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INVESTMENTS - Total Investments in Bank and Financial Institution Sector, Including those Classified as Perpetual Securities (Detail) (Banks/financial Institutions, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
--- | --- | ---
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |
Amortized Cost | $ 24,328 | $ 26,578
Fair Value | 23,588 | 25,011
Percentage of Total Investment Portfolio, Amortized Cost | 24.00% | 27.00%
Percentage of Total Investment Portfolio, Fair Value | 24.00% | 25.00%
Debt Securities |  |
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |
Amortized Cost | 19,132 | 20,025
Fair Value | 18,587 | 18,933
Percentage of Total Investment Portfolio, Amortized Cost | 19.00% | 20.00%
Percentage of Total Investment Portfolio, Fair Value | 19.00% | 19.00%
Perpetual Securities | Upper Tier II |  |
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |
Amortized Cost | 3,251 | 4,285
Fair Value | 3,193 | 4,244
Percentage of Total Investment Portfolio, Amortized Cost | 3.00% | 5.00%
Percentage of Total Investment Portfolio, Fair Value | 3.00% | 4.00%
Perpetual Securities | Tier I |  |
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |
Amortized Cost | 1,945 | 2,268
Fair Value | $ 1,808 | $ 1,834
Percentage of Total Investment Portfolio, Amortized Cost | 2.00% | 2.00%
Percentage of Total Investment Portfolio, Fair Value | 2.00% | 2.00%

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