CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Premiums, reinsurance ceded	$ 158	$ 167	$ 216
Contract charges, reinsurance ceded	189	189	176
Contract benefits, reinsurance ceded	224	237	329
Interest credited to contractholder funds, reinsurance ceded	$ 46	$ 40	$ 27