Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
Disposition of DAC Asset	$ 16
Changes in deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits
Balance, beginning of period, as currently reported	3,448		3,694
Deferred costs	253		274
Amortization - DAC	(260)		(278)
Amortization - Unlock charge, pre-tax	(2)		(143)
Adjustments to unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale and other	(345)	[1]	(189)
Effect of currency translation	0		1
Balance, end of period	$ 3,094		$ 3,359

[1] [1] Other includes a $16 reduction of the DAC asset as a result of the sale of assets used to administer the Company's PPLI business in 2012. The reduction is directly attributable to this transaction as it results in lower future estimated gross profits than originally estimated on these products. For further information regarding this transaction see Note 13 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.