New Accounting Standards (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012 Accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts [Member]
Assets
Deferred acquisition cost				$ (1,415)	$ (1,516)
Liabilities
Other liabilities - deferred income taxes				(490)	(524)
Stockholders Equity
Retained earnings				(1,157)	(1,095)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)				232	103
Total stockholders' equity				(925)	(992)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity				(1,415)	(1,516)
Revenues	2,714	2,718
Realized gain (loss)			4
Benefits and Expenses
Underwriting , acquisition, insurance and other expenses			(43)
Income (loss) from continuing operations			(25)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes			(39)
Federal income tax expense (benefit)			$ 14
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share - Basic			$ (0.08)
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share - Diluted			$ (0.08)