CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018		Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (40)		$ (54)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances	(338)		(279)
Policy charges and fee income	(869)		(852)
Net derivative (gains) losses	777		362
Investment (gains) losses, net	(87)		11
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on trading securities	63		(53)
Amortization of deferred compensation	12		8
Amortization of deferred sales commission	7		9
Other depreciation and amortization	(23)		36
Amortization of deferred cost of reinsurance asset	46		50
Amortization of other intangibles	8		8
Distributions from joint ventures and limited partnerships	25		26
Deferred policy acquisition costs	10		29
Changes in:
Net broker-dealer and customer related receivables/payables	283		288
Reinsurance recoverable	2		(23)
Segregated cash and securities, net	(208)		(310)
Future policy benefits	(191)		241
Current and deferred income taxes	(52)		(188)
Other, net	(122)		151
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(21)		18
Proceeds from the sale/maturity/prepayment of:
Fixed maturities, available for sale	3,238		864
Mortgage loans on real estate	68		209
Trading account securities	1,606		2,488
Other	54		56
Payment For Purchase/Origination Of Productive Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	(2,313)		(1,153)
Mortgage loans on real estate	(447)		(632)
Trading account securities	(2,595)		(3,622)
Other	(48)		(28)
Cash settlements related to derivative instruments	(14)		(908)
Change in short-term investments	396		254
Investment in capitalized software, leasehold improvements and EDP equipment	(24)		(18)
Other, net	(560)		43
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(639)		(2,447)
Policyholders’ account balances:
Deposits	2,366		2,240
Withdrawals	(1,322)		(785)
Transfer (to) from Separate Accounts	(115)		176
Change in short-term financings	(76)		95
Change in collateralized pledged assets	(5)		714
Change in collateralized pledged liabilities	(31)		208
(Decrease) increase in overdrafts payable	7		50
Repurchase of AB Holding units	(2)		(31)
Redemptions of non-controlling interests of consolidated VIEs, net	373		(4)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	(176)		(145)
Increase (decrease) in Securities sold under agreement to repurchase	17		(212)
Other, net	4		0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,040		2,306
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	8		8
Change in cash and cash equivalents	388		(115)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	3,409	[1]	2,950
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	$ 3,797	[1]	$ 2,835

[1] See Note 2 for details of balances with variable interest entities.