SCHEDULE V - VALUATION ALLOWANCES AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for reinsurance recoverables
Valuation allowances and qualifying accounts
Balance at beginning of period	$ 87	$ 103	$ 142
Additions charged to costs and expenses	8
Deductions	3	16	39
Balance at end of period	92	87	103
Allowance for premium installment receivable
Valuation allowances and qualifying accounts
Balance at beginning of period	70	70	75
Additions charged to costs and expenses	96	85	82
Deductions	89	85	87
Balance at end of period	77	70	70
Allowance for deferred tax assets
Valuation allowances and qualifying accounts
Balance at beginning of period		67	6
Other additions			67
Deductions		67	6
Balance at end of period			67
Allowance for estimated losses on mortgage loans
Valuation allowances and qualifying accounts
Balance at beginning of period	42	63	84
Additions charged to costs and expenses	(11)	(5)	37
Deductions	10	16	58
Balance at end of period	$ 21	$ 42	$ 63