Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Changes in deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits
Balance, beginning of period, as currently reported	$ 3,072	$ 3,448
Deferred costs	2	96
Amortization - DAC	(43)	(109)
Amortization - Unlock charge, pre-tax	(1)	38
Amortization DAC from Discontinued Operations	0	9
Effect of currency translation	(3)	(18)
Balance, end of period	798	3,446
Retirement Plans and Individual Life Businesses [Member]
Disposition of DAC Asset	2,229	0
Individual Life [Member]
Disposition of DAC Asset	$ (2,374)