Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Financial Instruments Policies [Abstract]
General Derivative Policy	Derivative financial instruments. The Company applies hedge accounting when derivatives are designated, qualify and are highly effective as hedges. Effectiveness is formally assessed and documented at inception and each period throughout the life of a hedge using various quantitative methods appropriate for each hedge, including regression analysis and dollar offset. Under hedge accounting, the changes in fair value of the derivative and the hedged risk are generally recognized together and offset each other when reported in shareholders' net income. The Company accounts for derivative instruments as follows: Derivatives are reported on the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair values reported in shareholders' net income or accumulated other comprehensive income. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that hedge market risk related to future cash flows and that qualify for hedge accounting are reported in a separate caption in accumulated other comprehensive income. These hedges are referred to as cash flow hedges. A change in the fair value of a derivative instrument may not always equal the change in the fair value of the hedged item; this difference is referred to as hedge ineffectiveness. Where hedge accounting is used, the Company reflects hedge ineffectiveness in shareholders' net income (generally as part of realized investment gains and losses). On early termination, the fair value of derivatives that qualified for hedge accounting are reported in shareholders' net income.
Designated as accounting hedges - interest rate, FX and combinations policy	Accounting policy. Using cash flow hedge accounting, fair values are reported in other long-term investments or other liabilities and accumulated other comprehensive income and amortized into net investment income or reported in other realized investment gains and losses as interest or principal payments are received. Net interest cash flows are reported in operating activities.
Not designated as accounting hedges - GMDB and GMIB	Accounting policy. These hedge programs are not designated as accounting hedges. Although these hedge programs effectively reduce equity market, foreign currency, and interest rate exposures, changes in the fair values of these futures and swap contracts may not exactly offset changes in the portions of the GMDB and GMIB liabilities covered by these hedges, in part because the market does not offer contracts that exactly match the targeted exposure profile. Changes in fair value of these futures contracts, as well as interest income and interest expense relating to the swap contracts are reported in other revenues. The fair values of the interest rate swaps are reported in other assets and other liabilities. Amounts reflecting corresponding changes in liabilities for GMDB contracts are included in benefits and expenses.
Not designated as accounting hedges - GMIB written and purchased options policy	Accounting policy. Because cash flows are affected by equity markets and interest rates, but are without significant life insurance risk and are settled in lump sum payments, the Company accounts for these GMIB liabilities and assets as written and purchased options at fair value. These derivatives are not designated as hedges and their fair values are reported in other liabilities (GMIB liability) and other assets (GMIB asset), with changes in fair value reported in GMIB fair value (gain) loss.
Fair Value Measurements Policies [Abstract]
First section of Fair Value footnote	Note 10 ― Fair Value Measurements The Company carries certain financial instruments at fair value in the financial statements including fixed maturities, equity securities, short-term investments and derivatives. Other financial instruments are measured at fair value under certain conditions, such as when impaired. Fair value is defined as the price at which an asset could be exchanged in an orderly transaction between market participants at the balance sheet date. A liability's fair value is defined as the amount that would be paid to transfer the liability to a market participant, not the amount that would be paid to settle the liability with the creditor. Fair values are based on quoted market prices when available. When market prices are not available, fair value is generally estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, incorporating current market inputs for similar financial instruments with comparable terms and credit quality. In instances where there is little or no market activity for the same or similar instruments, the Company estimates fair value using methods, models and assumptions that the Company believes a hypothetical market participant would use to determine a current transaction price. These valuation techniques involve some level of estimation and judgment by the Company which becomes significant with increasingly complex instruments or pricing models. The Company's financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value have been classified based upon a hierarchy defined by GAAP. The hierarchy gives the highest ranking to fair values determined using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest ranking to fair values determined using methodologies and models with unobservable inputs (Level 3). An asset's or a liability's classification is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to its measurement. For example, a financial asset or liability carried at fair value would be classified in Level 3 if unobservable inputs were significant to the instrument's fair value, even though the measurement may be derived using inputs that are both observable (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3). The prices the Company uses to value its investment assets are representative of prices that would be received to sell the assets at the measurement date (exit prices) and are classified appropriately in the fair value hierarchy. The Company performs ongoing analyses of prices used to value invested assets to determine that they represent appropriate estimates of fair value. This process involves quantitative and qualitative analysis that is overseen by the Company's investment professionals, including reviews of pricing methodologies, judgments of valuation inputs, and assessments of the significance of any unobservable inputs, pricing statistics and trends. These reviews are also designed to ensure prices do not become stale, have reasonable explanations as to why they have changed from prior valuations, or require additional review of other anomalies. The Company also performs sample testing of sales values to confirm the accuracy of prior fair value estimates. Exceptions identified during these processes indicate that adjustments to prices are infrequent and result in immaterial adjustments to valuations. Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value The following tables provide information as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 about the Company's financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value. Similar disclosures for separate account assets, which are also recorded at fair value on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, are provided separately as gains and losses related to these assets generally accrue directly to policyholders. In addition, Note 9 contains similar disclosures for the Company's pension plan assets.
Level 1 financial assets policy	Level 1 Financial Assets Inputs for instruments classified in Level 1 include unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets accessible at the measurement date. Active markets provide pricing data for trades occurring at least weekly and include exchanges and dealer markets. Assets in Level 1 include actively-traded U.S. government bonds and exchange-listed equity securities. Given the narrow definition of Level 1 and the Company's investment asset strategy to maximize investment returns, a relatively small portion of the Company's investment assets are classified in this category.
Level 2 financial assets and financial liabilities policy	Level 2 Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Inputs for instruments classified in Level 2 include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices from those willing to trade in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are market observable or can be corroborated by market data for the term of the instrument. Such other inputs include market interest rates and volatilities, spreads and yield curves. An instrument is classified in Level 2 if the Company determines that unobservable inputs are insignificant. Fixed maturities and equity securities. Approximately 93% of the Company's investments in fixed maturities and equity securities are classified in Level 2 including most public and private corporate debt and equity securities, federal agency and municipal bonds, non-government asset and mortgage-backed securities and preferred stocks. Because many fixed maturities and preferred stocks do not trade daily, fair values are often derived using recent trades of securities with similar features and characteristics. When recent trades are not available, pricing models are used to determine these prices. These models calculate fair values by discounting future cash flows at estimated market interest rates. Such market rates are derived by calculating the appropriate spreads over comparable U.S. Treasury securities, based on the credit quality, industry and structure of the asset. Typical inputs and assumptions to pricing models include, but are not limited to, a combination of benchmark yields, reported trades, issuer spreads, liquidity, benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data, and industry and economic events. For mortgage-backed securities, inputs and assumptions may also include characteristics of the issuer, collateral attributes, prepayment speeds and credit rating. Nearly all of these instruments are valued using recent trades or pricing models. Less than 1% of the fair value of investments classified in Level 2 represents foreign bonds that are valued, consistent with local market practice, using a single unadjusted market-observable input derived by averaging multiple broker-dealer quotes. Short-term investments are carried at fair value, which approximates cost. On a regular basis the Company compares market prices for these securities to recorded amounts to validate that current carrying amounts approximate exit prices. The short-term nature of the investments and corroboration of the reported amounts over the holding period support their classification in Level 2. Other derivatives classified in Level 2 represent over-the-counter instruments such as interest rate and foreign currency swap contracts. Fair values for these instruments are determined using market observable inputs including forward currency and interest rate curves and widely published market observable indices. Credit risk related to the counterparty and the Company is considered when estimating the fair values of these derivatives. However, the Company is largely protected by collateral arrangements with counterparties, and determined that no adjustment for credit risk was required as of December 31, 2011 or December 31, 2010. The nature and use of these other derivatives are described in Note 12.
Level 3 financial assets and financial liabilities policy	Level 3 Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Certain inputs for instruments classified in Level 3 are unobservable (supported by little or no market activity) and significant to their resulting fair value measurement. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company's best estimate of what hypothetical market participants would use to determine a transaction price for the asset or liability at the reporting date. The Company classifies certain newly-issued, privately-placed, complex or illiquid securities, as well as assets and liabilities relating to GMIB, in Level 3. Fixed maturities and equity securities. Approximately 6% of fixed maturities and equity securities are priced using significant unobservable inputs and classified in this category, including Fair values of mortgage and asset-backed securities and corporate bonds are determined using pricing models that incorporate the specific characteristics of each asset and related assumptions including the investment type and structure, credit quality, industry and maturity date in comparison to current market indices, spreads and liquidity of assets with similar characteristics. For mortgage and asset-backed securities, inputs and assumptions to pricing may also include collateral attributes and prepayment speeds. Recent trades in the subject security or similar securities are assessed when available, and the Company may also review published research, as well as the issuer's financial statements, in its evaluation. Certain subordinated corporate bonds and private equity investments are valued at transaction price in the absence of market data indicating a change in the estimated fair values. Reclassifications impacting Level 3 financial instruments are reported as transfers into or out of the Level 3 category as of the beginning of the quarter in which the transfer occurs. Therefore gains and losses in income only reflect activity for the quarters the instrument was classified in Level 3. Transfers into or out of the Level 3 category occur when unobservable inputs, such as the Company's best estimate of what a market participant would use to determine a current transaction price, become more or less significant to the fair value measurement. For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, transfer activity between Level 3 and Level 2 primarily reflects changes in the level of unobservable inputs used to value certain private corporate bonds, principally related to credit risk of the issuers. The Company provided reinsurance for other insurance companies that offer a guaranteed minimum income benefit, and then retroceded a portion of the risk to other insurance companies. These arrangements with third-party insurers are the instruments still held at the reporting date for GMIB assets and liabilities in the table above. Because these reinsurance arrangements remain in effect at the reporting date, the Company has reflected the total gain or loss for the period as the total gain or loss included in income attributable to instruments still held at the reporting date. However, the Company reduces the GMIB assets and liabilities resulting from these reinsurance arrangements when annuitants lapse, die, elect their benefit, or reach the age after which the right to elect their benefit expires. Under FASB's guidance for fair value measurements, the Company's GMIB assets and liabilities are expected to be volatile in future periods because the underlying capital markets assumptions will be based largely on market-observable inputs at the close of each reporting period including interest rates and market-implied volatilities.
Measurement of GMIB assets and liabilities policy	Guaranteed minimum income benefit contracts. Because cash flows of the GMIB liabilities and assets are affected by equity markets and interest rates but are without significant life insurance risk and are settled in lump sum payments, the Company reports these liabilities and assets as derivatives at fair value. The Company estimates the fair value of the assets and liabilities for GMIB contracts using assumptions regarding capital markets (including market returns, interest rates and market volatilities of the underlying equity and bond mutual fund investments), future annuitant behavior (including mortality, lapse, and annuity election rates), and non-performance risk, as well as risk and profit charges. As certain assumptions used to estimate fair values for these contracts are largely unobservable (primarily related to future annuitant behavior), the Company classifies GMIB assets and liabilities in Level 3. The Company considered the following in determining the view of a hypothetical market participant: that the most likely transfer of these assets and liabilities would be through a reinsurance transaction with an independent insurer having a market capitalization and credit rating similar to that of the Company; and that because this block of contracts is in run-off mode, an insurer looking to acquire these contracts would have similar existing contracts with related administrative and risk management capabilities. These GMIB assets and liabilities are calculated with a complex internal model using many scenarios to determine the fair value of net amounts estimated to be paid, less the fair value of net future premiums estimated to be received, adjusted for risk and profit charges that the Company anticipates a hypothetical market participant would require to assume this business. Net amounts estimated to be paid represent the excess of the anticipated value of the income benefits over the values of the annuitants' accounts at the time of annuitization. Generally, market return, interest rate and volatility assumptions are based on market observable information. Assumptions related to future annuitant behavior reflect the Company's belief that a hypothetical market participant would consider the actual and expected experience of the Company as well as other relevant and available industry resources in setting policyholder behavior assumptions. The significant assumptions used to value the GMIB assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2011 were as follows:  The market return and discount rate assumptions are based on the market-observable LIBOR swap curve.  The projected interest rate used to calculate the reinsured income benefits is indexed to the 7-year Treasury Rate at the time of annuitization (claim interest rate) based on contractual terms. That rate was 1.35% at December 31, 2011 and must be projected for future time periods. These projected rates vary by economic scenario and are determined by an interest rate model using current interest rate curves and the prices of instruments available in the market including various interest rate caps and zero-coupon bonds. For a subset of the business, there is a contractually guaranteed floor of 3% for the claim interest rate.  The market volatility assumptions for annuitants' underlying mutual fund investments that are modeled based on the S&P 500, Russell 2000 and NASDAQ Composite are based on the market-implied volatility for these indices for three to seven years grading to historical volatility levels thereafter. For the remaining 52% of underlying mutual fund investments modeled based on other indices (with insufficient market-observable data), volatility is based on the average historical level for each index over the past 10 years. Using this approach, volatility ranges from 16% to 36% for equity funds, 4% to 12% for bond funds, and 1% to 2% for money market funds.  The mortality assumption is 70% of the 1994 Group Annuity Mortality table, with 1% annual improvement beginning January 1, 2000.  The annual lapse rate assumption reflects experience that differs by the company issuing the underlying variable annuity contracts, ranges from 1% to 12% at December 31, 2011, and depends on the time since contract issue and the relative value of the guarantee.  The annual annuity election rate assumption reflects experience that differs by the company issuing the underlying variable annuity contracts and depends on the annuitant's age, the relative value of the guarantee and whether a contractholder has had a previous opportunity to elect the benefit. Immediately after the expiration of the waiting period, the assumed probability that an individual will annuitize their variable annuity contract is up to 80%. For the second and subsequent annual opportunities to elect the benefit, the assumed probability of election is up to 35%. Actual data is still emerging for the Company as well as the industry and the estimates are based on this limited data. The nonperformance risk adjustment is incorporated by adding an additional spread to the discount rate in the calculation of both (1) the GMIB liability to reflect a hypothetical market participant's view of the risk of the Company not fulfilling its GMIB obligations, and (2) the GMIB asset to reflect a hypothetical market participant's view of the reinsurers' credit risk, after considering collateral. The estimated market-implied spread is company-specific for each party involved to the extent that company-specific market data is available and is based on industry averages for similarly-rated companies when company-specific data is not available. The spread is impacted by the credit default swap spreads of the specific parent companies, adjusted to reflect subsidiaries' credit ratings relative to their parent company and any available collateral. The additional spread over LIBOR incorporated into the discount rate ranged from 20 to 160 basis points for the GMIB liability and from 50 to 125 basis points for the GMIB reinsurance asset for that portion of the interest rate curve most relevant to these policies.  The risk and profit charge assumption is based on the Company's estimate of the capital and return on capital that would be required by a hypothetical market participant. The Company regularly evaluates each of the assumptions used in establishing these assets and liabilities by considering how a hypothetical market participant would set assumptions at each valuation date. Capital markets assumptions are expected to change at each valuation date reflecting currently observable market conditions. Other assumptions may also change based on a hypothetical market participant's view of actual experience as it emerges over time or other factors that impact the net liability. If the emergence of future experience or future assumptions differs from the assumptions used in estimating these assets and liabilities, the resulting impact could be material to the Company's consolidated results of operations, and in certain situations, could be material to the Company's financial condition. GMIB liabilities are reported in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets in Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities. GMIB assets associated with these contracts represent net receivables in connection with reinsurance that the Company has purchased from two external reinsurers and are reported in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets in Other assets, including other intangibles.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value under certain conditions policy	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value under Certain Conditions Some financial assets and liabilities are not carried at fair value each reporting period, but may be measured using fair value only under certain conditions, such as investments in commercial mortgage loans and real estate entities when they become impaired. During 2011, impaired commercial mortgage loans and real estate entities representing less than 1% of total investments were written down to their fair values, resulting in after-tax realized investment losses of $15 million. During 2010, impaired commercial mortgage loans and real estate entities representing less than 1% of total investments were written down to their fair values, resulting in after-tax realized investment losses of $25 million. These fair values were calculated by discounting the expected future cash flows at estimated market interest rates. Such market rates were derived by calculating the appropriate spread over comparable U.S. Treasury rates, based on the characteristics of the underlying real estate, including its type, quality and location. The fair value measurements were classified in Level 3 because these cash flow models incorporate significant unobservable inputs.
Commercial mortgage loans policy	Commercial mortgage loans. The Company estimates the fair value of commercial mortgage loans generally by discounting the contractual cash flows at estimated market interest rates that reflect the Company's assessment of the credit quality of the loans. Market interest rates are derived by calculating the appropriate spread over comparable U.S. Treasury rates, based on the property type, quality rating and average life of the loan. The quality ratings reflect the relative risk of the loan, considering debt service coverage, the loan-to-value ratio and other factors. Fair values of impaired mortgage loans are based on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral generally determined using an internal discounted cash flow model.
Contractholder deposit funds, excluding universal life products policy	Contractholder deposit funds, excluding universal life products. Generally, these funds do not have stated maturities. Approximately 50% of these balances can be withdrawn by the customer at any time without prior notice or penalty. The fair value for these contracts is the amount estimated to be payable to the customer as of the reporting date, which is generally the carrying value. Most of the remaining contractholder deposit funds are reinsured by the buyers of the individual life insurance and annuity and retirement benefits businesses. The fair value for these contracts is determined using the fair value of these buyers' assets supporting these reinsured contracts. The Company had a reinsurance recoverable equal to the carrying value of these reinsured contracts.
Long-term debt, including current maturities, excluding capital leases policy	Long-term debt, including current maturities, excluding capital leases. The fair value of long-term debt is based on quoted market prices for recent trades. When quoted market prices are not available, fair value is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis and the Company's estimated current borrowing rate for debt of similar terms and remaining maturities.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Deferred Acquisition Costs Policy	Deferred acquisition costs. Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board's (“FASB”) amended guidance (ASU 2010-26) on accounting for costs to acquire or renew insurance contracts. This guidance requires certain sales compensation and telemarketing costs related to unsuccessful efforts and any indirect costs to be expensed as incurred. The Company's deferred acquisition costs arise from sales and renewal activities primarily in its International segment. This amended guidance was implemented through retrospective adjustment of comparative prior periods. As reported in the Consolidated Statement of Equity, the cumulative effect of adopting the amended accounting guidance as of January 1, 2009 was a reduction in Total Shareholders' Equity of $200 million. Summarized below are the effects of the amended guidance on previously reported amounts for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.
Presentation Of Comprehensive Income [Text Block]	Presentation of Comprehensive Income. Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the FASB's amended guidance (ASU 2011-05) that requires presenting net income and other comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive statements. Neither measurement of comprehensive income nor disclosure requirements for reclassification adjustments between other comprehensive income and net income were affected by this amended guidance. The Company has elected to present a separate statement of comprehensive income following the statement of income and has retrospectively adjusted prior periods to conform to the new presentation, as required.
Other-than-temporary-impairments policy	Other-than-temporary impairments. On April 1, 2009, the Company adopted the FASB's updated guidance for evaluating whether an impairment is other than temporary for fixed maturities with declines in fair value below amortized cost (ASC 320). A reclassification adjustment from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive income was required for previously impaired fixed maturities that had a non-credit loss as of the date of adoption, net of related tax effects. The cumulative effect of adoption increased the Company's retained earnings in 2009 with an offsetting decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income of $18 million, with no overall change to shareholders' equity. See Note 11 (A) for information on the Company's other-than-temporary impairments including additional required disclosures
Earnings Per Share Policy Text Block	Earnings Per Share The Company computes basic earnings per share using the weighted-average number of unrestricted common and deferred shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share also includes the dilutive effect of outstanding employee stock options and unvested restricted stock granted after 2009 using the treasury stock method and the effect of strategic performance shares.
Variable Interest Entities Policy	Variable interest entities. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010 the Company determined it was not a primary beneficiary in any variable interest entities.
General Derivative Policy Text Block	Derivative financial instruments. The Company applies hedge accounting when derivatives are designated, qualify and are highly effective as hedges. Effectiveness is formally assessed and documented at inception and each period throughout the life of a hedge using various quantitative methods appropriate for each hedge, including regression analysis and dollar offset. Under hedge accounting, the changes in fair value of the derivative and the hedged risk are generally recognized together and offset each other when reported in shareholders' net income. The Company accounts for derivative instruments as follows: Derivatives are reported on the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair values reported in shareholders' net income or accumulated other comprehensive income. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that hedge market risk related to future cash flows and that qualify for hedge accounting are reported in a separate caption in accumulated other comprehensive income. These hedges are referred to as cash flow hedges. A change in the fair value of a derivative instrument may not always equal the change in the fair value of the hedged item; this difference is referred to as hedge ineffectiveness. Where hedge accounting is used, the Company reflects hedge ineffectiveness in shareholders' net income (generally as part of realized investment gains and losses). On early termination, the fair value of derivatives that qualified for hedge accounting are reported in shareholders' net income.
Fair value policy	Fair value measurements. In May 2011, the FASB amended guidance (ASU 2011-04) to improve the comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The amendments are effective January 1, 2012 and are to be applied prospectively. The Company expects no material effects at implementation. The Company adopted the FASB's updated guidance on fair value measurements (ASU 2010-06) in the first quarter of 2010, which requires separate disclosures of significant transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy. See Note 10 for additional information. Amendments to the FASB's fair value guidance in 2009 had no effect on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 10 for additional information
Income Tax Uncertainties Policy [Text Block]	The Company classifies net interest expense on uncertain tax positions and any applicable penalties as a component of income tax expense, but excludes these amounts from the liability for uncertain tax positions. The Company's liability for net interest and penalties was $2 million at December 31, 2011, $14 million at December 31, 2010 and $13 million at December 31, 2009. The 2011 decline included $11 million associated with the completion of the 2007 and 2008 IRS examinations.
Fixed Maturities And Equity Securities Investment Policy [Text Block]	Fixed maturities and equity securities. Fixed maturities primarily include bonds, mortgage and other asset-backed securities and preferred stocks redeemable by the investor. Equity securities include common stocks and preferred stocks that are non-redeemable or redeemable only at the option of the issuer. These investments are primarily classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ equity. Beginning April 1, 2009, for fixed maturities with declines in fair value below amortized cost, the Company assesses its intent to sell or whether it is more likely than not to be required to sell such fixed maturities before their fair values recover. If so, an impairment loss is recognized in net income for the excess of their amortized cost over fair value. In addition, when the Company determines it does not expect to recover the amortized cost basis of fixed maturities with declines in fair value (even if it does not intend to sell or will not be required to sell these fixed maturities), the credit portion of the impairment loss is recognized in net income and the non-credit portion, if any, is recognized in a separate component of shareholders’ equity. The credit portion is the difference between the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity and the net present value of its projected future cash flows. Projected future cash flows are based on qualitative and quantitative factors, including probability of default, and the estimated timing and amount of recovery. For mortgage and asset-backed securities, estimated future cash flows are based on assumptions about the collateral attributes including prepayment speeds, default rates and changes in value. Equity securities and, prior to April 1, 2009, fixed maturities were considered impaired, and their cost basis was written down to fair value through earnings, when management did not expect to recover the amortized cost, or if the Company could not demonstrate its intent or ability to hold the investment until full recovery. Fixed maturities and equity securities also include trading and certain hybrid securities that are carried at fair value with changes in fair value reported in realized investment gains and losses. The Company has irrevocably elected the fair value option for these securities to simplify accounting and mitigate volatility in results of operations and financial condition. Hybrid securities include certain preferred stock and debt securities with call or conversion options.
Commercial Mortgage Loans Investment Policy [Text Block]	Commercial mortgage loans. Mortgage loans held by the Company are made exclusively to commercial borrowers. Generally, commercial mortgage loans are carried at unpaid principal balances and are issued at a fixed rate of interest. Commercial mortgage loans are considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will not collect amounts due according to the terms of the original loan agreement. The Company monitors credit risk and assesses the impairment of loans individually and on a consistent basis for all loans in the portfolio. Impaired loans are carried at the lower of unpaid principal or fair value of the underlying real estate. Valuation reserves reflect any changes in fair value. The Company estimates the fair value of the underlying real estate using internal valuations generally based on discounted cash flow analyses. Certain commercial mortgage loans without valuation reserves are considered impaired because the Company will not collect all interest due according to the terms of the original agreements, however, the Company expects to recover their remaining carrying value primarily because it is less than the fair value of the underlying real estate.
Policy Loans Receivable Policy [Text Block]	Fixed maturities and equity securities. Fixed maturities primarily include bonds, mortgage and other asset-backed securities and preferred stocks redeemable by the investor. Equity securities include common stocks and preferred stocks that are non-redeemable or redeemable only at the option of the issuer. These investments are primarily classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders' equity. Beginning April 1, 2009, for fixed maturities with declines in fair value below amortized cost, the Company assesses its intent to sell or whether it is more likely than not to be required to sell such fixed maturities before their fair values recover. If so, an impairment loss is recognized in net income for the excess of their amortized cost over fair value. In addition, when the Company determines it does not expect to recover the amortized cost basis of fixed maturities with declines in fair value (even if it does not intend to sell or will not be required to sell these fixed maturities), the credit portion of the impairment loss is recognized in net income and the non-credit portion, if any, is recognized in a separate component of shareholders' equity. The credit portion is the difference between the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity and the net present value of its projected future cash flows. Projected future cash flows are based on qualitative and quantitative factors, including probability of default, and the estimated timing and amount of recovery. For mortgage and asset-backed securities, estimated future cash flows are based on assumptions about the collateral attributes including prepayment speeds, default rates and changes in value. Equity securities and, prior to April 1, 2009, fixed maturities were considered impaired, and their cost basis was written down to fair value through earnings, when management did not expect to recover the amortized cost, or if the Company could not demonstrate its intent or ability to hold the investment until full recovery. Fixed maturities and equity securities also include trading and certain hybrid securities that are carried at fair value with changes in fair value reported in realized investment gains and losses. The Company has irrevocably elected the fair value option for these securities to simplify accounting and mitigate volatility in results of operations and financial condition. Hybrid securities include certain preferred stock and debt securities with call or conversion options.
Real Estate Held For Development And Sale Policy [Text Block]	Real estate. Investment real estate can be “held and used” or “held for sale”. The Company accounts for real estate as follows: Real estate "held and used" is expected to be held longer than one year and includes real estate acquired through the foreclosure of commercial mortgage loans. The Company carries real estate held and used at depreciated cost less any write-downs to fair value due to impairment and assesses impairment when cash flows indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Depreciation is generally calculated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful life of the particular real estate asset. Real estate is "held for sale" when a buyer's investigation is completed, a deposit has been received and the sale is expected to be completed within the next year. Real estate held for sale is carried at the lower of carrying value or current fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and is not depreciated. Valuation reserves reflect any changes in fair value. The Company uses several methods to determine the fair value of real estate, but relies primarily on discounted cash flow analyses and, in some cases, third-party appraisals. At the time of foreclosure, properties are reclassified from commercial mortgage loans to real estate or other long-term investments depending on the ownership of the underlying assets. The Company rehabilitates, re-leases and sells foreclosed properties. This process usually takes from three to five years unless management considers a near-term sale preferable. When foreclosed real estate is recapitalized through a joint venture including a contribution of new equity from a third-party investor, the asset is accounted for as an investment in good standing reported in other long-term investments.
Other Long Term Investments Policy [Text Block]	Other long-term investments. Other long-term investments include investments in unconsolidated entities. These entities include certain limited partnerships and limited liability companies holding real estate, securities or loans. These investments are carried at cost plus the Company's ownership percentage of reported income or loss in cases where the Company has significant influence, otherwise the investment is carried at cost. Income from certain entities is reported on a one quarter lag depending on when their financial information is received. Also included in other long-term investments are loans to unconsolidated real estate entities secured by the equity interests of these real estate entities, which are carried at unpaid principal balances (mezzanine loans). These other long-term investments are considered impaired, and written down to their fair value, when cash flows indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Fair value is generally determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis. Additionally, other long-term investments include interest rate and foreign currency swaps carried at fair value. See Note 12 for information on the Company's accounting policies for these derivative financial instruments.
Short Term Investments Policy Textblock	Short-term investments. Investments with maturities of greater than 90 days but less than one year from time of purchase are classified as short-term, available for sale and carried at fair value, which approximates cost.
Net Investment Income Policy [Text Block]	Net investment income. When interest and principal payments on investments are current, the Company recognizes interest income when it is earned. The Company stops recognizing interest income when interest payments are delinquent based on contractual terms or when certain terms (interest rate or maturity date) of the investment have been restructured. Net investment income on these investments is only recognized when interest payments are actually received. Interest and dividends on trading and hybrid securities and prepayment penalties on mortgage loans are included in net investment income when they are earned.
Investment Gains And Losses Policy [Text Block]	Investment gains and losses. Realized investment gains and losses result from sales, investment asset write-downs, changes in the fair values of trading and hybrid securities and certain derivatives, changes in valuation reserves and prepayment penalties on fixed maturities, based on specifically identified assets. Realized investment gains and losses on the disposition of certain directly owned real estate investments are eliminated from ongoing operations and reported in discontinued operations when the operations and cash flows of the underlying assets are clearly distinguishable and the Company has no significant continuing involvement in their operations. Unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturities and equity securities carried at fair value (excluding trading and hybrid securities) and certain derivatives are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of: amounts required to adjust future policy benefits for the run-off settlement annuity business; and deferred income taxes.
Cash And Cash Equivalents Policy Text Block	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents consist of short-term investments with maturities of three months or less from the time of purchase that are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost. The Company reclassifies cash overdraft positions to accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities when the legal right of offset does not exist.
Premiums Receivable Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Write Off Of Uncollectible Premiums Policy [Text Block]	Premiums, Accounts and Notes Receivable and Reinsurance Recoverables Premiums, accounts and notes receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $45 million as of December 31, 2011 and $49 million as of December 31, 2010. Reinsurance recoverables are estimates of amounts that the Company will receive from reinsurers and are recorded net of an allowance for unrecoverable reinsurance of $5 million as of December 31, 2011 and $10 million as of December 31, 2010. The Company estimates these allowances for doubtful accounts for premiums, accounts and notes receivable, as well as for reinsurance recoverables, using management's best estimate of collectibility, taking into consideration the aging of these amounts, historical collection patterns and other economic factors
Capitalization Of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Policy [Text Block]	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Acquisition costs relate to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts. Costs eligible for deferral include incremental, direct costs of contract acquisition and other costs directly related to successful contract acquisition. Examples of deferrable costs include commissions, sales compensation and benefits, policy issuance and underwriting costs and premium taxes. The Company records acquisition costs differently depending on the product line. Acquisition costs for: Universal life products are deferred and amortized in proportion to the present value of total estimated gross profits over the expected lives of the contracts. Supplemental health, life and accident insurance (primarily individual international products) and group health and accident insurance products are deferred and amortized, generally in proportion to the ratio of periodic revenue to the estimated total revenues over the contract periods. Other products are expensed as incurred. There are no deferred policy acquisition costs attributable to the sold individual life insurance and annuity and retirement businesses or the run-off reinsurance and settlement annuity operations. For universal life and other individual products, management estimates the present value of future revenues less expected payments. For group health and accident insurance products, management estimates the sum of unearned premiums and anticipated net investment income less future expected claims and related costs. If management's estimates of these sums are less than the deferred costs, the Company reduces deferred policy acquisition costs and records an expense. The Company recorded amortization for policy acquisition costs of $259 million in 2011, $251 million in 2010 and $242 million in 2009 in other operating expenses. The accounting for acquisition costs changed in 2012. See Recent Accounting Pronouncements for additional information.
Property Plant And Equipment Policy Text Block	Property and Equipment Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. When applicable, cost includes interest, real estate taxes and other costs incurred during construction. Also included in this category is internal-use software that is acquired, developed or modified solely to meet the Company's internal needs, with no plan to market externally. Costs directly related to acquiring, developing or modifying internal-use software are capitalized. The Company calculates depreciation and amortization principally using the straight-line method generally based on the estimated useful life of each asset as follows: buildings and improvements, 10 to 40 years; purchased software, one to five years; internally developed software, three to seven years; and furniture and equipment (including computer equipment), three to 10 years. Improvements to leased facilities are depreciated over the remaining lease term or the estimated life of the improvement. The Company considers events and circumstances that would indicate the carrying value of property, equipment or capitalized software might not be recoverable. If the Company determines the carrying value of a long-lived asset is not recoverable, an impairment charge is recorded. See Note 8 for additional information.
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Goodwill Policy [Text Block]	Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of businesses acquired over the fair value of their net assets. Goodwill primarily relates to the Health Care segment ($2.9 billion) and, to a lesser extent, the International segment ($290 million). The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually during the third quarter at the reporting unit level, based on discounted cash flow analyses and writes it down through results of operations if impaired. Consistent with prior years, the Company's evaluations of goodwill associated with the Health Care and International segments used the best information available at the time, including reasonable assumptions and projections consistent with those used in its annual planning process. The discounted cash flow analyses used a range of discount rates that correspond with the Company's, or, in the case of International, the reporting unit's weighted average cost of capital, consistent with that used for investment decisions considering the specific and detailed operating plans and strategies within the segment or reporting unit. The resulting discounted cash flow analysis indicated an estimated fair value for the Health Care segment and International's reporting unit exceeding their carrying values, including goodwill and other intangibles. Finally, the Company determined that no events or circumstances occurred subsequent to the annual evaluation of goodwill that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the Health Care segment or International's reporting unit below their carrying values. See Note 8 for additional information.
Other Assets And Intangible Assets Finite Lived Policy [Text Block]	Other Assets, including Other Intangibles Other assets consist of various insurance-related assets and the gain position of certain derivatives, primarily GMIB assets. The Company's other intangible assets include purchased customer and producer relationships, provider networks, and trademarks. The Company amortizes other intangibles on an accelerated or straight-line basis over periods from 1 to 30 years. Management revises amortization periods if it believes there has been a change in the length of time that an intangible asset will continue to have value. Costs incurred to renew or extend the terms of these intangible assets are generally expensed as incurred. See Note 8 for additional information.
Separate Account Assets And Liabilities Policy [Text Block]	Separate Account Assets and Liabilities Separate account assets and liabilities are contractholder funds maintained in accounts with specific investment objectives. The assets of these accounts are legally segregated and are not subject to claims that arise out of any of the Company's other businesses. These separate account assets are carried at fair value with equal amounts for related separate account liabilities. The investment income, gains and losses of these accounts generally accrue to the contractholders and, together with their deposits and withdrawals, are excluded from the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income and Cash Flows. Fees earned for asset management services are reported in premiums and fees.
Contractholder Deposit Funds Policy [Text Block]	Contractholder Deposit Funds Liabilities for contractholder deposit funds primarily include deposits received from customers for investment-related and universal life products and investment earnings on their fund balances. These liabilities are adjusted to reflect administrative charges and, for universal life fund balances, mortality charges. In addition, this caption includes premium stabilization reserves that are insurance experience refunds for group contracts that are left with the Company to pay future premiums, deposit administration funds that are used to fund nonpension retiree insurance programs, retained asset accounts and annuities or supplementary contracts without significant life contingencies. Interest credited on these funds is accrued ratably over the contract period.
Liability Reserve Estimate Policy [Text Block]	Future Policy Benefits Future policy benefits are liabilities for the present value of estimated future obligations under long-term life and supplemental health insurance policies and annuity products currently in force. These obligations are estimated using actuarial methods and primarily consist of reserves for annuity contracts, life insurance benefits, guaranteed minimum death benefit (“GMDB”) contracts and certain life, accident and health insurance products in our International operations. Obligations for annuities represent specified periodic benefits to be paid to an individual or groups of individuals over their remaining lives. Obligations for life insurance policies represent benefits to be paid to policyholders, net of future premiums to be received. Management estimates these obligations based on assumptions as to premiums, interest rates, mortality and surrenders, allowing for adverse deviation. Mortality, morbidity, and surrender assumptions are based on either the Company's own experience or actuarial tables. Interest rate assumptions are based on management's judgment considering the Company's experience and future expectations, and range from 1% to 10%. Obligations for the run-off settlement annuity business include adjustments for investment returns consistent with requirements of GAAP when a premium deficiency exists. Certain reinsurance contracts contain GMDB under variable annuities issued by other insurance companies. These obligations represent the guaranteed death benefit in excess of the contractholder's account values (based on underlying equity and bond mutual fund investments). These obligations are estimated based on assumptions regarding lapse, partial surrenders, mortality, interest rates (mean investment performance and discount rate), market volatility as well as investment returns and premiums, consistent with the requirements of GAAP when a premium deficiency exists. Lapse, partial surrenders, mortality, interest rates and volatility are based on management's judgment considering the Company's experience and future expectations. The results of futures and swap contracts used in the GMDB equity and growth interest rate hedge programs are reflected in the liability calculation as a component of investment returns. See also Note 6 for additional information.
Unpaid Policy Claims And Claims Adjustment Expense Policy [Text Block]	Unpaid Claims and Claims Expenses Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim expenses are estimates of payments to be made under insurance coverages (primarily long-term disability, workers' compensation and life and health) for reported claims and for losses incurred but not yet reported. The Company develops these estimates for losses incurred but not yet reported using actuarial principles and assumptions based on historical and projected claim incidence patterns, claim size, subrogation recoveries and the length of time over which payments are expected to be made. The Company consistently applies these actuarial principles and assumptions each reporting period, with consideration given to the variability of these factors, and recognizes the actuarial best estimate of the ultimate liability within a level of confidence, as required by actuarial standards of practice, which require that the liabilities be adequate under moderately adverse conditions. The Company's estimate of the liability for disability claims reported but not yet paid is primarily calculated as the present value of expected benefit payments to be made over the estimated time period that a policyholder remains disabled. The Company estimates the expected time period that a policyholder may be disabled by analyzing the rate at which an open claim is expected to close (claim resolution rate). Claim resolution rates may vary based upon the length of time a policyholder is disabled, the covered benefit period, cause of disability, benefit design and the policyholder's age, gender and income level. The Company uses historical resolution rates combined with an analysis of current trends and operational factors to develop current estimates of resolution rates. The reserve for the gross monthly disability benefits due to a policyholder is reduced (offset) by the income that the policyholder receives under other benefit programs, such as Social Security Disability Income, workers' compensation, statutory disability or other group disability benefit plans. For awards of such offsets that have not been finalized, the Company estimates the probability and amount of the offset based on the Company's experience over the past three to five years. The Company discounts certain claim liabilities related to group long-term disability and workers' compensation because benefit payments may be made over extended periods. Discount rate assumptions are based on projected investment returns for the asset portfolios that support these liabilities and range from 3.80% to 6.25%. When estimates change, the Company records the adjustment in benefits and expenses in the period in which the change in estimate is identified. Discounted liabilities associated with the long-term disability and certain workers' compensation businesses were $3.2 billion at December 31, 2011 and $3.1 billion at December 31, 2010.
Health Care Medical Claims Payable Policy [Text Block]	Health Care Medical Claims Payable Medical claims payable for the Health Care segment include both reported claims and estimates for losses incurred but not yet reported. The Company develops estimates for Health Care medical claims payable using actuarial principles and assumptions consistently applied each reporting period, and recognizes the actuarial best estimate of the ultimate liability within a level of confidence, as required by actuarial standards of practice, which require that the liabilities be adequate under moderately adverse conditions. The liability is primarily calculated using “completion factors” (a measure of the time to process claims), which are developed by comparing the date claims were incurred, generally the date services were provided, to the date claims were paid. The Company uses historical completion factors combined with an analysis of current trends and operational factors to develop current estimates of completion factors. The Company estimates the liability for claims incurred in each month by applying the current estimates of completion factors to the current paid claims data. This approach implicitly assumes that historical completion rates will be a useful indicator for the current period. It is possible that the actual completion rates for the current period will develop differently from historical patterns, which could have a material impact on the Company's medical claims payable and shareholders' net income. Completion factors are impacted by several key items including changes in: 1) electronic (auto-adjudication) versus manual claim processing, 2) provider claims submission rates, 3) membership and 4) the mix of products. As noted, the Company uses historical completion factors combined with an analysis of current trends and operational factors to develop current estimates of completion factors. In addition, for the more recent months, the Company also relies on medical cost trend analysis, which reflects expected claim payment patterns and other relevant operational considerations. Medical cost trend is primarily impacted by medical service utilization and unit costs, which are affected by changes in the level and mix of medical benefits offered, including inpatient, outpatient and pharmacy, the impact of copays and deductibles, changes in provider practices and changes in consumer demographics and consumption behavior. Despite reflecting both historical and emerging trends in setting reserves, it is possible that the actual medical trend for the current period will develop differently from expectations, which could have a material impact on the Company's medical claims payable and shareholders' net income. For each reporting period, the Company evaluates key assumptions by comparing the assumptions used in establishing the medical claims payable to actual experience. When actual experience differs from the assumptions used in establishing the liability, medical claims payable are increased or decreased through current period shareholders' net income. Additionally, the Company evaluates expected future developments and emerging trends which may impact key assumptions. The estimation process involves considerable judgment, reflecting the variability inherent in forecasting future claim payments. These estimates are highly sensitive to changes in the Company's key assumptions, specifically completion factors, and medical cost trends.
Revenue Recognition Premiums Earned Policy [Text Block]	Premiums and Fees, Revenues and Related Expenses Premiums for group life, accident and health insurance and managed care coverages are recognized as revenue on a pro rata basis over the contract period. Benefits and expenses are recognized when incurred. Premiums and fees include revenue from experience-rated contracts that is based on the estimated ultimate claim, and in some cases, administrative cost experience of the contract. For these contracts, premium revenue includes an adjustment for experience-rated refunds which is calculated according to contract terms and using the customer's experience (including estimates of incurred but not reported claims). Beginning in 2011, premium revenue also includes an adjustment to reflect the estimated effect of rebates due to customers under the minimum medical loss ratio provisions of Health Care Reform. Premiums for individual life, accident and health insurance and annuity products, excluding universal life and investment-related products, are recognized as revenue when due. Benefits and expenses are matched with premiums. Premiums and fees received for the Company's Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Part D products from customers and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are recognized as revenue ratably over the contract period. CMS provides risk adjusted premium payments for the Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Part D products, based on the demographics and health severity of enrollees. The Company recognizes periodic changes to risk adjusted premiums as revenue when the amounts are determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Additionally, Medicare Part D includes payments from CMS for risk sharing adjustments. The risk sharing adjustments, that are estimated quarterly based on claim experience, compare actual incurred drug benefit costs to estimated costs submitted in original contracts and may result in more or less revenue from CMS. Final revenue adjustments are determined through an annual settlement with CMS that occurs after the contract year. Revenue for investment-related products is recognized as follows: Net investment income on assets supporting investment-related products is recognized as earned. Contract fees, which are based upon related administrative expenses, are recognized in premiums and fees as they are earned ratably over the contract period. Benefits and expenses for investment-related products consist primarily of income credited to policyholders in accordance with contract provisions. Revenue for universal life products is recognized as follows: Net investment income on assets supporting universal life products is recognized as earned. Fees for mortality and surrender charges are recognized as assessed, which is as earned. Administration fees are recognized as services are provided. Benefits and expenses for universal life products consist of benefit claims in excess of policyholder account balances. Expenses are recognized when claims are submitted, and income is credited to policyholders in accordance with contract provisions. Contract fees and expenses for administrative services only programs and pharmacy programs and services are recognized as services are provided. Mail order pharmacy revenues and cost of goods sold are recognized as each prescription is shipped. Unearned Premiums and Fees Premiums for life, accident and health insurance are recognized as revenue on a pro rata basis over the contract period. Fees for mortality and contract administration of universal life products are recognized ratably over the coverage period. The unrecognized portion of these amounts received is recorded as unearned premiums and fees.
Accounts Payable Accrued Expenses Other Liabilities Policy [Text Block]	Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities consist principally of liabilities for pension, other postretirement and postemployment benefits (see Note 9), self-insured exposures, management compensation and various insurance-related items, including experience rated refunds, the minimum medical loss ratio rebate accrual under Health Care Reform, amounts related to reinsurance contracts and insurance-related assessments that management can reasonably estimate. Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities also include certain overdraft positions and the loss position of certain derivatives, primarily for GMIB contracts (see Note 12). Legal costs to defend the Company's litigation and arbitration matters are expensed when incurred in cases that the Company cannot reasonably estimate the ultimate cost to defend. In cases that the Company can reasonably estimate the cost to defend, these costs are recognized when the claim is reported.
Foreign Currency Transactions And Translations Policy Text Block	Translation of Foreign Currencies The Company generally conducts its international business through foreign operating entities that maintain assets and liabilities in local currencies, which are generally their functional currencies. The Company uses exchange rates as of the balance sheet date to translate assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars. Translation gains or losses on functional currencies, net of applicable taxes, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Company uses average monthly exchange rates during the year to translate revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars.
Share Based Compensation Option And Incentive Plans Policy [Text Block]	Stock Compensation The Company records compensation expense for stock awards and options over their vesting periods primarily based on the estimated fair value at the grant date. Compensation expense is recorded for stock options over their vesting period based on fair value at the grant date which is calculated using an option-pricing model. Compensation expense is recorded for restricted stock grants and units over their vesting periods based on fair value, which is equal to the market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense for strategic performance shares is recorded over the performance period. For strategic performance shares with payment dependent on market condition, fair value is determined at the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model and not subsequently adjusted regardless of the final outcome. For strategic performance shares with payment dependent on performance conditions, expense is initially accrued based on the most likely outcome, but evaluated for adjustment each period for updates in the expected outcome. At the end of the performance period, expense is adjusted to the actual outcome (number of shares awarded times the share price at the grant date).
Policyholders Dividend Policy [Text Block]	Participating Business The Company's participating life insurance policies entitle policyholders to earn dividends that represent a portion of the earnings of the Company's life insurance subsidiaries. Participating insurance accounted for approximately 1% of the Company's total life insurance in force at the end of 2011, 2010 and 2009.
Income Tax Policy Text Block	Income Taxes The Company and its domestic subsidiaries file a consolidated United States federal income tax return. The Company's foreign subsidiaries file tax returns in accordance with foreign law. U.S. taxation of these foreign subsidiaries may differ in timing and amount from taxation under foreign laws. Reportable amounts, including credits for foreign tax paid by these subsidiaries, are reflected in the U.S. tax return of the affiliates' domestic parent. The Company recognizes deferred income taxes when the financial statement and tax-based carrying values of assets and liabilities are different and recognizes deferred income tax liabilities on the unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are not permanently invested overseas. For subsidiaries whose earnings are considered permanently invested overseas, income taxes are accrued at the local foreign tax rate. The Company establishes valuation allowances against deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The need for a valuation allowance is determined based on the evaluation of various factors, including expectations of future earnings and management's judgment. Note 19 contains detailed information about the Company's income taxes. The Company recognizes interim period income taxes by estimating an annual effective tax rate and applying it to year-to-date results. The estimated annual effective tax rate is periodically updated throughout the year based on actual results to date and an updated projection of full year income. Although the effective tax rate approach is generally used for interim periods, taxes on significant, unusual and infrequent items are recognized at the statutory tax rate entirely in the period the amounts are realized.
Credit Quality Policy [Text Block]	Credit quality. The Company applies a consistent and disciplined approach to evaluating and monitoring credit risk, beginning with the initial underwriting of a mortgage loan and continuing throughout the investment holding period. Mortgage origination professionals employ an internal rating system developed from the Company's experience in real estate investing and mortgage lending. A quality rating, designed to evaluate the relative risk of the transaction, is assigned at each loan's origination and is updated each year as part of the annual portfolio loan review. The Company monitors credit quality on an ongoing basis, classifying each loan as a loan in good standing, potential problem loan or problem loan. Quality ratings are based on internal evaluations of each loan's specific characteristics considering a number of key inputs, including real estate market-related factors such as rental rates and vacancies, and property-specific inputs such as growth rate assumptions and lease rollover statistics. However, the two most significant contributors to the credit quality rating are the debt service coverage and loan-to-value ratios. The debt service coverage ratio measures the amount of property cash flow available to meet annual interest and principal payments on debt. A debt service coverage ratio below 1.0 indicates that there is not enough cash flow to cover the loan payments. The loan-to-value ratio, commonly expressed as a percentage, compares the amount of the loan to the fair value of the underlying property collateralizing the loan.
Loans and Leases Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring Policy [Policy Text Block]	Troubled debt restructurings. Effective July 1, 2011, the Company adopted the FASB's updated guidance (ASU 2011-02) to clarify for lenders that a troubled debt restructuring occurs when a debt modification is a concession to the borrower and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties. This guidance was required to be applied retrospectively for restructurings occurring on or after January 1, 2011. The amendment also required new disclosures to be provided beginning in the third quarter of 2011 addressing certain troubled debt restructurings. Adoption of the new guidance did not have a material effect to the Company's results of operations or financial condition. See Note 11 for additional information related to commercial mortgage loans.
Variable Interest Entities Policies [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities general policy	When the Company becomes involved with a variable interest entity and when the nature of the Company's involvement with the entity changes, in order to determine if the Company is the primary beneficiary and must consolidate the entity, it evaluates: the structure and purpose of the entity; the risks and rewards created by and shared through the entity; and the entity's participants' ability to direct its activities, receive its benefits and absorb its losses. Participants include the entity's sponsors, equity holders, guarantors, creditors and servicers. In the normal course of its investing activities, the Company makes passive investments in securities that are issued by variable interest entities for which the Company is not the sponsor or manager. These investments are predominantly asset-backed securities primarily collateralized by foreign bank obligations or mortgage-backed securities. The asset-backed securities largely represent fixed-rate debt securities issued by trusts that hold perpetual floating-rate subordinated notes issued by foreign banks. The mortgage-backed securities represent senior interests in pools of commercial or residential mortgages created and held by special-purpose entities to provide investors with diversified exposure to these assets. The Company owns senior securities issued by several entities and receives fixed-rate cash flows from the underlying assets in the pools. The Company is not the primary beneficiary and does not consolidate any of these entities because either: it had no power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities' economic performance; or it had neither the right to receive benefits nor the obligation to absorb losses that could be significant to these variable interest entities. The Company has not provided, and does not intend to provide, financial support to these entities. The Company performs ongoing qualitative analyses of its involvement with these variable interest entities to determine if consolidation is required. The Company's maximum potential exposure to loss related to these entities is limited to the carrying amount of its investment reported in fixed maturities and equity securities, and its aggregate ownership interest is insignificant relative to the total principal amount issued by these entities. Variable Interest Entities When the Company becomes involved with a variable interest entity and when the nature of the Company's involvement with the entity changes, in order to determine if the Company is the primary beneficiary and must consolidate the entity, it evaluates: the structure and purpose of the entity; the risks and rewards created by and shared through the entity; and the entity's participants' ability to direct its activities, receive its benefits and absorb its losses. Participants include the entity's sponsors, equity holders, guarantors, creditors and servicers. In the normal course of its investing activities, the Company makes passive investments in securities that are issued by variable interest entities for which the Company is not the sponsor or manager. These investments are predominantly asset-backed securities primarily collateralized by foreign bank obligations or mortgage-backed securities. The asset-backed securities largely represent fixed-rate debt securities issued by trusts that hold perpetual floating-rate subordinated notes issued by foreign banks. The mortgage-backed securities represent senior interests in pools of commercial or residential mortgages created and held by special-purpose entities to provide investors with diversified exposure to these assets. The Company owns senior securities issued by several entities and receives fixed-rate cash flows from the underlying assets in the pools. The Company is not the primary beneficiary and does not consolidate any of these entities because either: it had no power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities' economic performance; or it had neither the right to receive benefits nor the obligation to absorb losses that could be significant to these variable interest entities. The Company has not provided, and does not intend to provide, financial support to these entities. The Company performs ongoing qualitative analyses of its involvement with these variable interest entities to determine if consolidation is required. The Company's maximum potential exposure to loss related to these entities is limited to the carrying amount of its investment reported in fixed maturities and equity securities, and its aggregate ownership interest is insignificant relative to the total principal amount issued by these entities.

Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Derivative Financial Instruments Policies [Abstract]

Derivative financial instruments. The Company applies hedge accounting when derivatives are designated, qualify and are highly effective as hedges. Effectiveness is formally assessed and documented at inception and each period throughout the life of a hedge using various quantitative methods appropriate for each hedge, including regression analysis and dollar offset. Under hedge accounting, the changes in fair value of the derivative and the hedged risk are generally recognized together and offset each other when reported in shareholders' net income.

The Company accounts for derivative instruments as follows:

Derivatives are reported on the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair values reported in shareholders' net income or accumulated other comprehensive income.
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that hedge market risk related to future cash flows and that qualify for hedge accounting are reported in a separate caption in accumulated other comprehensive income. These hedges are referred to as cash flow hedges.
A change in the fair value of a derivative instrument may not always equal the change in the fair value of the hedged item; this difference is referred to as hedge ineffectiveness. Where hedge accounting is used, the Company reflects hedge ineffectiveness in shareholders' net income (generally as part of realized investment gains and losses).
On early termination, the fair value of derivatives that qualified for hedge accounting are reported in shareholders' net income.

Designated as accounting hedges - interest rate, FX and combinations policy

Accounting policy. Using cash flow hedge accounting, fair values are reported in other long-term investments or other liabilities and accumulated other comprehensive income and amortized into net investment income or reported in other realized investment gains and losses as interest or principal payments are received. Net interest cash flows are reported in operating activities.

Not designated as accounting hedges - GMDB and GMIB

Accounting policy. These hedge programs are not designated as accounting hedges. Although these hedge programs effectively reduce equity market, foreign currency, and interest rate exposures, changes in the fair values of these futures and swap contracts may not exactly offset changes in the portions of the GMDB and GMIB liabilities covered by these hedges, in part because the market does not offer contracts that exactly match the targeted exposure profile. Changes in fair value of these futures contracts, as well as interest income and interest expense relating to the swap contracts are reported in other revenues. The fair values of the interest rate swaps are reported in other assets and other liabilities. Amounts reflecting corresponding changes in liabilities for GMDB contracts are included in benefits and expenses.

Not designated as accounting hedges - GMIB written and purchased options policy

Accounting policy. Because cash flows are affected by equity markets and interest rates, but are without significant life insurance risk and are settled in lump sum payments, the Company accounts for these GMIB liabilities and assets as written and purchased options at fair value. These derivatives are not designated as hedges and their fair values are reported in other liabilities (GMIB liability) and other assets (GMIB asset), with changes in fair value reported in GMIB fair value (gain) loss.

Fair Value Measurements Policies [Abstract]

First section of Fair Value footnote

Note 10 ― Fair Value Measurements

The Company carries certain financial instruments at fair value in the financial statements including fixed maturities, equity securities, short-term investments and derivatives. Other financial instruments are measured at fair value under certain conditions, such as when impaired.

Fair value is defined as the price at which an asset could be exchanged in an orderly transaction between market participants at the balance sheet date. A liability's fair value is defined as the amount that would be paid to transfer the liability to a market participant, not the amount that would be paid to settle the liability with the creditor.

Fair values are based on quoted market prices when available. When market prices are not available, fair value is generally estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, incorporating current market inputs for similar financial instruments with comparable terms and credit quality. In instances where there is little or no market activity for the same or similar instruments, the Company estimates fair value using methods, models and assumptions that the Company believes a hypothetical market participant would use to determine a current transaction price. These valuation techniques involve some level of estimation and judgment by the Company which becomes significant with increasingly complex instruments or pricing models.

The Company's financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value have been classified based upon a hierarchy defined by GAAP. The hierarchy gives the highest ranking to fair values determined using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest ranking to fair values determined using methodologies and models with unobservable inputs (Level 3). An asset's or a liability's classification is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to its measurement. For example, a financial asset or liability carried at fair value would be classified in Level 3 if unobservable inputs were significant to the instrument's fair value, even though the measurement may be derived using inputs that are both observable (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3).

The prices the Company uses to value its investment assets are representative of prices that would be received to sell the assets at the measurement date (exit prices) and are classified appropriately in the fair value hierarchy. The Company performs ongoing analyses of prices used to value invested assets to determine that they represent appropriate estimates of fair value. This process involves quantitative and qualitative analysis that is overseen by the Company's investment professionals, including reviews of pricing methodologies, judgments of valuation inputs, and assessments of the significance of any unobservable inputs, pricing statistics and trends. These reviews are also designed to ensure prices do not become stale, have reasonable explanations as to why they have changed from prior valuations, or require additional review of other anomalies. The Company also performs sample testing of sales values to confirm the accuracy of prior fair value estimates. Exceptions identified during these processes indicate that adjustments to prices are infrequent and result in immaterial adjustments to valuations.

Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value

The following tables provide information as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 about the Company's financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value. Similar disclosures for separate account assets, which are also recorded at fair value on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, are provided separately as gains and losses related to these assets generally accrue directly to policyholders. In addition, Note 9 contains similar disclosures for the Company's pension plan assets.

Level 1 financial assets policy

Level 1 Financial Assets

Inputs for instruments classified in Level 1 include unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets accessible at the measurement date. Active markets provide pricing data for trades occurring at least weekly and include exchanges and dealer markets.

Assets in Level 1 include actively-traded U.S. government bonds and exchange-listed equity securities. Given the narrow definition of Level 1 and the Company's investment asset strategy to maximize investment returns, a relatively small portion of the Company's investment assets are classified in this category.

Level 2 financial assets and financial liabilities policy

Level 2 Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

Inputs for instruments classified in Level 2 include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices from those willing to trade in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are market observable or can be corroborated by market data for the term of the instrument. Such other inputs include market interest rates and volatilities, spreads and yield curves. An instrument is classified in Level 2 if the Company determines that unobservable inputs are insignificant.

Fixed maturities and equity securities. Approximately 93% of the Company's investments in fixed maturities and equity securities are classified in Level 2 including most public and private corporate debt and equity securities, federal agency and municipal bonds, non-government asset and mortgage-backed securities and preferred stocks. Because many fixed maturities and preferred stocks do not trade daily, fair values are often derived using recent trades of securities with similar features and characteristics. When recent trades are not available, pricing models are used to determine these prices. These models calculate fair values by discounting future cash flows at estimated market interest rates. Such market rates are derived by calculating the appropriate spreads over comparable U.S. Treasury securities, based on the credit quality, industry and structure of the asset. Typical inputs and assumptions to pricing models include, but are not limited to, a combination of benchmark yields, reported trades, issuer spreads, liquidity, benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data, and industry and economic events. For mortgage-backed securities, inputs and assumptions may also include characteristics of the issuer, collateral attributes, prepayment speeds and credit rating.

Nearly all of these instruments are valued using recent trades or pricing models. Less than 1% of the fair value of investments classified in Level 2 represents foreign bonds that are valued, consistent with local market practice, using a single unadjusted market-observable input derived by averaging multiple broker-dealer quotes.

Short-term investments are carried at fair value, which approximates cost. On a regular basis the Company compares market prices for these securities to recorded amounts to validate that current carrying amounts approximate exit prices. The short-term nature of the investments and corroboration of the reported amounts over the holding period support their classification in Level 2.

Other derivatives classified in Level 2 represent over-the-counter instruments such as interest rate and foreign currency swap contracts. Fair values for these instruments are determined using market observable inputs including forward currency and interest rate curves and widely published market observable indices. Credit risk related to the counterparty and the Company is considered when estimating the fair values of these derivatives. However, the Company is largely protected by collateral arrangements with counterparties, and determined that no adjustment for credit risk was required as of December 31, 2011 or December 31, 2010. The nature and use of these other derivatives are described in Note 12.

Level 3 financial assets and financial liabilities policy

Level 3 Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

Certain inputs for instruments classified in Level 3 are unobservable (supported by little or no market activity) and significant to their resulting fair value measurement. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company's best estimate of what hypothetical market participants would use to determine a transaction price for the asset or liability at the reporting date.

The Company classifies certain newly-issued, privately-placed, complex or illiquid securities, as well as assets and liabilities relating to GMIB, in Level 3.

Fixed maturities and equity securities. Approximately 6% of fixed maturities and equity securities are priced using significant unobservable inputs and classified in this category, including

Fair values of mortgage and asset-backed securities and corporate bonds are determined using pricing models that incorporate the specific characteristics of each asset and related assumptions including the investment type and structure, credit quality, industry and maturity date in comparison to current market indices, spreads and liquidity of assets with similar characteristics. For mortgage and asset-backed securities, inputs and assumptions to pricing may also include collateral attributes and prepayment speeds. Recent trades in the subject security or similar securities are assessed when available, and the Company may also review published research, as well as the issuer's financial statements, in its evaluation. Certain subordinated corporate bonds and private equity investments are valued at transaction price in the absence of market data indicating a change in the estimated fair values.

Reclassifications impacting Level 3 financial instruments are reported as transfers into or out of the Level 3 category as of the beginning of the quarter in which the transfer occurs. Therefore gains and losses in income only reflect activity for the quarters the instrument was classified in Level 3.

Transfers into or out of the Level 3 category occur when unobservable inputs, such as the Company's best estimate of what a market participant would use to determine a current transaction price, become more or less significant to the fair value measurement. For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, transfer activity between Level 3 and Level 2 primarily reflects changes in the level of unobservable inputs used to value certain private corporate bonds, principally related to credit risk of the issuers.

The Company provided reinsurance for other insurance companies that offer a guaranteed minimum income benefit, and then retroceded a portion of the risk to other insurance companies. These arrangements with third-party insurers are the instruments still held at the reporting date for GMIB assets and liabilities in the table above. Because these reinsurance arrangements remain in effect at the reporting date, the Company has reflected the total gain or loss for the period as the total gain or loss included in income attributable to instruments still held at the reporting date. However, the Company reduces the GMIB assets and liabilities resulting from these reinsurance arrangements when annuitants lapse, die, elect their benefit, or reach the age after which the right to elect their benefit expires.

Under FASB's guidance for fair value measurements, the Company's GMIB assets and liabilities are expected to be volatile in future periods because the underlying capital markets assumptions will be based largely on market-observable inputs at the close of each reporting period including interest rates and market-implied volatilities.

Measurement of GMIB assets and liabilities policy

Guaranteed minimum income benefit contracts. Because cash flows of the GMIB liabilities and assets are affected by equity markets and interest rates but are without significant life insurance risk and are settled in lump sum payments, the Company reports these liabilities and assets as derivatives at fair value. The Company estimates the fair value of the assets and liabilities for GMIB contracts using assumptions regarding capital markets (including market returns, interest rates and market volatilities of the underlying equity and bond mutual fund investments), future annuitant behavior (including mortality, lapse, and annuity election rates), and non-performance risk, as well as risk and profit charges. As certain assumptions used to estimate fair values for these contracts are largely unobservable (primarily related to future annuitant behavior), the Company classifies GMIB assets and liabilities in Level 3. The Company considered the following in determining the view of a hypothetical market participant:

that the most likely transfer of these assets and liabilities would be through a reinsurance transaction with an independent insurer having a market capitalization and credit rating similar to that of the Company; and
that because this block of contracts is in run-off mode, an insurer looking to acquire these contracts would have similar existing contracts with related administrative and risk management capabilities.

These GMIB assets and liabilities are calculated with a complex internal model using many scenarios to determine the fair value of net amounts estimated to be paid, less the fair value of net future premiums estimated to be received, adjusted for risk and profit charges that the Company anticipates a hypothetical market participant would require to assume this business. Net amounts estimated to be paid represent the excess of the anticipated value of the income benefits over the values of the annuitants' accounts at the time of annuitization. Generally, market return, interest rate and volatility assumptions are based on market observable information. Assumptions related to future annuitant behavior reflect the Company's belief that a hypothetical market participant would consider the actual and expected experience of the Company as well as other relevant and available industry resources in setting policyholder behavior assumptions. The significant assumptions used to value the GMIB assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 The market return and discount rate assumptions are based on the market-observable LIBOR swap curve.

 The projected interest rate used to calculate the reinsured income benefits is indexed to the 7-year Treasury Rate at the time of annuitization (claim interest rate) based on contractual terms. That rate was 1.35% at December 31, 2011 and must be projected for future time periods. These projected rates vary by economic scenario and are determined by an interest rate model using current interest rate curves and the prices of instruments available in the market including various interest rate caps and zero-coupon bonds. For a subset of the business, there is a contractually guaranteed floor of 3% for the claim interest rate.

 The market volatility assumptions for annuitants' underlying mutual fund investments that are modeled based on the S&P 500, Russell 2000 and NASDAQ Composite are based on the market-implied volatility for these indices for three to seven years grading to historical volatility levels thereafter. For the remaining 52% of underlying mutual fund investments modeled based on other indices (with insufficient market-observable data), volatility is based on the average historical level for each index over the past 10 years. Using this approach, volatility ranges from 16% to 36% for equity funds, 4% to 12% for bond funds, and 1% to 2% for money market funds.

 The mortality assumption is 70% of the 1994 Group Annuity Mortality table, with 1% annual improvement beginning January 1, 2000.

 The annual lapse rate assumption reflects experience that differs by the company issuing the underlying variable annuity contracts, ranges from 1% to 12% at December 31, 2011, and depends on the time since contract issue and the relative value of the guarantee.

 The annual annuity election rate assumption reflects experience that differs by the company issuing the underlying variable annuity contracts and depends on the annuitant's age, the relative value of the guarantee and whether a contractholder has had a previous opportunity to elect the benefit. Immediately after the expiration of the waiting period, the assumed probability that an individual will annuitize their variable annuity contract is up to 80%. For the second and subsequent annual opportunities to elect the benefit, the assumed probability of election is up to 35%. Actual data is still emerging for the Company as well as the industry and the estimates are based on this limited data.

The nonperformance risk adjustment is incorporated by adding an additional spread to the discount rate in the calculation of both (1) the GMIB liability to reflect a hypothetical market participant's view of the risk of the Company not fulfilling its GMIB obligations, and (2) the GMIB asset to reflect a hypothetical market participant's view of the reinsurers' credit risk, after considering collateral. The estimated market-implied spread is company-specific for each party involved to the extent that company-specific market data is available and is based on industry averages for similarly-rated companies when company-specific data is not available. The spread is impacted by the credit default swap spreads of the specific parent companies, adjusted to reflect subsidiaries' credit ratings relative to their parent company and any available collateral. The additional spread over LIBOR incorporated into the discount rate ranged from 20 to 160 basis points for the GMIB liability and from 50 to 125 basis points for the GMIB reinsurance asset for that portion of the interest rate curve most relevant to these policies.

 The risk and profit charge assumption is based on the Company's estimate of the capital and return on capital that would be required by a hypothetical market participant.

The Company regularly evaluates each of the assumptions used in establishing these assets and liabilities by considering how a hypothetical market participant would set assumptions at each valuation date. Capital markets assumptions are expected to change at each valuation date reflecting currently observable market conditions. Other assumptions may also change based on a hypothetical market participant's view of actual experience as it emerges over time or other factors that impact the net liability. If the emergence of future experience or future assumptions differs from the assumptions used in estimating these assets and liabilities, the resulting impact could be material to the Company's consolidated results of operations, and in certain situations, could be material to the Company's financial condition.

GMIB liabilities are reported in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets in Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities. GMIB assets associated with these contracts represent net receivables in connection with reinsurance that the Company has purchased from two external reinsurers and are reported in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets in Other assets, including other intangibles.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value under certain conditions policy

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value under Certain Conditions

Some financial assets and liabilities are not carried at fair value each reporting period, but may be measured using fair value only under certain conditions, such as investments in commercial mortgage loans and real estate entities when they become impaired. During 2011, impaired commercial mortgage loans and real estate entities representing less than 1% of total investments were written down to their fair values, resulting in after-tax realized investment losses of $15 million.

During 2010, impaired commercial mortgage loans and real estate entities representing less than 1% of total investments were written down to their fair values, resulting in after-tax realized investment losses of $25 million.

These fair values were calculated by discounting the expected future cash flows at estimated market interest rates. Such market rates were derived by calculating the appropriate spread over comparable U.S. Treasury rates, based on the characteristics of the underlying real estate, including its type, quality and location. The fair value measurements were classified in Level 3 because these cash flow models incorporate significant unobservable inputs.

Commercial mortgage loans policy

Commercial mortgage loans. The Company estimates the fair value of commercial mortgage loans generally by discounting the contractual cash flows at estimated market interest rates that reflect the Company's assessment of the credit quality of the loans. Market interest rates are derived by calculating the appropriate spread over comparable U.S. Treasury rates, based on the property type, quality rating and average life of the loan. The quality ratings reflect the relative risk of the loan, considering debt service coverage, the loan-to-value ratio and other factors. Fair values of impaired mortgage loans are based on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral generally determined using an internal discounted cash flow model.

Contractholder deposit funds, excluding universal life products policy

Contractholder deposit funds, excluding universal life products. Generally, these funds do not have stated maturities. Approximately 50% of these balances can be withdrawn by the customer at any time without prior notice or penalty. The fair value for these contracts is the amount estimated to be payable to the customer as of the reporting date, which is generally the carrying value. Most of the remaining contractholder deposit funds are reinsured by the buyers of the individual life insurance and annuity and retirement benefits businesses. The fair value for these contracts is determined using the fair value of these buyers' assets supporting these reinsured contracts. The Company had a reinsurance recoverable equal to the carrying value of these reinsured contracts.

Long-term debt, including current maturities, excluding capital leases policy

Long-term debt, including current maturities, excluding capital leases. The fair value of long-term debt is based on quoted market prices for recent trades. When quoted market prices are not available, fair value is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis and the Company's estimated current borrowing rate for debt of similar terms and remaining maturities.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Deferred Acquisition Costs Policy

Deferred acquisition costs. Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board's (“FASB”) amended guidance (ASU 2010-26) on accounting for costs to acquire or renew insurance contracts. This guidance requires certain sales compensation and telemarketing costs related to unsuccessful efforts and any indirect costs to be expensed as incurred. The Company's deferred acquisition costs arise from sales and renewal activities primarily in its International segment. This amended guidance was implemented through retrospective adjustment of comparative prior periods. As reported in the Consolidated Statement of Equity, the cumulative effect of adopting the amended accounting guidance as of January 1, 2009 was a reduction in Total Shareholders' Equity of $200 million. Summarized below are the effects of the amended guidance on previously reported amounts for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Presentation Of Comprehensive Income [Text Block]

Presentation of Comprehensive Income. Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the FASB's amended guidance (ASU 2011-05) that requires presenting net income and other comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive statements. Neither measurement of comprehensive income nor disclosure requirements for reclassification adjustments between other comprehensive income and net income were affected by this amended guidance. The Company has elected to present a separate statement of comprehensive income following the statement of income and has retrospectively adjusted prior periods to conform to the new presentation, as required.

Other-than-temporary-impairments policy

Other-than-temporary impairments. On April 1, 2009, the Company adopted the FASB's updated guidance for evaluating whether an impairment is other than temporary for fixed maturities with declines in fair value below amortized cost (ASC 320). A reclassification adjustment from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive income was required for previously impaired fixed maturities that had a non-credit loss as of the date of adoption, net of related tax effects.

The cumulative effect of adoption increased the Company's retained earnings in 2009 with an offsetting decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income of $18 million, with no overall change to shareholders' equity. See Note 11 (A) for information on the Company's other-than-temporary impairments including additional required disclosures

Earnings Per Share Policy Text Block

Earnings Per Share

The Company computes basic earnings per share using the weighted-average number of unrestricted common and deferred shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share also includes the dilutive effect of outstanding employee stock options and unvested restricted stock granted after 2009 using the treasury stock method and the effect of strategic performance shares.

Variable Interest Entities Policy

Variable interest entities. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010 the Company determined it was not a primary beneficiary in any variable interest entities.

General Derivative Policy Text Block

The Company accounts for derivative instruments as follows:

Derivatives are reported on the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair values reported in shareholders' net income or accumulated other comprehensive income.
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that hedge market risk related to future cash flows and that qualify for hedge accounting are reported in a separate caption in accumulated other comprehensive income. These hedges are referred to as cash flow hedges.
A change in the fair value of a derivative instrument may not always equal the change in the fair value of the hedged item; this difference is referred to as hedge ineffectiveness. Where hedge accounting is used, the Company reflects hedge ineffectiveness in shareholders' net income (generally as part of realized investment gains and losses).
On early termination, the fair value of derivatives that qualified for hedge accounting are reported in shareholders' net income.

Fair value policy

Fair value measurements. In May 2011, the FASB amended guidance (ASU 2011-04) to improve the comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The amendments are effective January 1, 2012 and are to be applied prospectively. The Company expects no material effects at implementation.

The Company adopted the FASB's updated guidance on fair value measurements (ASU 2010-06) in the first quarter of 2010, which requires separate disclosures of significant transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy. See Note 10 for additional information.

Amendments to the FASB's fair value guidance in 2009 had no effect on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 10 for additional information

Income Tax Uncertainties Policy [Text Block]

The Company classifies net interest expense on uncertain tax positions and any applicable penalties as a component of income tax expense, but excludes these amounts from the liability for uncertain tax positions. The Company's liability for net interest and penalties was $2 million at December 31, 2011, $14 million at December 31, 2010 and $13 million at December 31, 2009. The 2011 decline included $11 million associated with the completion of the 2007 and 2008 IRS examinations.

Fixed Maturities And Equity Securities Investment Policy [Text Block]

Fixed maturities and equity securities. Fixed maturities primarily include bonds, mortgage and other asset-backed securities and preferred stocks redeemable by the investor. Equity securities include common stocks and preferred stocks that are non-redeemable or redeemable only at the option of the issuer. These investments are primarily classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ equity. Beginning April 1, 2009, for fixed maturities with declines in fair value below amortized cost, the Company assesses its intent to sell or whether it is more likely than not to be required to sell such fixed maturities before their fair values recover. If so, an impairment loss is recognized in net income for the excess of their amortized cost over fair value. In addition, when the Company determines it does not expect to recover the amortized cost basis of fixed maturities with declines in fair value (even if it does not intend to sell or will not be required to sell these fixed maturities), the credit portion of the impairment loss is recognized in net income and the non-credit portion, if any, is recognized in a separate component of shareholders’ equity. The credit portion is the difference between the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity and the net present value of its projected future cash flows. Projected future cash flows are based on qualitative and quantitative factors, including probability of default, and the estimated timing and amount of recovery. For mortgage and asset-backed securities, estimated future cash flows are based on assumptions about the collateral attributes including prepayment speeds, default rates and changes in value. Equity securities and, prior to April 1, 2009, fixed maturities were considered impaired, and their cost basis was written down to fair value through earnings, when management did not expect to recover the amortized cost, or if the Company could not demonstrate its intent or ability to hold the investment until full recovery. Fixed maturities and equity securities also include trading and certain hybrid securities that are carried at fair value with changes in fair value reported in realized investment gains and losses. The Company has irrevocably elected the fair value option for these securities to simplify accounting and mitigate volatility in results of operations and financial condition. Hybrid securities include certain preferred stock and debt securities with call or conversion options.

Commercial Mortgage Loans Investment Policy [Text Block]

Commercial mortgage loans. Mortgage loans held by the Company are made exclusively to commercial borrowers. Generally, commercial mortgage loans are carried at unpaid principal balances and are issued at a fixed rate of interest. Commercial mortgage loans are considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will not collect amounts due according to the terms of the original loan agreement. The Company monitors credit risk and assesses the impairment of loans individually and on a consistent basis for all loans in the portfolio. Impaired loans are carried at the lower of unpaid principal or fair value of the underlying real estate. Valuation reserves reflect any changes in fair value. The Company estimates the fair value of the underlying real estate using internal valuations generally based on discounted cash flow analyses. Certain commercial mortgage loans without valuation reserves are considered impaired because the Company will not collect all interest due according to the terms of the original agreements, however, the Company expects to recover their remaining carrying value primarily because it is less than the fair value of the underlying real estate.

Policy Loans Receivable Policy [Text Block]

Fixed maturities and equity securities. Fixed maturities primarily include bonds, mortgage and other asset-backed securities and preferred stocks redeemable by the investor. Equity securities include common stocks and preferred stocks that are non-redeemable or redeemable only at the option of the issuer. These investments are primarily classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders' equity. Beginning April 1, 2009, for fixed maturities with declines in fair value below amortized cost, the Company assesses its intent to sell or whether it is more likely than not to be required to sell such fixed maturities before their fair values recover. If so, an impairment loss is recognized in net income for the excess of their amortized cost over fair value. In addition, when the Company determines it does not expect to recover the amortized cost basis of fixed maturities with declines in fair value (even if it does not intend to sell or will not be required to sell these fixed maturities), the credit portion of the impairment loss is recognized in net income and the non-credit portion, if any, is recognized in a separate component of shareholders' equity. The credit portion is the difference between the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity and the net present value of its projected future cash flows. Projected future cash flows are based on qualitative and quantitative factors, including probability of default, and the estimated timing and amount of recovery. For mortgage and asset-backed securities, estimated future cash flows are based on assumptions about the collateral attributes including prepayment speeds, default rates and changes in value. Equity securities and, prior to April 1, 2009, fixed maturities were considered impaired, and their cost basis was written down to fair value through earnings, when management did not expect to recover the amortized cost, or if the Company could not demonstrate its intent or ability to hold the investment until full recovery. Fixed maturities and equity securities also include trading and certain hybrid securities that are carried at fair value with changes in fair value reported in realized investment gains and losses. The Company has irrevocably elected the fair value option for these securities to simplify accounting and mitigate volatility in results of operations and financial condition. Hybrid securities include certain preferred stock and debt securities with call or conversion options.

Real Estate Held For Development And Sale Policy [Text Block]

Real estate. Investment real estate can be “held and used” or “held for sale”. The Company accounts for real estate as follows:

Real estate "held and used" is expected to be held longer than one year and includes real estate acquired through the foreclosure of commercial mortgage loans. The Company carries real estate held and used at depreciated cost less any write-downs to fair value due to impairment and assesses impairment when cash flows indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Depreciation is generally calculated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful life of the particular real estate asset.
Real estate is "held for sale" when a buyer's investigation is completed, a deposit has been received and the sale is expected to be completed within the next year. Real estate held for sale is carried at the lower of carrying value or current fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and is not depreciated. Valuation reserves reflect any changes in fair value.
The Company uses several methods to determine the fair value of real estate, but relies primarily on discounted cash flow analyses and, in some cases, third-party appraisals.

At the time of foreclosure, properties are reclassified from commercial mortgage loans to real estate or other long-term investments depending on the ownership of the underlying assets. The Company rehabilitates, re-leases and sells foreclosed properties. This process usually takes from three to five years unless management considers a near-term sale preferable. When foreclosed real estate is recapitalized through a joint venture including a contribution of new equity from a third-party investor, the asset is accounted for as an investment in good standing reported in other long-term investments.

Other Long Term Investments Policy [Text Block]

Other long-term investments. Other long-term investments include investments in unconsolidated entities. These entities include certain limited partnerships and limited liability companies holding real estate, securities or loans. These investments are carried at cost plus the Company's ownership percentage of reported income or loss in cases where the Company has significant influence, otherwise the investment is carried at cost. Income from certain entities is reported on a one quarter lag depending on when their financial information is received. Also included in other long-term investments are loans to unconsolidated real estate entities secured by the equity interests of these real estate entities, which are carried at unpaid principal balances (mezzanine loans). These other long-term investments are considered impaired, and written down to their fair value, when cash flows indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Fair value is generally determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis.

Additionally, other long-term investments include interest rate and foreign currency swaps carried at fair value. See Note 12 for information on the Company's accounting policies for these derivative financial instruments.

Short Term Investments Policy Textblock

Short-term investments. Investments with maturities of greater than 90 days but less than one year from time of purchase are classified as short-term, available for sale and carried at fair value, which approximates cost.

Net Investment Income Policy [Text Block]

Net investment income. When interest and principal payments on investments are current, the Company recognizes interest income when it is earned. The Company stops recognizing interest income when interest payments are delinquent based on contractual terms or when certain terms (interest rate or maturity date) of the investment have been restructured. Net investment income on these investments is only recognized when interest payments are actually received. Interest and dividends on trading and hybrid securities and prepayment penalties on mortgage loans are included in net investment income when they are earned.

Investment Gains And Losses Policy [Text Block]

Investment gains and losses. Realized investment gains and losses result from sales, investment asset write-downs, changes in the fair values of trading and hybrid securities and certain derivatives, changes in valuation reserves and prepayment penalties on fixed maturities, based on specifically identified assets. Realized investment gains and losses on the disposition of certain directly owned real estate investments are eliminated from ongoing operations and reported in discontinued operations when the operations and cash flows of the underlying assets are clearly distinguishable and the Company has no significant continuing involvement in their operations.

Unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturities and equity securities carried at fair value (excluding trading and hybrid securities) and certain derivatives are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of:

amounts required to adjust future policy benefits for the run-off settlement annuity business; and
deferred income taxes.

Cash And Cash Equivalents Policy Text Block

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of short-term investments with maturities of three months or less from the time of purchase that are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost. The Company reclassifies cash overdraft positions to accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities when the legal right of offset does not exist.

Premiums Receivable Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Write Off Of Uncollectible Premiums Policy [Text Block]

Premiums, Accounts and Notes Receivable and Reinsurance Recoverables

Premiums, accounts and notes receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $45 million as of December 31, 2011 and $49 million as of December 31, 2010. Reinsurance recoverables are estimates of amounts that the Company will receive from reinsurers and are recorded net of an allowance for unrecoverable reinsurance of $5 million as of December 31, 2011 and $10 million as of December 31, 2010. The Company estimates these allowances for doubtful accounts for premiums, accounts and notes receivable, as well as for reinsurance recoverables, using management's best estimate of collectibility, taking into consideration the aging of these amounts, historical collection patterns and other economic factors

Capitalization Of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Policy [Text Block]

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Acquisition costs relate to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts. Costs eligible for deferral include incremental, direct costs of contract acquisition and other costs directly related to successful contract acquisition. Examples of deferrable costs include commissions, sales compensation and benefits, policy issuance and underwriting costs and premium taxes. The Company records acquisition costs differently depending on the product line. Acquisition costs for:

Universal life products are deferred and amortized in proportion to the present value of total estimated gross profits over the expected lives of the contracts.
Supplemental health, life and accident insurance (primarily individual international products) and group health and accident insurance products are deferred and amortized, generally in proportion to the ratio of periodic revenue to the estimated total revenues over the contract periods.
Other products are expensed as incurred.

There are no deferred policy acquisition costs attributable to the sold individual life insurance and annuity and retirement businesses or the run-off reinsurance and settlement annuity operations.

For universal life and other individual products, management estimates the present value of future revenues less expected payments. For group health and accident insurance products, management estimates the sum of unearned premiums and anticipated net investment income less future expected claims and related costs. If management's estimates of these sums are less than the deferred costs, the Company reduces deferred policy acquisition costs and records an expense. The Company recorded amortization for policy acquisition costs of $259 million in 2011, $251 million in 2010 and $242 million in 2009 in other operating expenses. The accounting for acquisition costs changed in 2012. See Recent Accounting Pronouncements for additional information.

Property Plant And Equipment Policy Text Block

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. When applicable, cost includes interest, real estate taxes and other costs incurred during construction. Also included in this category is internal-use software that is acquired, developed or modified solely to meet the Company's internal needs, with no plan to market externally. Costs directly related to acquiring, developing or modifying internal-use software are capitalized.

The Company calculates depreciation and amortization principally using the straight-line method generally based on the estimated useful life of each asset as follows: buildings and improvements, 10 to 40 years; purchased software, one to five years; internally developed software, three to seven years; and furniture and equipment (including computer equipment), three to 10 years. Improvements to leased facilities are depreciated over the remaining lease term or the estimated life of the improvement. The Company considers events and circumstances that would indicate the carrying value of property, equipment or capitalized software might not be recoverable. If the Company determines the carrying value of a long-lived asset is not recoverable, an impairment charge is recorded. See Note 8 for additional information.

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Goodwill Policy [Text Block]

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of businesses acquired over the fair value of their net assets. Goodwill primarily relates to the Health Care segment ($2.9 billion) and, to a lesser extent, the International segment ($290 million). The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually during the third quarter at the reporting unit level, based on discounted cash flow analyses and writes it down through results of operations if impaired. Consistent with prior years, the Company's evaluations of goodwill associated with the Health Care and International segments used the best information available at the time, including reasonable assumptions and projections consistent with those used in its annual planning process. The discounted cash flow analyses used a range of discount rates that correspond with the Company's, or, in the case of International, the reporting unit's weighted average cost of capital, consistent with that used for investment decisions considering the specific and detailed operating plans and strategies within the segment or reporting unit. The resulting discounted cash flow analysis indicated an estimated fair value for the Health Care segment and International's reporting unit exceeding their carrying values, including goodwill and other intangibles. Finally, the Company determined that no events or circumstances occurred subsequent to the annual evaluation of goodwill that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the Health Care segment or International's reporting unit below their carrying values. See Note 8 for additional information.

Other Assets And Intangible Assets Finite Lived Policy [Text Block]

Other Assets, including Other Intangibles

Other assets consist of various insurance-related assets and the gain position of certain derivatives, primarily GMIB assets. The Company's other intangible assets include purchased customer and producer relationships, provider networks, and trademarks. The Company amortizes other intangibles on an accelerated or straight-line basis over periods from 1 to 30 years. Management revises amortization periods if it believes there has been a change in the length of time that an intangible asset will continue to have value. Costs incurred to renew or extend the terms of these intangible assets are generally expensed as incurred. See Note 8 for additional information.

Separate Account Assets And Liabilities Policy [Text Block]

Separate Account Assets and Liabilities

Separate account assets and liabilities are contractholder funds maintained in accounts with specific investment objectives. The assets of these accounts are legally segregated and are not subject to claims that arise out of any of the Company's other businesses. These separate account assets are carried at fair value with equal amounts for related separate account liabilities. The investment income, gains and losses of these accounts generally accrue to the contractholders and, together with their deposits and withdrawals, are excluded from the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income and Cash Flows. Fees earned for asset management services are reported in premiums and fees.

Contractholder Deposit Funds Policy [Text Block]

Contractholder Deposit Funds

Liabilities for contractholder deposit funds primarily include deposits received from customers for investment-related and universal life products and investment earnings on their fund balances. These liabilities are adjusted to reflect administrative charges and, for universal life fund balances, mortality charges. In addition, this caption includes premium stabilization reserves that are insurance experience refunds for group contracts that are left with the Company to pay future premiums, deposit administration funds that are used to fund nonpension retiree insurance programs, retained asset accounts and annuities or supplementary contracts without significant life contingencies. Interest credited on these funds is accrued ratably over the contract period.

Liability Reserve Estimate Policy [Text Block]

Future Policy Benefits

Future policy benefits are liabilities for the present value of estimated future obligations under long-term life and supplemental health insurance policies and annuity products currently in force. These obligations are estimated using actuarial methods and primarily consist of reserves for annuity contracts, life insurance benefits, guaranteed minimum death benefit (“GMDB”) contracts and certain life, accident and health insurance products in our International operations.

Obligations for annuities represent specified periodic benefits to be paid to an individual or groups of individuals over their remaining lives. Obligations for life insurance policies represent benefits to be paid to policyholders, net of future premiums to be received. Management estimates these obligations based on assumptions as to premiums, interest rates, mortality and surrenders, allowing for adverse deviation. Mortality, morbidity, and surrender assumptions are based on either the Company's own experience or actuarial tables. Interest rate assumptions are based on management's judgment considering the Company's experience and future expectations, and range from 1% to 10%. Obligations for the run-off settlement annuity business include adjustments for investment returns consistent with requirements of GAAP when a premium deficiency exists.

Certain reinsurance contracts contain GMDB under variable annuities issued by other insurance companies. These obligations represent the guaranteed death benefit in excess of the contractholder's account values (based on underlying equity and bond mutual fund investments). These obligations are estimated based on assumptions regarding lapse, partial surrenders, mortality, interest rates (mean investment performance and discount rate), market volatility as well as investment returns and premiums, consistent with the requirements of GAAP when a premium deficiency exists. Lapse, partial surrenders, mortality, interest rates and volatility are based on management's judgment considering the Company's experience and future expectations. The results of futures and swap contracts used in the GMDB equity and growth interest rate hedge programs are reflected in the liability calculation as a component of investment returns. See also Note 6 for additional information.

Unpaid Policy Claims And Claims Adjustment Expense Policy [Text Block]

Unpaid Claims and Claims Expenses

Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim expenses are estimates of payments to be made under insurance coverages (primarily long-term disability, workers' compensation and life and health) for reported claims and for losses incurred but not yet reported.

The Company develops these estimates for losses incurred but not yet reported using actuarial principles and assumptions based on historical and projected claim incidence patterns, claim size, subrogation recoveries and the length of time over which payments are expected to be made. The Company consistently applies these actuarial principles and assumptions each reporting period, with consideration given to the variability of these factors, and recognizes the actuarial best estimate of the ultimate liability within a level of confidence, as required by actuarial standards of practice, which require that the liabilities be adequate under moderately adverse conditions.

The Company's estimate of the liability for disability claims reported but not yet paid is primarily calculated as the present value of expected benefit payments to be made over the estimated time period that a policyholder remains disabled. The Company estimates the expected time period that a policyholder may be disabled by analyzing the rate at which an open claim is expected to close (claim resolution rate). Claim resolution rates may vary based upon the length of time a policyholder is disabled, the covered benefit period, cause of disability, benefit design and the policyholder's age, gender and income level. The Company uses historical resolution rates combined with an analysis of current trends and operational factors to develop current estimates of resolution rates. The reserve for the gross monthly disability benefits due to a policyholder is reduced (offset) by the income that the policyholder receives under other benefit programs, such as Social Security Disability Income, workers' compensation, statutory disability or other group disability benefit plans. For awards of such offsets that have not been finalized, the Company estimates the probability and amount of the offset based on the Company's experience over the past three to five years.

The Company discounts certain claim liabilities related to group long-term disability and workers' compensation because benefit payments may be made over extended periods. Discount rate assumptions are based on projected investment returns for the asset portfolios that support these liabilities and range from 3.80% to 6.25%. When estimates change, the Company records the adjustment in benefits and expenses in the period in which the change in estimate is identified. Discounted liabilities associated with the long-term disability and certain workers' compensation businesses were $3.2 billion at December 31, 2011 and $3.1 billion at December 31, 2010.

Health Care Medical Claims Payable Policy [Text Block]

Health Care Medical Claims Payable

Medical claims payable for the Health Care segment include both reported claims and estimates for losses incurred but not yet reported. The Company develops estimates for Health Care medical claims payable using actuarial principles and assumptions consistently applied each reporting period, and recognizes the actuarial best estimate of the ultimate liability within a level of confidence, as required by actuarial standards of practice, which require that the liabilities be adequate under moderately adverse conditions.

The liability is primarily calculated using “completion factors” (a measure of the time to process claims), which are developed by comparing the date claims were incurred, generally the date services were provided, to the date claims were paid. The Company uses historical completion factors combined with an analysis of current trends and operational factors to develop current estimates of completion factors. The Company estimates the liability for claims incurred in each month by applying the current estimates of completion factors to the current paid claims data. This approach implicitly assumes that historical completion rates will be a useful indicator for the current period. It is possible that the actual completion rates for the current period will develop differently from historical patterns, which could have a material impact on the Company's medical claims payable and shareholders' net income.

Completion factors are impacted by several key items including changes in: 1) electronic (auto-adjudication) versus manual claim processing, 2) provider claims submission rates, 3) membership and 4) the mix of products. As noted, the Company uses historical completion factors combined with an analysis of current trends and operational factors to develop current estimates of completion factors.

In addition, for the more recent months, the Company also relies on medical cost trend analysis, which reflects expected claim payment patterns and other relevant operational considerations. Medical cost trend is primarily impacted by medical service utilization and unit costs, which are affected by changes in the level and mix of medical benefits offered, including inpatient, outpatient and pharmacy, the impact of copays and deductibles, changes in provider practices and changes in consumer demographics and consumption behavior.

Despite reflecting both historical and emerging trends in setting reserves, it is possible that the actual medical trend for the current period will develop differently from expectations, which could have a material impact on the Company's medical claims payable and shareholders' net income.

For each reporting period, the Company evaluates key assumptions by comparing the assumptions used in establishing the medical claims payable to actual experience. When actual experience differs from the assumptions used in establishing the liability, medical claims payable are increased or decreased through current period shareholders' net income. Additionally, the Company evaluates expected future developments and emerging trends which may impact key assumptions. The estimation process involves considerable judgment, reflecting the variability inherent in forecasting future claim payments. These estimates are highly sensitive to changes in the Company's key assumptions, specifically completion factors, and medical cost trends.

Revenue Recognition Premiums Earned Policy [Text Block]

Premiums and Fees, Revenues and Related Expenses

Premiums for group life, accident and health insurance and managed care coverages are recognized as revenue on a pro rata basis over the contract period. Benefits and expenses are recognized when incurred. Premiums and fees include revenue from experience-rated contracts that is based on the estimated ultimate claim, and in some cases, administrative cost experience of the contract. For these contracts, premium revenue includes an adjustment for experience-rated refunds which is calculated according to contract terms and using the customer's experience (including estimates of incurred but not reported claims). Beginning in 2011, premium revenue also includes an adjustment to reflect the estimated effect of rebates due to customers under the minimum medical loss ratio provisions of Health Care Reform.

Premiums for individual life, accident and health insurance and annuity products, excluding universal life and investment-related products, are recognized as revenue when due. Benefits and expenses are matched with premiums.

Premiums and fees received for the Company's Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Part D products from customers and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are recognized as revenue ratably over the contract period. CMS provides risk adjusted premium payments for the Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Part D products, based on the demographics and health severity of enrollees. The Company recognizes periodic changes to risk adjusted premiums as revenue when the amounts are determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Additionally, Medicare Part D includes payments from CMS for risk sharing adjustments. The risk sharing adjustments, that are estimated quarterly based on claim experience, compare actual incurred drug benefit costs to estimated costs submitted in original contracts and may result in more or less revenue from CMS. Final revenue adjustments are determined through an annual settlement with CMS that occurs after the contract year.

Revenue for investment-related products is recognized as follows:

Net investment income on assets supporting investment-related products is recognized as earned.
Contract fees, which are based upon related administrative expenses, are recognized in premiums and fees as they are earned ratably over the contract period.

Benefits and expenses for investment-related products consist primarily of income credited to policyholders in accordance with contract provisions.

Revenue for universal life products is recognized as follows:

Net investment income on assets supporting universal life products is recognized as earned.
Fees for mortality and surrender charges are recognized as assessed, which is as earned.
Administration fees are recognized as services are provided.

Benefits and expenses for universal life products consist of benefit claims in excess of policyholder account balances. Expenses are recognized when claims are submitted, and income is credited to policyholders in accordance with contract provisions.

Contract fees and expenses for administrative services only programs and pharmacy programs and services are recognized as services are provided. Mail order pharmacy revenues and cost of goods sold are recognized as each prescription is shipped.

Unearned Premiums and Fees

Premiums for life, accident and health insurance are recognized as revenue on a pro rata basis over the contract period. Fees for mortality and contract administration of universal life products are recognized ratably over the coverage period. The unrecognized portion of these amounts received is recorded as unearned premiums and fees.

Accounts Payable Accrued Expenses Other Liabilities Policy [Text Block]

Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities consist principally of liabilities for pension, other postretirement and postemployment benefits (see Note 9), self-insured exposures, management compensation and various insurance-related items, including experience rated refunds, the minimum medical loss ratio rebate accrual under Health Care Reform, amounts related to reinsurance contracts and insurance-related assessments that management can reasonably estimate. Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities also include certain overdraft positions and the loss position of certain derivatives, primarily for GMIB contracts (see Note 12). Legal costs to defend the Company's litigation and arbitration matters are expensed when incurred in cases that the Company cannot reasonably estimate the ultimate cost to defend. In cases that the Company can reasonably estimate the cost to defend, these costs are recognized when the claim is reported.

Foreign Currency Transactions And Translations Policy Text Block

Translation of Foreign Currencies

The Company generally conducts its international business through foreign operating entities that maintain assets and liabilities in local currencies, which are generally their functional currencies. The Company uses exchange rates as of the balance sheet date to translate assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars. Translation gains or losses on functional currencies, net of applicable taxes, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Company uses average monthly exchange rates during the year to translate revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars.

Share Based Compensation Option And Incentive Plans Policy [Text Block]

Stock Compensation

The Company records compensation expense for stock awards and options over their vesting periods primarily based on the estimated fair value at the grant date. Compensation expense is recorded for stock options over their vesting period based on fair value at the grant date which is calculated using an option-pricing model. Compensation expense is recorded for restricted stock grants and units over their vesting periods based on fair value, which is equal to the market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense for strategic performance shares is recorded over the performance period. For strategic performance shares with payment dependent on market condition, fair value is determined at the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model and not subsequently adjusted regardless of the final outcome. For strategic performance shares with payment dependent on performance conditions, expense is initially accrued based on the most likely outcome, but evaluated for adjustment each period for updates in the expected outcome. At the end of the performance period, expense is adjusted to the actual outcome (number of shares awarded times the share price at the grant date).

Policyholders Dividend Policy [Text Block]

Participating Business

The Company's participating life insurance policies entitle policyholders to earn dividends that represent a portion of the earnings of the Company's life insurance subsidiaries. Participating insurance accounted for approximately 1% of the Company's total life insurance in force at the end of 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Income Tax Policy Text Block

Income Taxes

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries file a consolidated United States federal income tax return. The Company's foreign subsidiaries file tax returns in accordance with foreign law. U.S. taxation of these foreign subsidiaries may differ in timing and amount from taxation under foreign laws. Reportable amounts, including credits for foreign tax paid by these subsidiaries, are reflected in the U.S. tax return of the affiliates' domestic parent.

The Company recognizes deferred income taxes when the financial statement and tax-based carrying values of assets and liabilities are different and recognizes deferred income tax liabilities on the unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are not permanently invested overseas. For subsidiaries whose earnings are considered permanently invested overseas, income taxes are accrued at the local foreign tax rate. The Company establishes valuation allowances against deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The need for a valuation allowance is determined based on the evaluation of various factors, including expectations of future earnings and management's judgment. Note 19 contains detailed information about the Company's income taxes.

The Company recognizes interim period income taxes by estimating an annual effective tax rate and applying it to year-to-date results. The estimated annual effective tax rate is periodically updated throughout the year based on actual results to date and an updated projection of full year income. Although the effective tax rate approach is generally used for interim periods, taxes on significant, unusual and infrequent items are recognized at the statutory tax rate entirely in the period the amounts are realized.

Credit Quality Policy [Text Block]

Credit quality. The Company applies a consistent and disciplined approach to evaluating and monitoring credit risk, beginning with the initial underwriting of a mortgage loan and continuing throughout the investment holding period. Mortgage origination professionals employ an internal rating system developed from the Company's experience in real estate investing and mortgage lending. A quality rating, designed to evaluate the relative risk of the transaction, is assigned at each loan's origination and is updated each year as part of the annual portfolio loan review. The Company monitors credit quality on an ongoing basis, classifying each loan as a loan in good standing, potential problem loan or problem loan.

Quality ratings are based on internal evaluations of each loan's specific characteristics considering a number of key inputs, including real estate market-related factors such as rental rates and vacancies, and property-specific inputs such as growth rate assumptions and lease rollover statistics. However, the two most significant contributors to the credit quality rating are the debt service coverage and loan-to-value ratios. The debt service coverage ratio measures the amount of property cash flow available to meet annual interest and principal payments on debt. A debt service coverage ratio below 1.0 indicates that there is not enough cash flow to cover the loan payments. The loan-to-value ratio, commonly expressed as a percentage, compares the amount of the loan to the fair value of the underlying property collateralizing the loan.

Loans and Leases Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring Policy [Policy Text Block]

Troubled debt restructurings. Effective July 1, 2011, the Company adopted the FASB's updated guidance (ASU 2011-02) to clarify for lenders that a troubled debt restructuring occurs when a debt modification is a concession to the borrower and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties. This guidance was required to be applied retrospectively for restructurings occurring on or after January 1, 2011. The amendment also required new disclosures to be provided beginning in the third quarter of 2011 addressing certain troubled debt restructurings. Adoption of the new guidance did not have a material effect to the Company's results of operations or financial condition. See Note 11 for additional information related to commercial mortgage loans.

Variable Interest Entities Policies [Abstract]

Variable Interest Entities general policy

When the Company becomes involved with a variable interest entity and when the nature of the Company's involvement with the entity changes, in order to determine if the Company is the primary beneficiary and must consolidate the entity, it evaluates:

the structure and purpose of the entity;
the risks and rewards created by and shared through the entity; and
the entity's participants' ability to direct its activities, receive its benefits and absorb its losses. Participants include the entity's sponsors, equity holders, guarantors, creditors and servicers.

In the normal course of its investing activities, the Company makes passive investments in securities that are issued by variable interest entities for which the Company is not the sponsor or manager. These investments are predominantly asset-backed securities primarily collateralized by foreign bank obligations or mortgage-backed securities. The asset-backed securities largely represent fixed-rate debt securities issued by trusts that hold perpetual floating-rate subordinated notes issued by foreign banks. The mortgage-backed securities represent senior interests in pools of commercial or residential mortgages created and held by special-purpose entities to provide investors with diversified exposure to these assets. The Company owns senior securities issued by several entities and receives fixed-rate cash flows from the underlying assets in the pools. The Company is not the primary beneficiary and does not consolidate any of these entities because either:

it had no power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities' economic performance; or
it had neither the right to receive benefits nor the obligation to absorb losses that could be significant to these variable interest entities.

The Company has not provided, and does not intend to provide, financial support to these entities. The Company performs ongoing qualitative analyses of its involvement with these variable interest entities to determine if consolidation is required. The Company's maximum potential exposure to loss related to these entities is limited to the carrying amount of its investment reported in fixed maturities and equity securities, and its aggregate ownership interest is insignificant relative to the total principal amount issued by these entities.

Variable Interest Entities

the structure and purpose of the entity;
the risks and rewards created by and shared through the entity; and
the entity's participants' ability to direct its activities, receive its benefits and absorb its losses. Participants include the entity's sponsors, equity holders, guarantors, creditors and servicers.

it had no power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities' economic performance; or
it had neither the right to receive benefits nor the obligation to absorb losses that could be significant to these variable interest entities.