GMDB, GMIB, GIB, GWBL AND OTHER FEATURES AND NO LAPSE GUARANTEE FEATURES 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Direct Liability, Gross [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 8,789	$ 8,283
Balance, end of period	9,016	8,702
Direct Liability
Direct Liability, Gross [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	1,202	1,084
Other changes in reserves	33	50
Balance, end of period	1,235	1,134
Reinsurance Ceded
Reinsurance Ceded [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	(623)	(539)
Other changes in reserves	3	(22)
Balance, end of period	(620)	(561)
Net
Direct Liability, Net [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	579	545
Other changes in reserves	36	28
Balance, end of period	$ 615	$ 573