Other Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Other Expenses
Compensation	$ 1,494	$ 1,327
Pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit costs	118	95
Commissions	1,557	1,416
Volume-related costs	92	83
Interest credited to bank deposits	21	23
Capitalization of DAC	(1,364)	(1,264)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA	714	939
Amortization of negative VOBA	(155)	(183)
Interest expense on debt and debt issuance costs	358	415
Premium taxes, licenses and fees	199	135
Professional services	415	283
Rent, net of sublease income	120	107
Other	752	714
Total other expenses	$ 4,321	$ 4,090