Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 944	$ 678
Proceeds from the sale, maturity, disposal or redemption of:
Fixed maturities	2,976	3,293
Equity securities	0	0
Mortgage loans on real estate	429	351
Limited partnerships/corporations	63	59
Acquisition of:
Fixed maturities	(3,881)	(3,261)
Equity securities	(3)	(2)
Mortgage loans on real estate	(535)	(964)
Limited partnerships/corporations	(209)	(87)
Derivatives, net	(10)	200
Policy loans, net	2	5
Short-term investments, net	25	29
Short-term loan to affiliate, net	80	0
Collateral received (delivered), net	54	(185)
Other investments, net	(41)	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,050)	(562)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Deposits received for investment contracts	2,560	1,911
Maturities and withdrawals from investment contracts	(2,379)	(1,979)
Settlements on deposit contracts	(20)	(49)
Dividends paid and distributions of capital	(126)	(261)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	35	(378)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(71)	(262)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	288	561
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 217	$ 299