Other Expenses (Other Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Labor and Related Expense	$ 3,595	$ 3,840	$ 3,950
Professional Fees	1,693	1,619	1,568
General and administrative expenses	1,129	1,007	1,417
Pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit cost	307	400	367
Premium taxes, licenses and fees	842	688	691
Commissions and other variable expenses	5,387	5,741	6,112
Capitalization of DAC	(3,002)	(3,152)	(3,319)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA	2,681	2,718	3,184
Amortization of negative VOBA	(140)	(269)	(361)
Interest expense on debt	1,129	1,157	1,168
Total other expenses	$ 13,621	$ 13,749	$ 14,777