CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Net earnings (loss)	$ 2,803	$ 2,104
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances	1,137	583
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income	(2,794)	(2,747)
(Increase) decrease in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset	(2,543)	(1,503)
(Income) loss related to derivative instruments	(1,098)	(337)
Investment (gains) losses, net	(35)	18
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on trading securities	(117)	40
Amortization of deferred compensation	7	8
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	32	37
Other depreciation and amortization	(61)	(19)
Amortization of deferred cost of reinsurance asset	115	92
Amortization of other intangible assets	21	21
Net broker-dealer and customer related receivables/payables	80	(111)
Reinsurance recoverable	(120)	(59)
Segregated cash and securities, net	73	94
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(80)	(208)
Future policy benefits	1,370	1,105
Current and deferred income taxes	704	546
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	208	344
Other, net	133	65
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(210)	73
Cash flows from investing activities:
Fixed maturities, available for sale	5,038	3,520
Mortgage loans on real estate	595	432
Trading account securities	4,664	9,314
Other proceeds	31	122
Fixed maturities, available for sale	(6,991)	(3,877)
Mortgage loans on real estate	(2,193)	(775)
Trading account securities	(6,543)	(10,501)
Other payments	(177)	(37)
Cash settlements related to derivative instruments	994	850
Decrease in loans to affiliates	383	0
Change in short-term investments	72	4
Investment in capitalized software, leasehold improvements and EDP equipment	(58)	(41)
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired	(21)	0
Other, net	118	160
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(4,088)	(829)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Deposits and transfers from Separate Accounts	5,987	3,442
Withdrawals	(306)	(651)
Change in short-term financings	(197)	(128)
Change in collateralized pledged assets	(64)	19
Change in collateralized pledged liabilities	202	(134)
(Decrease) increase in overdrafts payable	(75)	0
Payments of Dividends	(500)	(517)
Repurchase of AB Holding units	(129)	(100)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities	(287)	(326)
Increase (decrease) in Securities sold under agreement to repurchase	253	932
(Increase) decrease in securities purchased under agreement to resell	79	(224)
Other, net	6	12
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	4,929	2,325
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	7	(9)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	638	1,560
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	3,063	2,716
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	3,701	4,276
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Variable interest entities	(45)	0
Cash flows from financing activities:
Distribution to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities	(40)	$ 0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	$ 43