Reinsurance (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets:
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	$ 21,634	$ 22,481
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	24,761	24,619	24,465
Total assets	46,395	47,100
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits	192,351	184,275
Policyholder account balances	225,821	217,700	210,757
Other policy-related balances	15,463	15,599
Other Liabilities	22,492	30,914
Total liabilities	456,127	448,488
Assumed Reinsurance [Member]
Assets:
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	548	641
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	92	340
Total assets	640	981
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits	2,031	1,972
Policyholder account balances	2,594	3,494
Other policy-related balances	313	339
Other Liabilities	543	630
Total liabilities	5,481	6,435
Ceded Reinsurance [Member]
Assets:
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	14,800	16,239
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	(120)	(133)
Total assets	14,680	16,106
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits	(1)	(1)
Policyholder account balances	(2)	0
Other policy-related balances	8	380
Other Liabilities	3,024	5,039
Total liabilities	3,029	5,418
Direct Reinsurance [Member]
Assets:
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	6,286	5,601
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	24,789	24,412
Total assets	31,075	30,013
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits	190,321	182,304
Policyholder account balances	223,229	214,206
Other policy-related balances	15,142	14,880
Other Liabilities	18,925	25,245
Total liabilities	$ 447,617	$ 436,635