Commissions and Other Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Details underlying commissions and other expenses [Abstract]
Commissions	$ 1,986	$ 1,910	$ 2,071
General and administrative expenses	1,766	1,687	1,701
Expenses associated with reserve financing and unrelated LOCs	87	80	73
DAC and VOBA deferrals and interest, net of amortization	(350)	(70)	(226)
Broker-dealer expenses	438	418	432
Specifically identifiable intangible asset amortization	4	4	4
Media expenses			29
Taxes, licenses and fees	245	248	234
Total	4,176	4,277	4,318
Parent Company [Member]
Details underlying commissions and other expenses [Abstract]
General and administrative expenses	$ 40	$ 46	$ 38