v3.8.0.1
Investments (Other Long Term Investments) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Other Long-Term Investments [Line Items]    
Other long-term investments [1] $ 12,308 $ 11,283
Private equity    
Other Long-Term Investments [Line Items]    
Other long-term investments 4,280 4,059
Hedge funds    
Other Long-Term Investments [Line Items]    
Other long-term investments 3,222 2,660
Real estate-related    
Other Long-Term Investments [Line Items]    
Other long-term investments 1,218 1,291
Joint ventures and limited partnerships    
Other Long-Term Investments [Line Items]    
Other long-term investments 8,720 8,010
Wholly Owned Properties [Member]    
Other Long-Term Investments [Line Items]    
Other long-term investments 2,409 2,195
Other    
Other Long-Term Investments [Line Items]    
Other long-term investments 1,179 1,078
Mortgages | Senior Notes | Real estate-related    
Other Long-Term Investments [Line Items]    
Long-term Debt $ 799 $ 659
[1] See Note 5 for details of balances associated with variable interest entities.