Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Securities available for sale, at fair value:
Equity securities (cost $21 in 2012 and $22 in 2011)	$ 25		$ 25
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost:
Fixed maturities	48,834		47,009
Other investments	161		168
Cash and cash equivalents	2,210		2,249
Total investments and cash	103,104		103,462
Receivables	744		680
Accrued investment income	746		802
Deferred policy acquisition costs	9,542		9,789
Property and equipment, at cost less accumulated depreciation	591		617
Other	825	[1]	887	[1]
Total assets	115,552		116,237
Policy liabilities:
Future policy benefits	76,332		79,278
Unpaid policy claims	3,885		3,981
Unearned premiums	1,854		1,704
Other policyholders' funds	10,933		9,630
Total policy liabilities	93,004		94,593
Notes payable	3,964		3,285
Income taxes	2,599		2,308
Payables for return of cash collateral on loaned securities	193		838
Other	2,149	[2]	2,267	[2]
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)
Total liabilities	101,909		103,291
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock of $.10 par value. In thousands: authorized 1,900,000 shares in 2012 and 2011; issued 664,437 shares in 2012 and 663,639 shares in 2011	66		66
Additional paid-in capital	1,433		1,408
Retained earnings	15,779		15,148
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains	718		984
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities not other-than-temporarily impaired	1,448		1,143
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	1		9
Pension liability adjustment	(167)		(171)
Treasury stock, at average cost	(5,635)		(5,641)
Total shareholders' equity	13,643		12,946
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	115,552		116,237
Investments other than Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
Securities available for sale, at fair value:
Fixed maturities	41,276		42,222
Perpetual securities	4,159		5,149
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost:
Fixed maturities	48,226		46,366
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated
Securities available for sale, at fair value:
Fixed maturities	5,246		5,350
Perpetual securities	1,193		1,290
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost:
Fixed maturities	$ 608		$ 643

[1] Includes $271 in 2012 and $375 in 2011 of derivatives from consolidated variable interest entities

[2] Includes $419 in 2012 and $531 in 2011 of derivatives from consolidated variable interest entities