CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost)	$ 68,988	$ 65,175
Variable interest entities' fixed maturity securities (amortized cost)	673	570
Equity securities (cost)	$ 135	$ 179
Stockholders Equity
Preferred stock - shares authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock - shares authorized (in shares)	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock - shares issued (in shares)	291,319,222	315,718,554
Common stock - shares outstanding (in shares)	291,319,222	315,718,554
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Stockholders Equity
Series A preferred stock - shares issued (in shares)	10,072	10,914
Series A preferred stock - shares outstanding (in shares)	10,072	10,914