DERIVATIVES AND HEDGE ACCOUNTING (Details 3) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Derivative instruments gain (loss):
Foreign currency translation loss adjustment related to net investment hedge relationships	$ 91	$ 24
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate contracts | Fair value hedging
Derivative instruments gain (loss):
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings on derivatives	(2)	(7)
Gain recognized in earnings on hedged items	32	48
Loss recognized in earnings for ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing		(1)
Amortization of debt basis adjustment following the discontinuation of hedge accounting	30	42
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate contracts | Cash flow hedging
Derivative instruments gain (loss):
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives	(1)
Loss reclassified from Accumulated OCI into earnings	(5)	(18)
Deferred net loss in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized in earnings during the next 12 months	16
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivative instruments gain (loss):
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings on derivatives	(526)	(24)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Premiums
Derivative instruments gain (loss):
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings on derivatives	36	25
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Net investment income
Derivative instruments gain (loss):
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings on derivatives	1	2
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Net realized capital gains (losses)
Derivative instruments gain (loss):
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings on derivatives	(290)	32
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other losses
Derivative instruments gain (loss):
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings on derivatives	(273)	(83)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate contracts
Derivative instruments gain (loss):
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings on derivatives	(586)	(274)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative instruments gain (loss):
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings on derivatives	69	20
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity contracts
Derivative instruments gain (loss):
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings on derivatives	(188)	(104)
Embedded derivative gains	175	107
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Commodity contracts
Derivative instruments gain (loss):
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings on derivatives	(1)	5
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Credit contracts
Derivative instruments gain (loss):
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings on derivatives	151	347
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other contracts
Derivative instruments gain (loss):
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings on derivatives	$ 29	$ (18)