INVESTMENTS - Information Regarding Pretax Realized Gains and Losses From Investments (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	$ (343)	[1]	$ (528)	[2]	$ (546)	[1]	$ (933)	[2]
Derivative gains (losses)	(67)		42		13		12
Total realized investment gains (losses)	(418)		(668)		(463)		(1,247)
Debt Securities | Available-for-sale Securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains from sales	19		10		33		36
Gross losses from sales	(35)		(132)		(36)		(319)
Net gains (losses) from redemptions	2		(1)		2		6
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	(267)		(344)		(330)		(748)
Total realized investment gains (losses)	(278)		(467)		(328)		(1,025)
Debt Securities | Held-to-maturity Securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net gains (losses) from redemptions	3		0		3		0
Perpetual Securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains from sales	0		48		70		54
Gross losses from sales	3		(107)		(62)		(109)
Net gains (losses) from redemptions	0		0		60		0
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	(76)		(184)		(216)		(184)
Total realized investment gains (losses)	(73)		(243)		(148)		(239)
Equity Securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	0		0		0		(1)
Total realized investment gains (losses)	0		0		0		(1)
Other assets
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Derivative gains (losses)	(67)		(25)		13		(55)
Other	0		67		0		73
Total realized investment gains (losses)	$ (67)		$ 42		$ 13		$ 18

[1] Includes $267 and $295 for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012, respectively, for credit-related impairments and $76 and $251 for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012, respectively, from change in intent to sell securities

[2] Consisted completely of credit-related impairments