Investments (Details 12) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 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	$ 6,267		$ 6,267		$ 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	1,225		1,225		1,488
Total mortgage loans	1,225		1,225		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	1,513		1,513		1,475
Variable rate mortgage loans	17		17		19
Total mortgage loans	1,530		1,530		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	2,907		2,907		2,847
Variable rate mortgage loans	130		130		128
Total mortgage loans	3,037		3,037		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	5,940		5,940		6,155
Variable rate mortgage loans	147		147		147
Total mortgage loans	6,087		6,087		6,302
Net carrying value of impaired mortgage loans
Impaired mortgage loans with a valuation allowance	172		172		244
Impaired mortgage loans without a valuation allowance	8		8
Total impaired mortgage loans	180		180		244
Valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans	47	70	47	70
Average carrying value and interest income recognized on impaired mortgage loans
Average balance impaired mortgage loans			214	198
Rollforward of the valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans
Beginning balance	48	68	63	84
Net increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	1	29	(3)	38
Charge offs	(2)	(27)	(13)	(52)
Ending balance	47	70	47	70
Carrying value of past due mortgage loans
Less than 90 days past due	9		9
90 days or greater past due	7		7		43
Total past due	16		16		43
Current loans	6,251		6,251		6,503
Total mortgage loans	$ 6,267		$ 6,267		$ 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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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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