Schedule II (Condensed Statements Of Operations) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt	$ 49	$ 26	$ 60
Total revenues	2,435	(1,557)	894
Total expenses	837	682	989
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	364	(920)	(148)
Net income (loss)	1,234	(1,319)	53
Parent Company [Member]
Net investment income	60	90	122
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange	(119)	(278)	(117)
Investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments	(52)	(20)	(206)
Other-than-temporary impairments recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(7)	(13)	147
Net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments	(59)	(33)	(59)
Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt	(2)		(1)
Other net realized gains (losses)	6	(17)	1
Total revenues	(114)	(238)	(54)
Operating	40	29	31
Interest	155	162	200
Total expenses	195	191	231
Gain (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries	(309)	(429)	(285)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(781)	(286)	(183)
Gain (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	472	(143)	(102)
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	762	(1,233)	99
Net income (loss)	$ 1,234	$ (1,376)	$ (3)