CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 895	$ 298
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: [Abstract]
Interest credited to policyholders' account balances	566	493
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income	(1,649)	(1,713)
Net change in broker-dealer and customer related receivables/payables	(179)	(318)
(Income) loss related to derivative instruments	42	91
Investment (gains) losses, net	61	30
Change in segregated cash and securities, net	125	95
Change in deferred policy acquisition costs	(47)	44
Change in future policy benefits	145	91
Change in income taxes payable	203	26
Change in accounts payable and accrued expenses	(21)	41
Change in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset	(834)	239
Contribution to pension plans	0	(258)
Amortization of deferred compensation	4	114
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	18	20
Other depreciation and amortization	56	72
Amortization Of Reinsurance Costs	(22)	178
Amortization of other intangibles	12	12
Other, net	110	76
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(515)	(369)
Cash flows from investing activities: [Abstract]
Maturities and repayments of fixed maturities and mortgage loans on real estate	1,960	1,757
Sales of investments	476	861
Purchases of investments	(3,619)	(3,563)
Cash settlements related to derivative instruments	316	(168)
Change in short-term investments	(2)	11
Investment in capitalized software, leasehold improvements and EDP equipment	(32)	(46)
Other net	(71)	84
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(972)	(1,064)
Cash flows from financing activities: [Abstract]
Policyholders account balances deposits and transfers to Separate Accounts	2,575	2,027
Policyholders account balances withdrawals	(393)	(396)
Change in short-term financings	(169)	105
Change in collateralized pledged assets	0	98
Change in collateralized pledged liabilities	221	258
Shareholder dividends paid	(181)	(379)
Repurchase of AllianceBernstein Holdings units	(95)	(101)
Distribution to non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	(96)	(179)
Other, net	12	(30)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,874	1,403
Change in cash and cash equivalents	387	(30)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	3,227	2,155
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	3,614	2,125
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Income Taxes (Refunded) Paid	$ 160	$ 3