v3.8.0.1
Equity (Net Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses on Fixed Maturity Securities on which an OTTI loss) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance $ 14,621    
Ending balance 17,074 $ 14,621  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)      
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance 14,621 12,285 $ 16,050
Ending balance 17,074 14,621 12,285
OTTI | Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments      
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance 312 234 349
Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period 79 93 (3)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income (85) 1 (97)
Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income (20) (16) (15)
Ending balance 286 312 234
OTTI | DAC, DSI, VOBA and Reinsurance Recoverables      
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (5) 6 (6)
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on DAC, DSI, VOBA and reinsurance recoverables 3 (11) 12
Ending balance (2) (5) 6
OTTI | Future Policy Benefits, Policyholders’ Account Balances and Reinsurance Payables      
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (6) 14 3
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits, policyholders’ account balances and reinsurance payables 9 (20) 11
Ending balance 3 (6) 14
OTTI | Policyholders’ Dividends      
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (47) (31) (32)
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on policyholders’ dividends 1 (16) 1
Ending balance (46) (47) (31)
OTTI | Deferred Income Tax (Liability) Benefit      
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (97) (77) (110)
Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period (22) (31) 1
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income 23 0 35
Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income 5 5 5
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on DAC, DSI, VOBA and reinsurance recoverables (1) 3 (4)
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits, policyholders’ account balances and reinsurance payables (2) (3) (4)
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on policyholders’ dividends 0 6 0
Ending balance (94) (97) (77)
OTTI | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)      
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance 157 146 204
Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period 57 62 (2)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income (62) 1 (62)
Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income (15) (11) (10)
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on DAC, DSI, VOBA and reinsurance recoverables 2 (8) 8
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits, policyholders’ account balances and reinsurance payables 7 (23) 7
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on policyholders’ dividends 1 (10) 1
Ending balance $ 147 $ 157 $ 146