Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Maximum amount of future guarantee payments	$ 71,000,000,000
Derivatives ceded under reinsurance agreements and capital market transactions	1,400,000,000
Fair value of derivative assets, before counterparty netting	552,000,000	[1]	769,000,000	[1]
Derivative assets, after counterparty netting	459,000,000		708,000,000
Fair value of derivative liabilities, before counterparty netting	6,100,000,000		6,800,000,000
Derivative assets and derivative assets - VIE after counterparty netting and embedded reclasses	452,000,000		703,000,000
Derivative liabilities, after counterparty netting	6,000,000,000		6,700,000,000
Fair value of securities posted to derivative counterparties	470,000,000		452,000,000
Fair value of Credit Support Annexes	$ 2,000,000		$ 4,000,000

[1] In accordance with the accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities, the balance sheet location of the Company's embedded derivative instruments is determined by the location of the related host contract.