Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses) of termination of forward currency contracts, included in adjusted operating income	$ (175)	$ (93)	$ (36)
Fair value of forward currency open contracts, net liability	184	252
Realized investment gains (losses) of interest rate and currency swaps and other derivatives contracts due to periodic settlements and yield adjustments	259	243	167
Realized investment gains (losses) of interest rate and currency swaps and other derivatives contracts related to termination or offset in prior periods	50	35	26
Additional losses related to unsecured portion of derivative	65
Asset Management [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses) and related adjustments	154	18	(273)
Other Trading [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses) and related adjustments	(81)	10	55
Foreign Exchange [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses) and related adjustments	965	21	168
Non Performance Risk [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses) and related adjustments	$ (44)	$ (4)	$ 34