Liabilities for Unpaid Claims and Claims Expenses - Liability Balance Details (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Group Disability and Life, Global Supplemental Beneftits and Other Operations [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims And Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Total liability for unpaid claims and claims expenses	$ 5,006	$ 4,724
Group Disability And Life Segment [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims And Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Total liability for unpaid claims and claims expenses	4,384	4,146
Global Supplemental Benefits Segment [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims And Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Total liability for unpaid claims and claims expenses	425	367
Other Operations Segment [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims And Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Total liability for unpaid claims and claims expenses	$ 197	$ 211