Fair Value Measurements (Details 8) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair value option not elected changes in fair value gain (loss)	$ (105)	$ 607	$ 921	$ 599
Fair value option credit risk gains (losses) on liabilities	57	237	16	(390)
Policyholder contract deposits | Fair Value Option
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Gain (Loss)		(11)		33
Fair Value Option
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Gain (Loss)	686	(842)	3,554	916
Fair Value Option | Mortgage and other loans receivable
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Gain (Loss)	6	(3)	1	37
Fair Value Option | Bond and equity securities
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Gain (Loss)	481	(829)	1,437	604
Fair Value Option | Trading - Maiden Lane II Interest
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Gain (Loss)	(176)	120	75	280
Fair Value Option | Trading - Maiden Lane III Interest
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Gain (Loss)	(667)	358	77	1,109
Fair Value Option | Retained interest in AIA
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Gain (Loss)	1,521		2,583
Fair Value Option | Short-term investments and other invested assets
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Gain (Loss)	13	(34)	29	(48)
Fair Value Option | Other assets.
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Gain (Loss)	(1)		(1)
Fair Value Option | Debt
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Gain (Loss)	(428)	(411)	(472)	(1,101)
Fair Value Option | Other liabilities
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Gain (Loss)	$ (63)	$ (32)	$ (175)	$ 2