DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - Derivatives and Hedging Instruments Gain (Loss) Summary (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period	$ (188)		$ (100)
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	87		80
Derivative and non-derivative hedging instruments gain loss recongized in other comprehensive income effective portion before tax	62		37
Cash flow hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	(1)		0
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	(7)		(12)
Fair value hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	(6)		0
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	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
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period	69		49
Non-qualifying strategies
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	94		80
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0		0
Foreign currency swaps | Cash flow hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	(1)		0
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	(7)		(12)
Foreign currency swaps | Non-qualifying strategies
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	84		50
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0		0
Foreign currency forwards | Fair value hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	(6)	[1]	0	[1]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0	[1]	0	[1]
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
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period	69		49
Interest rate swaps | Non-qualifying strategies
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	(4)		(3)
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0		0
Foreign currency options | Non-qualifying strategies
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	2		0
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0		0
Credit default swaps | Non-qualifying strategies
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	12		33
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	$ 0		$ 0

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