Commissions and Other Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Details underlying commissions and other expenses [Abstract]
Commissions	$ 1,910	$ 2,071	$ 2,092
General and administrative expenses	1,687	1,701	1,640
Expenses associated with reserve financing and unrelated LOCs	80	73	68
DAC and VOBA deferrals and interest, net of amortization	(70)	(226)	(432)
Broker-dealer expenses	418	432	408
Specifically identifiable intangible asset amortization	4	4	4
Media expenses		29	60
Taxes, licenses and fees	248	234	239
Total	4,277	4,318	4,079
Parent Company [Member]
Details underlying commissions and other expenses [Abstract]
General and administrative expenses	$ 46	$ 38	$ 39