Investments - OTTI losses included in AOCI at the time of impairment for fixed income securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments [Abstract]
Net unrealized gains related to changes in valuation of fixed income securities subsequent to impairment measurement date	$ 195	$ 208
Other-than Impairment Losses Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income for fixed income securities, not included in earnings	(87)	(101)
Municipal
Other-than Impairment Losses Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income for fixed income securities, not included in earnings	(5)	(5)
Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)
Other-than Impairment Losses Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income for fixed income securities, not included in earnings	(11)	(15)
Residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”)
Other-than Impairment Losses Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income for fixed income securities, not included in earnings	(68)	(77)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)
Other-than Impairment Losses Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income for fixed income securities, not included in earnings	$ (3)	$ (4)