Reinsurance (Effects of Reinsurance on Earnings) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Premiums:
Direct premiums	$ 38,476	$ 38,719	$ 37,185
Reinsurance assumed	1,472	1,488	1,484
Reinsurance ceded	(2,274)	(2,232)	(2,308)
Net premiums	37,674	37,975	36,361
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Direct universal life and investment-type product policy fees	10,197	9,216	8,455
Reinsurance assumed	139	155	154
Reinsurance ceded	(885)	(815)	(803)
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	9,451	8,556	7,806
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Direct policyholder benefits and claims	40,211	39,262	37,588
Reinsurance assumed	1,047	1,167	1,101
Reinsurance ceded	(3,151)	(2,442)	(3,218)
Net policyholder benefits and claims	38,107	37,987	35,471
Other expenses:
Direct other expenses	16,712	17,848	18,672
Reinsurance assumed	147	228	168
Reinsurance ceded	(257)	(321)	(303)
Total other expenses	$ 16,602	$ 17,755	$ 18,537