Other Expenses (Details 1) (American Life Insurance Company ("American Life") and Delaware American Life Insurance ("DelAm") [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
American Life Insurance Company ("American Life") and Delaware American Life Insurance ("DelAm") [Member]
Restructuring Charges
Balance, beginning of period	$ 13	$ 10
Restructuring charges	3	17
Cash payments	(5)	(14)
Balance, end of period	11	13
Restructuring charges incurred in current period	3	17
Total restructuring charges incurred since inception of restructuring plans	$ 59	$ 27