Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Balance, beginning of year	$ 1,271	$ 1,331	$ 1,834
Classified as held for sale, beginning balance		0	743	$ 0
Total, including those classified as held for sale		1,271	2,074	1,834
Acquisition costs deferred	124	163	254
Amortization charged to income	(151)	(162)	(240)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses	99	(97)	226
Reinsurance ceded	(29)	0	0
Sold in LBL disposition	0	(707)	0
Classified as held for sale, ending balance	0	0	(743)
Balance, end of year	1,314	1,271	1,331
DSI activity relates to fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts
Balance, beginning of year	44	42	41
Classified as held for sale, ending balance	0	28	0
Total, including those classified as held for sale		44	70	$ 41
Sales inducements deferred	3	4	24
Amortization charged to income	(4)	(4)	(7)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses	2	(3)	12
Sold in LBL disposition	0	(23)	0
Classified as held for sale, ending balance	0	0	(28)
Balance, end of year	$ 45	$ 44	$ 42