Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 785		$ 389
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Change in receivables and advance premiums	1,587		461
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs	(141)		(99)
Increase in policy liabilities	1,292		951
Change in income tax liabilities	(20)		(152)
Realized investment (gains) losses	45		579
Other, net	8		38
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	3,556		2,167
Securities available for sale:
Fixed maturities sold	226		891
Fixed maturities matured or called	705		556
Perpetual securities sold	552		61
Perpetual securities matured or called	378		0
Securities held to maturity:
Fixed maturities matured or called	536		127
Securities available for sale:
Fixed maturities acquired	(1,025)		(2,914)
Securities held to maturity:
Fixed maturities acquired	(5,133)		(769)
Cash received as collateral on loaned securities, net	(645)		54
Other, net	(30)		(19)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	(4,436)		(2,013)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchases of treasury stock	(10)		(184)
Proceeds from borrowings	749		0
Principal payments under debt obligations	(1)		(1)
Dividends paid to shareholders	(148)		(135)
Change in investment-type contracts, net	297		124
Treasury stock reissued	5		16
Other, net	9		9
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	901		(171)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(60)		(16)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(39)		(33)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,249		2,121
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	2,210		2,088
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid	356		234
Interest paid	43		12
Impairment losses included in realized investment losses	203	[1]	405	[2]
Noncash financing activities:
Capitalized lease obligations	1		1
Associate stock bonus
Treasury stock issued for:
Treasury stock issued	8		0
Shareholder dividend reinvestment
Treasury stock issued for:
Treasury stock issued	6		6
Share-based compensation grants
Treasury stock issued for:
Treasury stock issued	$ 4		$ 2

[1] Includes $28 for credit-related impairments and $175 from change in intent to sell securities

[2] Consisted completely of credit-related impairments