Reinsurance (Effects of Reinsurance on Earnings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Premiums:
Direct premiums	$ 40,271	$ 39,516	$ 40,049
Reinsurance assumed	1,405	1,454	1,472
Reinsurance ceded	(2,523)	(2,425)	(2,454)
Net premiums	39,153	38,545	39,067
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Direct universal life and investment-type product policy fees	10,183	10,424	10,768
Reinsurance assumed	96	105	126
Reinsurance ceded	(1,073)	(1,022)	(948)
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	9,206	9,507	9,946
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Direct policyholder benefits and claims	43,422	41,233	41,573
Reinsurance assumed	1,109	1,023	962
Reinsurance ceded	(3,727)	(3,542)	(3,433)
Net policyholder benefits and claims	40,804	38,714	39,102
Other expenses:
Direct other expenses	15,163	16,968	17,334
Reinsurance assumed	317	130	165
Reinsurance ceded	(411)	(329)	(408)
Total other expenses (2)	$ 15,069	$ 16,769	$ 17,091