Investments and Derivative Instruments (Details 18) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	$ (432)		$ (1,539)
Interest rate swaps, swap options , caps, floors and forwards [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	10		1
Foreign currency swaps and forwards [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	0		(3)
Japan 3Win Related Foreign Currency Swaps [Member] | JAPAN
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(130)	[1]	(181)	[1]
Fixed annuity hedging instruments [Member] | JAPAN
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(101)	[2]	(128)	[2]
Credit Derivatives that Purchase Credit Protection [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(5)		(23)
Credit Derivatives that Assume Credit Risk [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	9		110
Equity index swaps and options [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(14)		(16)
GMWB product derivatives [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	456		896
GMWB Reinsurance [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(60)		(143)
GMWB hedging instruments [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(349)		(568)
Macro Hedge Program [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(85)		(189)
International program product derivatives [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	9		14
International program hedging instruments [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	(113)		(1,004)
GMAB, GMWB, and GMIB Reinsurance Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	337		610
Coinsurance and Modified Coinsurance Reinsurance Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	$ (396)		$ (915)

[1] The associated liability is adjusted for changes in spot rates through realized capital gains and was $116 and $118 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively

[2] The associated liability is adjusted for changes in spot rates through realized capital gains and was $151 and $157 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively