Closed Block (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Revenues
Premiums	$ 498	$ 535
Net investment income	550	564
Net investment gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	(1)	(1)
Other than temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Other net investment gains (losses)	12	8
Total net investment gains (losses)	11	7
Net derivative gains (losses)	(9)	(18)
Total revenues	1,050	1,088
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims	662	689
Policyholder dividends	268	297
Other expenses	45	49
Total expenses	975	1,035
Revenues, net of expenses before provision for income tax expense (benefit)	75	53
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	27	17
Revenues, net of expenses and provision for income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	48	36
Revenues, net of expenses and provision for income tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations	4	0
Revenues, net of expenses and provision for income tax expense (benefit) and discontinued operations	$ 52	$ 36