Other Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Other Expenses
Compensation	$ 1,395	$ 1,329	$ 2,889	$ 2,656
Pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit costs	110	95	228	190
Commissions	1,467	1,587	3,024	3,003
Volume-related costs	156	91	248	174
Interest credited to bank deposits	20	23	41	46
Capitalization of DAC	(1,315)	(1,367)	(2,679)	(2,631)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA	1,479	1,254	2,193	2,193
Amortization of negative VOBA	(181)	(183)	(336)	(366)
Interest expense on debt and debt issuance costs	342	420	700	835
Premium taxes, licenses and fees	144	142	343	277
Professional services	363	400	778	683
Rent, net of sublease income	112	113	232	220
Other	683	795	1,435	1,509
Total other expenses	$ 4,775	$ 4,699	$ 9,096	$ 8,789