Segment Information - Operating net revenues (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2018
Summary of segment operating results [Abstract]
Total segment adjusted operating revenues	$ 3,247		$ 3,147		$ 6,365		$ 6,258
Net Realized Gains (Losses)			5		9		11
Revenues attributable to CIEs	24		49		45		71
Market impact on IUL benefits	(8)		(10)		(25)		3
Market impact of hedges on investments	(18)		5		(28)		21
Restructuring Charges					(3)
Total net revenues	3,245		3,196		6,363		6,364
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Segment Reporting Information Operating Earnings	673		634		1,308		1,285
Net Realized Gains (Losses)			5		9		11
Net Income of Consolidated Investment Entities	1				1
Market impact on variable annuity guaranteed benefits	(60)		(80)		(202)		(85)
Market impact on IUL benefits	(26)		(20)		(77)		5
Market impact on fixed annuity benefits	1				1
Mean reversion related impacts	18		8		54		14
Market impact of hedges on investments	(18)		5		(28)		21
Integration and restructuring charges	(2)		(4)		(9)		(7)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	587		548		1,057		1,244
Advice and Wealth Management [Member]
Summary of segment operating results [Abstract]
Total segment adjusted operating revenues	1,653		1,543		3,207		3,044
Total net revenues	1,423		1,296		2,758		2,557
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Segment Reporting Information Operating Earnings	376		350		726		666
Asset Management [Member]
Summary of segment operating results [Abstract]
Total segment adjusted operating revenues	712		755		1,401		1,533
Total net revenues	698		743		1,374		1,509
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Segment Reporting Information Operating Earnings	164		183		310		378
Annuities [Member]
Summary of segment operating results [Abstract]
Total segment adjusted operating revenues	620		622		1,224		1,235
Total net revenues	529		532		1,045		1,055
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Segment Reporting Information Operating Earnings	129		122		257		248
Protection [Member]
Summary of segment operating results [Abstract]
Total segment adjusted operating revenues	259		255		521		508
Total net revenues	244		242		491		479
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Segment Reporting Information Operating Earnings	65		63		139		128
Corporate and Other [Member]
Summary of segment operating results [Abstract]
Total segment adjusted operating revenues	352		334		694		657
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Segment Reporting Information Operating Earnings	(61)		(84)		(124)		(135)
Eliminations [Member]
Summary of segment operating results [Abstract]
Total segment adjusted operating revenues	349	[1]	362	[1]	682	[2]	719	[2]
Consolidation, eliminations [Member]
Summary of segment operating results [Abstract]
Total segment adjusted operating revenues	350		368		686		729
Consolidation, eliminations [Member] | Advice and Wealth Management [Member]
Summary of segment operating results [Abstract]
Total segment adjusted operating revenues	230		247		449		487
Consolidation, eliminations [Member] | Asset Management [Member]
Summary of segment operating results [Abstract]
Total segment adjusted operating revenues	14		12		27		24
Consolidation, eliminations [Member] | Annuities [Member]
Summary of segment operating results [Abstract]
Total segment adjusted operating revenues	91		90		179		180
Consolidation, eliminations [Member] | Protection [Member]
Summary of segment operating results [Abstract]
Total segment adjusted operating revenues	15		13		30		29
Consolidation, eliminations [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Summary of segment operating results [Abstract]
Total segment adjusted operating revenues	$ (1)		$ 0		$ (3)		$ (1)

[1] Represents the elimination of intersegment revenues recognized for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 in each segment as follows: Advice & Wealth Management ($230 million and $247 million, respectively); Asset Management ($14 million and $12 million, respectively); Annuities ($91 million and $90 million, respectively); Protection ($15 million and $13 million, respectively); and Corporate & Other ($(1) million and nil, respectively).

[2] Represents the elimination of intersegment revenues recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 in each segment as follows: Advice & Wealth Management ($449 million and $487 million, respectively); Asset Management ($27 million and $24 million, respectively); Annuities ($179 million and $180 million, respectively); Protection ($30 million and $29 million, respectively); and Corporate & Other ($(3) million and $(1) million, respectively)