Commissions and Other Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Details underlying commissions and other expenses [Abstract]
Commissions	$ 2,549	$ 2,256	$ 1,986
General and administrative expenses	2,210	1,953	1,766
Expenses associated with reserve financing and unrelated LOCs	88	84	87
DAC and VOBA deferrals and interest, net of amortization	(540)	(402)	(350)
Broker-dealer expenses	481	465	438
Specifically identifiable intangible asset amortization	26	9	4
Taxes, licenses and fees	343	313	245
Acquisition and integration costs related to mergers and acquisitions	130	85
Total	$ 5,287	$ 4,763	$ 4,176