Acquisitions and Dispositions - Financial results from discontinued operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Costs and expenses
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ (90)	$ (23)	$ (163)	$ (82)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	325	(63)	(3,272)	(207)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	325	(63)	(3,272)	(207)
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Revenues
Life premiums and contract charges	331	333	1,007	1,009
Net investment income	427	368	1,251	732
Realized capital gains (losses)	4	121	193	85
Total revenues	762	822	2,451	1,826
Costs and expenses
Life contract benefits	411	599	1,207	1,333
Interest credited to contractholder funds	127	142	371	456
Amortization of DAC	27	106	84	147
Operating costs and expenses	45	58	151	176
Restructuring and related charges	7	4	30	6
Total costs and expenses	617	909	1,843	2,118
Amortization of deferred gain on reinsurance	1	1	5	3
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income tax expense	146	(86)	613	(289)
Income tax expense (benefit)	38	(23)	131	(82)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	108	(63)	482	(207)
Loss on disposition of operations	89	0	(4,048)	0
Income tax benefit	(128)	0	(294)	0
Loss on disposition of operations, net of tax	217	0	(3,754)	0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 108	$ (63)	$ 482	$ (207)