Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Comprehensive Income
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 91	$ 201	$ 547	$ 552
Total comprehensive income	59	168	1,087	(948)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	3	0	3	6
Total comprehensive income attributable to Hartford Life Insurance Company	56	168	1,084	(954)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Total other comprehensive income	(32)	(33)	540	(1,500)
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net unrealized gain / loss on securities	(16)	(84)	555	(1,373)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net gain / loss on cash-flow hedging instruments	(15)	(11)	(14)	(148)
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	$ (1)	$ 62	$ (1)	$ 21