Other Expenses (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Restructuring Charges
Balance, beginning of period	$ 21		$ 0
Restructuring charges	54		101
Cash payments	(40)		(66)
Balance, end of period	35		35
Restructuring charges incurred in current period	54		101
Total restructuring charges incurred since inception of restructuring plans	101		101
American Life Insurance Company ("American Life") and Delaware American Life Insurance ("DelAm") [Member]
Restructuring Charges
Balance, beginning of period	8	9	13	10
Restructuring charges	1	7	10	31
Cash payments	(3)	(7)	(17)	(32)
Balance, end of period	6	9	6	9
Restructuring charges incurred in current period	1	7	10	31
Total restructuring charges incurred since inception of restructuring plans	$ 66	$ 41	$ 66	$ 41