Investments - Realized capital gains and losses by transaction type (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Investments [Abstract]
Sales	$ 388	$ 95
Credit losses	(79)	(14)
Valuation of equity investments	(859)	627
Valuation and settlements of derivative instruments	88	(46)
Realized capital gains and losses	$ (462)	$ 662

Allowance for Credit Loss, Credit Loss Recognized In Net Income

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- Definition

Amount of unrealized and realized gain (loss) on investment in debt security measured at amortized cost (held-to-maturity), investment in debt security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (available-for-sale) and investment in debt security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in net income (trading).

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Amount of realized gain (loss) from sale of investment in equity security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in net income (FV-NI).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 321
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116654751&loc=SL75117546-209714

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- Definition

Aggregate net gain (loss) on all derivative instruments recognized in earnings during the period, before tax effects.

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Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4A
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5618551-113959

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- Definition

The net realized gains or losses on investments during the period, not including gains or losses on securities separately or otherwise categorized as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 220
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