SCHEDULE IV - CONSOLIDATED REINSURANCE (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated reinsurance, net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	$ 6,997	$ 6,599	$ 6,124
Ceded to Other Companies	(1,276)	(1,202)	(1,148)
Assumed from Other Companies	10	13	10
Net Amount	5,731	5,410	4,986
Individual life insurance in force [Member]
Consolidated reinsurance, net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	881,100	842,300	799,900
Ceded to Other Companies	(331,700)	(337,800)	(342,600)
Assumed from Other Companies	2,800	3,000	3,000
Net Amount	552,200	507,500	460,300
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	0.50%	0.60%	0.70%
Life insurance and annuities [Member]
Consolidated reinsurance, net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	5,811	5,458	5,025
Ceded to Other Companies	(1,252)	(1,170)	(1,126)
Assumed from Other Companies	10	13	10
Net Amount	4,569	4,301	3,909
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	0.20%	0.30%	0.30%
Accident and health insurance [Member]
Consolidated reinsurance, net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	1,186	1,141	1,099
Ceded to Other Companies	(24)	(32)	(22)
Assumed from Other Companies	0	0	0
Net Amount	$ 1,162	$ 1,109	$ 1,077
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%