Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired [Abstract]
Beginning Balance of DAC	$ 15,240	$ 13,377
Beginning Balance of VOBA	9,379	11,088
Balance, beginning of period	24,619	24,465
Capitalizations of DAC	1,364	1,264
Subtotal of DAC	16,604	14,641
Subtotal of VOBA	9,379	11,088
Subtotal	25,983	25,729
Net investment gains (losses) of DAC	185	27
Net investment gains (losses) of VOBA	7	3
Net investment gains (losses)	192	30
Other expenses of DAC	(578)	(532)
Other expenses of VOBA	(328)	(437)
Other expenses	(906)	(969)
Total amortization of DAC	(393)	(505)
Total amortization of VOBA	(321)	(434)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA	(714)	(939)
Unrealized investment gains (losses) of DAC	(55)	6
Unrealized investment gains (losses) of VOBA	29	(1)
Unrealized investment gains (losses)	(26)	5
Effect of foreign currency translation and other of DAC	83	94
Effect of foreign currency translation and other of VOBA	(221)	258
Effect of foreign currency translation and other	(138)	352
Ending Balance of DAC	16,239	14,236
Ending Balance of VOBA	8,866	10,911
Balance, end of period	$ 25,105	$ 25,147