SCHEDULE I - CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	$ 88,623
Carrying Value	99,065
Available-for-sale fixed maturity securities [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	73,395
Fair Value	82,744
Carrying Value	82,744
Bonds: U.S. government and government agencies and authorities [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	383
Fair Value	442
Carrying Value	442
State and municipal bonds [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	3,546
Fair Value	4,353
Carrying Value	4,353
MBS [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	6,733
Fair Value	7,174
Carrying Value	7,174
Bonds: Foreign governments [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	562
Fair Value	654
Carrying Value	654
Bonds: Public utilities [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	11,874
Fair Value	13,616
Carrying Value	13,616
Bonds: All other corporate bonds [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	48,439
Fair Value	54,580
Carrying Value	54,580
Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	1,181
Fair Value	1,217
Carrying Value	1,217
Equity securities [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	137
Fair Value	157
Carrying Value	157
Common stocks: Banks, trusts, and insurance companies [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	86
Fair Value	91
Carrying Value	91
Common stocks: Industrial, miscellaneous and all other [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	16
Fair Value	15
Carrying Value	15
Common stocks: Nonredeemable preferred stocks [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	35
Fair Value	51
Carrying Value	51
Trading Assets Excluding Debt And Equity Securities [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	2,127
Fair Value	2,554
Carrying Value	2,554
Derivative instruments [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	2,006
Fair Value	2,652
Carrying Value	2,652
Mortgage loans on real estate [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	7,029
Fair Value	7,704
Carrying Value	7,029
Real estate [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	65
Carrying Value	65
Policy loans [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	2,766
Carrying Value	2,766
Other Long-term Investments [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	1,098
Fair Value	1,098
Carrying Value	1,098
Vies Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	677
Fair Value	708
Carrying Value	$ 708