SCHEDULE I - SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	$ 91,714
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	97,278
United States government, government agencies and authorities
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	4,387
Fair value	4,713
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	4,713
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	12,139
Fair value	13,069
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	13,069
Foreign government
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	2,290
Fair value	2,517
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	2,517
Public utilities
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	7,765
Fair value	8,627
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	8,627
Convertibles and bonds with warrants attached
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	422
Fair value	379
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	379
All other corporate bonds
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	36,756
Fair value	39,531
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	39,531
Asset-backed securities
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	3,623
Fair value	3,624
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	3,624
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	3,000
Fair value	3,032
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	3,032
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	1,510
Fair value	1,498
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	1,498
Redeemable preferred stock
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	23
Fair value	27
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	27
Fixed income securities
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	71,915
Fair value	77,017
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	77,017
Public utilities
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	67
Fair value	71
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	71
Banks, trust and insurance companies
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	312
Fair value	362
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	362
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	3,159
Fair value	3,554
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	3,554
Non-redeemable preferred stock
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	39
Fair value	50
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	50
Equity securities
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	3,577
Fair value	4,037
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	4,037
Mortgage loans on real estate
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	6,570
Fair value	6,886
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	6,570
Real estate
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	125
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	125
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	34
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	34
Policy loans
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	1,136
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	1,136
Derivative instruments
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	131
Fair value	133
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	133
Limited partnership interests
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	4,922
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	4,922
Other long-term investments
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	1,002
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	1,002
Short-term investments
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost/amortized cost	2,336
Fair value	2,336
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	$ 2,336