Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 item	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of assets by segment
Total assets	$ 134,729	$ 132,307
Number of complementary asset management businesses	2
Advice and Wealth Management
Summary of assets by segment
Total assets	8,962	12,293
Asset Management
Summary of assets by segment
Total assets	6,267	6,863
Annuities
Summary of assets by segment
Total assets	91,587	86,598
Protection
Summary of assets by segment
Total assets	19,065	18,304
Corporate and Other
Summary of assets by segment
Total assets	$ 8,848	$ 8,249