CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Net earnings (loss)	$ 3,057	$ 1,702
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Interest credited to policyholders account balances	798	789
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income	(2,659)	(2,414)
Net change in broker-dealer and customer related receivables/payables	(209)	(408)
(Income) loss on derivative instruments	(6,227)	(2,124)
Investment (gains) losses, net	15	230
Change in segregated cash and securities, net	(84)	245
Change in deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	2,918	381
Change in future policy benefits	1,956	1,795
Change in income taxes payable	1,368	372
Contribution to pension plans	(764)	(224)
Change in accounts payable and accrued expenses	47	397
Change in fair value of reinsurance contracts	(1,089)	(894)
Amortization of deferred compensation	170	127
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	29	36
Other depreciation and amortization	147	175
Amortization of other intangibles	30	29
Other, net	199	(19)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(298)	195
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds From Maturity And Collections Of Fixed Maturities And Mortgage Loans On Real Estate	4,597	2,081
Sales of investments	14,363	16,738
Purchases of investments	(21,396)	(21,729)
Cash settlements related to derivative instruments	3,836	769
Decrease in loans to affiliates	450	500
Increase in loans to affiliates	(450)	(6)
Change in short-term investments	5	(29)
Change in capitalized software, leasehold improvements and EDP equipment	(68)	(37)
Other, net	188	(51)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,525	(1,764)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Policyholders account balances Deposits	3,338	2,546
Policyholders account balances Withdrawals and transfers to Separate Accounts	(672)	(594)
Change in short-term financings	42	814
Repayments of long-term debt	0	(780)
Repayment of loans from affiliates	(301)	0
Change in securities sold under agreements to repurchase	202	1,302
Change in securities sold under resale agreements	(115)	0
Change in collateralized pledged assets	151	851
Change in collateralized pledged liabilities	2,019	620
Repurchase of AllianceBernstein Holding Units	(146)	(137)
Distribution to non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	(218)	(255)
Other, net	(10)	170
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	4,290	4,537
Change in cash and cash equivalents	5,517	2,968
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	4,436	3,039
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year	9,953	6,007
Supplementa Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest Paid	120	145
Income Taxes Paid (Refunded)	$ (66)	$ 24