Contingencies and Other Matters (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Contingencies And Other Matters Details [Abstract]
Guaranteed Separate Accounts Liability	$ 1,700,000,000
Separate Accounts Liability Sold Business Percent Reinsured	72.00%
Underlying mutual fund investment values for Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefits	1,200,000,000
Maximum potential undiscounted payments under Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefits assumptions	1,100,000,000
Indemnification Obligations To Lenders	256,000,000
Leased equipment value deficiency guarantees	44,000,000
Guarantee For Lease Shortfall Expiring 2012	28,000,000
Guarantee For Lease Shortfall Expiring 2016	16,000,000
Guarantee Liability For Lease Shortfall	13,000,000
Receivables recorded for paid claims due from third party reinsurers for Great-West Healthcare	less than $1 million
Unpaid claims related to Great-West Life and Annuity, Inc. reinsurance arrangements	19,000,000
Liabilities Required Indemnification Obligations Acquisitions and Dispositions	no liabilities
Percentage of Administrative Service Only fees at risk for performance guarantees	14.00%
Percentage of ASO fees reimbursed for performance guarantees	less than 1%
Guarantees to banks to settle claim checks processed by the company for administrative service only customers	361,000,000
Percent reduction in exposure of guarantees to banks since balance sheet date	89.00%
Amara cash balance pension plan litigation charge pre tax	82,000,000
Amara cash balance pension plan litigation charge after tax	53,000,000
Contribution to establishment of non-profit resulting from Ingenix				10,000,000
Percentage of Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit assets reinsured externally	55.00%		55.00%
Charges for administrative service only bank guarantees		3,000,000
Liabilities Required Bank Service Guarantees	no liabilities
Estimated Potential Guaranty Fund Assessments Range	$ 40,000,000
Charges Related to Guaranty Fund Assessments	not material	not material