Closed Block (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Closed block policyholder dividend obligation
Balance, beginning of period	$ 876	$ 0
Change in unrealized investment and derivative gains (losses)	405	876
Balance, end of period	$ 1,281	$ 876

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the excess of the cumulative actual closed block earnings over the cumulative expected (actuarially determined) closed block earnings for the period from the actuarial calculation date to the date of measurement. The excess will result in future dividends to closed block policyholders, unless offset by less favorable than expected future performance of the closed block

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 00-3
-Section Appendix A
-Paragraph 78

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 00-3
-Paragraph 16, 25

Name:	us-gaap_ClosedBlockDividendObligation
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant