INVESTMENTS - Information Regarding Pretax Realized Gains and Losses From Investments (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	$ (55)	$ (203)
Derivative gains (losses)	87	80
Other	5	0
Total realized investment gains (losses)	156	(45)
Fixed Maturities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Total realized investment gains (losses)	65	(50)
Fixed Maturities | Available-for-sale Securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains from sales	119	14
Gross losses from sales	(6)	(1)
Net gains (losses) from redemptions	6	0
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	(54)	(63)
Fixed Maturities | Held-to-maturity Securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net gains (losses) from redemptions	0	0
Perpetual Securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains from sales	0	70
Gross losses from sales	0	(65)
Net gains (losses) from redemptions	0	60
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	0	(140)
Total realized investment gains (losses)	0	(75)
Equity Securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	(1)	0
Total realized investment gains (losses)	(1)	0
Derivatives and other
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Total realized investment gains (losses)	$ 92	$ 80