Investments and Derivative Instruments (Details 18) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	$ (1,443)	$ (467)
Interest rate swaps, swap options , caps, floors and forwards [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	2	5
Foreign currency swaps and forwards [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(5)	(5)
3 Win Related Foreign Currency Swaps [Member] | JAPAN [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(181)	(58)
Fixed annuity hedging instruments [Member] | JAPAN [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(128)	(62)
Credit Derivatives that Purchase Credit Protection [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(36)	(17)
Credit Derivatives that Assume Credit Risk [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	149	19
Equity index swaps and options [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(19)
GMWB product derivatives [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	896	348
GMWB Reinsurance [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(143)	(65)
GMWB hedging instruments [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(568)	(227)
Macro Hedge Program [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(189)	(84)
International program product derivatives [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	35	16
International program hedging instruments [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(1,254)	(335)
Contingent Capital Facility Put Option [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	$ (2)	$ (2)