General (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	$ 142	$ 147	$ 441	$ 442
Contract charges	192	264	652	788
Total premiums and contract charges	334	411	1,093	1,230
Traditional life insurance
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	120	114	365	342
Immediate annuities with life contingencies
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	0	6	5	22
Accident and health insurance
Premiums and contract charges by product
Premiums	22	27	71	78
Interest-sensitive life insurance
Premiums and contract charges by product
Contract charges	188	258	638	775
Fixed annuities
Premiums and contract charges by product
Contract charges	$ 4	$ 6	$ 14	$ 13