SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Life insurance in force
Life insurance in force, Gross amount	$ 113,202	$ 114,354	$ 115,034
Life insurance in force, Ceded to other companies	83,166	89,603	94,041
Life insurance in force, Assumed from other companies	301,316	321,331	291,256
Life insurance in force, Net amount	$ 331,352	$ 346,082	$ 312,249
Life insurance in force, Percentage of amount assumed to net	90.90%	92.80%	93.30%
Premiums and contract charges:
Premiums and contract charges, Goss amount	$ 743	$ 734	$ 715
Premiums and contract charges, Ceded to other companies	326	340	347
Premiums and contract charges, Assumed from other companies	982	999	941
Premiums and contract charges, Net amount	$ 1,399	$ 1,393	$ 1,309
Premiums and contract charges, Percentage of amount assumed to net	70.20%	71.70%	71.90%
Reinsurance or coinsurance income netted against premiums ceded	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Life insurance
Premiums and contract charges:
Premiums and contract charges, Goss amount	679	677	675
Premiums and contract charges, Ceded to other companies	308	320	325
Premiums and contract charges, Assumed from other companies	906	925	869
Premiums and contract charges, Net amount	$ 1,277	$ 1,282	$ 1,219
Premiums and contract charges, Percentage of amount assumed to net	70.90%	72.20%	71.30%
Accident and health insurance
Premiums and contract charges:
Premiums and contract charges, Goss amount	$ 64	$ 57	$ 40
Premiums and contract charges, Ceded to other companies	18	20	22
Premiums and contract charges, Assumed from other companies	76	74	72
Premiums and contract charges, Net amount	$ 122	$ 111	$ 90
Premiums and contract charges, Percentage of amount assumed to net	62.30%	66.70%	80.00%