SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Life insurance in force
Gross amount	$ 156,486	$ 135,627	$ 528,473
Ceded to other companies	93,326	98,165	196,274
Assumed from other companies	280,644	290,565	14,003
Net amount	$ 343,804	$ 328,027	$ 346,202
Percentage of amount assumed to net	81.60%	88.60%	4.00%
Premiums and contract charges:
Gross amount	$ 32,915	$ 31,858	$ 31,547
Ceded to other companies	1,338	1,446	1,708
Assumed from other companies	890	674	131
Net amount	$ 32,467	$ 31,086	$ 29,970
Percentage of amount assumed to net	2.70%	2.20%	0.40%
Reinsurance or coinsurance income net of premium ceded	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Life insurance
Premiums and contract charges:
Gross amount	828	1,144	2,088
Ceded to other companies	299	360	538
Assumed from other companies	849	629	82
Net amount	$ 1,378	$ 1,413	$ 1,632
Percentage of amount assumed to net	61.60%	44.50%	5.00%
Accident and health insurance
Premiums and contract charges:
Gross amount	$ 813	$ 800	$ 821
Ceded to other companies	33	56	101
Assumed from other companies	0	0	0
Net amount	$ 780	$ 744	$ 720
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Property-liability insurance
Premiums and contract charges:
Gross amount	$ 31,274	$ 29,914	$ 28,638
Ceded to other companies	1,006	1,030	1,069
Assumed from other companies	41	45	49
Net amount	$ 30,309	$ 28,929	$ 27,618
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.10%	0.20%	0.20%