Segment Information (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	$ 2,517	$ 2,509	$ 7,546	$ 7,595
Net realized gains (losses)	(68)	(2)	(75)	5
Revenues of CIEs	27	(52)	80	10
Integration and restructuring charges	(8)		(8)
Total net revenues per consolidated statements of operations	2,468	2,455	7,543	7,610
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Total segment operating earnings	397	380	1,252	1,292
Net realized gains (losses)	(68)	(2)	(75)	5
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(22)	(105)	(71)	(151)
Market impact on variable annuity living benefits, net of hedges, DSIC and DAC amortization	(91)	77	(220)	49
Integration and restructuring charges	(17)	(24)	(66)	(74)
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision	199	326	820	1,121
Advice and Wealth Management
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	961	938	2,868	2,808
Intersegment revenue	219	231	666	705
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Total segment operating earnings	119	116	324	323
Asset Management
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	733	705	2,151	2,195
Intersegment revenue	10	10	32	31
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Total segment operating earnings	155	119	416	401
Annuities
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	632	688	1,888	1,996
Intersegment revenue	71	66	200	188
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Total segment operating earnings	91	135	396	461
Protection
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	496	502	1,546	1,540
Intersegment revenue	10	10	28	28
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Total segment operating earnings	89	70	305	273
Corporate and Other
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	5	(7)	20	9
Intersegment revenue			1	1
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Total segment operating earnings	(57)	(60)	(189)	(166)
Eliminations:
Summary of segment operating results
Total operating net revenues	$ (310)	$ (317)	$ (927)	$ (953)