Equity (Statutory Net Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Parent Company [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)	$ 1,487	$ 369	$ 1,320
Statutory capital and surplus	12,008	12,428
New England Life Insurance Company [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)	303	103	79
Statutory capital and surplus	675	571
General American Life Insurance Company [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)	129	60	19
Statutory capital and surplus	$ 867	$ 818