Consolidated Reinsurance (Consolidated Reinsurance) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Reinsurance
Life Insurance in Force, Gross Amounts	$ 559,458	$ 538,086	$ 489,194
Life Insurance in Force, Ceded Amounts	483,391	497,017	450,342
Life Insurance in Force, Assumed Amounts	7,006	94,863	52,728
Life Insurance in Force, Net Amounts	$ 83,073	$ 135,932	$ 91,580
Life Insurance in Force, Percentage Assumed to Net	8.40%	69.80%	57.60%
Direct Premiums Earned	$ 2,117	$ 2,281	$ 2,226
Ceded Premiums Earned	1,275	1,145	1,168
Assumed Premiums Earned	79	297	94
Premiums Earned, Net	$ 921	$ 1,433	$ 1,152
Premiums, Percentage Assumed to Net	8.60%	20.70%	8.20%
Life insurance (1)
Consolidated Reinsurance
Direct Premiums Earned	$ 1,894	$ 2,046	$ 1,995
Ceded Premiums Earned	1,057	916	943
Assumed Premiums Earned	76	288	94
Premiums Earned, Net	$ 913	$ 1,418	$ 1,146
Premiums, Percentage Assumed to Net	8.30%	20.30%	8.20%
Accident & health insurance
Consolidated Reinsurance
Direct Premiums Earned	$ 223	$ 235	$ 231
Ceded Premiums Earned	218	229	225
Assumed Premiums Earned	3	9	0
Premiums Earned, Net	$ 8	$ 15	$ 6
Premiums, Percentage Assumed to Net	37.50%	60.00%	0.00%