Investments (Details 12) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Carrying value of non-impaired fixed rate and variable rate mortgage loans by debt service coverage ratio distribution
Total mortgage loans	$ 5,823		$ 5,943
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	5,636		5,642
Variable rate mortgage loans	145		146
Total mortgage loans	5,781		5,788
Net carrying value of impaired mortgage loans
Impaired mortgage loans with a valuation allowance	24		147
Impaired mortgage loans without a valuation allowance	18		8
Total impaired mortgage loans	42		155
Valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans	15	60
Rollforward of the valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans
Beginning balance	42	63
Net (decrease) increase in valuation allowance	(26)	3
Charge offs	(1)	(6)
Ending balance	15	60
Carrying value of past due mortgage loans
Less than 90 days past due	38		20
90 days or greater past due	4		4
Total past due	42		24
Current loans	5,781		5,919
Total mortgage loans	5,823		5,943
Non-impaired mortgage loans \| 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	230		266
Total mortgage loans	230		266
Non-impaired mortgage loans \| 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	1,186		1,158
Total mortgage loans	1,186		1,158
Non-impaired mortgage loans \| 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	1,378		1,364
Variable rate mortgage loans	16		17
Total mortgage loans	1,394		1,381
Non-impaired mortgage loans \| 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	2,842		2,854
Variable rate mortgage loans	129		129
Total mortgage loans	2,971		2,983
Mortgage loans
Average carrying value and interest income recognized on impaired mortgage loans
Average balance impaired mortgage loans	$ 99	$ 236

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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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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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