Commissions and Other Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Details underlying commissions and other expenses [Abstract]
Commissions	$ 2,271	$ 1,998	$ 1,927
General and administrative expenses	1,910	1,715	1,623
Expenses associated with reserve financing and unrelated LOCs	64	57	40
DAC and VOBA deferrals and interest, net of amortization	(436)	(390)	(170)
Broker-dealer expenses	358	329	320
Specifically identifiable intangible asset amortization	9	4	4
Taxes, licenses and fees	322	254	261
Acquisition and integration costs related to mergers and acquisitions	85
Total	$ 4,583	$ 3,967	$ 4,005