CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost)	$ 72,718	$ 68,988
Variable interest entities' fixed maturity securities (amortized cost)	677	673
Equity securities (cost)	$ 137	$ 135
Stockholders Equity
Preferred stock - shares authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock - shares authorized (in shares)	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock - shares issued (in shares)	271,402,586	291,319,222
Common stock - shares outstanding (in shares)	271,402,586	291,319,222
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Stockholders Equity
Series A preferred stock - shares issued (in shares)	9,532	10,072
Series A preferred stock - shares outstanding (in shares)	9,532	10,072