Investments (Details Textuals 24) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Loan-to-value ratio at loan origination	75.00%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Joint Ventures	$ 285	$ 283
United States [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Carrying value, United States and Outside of the United States	91.00%
Foreign Country [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Carrying value, United States and Outside of the United States	9.00%
California
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Carrying value, United States and Outside of the United States	19.00%
New York
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Carrying value, United States and Outside of the United States	10.00%
Texas
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Carrying value, United States and Outside of the United States	7.00%