Consolidated Reinsurance (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Reinsurance
Reinsurance ceded	$ 1,275	$ 1,145	$ 1,168
Reinsurance assumed	79	297	94
Assumed Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	7,006	94,863	52,728
Ceded Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	483,391	497,017	450,342
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Consolidated Reinsurance
Assumed Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	7,000	86,400	50,200
Ceded Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	311,000	321,000	292,000
Life insurance (1)
Consolidated Reinsurance
Reinsurance ceded	1,057	916	943
Reinsurance assumed	76	288	94
Life insurance (1) | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Consolidated Reinsurance
Reinsurance ceded	928	783	830
Reinsurance assumed	$ 34	$ 227	$ 55