Carrying Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
2,249 
2,323 
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
2,371 
2,423 
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
2,357 
2,408 
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
14 
15 
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] |
Carrying Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
1,907 
1,983 
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
1,983 
2,039 
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
1,983 
2,039 
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] |
Carrying Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
1,254 
1,277 
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
1,300 
1,314 
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
1,300 
1,314 
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |
Fair Value [Member]
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
 
 
Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value – $7,307 and $7,589)
$ 0 
$ 0 
Assumed Life Reinsurance Programs Involving Minimum Benefit Guarantees Under Annuity Contracts (Schedule Of Guaranteed Minimum Benefits Income And Expense) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Guaranteed Minimum Benefits [Line Items]
 
 
Document Fiscal Year Focus
2015 
 
Net premiums earned
$ 3,927 
$ 3,970 
Policy benefits and other reserve adjustments
142 
114 
Net realized gains (losses)
(89)
(104)
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit [Member]
 
 
Guaranteed Minimum Benefits [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
16 
19 
Policy benefits and other reserve adjustments
15 
Guaranteed Living Benefit [Member]
 
 
Guaranteed Minimum Benefits [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
32 
36 
Policy benefits and other reserve adjustments
12 
Net realized gains (losses)
(45)
(50)
Loss recognized in Net income
(25)
(23)
Less: Net cash received
28 
33 
Net increase in liability
$ (53)
$ (56)
Assumed Life Reinsurance Programs Involving Minimum Benefit Guarantees Under Annuity Contracts (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2015
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit [Member]
Dec. 31, 2014
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit [Member]
Mar. 31, 2015
Guaranteed Living Benefit [Member]
Dec. 31, 2014
Guaranteed Living Benefit [Member]
Mar. 31, 2014
Guaranteed Living Benefit [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Guaranteed Living Benefit [Member]
Guaranteed Minimum Benefits [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Document Fiscal Year Focus
2015 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reported liabilities
 
$ 112 
$ 111 
$ 716 
$ 663 
$ 483 
$ 427 
Fair value derivative adjustment in liability
 
 
 
$ 451 
$ 406 
 
 
Debt (Details) (Senior Notes [Member], ACE INA Senior Notes Due March 2025 [Member], USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Mar. 1, 2015
Senior Notes [Member] |
ACE INA Senior Notes Due March 2025 [Member]
 
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
 
Debt Instrument, Face Amount
$ 800 
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage
3.15% 
Make Whole Premium Additional Percent
0.15% 
Commitments, Contingencies, And Guarantees (Balance Sheet Locations, Fair Values In Asset Or (Liability) Position, And Notional Values/Payment Provisions Of Derivative Instruments) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Foreign Exchange Future [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Notional Value/Payment Provision
$ 1,160 
$ 1,329 
Cross Currency Swap [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Notional Value/Payment Provision
95 
95 
Futures Contracts On Money Market Instruments [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Notional Value/Payment Provision
4,355 
2,467 
Futures contracts on notes and bonds [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Notional Value/Payment Provision
1,276 
1,636 
Convertibles and Bonds with Warrants Attached [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Notional Value/Payment Provision
272 1
267 1
TBAs [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Notional Value/Payment Provision
30 
 
Investment And Embedded Derivative Instruments [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Asset
350 
309 
Notional Value/Payment Provision
7,188 
5,794 
Single-Stock Future [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Notional Value/Payment Provision
1,340 2
1,384 2
Options On Equity Market Indices [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Notional Value/Payment Provision
250 2
250 2
Other Derivatives [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Notional Value/Payment Provision
10 
10 
Other Derivative Instruments [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Notional Value/Payment Provision
1,600 
1,644 
Guaranteed Living Benefits [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Notional Value/Payment Provision
748 3
675 3
Other Assets [Member] |
Foreign Exchange Future [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Asset
15 
12 
Other Assets [Member] |
Futures Contracts On Money Market Instruments [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Asset
Other Assets [Member] |
Futures contracts on notes and bonds [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Asset
Other Assets [Member] |
Single-Stock Future [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Asset
2
2
Other Assets [Member] |
Options On Equity Market Indices [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Asset
2
2
Other Assets [Member] |
Other Derivatives [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Asset
Other Assets [Member] |
Other Derivative Instruments [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Asset
Other Assets [Member] |
Guaranteed Living Benefits [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Asset
3
3
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, And Other Liabilities [Member] |
Foreign Exchange Future [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Liability
(8)
(7)
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, And Other Liabilities [Member] |
Futures Contracts On Money Market Instruments [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Liability
(1)
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, And Other Liabilities [Member] |
Futures contracts on notes and bonds [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Liability
(16)
(29)
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, And Other Liabilities [Member] |
Convertibles and Bonds with Warrants Attached [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Liability
1
1
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, And Other Liabilities [Member] |
Investment And Embedded Derivative Instruments [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Liability
(25)
(36)
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, And Other Liabilities [Member] |
Single-Stock Future [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Liability
(3)2
(21)2
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, And Other Liabilities [Member] |
Options On Equity Market Indices [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Liability
2
2
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, And Other Liabilities [Member] |
Other Derivatives [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Liability
(4)
(4)
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, And Other Liabilities [Member] |
Other Derivative Instruments [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Liability
(7)
(25)
Fixed Maturities Available For Sale [Member] |
Convertibles and Bonds with Warrants Attached [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Asset
298 1
291 1
Fixed Maturities Available For Sale [Member] |
TBAs [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Liability
Derivative Fair Value, Asset
31 
Notional Value/Payment Provision
 
Accounts Payable Future Policy Benefits [Member] |
Guaranteed Living Benefits [Member]
 
 
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
 
 
Derivative Fair Value, Liability
$ (716)3
$ (663)3
Commitments, Contingencies, And Guarantees (Net Realized Gains (Losses) Of Derivative Instrument Activity In Consolidated Statement Of Operations) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
 
 
Net realized gains (losses)
$ (56)
$ (94)
Foreign Exchange Future [Member]
 
 
Commitments Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
 
 
Net realized gains (losses)
25 
(3)
All Other Futures Contracts And Options [Member]
 
 
Commitments Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
 
 
Net realized gains (losses)
(29)
(22)
Convertibles and Bonds with Warrants Attached [Member]
 
 
Commitments Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
 
 
Net realized gains (losses)
1
1
Investment And Embedded Derivative Instruments [Member]
 
 
Commitments Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
 
 
Net realized gains (losses)
(25)
Guaranteed Living Benefits [Member]
 
 
Commitments Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
 
 
Net realized gains (losses)
(45)2
(48)2
Single-Stock Future [Member]
 
 
Commitments Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
 
 
Net realized gains (losses)
(11)3
(17)3
Options On Equity Market Indices [Member]
 
 
Commitments Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
 
 
Net realized gains (losses)
(1)3
(2)3
Guaranteed Living Benefit And Other Derivative Instruments [Member]
 
 
Commitments Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
 
 
Net realized gains (losses)
(57)
(69)
Other Derivatives [Member]
 
 
Commitments Contingencies And Guarantees [Line Items]
 
 
Net realized gains (losses)
$ 0 
$ (2)
Commitments, Contingencies, And Guarantees (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
 
 
Carrying value of limited partnerships and partially-owned investment companies included in other investments
$ 2,200,000,000 
 
Funding commitments relating to limited partnerships and partially-owned investment companies
992,000,000 
 
Repurchase obligations
1,402,000,000 
1,402,000,000 
Securities lending payable
1,034,000,000 
1,331,000,000 
Securities lending collateral
1,033,000,000 
1,330,000,000 
Unrecognized tax benefits
23,000,000 
 
Derivative liability subject to a master netting agreement
$ 4,000,000 
$ 34,000,000 
Shareholders' equity Shareholders' equity (Details)
3 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2015
CHF
Mar. 31, 2014
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2014
CHF
Dec. 31, 2014
CHF
May 31, 2014
USD ($)
May 31, 2013
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2015
2015 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]
USD ($)
Jan. 1, 2015
2015 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]
USD ($)
Apr. 28, 2015
2015 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]
Subsequent Event [Member]
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2014
November 2013 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]
USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2013
November 2013 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]
USD ($)
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Shares repurchased
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$ 340,000,000 
 
$ 149,000,000 
$ 332,000,000 
 
Repurchase of outstanding common shares, shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,027,463 
 
1,351,820 
3,487,882 
 
Share repurchase authorization remains
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,160,000,000 
 
1,011,000,000 
1,612,000,000 
 
Common Shares in treasury, shares
15,747,650 
15,747,650 
 
 
14,172,726 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$ 1,500,000,000 
 
 
$ 2,000,000,000 
Annual dividend per share approved by shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
$ 2.60 
$ 2.04 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends Declared From Additional Paid In Capital
 
 
$ 0.24 
 0.20 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase to dividend approved by shareholders in January
 
 
$ 0.12 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared per common share
$ 0.65 
 0.62 
$ 0.75 
 0.65 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Par Value Reduction
$ 0.65 
 0.62 
$ 0.51 
 0.45 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock, Dividend Rate, Per-Dollar-Amount
$ 0.65 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Shares, par value
 
 24.15 
 
 
 24.77 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share-Based Compensation (Detail) (USD $)
3 Months Ended 0 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Feb. 26, 2015
Stock Options [Member]
Feb. 26, 2015
Restricted Stock [Member]
Feb. 26, 2015
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Stock option vesting period in years
3 years 
 
 
 
Stock option term in years
10 years 
 
 
 
Stock options granted
 
1,891,195 
 
 
Weighted-average grant date fair value for stock options granted
 
$ 18.49 
 
 
Restricted stock award and units vesting period in years
4 years 
 
 
 
Restricted stock awards granted to employees and officers of the company
 
 
1,278,250 
 
Restricted stock units awarded to employees and officers of the company
 
 
 
290,475 
Grant date fair value of awards except for options granted to employees and officers of the company
 
 
$ 114.78 
$ 114.78 
Segment Information (Operations By Segment) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums written
$ 4,076 
$ 4,185 
Net premiums earned
3,927 
3,970 
Losses and loss expenses
2,122 
2,161 
Policy benefits
142 
114 
Policy acquisition costs
707 
728 
Administrative expenses
554 
535 
Underwriting income (loss)
402 
432 
Net investment income
551 
553 
Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI
(89)
(104)
Interest expense
68 
71 
(Gains) losses from fair value changes in separate account assets
(11)
Other
(23)
Other (income) expense
(5)
(17)
Income tax expense (benefit)
120 
93 
Net income (loss)
681 
734 
Insurance - North American P&C [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums written
1,430 
1,418 
Net premiums earned
1,526 
1,487 
Losses and loss expenses
1,035 
940 
Policy acquisition costs
161 
159 
Administrative expenses
171 
161 
Underwriting income (loss)
159 
227 
Net investment income
263 
270 
Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI
(6)
(9)
Interest expense
Other
(7)
(20)
Income tax expense (benefit)
80 
83 
Net income (loss)
341 
422 
Insurance - North American Agriculture [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Underwriting Income Including Losses Related to Crop Derivatives
 
31 
Net premiums written
88 
194 
Net premiums earned
64 
103 
Losses and loss expenses
22 
126 
Policy acquisition costs
(4)
Administrative expenses
(1)
Underwriting income (loss)
47 
(29)
Net investment income
Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI
(2)
Interest expense
Other
Income tax expense (benefit)
10 
(7)
Net income (loss)
35 
(25)
Crop Derivative Gain or Loss
 
Insurance - Overseas General [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums written
1,794 
1,771 
Net premiums earned
1,637 
1,612 
Losses and loss expenses
814 
817 
Policy acquisition costs
389 
386 
Administrative expenses
256 
250 
Underwriting income (loss)
178 
159 
Net investment income
138 
132 
Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI
(10)
(10)
Interest expense
Other
17 
(6)
Income tax expense (benefit)
52 
37 
Net income (loss)
236 
249 
Global Reinsurance [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums written
273 
308 
Net premiums earned
226 
284 
Losses and loss expenses
99 
126 
Policy acquisition costs
54 
67 
Administrative expenses
12 
14 
Underwriting income (loss)
61 
77 
Net investment income
75 
77 
Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI
(11)
(8)
Interest expense
Other
(5)
(19)
Income tax expense (benefit)
10 
Net income (loss)
121 
154 
Life [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Life underwriting income
77 
 
Net premiums written
491 
494 
Net premiums earned
474 
484 
Losses and loss expenses
152 
151 
Policy benefits
142 
114 
Policy acquisition costs
107 
111 
Administrative expenses
73 
68 
Underwriting income (loss)
40 
Net investment income
66 
64 
Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI
(59)
(76)
Interest expense
(Gains) losses from fair value changes in separate account assets
(11)
Other
(12)
Income tax expense (benefit)
10 
Net income (loss)
20 
Corporate And Other [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
Policy acquisition costs
 
Administrative expenses
43 
41 
Underwriting income (loss)
(43)
(42)
Net investment income
Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI
(3)
Interest expense
63 
63 
Other
Income tax expense (benefit)
(39)
(40)
Net income (loss)
$ (72)
$ (68)
Segment Information (Net Premiums Earned For Segment By Product) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Property & All Other
$ 1,319 
$ 1,355 
Casualty
1,506 
1,480 
Life, Accident & Health
1,102 
1,135 
Net premiums earned
3,927 
3,970 
Insurance - North American P&C [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
1,526 
1,487 
Insurance - North American P&C [Member] |
Property Insurance Product Line [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
410 
405 
Insurance - North American P&C [Member] |
Casualty Insurance Product Line [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
1,015 
981 
Insurance - North American P&C [Member] |
Life Accident And Health Product Line [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
101 
101 
Insurance - North American Agriculture [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
64 
103 
Insurance - North American Agriculture [Member] |
Property Insurance Product Line [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
64 
103 
Insurance - North American Agriculture [Member] |
Casualty Insurance Product Line [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
Insurance - North American Agriculture [Member] |
Life Accident And Health Product Line [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
Insurance - Overseas General [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
1,637 
1,612 
Insurance - Overseas General [Member] |
Property Insurance Product Line [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
728 
693 
Insurance - Overseas General [Member] |
Casualty Insurance Product Line [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
382 
369 
Insurance - Overseas General [Member] |
Life Accident And Health Product Line [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
527 
550 
Global Reinsurance [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
226 
284 
Global Reinsurance [Member] |
Property Insurance Product Line [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
117 
154 
Global Reinsurance [Member] |
Casualty Insurance Product Line [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
109 
130 
Global Reinsurance [Member] |
Life Accident And Health Product Line [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
Life [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
474 
484 
Life [Member] |
Property Insurance Product Line [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
Life [Member] |
Casualty Insurance Product Line [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
Life [Member] |
Life Accident And Health Product Line [Member]
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums earned
$ 474 
$ 484 
Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
 
 
Net income
$ 681 
$ 734 
Weighted-average shares outstanding
328,212,376 
338,869,562 
Share-based compensation plans
3,480,344 
3,171,174 
Weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversions
331,692,720 
342,040,736 
Basic earnings per share (US$ per share)
$ 2.08 
$ 2.16 
Diluted earnings per share (US$ per share)
$ 2.05 
$ 2.14 
Potential anti-dilutive share conversions
715,148 
657,182 
Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries (Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Mar. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Investments
$ 63,894 
$ 62,904 
 
 
Cash
948 1 2
655 1 3
847 4
579 4
Insurance and reinsurance balances receivable
5,026 
5,426 
 
 
Reinsurance recoverable on losses and loss expenses
11,588 
11,992 
 
 
Reinsurance recoverable on policy benefits
215 
217 
 
 
Value of business acquired
440 
466 
 
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets
5,516 
5,724 
 
 
Investments in subsidiaries
 
 
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates, net
 
 
Other assets
10,771 
10,864 
 
 
Total assets
98,398 
98,248 
 
 
Unpaid losses and loss expenses
37,326 
38,315 
 
 
Unearned premiums
8,182 
8,222 
 
 
Future policy benefits
4,744 
4,754 
 
 
Due to subsidiaries and affiliates, net
 
 
Short-term debt
2,552 
2,552 
 
 
Affiliated notional cash pooling programs
 
 
Long-term debt
4,157 
3,357 
 
 
Trust preferred securities
309 
309 
 
 
Other liabilities
11,426 
11,152 
 
 
Total liabilities
68,696 
68,661 
 
 
Total shareholders' equity
29,702 
29,587 
29,369 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
98,398 
98,248 
 
 
ACE Limited (Parent Guarantor)
 
 
 
 
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Investments
31 
30 
 
 
Cash
1 2
1 3
25 4
4
Insurance and reinsurance balances receivable
 
 
Reinsurance recoverable on losses and loss expenses
 
 
Reinsurance recoverable on policy benefits
 
 
Value of business acquired
 
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets
 
 
Investments in subsidiaries
29,798 
29,497 
 
 
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates, net
233 
583 
 
 
Other assets
 
 
Total assets
30,068 
30,114 
 
 
Unpaid losses and loss expenses
 
 
Unearned premiums
 
 
Future policy benefits
 
 
Due to subsidiaries and affiliates, net
 
 
Short-term debt
 
 
Affiliated notional cash pooling programs
78 2
246 3
 
 
Long-term debt
 
 
Trust preferred securities
 
 
Other liabilities
288 
281 
 
 
Total liabilities
366 
527 
 
 
Total shareholders' equity
29,702 
29,587 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
30,068 
30,114 
 
 
ACE INA Holdings Inc (Subsidiary Issuer)
 
 
 
 
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Investments
10 
225 
 
 
Cash
366 1 2
1 3
4
16 4
Insurance and reinsurance balances receivable
 
 
Reinsurance recoverable on losses and loss expenses
 
 
Reinsurance recoverable on policy benefits
 
 
Value of business acquired
 
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets
 
 
Investments in subsidiaries
18,767 
18,762 
 
 
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates, net
 
 
Other assets
291 
295 
 
 
Total assets
19,434 
19,283 
 
 
Unpaid losses and loss expenses
 
 
Unearned premiums
 
 
Future policy benefits
 
 
Due to subsidiaries and affiliates, net
103 
422 
 
 
Short-term debt
1,150 
1,150 
 
 
Affiliated notional cash pooling programs
2
309 3
 
 
Long-term debt
4,145 
3,345 
 
 
Trust preferred securities
309 
309 
 
 
Other liabilities
1,434 
1,404 
 
 
Total liabilities
7,141 
6,939 
 
 
Total shareholders' equity
12,293 
12,344 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
19,434 
19,283 
 
 
Other ACE Limited Subsidiaries
 
 
 
 
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Investments
63,853 
62,649 
 
 
Cash
658 1 2
1,209 1 3
1,206 4
748 4
Insurance and reinsurance balances receivable
5,746 
6,178 
 
 
Reinsurance recoverable on losses and loss expenses
20,292 
20,992 
 
 
Reinsurance recoverable on policy benefits
1,171 
1,194 
 
 
Value of business acquired
440 
466 
 
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets
5,516 
5,724 
 
 
Investments in subsidiaries
 
 
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates, net
 
 
Other assets
14,088 
14,196 
 
 
Total assets
111,764 
112,608 
 
 
Unpaid losses and loss expenses
45,518 
46,770 
 
 
Unearned premiums
9,912 
9,958 
 
 
Future policy benefits
5,700 
5,731 
 
 
Due to subsidiaries and affiliates, net
130 
161 
 
 
Short-term debt
1,402 
1,402 
 
 
Affiliated notional cash pooling programs
2
3
 
 
Long-term debt
12 
12 
 
 
Trust preferred securities
 
 
Other liabilities
12,818 
12,659 
 
 
Total liabilities
75,492 
76,693 
 
 
Total shareholders' equity
36,272 
35,915 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
111,764 
112,608 
 
 
Consolidating Adjustments and Eliminations
 
 
 
 
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Investments
 
 
Cash
(78)1 2
(555)1 3
(385)4
(185)4
Insurance and reinsurance balances receivable
(720)
(752)
 
 
Reinsurance recoverable on losses and loss expenses
(8,704)
(9,000)
 
 
Reinsurance recoverable on policy benefits
(956)
(977)
 
 
Value of business acquired
 
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets
 
 
Investments in subsidiaries
(48,565)
(48,259)
 
 
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates, net
(233)
(583)
 
 
Other assets
(3,612)
(3,631)
 
 
Total assets
(62,868)
(63,757)
 
 
Unpaid losses and loss expenses
(8,192)
(8,455)
 
 
Unearned premiums
(1,730)
(1,736)
 
 
Future policy benefits
(956)
(977)
 
 
Due to subsidiaries and affiliates, net
(233)
(583)
 
 
Short-term debt
 
 
Affiliated notional cash pooling programs
(78)2
(555)3
 
 
Long-term debt
 
 
Trust preferred securities
 
 
Other liabilities
(3,114)
(3,192)
 
 
Total liabilities
(14,303)
(15,498)
 
 
Total shareholders' equity
(48,565)
(48,259)
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$ (62,868)
$ (63,757)
 
 
Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries (Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums written
$ 4,076 
$ 4,185 
Net premiums earned
3,927 
3,970 
Net investment income
551 
553 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI
(89)
(104)
Losses and loss expenses
2,122 
2,161 
Policy benefits
142 
114 
Policy acquisition costs and administrative expenses
1,261 
1,263 
Interest (income) expense
68 
71 
Other (income) expense
(5)
(17)
Income tax expense (benefit)
120 
93 
Net income (loss)
681 
734 
Comprehensive income (loss)
642 
1,108 
ACE Limited (Parent Guarantor)
 
 
Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums written
Net premiums earned
Net investment income
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
648 
702 
Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI
Losses and loss expenses
Policy benefits
Policy acquisition costs and administrative expenses
14 
17 
Interest (income) expense
(8)
(10)
Other (income) expense
(41)
(42)
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net income (loss)
681 
734 
Comprehensive income (loss)
642 
1,108 
ACE INA Holdings Inc (Subsidiary Issuer)
 
 
Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums written
Net premiums earned
Net investment income
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
204 
180 
Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI
(1)
Losses and loss expenses
Policy benefits
Policy acquisition costs and administrative expenses
Interest (income) expense
69 
71 
Other (income) expense
(3)
14 
Income tax expense (benefit)
(26)
(30)
Net income (loss)
159 
118 
Comprehensive income (loss)
24 
266 
Other ACE Limited Subsidiaries
 
 
Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums written
4,076 
4,185 
Net premiums earned
3,927 
3,970 
Net investment income
549 
553 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI
(89)
(103)
Losses and loss expenses
2,122 
2,161 
Policy benefits
142 
114 
Policy acquisition costs and administrative expenses
1,241 
1,240 
Interest (income) expense
10 
Other (income) expense
39 
11 
Income tax expense (benefit)
143 
120 
Net income (loss)
693 
764 
Comprehensive income (loss)
654 
1,138 
Consolidating Adjustments and Eliminations
 
 
Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries [Line Items]
 
 
Net premiums written
Net premiums earned
Net investment income
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
(852)
(882)
Net realized gains (losses) including OTTI
Losses and loss expenses
Policy benefits
Policy acquisition costs and administrative expenses
Interest (income) expense
Other (income) expense
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net income (loss)
(852)
(882)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$ (678)
$ (1,404)
Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries (Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries [Line Items]
 
 
Net cash flows from operating activities
$ 1,075 
$ 1,250 
Purchases of fixed maturities available for sale
(4,336)
(3,522)
Purchases of fixed maturities held to maturity
(21)
(30)
Purchases of equity securities
(39)
(37)
Sales of fixed maturities available for sale
2,002 
2,208 
Sales of equity securities
28 
27 
Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities available for sale
1,481 
1,550 
Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities held to maturity
324 
212 
Net change in short-term investments
(255)
(765)
Net derivative instruments settlements
(51)
(96)
Cash Acquired from Acquisition
   
Other
(153)
(50)
Net cash flows used for investing activities
(1,020)
(503)
Dividends paid on Common Shares
(214)
(214)
Common Shares repurchased
(347)
(335)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
800 
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt
477 
426 
Repayments of Short-term Debt
(477)
(426)
Proceeds from share-based compensation plans, including windfall tax benefits
39 
40 
Advances To From Affiliates Financing Activities
Net proceeds from (payments to) affiliated notional cash pooling program
Policyholder contract deposits
101 
51 
Policyholder contract withdrawals
(40)
(14)
Other
(6)
Net cash flows (used for) from financing activities
333 
(472)
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(95)
(7)
Net increase in cash
293 
268 
Cash – beginning of period
655 1 2
579 3
Cash – end of period
948 1 4
847 3
ACE Limited (Parent Guarantor)
 
 
Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries [Line Items]
 
 
Net cash flows from operating activities
48 
57 
Purchases of fixed maturities available for sale
Purchases of fixed maturities held to maturity
Purchases of equity securities
Sales of fixed maturities available for sale
Sales of equity securities
Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities available for sale
Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities held to maturity
Net change in short-term investments
Net derivative instruments settlements
Other
Net cash flows used for investing activities
Dividends paid on Common Shares
(214)
(214)
Common Shares repurchased
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
 
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt
Repayments of Short-term Debt
 
Proceeds from share-based compensation plans, including windfall tax benefits
Advances To From Affiliates Financing Activities
336 
367 
Net proceeds from (payments to) affiliated notional cash pooling program
(168)1
(185)3
Policyholder contract deposits
Policyholder contract withdrawals
Other
 
Net cash flows (used for) from financing activities
(46)
(32)
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net increase in cash
25 
Cash – beginning of period
1 2
3
Cash – end of period
1 4
25 3
ACE INA Holdings Inc (Subsidiary Issuer)
 
 
Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries [Line Items]
 
 
Net cash flows from operating activities
(13)
Purchases of fixed maturities available for sale
Purchases of fixed maturities held to maturity
Purchases of equity securities
Sales of fixed maturities available for sale
Sales of equity securities
Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities available for sale
Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities held to maturity
Net change in short-term investments
216 
(8)
Net derivative instruments settlements
(9)
Other
(3)
Net cash flows used for investing activities
216 
(20)
Dividends paid on Common Shares
Common Shares repurchased
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
800 
 
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt
Repayments of Short-term Debt
 
Proceeds from share-based compensation plans, including windfall tax benefits
Advances To From Affiliates Financing Activities
(340)
(367)
Net proceeds from (payments to) affiliated notional cash pooling program
(309)1
385 3
Policyholder contract deposits
Policyholder contract withdrawals
Other
(6)
 
Net cash flows (used for) from financing activities
145 
18 
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net increase in cash
365 
(15)
Cash – beginning of period
1 2
16 3
Cash – end of period
366 1 4
3
Other ACE Limited Subsidiaries
 
 
Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries [Line Items]
 
 
Net cash flows from operating activities
1,023 
1,206 
Purchases of fixed maturities available for sale
(4,336)
(3,522)
Purchases of fixed maturities held to maturity
(21)
(30)
Purchases of equity securities
(39)
(37)
Sales of fixed maturities available for sale
2,002 
2,208 
Sales of equity securities
28 
27 
Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities available for sale
1,481 
1,550 
Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities held to maturity
324 
212 
Net change in short-term investments
(471)
(757)
Net derivative instruments settlements
(51)
(87)
Other
(153)
(47)
Net cash flows used for investing activities
(1,236)
(483)
Dividends paid on Common Shares
Common Shares repurchased
(347)
(335)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
 
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt
477 
426 
Repayments of Short-term Debt
(477)
 
Proceeds from share-based compensation plans, including windfall tax benefits
39 
40 
Advances To From Affiliates Financing Activities
Net proceeds from (payments to) affiliated notional cash pooling program
1
3
Policyholder contract deposits
101 
51 
Policyholder contract withdrawals
(40)
(14)
Other
 
Net cash flows (used for) from financing activities
(243)
(258)
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(95)
(7)
Net increase in cash
(551)
458 
Cash – beginning of period
1,209 1 2
748 3
Cash – end of period
658 1 4
1,206 3
Consolidating Adjustments and Eliminations
 
 
Information Provided In Connection With Outstanding Debt Of Subsidiaries [Line Items]
 
 
Net cash flows from operating activities
Purchases of fixed maturities available for sale
Purchases of fixed maturities held to maturity
Purchases of equity securities
Sales of fixed maturities available for sale
Sales of equity securities
Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities available for sale
Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities held to maturity
Net change in short-term investments
Net derivative instruments settlements
Other
Net cash flows used for investing activities
Dividends paid on Common Shares
Common Shares repurchased
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
 
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt
Repayments of Short-term Debt
 
Proceeds from share-based compensation plans, including windfall tax benefits
Advances To From Affiliates Financing Activities
Net proceeds from (payments to) affiliated notional cash pooling program
477 1
(200)3
Policyholder contract deposits
Policyholder contract withdrawals
Other
 
Net cash flows (used for) from financing activities
477 
(200)
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net increase in cash
477 
(200)
Cash – beginning of period
(555)1 2
(185)3
Cash – end of period
$ (78)1 4
$ (385)3