SCHEDULE I - CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	$ 84,797
Carrying Value	93,130
Available-for-sale fixed maturity securities [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	69,661
Fair Value	76,133
Carrying Value	76,133
Bonds: U.S. government and government agencies and authorities [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	439
Fair Value	494
Carrying Value	494
Bonds: States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	3,490
Fair Value	4,047
Carrying Value	4,047
Bonds: Mortgage backed securities [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	9,332
Fair Value	9,639
Carrying Value	9,639
Bonds: Foreign governments [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	668
Fair Value	733
Carrying Value	733
Bonds: Public utilities [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	10,644
Fair Value	12,074
Carrying Value	12,074
Bonds: Convertibles and bonds with warrants attached [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	5
Fair Value	1
Carrying Value	1
Bonds: All other corporate bonds [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	43,133
Fair Value	47,288
Carrying Value	47,288
Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	1,277
Fair Value	1,157
Carrying Value	1,157
Available-for-sale equity securities [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	135
Fair Value	139
Carrying Value	139
Common stocks: Banks, trusts, and insurance companies [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	87
Fair Value	87
Carrying Value	87
Common stocks: Industrial, miscellaneous and all other [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	12
Fair Value	4
Carrying Value	4
Common stocks: Nonredeemable preferred stocks [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	36
Fair Value	48
Carrying Value	48
Trading securities [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	2,301
Fair Value	2,675
Carrying Value	2,675
Derivative instruments [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	1,668
Fair Value	3,151
Carrying Value	3,151
Mortgage loans on real estate [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	6,942
Fair Value	7,608
Carrying Value	6,942
Real estate [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	137
Carrying Value	137
Policy loans [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	2,884
Carrying Value	2,884
Other investments [Member]
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	1,069
Fair Value	1,069
Carrying Value	1,069
Variable interest entities
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties [Line Items]
Cost	673
Fair Value	700
Carrying Value	$ 700