Other Expenses (Other Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Other Expenses
Compensation	$ 1,107	$ 1,100	$ 3,302	$ 3,602
Pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit costs	86	78	242	308
Commissions	888	859	2,544	2,700
Volume-related costs	113	91	285	384
Capitalization of DAC	(761)	(770)	(2,218)	(2,422)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA	626	660	1,945	2,052
Amortization of negative VOBA	(32)	(55)	(113)	(221)
Interest expense on debt	284	280	851	875
Premium taxes, licenses and fees	145	174	467	544
Professional services	389	372	1,119	1,099
Rent and related expenses, net of sublease income	121	91	265	285
Other General and Administrative Expense	352	336	1,215	1,090
Total other expenses	$ 3,318	$ 3,216	$ 9,904	$ 10,296