Reinsurance (Effects of Reinsurance on Earnings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Premiums:
Direct Premiums	$ 41,259	$ 42,201	$ 42,513
Reinsurance assumed	2,907	2,032	2,020
Reinsurance ceded	(2,157)	(2,199)	(2,298)
Net premiums	42,009	42,034	42,235
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Direct universal life and investment-type product policy fees	6,271	6,122	6,109
Reinsurance assumed	45	50	56
Reinsurance ceded	(560)	(569)	(562)
Net universal life and investment product policy fees	5,756	5,603	5,603
Policyholder Benefits and Claims:
Direct policyholder benefits and claims	44,035	42,221	42,094
Reinsurance assumed	2,570	1,745	1,584
Reinsurance ceded	(2,651)	(2,505)	(2,217)
Net policyholder benefits and claims	43,954	41,461	41,461
Other expenses:
Direct other expenses	12,450	13,013	13,559
Reinsurance assumed	375	371	382
Reinsurance ceded	239	234	252
Total other expenses	$ 12,586	$ 13,150	$ 13,689