General (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011 Previously Reported	Sep. 30, 2011 Previously Reported	Dec. 31, 2011 Previously Reported	Jan. 02, 2011 Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts
Adopted accounting standards
Changes in shareholders' equity									$ 399
Income Statement
Amortization of DAC	1,016	1,046	2,937	2,990		1,122	3,191
Operating costs and expenses	1,010	888	3,023	2,656		825	2,465
Gain (loss) on disposition of operations	9	3	15	(10)			(17)
Income tax expense (benefit)	325	44	850	(150)		38	(156)
Net income	723	175	1,912	75		165	64
Net income (loss) per share - Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.49	$ 0.34	$ 3.89	$ 0.14		$ 0.32	$ 0.12
Net income (loss) per share - Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.48	$ 0.34	$ 3.86	$ 0.14		$ 0.32	$ 0.12
Financial Position
DAC	3,578		3,578		3,871			4,443
Deferred income taxes					722			520
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	14,900		14,900		14,406			14,449
Other liabilities and accrued expenses	6,121		6,121		5,978			5,929
Retained income	33,496		33,496		31,909			32,321
Unrealized adjustment to DAC, DSI and insurance reserves	(843)		(843)		(467)			(504)
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	$ 70		$ 70		$ 56			$ 57