Claim and Claim Adjustment Expense Reserves (Reconcilliation of claim and claim adjustment expense reserves) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Reserves, beginning of year:
Gross	$ 25,496		$ 26,816		$ 27,593
Ceded	6,122		5,594		6,288
Net reserves, beginning of year	19,374		21,222		21,305
Reduction of net reserves due to the Loss Portfolio Transfer transaction			(1,381)
Reduction of net reserves due to disposition of subsidiaries	(277)		(98)
Net incurred claim and claim adjustment expenses:
Provision for insured events of current year	4,904		4,741		4,793
Increase (decrease) in provision for insured events of prior years	(429)		(544)		(240)
Amortization of discount	135		123		122
Total net incurred (a)	4,610	[1]	4,320	[1]	4,675	[1]
Net payments attributable to:
Current year events	(1,029)		(908)		(917)
Prior year events	(3,473)		(3,776)		(3,939)
Total net payments	(4,502)		(4,684)		(4,856)
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other	78		(5)		98
Net reserves, end of year	19,283		19,374		21,222
Ceded reserves, end of year	5,020		6,122		5,594
Gross reserves, end of year	$ 24,303		$ 25,496		$ 26,816

[1] Total net incurred above does not agree to Insurance claims and policyholders' benefits as reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations due to amounts related to uncollectible reinsurance and loss deductible receivables, and benefit expenses related to future policy benefits and policyholders' funds, which are not reflected in the table above.