Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Net premiums, principally supplemental health insurance	$ 19,225		$ 17,570		$ 19,072
Net investment income	3,278		3,135		3,319
Realized investment gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	(83)		(153)		(31)
Sales and redemptions	215		303		215
Derivative and other gains (losses)	(255)		(10)		31
Total realized investment gains (losses)	(123)		140		215
Other income (loss)	179		27		122
Total revenues	22,559		20,872		22,728
Benefits and expenses:
Benefits and claims, net	12,919		11,746		12,937
Acquisition and operating expenses:
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	1,141		1,066		1,108
Insurance commissions	1,368		1,303		1,436
Insurance expenses	2,452		2,214		2,261
Interest expense	268		289		317
Other operating expenses	344	[1]	392	[1]	178
Total acquisition and operating expenses	5,573		5,264		5,300
Total benefits and expenses	18,492		17,010		18,237
Earnings before income taxes	4,067		3,862		4,491
Income Tax Expense:
Current	884		1,288		1,079
Deferred	524		41		461
Total income tax expense	1,408		1,329		1,540
Net earnings	$ 2,659		$ 2,533		$ 2,951
Net earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 6.46		$ 5.88		$ 6.54
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 6.42		$ 5.85		$ 6.50
Weighted-average outstanding common shares used in computing earnings per share (In thousands):
Basic (in shares)	411,471		430,654		451,204
Diluted (in shares)	413,921		433,172		454,000
Senior Notes due 2039 and 2040
Expense on extinguishment of debt	$ 137
8.50% senior notes due May 2019
Expense on extinguishment of debt			$ 230

[1] Includes expense of $137 in 2016 and $230 in 2015 for the payments associated with the early extinguishment of debt