Commissions and Other Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Details underlying commissions and other expenses [Abstract]
Commissions	$ 2,071	$ 2,092	$ 1,962
General and administrative expenses	1,701	1,640	1,630
Expenses associated with reserve financing and unrelated LOCs	73	68	64
DAC and VOBA deferrals and interest, net of amortization	(226)	(432)	(640)
Broker-dealer expenses	432	408	387
Specifically identifiable intangible asset amortization	4	4	4
Media expenses	29	60	62
Taxes, licenses and fees	234	239	232
Total	4,318	4,079	3,701
Parent Company [Member]
Details underlying commissions and other expenses [Abstract]
General and administrative expenses	$ 38	$ 39	$ 46