General (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	$ 152	$ 145	$ 298	$ 316
Contract charges	256	251	511	498
Total premiums and contract charges	408	396	809	814
Traditional life insurance
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	114	105	223	209
Immediate annuities with life contingencies
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	14	15	26	58
Accident and health insurance
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	24	25	49	49
Interest-sensitive life insurance
Premiums and contract charges by product
Contract charges	251	243	500	481
Fixed annuities
Premiums and contract charges by product
Contract charges	$ 5	$ 8	$ 11	$ 17