INVESTMENTS - Information Regarding Pretax Realized Gains and Losses From Investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized		$ (7)	$ (10)
Loan loss reserves		(7)	(1)
Derivative gains (losses)		144	(52)
Foreign currency gains (losses)		(228)	(71)
Total realized investment gains (losses)		(134)	(140)
Derivatives and other
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Total realized investment gains (losses)		(84)	(123)
Equity securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized			(6)
Total realized investment gains (losses)	[1],[2]	(46)	19
Available-for-sale securities | Fixed maturities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains from sales	[3]	9	12
Gross losses from sales	[3]	(4)	(15)
Net gains (losses) from redemptions	[3]	(2)	(28)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	[3]	0	(4)
Total realized investment gains (losses)	[3]	$ 3	$ (35)

[1] Includes $6 of impairments

[2] See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2018 related to financial instruments.

[3] Includes perpetual securities