Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Revenues
Insurance premiums	$ 654	$ 589
Insurance fees	958	903
Net investment income	1,150	1,166
Realized gain (loss):
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities	(20)	(97)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income	6	50
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities recognized in earnings	(14)	(47)
Realized gain (loss), excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities	(40)	(38)
Total realized gain (loss)	(54)	(85)
Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance	19	19
Other revenues and fees	117	118
Total revenues	2,844	2,710
Expenses
Interest credited	622	625
Benefits	958	853
Commissions and other expenses	895	856
Interest and debt expense	64	68
Total expenses	2,539	2,402
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	305	308
Federal income tax expense (benefit)	66	64
Income (loss) from continuing operations	239	244
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of federal income taxes		(1)
Net income (loss)	239	243
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(227)	(57)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 12	$ 186
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share - Basic
Income (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.89	$ 0.84
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)
Net income (loss) (in dollars per share)	$ 0.89	$ 0.84
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share - Diluted
Income (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.86	$ 0.82
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)
Net income (loss) (in dollars per share)	$ 0.86	$ 0.82