Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Balance, beginning of year	$ 1,314	$ 1,271	$ 1,331
Classified as held for sale, beginning balance		0	0	$ 743
Total, including those classified as held for sale		1,314	1,271	2,074
Acquisition costs deferred	79	124	163
Amortization charged to income	(134)	(151)	(162)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses	(72)	99	(97)
Reinsurance ceded	0	(29)	0
Sold in LBL disposition	0	0	(707)
Balance, end of year	1,187	1,314	1,271
DSI activity relates to fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts
Balance, beginning of year	45	44	42
Classified as held for sale, beginning balance	0	0	28
Total, including those classified as held for sale		45	44	$ 70
Sales inducements deferred	1	3	4
Amortization charged to income	(5)	(4)	(4)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses	(1)	2	(3)
Sold in LBL disposition	0	0	(23)
Balance, end of year	$ 40	$ 45	$ 44