Basis of Presentation and Significant Events (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011 state country criteria segment	Sep. 30, 2010
Basis of Presentation and Significant Events
Minimum Number of Countries Potential for Regulatory Limitations		1
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest		$ (7,952)	$ (3,978)
Taxes		(643)	(1,134)
Non-cash financing/investing activities:
Interest credited to policyholder contract deposits included in financing activities		3,602	6,768
Debt assumed on consolidation of variable interest entities			2,591
Debt assumed on acquisition			164
Payment of FRBNY credit facility accrued compounded interest	$ 4,700	$ 6,363

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The amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income, net of any cash received during the current period as refunds for the overpayment of taxes.

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