Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Non-cash modifications of certain mortgage loans, fixed income securities, limited partnership interests and other investments, as well as mergers completed with equity securities	$ 49	$ 57
Non-cash financing activities related to the issuance of shares for vested restricted stock units	39	87
Net change in proceeds managed
Net change in short-term investments	(155)	(25)
Operating cash flow used	(155)	(25)
Net change in cash	(1)	6
Net change in proceeds managed	(156)	(19)
Net change in liabilities
Liabilities for collateral, beginning of year	(624)	(808)
Liabilities for collateral, end of year	(780)	(827)
Operating cash flow provided	$ 156	$ 19