General (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	$ 145	$ 146
Contract charges	264	255
Total premiums and contract charges	409	401
Traditional life insurance
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	112	109
Immediate annuities with life contingencies
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	7	12
Accident and health insurance
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	26	25
Interest-sensitive life insurance
Premiums and contract charges by product
Contract charges	261	249
Fixed annuities
Premiums and contract charges by product
Contract charges	$ 3	$ 6