v3.8.0.1
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis
The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities reported at fair value on a recurring basis, as of the dates indicated.
 
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Netting(1)
 
Total
 
(in millions)
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies
$
0

 
$
26,086

 
$
52

 
$
 
$
26,138

Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions
0

 
10,466

 
5

 
 
 
10,471

Foreign government bonds
0

 
103,271

 
148

 
 
 
103,419

U.S. corporate public securities
0

 
90,115

 
109

 
 
 
90,224

U.S. corporate private securities(2)
0

 
31,845

 
1,889

 
 
 
33,734

Foreign corporate public securities
0

 
29,329

 
79

 
 
 
29,408

Foreign corporate private securities
0

 
23,528

 
699

 
 
 
24,227

Asset-backed securities(3)
0

 
5,629

 
6,604

 
 
 
12,233

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
0

 
13,268

 
13

 
 
 
13,281

Residential mortgage-backed securities
0

 
3,547

 
98

 
 
 
3,645

Subtotal
0

 
337,084

 
9,696

 
 
 
346,780

Trading account assets:(4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies
0

 
328

 
0

 
 
 
328

Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions
0

 
208

 
0

 
 
 
208

Foreign government bonds
0

 
857

 
223

 
 
 
1,080

Corporate securities
0

 
16,712

 
552

 
 
 
17,264

Asset-backed securities(3)
0

 
697

 
788

 
 
 
1,485

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
0

 
2,321

 
0

 
 
 
2,321

Residential mortgage-backed securities
0

 
1,029

 
1

 
 
 
1,030

Equity securities
2,015

 
274

 
509

 
 
 
2,798

All other(5)
56

 
10,763

 
8

 
(9,601
)
 
1,226

Subtotal
2,071

 
33,189

 
2,081

 
(9,601
)
 
27,740

Equity securities, available-for-sale
5,344

 
540

 
290

 
 
 
6,174

Commercial mortgage and other loans
0

 
593

 
0

 
 
 
593

Other long-term investments(6)
24

 
111

 
136

 
1

 
272

Short-term investments
3,906

 
1,850

 
8

 
 
 
5,764

Cash equivalents
1,900

 
6,398

 
0

 
 
 
8,298

Other assets
0

 
1

 
13

 
 
 
14

Separate account assets(7)(8)
45,397

 
232,874

 
2,122

 
 
 
280,393

Total assets
$
58,642

 
$
612,640

 
$
14,346

 
$
(9,600
)
 
$
676,028

Future policy benefits(9)
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
8,720

 
$
 
$
8,720

Other liabilities
4

 
5,946

 
50

 
(5,312
)
 
688

Notes issued by consolidated VIEs
0

 
0

 
1,196

 
 
 
1,196

Total liabilities
$
4

 
$
5,946

 
$
9,966

 
$
(5,312
)
 
$
10,604


 
As of December 31, 2016
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Netting(1)
 
Total
 
(in millions)
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies
$
0

 
$
23,784

 
$
0

 
$
 
$
23,784

Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions
0

 
9,687

 
5

 
 
 
9,692

Foreign government bonds
0

 
96,132

 
124

 
 
 
96,256

U.S. corporate public securities
0

 
81,350

 
261

 
 
 
81,611

U.S. corporate private securities(2)
0

 
30,434

 
1,354

 
 
 
31,788

Foreign corporate public securities
0

 
28,166

 
71

 
 
 
28,237

Foreign corporate private securities
0

 
20,393

 
487

 
 
 
20,880

Asset-backed securities(3)
0

 
7,591

 
4,344

 
 
 
11,935

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
0

 
12,690

 
14

 
 
 
12,704

Residential mortgage-backed securities
0

 
4,335

 
197

 
 
 
4,532

Subtotal
0

 
314,562

 
6,857

 
 
 
321,419

Trading account assets:(4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies
0

 
301

 
0

 
 
 
301

Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions
0

 
194

 
0

 
 
 
194

Foreign government bonds
0

 
714

 
227

 
 
 
941

Corporate securities
0

 
16,992

 
188

 
 
 
17,180

Asset-backed securities(3)
0

 
1,086

 
329

 
 
 
1,415

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
0

 
2,061

 
1

 
 
 
2,062

Residential mortgage-backed securities
0

 
1,208

 
2

 
 
 
1,210

Equity securities
1,690

 
214

 
487

 
 
 
2,391

All other(5)
208

 
13,259

 
1

 
(11,708
)
 
1,760

Subtotal
1,898

 
36,029

 
1,235

 
(11,708
)
 
27,454

Equity securities, available-for-sale
6,033

 
3,450

 
265

 
 
 
9,748

Commercial mortgage and other loans
0

 
519

 
0

 
 
 
519

Other long-term investments(6)
44

 
106

 
7

 
(8
)
 
149

Short-term investments
5,623

 
1,558

 
1

 
 
 
7,182

Cash equivalents
3,885

 
4,421

 
0

 
 
 
8,306

Other assets
0

 
0

 
0

 
 
 
0

Separate account assets(7)(8)
38,915

 
221,253

 
1,849

 
 
 
262,017

Total assets
$
56,398

 
$
581,898

 
$
10,214

 
$
(11,716
)
 
$
636,794

Future policy benefits(9)
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
8,238

 
$
 
$
8,238

Other liabilities
8

 
6,284

 
22

 
(5,945
)
 
369

Notes issued by consolidated VIEs
0

 
0

 
1,839

 
 
 
1,839

Total liabilities
$
8

 
$
6,284

 
$
10,099

 
$
(5,945
)
 
$
10,446

__________
(1)
“Netting” amounts represent cash collateral of $4,288 million and $5,771 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and the impact of offsetting asset and liability positions held with the same counterparty, subject to master netting arrangements.
(2)
Excludes notes with both fair value and carrying amount of $2,660 million and $1,456 million, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which have been offset with the associated payables under a netting agreement.
(3)
Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by syndicated bank loans, sub-prime mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, education loans and other asset types.
(4)
Includes “Trading account assets supporting insurance liabilities” and “Other trading account assets.”
(5)
Level 1 represents cash equivalents and short term investments. All other amounts primarily represent derivative assets.
(6)
Other long-term investments excluded from the fair value hierarchy include certain hedge funds, private equity funds and other funds for which fair value is measured at NAV per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the fair values of such investments were $1,969 million and $1,579 million respectively.
(7)
Separate account assets included in the fair value hierarchy exclude investments in entities that calculate net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient. Such investments excluded from the fair value hierarchy include investments in real estate, hedge funds and other invested assets, for which fair value is measured at NAV per share (or its equivalent). At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the fair value of such investments was $26,224 million and $25,619 million, respectively.
(8)
Separate account assets represent segregated funds that are invested for certain customers. Investment risks associated with market value changes are borne by the customers, except to the extent of minimum guarantees made by the Company with respect to certain accounts. Separate account liabilities are not included in the above table as they are reported at contract value and not fair value in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
(9)
As of December 31, 2017, the net embedded derivative liability position of $8.7 billion includes $0.9 billion of embedded derivatives in an asset position and $9.6 billion of embedded derivatives in a liability position. As of December 31, 2016, the net embedded derivative liability position of $8.2 billion includes $1.2 billion of embedded derivatives in an asset position and $9.4 billion of embedded derivatives in a liability position.
Fair Value, Transfers Between Level 1 and Level 2
The following table presents the transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for dates indicated below:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(in millions)
Transferred from Level 1 to Level 2
$
111

 
$
86

Transferred from Level 2 to Level 1
$
207

 
$
40

Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information
The tables below present quantitative information on significant internally-priced Level 3 assets and liabilities.
 
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation
Techniques
 
Unobservable Inputs
 
Minimum
 
Maximum
 
Weighted
Average
 
Impact of
Increase in
Input on
Fair
Value(1)
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities(2)
 
$
1,352

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Discount rate
 
0.65%

22%
 
7.20
%
 
Decrease
 
 
 
 
Market comparables
 
EBITDA multiples(3)
 
7.4X

7.4X
 
7.4X
 
Increase
 
 
 
 
Liquidation
 
Liquidation value
 
13.10%

25.00%
 
14.68
%
 
Increase
Separate account assets-commercial mortgage loans(4)
 
$
821

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Spread
 
1.08%

2.78%
 
1.20
%
 
Decrease
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits(5)
 
$
8,720

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Lapse rate(6)
 
1%

12%
 
 
 
Decrease
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spread over LIBOR(7)
 
0.12%

1.10%
 
 
 
Decrease
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utilization rate(8)
 
52%

97%
 
 
 
Increase
 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal rate
 
See table footnote (9) below.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortality rate(10)
 
0%

14%
 
 
 
Decrease
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity volatility curve
 
13%

24%
 
 
 
Increase
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation
Techniques
 
Unobservable Inputs
 
Minimum
 
Maximum
 
Weighted
Average
 
Impact of
Increase in
Input on
Fair
Value(1)
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities(2)
 
$
1,848

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Discount rate
 
0.70%

20%
 
7.12%
 
Decrease
 
 
 
 
Market comparables
 
EBITDA multiples(3)
 
4.0X

4.0X
 
4.0X
 
Increase
 
 
 
 
Liquidation
 
Liquidation value
 
15.19%

98.68%
 
91.72%
 
Increase
Separate account assets-commercial mortgage loans(4)
 
$
971

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Spread
 
1.19%

2.90%
 
1.37%
 
Decrease
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits(5)
 
$
8,238

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Lapse rate(6)
 
0%

13%
 
 
 
Decrease
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spread over LIBOR(7)
 
0.25%

1.50%
 
 
 
Decrease
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utilization rate(8)
 
52%

96%
 
 
 
Increase
 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal rate
 
See table footnote (9) below.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortality rate(10)
 
0%

14%
 
 
 
Decrease
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity volatility curve
 
16%

25%
 
 
 
Increase
__________
(1)
Conversely, the impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact on fair value as that presented in the table.
(2)
Includes assets classified as fixed maturities available-for-sale, trading account assets supporting insurance liabilities and other trading account assets.
(3)
Represents multiples of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), and are amounts used when the Company has determined that market participants would use such multiples when valuing the investments.
(4)
Changes in the fair value of separate account assets are borne by customers and thus are offset by changes in separate account liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. As a result, changes in value associated with these investments are not reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(5)
Future policy benefits primarily represent general account liabilities for the living benefit features of the Company’s variable annuity contracts which are accounted for as embedded derivatives. Since the valuation methodology for these liabilities uses a range of inputs that vary at the contract level over the cash flow projection period, presenting a range, rather than weighted average, is a more meaningful representation of the unobservable inputs used in the valuation.
(6)
Lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on the in-the-moneyness of the living benefit and reflect other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. Lapse rates are reduced when contracts are more in-the-money. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower for the period where surrender charges apply.
(7)
The spread over LIBOR swap curve represents the premium added to the risk-free discount rate (i.e., LIBOR) to reflect our estimates of rates that a market participant would use to value the living benefit contracts in both the accumulation and payout phases. This spread includes an estimate of NPR, which is the risk that the obligation will not be fulfilled by the Company. NPR is primarily estimated by utilizing the credit spreads associated with issuing funding agreements, adjusted for any illiquidity risk premium. In order to reflect the financial strength ratings of the Company, credit spreads associated with funding agreements, as opposed to credit spread associated with debt, are utilized in developing this estimate because both funding agreements and living benefit contracts are insurance liabilities and are therefore senior to debt.
(8)
The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contracts that will utilize the benefit during the contract duration, and begin lifetime withdrawals at various time intervals from contract inception. The remaining contractholders are assumed to either begin lifetime withdrawals immediately or never utilize the benefit. Utilization assumptions may vary by product type, tax status, and age. The impact of changes in these assumptions is highly dependent on the product type, the age of the contractholder at the time of the sale, and the timing of the first lifetime income withdrawal. Range reflects the utilization rate for the vast majority of business with living benefits.
(9)
The withdrawal rate assumption estimates the magnitude of annual contractholder withdrawals relative to the maximum allowable amount under the contract. These assumptions vary based on the age of the contractholder, the tax status of the contract and the duration since the contractholder began lifetime withdrawals. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the minimum withdrawal rate assumption is 78% and the maximum withdrawal rate assumption may be greater than 100%. The fair value of the liability will generally increase the closer the withdrawal rate is to 100% and decrease as the withdrawal rate moves further away from 100%.
(10)
Range reflects the mortality rate for the vast majority of business with living benefits, with policyholders ranging from 35 to 90 years old. While the majority of living benefits have a minimum age requirement, certain benefits do not have an age restriction. This results in contractholders for certain benefits with mortality rates approaching 0%. Based on historical experience, the Company applies a set of age and duration specific mortality rate adjustments compared to standard industry tables. A mortality improvement assumption is also incorporated into the overall mortality table.

Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information
The tables below present quantitative information on significant internally-priced Level 3 assets and liabilities.
 
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation
Techniques
 
Unobservable Inputs
 
Minimum
 
Maximum
 
Weighted
Average
 
Impact of
Increase in
Input on
Fair
Value(1)
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities(2)
 
$
1,352

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Discount rate
 
0.65%

22%
 
7.20
%
 
Decrease
 
 
 
 
Market comparables
 
EBITDA multiples(3)
 
7.4X

7.4X
 
7.4X
 
Increase
 
 
 
 
Liquidation
 
Liquidation value
 
13.10%

25.00%
 
14.68
%
 
Increase
Separate account assets-commercial mortgage loans(4)
 
$
821

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Spread
 
1.08%

2.78%
 
1.20
%
 
Decrease
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits(5)
 
$
8,720

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Lapse rate(6)
 
1%

12%
 
 
 
Decrease
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spread over LIBOR(7)
 
0.12%

1.10%
 
 
 
Decrease
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utilization rate(8)
 
52%

97%
 
 
 
Increase
 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal rate
 
See table footnote (9) below.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortality rate(10)
 
0%

14%
 
 
 
Decrease
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity volatility curve
 
13%

24%
 
 
 
Increase
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation
Techniques
 
Unobservable Inputs
 
Minimum
 
Maximum
 
Weighted
Average
 
Impact of
Increase in
Input on
Fair
Value(1)
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities(2)
 
$
1,848

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Discount rate
 
0.70%

20%
 
7.12%
 
Decrease
 
 
 
 
Market comparables
 
EBITDA multiples(3)
 
4.0X

4.0X
 
4.0X
 
Increase
 
 
 
 
Liquidation
 
Liquidation value
 
15.19%

98.68%
 
91.72%
 
Increase
Separate account assets-commercial mortgage loans(4)
 
$
971

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Spread
 
1.19%

2.90%
 
1.37%
 
Decrease
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits(5)
 
$
8,238

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Lapse rate(6)
 
0%

13%
 
 
 
Decrease
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spread over LIBOR(7)
 
0.25%

1.50%
 
 
 
Decrease
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utilization rate(8)
 
52%

96%
 
 
 
Increase
 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal rate
 
See table footnote (9) below.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortality rate(10)
 
0%

14%
 
 
 
Decrease
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity volatility curve
 
16%

25%
 
 
 
Increase
__________
(1)
Conversely, the impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact on fair value as that presented in the table.
(2)
Includes assets classified as fixed maturities available-for-sale, trading account assets supporting insurance liabilities and other trading account assets.
(3)
Represents multiples of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), and are amounts used when the Company has determined that market participants would use such multiples when valuing the investments.
(4)
Changes in the fair value of separate account assets are borne by customers and thus are offset by changes in separate account liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. As a result, changes in value associated with these investments are not reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(5)
Future policy benefits primarily represent general account liabilities for the living benefit features of the Company’s variable annuity contracts which are accounted for as embedded derivatives. Since the valuation methodology for these liabilities uses a range of inputs that vary at the contract level over the cash flow projection period, presenting a range, rather than weighted average, is a more meaningful representation of the unobservable inputs used in the valuation.
(6)
Lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on the in-the-moneyness of the living benefit and reflect other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. Lapse rates are reduced when contracts are more in-the-money. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower for the period where surrender charges apply.
(7)
The spread over LIBOR swap curve represents the premium added to the risk-free discount rate (i.e., LIBOR) to reflect our estimates of rates that a market participant would use to value the living benefit contracts in both the accumulation and payout phases. This spread includes an estimate of NPR, which is the risk that the obligation will not be fulfilled by the Company. NPR is primarily estimated by utilizing the credit spreads associated with issuing funding agreements, adjusted for any illiquidity risk premium. In order to reflect the financial strength ratings of the Company, credit spreads associated with funding agreements, as opposed to credit spread associated with debt, are utilized in developing this estimate because both funding agreements and living benefit contracts are insurance liabilities and are therefore senior to debt.
(8)
The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contracts that will utilize the benefit during the contract duration, and begin lifetime withdrawals at various time intervals from contract inception. The remaining contractholders are assumed to either begin lifetime withdrawals immediately or never utilize the benefit. Utilization assumptions may vary by product type, tax status, and age. The impact of changes in these assumptions is highly dependent on the product type, the age of the contractholder at the time of the sale, and the timing of the first lifetime income withdrawal. Range reflects the utilization rate for the vast majority of business with living benefits.
(9)
The withdrawal rate assumption estimates the magnitude of annual contractholder withdrawals relative to the maximum allowable amount under the contract. These assumptions vary based on the age of the contractholder, the tax status of the contract and the duration since the contractholder began lifetime withdrawals. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the minimum withdrawal rate assumption is 78% and the maximum withdrawal rate assumption may be greater than 100%. The fair value of the liability will generally increase the closer the withdrawal rate is to 100% and decrease as the withdrawal rate moves further away from 100%.
(10)
Range reflects the mortality rate for the vast majority of business with living benefits, with policyholders ranging from 35 to 90 years old. While the majority of living benefits have a minimum age requirement, certain benefits do not have an age restriction. This results in contractholders for certain benefits with mortality rates approaching 0%. Based on historical experience, the Company applies a set of age and duration specific mortality rate adjustments compared to standard industry tables. A mortality improvement assumption is also incorporated into the overall mortality table.
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
–The following tables describe changes in fair values of Level 3 assets and liabilities as of the dates indicated, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at the end of their respective periods.
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Fixed Maturities Available-For-Sale
 
U.S.
Government
 
U.S.
States
 
Foreign
Government
 
Corporate Securities(1)
 
Structured Securities(2)
 
(in millions)
Fair Value, beginning of period
$
0

 
$
5

 
$
124

 
$
2,173

 
$
4,555

Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
0

 
0

 
0

 
(93
)
 
70

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
0

 
0

 
(1
)
 
(22
)
 
11

Net investment income
0

 
0

 
0

 
19

 
7

Purchases
42

 
7

 
0

 
525

 
4,967

Sales
0

 
0

 
0

 
(173
)
 
(645
)
Issuances
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

Settlements
0

 
0

 
0

 
(781
)
 
(2,756
)
Foreign currency translation
0

 
0

 
3

 
7

 
38

Other(4)
10

 
0

 
0

 
(55
)
 
(2
)
Transfers into Level 3(5)
0

 
0

 
39

 
1,498

 
3,933

Transfers out of Level 3(5)
0

 
(7
)
 
(17
)
 
(322
)
 
(3,463
)
Fair Value, end of period
$
52

 
$
5

 
$
148

 
$
2,776

 
$
6,715

Unrealized gains (losses) for assets still held(6):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(154
)
 
$
0



 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Trading Account Assets
 
Foreign
Government
 
Corporate Securities
 
Structured Securities(2)
 
Equity
 
All
Other
Activity
 
(in millions)
Fair Value, beginning of period
$
227

 
$
188

 
$
332

 
$
487

 
$
1

Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

Other income
(5
)
 
(32
)
 
0

 
25

 
0

Net investment income
5

 
3

 
1

 
0

 
0

Purchases
0

 
154

 
656

 
28

 
46

Sales
0

 
(7
)
 
(25
)
 
(17
)
 
0

Issuances
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

Settlements
(4
)
 
(119
)
 
(355
)
 
(47
)
 
(39
)
Foreign currency translation
0

 
0

 
5

 
6

 
0

Other(4)
0

 
0

 
1

 
29

 
0

Transfers into Level 3(5)
0

 
383

 
602

 
31

 
0

Transfers out of Level 3(5)
0

 
(18
)
 
(428
)
 
(33
)
 
0

Fair Value, end of period
$
223

 
$
552

 
$
789

 
$
509

 
$
8

Unrealized gains (losses) for assets still held(6):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

Other income
$
(5
)
 
$
(33
)
 
$
3

 
$
38

 
$
0

 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Equity
Securities
Available-
For-Sale
 
Other
Long-term
Investments
 
Short-term
Investments
 
Cash Equivalents
 
Other
Assets
 
(in millions)
Fair Value, beginning of period
$
265

 
$
7

 
$
1

 
$
0

 
$
0

Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
2

 
1

 
0

 
0

 
(20
)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
17

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

Net investment income
0

 
0

 
0

 
2

 
0

Purchases
33

 
0

 
30

 
93

 
33

Sales
(35
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

Issuances
0

 
39

 
0

 
0

 
0

Settlements
0

 
(1
)
 
(23
)
 
(99
)
 
0

Foreign currency translation
3

 
(1
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

Other(4)
(1
)
 
77

 
(1
)
 
0

 
0

Transfers into Level 3(5)
7

 
14

 
1

 
4

 
0

Transfers out of Level 3(5)
(1
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

Fair Value, end of period
$
290

 
$
136

 
$
8

 
$
0

 
$
13

Unrealized gains (losses) for assets still held(6):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
$
(4
)
 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(21
)

 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Separate
Account
Assets(3)
 
Future
Policy
Benefits
 
Other
Liabilities
 
Notes Issued
by Consolidated
VIEs
 
(in millions)
Fair Value, beginning of period
$
1,849

 
$
(8,238
)
 
$
(22
)
 
$
(1,839
)
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
0

 
637

 
(37
)
 
(4
)
Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances
81

 
0

 
0

 
0

Net investment income
2

 
0

 
0

 
0

Purchases
1,122

 
0

 
0

 
0

Sales
(98
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

Issuances
0

 
(1,117
)
 
0

 
0

Settlements
(725
)
 
0

 
4

 
0

Foreign currency translation
0

 
(2
)
 
0

 
0

Other(4)
0

 
0

 
5

 
647

Transfers into Level 3(5)
353

 
0

 
0

 
0

Transfers out of Level 3(5)
(462
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

Fair Value, end of period
$
2,122

 
$
(8,720
)
 
$
(50
)
 
$
(1,196
)
Unrealized gains (losses) for assets/liabilities still held(6):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
$
0

 
$
372

 
$
(37
)
 
$
(4
)
Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances
$
78

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
Fixed Maturities Available-For-Sale
 
U.S.
States
 
Foreign
Government
 
Corporate Securities(1)
 
Structured Securities(2)
 
(in millions)
Fair Value, beginning of period
$
6

 
$
123

 
$
1,222

 
$
4,269

Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
0

 
0

 
(131
)
 
10

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
0

 
(3
)
 
76

 
(23
)
Net investment income
0

 
0

 
11

 
13

Purchases
0

 
0

 
318

 
3,582

Sales
0

 
0

 
(18
)
 
(444
)
Issuances
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

Settlements
(1
)
 
0

 
(323
)
 
(700
)
Foreign currency translation
0

 
3

 
5

 
35

Other(4)
0

 
0

 
0

 
159

Transfers into Level 3(5)
0

 
1

 
1,486

 
1,787

Transfers out of Level 3(5)
0

 
0

 
(473
)
 
(4,133
)
Fair Value, end of period
$
5

 
$
124

 
$
2,173

 
$
4,555

Unrealized gains (losses) for assets still held(6):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(110
)
 
$
0


 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
Trading Account Assets
 
Foreign
Government
 
Corporate Securities
 
Structured Securities(2)
 
Equity
 
All
Other
Activity
 
(in millions)
Fair Value, beginning of period
$
34

 
$
203

 
$
603

 
$
589

 
$
5

Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

Other income
(5
)
 
(9
)
 
(12
)
 
8

 
1

Net investment income
1

 
2

 
2

 
0

 
0

Purchases
201

 
11

 
185

 
20

 
0

Sales
0

 
(3
)
 
(49
)
 
(65
)
 
0

Issuances
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

Settlements
(4
)
 
(41
)
 
(122
)
 
(108
)
 
0

Foreign currency translation
0

 
0

 
(2
)
 
31

 
0

Other(4)
0

 
(15
)
 
141

 
14

 
(5
)
Transfers into Level 3(5)
0

 
151

 
252

 
28

 
0

Transfers out of Level 3(5)
0

 
(111
)
 
(666
)
 
(30
)
 
0

Fair Value, end of period
$
227

 
$
188

 
$
332

 
$
487

 
$
1

Unrealized gains (losses) for assets still held(6):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

Other income
$
(5
)
 
$
(10
)
 
$
(4
)
 
$
3

 
$
1

 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
Equity
Securities
Available-
For-Sale
 
Other
Long-term
Investments
 
Short-term
Investments
 
Other
Assets
 
(in millions)
Fair Value, beginning of period
$
266

 
$
49

 
$
0

 
$
7

Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
52

 
(1
)
 
0

 
(30
)
Other income
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
(75
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

Net investment income
0

 
(1
)
 
0

 
0

Purchases
99

 
1

 
1

 
23

Sales
(79
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

Issuances
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

Settlements
(13
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

Foreign currency translation
13

 
0

 
0

 
0

Other(4)
0

 
(33
)
 
0

 
0

Transfers into Level 3(5)
9

 
0

 
0

 
0

Transfers out of Level 3(5)
(7
)
 
(8
)
 
0

 
0

Fair Value, end of period
$
265

 
$
7

 
$
1

 
$
0

Unrealized gains (losses) for assets still held(6):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
$
0

 
$
(1
)
 
$
0

 
$
(30
)
Other income
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0


 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
Separate
Account
Assets(3)
 
Future
Policy
Benefits
 
Other
Liabilities
 
Notes
Issued by
Consolidated
VIEs
 
(in millions)
Fair Value, beginning of period
$
1,995

 
$
(8,434
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(8,597
)
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
1

 
1,252

 
(8
)
 
(23
)
Other income
0

 
0

 
0

 
(14
)
Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances
22

 
0

 
0

 
0

Net investment income
17

 
0

 
0

 
0

Purchases
555

 
0

 
0

 
0

Sales
(141
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

Issuances
0

 
(1,056
)
 
0

 
(2,187
)
Settlements
(485
)
 
0

 
(6
)
 
697

Foreign currency translation
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

Other(4)
0

 
0

 
(6
)
 
8,285

Transfers into Level 3(5)
344

 
0

 
0

 
0

Transfers out of Level 3(5)
(459
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

Fair Value, end of period
$
1,849

 
$
(8,238
)
 
$
(22
)
 
$
(1,839
)
Unrealized gains (losses) for assets/liabilities still held(6):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
$
0

 
$
1,046

 
$
(9
)
 
$
(23
)
Other income
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(14
)
Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances
$
3

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
The following tables summarize the portion of changes in fair values of Level 3 assets and liabilities included in earnings and other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2015, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held as of December 31, 2015.

 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
Fixed Maturities Available-For-Sale
 
Foreign
Government
 
Corporate Securities(1)
 
Structured Securities(2)
 
(in millions)
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
$
0

 
$
(95
)
 
$
41

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(3
)
 
$
7

 
$
(40
)
Net investment income
$
0

 
$
17

 
$
20

Unrealized gains (losses) for assets still held(6):
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
$
0

 
$
(87
)
 
$
4


 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
Trading Account Assets
 
Corporate Securities
 
Structured Securities(2)
 
Equity
 
All
Other
Activity
 
(in millions)
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

Other income
$
(28
)
 
$
(7
)
 
$
(15
)
 
$
(1
)
Net investment income
$
1

 
$
1

 
$
0

 
$
0

Unrealized gains (losses) for assets still held(6):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

Other income
$
9

 
$
(7
)
 
$
6

 
$
(1
)
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
Equity
Securities
Available-
For-Sale
 
Other
Long-term
Investments
 
Other
Assets
 
(in millions)
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
$
15

 
$
21

 
$
0

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
$
1

 
$
0

 
$
0

Net investment income
$
0

 
$
(1
)
 
$
0

Unrealized gains (losses) for assets/liabilities still held(6):
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
$
(3
)
 
$
19

 
$
2


 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
Separate
Account
Assets(3)
 
Future
Policy
Benefits
 
Other
Liabilities
 
Notes
Issued by
Consolidated
VIEs
 
(in millions)
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
$
0

 
$
717

 
$
1

 
$
287

Other income
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
146

Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances
$
(38
)
 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

Net investment income
$
24

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

Unrealized gains (losses) for assets/liabilities still held(6):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
$
0

 
$
485

 
$
1

 
$
287

Other income
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
146

Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances
$
318

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

__________
(1)
Includes U.S. corporate public, U.S. corporate private, foreign corporate public and foreign corporate private securities. Prior period amounts were aggregated to conform to current period presentation.
(2)
Includes asset-backed, commercial mortgage-backed and residential mortgage-backed securities. Prior period information has been revised to conform to current period presentation.
(3)
Separate account assets represent segregated funds that are invested for certain customers. Investment risks associated with market value changes are borne by the customers, except to the extent of minimum guarantees made by the Company with respect to certain accounts. Separate account liabilities are not included in the above table as they are reported at contract value and not fair value in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
(4)
Other, for the period ended December 31, 2017 primarily represents deconsolidations of certain previously consolidated collateralized loan obligations and reclassifications of certain assets between reporting categories. Other, for the period ended December 31, 2016 primarily represents deconsolidations of certain previously consolidated collateralized loan obligations.
(5)
Transfers into or out of Level 3 are generally reported as the value as of the beginning of the quarter in which the transfers occur for any such assets still held at the end of the quarter.
(6)
Unrealized gains or losses related to assets still held at the end of the period do not include amortization or accretion of premiums and discounts.

Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Derivatives
The following tables present the balance of derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as of the date indicated, by primary underlying. These tables include NPR and exclude embedded derivatives and associated reinsurance recoverables. The derivative assets and liabilities shown below are included in “Trading account assets-All Other Activity,” “Other long-term investments” or “Other liabilities” in the tables contained within the section “—Assets and Liabilities by Hierarchy Level” and “—Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities”, above.
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Netting(1)
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
$
25

 
$
8,399

 
$
0

 
$
 
$
8,424

Currency
 
0

 
165

 
0

 
 
 
165

Credit
 
0

 
21

 
0

 
 
 
21

Currency/Interest Rate
 
0

 
1,588

 
0

 
 
 
1,588

Equity
 
2

 
595

 
10

 
 
 
607

Commodity
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
 
 
0

Netting(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(9,600
)
 
(9,600
)
Total derivative assets
 
$
27

 
$
10,768

 
$
10

 
$
(9,600
)
 
$
1,205

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
$
1

 
$
3,800

 
$
3

 
$
 
$
3,804

Currency
 
0

 
262

 
0

 
 
 
262

Credit
 
0

 
5

 
0

 
 
 
5

Currency/Interest Rate
 
0

 
1,149

 
0

 
 
 
1,149

Equity
 
2

 
733

 
0

 
 
 
735

Commodity
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
 
 
0

Netting(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(5,312
)
 
(5,312
)
Total derivative liabilities
 
$
3

 
$
5,949

 
$
3

 
$
(5,312
)
 
$
643

 
 
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Netting(1)
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
$
55

 
$
9,269

 
$
6

 
$
 
$
9,330

Currency
 
0

 
375

 
0

 
 
 
375

Credit
 
0

 
1

 
0

 
 
 
1

Currency/Interest Rate
 
0

 
3,174

 
0

 
 
 
3,174

Equity
 
0

 
203

 
0

 
 
 
203

Commodity
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
 
 
0

Netting(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(11,716
)
 
(11,716
)
Total derivative assets
 
$
55

 
$
13,022

 
$
6

 
$
(11,716
)
 
$
1,367

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
$
1

 
$
4,515

 
$
2

 
$
 
$
4,518

Currency
 
0

 
893

 
0

 
 
 
893

Credit
 
0

 
25

 
0

 
 
 
25

Currency/Interest Rate
 
0

 
365

 
0

 
 
 
365

Equity
 
6

 
483

 
0

 
 
 
489

Commodity
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
 
 
0

Netting(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(5,945
)
 
(5,945
)
Total derivative liabilities
 
$
7

 
$
6,281

 
$
2

 
$
(5,945
)
 
$
345

 __________
(1)
“Netting” amounts represent cash collateral and the impact of offsetting asset and liability positions held with the same counterparty.
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Derivatives
The following tables provide a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 derivative assets and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2017, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the year ended December 31, 2017, attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at December 31, 2017.
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
 
Net Derivative–
Equity
 
Net Derivative–
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Fair Value, beginning of period
 
$
0

 
$
4

Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
 
0

 
(7
)
Other income
 
0

 
0

Purchases
 
0

 
0

Sales
 
0

 
0

Issuances
 
0

 
0

Settlements
 
0

 
0

Foreign currency translation
 
0

 
0

Other(1)
 
10

 
0

Transfers into Level 3(3)
 
0

 
0

Transfers out of Level 3(3)
 
0

 
0

Fair Value, end of period
 
$
10

 
$
(3
)
Unrealized gains (losses) for the period relating to those Level 3 assets that were still held at the end of the period:
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
 
$
0

 
$
(7
)
Other income
 
$
0

 
$
0


 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
 
Net Derivative–
Equity
 
Net Derivative–
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Fair Value, beginning of period
 
$
32

 
$
5

Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
 
0

 
(1
)
Other income
 
0

 
0

Purchases
 
0

 
0

Sales
 
0

 
0

Issuances
 
0

 
0

Settlements
 
0

 
0

Other(2)
 
(32
)
 
0

Transfers into Level 3(3)
 
0

 
0

Transfers out of Level 3(3)
 
0

 
0

Fair Value, end of period
 
$
0

 
$
4

Unrealized gains (losses) for the period relating to those Level 3 assets that were still held at the end of the period:
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
 
$
0

 
$
0

Other income
 
$
0

 
$
0


 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
Net Derivative–
Equity
 
Net Derivative–
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Fair Value, beginning of period
 
$
6

 
$
3

Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
 
20

 
2

Other income
 
0

 
0

Purchases
 
9

 
0

Sales
 
(2
)
 
0

Issuances
 
0

 
0

Settlements
 
0

 
0

Other
 
0

 
0

Transfers into Level 3(3)
 
0

 
0

Transfers out of Level 3(3)
 
(1
)
 
0

Fair Value, end of period
 
$
32

 
$
5

Unrealized gains (losses) for the period relating to those Level 3 assets that were still held at the end of the period:
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings:
 
 
 
 
Realized investment gains (losses), net
 
$
20

 
$
2

Other income
 
$
0

 
$
0

__________
(1)
Relates to warrants received in an asset restructuring that resulted in reclassification of reporting category.
(2)
Relates to private warrants reclassified from derivatives to trading securities.
(3)
Transfers into or out of Level 3 are generally reported at the value as of the beginning of the quarter in which the transfer occurs.
Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring
The following table represents information for assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The fair value measurement is nonrecurring as these assets are measured at fair value only when there is evidence of impairment. Assets included in the table are those that were impaired, and therefore measured at fair value, during the respective reporting periods and that are still held as of the reporting date. The estimated fair values for these amounts were determined using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in millions)
Commercial mortgage loans(1):
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value after measurement as of period end
$
64

 
$
47

 
$
0

Realized investment gains (losses) net
$
(2
)
 
$
(5
)
 
$
0

Mortgage servicing rights(2):
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value after measurement as of period end
$
60

 
$
84

 
$
90

Realized investment gains (losses) net
$
7

 
$
(1
)
 
$
(7
)
Cost method investments(3):
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value after measurement as of period end
$
150

 
$
284

 
$
239

Realized investment gains (losses) net
$
(29
)
 
$
(85
)
 
$
(123
)
__________
(1)
Commercial mortgage loans are valued based on discounted cash flows utilizing market rates or the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral.
(2)
Mortgage servicing rights are valued using a discounted cash flow model. The model incorporates assumptions for servicing revenues, which are adjusted for expected prepayments, delinquency rates, escrow deposit income and estimated loan servicing expenses. The discount rates incorporated into the model are determined based on the estimated returns a market participant would require for this business plus a liquidity and risk premium. This estimate includes available relevant data from any active market sales of mortgage servicing rights.
(3)
For cost method impairments, the methodologies utilized are primarily discounted cash flow and, where appropriate, valuations provided by the general partners taking into consideration investment-related expenses.

Fair Value, Option
The following tables present information regarding assets and liabilities where the fair value option has been elected.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in millions)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial mortgage and other loans:
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in instrument-specific credit risk
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

Other changes in fair value
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

Other long-term investments:
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in fair value
$
147

 
$
58

 
$
2

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Notes issued by consolidated VIEs:
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in fair value
$
4

 
$
37

 
$
(434
)


 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in millions)
Commercial mortgage and other loans:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
13

 
$
10

 
$
11

Notes issued by consolidated VIEs:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
$
75

 
$
120

 
$
351

 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(in millions)
Commercial mortgage and other loans(1):
 
 
 
Fair value as of period end
$
593

 
$
519

Aggregate contractual principal as of period end
$
582

 
$
508

Other long-term investments:
 
 
 
Fair value as of period end
$
1,945

 
$
1,556

Notes issued by consolidated VIEs:
 
 
 
Fair value as of period end
$
1,196

 
$
1,839

Aggregate contractual principal as of period end
$
1,233

 
$
1,886

__________ 
(1)
As of December 31, 2017, for loans for which the fair value option has been elected, there were no loans in non-accrual status and none of the loans were more than 90 days past due and still accruing.
Fair Value Disclosure Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value
The table below presents the carrying amount and fair value by fair value hierarchy level of certain financial instruments that are not reported at fair value. The financial instruments presented below are reported at carrying value on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. In some cases, as described below, the carrying amount equals or approximates fair value.
 
 
December 31, 2017(1)
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount(2)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Total
 
(in millions)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity(3)
$
0

 
$
1,484

 
$
946

 
$
2,430

 
$
2,049

Trading account assets
58

 
51

 
0

 
109

 
109

Commercial mortgage and other loans
0

 
129

 
56,619

 
56,748

 
55,452

Policy loans
1

 
0

 
11,890

 
11,891

 
11,891

Short-term investments
989

 
22

 
0

 
1,011

 
1,011

Cash and cash equivalents
5,997

 
195

 
0

 
6,192

 
6,192

Accrued investment income
0

 
3,325

 
0

 
3,325

 
3,325

Other assets
45

 
2,385

 
685

 
3,115

 
3,115

Total assets
$
7,090

 
$
7,591

 
$
70,140

 
$
84,821

 
$
83,144

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholders’ account balances—investment contracts
$
0

 
$
33,045

 
$
67,141

 
$
100,186

 
$
99,948

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
0

 
8,400

 
0

 
8,400

 
8,400

Cash collateral for loaned securities
0

 
4,354

 
0

 
4,354

 
4,354

Short-term debt
0

 
1,384

 
0

 
1,384

 
1,380

Long-term debt(4)
1,296

 
16,369

 
2,095

 
19,760

 
17,172

Notes issued by consolidated VIEs
0

 
0

 
322

 
322

 
322

Other liabilities
0

 
6,002

 
715

 
6,717

 
6,717

Separate account liabilities—investment contracts
0

 
71,336

 
30,490

 
101,826

 
101,826

Total liabilities
$
1,296

 
$
140,890

 
$
100,763

 
$
242,949

 
$
240,119


 
December 31, 2016(1)
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount(2)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Total
 
(in millions)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity(3)
$
0

 
$
1,526

 
$
998

 
$
2,524

 
$
2,144

Trading account assets
0

 
150

 
0

 
150

 
150

Commercial mortgage and other loans
0

 
139

 
53,625

 
53,764

 
52,260

Policy loans
1

 
0

 
11,754

 
11,755

 
11,755

Short-term investments
0

 
326

 
0

 
326

 
326

Cash and cash equivalents
4,945

 
876

 
0

 
5,821

 
5,821

Accrued investment income
0

 
3,204

 
0

 
3,204

 
3,204

Other assets
54

 
1,976

 
658

 
2,688

 
2,688

Total assets
$
5,000

 
$
8,197

 
$
67,035

 
$
80,232

 
$
78,348

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholders’ account balances—investment contracts
$
0

 
$
41,653

 
$
58,392

 
$
100,045

 
$
99,719

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
0

 
7,606

 
0

 
7,606

 
7,606

Cash collateral for loaned securities
0

 
4,333

 
0

 
4,333

 
4,333

Short-term debt
0

 
1,077

 
73

 
1,150

 
1,133

Long-term debt(4)
1,267

 
15,705

 
2,957

 
19,929

 
18,041

Notes issued by consolidated VIEs(5)
0

 
0

 
311

 
311

 
311

Other liabilities
0

 
6,540

 
696

 
7,236

 
7,236

Separate account liabilities—investment contracts
0

 
71,010

 
27,578

 
98,588

 
98,588

Total liabilities
$
1,267

 
$
147,924

 
$
90,007

 
$
239,198

 
$
236,967

__________
(1)
Other long-term investments excluded from the fair value hierarchy include certain hedge funds, private equity funds and other funds for which fair value is measured at NAV per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the fair values of these cost method investments were $1,795 million and $1,514 million, respectively. The carrying value of these investments were $1,571 million and $1,478 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(2)
Carrying values presented herein differ from those in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position because certain items within the respective financial statement captions are not considered financial instruments or out of scope under authoritative guidance relating to disclosures of the fair value of financial instruments. Financial statement captions excluded from the above table are not considered financial instruments.
(3)
As of December 31, 2017, excludes notes with fair value and carrying amount of $4,913 million and $4,627 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, excludes notes with both fair value and carrying amount of $4,403 million. These amounts have been offset with the associated payables under a netting agreement.
(4)
As of December 31, 2017, includes notes with fair value and carrying amount of $7,577 million and $7,287 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, includes notes with both fair value and carrying amount of $5,859 million. These amounts have been offset with the associated receivables under a netting agreement.
(5)
The amount as of December 31, 2016 was added to the table to correct the previously reported amounts.