Segment Information (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	$ 2,511	$ 2,494
Net realized gains (losses)	(2)	1
Revenues of CIEs	52	37
Total net revenues per consolidated statements of operations	2,561	2,532
Total segment operating earnings	456	453
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	4	(18)
Market impact on variable annuity living benefits, net of hedges, DSIC and DAC amortization	(113)	(21)
Integration and restructuring charges	(23)	(29)
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision	322	386
Advice and Wealth Management
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	954	913
Intersegment revenue	229	232
Total segment operating earnings	94	99
Asset Management
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	711	737
Intersegment revenue	10	10
Total segment operating earnings	131	136
Annuities
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	628	643
Intersegment revenue	63	58
Total segment operating earnings	189	172
Protection
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	522	516
Intersegment revenue	9	9
Total segment operating earnings	107	111
Corporate and Other
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	8	(6)
Intersegment revenue	1
Total segment operating earnings	(65)	(65)
Eliminations:
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	$ (312)	$ (309)