Segment Information (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues									$ 10,143	$ 10,050	$ 9,117
Net realized gains									7	6	33
Revenues of consolidated investment entities									71	136	362
Integration and restructuring charges									(4)
Total net revenues per consolidated statements of operations									10,217	10,192	9,512
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Total segment operating earnings									1,695	1,704	1,403
Net realized gains									7	6	33
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	57	22	53	(4)	(45)	105	28	18	128	106	(163)
Market impact on variable annuity living benefits, net of hedges, DSIC and DAC amortization									(265)	(62)	(19)
Integration and restructuring charges									(71)	(95)	(111)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax provision	418	199	299	322	326	326	409	386	1,238	1,447	1,469
Advice and Wealth Management
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues									3,873	3,713	3,342
Intersegment revenue									901	930	884
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Total segment operating earnings									443	406	322
Asset Management
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues									2,891	2,897	2,365
Intersegment revenue									43	42	36
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Total segment operating earnings									557	528	410
Annuities
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues									2,524	2,630	2,491
Intersegment revenue									271	251	176
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Total segment operating earnings									567	625	486
Protection
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues									2,088	2,069	2,046
Intersegment revenue									37	37	35
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Total segment operating earnings									398	386	409
Corporate and Other
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues									20	3	4
Intersegment revenue									1	2
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Total segment operating earnings									(270)	(241)	(224)
Eliminations:
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues									$ (1,253)	$ (1,262)	$ (1,131)