Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Comprehensive Income
Net income	$ 203	$ (503)	$ 578	$ 51
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	203	(499)	579	53
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net unrealized gain / loss on securities	515	648	1,059	1,069
Change in net gain / loss on cash-flow hedging instruments	(5)	125	(7)	120
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	15	(15)	21	0
Total other comprehensive income	525	758	1,073	1,189
Total comprehensive income	728	255	1,651	1,240
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	(4)	(1)	(2)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Hartford Life Insurance Company	$ 728	$ 259	$ 1,652	$ 1,242