Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Comprehensive Income
Net income	$ 57	$ 386
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net unrealized gain / loss on securities	315	(792)
Change in net gain / loss on cash-flow hedging instruments	(2)	(76)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	(1)	(41)
Total other comprehensive income	312	(909)
Total comprehensive income	369	(523)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1	6
Total comprehensive income attributable to Hartford Life Insurance Company	368	(529)
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Comprehensive Income
Net income	2	1,005
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net unrealized gain / loss on securities		(792)
Change in net gain / loss on cash-flow hedging instruments		(76)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	$ (1)	$ (41)