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5us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueus-gaap_truedebitinstantfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodEndLabel1truefalsefalse583000000583USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse10310000001031USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents an asset measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. 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Such increase (decrease) may be comprised of changes in fair value (gains or losses) whether realized or unrealized that have been included in earnings, changed net asset value, or other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity); purchases, sales, issues, or settlements of assets; and net transfers in to or out of this category within the fair value hierarchy.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c(1), c(2), c(3) -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. false2Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income related to financial instruments still held at end of period1Includes fair value of reinsurance recoverables of approximately $0.9 billion and $2.6 billion as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, related to a transaction entered into with an affiliated captive reinsurer. See Note 16 - Transactions with Affiliates of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.2The Company classifies gains and losses on GMWB reinsurance derivatives and Guaranteed Living Benefit embedded derivatives as unrealized gains (losses) for purposes of disclosure in this table because it is impracticable to track on a contract-by-contract basis the realized gains (losses) for these derivatives and embedded derivatives.3All amounts in these rows are reported in net realized capital gains (losses). The realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income for separate account assets are offset by an equal amount for separate account liabilities, which results in a net zero impact on net income for the Company. All amounts are before income taxes and amortization of DAC.4All amounts are before income taxes and amortization of DAC.5Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 are primarily attributable to the availability of market observable information and the re-evaluation of the observability of pricing inputs.6Includes both market and non-market impacts in deriving realized and unrealized gains (losses).falseFair Value Measurements (Reinsurance) (Details) (USD $)MillionsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnowntruefalsefalseSheethttp://www.thehartford.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsReinsuranceDetails236