General (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	$ 147	$ 145	$ 442	$ 443
Contract charges	264	261	788	772
Total premiums and contract charges	411	406	1,230	1,215
Traditional life insurance
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	114	111	342	334
Immediate annuities with life contingencies
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	6	10	22	36
Accident and health insurance
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	27	24	78	73
Interest-sensitive life insurance
Premiums and contract charges by product
Contract charges	258	256	775	756
Fixed annuities
Premiums and contract charges by product
Contract charges	$ 6	$ 5	$ 13	$ 16