INVESTMENTS - Information Regarding Pretax Realized Gains and Losses From Investments (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	$ (203)	[1]	$ (405)	[2]
Derivative gains (losses)	80		(30)
Total realized investment gains (losses)	(45)		(579)
Debt Securities | Available-for-sale Securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains from sales	14		26
Gross losses from sales	(1)		(187)
Net gains (losses) from redemptions	0		7
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	(63)		(404)
Total realized investment gains (losses)	(50)		(558)
Perpetual Securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains from sales	70		6
Gross losses from sales	(65)		(2)
Net gains (losses) from redemptions	60		0
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	(140)		0
Total realized investment gains (losses)	(75)		4
Equity Securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	0		(1)
Total realized investment gains (losses)	0		(1)
Other assets
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Derivative gains (losses)	80		(30)
Other	0		6
Total realized investment gains (losses)	$ 80		$ (24)

[1] Includes $28 for credit-related impairments and $175 from change in intent to sell securities

[2] Consisted completely of credit-related impairments