CLOSED BLOCK (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CLOSED BLOCK LIABILITIES:
Future policy benefits, policyholders’ account balances and other	$ 7,016	$ 7,179
Policyholder dividend obligation	43	52	$ 216	$ 81
Other liabilities	301	43
Total Closed Block liabilities	7,360	7,274
ASSETS DESIGNATED TO THE CLOSED BLOCK:
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $3,951 and $3,884)	4,126	4,025
Mortgage loans on real estate	1,804	1,623
Policy loans	795	839
Cash and other invested assets	316	444
Other assets	173	181
Total assets designated to the Closed Block	7,214	7,112
Excess of Closed Block liabilities over assets designated to the Closed Block	146	162
Closed Block Assets and Liabilities, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of policyholder dividend obligation of $(43) and $(52)	142	100
Maximum Future Earnings To Be Recognized From Closed Block Assets and Liabilities	$ 288	$ 262