Significant Accounting Policies and Pronouncments - Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Impact on Deferred Acquisition Costs for Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement	$ 90	$ 183
Impact on Equity for Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement	58	118
Impact on Income From Continuing Operations for Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement	$ 93	$ 12	$ 36

Amount of the effect of a change in accounting principle on income from continuing operations before income taxes, which is defined as revenue less expenses from ongoing operations before extraordinary items and before deduction of those portions of income or loss from continuing operations that are allocable to noncontrolling interests.

No definition available.

Name:	cik881453_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfChangeOnIncomeFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxes
Namespace Prefix:	cik881453_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration