Commissions and Other Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Details underlying commissions and other expenses [Abstract]
Commissions	$ 2,256	$ 1,986	$ 1,910
General and administrative expenses	1,953	1,766	1,687
Expenses associated with reserve financing and unrelated LOCs	84	87	80
DAC and VOBA deferrals and interest, net of amortization	(402)	(350)	(70)
Broker-dealer expenses	465	438	418
Specifically identifiable intangible asset amortization	9	4	4
Taxes, licenses and fees	313	245	248
Acquisition and integration costs related to mergers and acquisitions	85
Total	$ 4,763	$ 4,176	$ 4,277