DAC, VOBA, DSI, and DFEL (VOBA) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Changes in VOBA [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning-of-year	$ 1,191		$ 724		$ 1,055
Business acquired (sold) through reinsurance	2		4		2
Deferrals	9		13		12
Amortization:
Amortization, excluding unlocking	(186)		(179)		(225)
Unlocking	(21)		(52)		(23)
Accretion of interest	64	[1]	68	[1]	73	[1]
Adjustment related to realized (gains) losses	(1)		(1)		9
Adjustment related to unrealized (gains) losses	(409)		614		(179)
Balance as of end-of-year	$ 649		$ 1,191		$ 724
Interest accrual rate, low end	4.02%
Interest accrual rate, high end	7.05%

[1] The interest accrual rates utilized to calculate the accretion of interest ranged from 4.02% to 7.05%.