Investments and Derivative Instruments (Details 13) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Macro hedge program
Notional Amount	$ 213,672		$ 196,608
Fair Value	(1,332)		(1,044)
International [Member]
Macro hedge program
Notional Amount	47,200		28,000
International Program Hedging Instruments [Member]
Macro hedge program
Notional Amount	52,177		28,719
Fair Value	206		542
Other Credit Derivatives [Member] | International Program Hedging Instruments [Member]
Macro hedge program
Notional Amount	50		0
Fair Value	6		0
Currency Forwards [Member] | International Program Hedging Instruments [Member]
Macro hedge program
Notional Amount	10,148	[1]	8,622	[1]
Fair Value	14	[1]	446	[1]
Currency options [Member] | International Program Hedging Instruments [Member]
Macro hedge program
Notional Amount	9,088		7,038
Fair Value	107		72
Equity futures [Member] | International Program Hedging Instruments [Member]
Macro hedge program
Notional Amount	2,356		2,691
Fair Value	0		0
Equity options [Member] | International Program Hedging Instruments [Member]
Macro hedge program
Notional Amount	3,299		1,120
Fair Value	(151)		(3)
Equity swaps [Member] | International Program Hedging Instruments [Member]
Macro hedge program
Notional Amount	2,588	[2]	392	[2]
Fair Value	34	[2]	(8)	[2]
Interest rate futures [Member] | International Program Hedging Instruments [Member]
Macro hedge program
Notional Amount	727		739
Fair Value	0		0
Interest Rate Swaps and Swaptions [Member] | International Program Hedging Instruments [Member]
Macro hedge program
Notional Amount	23,921		8,117
Fair Value	$ 196		$ 35

[1] As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 net notional amounts are $1.9 billion and $7.2 billion, respectively, which include $6.0 billion and $7.9 billion, respectively, related to long positions and $4.1 billion and $0.7 billion, respectively, related to short positions.

[2] As of September 30, 2012 the net notional amount is $0.8 billion which includes $1.7 billion related to long positions and $0.9 billion related to short positions. As of December 31, 2011 the net notional amount of $0.4 billion related to long positions only.