Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of assets by segment
Total assets	$ 138,564	$ 132,307
Advice and Wealth Management
Summary of assets by segment
Total assets	12,707	12,293
Asset Management
Summary of assets by segment
Total assets	6,478	6,863
Annuities
Summary of assets by segment
Total assets	91,815	86,598
Protection
Summary of assets by segment
Total assets	18,711	18,304
Corporate and Other
Summary of assets by segment
Total assets	$ 8,853	$ 8,249