Reinsurance (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Effects of reinsurance on revenue
Direct premiums and contract charges	$ 2,093	$ 2,121	$ 2,229
Total premiums and contract charges	1,667	1,622	1,632
Effects of reinsurance on cost and expenses
Direct contract benefits	1,805	2,051	2,036
Direct interest credited to contractholder funds	1,240	1,288	1,614
Ceded interest credited to contractholder funds	(27)	(28)	(27)
Contract benefits, net of reinsurance	1,606	1,521	1,502
Interest credited to contractholder funds, net of reinsurance	1,251	1,289	1,608
Reinsurance recoverables
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities	2,754	4,570
Percent of reinsurance recoverables with Standard and Poor's A- rating or better	92.00%	95.00%
Annuities
Reinsurance recoverables
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities	1,648	1,831
Life insurance
Reinsurance recoverables
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities	1,025	1,606
Accident-health insurance
Reinsurance recoverables
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities	78	1,049
Other
Reinsurance recoverables
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers, industry pools or facilities	3	84
Affiliate
Effects of reinsurance on revenue
Assumed premiums and contract charges	124	115	113
Effects of reinsurance on cost and expenses
Assumed contract benefits	82	80	78
Assumed interest credited to contractholder funds	9	10	10
Non-affiliate
Effects of reinsurance on revenue
Assumed premiums and contract charges	68	40	20
Ceded premiums and contract charges	(618)	(654)	(730)
Effects of reinsurance on cost and expenses
Assumed contract benefits	50	34	19
Assumed interest credited to contractholder funds	29	19	11
Ceded contract benefits	(331)	(644)	(631)
Ceded interest credited to contractholder funds	$ (27)	$ (28)	$ (27)