Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Balance, beginning of year	$ 1,331	$ 1,834	$ 2,165
Classified as held for sale, beginning balance		743	0	0
Total, including those classified as held for sale		2,074	1,834	2,165
Acquisition costs deferred	163	254	262
Amortization charged to income	(162)	(240)	(324)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses	(97)	226	(269)
Sold in LBL disposition	(707)	(743)	0
Balance, end of year	1,271	1,331	1,834
DSI activity relates to fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts
Balance, beginning of year	42	41	41
Classified as held for sale, ending balance	28	0	0
Total, including those classified as held for sale		70	41	41
Sales inducements deferred	4	24	22
Amortization charged to income	(4)	(7)	(14)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses	(3)	12	(8)
Sold in LBL disposition	(23)	0	0
Classified as held for sale, ending balance	0	28	0
Balance, end of year	$ 44	$ 42	$ 41