Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 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			3,981	4,158
Acquisitions of VOBA			55	0
Subtotal of DAC			19,221	17,535
Subtotal of VOBA			9,434	11,088
Subtotal			28,655	28,623
Net investment gains (losses) of DAC			(78)	(465)
Net investment gains (losses) of VOBA			(1)	(46)
Net investment gains (losses)			(79)	(511)
Other expenses of DAC			(2,138)	(2,049)
Other expenses of VOBA			(984)	(1,351)
Other expenses			(3,122)	(3,400)
Total amortization of DAC			(2,216)	(2,514)
Total amortization of VOBA			(985)	(1,397)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA	(1,008)	(1,718)	(3,201)	(3,911)
Unrealized investment gains (losses) of DAC			(617)	(402)
Unrealized investment gains (losses) of VOBA			(221)	(352)
Unrealized investment gains (losses)			(838)	(754)
Effect of foreign currency translation and other of DAC			73	(100)
Effect of foreign currency translation and other of VOBA			(85)	658
Effect of foreign currency translation and other			(12)	558
Ending Balance of DAC	16,461	14,519	16,461	14,519
Ending Balance of VOBA	8,143	9,997	8,143	9,997
Balance, end of period	$ 24,604	$ 24,516	$ 24,604	$ 24,516