CLOSED BLOCK (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
CLOSED BLOCK LIABILITIES:
Future policy benefits, policyholders’ account balances and other				$ 6,945	$ 7,179
Policyholder dividend obligation	$ 52	$ 81	$ 81	32	52
Other liabilities				271	43
Total Closed Block liabilities				7,248	7,274
ASSETS DESIGNATED TO THE CLOSED BLOCK:
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $3,923 and $3,884)				4,070	4,025
Mortgage loans on real estate				1,720	1,623
Policy loans				781	839
Cash and other invested assets				351	444
Other assets				219	213
Total assets designated to the Closed Block				7,141	7,144
Excess of Closed Block liabilities over assets designated to the Closed Block				107	130
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of policyholder dividend obligation of $32 and $52				138	100
Maximum Future Income To Be Recognized From Closed Block Assets and Liabilities				245	230
Closed block investments fixed maturity available for sale amortized cost				$ 3,923	$ 3,884
REVENUES:
Premiums and other income	224	212	236
Investment income (loss)	314	349	368
Net investment gains (losses)	(20)	(1)	2
Total revenues	518	560	606
BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS:
Policyholders’ benefits and dividends	537	522	550
Other operating costs and expenses	2	4	4
Total benefits and other deductions	539	526	554
Net revenues, before income taxes	(21)	34	52
Income tax (expense) benefit	6	(12)	(18)
Net Revenues (Losses)	(15)	22	34
Movement in Closed Block Dividend Obligation [Roll Forward]
Balances, beginning of year	52	81
Unrealized investment gains (losses)	(20)	(29)
Balances, End of year	$ 32	$ 52	$ 81