General (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011 Previously Reported	Sep. 30, 2011 Previously Reported	Dec. 31, 2011 Previously Reported	Jan. 02, 2011 Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts
Adopted accounting standards
Changes in shareholders' equity									$ 313
Income Statement
Amortization of DAC	128	166	268	345		198	412
Operating costs and expenses	111	91	332	285		73	229
Gain on disposition of operations	9	4	15	13		2	6
Income tax expense	41	81	117	190		75	184
Net income	103	160	284	386		150	374
Financial Position
DAC	1,795		1,795		2,165			2,588
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	14,131		14,131		13,666			13,709
Other liabilities and accrued expenses	1,420		1,420		1,092			1,043
Deferred income taxes	1,450		1,450		821			971
Retained income	2,343		2,343		2,060			2,377
Unrealized adjustment to DAC, DSI and insurance reserves	$ (840)		$ (840)		$ (464)			$ (502)