Other Expenses (Other Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Compensation	$ 1,157	$ 1,221	$ 3,706	$ 3,636
Pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit costs	100	131	297	368
Commissions	1,103	1,294	3,382	3,884
Volume-related costs	264	227	761	639
Capitalization of DAC	(955)	(1,071)	(2,850)	(3,149)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA	1,131	1,054	3,053	3,174
Amortization of negative VOBA	(90)	(107)	(282)	(333)
Interest expense on debt	302	295	908	919
Premium taxes, licenses and fees	199	192	568	612
Professional services	366	348	1,079	1,035
Rent and related expenses, net of sublease income	78	95	245	273
Other (1)	878	539	1,798	1,545
Total other expenses	$ 4,533	$ 4,218	$ 12,665	$ 12,603