Commissions and Other Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Details underlying commissions and other expenses [Abstract]
Commissions	$ 1,660	$ 1,672	$ 1,616
General and administrative expenses	1,564	1,423	1,412
Expenses associated with reserve financing and unrelated LOCs	56	47	34
DAC and VOBA deferrals and interest, net of amortization	(275)	(551)	(476)
Broker-dealer expenses	348	353	320
Other intangibles amortization	4	4	4
Media expenses	67	69	59
Taxes, licenses and fees	239	247	197
Merger-related expenses	0	0	9
Restructuring charges (recoveries) for expense initiatives	20	0	(1)
Total	$ 3,683	$ 3,264	$ 3,174