Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 495	$ 210	$ 113
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs, value of business acquired and sales inducements	(64)	(80)	(80)
Net amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, value of business acquired and sales inducements	87	234	168
Net accretion/amortization of discount/premium	(3)	12	(1)
Future policy benefits, claims reserves and interest credited	547	534	1,289
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	49	(158)	(3)
Net realized capital losses	242	200	213
Depreciation	2	3	4
Change in:
Accrued investment income	3	(3)	(6)
Premiums receivable and reinsurance recoverable	87	138	205
Other receivables and asset accruals	(15)	21	7
Due to/from affiliates	18	(105)	30
Other payables and accruals	(169)	(3)	126
Other, net	(33)	(24)	(11)
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,246	979	2,054
Proceeds from the sale, maturity, disposal or redemption of:
Fixed maturities	3,983	4,462	3,184
Equity securities, available-for-sale	3	25	49
Mortgage loans on real estate	598	494	375
Limited partnerships/corporations	99	81	71
Acquisition of:
Fixed maturities	(5,475)	(4,247)	(5,664)
Equity securities, available-for-sale	(3)	(2)	0
Mortgage loans on real estate	(606)	(1,149)	(900)
Limited partnerships/corporations	(254)	(120)	(113)
Derivatives, net	23	203	28
Policy loans, net	4	5	11
Short-term investments, net	(26)	8	(33)
Short-term loan to affiliate, net	80	(80)	0
Collateral received (delivered), net	(46)	(189)	(30)
Other investments, net	40	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,660)	(509)	(3,022)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Deposits received for investment contracts	3,744	2,380	3,746
Maturities and withdrawals from investment contracts	(3,108)	(2,794)	(2,534)
Settlements on deposit contracts	(20)	(64)	(66)
Dividends paid and return of capital distribution	(126)	(265)	(278)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	490	(743)	868
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	76	(273)	(100)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	288	561	661
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	364	288	561
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income taxes paid, net	$ 83	$ 13	$ 15