Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Comprehensive Income
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 79	$ 118	$ 225	$ 493
Total comprehensive income	202	44	823	47
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0	1	0	1
Comprehensive income attributable to Hartford Life Insurance Company	202	43	823	46
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Total other comprehensive income	123	(74)	598	(446)
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net unrealized gain / loss on securities	137	(87)	591	(451)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net gain / loss on cash-flow hedging instruments	$ (14)	$ 13	$ 6	$ 5