Total Equity and Earnings Per Share (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
A roll forward of Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance, beginning of period, net of tax			$ 7,624
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	2,169	2,780	1,334	4,256
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest			(537)
Balance, end of period, net of tax	9,093		9,093
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
A roll forward of Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance, beginning of period, net of tax			7,624
Unrealized appreciation of investments			1,168
Net changes in foreign currency translation adjustments			(529)
Net gains on cash flow hedges			31
Net actuarial gain			275
Prior service cost			(17)
Deferred tax asset (liability)			406
Total other comprehensive income (loss)			1,334
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest			88
Noncontrolling interests			(47)
Balance, end of period, net of tax	9,093		9,093
Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of Fixed Maturity Investments on Which Other-Than-Temporary Credit Impairments Were Taken
A roll forward of Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance, beginning of period, net of tax			(659)
Unrealized appreciation of investments			537
Deferred tax asset (liability)			(248)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)			289
Noncontrolling interests			3
Balance, end of period, net of tax	(373)		(373)
Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of All Other Investments
A roll forward of Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance, beginning of period, net of tax			8,888
Unrealized appreciation of investments			631
Deferred tax asset (liability)			484
Total other comprehensive income (loss)			1,115
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest			43
Noncontrolling interests			(81)
Balance, end of period, net of tax	10,127		10,127
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
A roll forward of Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance, beginning of period, net of tax			298
Net changes in foreign currency translation adjustments			(529)
Deferred tax asset (liability)			239
Total other comprehensive income (loss)			(290)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest			62
Noncontrolling interests			31
Balance, end of period, net of tax	39		39
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Arising From Cash Flow Hedging Activities
A roll forward of Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance, beginning of period, net of tax			(34)
Net gains on cash flow hedges			31
Deferred tax asset (liability)			40
Total other comprehensive income (loss)			71
Balance, end of period, net of tax	37		37
Change in Retirement Plan Liabilities Adjustment
A roll forward of Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance, beginning of period, net of tax			(869)
Net actuarial gain			275
Prior service cost			(17)
Deferred tax asset (liability)			(109)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)			149
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest			(17)
Balance, end of period, net of tax	$ (737)		$ (737)