DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - Derivatives and Hedging Instruments Gain (Loss) Summary (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period	$ (287)		$ (18)		$ 90
Derivative gains (losses)	151		(257)		(1)
Derivative and non-derivative hedging instruments gain loss recognized in other comprehensive income effective portion before tax	74		(87)		(78)
Cash flow hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	(3)		0		20
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	(22)		(33)		51
Fair value hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	(7)		0		0
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0		0		0
Net investment hedge
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0		0		0
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period	96		(54)		(129)
Non-qualifying strategies
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0		0		0
Gain (Loss) Recognized within Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	161		(257)		(21)
Interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0		0		0
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0		2		1
Interest rate swaps | Non-qualifying strategies
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0		0		0
Gain (Loss) Recognized within Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	(14)		(33)		7
Foreign currency swaps | Cash flow hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	(3)		0		20
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	(22)		(35)		50
Foreign currency swaps | Non-qualifying strategies
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0		0		0
Gain (Loss) Recognized within Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	111		(160)		3
Foreign currency forwards | Fair value hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	(7)	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0		0		0
Non-derivative hedging instruments | Net investment hedge
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0		0		0
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period	96		(54)		(129)
Credit default swaps | Non-qualifying strategies
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0		0		0
Gain (Loss) Recognized within Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	$ 64		$ (64)		$ (31)

[1] Impact shown net of effect of hedged items (see Fair Value Hedges section of this Note 4 for further detail)