Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of Company Reporting Segments which completed interim impairment test	2
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 0
Carrying amount of goodwill allocated to reporting segment
Gross	470	470
Accumulated Impairments	0	0
Carrying value	470	470
Individual Life [Member] \| Wealth Management [Member]
Carrying amount of goodwill allocated to reporting segment
Gross	224	224
Accumulated Impairments	0	0
Carrying value	224	224
Retirement Plans [Member] \| Wealth Management [Member]
Carrying amount of goodwill allocated to reporting segment
Gross	87	87
Accumulated Impairments	0	0
Carrying value	87	87
Mutual Funds [Member] \| Wealth Management [Member]
Carrying amount of goodwill allocated to reporting segment
Gross	159	159
Accumulated Impairments	0	0
Carrying value	$ 159	$ 159

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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+ Details

- Definition

Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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+ Details