Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 2,285		$ 1,399
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Change in receivables and advance premiums	4,628		1,832
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs	(481)		(320)
Increase in policy liabilities	4,537		3,259
Change in income tax liabilities	385		60
Realized investment (gains) losses	177		1,330
Other, net	(80)		(74)
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	11,451		7,486
Securities available for sale:
Fixed maturities sold	5,376		6,878
Fixed maturities matured or called	1,616		1,373
Perpetual securities sold	1,389		230
Perpetual securities matured or called	378		62
Securities held to maturity:
Fixed maturities matured or called	1,579		710
Securities available for sale:
Fixed maturities acquired	(12,815)		(6,361)
Securities held to maturity:
Fixed maturities acquired	(15,629)		(11,307)
Cash received as collateral on loaned securities, net	5,752		667
Other, net	(145)		(31)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	(12,499)		(7,779)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchases of treasury stock	(13)		(268)
Proceeds from borrowings	1,456		624
Principal payments under debt obligations	(340)		(462)
Dividends paid to shareholders	(445)		(404)
Change in investment-type contracts, net	1,095		472
Treasury stock reissued	19		18
Other, net	9		5
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	1,781		(15)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	3		49
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	736		(259)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,249		2,121
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	2,985		1,862
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid	527		690
Interest paid	173		88
Impairment losses included in realized investment losses	643	[1]	1,100	[2]
Noncash financing activities:
Capitalized lease obligations	3		4
Associate stock bonus
Treasury stock issued for:
Treasury stock issued	24		27
Shareholder dividend reinvestment
Treasury stock issued for:
Treasury stock issued	19		17
Share-based compensation grants
Treasury stock issued for:
Treasury stock issued	$ 3		$ 2

[1] Includes $70 and $365 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012, respectively, for credit-related impairments; $0 and $251 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012, respectively, from change in intent to sell securities; and $27 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 for impairments due to severity and duration of decline in fair value

[2] Consisted completely of credit-related impairments