General (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	$ 145	$ 145	$ 443	$ 461
Contract charges	261	255	772	753
Total premiums and contract charges	406	400	1,215	1,214
Traditional life insurance
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	111	105	334	314
Immediate annuities with life contingencies
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	10	16	36	74
Accident and health insurance
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	24	24	73	73
Interest-sensitive life insurance
Premiums and contract charges by product
Contract charges	256	248	756	729
Fixed annuities
Premiums and contract charges by product
Contract charges	$ 5	$ 7	$ 16	$ 24