Closed Block (Information Regarding Policyholder Dividend Obligation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions |
12 Months Ended | |
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Dec. 31, 2017 |
Dec. 31, 2016 |
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| Movement in Closed Block Dividend Obligation [Roll Forward] | ||
| Balance, January 1 | $ 4,658 | $ 4,509 |
| Impact from earnings allocable to policyholder dividend obligation | 142 | (48) |
| Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) allocated to policyholder dividend obligation | 646 | 197 |
| Balance, December 31 | $ 5,446 | $ 4,658 |
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- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in the closed block dividend obligation from the unrealized gain (loss) on investments allocated to the closed block. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in the closed block dividend obligation from the effect on dividends to policyholders on the net results of operations for the period of the closed block. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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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. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. No definition available.
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