Investments and Derivative Instruments (Details 15) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2012
Net Derivatives, Notional Amount	$ 173,376	$ 141,436
Net Derivatives, Fair Value	(58)	(458)
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	3,936	4,682
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	(3,994)	(5,140)
Fixed maturities, AFS [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Derivatives, Notional Amount	703	703
Net Derivatives, Fair Value	(40)	(72)
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	0	0
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	(40)	(72)
Other Investments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Derivatives, Notional Amount	74,605	60,227
Net Derivatives, Fair Value	1,473	2,331
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	2,322	3,165
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	(849)	(834)
Other liabilities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Derivatives, Notional Amount	59,051	35,944
Net Derivatives, Fair Value	(229)	(538)
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	1,415	1,074
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	(1,644)	(1,612)
Consumer Notes [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Derivatives, Notional Amount	27	35
Net Derivatives, Fair Value	(2)	(4)
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	0	0
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	(2)	(4)
Reinsurance Recoverables [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Derivatives, Notional Amount	6,116	7,193
Net Derivatives, Fair Value	199	443
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	199	443
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	0	0
Other policyholder funds and benefits payable [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Derivatives, Notional Amount	32,874	37,334
Net Derivatives, Fair Value	(1,459)	(2,618)
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	0	0
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	$ (1,459)	$ (2,618)