SCHEDULE IV - CONSOLIDATED REINSURANCE (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated reinsurance, net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	$ 7,377	$ 6,997	$ 6,599
Ceded to Other Companies	(1,191)	(1,276)	(1,202)
Assumed from Other Companies	9	10	13
Net Amount	6,195	5,731	5,410
Individual life insurance in force [Member]
Consolidated reinsurance, net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	897,500	881,100	842,300
Ceded to Other Companies	(323,300)	(331,700)	(337,800)
Assumed from Other Companies	2,000	2,800	3,000
Net Amount	576,200	552,200	507,500
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	0.30%	0.50%	0.60%
Life insurance and annuities [Member]
Consolidated reinsurance, net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	6,110	5,811	5,458
Ceded to Other Companies	(1,165)	(1,252)	(1,170)
Assumed from Other Companies	9	10	13
Net Amount	4,954	4,569	4,301
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	0.20%	0.20%	0.30%
Accident and health insurance [Member]
Consolidated reinsurance, net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	1,267	1,186	1,141
Ceded to Other Companies	(26)	(24)	(32)
Assumed from Other Companies	0	0	0
Net Amount	$ 1,241	$ 1,162	$ 1,109
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%