SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Life insurance in force
Life insurance in force, Gross amount	$ 512,105	$ 505,436	$ 504,176
Life insurance in force, Ceded to other companies	195,414	208,967	221,372
Life insurance in force, Assumed from other companies	28,060	28,211	22,108
Life insurance in force, Net amount	344,751	324,680	304,912
Life insurance in force, Percentage of amount assumed to net	8.10%	8.70%	7.30%
Premiums and contract charges
Premiums and contract charges, Goss amount	2,093	2,121	2,229
Premiums and contract charges, Ceded to other companies	618	654	730
Premiums and contract charges, Assumed from other companies	192	155	133
Premiums and contract charges, Net amount	1,667	1,622	1,632
Premiums and contract charges, Percentage of amount assumed to net	11.50%	9.60%	8.10%
Reinsurance or coinsurance income netted against premiums ceded	0	0	0
Life insurance
Premiums and contract charges
Premiums and contract charges, Goss amount	1,969	1,978	2,072
Premiums and contract charges, Ceded to other companies	532	550	610
Premiums and contract charges, Assumed from other companies	125	95	72
Premiums and contract charges, Net amount	1,562	1,523	1,534
Premiums and contract charges, Percentage of amount assumed to net	8.00%	6.20%	4.70%
Accident and health insurance
Premiums and contract charges
Premiums and contract charges, Goss amount	124	143	157
Premiums and contract charges, Ceded to other companies	86	104	120
Premiums and contract charges, Assumed from other companies	67	60	61
Premiums and contract charges, Net amount	$ 105	$ 99	$ 98
Premiums and contract charges, Percentage of amount assumed to net	63.80%	60.60%	62.20%