Other Expenses (Other Expenses) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Other Expenses
Compensation	$ 1,291	$ 1,494
Pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit costs	123	118
Commissions	1,388	1,557
Volume-related costs	183	92
Interest credited to bank deposits	2	21
Capitalization of DAC	(1,256)	(1,364)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA	824	714
Amortization of negative VOBA	(146)	(155)
Interest expense on debt and debt issuance costs	321	358
Premium taxes, licenses and fees	159	199
Professional services	303	415
Rent, net of sublease income	93	120
Other	853	752
Total other expenses	$ 4,138	$ 4,321