SCHEDULE V - VALUATION ALLOWANCES AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for reinsurance recoverables
Valuation allowances and qualifying accounts
Balance at beginning of period	$ 92	$ 87	$ 103
Additions charged to costs and expenses	3	8
Deductions		3	16
Balance at end of period	95	92	87
Allowance for premium installment receivable
Valuation allowances and qualifying accounts
Balance at beginning of period	77	70	70
Additions charged to costs and expenses	99	96	85
Deductions	93	89	85
Balance at end of period	83	77	70
Allowance for deferred tax assets
Valuation allowances and qualifying accounts
Balance at beginning of period			67
Deductions			67
Allowance for estimated losses on mortgage loans
Valuation allowances and qualifying accounts
Balance at beginning of period	21	42	63
Additions charged to costs and expenses	(5)	(11)	(5)
Deductions	8	10	16
Balance at end of period	$ 8	$ 21	$ 42