Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Related Party Transactions
Allocation of operating expenses	$ 456	$ 451	$ 399
Premium revenue	613	593	624
Reserves recorded for annuities	11,589	14,117
Reinsurance recoverable from related parties	2,754	4,570
Structured settlement annuities with life contingencies
Related Party Transactions
Reserves recorded for annuities	6,645	7,274
Allstate Financial Services, LLC
Related Party Transactions
Commission and other distribution expenses	13	11	15
AIC | Structured settlement annuities
Related Party Transactions
Annuities issued	7	35	56
Reserves recorded for annuities	4,720	4,770
AIC | Structured settlement annuities with life contingencies
Related Party Transactions
Premium revenue	4	3	11
Lincoln Benefit Life Company | LB Re
Related Party Transactions
Reinsurance recoverable from related parties	2
Reinsurance payables to affiliates	3
Loss on the transaction	$ (1)