CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Net earnings (loss)	$ 1,720	$ 854
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances	277	320
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income	(901)	(886)
(Increase) decrease in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset	(1,637)	(690)
(Income) loss related to derivative instruments	(748)	(337)
Investment (gains) losses, net	(13)	3
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on trading securities	(66)	(39)
Amortization of deferred compensation	1	2
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	11	12
Other depreciation and amortization	4	32
Amortization of reinsurance cost	9	56
Amortization of other intangible assets	7	7
Net broker-dealer and customer related receivables/payables	398	63
Reinsurance recoverable with affiliate	(145)	(40)
Segregated cash and securities, net	(159)	(44)
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(10)	(4)
Future policy benefits	572	397
Current and deferred income taxes	733	284
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(2)	103
Other, net	50	125
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	99	218
Cash flows from investing activities:
Fixed maturities, available for sale	1,255	1,572
Mortgage loans on real estate	167	59
Trading account securities	1,788	4,510
Other proceeds	10	44
Fixed maturities, available for sale	(2,359)	(2,046)
Mortgage loans on real estate	(692)	(110)
Trading account securities	(2,100)	(4,957)
Other payments	(26)	(39)
Cash settlements related to derivative instruments	458	600
Decrease in loans to affiliates	382	0
Change in short-term investments	(94)	4
Investment in capitalized software, leasehold improvements and EDP equipment	(20)	(12)
Other, net	78	20
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(1,153)	(355)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Deposits and transfers from Separate Accounts	1,507	1,001
Withdrawals	(121)	(223)
Change in short-term financings	(98)	16
Change in collateralized pledged assets	36	30
Change in collateralized pledged liabilities	319	(1)
Repurchase of AB Holding units	(40)	(17)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities	(111)	(118)
Increase (decrease) in Securities sold under agreement to repurchase	147	17
(Increase) decrease in securities purchased under agreement to resell	(126)	(412)
Other, net	3	6
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,468	299
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	8	(9)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	422	153
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	3,063	2,716
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	3,485	2,869
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Variable interest entities	(2)	0
Cash flows from financing activities:
Distribution to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities	(48)	$ 0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	$ 33