Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenues
Premiums									$ 900	$ 863	$ 1,222
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees									3,835	3,898	3,782
Net investment income									3,338	3,078	3,207
Other revenues									397	651	736
Net investment gains (losses)									(207)	(28)	(78)
Net derivative gains (losses)									702	(1,620)	(5,851)
Total revenues	$ 4,026	$ 1,422	$ 1,702	$ 1,815	$ 1,880	$ 1,972	$ 2,025	$ 965	8,965	6,842	3,018
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims									3,272	3,636	3,903
Interest credited to policyholder account balances									1,079	1,111	1,165
Amortization of DAC and VOBA									1,050	227	371
Other expenses									2,575	2,483	2,284
Total expenses	2,239	1,790	2,019	1,928	2,102	2,096	1,704	1,555	7,976	7,457	7,723
Income (loss) before provision for income tax									989	(615)	(4,705)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)									119	(237)	(1,766)
Net income (loss)	1,442	(269)	(238)	(65)	668	(943)	246	(349)	870	(378)	(2,939)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	2	1	2	0	0	0	0	5	0	0
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$ 1,442	$ (271)	$ (239)	$ (67)	$ 668	$ (943)	$ 246	$ (349)	$ 865	$ (378)	$ (2,939)
Earnings per common share
Basic	$ 12.18	$ (2.26)	$ (2.01)	$ (0.56)	$ 5.57	$ (7.87)	$ 2.05	$ (2.91)	$ 7.24	$ (3.16)	$ (24.54)
Diluted	$ 12.14	$ (2.26)	$ (2.01)	$ (0.56)	$ 5.57	$ (7.87)	$ 2.05	$ (2.91)	$ 7.21	$ (3.16)	$ (24.54)