Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 1,268		$ 663
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Change in receivables and advance premiums	3,135		926
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs	(311)		(204)
Increase in policy liabilities	2,679		1,922
Change in income tax liabilities	105		(89)
Realized investment (gains) losses	463		1,247
Other, net	(94)		(87)
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	7,245		4,378
Securities available for sale:
Fixed maturities sold	982		1,767
Fixed maturities matured or called	938		775
Perpetual securities sold	897		226
Perpetual securities matured or called	376		61
Securities held to maturity:
Fixed maturities matured or called	1,058		325
Securities available for sale:
Fixed maturities acquired	(3,265)		(4,822)
Securities held to maturity:
Fixed maturities acquired	(8,418)		(3,484)
Cash received as collateral on loaned securities, net	(646)		147
Other, net	20		(29)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	(8,058)		(5,034)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchases of treasury stock	(10)		(222)
Proceeds from borrowings	749		0
Principal payments under debt obligations	(339)		(1)
Dividends paid to shareholders	(296)		(260)
Change in investment-type contracts, net	601		275
Treasury stock reissued	11		26
Other, net	9		7
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	725		(175)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(31)		1
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(119)		(830)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,249		2,121
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	2,130		1,291
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid	355		460
Interest paid	113		72
Impairment losses included in realized investment losses	546	[1]	933	[2]
Noncash financing activities:
Capitalized lease obligations	2		1
Associate stock bonus
Treasury stock issued for:
Treasury stock issued	19		0
Shareholder dividend reinvestment
Treasury stock issued for:
Treasury stock issued	12		21
Share-based compensation grants
Treasury stock issued for:
Treasury stock issued	$ 4		$ 2

[1] Includes $267 and $295 for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012, respectively, for credit-related impairments and $76 and $251 for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012, respectively, from change in intent to sell securities

[2] Consisted completely of credit-related impairments