v3.8.0.1

Closed Block (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Policyholders’ dividend obligation | $ 5,446 | $ 4,658 | $ 4,509
Dividend Declared |  |  |
Increase (decrease) in liability | (86) | 32 | $ 58
Excess Of Actual Cumulative Earnings Over Expected Cumulative Earnings |  |  |
Policyholders’ dividend obligation | 1,790 | 1,647 |
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments |  |  |
Policyholders’ dividend obligation | $ 3,656 | $ 3,011 |

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- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in the policyholder dividend obligation attributable to closed block liabilities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 805 -Section 55 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84167291&loc=d3e31071-158570 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 805 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (b)(10) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6487222&loc=d3e30806-158569 + Details
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- Definition The liability as of the balance sheet date for the excess of the cumulative actual closed block earnings over the cumulative expected (actuarially determined) closed block earnings (each) for the period from the actuarial calculation date to the date of measurement. The excess will result in future dividends to closed block policyholders, unless offset by less favorable than expected future performance of the closed block. The policyholder dividend obligation, which may not have a negative balance, recognizes that a portion of earnings in certain cases will not inure to the stockholders of the insurance entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 805 -Section 55 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84167291&loc=d3e31071-158570 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 805 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (b)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6487222&loc=d3e30806-158569 + Details
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