Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment:
Goodwill, balance at the beginning of the period		$ 1,104		$ 1,137
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		49	[1]	19	[2]
Foreign currency translation		24		(51)
Purchase price adjustment		(2)		(1)
Goodwill, balance at the end of the period		1,175		1,104
Advice & Wealth Management [Member]
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment:
Goodwill, balance at the beginning of the period		252		252
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	[1]	27
Goodwill, balance at the end of the period		279		252
Asset Management [Member]
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment:
Goodwill, balance at the beginning of the period		761		794
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		22	[1]	19	[2]
Foreign currency translation		24		(51)
Purchase price adjustment		(2)		(1)
Goodwill, balance at the end of the period		805		761
Annuities [Member]
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment:
Goodwill, balance at the beginning of the period		46		46
Goodwill, balance at the end of the period		46		46
Protection [Member]
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment:
Goodwill, balance at the beginning of the period		45		45
Goodwill, balance at the end of the period		$ 45		$ 45

[1] Relates to the Company’s acquisitions of Investment Professionals, Inc. (“IPI”) and Lionstone Partners, LLC.

[2] Relates to the Company’s acquisition of Emerging Global Advisors, LLC (“EGA”).