Components of Other Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	$ 330	[1]	$ 320	[1]
Prepaid expenses	153		172
Interest and dividends receivable	142		134
Other investments	57		56
Deferred tax asset - net	27		170
Other	109		75
Total other assets	$ 818		$ 927

[1] Accounts receivable includes accrued service fee income and a receivable from the Company's loan servicer.