Investments (Details 12) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Carrying value of non-impaired fixed rate and variable rate mortgage loans by debt service coverage ratio distribution
Total mortgage loans	$ 6,300		$ 6,300		$ 6,546
Below 1.0
Carrying value of non-impaired fixed rate and variable rate mortgage loans by debt service coverage ratio distribution
Fixed rate mortgage loans	295		295		345
Total mortgage loans	295		295		345
1.0 - 1.25
Carrying value of non-impaired fixed rate and variable rate mortgage loans by debt service coverage ratio distribution
Fixed rate mortgage loans	1,226		1,226		1,488
Total mortgage loans	1,226		1,226		1,488
1.26 - 1.50
Carrying value of non-impaired fixed rate and variable rate mortgage loans by debt service coverage ratio distribution
Fixed rate mortgage loans	1,621		1,621		1,475
Variable rate mortgage loans	18		18		19
Total mortgage loans	1,639		1,639		1,494
Above 1.50
Carrying value of non-impaired fixed rate and variable rate mortgage loans by debt service coverage ratio distribution
Fixed rate mortgage loans	2,806		2,806		2,847
Variable rate mortgage loans	128		128		128
Total mortgage loans	2,934		2,934		2,975
Non-impaired mortgage loans
Carrying value of non-impaired fixed rate and variable rate mortgage loans by debt service coverage ratio distribution
Fixed rate mortgage loans	5,948		5,948		6,155
Variable rate mortgage loans	146		146		147
Total mortgage loans	6,094		6,094		6,302
Net carrying value of impaired mortgage loans
Impaired mortgage loans with a valuation allowance	206		206		244
Total impaired mortgage loans	206		206		244
Valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans	48	68	48	68
Average carrying value and interest income recognized on impaired mortgage loans
Average balance impaired mortgage loans			226	173
Rollforward of the valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans
Beginning balance	60	73	63	84
Net (decrease) increase in valuation allowance	(7)	7	(4)	9
Charge offs	(5)	(12)	(11)	(25)
Ending balance	48	68	48	68
Carrying value of past due mortgage loans
Less than 90 days past due	4		4
90 days or greater past due	4		4		43
Total past due	8		8		43
Current loans	6,292		6,292		6,503
Total mortgage loans	$ 6,300		$ 6,300		$ 6,546

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Financing receivables that are less than 90 days past due.

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A valuation allowance for financing receivables that are expected to be uncollectible.

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Amount of direct write-downs of financing receivables charged against the allowance.

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Financing receivables that are current.

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Financing receivables that are equal to or greater than 90 days past due.

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Recorded Investment in financing receivables that are past due at the balance sheet date.

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Average amount of investment of impaired financing receivables with related allowance for credit losses and without a related allowance for credit losses.

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Reflects the carrying amount of loans charging borrowers fixed rates of interest.

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The carrying amount of the outstanding balance due under the mortgage loan.

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The sum of the periodic provision charged to earnings, based on an assessment of uncollectibility from the counterparty on account of loan, lease or other credit losses, to reduce these accounts to the amount that approximates their net realizable value.

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