Investments and Derivative Instruments (Details 18) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	$ 808		$ 65		$ (635)		$ (402)
Interest rate swaps, swap options , caps, floors and forwards [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(17)		(4)		(15)		1
Foreign currency swaps and forwards [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	32		(7)		27		(12)
3 Win Related Foreign Currency Swaps [Member] | JAPAN [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	60	[1]	33	[1]	(121)	[1]	(25)	[1]
Fixed annuity hedging instruments [Member] | JAPAN [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	58	[2]	57	[2]	(70)	[2]	(5)	[2]
Credit Derivatives that Purchase Credit Protection [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	5		(3)		(31)		(20)
Credit Derivatives that Assume Credit Risk [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	24		(14)		173		5
Equity index swaps and options [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	3		2		(16)		2
GMWB product derivatives [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(484)		(80)		412		268
GMWB Reinsurance [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	62		4		(81)		(61)
GMWB hedging instruments [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	307		43		(261)		(184)
Macro Hedge Program [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	6		(17)		(183)		(101)
International program product derivatives [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(16)		(6)		19		10
International program hedging instruments [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	769		58		(485)		(277)
Contingent Capital Facility Put Option [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	$ (1)		$ (1)		$ (3)		$ (3)

[1] The associated liability is adjusted for changes in spot rates through realized capital gains and was $(53) and $(49) for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $65 and $(7) for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

[2] The associated liability is adjusted for changes in spot rates through realized capital gains and was $(70) and $(63) for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $87 and $(10) for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.