General (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013 item	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	$ 613	$ 593	$ 624
Contract charges	1,054	1,029	1,008
Total premiums and contract charges	1,667	1,622	1,632
Number of states in which entity is authorized to operate	50
Minimum percentage of premiums from one jurisdiction to be considered as significant	5.00%
Traditional life insurance
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	471	449	420
Immediate annuities with life contingencies
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	37	45	106
Accident and health insurance
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	105	99	98
Interest-sensitive life insurance
Premiums and contract charges by product
Contract charges	1,036	1,011	975
Fixed annuities
Premiums and contract charges by product
Contract charges	$ 18	$ 18	$ 33