Separate Accounts, Death Benefits and Other Insurance Benefit Features (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Variable separate accounts	$ 66,659	$ 83,966
Equity securities (including mutual funds) [Member]
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Variable separate accounts	59,253	75,601
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Variable separate accounts	$ 7,406	$ 8,365