Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 1,964		$ 2,344		$ 1,497
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Change in receivables and advance premiums	2,940		1,078		406
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs	(574)		(416)		(358)
Increase in policy liabilities	4,685		3,448		3,019
Change in income tax liabilities	251		128		139
Realized investment (gains) losses	1,552		422		1,212
Other, net	24		(15)		246
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	10,842		6,989		6,161
Securities available for sale:
Fixed maturities sold	14,385		2,724		4,798
Fixed maturities matured or called	170		1,243		1,976
Perpetual securities sold	690		700		595
Equity securities sold	0		328		2
Securities held to maturity:
Fixed maturities matured or called	728		196		212
Securities available for sale:
Fixed maturities acquired	(8,392)		(9,943)		(7,521)
Equity securities acquired	0		(330)		(2)
Securities held to maturity:
Fixed maturities acquired	(18,995)		(2,010)		(4,167)
Purchase of subsidiary	0		0		(83)
Cash received as collateral on loaned securities, net	647		(312)		(1,214)
Other, net	(62)		(28)		(72)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	(10,829)		(7,432)		(5,476)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchases of treasury stock	(308)		(121)		(10)
Proceeds from borrowings	620		748		1,405
Principal payments under debt obligations	(462)		(451)		(560)
Dividends paid to shareholders	(552)		(535)		(524)
Change in investment-type contracts, net	733		419		364
Treasury stock reissued	26		45		17
Other, net	7		56		7
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	64		161		699
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	51		80		(2)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	128		(202)		1,382
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,121		2,323		941
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	2,249		2,121		2,323
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid	828		1,017		627
Interest paid	191		134		61
Impairment losses included in realized investment losses	1,901	[1]	459	[2]	1,361	[2]
Noncash financing activities:
Capitalized lease obligations	6		3		2
Associate stock bonus
Treasury stock issued for:
Treasury stock issued	32		0		7
Shareholder dividend reinvestment
Treasury stock issued for:
Treasury stock issued	23		0		0
Share-based compensation grants
Treasury stock issued for:
Treasury stock issued	$ 2		$ 2		$ 4

[1] Includes $1.3 billion for credit-related impairments and $615 million from change in intent to sell securities

[2] Consisted completely of credit-related impairments