Segment Information (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	$ 2,518	$ 2,592	$ 5,029	$ 5,086
Net realized gains (losses)	(5)	6	(7)	7
Revenues of CIEs	1	25	53	62
Total net revenues per consolidated statements of operations	2,514	2,623	5,075	5,155
Total segment operating earnings	399	459	855	912
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(53)	(28)	(49)	(46)
Market impact on variable annuity living benefits, net of hedges, DSIC and DAC amortization	(16)	(7)	(129)	(28)
Integration and restructuring charges	(26)	(21)	(49)	(50)
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision	299	409	621	795
Advice and Wealth Management
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	953	957	1,907	1,870
Intersegment revenue	218	242	447	474
Total segment operating earnings	111	108	205	207
Asset Management
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	707	753	1,418	1,490
Intersegment revenue	12	11	22	21
Total segment operating earnings	130	146	261	282
Annuities
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	628	665	1,256	1,308
Intersegment revenue	66	64	129	122
Total segment operating earnings	116	154	305	326
Protection
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	528	522	1,050	1,038
Intersegment revenue	9	9	18	18
Total segment operating earnings	109	92	216	203
Corporate and Other
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	7	22	15	16
Intersegment revenue		1	1	1
Total segment operating earnings	(67)	(41)	(132)	(106)
Eliminations:
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	$ (305)	$ (327)	$ (617)	$ (636)