SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Life insurance in force
Gross amount	$ 167,355	$ 156,486	$ 135,627
Ceded to other companies	90,011	93,326	98,165
Assumed from other companies	275,008	280,644	290,565
Net amount	$ 352,352	$ 343,804	$ 328,027
Percentage of amount assumed to net	78.00%	81.60%	88.60%
Premiums and contract charges:
Gross amount	$ 34,015	$ 32,915	$ 31,858
Ceded premium earned	1,296	1,338	1,446
Assumed from other companies	863	890	674
Net amount	$ 33,582	$ 32,467	$ 31,086
Percentage of amount assumed to net	2.60%	2.70%	2.20%
Reinsurance or coinsurance income net of premium ceded	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Life insurance
Premiums and contract charges:
Gross amount	877	828	1,144
Ceded premium earned	279	299	360
Assumed from other companies	818	849	629
Net amount	$ 1,416	$ 1,378	$ 1,413
Percentage of amount assumed to net	57.80%	61.60%	44.50%
Accident and health insurance
Premiums and contract charges:
Gross amount	$ 889	$ 813	$ 800
Ceded premium earned	30	33	56
Assumed from other companies	0	0	0
Net amount	$ 859	$ 780	$ 744
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Property-liability insurance
Premiums and contract charges:
Gross amount	$ 32,249	$ 31,274	$ 29,914
Ceded premium earned	987	1,006	1,030
Assumed from other companies	45	41	45
Net amount	$ 31,307	$ 30,309	$ 28,929
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.10%	0.10%	0.20%