Other Expenses (Other Expenses) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Compensation	$ 1,310	$ 1,307	$ 3,828	$ 4,196
Pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit costs	122	117	367	345
Commissions	1,309	1,442	4,084	4,466
Volume-related costs	239	154	618	402
Interest credited to bank deposits	0	19	2	60
Capitalization of DAC	(1,153)	(1,302)	(3,621)	(3,981)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA	841	1,008	2,623	3,201
Amortization of negative VOBA	(126)	(170)	(410)	(506)
Interest expense on debt and debt issuance costs	317	326	959	1,026
Premium taxes, licenses and fees	173	176	498	519
Professional services	349	432	976	1,210
Rent, net of sublease income	89	107	283	339
Other	507	629	1,933	2,064
Total other expenses	$ 3,977	$ 4,245	$ 12,140	$ 13,341