Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Discontinued Investment Management Operations [Abstract]
Purchase price adjustment	$ (67)
Disposal
Gain (loss) on disposal, before federal income taxes	(3)	66	(219)
Discontinued Investment Management Operations [Member]
Revenues:
Investment advisory fees - external	0	0	207
Investment advisory fees - internal	0	0	84
Other revenues and fees	0	0	91
Gain (loss) on sale of business	0	4	9
Total revenues	0	4	391
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before disposal, before federal income taxes	0	(13)	37
Federal income tax expense (benefit)	0	(2)	18
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before disposal	0	(11)	19
Disposal
Gain (loss) on disposal, before federal income taxes	(3)	37	0
Federal income tax expense (benefit)	5	(13)	0
Gain (loss) on disposal	(8)	24	0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(8)	13	19
Discontinued Lincoln UK Operations [Member]
Revenues:
Insurance premiums		0	41
Insurance fees		0	99
Net investment income		0	43
Realized gain (loss)		0	(1)
Total revenues		0	182
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before disposal, before federal income taxes		0	38
Federal income tax expense (benefit)		0	13
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before disposal		0	25
Disposal
Gain (loss) on disposal, before federal income taxes		29	(219)
Federal income tax expense (benefit)		13	(105)
Gain (loss) on disposal		16	(114)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		$ 16	$ (89)