CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost)	$ 69,889	$ 68,988
Variable interest entities' fixed maturity securities (amortized cost)	674	673
Equity securities (cost)	$ 114	$ 135
Stockholders Equity
Preferred stock - shares authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Series A preferred stock - shares issued (in shares)	9,632	10,072
Series A preferred stock - shares outstanding (in shares)	9,632	10,072
Common stock - shares authorized (in shares)	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock - shares issued (in shares)	285,412,303	291,319,222
Common stock - shares outstanding (in shares)	285,412,303	291,319,222