Underwriting, Acquisition, Insurance, Restructuring and Other Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Details underlying underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses [Abstract]
Commissions	$ 1,672	$ 1,616	$ 1,543
General and administrative expenses	1,422	1,412	1,284
Expenses associated with reserve financing and unrelated LOCs	47	34	7
DAC and VOBA deferrals and interest, net of amortization	(651)	(583)	(598)
Broker-dealer expenses	353	320	290
Other intangibles amortization	4	4	4
Media expenses	69	59	53
Taxes, licenses and fees	247	197	160
Merger-related expenses	0	9	17
Restructuring charges (recoveries) for expense initiatives	0	(1)	34
Total	$ 3,163	$ 3,067	$ 2,794