BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION - Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$ 5,410	$ (775)
Adjustments related to:
Non-GAAP Operating Earnings	515	509
Interest expense	52	56
Adjustments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	5,410	(775)
Adjustments related to:
Variable annuity product features	(6,861)	1,540
Investment (gains) losses	(4)	11
Net actuarial (gains) losses related to pension and other postretirement benefit obligations	27	24
Other adjustments	634	40
Income tax expense (benefit) related to above adjustments	1,303	(337)
Non-recurring tax items	6	6
COVID Impact on VA product feature due to assumption updates	1,500
Other COVID-19 impact	35
Assumption updates due to COVID-19	1,000
Other COVID-19 impact	51
Separation costs	32	24
COVID-19 impact on taxes	(534)
Operating Segments | Individual Retirement
Adjustments related to:
Non-GAAP Operating Earnings	372	370
Operating Segments | Group Retirement
Adjustments related to:
Non-GAAP Operating Earnings	106	81
Operating Segments | Investment Management and Research
Adjustments related to:
Non-GAAP Operating Earnings	95	77
Operating Segments | Protection Solutions
Adjustments related to:
Non-GAAP Operating Earnings	38	49
Corporate and Other
Adjustments related to:
Non-GAAP Operating Earnings	(96)	(68)
Interest expense	$ 56	$ 52