Nationwide Life Insurance (NWLIC) S-1/A19 Dec 14IPO registration (amended)Financial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	S-1/A
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14
Trading Symbol	NWLIC
Entity Registrant Name	NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE CO
Entity Central Index Key	205695
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues
Policy charges	$1,530	$1,849	$1,670	$1,506
Premiums	603	724	635	531
Net investment income	1,417	1,849	1,825	1,844
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of other-than-temporary impairment losses	-603	678	319	-1,676
Other revenues	7	17	7	3
Total revenues	2,954	5,117	4,456	2,208
Benefits and expenses
Interest credited to policyholder account values	806	1,067	1,038	1,033
Benefits and claims	1,074	1,354	1,227	1,062
Policyholder dividends		59	54	67
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	132	374	575	65
Other expenses, net of deferrals	782	922	863	830
Total benefits and expenses	2,794	3,776	3,757	3,057
Income (loss) before federal income taxes and noncontrolling interests	160	1,341	699	-849
Federal income tax expense (benefit)	4	313	99	-427	[1]
Net income (loss)	156	1,028	600	-422
Less: Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	-75	-82	-61	-56
Net income (loss) attributable to Nationwide Life Insurance Company	$231	$1,110	$661	($366)

[1]	The balances reflect a change in accounting principle, as described in Note 2.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income (loss)	$156	$1,028	$600	($422)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
Net unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities	406	-663	571	317
Other	13	-7	-5	12
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	419	-670	566	329
Total comprehensive income (loss)	575	358	1,166	-93
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	-75	-82	-61	-56
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nationwide Life Insurance Company	$650	$440	$1,227	($37)

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Assets
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	$34,782	$32,249		$31,811
Mortgage loans, net of allowance	6,842	6,341		5,827
Policy loans	995	987		980
Short-term investments	569	411		1,034
Other investments	798	767		639
Total investments	43,986	40,755		40,291
Cash and cash equivalents	43	61		62
Accrued investment income	661	603		566
Deferred policy acquisition costs	3,981	3,778		3,249
Goodwill	200	200	[1]	200	[1]
Other assets	4,112	3,979		4,362
Separate account assets	86,466	84,069		71,440
Total assets	139,449	133,445		120,170
Liabilities
Future policy benefits and claims	39,375	36,765		36,154
Short-term debt	214	278		300
Long-term debt	709	707		1,038
Other liabilities	4,591	4,122		4,507
Separate account liabilities	86,466	84,069		71,440
Total liabilities	131,355	125,941		113,439
Shareholder's equity
Common stock value	4	4		4
Additional paid-in capital	1,718	1,718		1,718
Retained earnings	4,751	4,520		3,410
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,001	582		1,252
Total shareholder's equity	7,474	6,824		6,384
Noncontrolling interest	620	680		347
Total equity	8,094	7,504		6,731
Total liabilities and equity	$139,449	$133,445		$120,170

[1]	The goodwill balances have not been previously impaired.

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Common stock, par value	$1	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000	5,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	3,814,779	3,814,779	3,814,779
Common stock, shares outstanding	3,814,779	3,814,779	3,814,779

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)	Total	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Total shareholder's equity	Non-controlling Interest
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Total shareholder's equity	Non-controlling Interest
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$5,589	$4	$1,718	$3,155	$357	$5,234	$355
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	-422			-366		-366	-56
Other comprehensive income	329				329	329
Total comprehensive income (loss)	-93			-366	329	-37	-56
Change in noncontrolling interest	46						46
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	5,542	4	1,718	2,789	686	5,197	345
Cash dividend paid	-40			-40		-40
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	600			661		661	-61
Other comprehensive income	566				566	566
Total comprehensive income (loss)	1,166			661	566	1,227	-61
Change in noncontrolling interest	63						63
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	6,731	4	1,718	3,410	1,252	6,384	347
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	1,028			1,110		1,110	-82
Other comprehensive income	-670				-670	-670
Total comprehensive income (loss)	358			1,110	-670	440	-82
Change in noncontrolling interest	415						415
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	7,504	4	1,718	4,520	582	6,824	680
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	156			231		231	-75
Other comprehensive income	419				419	419
Total comprehensive income (loss)	575			231	419	650	-75
Change in noncontrolling interest	15						15
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$8,094	$4	$1,718	$4,751	$1,001	$7,474	$620

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$156	$1,028	$600	($422)
Adjustments to net income (loss)
Net realized investment (gains) losses, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses	603	-678	-319	1,676
Interest credited to policyholder account values	806	1,067	1,038	1,033
Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs	-494	-604	-470	-604	[1]
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	132	374	575	65
Amortization and depreciation	72	77	80	48
Deferred tax expense (benefit)		346	243	-482
Changes in:
Policy liabilities	-279	-475	-548	-608
Derivatives, net	-100	-483	-490	-364
Other, net	-90	88	-84	-265
Net cash provided by operating activities	806	740	625	77
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities	2,081	3,689	2,909	2,705
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	480	1,091	796	1,585
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	-4,155	-6,842	-5,167	-6,176
Proceeds from repayments and sales of mortgage loans	632	1,091	1,048	1,124
Issuances and purchases of mortgage loans	-1,120	-1,593	-1,114	-751
Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments	-158	654	98	-61
Collateral (paid) received, net	233	-637	-208	359
Other, net	-76	42	-12	104
Net cash used in investing activities	-2,083	-2,505	-1,650	-1,111
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in short-term debt	-64	-22	-477	477
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		2	13	13
Cash dividend paid to Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.			-40
Repayments of long-term debt		-299
Investment and universal life insurance product deposits	4,392	6,139	5,566	5,314
Investment and universal life insurance product withdrawals	-3,045	-4,034	-4,063	-5,024
Other, net	-24	-22	39	-34
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,259	1,764	1,038	746
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-18	-1	13	-288
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	61	62	49	337
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$43	$61	$62	$49

[1]	The balances reflect a change in accounting principle, as described in Note 2.

Nature_of_Operations

Nature of Operations	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Nature of Operations	-1	Nature of Operations	-1	Nature of Operations
	Nationwide Life Insurance Company (“NLIC,” or collectively with its subsidiaries, “the Company”) was incorporated in 1929 and is an Ohio domiciled stock life insurance company. The Company is a member of the Nationwide group of companies (“Nationwide”), which is comprised of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (“NMIC”) and all of its subsidiaries and affiliates.		Nationwide Life Insurance Company (“NLIC,” or collectively with its subsidiaries, “the Company”) was incorporated in 1929 and is an Ohio domiciled stock life insurance company. The Company is a member of the Nationwide group of companies (“Nationwide”), which is comprised of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (“NMIC”) and all of its subsidiaries and affiliates.
	All of the outstanding shares of NLIC’s common stock are owned by Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (“NFS”), a holding company formed by Nationwide Corporation (“Nationwide Corp.”), a majority-owned subsidiary of NMIC.		All of the outstanding shares of NLIC’s common stock are owned by Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (“NFS”), a holding company formed by Nationwide Corporation (“Nationwide Corp.”), a majority-owned subsidiary of NMIC.
	Wholly-owned subsidiaries of NLIC as of September 30, 2014 include Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company (“NLAIC”), Nationwide Investment Services Corporation (“NISC”) and Nationwide Investment Advisor (“NIA”). NLAIC primarily offers universal life insurance, variable universal life insurance, term life insurance, corporate-owned life insurance (“COLI”) and individual annuity contracts on a non-participating basis. NISC is a registered broker-dealer. NIA is a registered investment advisor.		Wholly-owned subsidiaries of NLIC as of December 31, 2013 include Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company (“NLAIC”), Nationwide Investment Services Corporation (“NISC”) and Nationwide Investment Advisor (“NIA”). NLAIC primarily offers universal life insurance, variable universal life insurance, term life insurance, corporate-owned life insurance (“COLI”) and individual annuity contracts on a non-participating basis. NISC is a registered broker-dealer. NIA is a registered investment advisor.
			The Company is a leading provider of long-term savings and retirement products in the United States (“U.S.”). The Company develops and sells a diverse range of products and services including individual annuities, private and public sector group retirement plans, investment products sold to institutions, life insurance and advisory services.
			The Company sells its products through a diverse distribution network. Unaffiliated entities that sell the Company’s products to their own customer bases include independent broker-dealers, financial institutions, wirehouse and regional firms, pension plan administrators and life insurance specialists. Representatives of affiliates who market products directly to a customer base include Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc. (“NRS”) and Nationwide Financial Network (“NFN”) producers, which includes the agency distribution force of the Company’s ultimate parent company, NMIC.
			As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not have a significant concentration of financial instruments in a single investee, industry or geographic region of the U.S. Also, the Company did not have a concentration of business transactions with a particular customer, lender, distribution source, market or geographic region of the U.S. in which the Company is overly vulnerable to a single event which could cause a severe impact to the Company’s financial position.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

-2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

-2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

A complete summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies is included in Note 2 of the 2013 audited consolidated financial statements. There have been no material changes to these policies as of September 30, 2014.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NLIC and companies in which NLIC directly or indirectly has a controlling financial interest. The consolidated financial statements include majority-owned subsidiaries and consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S.”) (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. The financial information included herein reflects all adjustments considered necessary by the Company for a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations. Operating results for the period presented may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Entities in which NLIC does not have a controlling interest, but the Company has significant influence over the operating and financing decisions and also certain other investments, are reported using the equity method.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include majority-owned subsidiaries and consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Entities in which NLIC does not have a controlling interest, but the Company has significant influence over the operating and financing decisions, and also certain other investments, are reported using the equity method.

Use of Estimates

The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”). The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant estimates include the balance and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”), legal and regulatory reserves, certain investment and derivative valuations including investment impairment losses, future policy benefits and claims including the valuation of embedded derivatives resulting from living benefit guarantees on variable annuity contracts, goodwill, provision for income taxes and valuation of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Revenues and Benefits

Subsequent Events

Investment and universal life insurance products. Investment products are long duration contracts that do not subject the Company to significant risk arising from mortality (the relative incidence of death in a given time) or morbidity (the relative incidence of disability resulting from disease or physical impairment). These include variable and fixed deferred annuity contracts in the accumulation phase with both individuals and groups and certain annuities without life contingencies. Universal life insurance products include long duration insurance contracts that do not have fixed or guaranteed terms. These include universal life insurance, variable universal life insurance, COLI, bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) and other interest-sensitive life insurance policies. Revenues for investment products and universal life insurance products consist of net investment income, surrender charges and other policy charges earned and assessed against policy account balances during the period. Policy charges are assessed on a daily or monthly basis and recognized as revenue when assessed and earned. Assessments for services provided in future periods are recorded as unearned revenue and recognized as revenue over the periods benefited. Surrender charges are recognized as revenue upon surrender of a contract in accordance with contractual terms. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include interest credited to policyholder accounts and benefits and claims incurred in the period in excess of related policyholder accounts.

The Company evaluated subsequent events through December 19, 2014, the date the condensed consolidated financial statements were issued.

Traditional life insurance products. Traditional life insurance products include those products with fixed and guaranteed terms, primarily consisting of whole life insurance, term life insurance and certain annuities with life contingencies. Premiums for traditional life insurance products are generally recognized as revenue when due. For certain annuities with life contingencies, any excess of gross premium over the net premium is deferred and recognized with the amount of expected future benefits. Benefits and expenses are associated with earned premiums so that profits are recognized over the life of the contract. This association is accomplished through the provision for future policy benefits and the deferral and amortization of policy acquisition costs.

Future Policy Benefits and Claims

Investment and universal life insurance products. The Company calculates its liability for future policy benefits and claims for investment products in the accumulation phase and for universal life insurance policies as the policy accrued account balance, which represents participants’ net deposits adjusted for investment performance, interest credited and applicable contract charges.

The Company offers certain universal life insurance, variable universal life insurance and variable annuity products with secondary guarantees, guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”), and guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”). Liabilities for these guarantees are calculated by multiplying the current benefit ratio by the cumulative assessments recorded from contract inception through the balance sheet date less the cumulative secondary guarantee benefit payments plus interest. The Company regularly evaluates its experience and assumptions and adjusts the benefit ratio as appropriate. If experience or assumption changes result in a new benefit ratio, the reserves are adjusted to reflect the changes with a related charge or credit to other benefits and claims in the period of evaluation. Determination of the expected benefit payments and assessments are based on a range of scenarios and assumptions including those related to market rates of return and volatility, contract surrenders and mortality experience. The accounting for these guarantees impacts estimated gross profits used to calculate the balance and amortization of DAC and other. Refer to Note 4 for further discussion of these guarantees.

Guarantees to variable annuity contractholders can include a return of no less than the total deposits made on the contract less any customer withdrawals, total deposits made on the contract less any customer withdrawals plus a minimum return, or the highest contract value on a specified anniversary date minus any customer withdrawals following the contract anniversary. In addition, these guarantees can include benefits payable in the event of death, upon annuitization, upon periodic withdrawal or at specified dates during the accumulation period. Refer to Note 4 for further discussion of these guarantees.

The Company’s guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit (“GMAB”) and guaranteed living withdrawal benefit (“GLWB”) are living benefit guarantees which represent embedded derivatives in variable annuity contracts that are required to be separated from, and valued apart from, the host variable annuity contracts. The embedded derivatives are held at fair value and include the present value of attributed fees. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are recognized in earnings as a component of net realized investment gains and losses. The fair value of the embedded derivatives is calculated based on a combination of capital market and actuarial assumptions. Projections of cash flows inherent in the valuation of the embedded derivatives incorporate numerous assumptions including, but not limited to, mortality, lapse rates, index volatility, wait period (the number of years the policyholder is assumed to wait prior to beginning withdrawals once eligible), efficiency of benefit utilization (the percent of the maximum permitted withdrawal that a policyholder takes) and discounting, including liquidity and non-performance risk (the risk that the liability will not be fulfilled and affects the value at which the liability is transferred). The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of embedded derivatives are reviewed as part of an annual comprehensive study of assumptions. Quarterly, consideration is given as to whether adjustments to these assumptions are necessary.

The Company’s equity indexed products (life and annuity) have the policyholders’ interest credits based on market performance with caps and floors. The interest credits represent embedded derivatives within the insurance contract and therefore are required to be separated from, and valued apart from, the host contracts. The embedded derivatives are held at fair value. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are recognized in earnings as a component of interest credited. The fair value of the embedded derivatives is calculated based on a combination of capital market and actuarial assumptions. Projections of cash flows inherent in the valuation of the embedded derivative incorporate numerous assumptions including, but not limited to, mortality, lapse rates and index volatility. The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of embedded derivatives are reviewed as part of an annual comprehensive study of assumptions. Quarterly, consideration is given as to whether adjustments to these assumptions are necessary.

Traditional life insurance products. The process of calculating reserve amounts for traditional life insurance products involves the use of a number of assumptions, including those related to persistency, mortality, morbidity, interest rates (the rates expected to be paid or received on financial instruments) and certain other expenses.

The liability for future policy benefits and claims for traditional life insurance policies was determined using the net level premium method with weighted average interest rates of 6.6% and estimates of mortality, morbidity, investment yields and persistency that were used or being experienced at the time the policies were issued with a provision for adverse deviation.

The liability for future policy benefits for certain annuities with life contingencies was calculated using the present value of future benefits and certain expenses discounted using weighted average interest rates of 5.3% with a provision for adverse deviation.

Reinsurance ceded

The Company cedes insurance to other companies in order to limit potential losses and to diversify its exposures. Such agreements do not relieve the original insurer from its primary obligation to the policyholder in the event the reinsurer is unable to meet the obligations it has assumed. Reinsurance premiums ceded and reinsurance recoveries on benefits and claims incurred are deducted from the respective income and expense accounts. Assets and liabilities related to reinsurance ceded are reported in the consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis, separately from the related future policy benefits and claims of the Company.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

The Company has deferred certain acquisition costs that are directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance and investment contracts. The methods and assumptions used to amortize and assess recoverability of the DAC balance depend on the type of product.

Investment and universal life insurance products. For certain investment and universal life insurance products, DAC is amortized with interest over the lives of the policies in relation to the present value of estimated gross profits, which is determined primarily from projected interest margins, policy charges and net realized investment gains and losses, less policy benefits and other expenses. The DAC asset related to investment and universal life insurance products is adjusted to reflect the impact of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities with the corresponding adjustment recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). This adjustment to DAC represents the change in amortization that would have been required as a charge or credit to operations had such unrealized amounts been realized. DAC for investment and universal life insurance products is subject to recoverability testing in the year of policy issuance and DAC for universal life insurance products is also subject to loss recognition testing at the end of each reporting period.

The Company regularly evaluates and adjusts the DAC balance when actual gross profits in a given reporting period vary from management’s initial estimates. Additionally, the assumptions used in the estimation of future gross profits are based on the Company’s current best estimates of future events and are reviewed as part of an annual process. During the annual process, the Company performs a comprehensive study of assumptions, including mortality and persistency studies, maintenance expense studies and an evaluation of projected general and separate account investment returns. The most significant assumptions that are involved in the estimation of future gross profits include future net separate account investment performance, surrender/lapse rates, interest margins, renewal premiums and mortality. The Company refers to this process as “unlocking.” Quarterly, consideration is given as to whether adjustments to these assumptions are necessary. The Company uses a reversion to the mean process to determine the assumption for the future net separate account investment performance. This process assumes different performance levels over the next three years such that the separate account mean return measured from the anchor date to the end of the life of the product equals the long-term assumption. The Company’s long-term assumption for net separate account investment performance is approximately 7% growth per year.

Changes in assumptions and the emergence of actual gross profits can have a significant impact on the amount of DAC reported for investment and universal life insurance products and their related amortization patterns. Additionally, the amortization of DAC can be affected by the change in the valuation of the Company’s variable annuity guarantees. See Future Policy Benefits and Claims for further discussion of the valuation of the Company’s variable annuity guarantees. In the event actual experience differs from assumptions or future assumptions are revised, the Company will record an increase or decrease in DAC amortization expense, which could be significant.

Traditional life insurance. DAC is amortized with interest over the premium-paying period of the related policies in proportion to premium revenue recognized. These assumptions are consistent with those used in the calculation of liabilities for future policy benefits at issuance. DAC is evaluated for recoverability at the time of policy issuance, and loss recognition testing is conducted each reporting period.

Refer to Note 5 for discussion regarding assumption changes impacting DAC amortization and related balances.

Investments

Available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income, net of adjustments for DAC, future policy benefits and claims, policyholder dividend obligations and deferred federal income taxes. Realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities are recognized in income based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividend income is recognized when earned.

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, 99% of fixed maturity securities were priced using external source data. Independent pricing services are most often utilized (86% as of December 31, 2013 and 2012) to determine the fair value of securities for which market quotations are available. For these securities, the Company obtains the pricing services’ methodologies, inputs and assumptions and classifies the investments accordingly in the fair value hierarchy.

A corporate pricing matrix or an internally developed pricing model is used in valuing certain corporate debt securities. The corporate pricing matrix is developed using private spreads for corporate securities with varying weighted average lives and credit quality ratings. The weighted average life and credit quality rating of a particular fixed maturity security to be priced using the corporate pricing matrix are important inputs into the model and are used to determine a corresponding spread that is added to the appropriate U.S. Treasury yield to create an estimated market yield for that security. The estimated market yield and other relevant factors are then used to estimate the fair value of the particular security.

Non-binding broker quotes are also utilized to determine the fair value of certain corporate debt, mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities when quotes are not available from independent pricing services, corporate pricing matrix or internal pricing models. These securities are classified with the lowest priority in the fair value hierarchy as only one broker quote is ordinarily obtained, the investment is not traded on an exchange, the pricing is not available to other entities and/or the transaction volume in the same or similar investments has decreased. Inputs used in the development of prices are not provided to the Company by the brokers, as the brokers often do not provide the necessary transparency into their quotes and methodologies. The Company performs reviews and tests to ensure that quotes are a reasonable estimate of the investments’ fair value at least annually. Price movements of broker quotes are subject to validation and require approval from the Company’s management. Management uses its knowledge of the investment and current market conditions to determine if the price is indicative of the investment’s fair value.

When the collectability of contractual interest payments on fixed maturity securities is considered doubtful, such securities are placed in non-accrual status and any accrued interest is excluded from investment income. These securities are not restored to accrual status until the Company determines that payment of future principal and interest is probable.

For investments in certain residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, the Company recognizes income and amortizes discounts and premiums using the effective-yield method based on prepayment assumptions and the estimated economic life of the securities. When actual prepayments differ significantly from estimated prepayments, the effective-yield is recalculated to reflect actual payments to date and anticipated future payments. Any resulting adjustment is included in net investment income in the period the estimates are revised. All other investment income is recorded using the effective-yield method without anticipating the impact of prepayments.

The Company periodically reviews its available-for-sale securities to determine if any decline in fair value to below amortized cost is other-than-temporary. Factors considered in determining whether a decline is other-than-temporary include the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position, the severity of the unrealized loss, reasons for the decline in value and expectations for the amount and timing of a recovery in fair value.

In assessing corporate debt securities for other-than-temporary impairment, the Company evaluates the ability of the issuer to meet its debt obligations, the value of the company or specific collateral securing the debt, the Company’s intent to sell the security and whether it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis. The Company evaluates U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies and obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments for other-than-temporary impairment by examining similar characteristics.

When evaluating whether residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities are other-than-temporarily impaired, the Company examines characteristics of the underlying collateral, such as delinquency and default rates, the quality of the underlying borrower, the type of collateral in the pool, the vintage year of the collateral, subordination levels within the structure of the collateral pool, the quality of any credit guarantors, the Company’s intent to sell the security and whether it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis.

The Company evaluates its intent to sell on an individual security basis. Other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities when the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not it will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis are bifurcated with the credit portion of the impairment loss being recognized in earnings and the non-credit loss portion of the impairment and any subsequent changes in the fair value of those debt securities being recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes and other offsets. To estimate the credit portion of an impairment loss recognized in earnings, the Company considers the timing and present value of the cash flows. To the extent that the present value of cash flows generated by a debt security is less than the amortized cost, an other-than-temporary impairment is recognized through earnings.

It is reasonably possible that further declines in fair values of such investments, or changes in assumptions or estimates of anticipated recoveries and/or cash flows, may cause further other-than-temporary impairments in the near term, which could be significant.

Mortgage loans, net of allowance. The Company holds commercial mortgage loans that are collateralized by properties throughout the U.S. These mortgage loans are further segregated into the following classes based on the unique risk profiles of the underlying property types: office, industrial, retail, apartment and other. Mortgage loans held-for-investment are held at amortized cost less a valuation allowance.

As part of the underwriting process, specific guidelines are followed to ensure the initial quality of a new mortgage loan. Third-party appraisals are generally obtained to support loaned amounts as the loans are usually collateral dependent.

The collectability and value of a mortgage loan are based on the ability of the borrower to repay and/or the value of the underlying collateral. Many of the Company’s commercial mortgage loans are structured with balloon payment maturities, exposing the Company to risks associated with the borrowers’ ability to make the balloon payment or refinance the property.

The Company actively monitors the credit quality of its mortgage loans to support the development of the valuation allowance. This monitoring process includes quantitative analyses which facilitate the identification of deteriorating loans, and qualitative analyses, which consider other factors relevant to the borrowers’ ability to repay. Loans with deteriorating credit fundamentals are identified through special surveillance procedures and are evaluated based on the severity of their deterioration and management’s judgment as to the likelihood of loss.

Mortgage loans require a loan-specific reserve when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When management determines that a loan requires a loan-specific reserve, a provision for loss is established equal to the difference between the carrying value and either the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell or the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s market interest rate. Loan-specific reserve charges are recorded in net realized investment gains and losses. In the event a loan-specific reserve charge is reversed, the recovery is recorded in net realized investment gains and losses.

In addition to the loan-specific reserves, the Company maintains a non-specific reserve based primarily on loan surveillance categories and property type classes, which reflects management’s best estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the portfolio as of the balance sheet date but not yet attributable to specific loans. Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the non-specific reserve is based on past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect a borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of the underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and other relevant factors. Non-specific reserve changes are recorded in net realized investment gains and losses.

Interest income on performing mortgage loans is recognized over the life of the loan using the effective-yield method. Loans in default or in the process of foreclosure are placed on non-accrual status. Interest received on non-accrual status mortgage loans is included in net investment income in the period received. Loans are considered delinquent when contractual payments are 90 days past due.

Policy loans. Policy loans, which are collateralized by the related insurance policy, are held at the outstanding principal balance and do not exceed the net cash surrender value of the policy. As such, no valuation allowance for policy loans is required.

Short-term investments. Short-term investments consist of highly liquid mutual funds and government agency discount notes with maturities of twelve months or less at acquisition. The Company and various affiliates maintains agreements with Nationwide Cash Management Company (“NCMC”), an affiliate, under which NCMC acts as a common agent in handling the purchase and sale of short-term securities for the respective accounts of the participants. Amounts on deposit with NCMC for the benefit of the Company are included in short-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company carries short-term investments at fair value.

Other investments. Other investments consist primarily of equity method investments in joint ventures and partnerships, equity securities, capital stock with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (“FHLB”) and trading securities.

Securities lending. The Company has entered into securities lending agreements with a custodial bank whereby eligible securities are loaned to third parties, primarily major brokerage firms. These transactions are used to generate additional income on the securities portfolio. The Company is entitled to receive from the borrower any payments of interest and dividends received on loaned securities during the loan term. The agreements require a minimum of 102% of the fair value of loaned securities to be held as collateral. Cash collateral is invested by the custodial bank in investment-grade securities, which are included in the total investments of the Company. Periodically, the Company may receive non-cash collateral, which would be recorded off-balance sheet. The Company recognizes loaned securities in either available-for-sale or other investments. A securities lending payable is recorded in other liabilities for the amount of cash collateral received. Net income received from securities lending activities is included in net investment income.

Variable interest entities. In the normal course of business, the Company has relationships with VIEs. If the Company determines that it has a variable interest and is the primary beneficiary, it consolidates the VIE. This determination is based on a review of the entity’s contract and other deal related information, such as the entity’s equity investment at risk, decision-making abilities, obligations to absorb economic risks and right to receive economic rewards of the entity. The Company is the primary beneficiary if the Company has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits from the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE.

The majority of the VIEs consolidated by the Company are due to guarantees provided to limited partners related to the amount of tax credits that will be generated by the Low-Income-Housing Tax Credit Funds (“Tax Credit Funds”). The results of operations and financial position of each VIE for which the Company is the primary beneficiary as well as the corresponding noncontrolling interests, are recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Ownership interests held by unrelated third parties in the consolidated VIEs are presented as noncontrolling interests in the equity section of the consolidated financial statements. Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests is excluded from the net income attributable to NLIC on the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company invests in fixed maturity securities that could qualify as VIEs, including corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of these securities as the Company does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities’ performance. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss is limited to the carrying values of these securities. There are no liquidity arrangements, guarantees or other commitments by third parties that affect the fair value of the Company’s interest in these assets. Refer to Note 6 for additional disclosures related to these investments.

The Company is not required and does not intend to provide financial or other support outside of contractual requirements to any VIE.

Derivative Instruments

The Company uses derivative instruments to manage exposures and mitigate risks primarily associated with interest rates, equity markets and foreign currency. These derivative instruments primarily include interest rate swaps, futures contracts and options. Certain features embedded in the Company’s indexed products and certain variable annuity contracts require derivative accounting. Refer to the prior discussion of Future Policy Benefits and Claims for a description of the valuation applicable to these products. All derivative instruments are held at fair value and are reflected as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Fair value of derivative instruments is determined using various valuation techniques relying predominantly on observable market inputs. These inputs include interest rate swap curves, credit spreads, interest rates, counterparty credit risk, equity volatility and equity index levels. In cases where observable inputs are not available, the Company will utilize non-binding broker quotes to determine fair value, and these instruments are classified accordingly in the fair value hierarchy. Price movements of these broker quotes are subject to validation and require approval from the Company’s management. Management uses models to internally value the instruments for comparison to the values received through broker quotes.

For derivatives that are not designated for hedge accounting, the gain or loss on the derivative is primarily recognized in net realized investment gains and losses.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify for fair value hedge accounting, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument, as well as the hedged item to the extent of the risk being hedged, are recognized in net realized investment gains and losses.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify for cash flow hedge accounting, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of AOCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods that the hedged transaction impacts earnings. The ineffective portion of the derivative’s change in value, if any, along with any of the derivative’s change in value that is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, are recorded in net realized investment gains and losses.

The Company’s derivative transaction counterparties are generally financial institutions. To reduce the credit risk associated with open contracts, the Company enters into master netting agreements, which permit the closeout and netting of transactions with the same counterparty upon the occurrence of certain events. In addition, the Company attempts to reduce credit risk by obtaining collateral from counterparties. The determination of the need for and the levels of collateral vary based on an assessment of the credit risk of the counterparty. The Company accepts collateral in the form of cash and marketable securities.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s view of market assumptions in the absence of observable market information. The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods, primarily market and income approaches.

The Company categorizes its fair value measurements into a three-level hierarchy based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument in its entirety.

The Company categorizes assets and liabilities held at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

•

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices accessible in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date and mutual funds where the value per share (unit) is determined and published daily and is the basis for current transactions.

•

Level 2 – Unadjusted quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs (other than quoted prices) that are observable or that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means. Primary inputs to this valuation technique may include comparative trades, bid/asks, interest rate movements, U.S. Treasury rates, London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), prime rates, cash flows, maturity dates, call ability, estimated prepayments, and/or underlying collateral values.

•

Level 3 – Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Inputs reflect management’s best estimate about the assumptions market participants would use at the measurement date in pricing the asset or liability. Consideration is given to the risk inherent in both the method of valuation and the valuation inputs.

The Company reviews its fair value hierarchy classifications for assets and liabilities quarterly. Changes in observability of significant valuation inputs identified during these reviews may trigger reclassifications. Reclassifications are reported as transfers at the beginning of the period in which the change occurs.

Fair Value Option

The Company assesses the fair value option election for newly acquired assets or liabilities on a prospective basis. There are no material assets or liabilities for which the Company elected the fair value option.

Federal Income Taxes

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income or loss in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under this method, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce a deferred tax asset to the amount expected to be realized. Interest expense and any associated penalties which relate to tax years still subject to review by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) are recorded as income tax expense.

The Company provides for federal income taxes based on amounts the Company believes it ultimately will owe. Inherent in the provision for federal income taxes are estimates regarding the deductibility of certain items and the realization of certain tax credits. In the event the ultimate deductibility of certain items or the realization of certain tax credits differs from estimates, the Company may be required to change the provision for federal income taxes recorded in the consolidated financial statements, which could be significant.

Tax reserves are reviewed regularly and are adjusted as events occur that management believes impact its liability for additional taxes, such as lapsing of applicable statutes of limitations, conclusion of tax audits or substantial agreement with taxing authorities on the deductibility/nondeductibility of uncertain items, additional exposure based on current calculations, identification of new issues, release of administrative guidance or rendering of a court decision affecting a particular tax issue.

NLIC files a separate consolidated federal income tax return, with its subsidiaries, and is eligible to join the NMIC consolidated federal tax return group in 2015.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than three months.

Goodwill

In connection with business acquisitions, the Company recognizes goodwill as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired as goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized, but is evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level annually. Goodwill of a reporting unit is tested for impairment on an interim basis, in addition to the annual evaluation if an event occurs or circumstances change which would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. If a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value, the Company will calculate implied goodwill. An impairment would be recognized on a reporting unit for the amount that the carrying value of its goodwill exceeds the implied value of its goodwill.

The process of evaluating goodwill for impairment requires several judgments and assumptions to be made to determine the fair value of the reporting units, including the method used to determine fair value, discount rates, expected levels of cash flows, revenues and earnings, and the selection of comparable companies used to develop market-based assumptions. The Company performed its 2013 annual impairment test and determined that no impairment was required.

Closed Block

In connection with the sponsored demutualization of Provident Mutual Life Insurance Company (“Provident”) prior to its acquisition by the Company, Provident established a closed block for the benefit of certain classes of individual participating policies that had a dividend scale payable in 2001. Assets were allocated to the closed block in an amount that produces cash flows which, together with anticipated revenues from closed block business, is reasonably expected to be sufficient to provide for (1) payment of policy benefits, specified expenses and taxes, and (2) the continuation of dividends throughout the life of the Provident policies included in the closed block based upon the dividend scales payable for 2001, if the experience underlying such dividend scales continues.

Assets allocated to the closed block benefit only the holders of the policies included in the closed block and will not revert to the benefit of the Company. No reallocation, transfer, borrowing or lending of assets can be made between the closed block and other portions of the Company’s general account, any of its separate accounts, or any affiliate of the Company without the approval of the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and Ohio Department of Insurance (“ODI”). The closed block will remain in effect as long as any policy in the closed block is in force.

If, over time, the aggregate performance of the closed block assets and policies is better than was assumed in funding the closed block, dividends to policyholders will increase. If, over time, the aggregate performance of the closed block assets and policies is less favorable than was assumed in the funding, dividends to policyholders could be reduced. If the closed block has insufficient funds to make guaranteed policy benefit payments, such payments will be made from the Company’s assets outside of the closed block, which are general account assets.

The assets and liabilities allocated to the closed block are recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements on the same basis as other similar assets and liabilities. The carrying amount of closed block liabilities in excess of the carrying amount of closed block assets at the date Provident was acquired by the Company represents the maximum future earnings from the assets and liabilities designated to the closed block that can be recognized in income, for the benefit of stockholders, over the period the policies in the closed block remain in force.

If actual cumulative earnings exceed expected cumulative earnings, the expected earnings are recognized in income. This is because the excess actual cumulative earnings over expected cumulative earnings, which represents undistributed accumulated earnings attributable to policyholders, is recorded as a policyholder dividend obligation. Therefore, the excess will be paid to closed block policyholders as an additional policyholder dividend expense in the future unless it is otherwise offset by future performance of the closed block that is less favorable than originally expected. If actual cumulative performance is less favorable than expected, actual earnings will be recognized in income.

The principal cash flow items that affect the amount of closed block assets and liabilities are premiums, net investment income, purchases and sales of investments, policyholder benefits, policyholder dividends, premium taxes and income taxes. The principal income and expense items excluded from the closed block are management and maintenance expenses, commissions and net investment income and realized gains and losses on investments held outside of the closed block that support the closed block business, all of which enter into the determination of total gross margins of closed block policies. See Note 10 for further disclosure.

Separate Accounts

Separate account assets and liabilities represent contractholders’ funds that have been legally segregated into accounts with specific investment objectives. In the separate account, investment income and gains and losses on investments accrue directly to, and investment risk is borne by, the contractholder. Separate account assets are primarily comprised of public, privately registered and non-registered mutual funds. Separate account assets are recorded at fair value based on the methodology that would be applicable to the underlying assets. The value of separate account liabilities is set to equal the fair value for separate account assets.

Participating Business

Participating business, which refers to policies that participate in profits through policyholder dividends, represented approximately 4% of the Company’s life insurance in force in 2013 (5% in 2012 and 2011) and 38% of the number of life insurance policies in force in 2013 (40% in 2012 and 42% in 2011). The provision for policyholder dividends was based on the respective year’s dividend scales and has been included in future policy benefits and claims in the consolidated balance sheets.

Change in Accounting Principle

In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-26, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 944, Financial Services – Insurance. The amended guidance modifies the definition of the types of costs incurred by insurance entities that can be capitalized in the acquisition of new and renewal insurance and investment contracts. Under the amended guidance, acquisition costs are to include only those costs that are directly related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance and investment contracts. The methods and assumptions used to amortize and assess recoverability of DAC were not impacted as a result of adopting this guidance.

The Company adjusted the presentation of its consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for all periods presented, to reflect the retrospective adoption of this change in accounting principle.

The following tables summarize the impact of the retrospective change in accounting principle on the consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated:

Year ended December 31, 2011

(in millions)

As Originally

As Adjusted

Effect of Change

Reported

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

Other expenses, net of deferrals1

620

760

(140

)

Federal income tax benefit

(382

)

(427

)

Net loss attributable to Nationwide Life Insurance Company

(282

)

(366

)

(84

)

Excludes interest expense, which is included in other expenses, net of deferrals on the consolidated statements of operations.

Subsequent Events

The Company evaluated subsequent events through February 28, 2014, the date the consolidated financial statements were issued.

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Sta

Recently Issued Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	-3	Recently Issued Accounting Standards	-3	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	Adopted and Pending Accounting Standards		Adopted Accounting Standards
	The Company has not adopted any accounting standards with a material impact to the condensed consolidated financial statements, and does not expect a material impact to the condensed consolidated financial statements as a result of accounting standards issued but not yet effective.		On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted ASU 2011-11, which expands the disclosure requirements within ASC 210-10, Balance Sheet – Offsetting. The new disclosures require improved information about certain financial instruments and derivatives that are either offset in accordance with GAAP or subject to enforceable master offsetting arrangements irrespective of GAAP. The Company also adopted ASU 2013-01, which clarifies the scope of these disclosures. The adoption of this guidance resulted in increased disclosures only and had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
			On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which amends FASB ASC 220, Comprehensive Income. The amended guidance requires entities to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by significant component. For significant amounts reclassified into net income in their entirety in the same reporting period, the amended guidance also requires entities to present or disclose the effect of these reclassifications on line items of net income. The adoption of this guidance resulted in increased disclosures only and had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
			On July 17, 2013, the Company adopted ASU 2013-10, which permits the Overnight Index Swap Rate to be designed as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes. This guidance is applied prospectively on new or redesigned hedging relationships and accordingly had no impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
			On January 1, 2012, the Company adopted ASU 2011-04, which amends existing guidance in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The guidance in this ASU clarifies existing fair value measurement guidance and expands disclosures primarily related to Level 3 fair value measurements. The Company also adopted ASU 2013-03, which clarifies the applicability of these disclosures. The adoption of this guidance resulted in increased disclosures only and had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

			On January 1, 2012, the Company adopted ASU 2011-05, which amends existing guidance in ASC 220, Comprehensive Income. The amended guidance requires reporting entities to present net income and other comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive, statements of net income and other comprehensive income. The Company elected two separate but consecutive statements of operations and comprehensive income and adopted ASU 2011-05 retrospectively.
			Pending Accounting Standards
			In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, which amends existing guidance in ASC 405, Liabilities. The ASU provides guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. The guidance is effective retrospectively for the Company’s annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2014. The Company is currently in the process of determining the impact of adoption.
			In June 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-08, which amends existing guidance in ASC 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies. The amended guidance modifies the definition of investment companies and requires new disclosures around the status and operations of investment companies. In addition, the guidance requires an investment company to measure its noncontrolling interests in another investment company at fair value rather than the equity method of accounting. The Company will adopt the ASU for interim and annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2014. The Company is currently in the process of determining the impact of adoption.
			In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, which amends existing guidance in ASC 740, Income Taxes. The amended guidance provides clarification on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists. The Company will adopt the ASU for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2014. The Company is currently in the process of determining the impact of adoption.
			In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, which amends existing guidance in ASC 323, Equity Method and Joint Ventures. The amended guidance permits reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. The Company will adopt the ASU for interim and annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2015. The Company is currently in the process of determining the impact of adoption.

Certain_LongDuration_Contracts

Certain Long-Duration Contracts	9 Months Ended															12 Months Ended
Certain Long-Duration Contracts	Sep. 30, 2014															Dec. 31, 2013
Certain Long-Duration Contracts	-4	Certain Long-Duration Contracts														-4	Certain Long-Duration Contracts
	Variable Annuity Contracts															Variable Annuity Contracts
	Contractholder assets are invested in general and separate account investment options as directed by the contractholder. The Company issues variable annuity contracts through its separate accounts. The Company also provides various forms of guarantees to benefit the related contractholders. The Company provides five primary guarantee types: (1) guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”); (2) guaranteed living withdrawal benefits (“GLWB”); (3) guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”); (4) guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”) and; (5) a hybrid guarantee with GMAB and GLWB.															Contractholder assets are invested in general and separate account investment options as directed by the contractholder. The Company issues variable annuity contracts through its separate accounts. The Company also provides various forms of guarantees to benefit the related contractholders. The Company provides five primary guarantee types: (1) GMDB; (2) GMAB; (3) GLWB; (4) a hybrid guarantee with GMAB and GLWB; and (5) GMIB.
	Refer to Note 4 of the 2013 audited consolidated financial statements for a complete description of the primary guarantee types provided by the Company under variable annuity contracts.															The GMDB, offered on every variable annuity contract, provides a specified minimum return upon death. Many of these death benefits are spousal, whereby a death benefit will be paid upon death of the first spouse. The survivor has the option to terminate the contract or continue it by having the death benefit paid into the contract and having a second death benefit paid upon the survivor’s death.
	The following table summarizes information regarding variable annuity contracts with guarantees invested in general and separate accounts, as of the date indicated (a contract may contain multiple guarantees):
																The GMAB, which was offered in the Company’s Capital Preservation Plus product, is a living benefit that provides the contractholder with a guaranteed return of deposits, adjusted proportionately for withdrawals, after a specified time period (5, 7 or 10 years) selected by the contractholder at the issuance of the variable annuity contract. In some cases, the contractholder also has the option, after a specified time period, to drop the guarantee and continue the variable annuity contract without the GMAB. In general, the GMAB requires a minimum allocation to guaranteed term options or adherence to limitations required by an approved asset allocation strategy.
																The GLWB, offered in the Company’s Lifetime Income products, are living benefits that provide for enhanced retirement income security without the liquidity loss associated with annuitization. The withdrawal rates vary based on the age when withdrawals begin and are applied to a benefit base to determine the guaranteed lifetime income amount available to a contractholder. The benefit base is equal to the variable annuity premium at contract issuance and may increase as a result of a feature driven by account performance and policy duration.
			September 30, 2014													The GMIB, which was offered with several variable annuity contracts, is a living benefit that provides the contractholder with a guaranteed annuitization stream of income.
	(in millions)		General				Separate			Net			Average			The following table summarizes information regarding variable annuity contracts with guarantees invested in general and separate accounts, as of the dates indicated (a contract may contain multiple guarantees):
			account				account			amount			age2
			value				value			at risk1
	Contracts with GMDB:																	December 31, 2013												December 31, 2012
	Return of net deposits		$	890			$	22,182		$	22			65		(in millions)		General				Separate			Net			Average		General		Separate		Net		Average
	Minimum return or anniversary contract value			1,937				33,414			339			69				account				account			amount			age2		account		account		amount		age2
																		value				value			at risk1					value		value		at risk1
	Total contracts with GMDB		$	2,827			$	55,596		$	361			67		Contracts with GMDB:
																Return of net deposits		$	916			$	19,927		$	13			64	$	836	$	14,963	$	24		64
																Minimum return or anniversary contract value			2,031				33,520			237			69		2,048		29,787		561		68
	GLWB Minimum return or anniversary contract value		$	144			$	30,193		$	114			66
	GMAB Return of net deposits3		$	53			$	1,733		$	1			67		Total contracts with GMDB		$	2,947			$	53,447		$	250			67	$	2,884	$	44,750	$	585		66
	GMIB Minimum return or anniversary contract value		$	46			$	461		$	1			66
																GMAB Return of net deposits3		$	92			$	2,383		$	—			64	$	165	$	3,230	$	12		64
																GLWB Minimum return or anniversary contract value		$	178			$	28,071		$	74			64	$	128	$	22,031	$	613		65
	1	Net amount at risk is calculated on a policy-level basis and equals the respective guaranteed benefit less the account value (or zero if the account value exceeds the guaranteed benefit).														GMIB Minimum return or anniversary contract value		$	49			$	510		$	—			64	$	49	$	514	$	1		65
	2	Represents the weighted average attained age of contractholders.
	3	Contracts with the hybrid accumulation/withdrawal benefits are included with the accumulation benefits contracts.
	The following table summarizes the reserve balances for guarantees on variable annuity contracts, as of the date indicated:															1	Net amount at risk is calculated on a policy-level basis and equals the respective guaranteed benefit less the account value (or zero if the account value exceeds the guaranteed benefit).
																2	Represents the weighted average attained age of contractholders.
																3	Contracts with the hybrid accumulation/withdrawal benefits are included with the accumulation benefits contracts.
			September 30,
	(in millions)		2014													The following table summarizes the reserve balances for guarantees on variable annuity contracts, as of the dates indicated:
	GMDB		$	72
	GLWB		$	(417	)
	GMAB1		$	(5	)											(in millions)		December 31,				December 31,
	GMIB		$	1												(in millions)		2013				2012
																GMDB		$	55			$	65
																GMAB1, 2		$	(19	)		$	57
	1	Contracts with hybrid accumulation/withdrawal benefits are included with the accumulation benefits contracts.														GLWB1		$	(1,075	)		$	600
	Paid claims for GMDBs were $8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.															GMIB		$	2			$	2
	Paid claims for GLWBs, GMABs, and GMIBs were immaterial for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

	The following table summarizes account balances of deferred variable annuity contracts with guarantees invested in separate accounts, as of the date indicated:															1	The fair value of the living benefit liability includes the present value of attributed fees.
																2	Contracts with the hybrid accumulation/withdrawal benefits are included with the accumulation benefits contracts.
																Paid claims for GMDBs were $22 million and $30 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
			September 30,													Paid claims for GMABs, GLWBs and GMIBs were immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	(in millions)		2014													The following table summarizes account balances of deferred variable annuity contracts with guarantees invested in separate accounts, as of the dates indicated:
	Mutual funds:
	Bond		$	5,339
	Domestic equity			45,951												(in millions)		December 31,				December 31,
	International equity			3,003												(in millions)		2013				2012
																Mutual funds:
	Total mutual funds		$	54,293												Bond		$	5,685			$	5,634
																Domestic equity			43,505				35,277
	Money market funds			1,303												International equity			3,179				2,614

	Total1		$	55,596												Total mutual funds		$	52,369			$	43,525

																Money market funds			1,078				1,225
	1	Excludes $30.9 billion as of September 30, 2014 of separate account assets not related to deferred variable annuity contracts with guarantees and are primarily attributable to retirement plan, variable universal life and corporate-owned life insurance products.
	The Company did not transfer any assets from the general account to the separate account to cover guarantees for any of its variable annuity contracts during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.															Total1		$	53,447			$	44,750
	Universal and Variable Universal Life Insurance Contracts
	The Company offers certain universal life and variable universal life insurance products with secondary guarantees. These no-lapse guarantees provide that a policy will not lapse so long as the policyholder makes minimum premium payments. The reserve balance on these guarantees was $377 million as of September 30, 2014. Paid claims on contracts maintained in force by these guarantees were immaterial for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	The following table summarizes information regarding universal and variable universal life insurance contracts with no-lapse guarantees invested in general and separate accounts, as of the date indicated:															1	Excludes $30.6 billion and $26.7 billion as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, of separate account assets not related to deferred variable annuity contracts with guarantees and are primarily attributable to retirement plan, variable universal life and COLI products.
																The Company did not transfer any assets from the general account to the separate account to cover guarantees for any of its variable annuity contracts during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
															Universal and Variable Universal Life Insurance Contracts
(in millions)		General account				Separate account			Adjusted insurance			Average age2			The Company offers certain universal life and variable universal life insurance products with secondary guarantees. These no-lapse guarantees provide that a policy will not lapse so long as the policyholder makes minimum premium payments. The reserve balances on these guarantees were $325 million and $216 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Paid claims on contracts maintained in force by these guarantees were immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
(in millions)		value				value			in force1			Average age2
September 30, 2014		$	1,558			$	375		$	21,769			54		The following table summarizes information regarding universal and variable universal life insurance contracts with no-lapse guarantees invested in general and separate accounts, as of the dates indicated:


1	The adjusted insurance in force is calculated on a policy-level basis and equals the respective guaranteed death benefit less the account value (or zero if the account value exceeds the guaranteed benefit).														(in millions)		General account				Separate account			Adjusted insurance			Average age2
2	Represents the weighted average attained age of contractholders.														(in millions)		value				value			in force1			Average age2
															December 31, 2013		$	1,270			$	362		$	16,960			55
															December 31, 2012		$	992			$	328		$	12,321			56


															1	The adjusted insurance in force is calculated on a policy-level basis and equals the respective guaranteed death benefit less the account value (or zero if the account value exceeds the guaranteed benefit).
															2	Represents the weighted average attained age of contractholders.

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	9 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	Sep. 30, 2014					Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	-5	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs				-5	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
	The following table summarizes changes in the deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) balance, for the period indicated:					The following table summarizes changes in the DAC balance, as of the dates indicated:


			Nine months ended			(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
			September 30,			(in millions)		2013			2012			20111
	(in millions)		2014			Balance at beginning of year		$	3,249		$	3,487		$	3,125
	Balance at beginning of period		$	3,778		Capitalization of DAC			604			470			604
	Capitalization of DAC			494		Amortization of DAC, excluding unlocks			(373	)		(525	)		(200	)
	Amortization of DAC, excluding unlocks			(322	)	Amortization of DAC related to unlocks			(1	)		(50	)		135
	Amortization of DAC related to unlocks			190		Adjustments to DAC related to unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities			299			(133	)		(177	)
	Adjustments to DAC related to unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale			(159	)
						Balance at end of year		$	3,778		$	3,249		$	3,487
	Balance at end of period		$	3,981

	During 2014, the Company recognized a decrease in DAC amortization of $190 million as a result of the annual comprehensive review of model assumptions and enhancements. The updated assumptions were primarily related to the actual performance of the block of business since the prior year review and the expectations for lapses. These favorable impacts to amortization were partially offset by an update to the Company’s long-term assumptions for separate account investment performance, which were updated to reflect assumed gross returns of 10.5% for equity funds and 5.0% for fixed funds.					1	The balances reflect a change in accounting principle, as described in Note 2.
						During 2013, the net change in DAC amortization as a result of the annual comprehensive review of model assumptions was immaterial.
						During 2012, the Company incurred additional DAC amortization of $50 million as a result of the annual comprehensive review of model assumptions, as well as a deviation from equity market performance as compared to assumed net separate account returns. The updated assumptions were primarily related to actual gross profits and the in force block of business deviating from expectations, renewal premiums, general account margins and lapses.
						During 2011, the Company recognized a reduction in DAC amortization of $135 million as a result of the annual comprehensive review of model assumptions. The updated assumptions related to interest spread, mortality, maintenance expense and market performance assumptions. The 2011 reduction in DAC amortization reflects the impact of the retrospective change in accounting principle described in Note 2.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended																									12 Months Ended
Investments	Sep. 30, 2014																									Dec. 31, 2013
Investments	-6	Investments																								-6	Investments
	Available-for-Sale Securities																									Available-for-Sale Securities
	The following table summarizes amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses and fair value of available-for-sale securities, as of the date indicated:																									The following table summarizes amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses and fair value of available-for-sale securities, as of the dates indicated:


	(in millions)		Amortized				Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair value													(in millions)		Amortized			Unrealized				Unrealized			Fair
	(in millions)		cost				gains			losses			Fair value													(in millions)		cost			gains				losses			value
	30-Sep-14																									December 31, 2013
	Fixed maturity securities:																									Fixed maturity securities:
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies		$	460			$	78		$	—		$	538												U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies		$	484		$	79			$	2		$	561
	Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments			1,952				254			5			2,201												Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments			1,892			111				40			1,963
	Corporate public securities			19,421				1,426			99			20,748												Corporate public securities			18,004			1,076				295			18,785
	Corporate private securities			4,437				300			18			4,719												Corporate private securities			4,374			258				38			4,594
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			3,690				183			47			3,826												Residential mortgage-backed securities			3,919			163				79			4,003
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			1,426				76			7			1,495												Commercial mortgage-backed securities			1,439			86				21			1,504
	Other asset-backed securities			1,291				29			65			1,255												Other asset-backed securities			890			26				77			839

	Total fixed maturity securities		$	32,677			$	2,346		$	241		$	34,782												Total fixed maturity securities		$	31,002		$	1,799			$	552		$	32,249
	Equity securities			6				21			—			27												Equity securities			6			18				—			24

	Total available-for-sale securities		$	32,683			$	2,367		$	241		$	34,809												Total available-for-sale securities		$	31,008		$	1,817			$	552		$	32,273

	The fair value of the Company’s investments may fluctuate significantly in response to changes in interest rates, investment quality ratings and credit spreads. The Company has the ability and intent to hold equity securities until recovery. The Company does not have the intent to sell, nor is it more likely than not it will be required to sell, debt securities in an unrealized loss position.																									December 31, 2012
	The following table summarizes amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity, as of September 30, 2014. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without early redemption penalties.																									Fixed maturity securities:
																										U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies		$	476		$	121			$	—		$	597
																										Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments			1,820			301				1			2,120
	(in millions)		Amortized				Fair																			Corporate public securities			16,152			1,891				33			18,010
	(in millions)		cost				value																			Corporate private securities			4,216			392				19			4,589
	Fixed maturity securities:																									Residential mortgage-backed securities			4,506			267				106			4,667
	Due in one year or less		$	915			$	931																		Commercial mortgage-backed securities			1,219			133				15			1,337
	Due after one year through five years			9,115				9,893																		Other asset-backed securities			533			45				87			491
	Due after five years through ten years			8,177				8,538
	Due after ten years			8,063				8,844																		Total fixed maturity securities		$	28,922		$	3,150			$	261		$	31,811
																										Equity securities			15			5				—			20
	Subtotal		$	26,270			$	28,206
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			3,690				3,826																		Total available-for-sale securities		$	28,937		$	3,155			$	261		$	31,831
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			1,426				1,495
	Other asset-backed securities			1,291				1,255																		The fair value of the Company’s investments may fluctuate significantly in response to changes in interest rates, investment quality ratings and credit spreads. The Company has the ability and intent to hold equity securities until recovery. The Company does not have the intent to sell, nor is it more likely than not it will be required to sell, debt securities in an unrealized loss position.

	Total fixed maturity securities		$	32,677			$	34,782																		The following table summarizes the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity, as of December 31, 2013. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without early redemption penalties.


	The following table summarizes components of net unrealized gains and losses, as of the date indicated:																									(in millions)		Amortized			Fair
																										(in millions)		cost			value
																										Fixed maturity securities:
	(in millions)		September 30,																							Due in one year or less		$	1,081		$	1,097
	(in millions)		2014																							Due after one year through five years			8,927			9,685
	Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, before adjustments, taxes and fair value hedging		$	2,126																						Due after five years through ten years			7,805			7,967
	Change in fair value attributable to fixed maturity securities designated in fair value hedging relationships			—																						Due after ten years			6,941			7,154

	Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, before adjustments and taxes1		$	2,126																						Subtotal		$	24,754		$	25,903
	Adjustment to DAC and other expense			(338	)																					Residential mortgage-backed securities			3,919			4,003
	Adjustment to future policy benefits and claims			(132	)																					Commercial mortgage-backed securities			1,439			1,504
	Adjustment to policyholder dividend obligations			(116	)																					Other asset-backed securities			890			839
	Deferred federal income tax expense			(533	)
																										Total fixed maturity securities		$	31,002		$	32,249
	Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities		$	1,007
																										The following table summarizes components of net unrealized gains and losses, as of the dates indicated:

	1	Includes net unrealized losses of $5 million as of September 30, 2014, related to the non-credit portion of other-than-temporarily impaired securities.
	The following table summarizes the change in net unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, for the nine months ended:																									(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,
																										(in millions)		2013			2012
																										Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, before adjustments, taxes and fair value hedging		$	1,265		$	2,894
	(in millions)		September 30,																							Change in fair value attributable to fixed maturity securities designated in fair value hedging relationships			—			(4	)
2014
Balance at beginning of period	(in millions)		$	601																						Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, before adjustments and taxes1		$	1,265		$	2,890
																									Adjustment to DAC and other			(176	)		(482	)
Unrealized gains and losses arising during the period:																									Adjustment to future policy benefits and claims			(89	)		(295	)
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities before adjustments			824																						Adjustment to policyholder dividend obligation			(85	)		(177	)
Non-credit impairments and subsequent changes in fair value of impaired debt securities			35																						Deferred federal income tax expense			(314	)		(672	)
Net adjustment to DAC and other expense			(162	)
Net adjustment to future policy benefits and claims			(43	)																					Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities		$	601		$	1,264
Net adjustment to policyholder dividend obligations			(31	)
Related federal income tax expense			(218	)
																									1	Includes net unrealized losses of $(40) million and $(48) million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to the non-credit portion of other-than-temporarily impaired securities.
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities		$	405
																									The following table summarizes the change in net unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, for the years ended:
Less: Reclassification adjustment for net losses realized on available-for-sale securities, net of tax benefit ($1 as of September 30, 2014)			(1	)

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities		$	406																						(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,
																									(in millions)		2013			2012
Balance at end of period		$	1,007																						Balance at beginning of year		$	1,264		$	693
																									Unrealized gains and losses arising during the period:
																									Net unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities before adjustments			(1,657	)		990
The following table summarizes, by asset class, available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position based on the amount of time each type of security has been in an unrealized loss position, as well as the related fair value, as of the date indicated:																									Non-credit impairments and subsequent changes in fair value of impaired debt securities			8			178
																									Net adjustment to DAC and other			306			(135	)
																									Net adjustment to future policy benefits and claims			206			(112	)
		Less than or equal to one year										More than one year							Total						Net adjustment to policyholder dividend obligation			92			(45	)
(in millions, except number		Fair				Unrealized			Number			Fair			Unrealized		Number		Fair		Unrealized		Number		Related federal income tax benefit (expense)			366			(308	)
of securities)		value				losses			of			value			losses		of		value		losses		of
									securities								securities						securities		Change in unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities		$	(679	)	$	568
30-Sep-14
Fixed maturity securities:																									Reclassification adjustment for net losses realized on available-for-sale securities, net of tax benefit ($8 and $2 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively)			(16	)		(3	)
Corporate public securities		$	2,116			$	28			159		$	2,127		$	71		130	$	4,243	$	99		289
Residential mortgage-backed securities			239				4			31			565			43		134		804		47		165	Change in net unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities		$	(663	)	$	571
Other asset-backed securities			392				2			22			362			63		42		754		65		64
Other			499				14			30			672			16		46		1,171		30		76	Balance at end of year		$	601		$	1,264

Total		$	3,246			$	48			242		$	3,726		$	193		352	$	6,972	$	241		594
																									The following table summarizes by asset class available-for-sale securities, in an unrealized loss position based on the amount of time each type of security has been in an unrealized loss position, as well as the related fair value and number of securities, as of the dates indicated:
The following table summarizes unrealized losses based on the ratio of fair value to amortized cost, for available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position, as of the date indicated:

																											Less than or equal to one year										More than one year									Total
		September 30, 2014																							(in millions, except number		Fair			Unrealized				Number			Fair			Unrealized			Number			Fair			Unrealized			Number
(in millions)		Less				More			Total																of securities)		value			losses				of			value			losses			of			value			losses			of
		than or				than																												securities									securities									securities
		equal to				one																			December 31, 2013
		one year				year																			Fixed maturity securities:
99.9% - 80.0%		$	49			$	131		$	180															Corporate public securities		$	4,889		$	256				346		$	442		$	39			34		$	5,331		$	295			380
Less than 80.0%:																									Residential mortgage-backed securities			725			16				70			604			63			148			1,329			79			218
Residential mortgage-backed securities			—				11			11															Other asset-backed securities			507			6				32			144			71			40			651			77			72
Other asset-backed securities			—				50			50															Other			1,838			85				126			222			16			20			2,060			101			146

Total		$	49			$	192		$	241															Total		$	7,959		$	363				574		$	1,412		$	189			242		$	9,371		$	552			816

Refer to Note 6 of the 2013 audited consolidated financial statements for the methodology related to the impairment assessment of residential mortgage-backed securities and certain other asset-backed securities. There have been no changes to these methodologies as of September 30, 2014.																									December 31, 2012
The Company believes the unrealized losses on these available-for-sale securities represent temporary fluctuations in economic factors that are not indicative of other-than-temporary impairment.																									Fixed maturity securities:
Mortgage Loans, Net of Allowance																									Corporate public securities		$	710		$	11				68		$	150		$	22			10		$	860		$	33			78
As of September 30, 2014 the carrying value of commercial mortgage loans specifically reserved was $19 million, which is net of $5 million in specific reserves.																									Residential mortgage-backed securities			89			2				12			1,029			104			190			1,118			106			202
The following table summarizes activity in the valuation allowance for mortgage loans, for the period indicated:																									Other asset-backed securities			27			1				5			163			86			46			190			87			51
																									Other			326			4				23			284			31			36			610			35			59

		Nine months ended																							Total		$	1,152		$	18				108		$	1,626		$	243			282		$	2,778		$	261			390
		September 30,
(in millions)		2014																							The following table summarizes gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of fair value to amortized cost, for available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position, as of the dates indicated:

Balance at beginning of period		$	35
Current period provision1			(10	)																							December 31, 2013										December 31, 2012
Recoveries2			(1	)																					(in millions)		Less			More				Total			Less			More			Total
																											than or			than							than or			than
Balance at end of period		$	24																								equal to			one							equal to			one
																											one year			year							one year			year
																									99.9% - 80.0%		$	363		$	107			$	470		$	18		$	85		$	103
1	Includes specific reserve provisions and all changes in non-specific reserves.																								Less than 80.0%
2	Includes recoveries on sales and increases in the valuation of loans with specific reserves.																								Residential mortgage-backed securities			—			21				21			—			50			50
Refer to Note 6 of the 2013 audited consolidated financial statements for the assumptions used to determine the mortgage loan valuation allowance and the methodology for monitoring the credit quality ratings of the commercial and residential mortgage loan portfolios. There have been no changes to these assumptions and methodologies as of September 30, 2014.																									Other asset-backed securities			—			61				61			—			72			72
																									Other			—			—				—			—			36			36
Tax Credit Funds
The Company has sold $1.3 billion in Low-Income-Housing Tax Credit Funds (“Tax Credit Funds”) to unrelated third parties as of September 30, 2014. The Company has guaranteed after-tax benefits to the third party investors through periods ending in 2029. The Company held immaterial reserves on these transactions as of September 30, 2014. These guarantees are in effect for periods of approximately 15 years each. The Tax Credit Funds provide a stream of tax benefits to the investors that will generate a yield and return of capital. If the tax benefits are not sufficient to provide these cumulative after-tax yields, the Company must fund any shortfall. The maximum amount of undiscounted future payments that the Company could be required to pay the investors under the terms of the guarantees is $718 million, but the Company does not anticipate making any material payments related to the guarantees. The Company’s risks are mitigated in the following ways: (1) the Company has the right to buyout the equity related to the guarantee under certain circumstances, (2) the Company may replace underperforming properties to mitigate exposure to guarantee payments and (3) the Company oversees the asset management of the deals.																									Total		$	363		$	189			$	552		$	18		$	243		$	261
Consolidated VIEs
The Company has relationships with VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary. These consolidated VIEs are primarily made up of Tax Credit Funds with guarantees to limited partners. Net assets (controlling and noncontrolling interests) of all consolidated VIEs totaled $620 million as of September 30, 2014 and were composed primarily of other investments of $562 million, other assets of $91 million and other liabilities of $77 million. The Company’s general credit is not exposed to the creditors or beneficial interest holders of these consolidated VIEs.
Unconsolidated VIEs																									Residential mortgage-backed securities are assessed for impairment using default estimates based on loan level data, where available. Where loan level data is not available, a proxy based on collateral characteristics is used. The impairment assessment considers loss severity as a function of multiple factors, including unpaid balance, interest rate, mortgage insurance ratios, assessed property value at origination, change in property value, loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio at origination and prepayment speeds. Cash flows generated by the collateral are then utilized, along with consideration for the instrument’s position in the overall structure, to determine cash flows associated with the security.
In addition to the consolidated VIEs, the Company holds investments in VIEs where the Company is not the primary beneficiary, which are primarily limited partner investments in Tax Credit Funds without guarantees to limited partners. The carrying value of these investments was $118 million as of September 30, 2014. In addition, the Company has made commitments for further investments in these VIEs of $18 million as of September 30, 2014.																									Certain other asset-backed securities are assessed for impairment using expected cash flows based on various inputs including default estimates based on the underlying corporate securities, historical and forecasted loss severities or other market inputs when recovery estimates are not feasible. When the collateral is regional bank and insurance company trust preferred securities, default estimates used to estimate cash flows are based on U.S. Bank Rating service data and broker research.
Net Investment Income																									The Company believes the unrealized losses on these available-for-sale securities represent temporary fluctuations in economic factors that are not indicative of other-than-temporary impairment.
The following table summarizes net investment income, by investment type, for the period indicated:																									Mortgage Loans, Net of Allowance
																									The following table summarizes the amortized cost of mortgage loans by method of evaluation for credit loss, and the related valuation allowances by type of credit loss, as of the dates indicated:

		Nine months ended
		September 30,																							(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,
(in millions)		2014																							(in millions)		2013			2012
																									Amortized cost:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale		$	1,174																						Loans with non-specific reserves		$	6,350		$	5,820
Mortgage loans			258																						Loans with specific reserves			26			51
Policy loans			38
Other			(10	)																					Total amortized cost		$	6,376		$	5,871
																									Valuation allowance:
Gross investment income		$	1,460																						Non-specific reserves		$	29		$	33
Investment expenses			43																						Specific reserves			6			11

Net investment income		$	1,417																						Total valuation allowance		$	35		$	44

																									Mortgage loans, net of allowance		$	6,341		$	5,827
Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses, Net of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
The following table summarizes net realized investment gains and losses, net of other-than-temporary impairments, by source, for the period indicated:																									The following table summarizes activity in the valuation allowance for mortgage loans, for the years ended:


		Nine months ended																							(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,				December 31,
		September 30,																							(in millions)		2013			2012				2011
(in millions)		2014																							Balance at beginning of year		$	44		$	60			$	96
Net realized derivative losses		$	(616	)																					Current period provision1			(4	)		2				25
Realized gains on sales			25																						Recoveries2			(5	)		(15	)			(7	)
Realized losses on sales			(13	)																					Charge offs and other			—			(3	)			(54	)
Other			6
																									Balance at end of year		$	35		$	44			$	60
Net realized investment losses before other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities		$	(598	)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities1			(5	)
																									1	Includes specific reserve provisions and all changes in non-specific reserves.
Net realized investment losses, net of other-than-temporary impairments		$	(603	)																					2	Includes recoveries on sales and increases in the valuation of loans with specific reserves.

																									The following table summarizes impaired commercial mortgage loans by class, for the years ended:
1	Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities are net of immaterial non-credit losses included in other comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities were $480 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Gross gains of $11 million and gross losses of $8 million were realized on sales of available-for-sale securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
The following table summarizes cumulative credit losses, for the period indicated:																									(in millions)		Office			Industrial				Retail			Other			Total
																									December 31, 2013
																									Amortized cost		$	—		$	26			$	—		$	—		$	26
		Nine months ended																							Specific reserves			—			(6	)			—			—			(6	)
		September 30,
(in millions)		2014																							Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans, net of allowance		$	—		$	20			$	—		$	—		$	20
Cumulative credit losses at beginning of period1		$	(272	)
New credit losses			(1	)																					December 31, 2012
Incremental credit losses			(4	)																					Amortized cost		$	13		$	26			$	12		$	—		$	51
Losses related to securities included in the beginning balance sold or paid down during the period			19																						Specific reserves			(2	)		(7	)			(2	)		—			(11	)

Cumulative credit losses at end of period1		$	(258	)																					Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans, net of allowance		$	11		$	19			$	10		$	—		$	40

																									The following table summarizes average recorded investment and interest income recognized for impaired commercial mortgage loans by class, for the years ended:
1	Cumulative credit losses are defined as amounts related to the Company’s credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities that the Company does not intend to sell and that it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell, prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis.

																									(in millions)		Office			Industrial				Retail			Other			Total
																									December 31, 2013
																									Average recorded investment		$	5		$	20			$	5		$	—		$	30
																									Interest income recognized		$	1		$	1			$	1		$	—		$	3

																									December 31, 2012
																									Average recorded investment		$	9		$	20			$	11		$	34		$	74
																									Interest income recognized		$	1		$	2			$	1		$	6		$	10

																									As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s mortgage loans classified as delinquent and/or in non-accrual status were immaterial in relation to the total mortgage loan portfolio. The Company had no mortgage loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest.
																									Management evaluates the credit quality of individual mortgage loans and the portfolio as a whole through a number of loan quality measurements, including, but not limited to, LTV and debt service coverage (“DSC”) ratios. The LTV ratio is calculated as a ratio of the amortized cost of a loan to the estimated value of the underlying collateral. DSC is the amount of cash flow generated by the underlying collateral of the mortgage loan available to meet periodic interest and principal payments of the loan. This process identifies mortgage loans representing the lowest risk profile and lowest potential for loss and those representing the highest risk profile and highest potential for loss. These factors are updated and evaluated at least annually.

																									The following table summarizes the LTV ratio and DSC ratios of the mortgage loan portfolio, as of the dates indicated:


																											LTV ratio													DSC ratio
																									(in millions)		Less			80% - less				90% or			Total			Greater			1.00-1.10			Less than			Total
																											than			than 90%				greater						than 1.10						1
																											80%
																									December 31, 2013:
																									Apartment		$	1,788		$	52			$	30		$	1,870		$	1,857		$	6		$	7		$	1,870
																									Industrial			951			52				86			1,089			893			122			74			1,089
																									Office			837			30				38			905			800			43			62			905
																									Retail			2,236			41				21			2,298			2,214			61			23			2,298
																									Other			213			—				1			214			214			—			—			214

																									Total		$	6,025		$	175			$	176		$	6,376		$	5,978		$	232		$	166		$	6,376

																									Weighted average DSC ratio			1.77			1.22				1			1.74			n/a			n/a			n/a			n/a

																									Weighted average LTV ratio			n/a			n/a				n/a			n/a			60	%		61	%		91	%		61	%

																									December 31, 2012:
																									Apartment		$	1,119		$	129			$	62		$	1,310		$	1,303		$	5		$	2		$	1,310
																									Industrial			922			76				162			1,160			951			121			88			1,160
																									Office			776			55				42			873			783			16			74			873
																									Retail			1,940			250				86			2,276			2,139			92			45			2,276
																									Other			189			57				6			252			252			—			—			252

																									Total		$	4,946		$	567			$	358		$	5,871		$	5,428		$	234		$	209		$	5,871

																									Weighted average DSC ratio			1.74			1.27				1.07			1.65			n/a			n/a			n/a			n/a

																									Weighted average LTV ratio			n/a			n/a				n/a			n/a			66	%		76	%		96	%		68	%

																									While these loan quality measurements contribute to management’s assessment of relative credit risk in the mortgage loan portfolio for the dates indicated based on underwriting criteria and ongoing assessment of the properties’ performance, management believes the amounts, net of valuation allowance, are collectible.
																									Available-For-Sale Securities on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral
																									Available-for-sale securities with a carrying value of $8 million and $9 million were on deposit with various regulatory agencies as required by law as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Additionally, available-for-sale securities with a carrying value of $849 million and $73 million were pledged as collateral to secure recoveries under reinsurance contracts and other funding agreements as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These securities are primarily included in fixed maturity securities in the consolidated balance sheets.

																									Tax Credit Funds
																									The Company has sold $1.2 billion and $0.9 billion in Tax Credit Funds to unrelated third parties as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company has guaranteed after-tax benefits to the third party investors through periods ending in 2028. The Company held immaterial reserves on these transactions as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. These guarantees are in effect for periods of approximately 15 years each. The Tax Credit Funds provide a stream of tax benefits to the investors that will generate a yield and return of capital. If the tax benefits are not sufficient to provide these cumulative after-tax yields, the Company must fund any shortfall. The maximum amount of undiscounted future payments that the Company could be required to pay the investors under the terms of the guarantees is $796 million, but the company does not anticipate making any material payments related to the guarantees. The Company’s risks are mitigated in the following ways: (1) the Company has the right to buyout the equity related to the guarantee under certain circumstances, (2) the Company may replace underperforming properties to mitigate exposure to guarantee payments and (3) the Company oversees the asset management of the deals.
																									Consolidated VIEs
																									The Company has relationships with VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary. These consolidated VIEs are primarily made up of Low-Income-Housing Tax Credit Funds with guarantees to limited partners. Net assets (controlling and noncontrolling interests) of all consolidated VIEs totaled $680 million and $347 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which were composed primarily of other investments of $554 million, other assets of $182 million and other liabilities of $82 million as of December 31, 2013, and other investments of $348 million as of December 31, 2012. The Company’s general credit is not exposed to the creditors or beneficial interest holders of these consolidated VIEs.
																									Unconsolidated VIEs
																									In addition to the consolidated VIEs, the Company holds investments in VIEs where the Company is not the primary beneficiary, which are primarily investments in Tax Credit Funds without guarantees to limited partners. The carrying value of these investments was $104 million and $222 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In addition, the Company has made commitments for further investments in these VIEs of $29 million and $66 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
																									Net Investment Income
																									The following table summarizes net investment income by investment type, for the years ended:


																									(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,				December 31,
																									(in millions)		2013			2012				2011
																									Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale		$	1,565		$	1,506			$	1,502
																									Mortgage loans			348			366				370
																									Policy loans			52			53				56
																									Other			(57	)		(45	)			(34	)

																									Gross investment income		$	1,908		$	1,880			$	1,894

																									Investment expenses			59			55				50

																									Net investment income		$	1,849		$	1,825			$	1,844


																									Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses, Net of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
																									The following table summarizes net realized investment gains and losses, net of other-than-temporary impairments, by source, for the years ended:


																									(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,				December 31,
																									(in millions)		2013			2012				2011
																									Net derivative gains (losses)		$	705		$	314			$	(1,636	)
																									Realized gains on sales			32			48				64
																									Realized losses on sales			(54	)		(23	)			(45	)
																									Other			—			12				(19	)

																									Net realized investment gains (losses) before other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities		$	683		$	351			$	(1,636	)
																									Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities1			(5	)		(32	)			(40	)

																									Net realized investment gains (losses), net of other-than-temporary impairments		$	678		$	319			$	(1,676	)


																									1	Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities are net $6 million, $36 million and $95 million of non-credit losses included in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
																									Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities were $1.1 billion, $0.8 billion and $1.6 billion during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Gross gains of $31 million, $47 million and $50 million and gross losses of $50 million, $20 million and $39 million were realized on sales of available-for-sale securities during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
																									The following table summarizes the cumulative credit losses, for the years ended:


																									(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,				December 31,
																									(in millions)		2013			2012				2011
																									Cumulative credit losses at beginning of year1		$	(289	)	$	(328	)		$	(340	)
																									New credit losses			(3	)		(18	)			(8	)
																									Incremental credit losses			(3	)		(10	)			(29	)
																									Losses related to securities included in the beginning balance sold or paid down during the period			23			67				49

																									Cumulative credit losses at end of year1		$	(272	)	$	(289	)		$	(328	)


																									1	Cumulative credit losses are defined as amounts related to the Company’s credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities that the Company does not intend to sell and that it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	9 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments	Sep. 30, 2014											Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments	-7	Derivative Instruments										-7	Derivative Instruments
	The Company is exposed to certain risks related to its ongoing business operations which are managed using derivative instruments.											The Company is exposed to certain risks related to its ongoing business operations which are managed using derivative instruments.
	Interest rate risk management. The Company uses interest rate contracts, primarily interest rate swaps, to reduce or alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities. In the case of interest rate swaps, the Company enters into a contractual agreement with a counterparty to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and variable rates of interest, calculated on a reference notional amount.											Interest rate risk management. The Company uses interest rate contracts, primarily interest rate swaps, to reduce or alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities. In the case of interest rate swaps, the Company enters into a contractual agreement with a counterparty to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and variable rates of interest, calculated on a reference notional amount.
	Interest rate swaps are used by the Company in association with fixed and variable rate investments to achieve cash flow streams that support certain financial obligations of the Company, and to produce desired investment returns. As such, interest rate swaps are generally used to convert fixed rate cash flow streams to variable rate cash flow streams or vice versa. The Company also enters into interest rate swap transactions, which are structured to provide an offset against the negative impact of higher interest rates on the Company’s capital position.											Interest rate swaps are used by the Company in association with fixed and variable rate investments to achieve cash flow streams that support certain financial obligations of the Company and to produce desired investment returns. As such, interest rate swaps are generally used to convert fixed rate cash flow streams to variable rate cash flow streams or vice versa. The Company also enters into interest rate swap transactions which are structured to provide an offset against the negative impact of higher interest rates on the Company’s capital position.
	Equity market and interest rate risk management. The Company has a variety of variable annuity products with guaranteed benefit features. These products and related obligations expose the Company to various market risks, primarily equity and interest rate risks. Adverse changes in the equity markets or interest rate movements expose the Company to significant volatility. To mitigate these risks and hedge the guaranteed benefit obligations, the Company enters into a variety of derivatives including interest rate swaps, equity index futures, options and total return swaps.											Equity market and interest rate risk management. The Company has a variety of variable annuity products with guaranteed benefit features. These products and related obligations expose the Company to various market risks, primarily equity and interest rate risks. Adverse changes in the equity markets or interest rate movements expose the Company to significant volatility. To mitigate these risks and hedge the guaranteed benefit obligations, the Company enters into a variety of derivatives including interest rate swaps, equity index futures, options and total return swaps.
												Foreign currency risk management. As part of its regular investing activities, the Company may purchase foreign currency denominated investments. These investments and the associated income expose the Company to volatility associated with movements in foreign exchange rates. As foreign exchange rates change, the increase or decrease in the cash flows of the derivative instrument generally offsets the changes in the functional-currency equivalent cash flows of the hedged item. To mitigate this risk, the Company uses cross-currency swaps and futures, which are primarily included in other derivative contracts in the following tables.
	Foreign currency risk management. As part of its regular investing activities, the Company may purchase foreign currency denominated investments. These investments and the associated income expose the Company to volatility associated with movements in foreign exchange rates. As foreign exchange rates change, the increase or decrease in the cash flows of the derivative instrument generally offsets the changes in the functional-currency equivalent cash flows of the hedged item. To mitigate this risk, the Company uses cross-currency swaps and futures, which are primarily included in other derivative contracts in the following tables.											Credit risk associated with derivative transactions. The Company periodically evaluates the risks within the derivative portfolios due to credit exposure. When evaluating this risk, the Company considers several factors which include, but are not limited to, the counterparty credit risk associated with derivative receivables, the Company’s own credit as it relates to derivative payables, the collateral thresholds associated with each counterparty and changes in relevant market data in order to gain insight into the probability of default by the counterparty. In addition, the impact the Company’s exposure to credit risk could have on the effectiveness of the Company’s hedging relationships is considered. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the impact of the exposure to credit risk on the fair value measurement of derivatives and the effectiveness of the Company’s hedging relationships was immaterial.
	Credit risk associated with derivatives transactions. The Company periodically evaluates the risks within the derivative portfolios due to credit exposure. When evaluating this risk, the Company considers several factors which include, but are not limited to, the counterparty credit risk associated with derivative receivables, the Company’s own credit as it relates to derivative payables, the collateral thresholds associated with each counterparty and changes in relevant market data in order to gain insight into the probability of default by the counterparty. In addition, the impact the Company’s exposure to credit risk could have on the effectiveness of the Company’s hedging relationships is considered. As of September 30, 2014, the impact of the exposure to credit risk on the fair value measurement of derivatives and the effectiveness of the Company’s hedging relationships was immaterial.
	The following table summarizes the fair value and related notional amounts of derivative instruments, as of the date indicated:											The following table summarizes the fair value and related notional amounts of derivative instruments, as of the dates indicated:


			Derivative assets					Derivative liabilities						Derivative assets						Derivative liabilities
	(in millions)		Fair value			Notional		Fair value		Notional		(in millions)		Fair value			Notional			Fair value			Notional
	September 30, 2014											December 31, 2013
	Derivatives designated and qualifying as hedging instruments		$	8		$	348	$	13	$	146	Derivatives designated and qualifying as hedging instruments		$	1		$	6		$	26		$	345
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:											Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts			1,709			33,281		2,013		36,404	Interest rate contracts		$	1,787		$	26,156		$	2,100		$	29,715
	Equity contracts			379			5,949		—		—	Equity contracts			343			6,556			—			—
	Total return swaps			33			2,634		—		—	Total return swaps			6			1,101			52			1,183
	Foreign currency and other derivative contracts			—			—		3		2	Other derivative contracts			—			—			5			2

	Total derivative positions1		$	2,129		$	42,212	$	2,029	$	36,552	Total derivative positions1		$	2,137		$	33,819		$	2,183		$	31,245

												December 31, 2012
	1	Derivative assets and liabilities are included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. As of September 30, 2014, derivative assets exclude $244 million of accrued interest receivable, and derivative liabilities exclude $211 million of accrued interest payable.										Derivatives designated and qualifying as hedging instruments		$	4		$	79		$	21		$	192
	Of the $2.1 billion of fair value of derivative assets at September 30, 2014, $1.8 billion is subject to master netting agreements and the Company received $465 million of cash collateral resulting in an immaterial uncollateralized position at September 30, 2014. Of the $2.0 billion of fair value of derivative liabilities at September 30, 2014, $1.8 billion is subject to master netting agreements and the Company posted $284 million of cash collateral and pledged securities with a fair value of $311 million resulting in an immaterial uncollateralized position at September 30, 2014. The Company held $44 million of securities as off-balance sheet collateral as of September 30, 2014.											Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
												Interest rate contracts		$	1,960		$	21,216		$	2,065		$	23,746
	The following table summarizes gains and losses for derivative instruments recognized in net realized investment gains and losses, for the period indicated:											Equity contracts			822			7,445			—			—
												Total return swaps			4			1,513			32			1,551
												Other derivative contracts			—			10			5			17
			Nine months ended
			September 30,									Total derivative positions1		$	2,790		$	30,263		$	2,123		$	25,506
	(in millions)		2014
	Derivatives designated and qualifying as hedging instruments		$	—
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:											1	Derivative assets and liabilities are included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, derivative assets exclude $196 million and $170 million, respectively, of accrued interest receivable, and derivative liabilities exclude $227 million and $179 million, respectively, of accrued interest payable.
	Interest rate contracts			8								The fair value of the Company’s derivative positions, subject to offsetting by master netting agreements of $1.7 billion and $2.0 billion as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and by collateral received from or posted with counterparties, resulted in immaterial net uncollateralized derivative asset and liability positions as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company held cash collateral from derivative counterparties of $382 million and $798 million, respectively. The Company held $29 million of securities as off-balance sheet collateral as of December 31, 2013. No securities were held as off-balance sheet collateral as of December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had posted cash collateral of $435 million and $228 million, respectively, and pledged securities with a fair value of $173 million and $148 million, respectively, with derivative counterparties.
	Equity contracts			(57	)
	Total return swaps			(98	)							The following table summarizes gains and losses for derivative instruments recognized in net realized investment gains and losses in the consolidated statements of operations, for the years ended:
	Foreign currency and other derivative contracts			1
	Net interest settlements			6
												(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	Total derivative losses1		$	(140	)							(in millions)		2013			2012			2011
												Derivatives designated and qualifying as hedging instruments		$	(1	)	$	(1	)	$	(4	)
	Change in embedded derivatives on guaranteed benefit annuity programs2		$	(673	)							Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Other revenue on guaranteed benefit annuity programs			197								Interest rate contracts		$	(209	)	$	(125	)	$	(44	)
												Equity contracts			(776	)		(665	)		(45	)
	Change in embedded derivative liabilities and related fees		$	(476	)							Total return swaps			(321	)		(343	)		(17	)
												Other derivative contracts			(9	)		(1	)		(6	)
	Net realized derivative losses		$	(616	)							Net interest settlements			14			53			34

												Total derivative losses1		$	(1,302	)	$	(1,082	)	$	(82	)
	1	Included in total derivative losses are economic hedging gains of $499 million related to the guaranteed benefit annuity programs for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	2	For the individual variable annuity business, the annual comprehensive review of model assumptions produced a favorable impact for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 primarily due to model enhancements and updated assumptions for discounting and benefit utilization, partially offset by mortality and lapse rates.										Change in embedded derivatives on guaranteed benefit annuity programs2			1,751			1,185			(1,674	)
												Other revenue on guaranteed benefit annuity programs			256			211			120

												Change in embedded derivative liabilities and related fees		$	2,007		$	1,396		$	(1,554	)

												Net realized derivative gains (losses)		$	705		$	314		$	(1,636	)


												1	Included in total derivative losses are economic hedging losses of $1.8 billion, $827 million and gains of $1.0 billion related to the guaranteed benefit annuity programs for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
												2	As part of the Company’s annual comprehensive review of DAC model assumptions, all relevant assumptions impacting the fair value of embedded derivatives on annuity programs are also reviewed and updated. For the individual variable annuity business, the change in the embedded derivatives on guaranteed benefit annuity programs for the year ended December 31, 2013 includes model enhancements and updated assumptions for discounting, benefit utilization, mortality and lapse rates. The change in embedded derivatives on guaranteed benefit annuity programs for the year ended December 31, 2012 included updated assumptions for lapse rates, mortality, withdrawal behavior and benefit utilization.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended																																12 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements	Sep. 30, 2014																																Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements	-8	Fair Value Measurements																															-8	Fair Value Measurements
	The following table summarizes assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014:																																The following table summarizes assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013:


	(in millions)		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total																		(in millions)		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
	Assets																																Assets
	Investments:																																Investments:
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:																																Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies		$	534			$	1			$	3			$	538																	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies		$	557			$	1			$	3			$	561
	Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments			65				2,136				—				2,201																	Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments			63				1,900				—				1,963
	Corporate public securities			—				20,668				80				20,748																	Corporate public securities			1				18,705				79				18,785
	Corporate private securities			—				3,805				914				4,719																	Corporate private securities			—				3,791				803				4,594
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			977				2,840				9				3,826																	Residential mortgage-backed securities			791				3,203				9				4,003
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			—				1,491				4				1,495																	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			—				1,504				—				1,504
	Other asset-backed securities			—				1,073				182				1,255																	Other asset-backed securities			—				645				194				839

	Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value		$	1,576			$	32,014			$	1,192			$	34,782																	Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value		$	1,412			$	29,749			$	1,088			$	32,249
	Other investments at fair value			66				514				37				617																	Other investments at fair value			64				357				45				466

	Investments at fair value		$	1,642			$	32,528			$	1,229			$	35,399																	Investments at fair value		$	1,476			$	30,106			$	1,133			$	32,715

	Derivative assets			—				1,750				379				2,129																	Derivative assets			—				1,794				343				2,137
	Separate account assets			82,988				1,374				2,104				86,466																	Separate account assets			80,647				1,339				2,083				84,069

	Assets at fair value		$	84,630			$	35,652			$	3,712			$	123,994																	Assets at fair value		$	82,123			$	33,239			$	3,559			$	118,921

	Liabilities																																Liabilities
	Future policy benefits and claims:																																Future policy benefits and claims:
	Embedded derivatives on living benefits		$	—			$	—			$	421			$	421																	Embedded derivatives on living benefits		$	—			$	—			$	1,094			$	1,094
	Embedded derivatives on indexed products			—				—				(84	)			(84	)																Embedded derivatives on indexed products			—				—				(84	)			(84	)

	Total future policy benefits and claims		$	—			$	—			$	337			$	337																	Total future policy benefits and claims		$	—			$	—			$	1,010			$	1,010
	Derivative liabilities			—				(2,026	)			(3	)			(2,029	)																Derivative liabilities			—				(2,178	)			(5	)			(2,183	)

	Liabilities at fair value		$	—			$	(2,026	)		$	334			$	(1,692	)																Liabilities at fair value		$	—			$	(2,178	)		$	1,005			$	(1,173	)


	The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the nine months ended September 30, 2014:																																The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2013:


			Balance				Net gains (losses)																							Balance					Balance				Net gains (losses)																							Balance
			as of																											as of					as of																											as of
			December 31,																											September 30,					December 31,																											December 31,
	(in millions)		2013				In operations1				In other				Purchases				Sales				Transfers			Transfers				2014			(in millions)		2012				In operations1				In other				Purchases				Sales				Transfers			Transfers				2013
											comprehensive												into			out of																	comprehensive												into			out of
											income												Level 3			Level 3																	income												Level 3			Level 3
	Assets																																Assets
	Investments:																																Investments:
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:																																Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
	Corporate private securities		$	803			$	(4	)		$	6			$	52			$	(140	)		$	197		$	—			$	914		Corporate private securities		$	772			$	(1	)$			(2	)$			91			$	(117	)$			127		$	(67	)$			803
	Other asset-backed securities			194				—				15				—				(23	)			—			(4	)			182		Other asset-backed securities			291				—				10				6				(62	)			15			(66	)			194
	Other			91				—				6				—				(7	)			6			—				96		Other			134				—				(7	)			18				(53	)			—			(1	)			91

	Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value2		$	1,088			$	(4	)		$	27			$	52			$	(170	)		$	203		$	(4	)		$	1,192		Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value2		$	1,197				(1	)			1				115				(232	)			142			(134	)			1,088
	Other investments at fair value			45				1				2				—				(11	)			—			—				37		Other investments at fair value			62				(6	)			6				5				(22	)			—			—				45
	Derivative assets2			343				9				—				42				(15	)			—			—				379		Derivative assets3			822				(447	)			—				129				(161	)			—			—				343
	Separate account assets			2,083				21				—				—				—				—			—				2,104		Separate account assets			2,025				58				—				—				—				—			—				2,083

	Assets at fair value		$	3,559			$	27			$	29			$	94			$	(196	)		$	203		$	(4	)		$	3,712		Assets at fair value		$	4,106			$	(396	)$			7			$	249			$	(415	)$			142		$	(134	)$			3,559

	Liabilities																																Liabilities
	Future policy benefits and claims:																																Future policy benefits and claims:
	Embedded derivatives on living benefits2		$	1,094			$	(673	)		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—			$	421		Embedded derivatives on living benefits		$	(657	)$			1,751			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—			$	1,094
	Embedded derivatives on indexed products2			(84	)			—				—				—				—				—			—				(84	)	Embedded derivatives on indexed products			(91	)			7				—				—				—				—			—				(84	)

Total future policy benefits and claims		$	1,010			$	(673	)		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—			$	337		Total future policy benefits and claims		$	(748	)$			1,758			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—			$	1,010
Derivative liabilities2			(5	)			2				—				—				—				—			—				(3	)	Derivative liabilities3			(5	)			—				—				—				—				—			—				(5	)

Liabilities at fair value		$	1,005			$	(671	)		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—			$	334		Liabilities at fair value		$	(753	)$			1,758			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—			$	1,005


1	Net gains and losses included in operations are reported in net realized investment gains and losses and interest credited to policyholder accounts. The net unrealized gains on separate account assets are attributable to contractholders, and therefore are not included in the Company’s earnings. The change in unrealized gains included in operations on assets and liabilities still held at the end of the quarter was $119 million for derivative assets, $7 million for other investments at fair value and $2 million for derivative liabilities.																															1	Net gains and losses included in operations are reported in net realized investment gains and losses and interest credited to policyholder accounts. The net unrealized gains on separate account assets are attributable to contractholders and therefore are not included in the Company’s earnings. The change in unrealized (losses) gains included in operations on assets and liabilities still held at the end of the year was $(6) million for other investments at fair value, $(297) million for derivative assets and $1.8 billion for future policy benefits and claims.
2	Refer to Note 8 of the 2013 audited consolidated financial statements for a discussion of valuation inputs. There have been no material changes to these inputs as of September 30, 2014.																															2	Non-binding broker quotes were utilized to determine a fair value of $924 million of total fixed maturity securities as of December 31, 2013.
Transfers into Level 3 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are primarily due to certain corporate private securities, which moved pricing sources.																																3	Non-binding broker quotes were utilized to determine a fair value of all Level 3 derivative assets and liabilities.
As discussed in Note 2 of the 2013 audited consolidated financial statements, the valuation of embedded derivatives in living benefit guarantees and equity indexed products incorporates many inputs. Significant unobservable inputs for living benefit guarantees include discounting, index volatility, mortality, lapse rates, wait period and benefit utilization, while significant unobservable inputs for equity indexed products include mortality, lapse rates and index volatility. For both products, the Company derives these inputs, which vary widely by product, attained age, policy duration, benefits in the money (living benefit guarantees only) and the existence of surrender charges, from current experience and industry data. The fair value for these benefits is calculated using the mean of discounted cash flows across numerous random scenarios, an approach that is commonly used by the insurance industry for this type of valuation. This process considers a broader range of assumptions than what would be found in a deterministic approach.																																Transfers into and out of Level 3 during the year ended December 31, 2013 are primarily due to certain corporate private securities and other asset-backed securities, which changed pricing sources between broker quotes and independent pricing services. There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the year ended December 31, 2013.

Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value																																As discussed in Note 2, the valuation of embedded derivatives in living benefit guarantees and equity indexed products incorporates many inputs. Significant unobservable inputs for living benefit guarantees include discounting, index volatility, mortality, lapse rates, wait period and benefit utilization, while significant unobservable inputs for equity indexed products include mortality, lapse rates and index volatility. For both products, the Company derives these inputs, which vary widely by product, attained age, policy duration, benefits in the money (living benefit guarantees only) and the existence of surrender charges, from current experience and industry data. The fair value for these benefits is calculated using the mean of discounted cash flows across numerous random scenarios, an approach that is commonly used by the insurance industry for this type of valuation. This process considers a broader range of assumptions than what would be found in a deterministic approach.
The following table summarizes the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments not carried at fair value as of the date indicated. The valuation techniques used to estimate these fair values are described below.																																Living Benefit Guarantees
																																The following table summarizes significant unobservable inputs used for fair value measurements for living benefits liabilities classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2013:

		September 30, 2014
(in millions)		Carrying				Fair				Level 2				Level 3																		Unobservable Inputs		Range
(in millions)		value				value				Level 2				Level 3																		Mortality		0.1%-8%2
Assets																																Lapse		0%-35%
Investments:																																Wait period		0 yrs – 30 yrs3
Mortgage loans, net of allowance		$	6,842			$	7,081			$	—			$	7,081																	Efficiency of benefit utilization1		65%-100%
Policy loans		$	995			$	995			$	—			$	995																	Discount rate		See footnote 4
																																Index volatility		15%-25%
Liabilities
Investment contracts		$	22,998			$	21,439			$	—			$	21,439																	1	The unobservable input is not applicable to GMABs.
Short-term debt		$	214			$	214			$	—			$	214																	2	Represents the mortality for the majority of business with living benefits, with policyholders ranging from 45 to 85.
Long-term debt		$	709			$	1,014			$	1,005			$	9																	3	A portion of the contractholders could never use the benefit, which would extend the range to an indeterminate period.
																																4	Incorporates the liquidity and non-performance risk adjustment. The liquidity spread takes into consideration market observables for spreads in illiquid assets. The non-performance risk adjustment reflects an additional spread over LIBOR determined by market observables for similarly rated public bonds.
Mortgage loans, net of allowance. The fair values of mortgage loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on interest rates currently being offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings.																																The following changes in any of the significant unobservable inputs presented in the table above may result in a change in the fair value measurements of the living benefits liability:
Policy loans. The carrying amount reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheet approximates fair value.																																Higher mortality rates tend to decrease the value of the liability and lower mortality rates tend to increase the value of the liability.
Investment contracts. For investment contracts without defined maturities, fair value is the amount payable on demand, net of surrender charges. For investment contracts with known or determined maturities, fair value is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis. Interest rates used in this analysis are similar to currently offered contracts with maturities consistent with those remaining for the contracts being valued. The fair value of adjustable rate contracts approximates their carrying value.																																Higher lapse rates tend to decrease the value of the liability and lower lapse rates tend to increase the value of the liability. Factors that impact the predicted lapse rate can include: age, policy duration, policy size, benefit in-the-moneyness and applicable surrender charges. All else being equal, policies that are in-the-money will have lower lapse rates than policies that are out-of-the-money, and policies that have a surrender charge present will have lower lapse rates than policies without a surrender charge.
Short-term debt. The carrying amount reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheet approximates fair value.																																The assumed wait period and the efficiency of utilization determine the timing and amount of living benefits withdrawals. These assumptions vary by the product type, age of the policyholder and policy duration. Many products have a bonus feature which enhances the guarantee on every policy anniversary for the first ten years so long as withdrawals have not commenced. All else being equal, policies commencing withdrawals at a time around the year ten bonus will have higher liability values than policies commencing withdrawals 20 years after issue or policies commencing withdrawals only one year after issue. In addition, policies that are assumed to withdraw the maximum permitted amount will have a higher liability value than a policy that is assumed to withdraw less than the maximum allowed amount.
Long-term debt. The fair value for long-term debt are based on estimated market prices using observable inputs from similar debt instruments.
																																A higher discount rate tends to decrease the value of the liability and a lower discount rate tends to increase the value of the liability.
																																Higher index volatility tends to increase the value of the liability and lower index volatility tends to decrease the value of the liability.
																																Equity Indexed Products
																																The following table summarizes significant unobservable inputs used for fair value measurements for indexed universal life equity indexed products classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2013:


																																Unobservable Inputs		Range
																																Mortality		0%-4%1
																																Lapse		0%-10%
																																Index volatility		15%-25%

																																1	Represents the mortality for the majority of business, with policyholders ranging from 0 to 75.
																																The following changes in any of the significant unobservable inputs presented in the table above may result in a change in the fair value measurements of the equity indexed products:
																																Higher mortality rates tend to decrease the value of the liability and lower mortality rates tend to increase the value of the liability.
																																Higher lapse rates tend to decrease the value of the liability and lower lapse rates tend to increase the value of the liability. Factors that impact the predicted lapse rate can include: age, policy duration, policy size, and applicable surrender charges. All else being equal, policies with a surrender charge present will have lower lapse rates than policies without a surrender charge.
																																Higher index volatility tends to increase the value of the liability and lower index volatility tends to decrease the value of the liability.
																																Separate Accounts
																																The Company’s separate account assets include an investment in a mutual fund with a non-readily determinable fair value. Net asset value has been used to estimate the fair value of this investment as a practical expedient. The investments are included in Level 3 as they may not be redeemed until a seven year guarantee period expires in 2016. The investment strategy of this fund is to build a portfolio where the assets shall be sufficient to achieve a target portfolio value by the end of the seven year guarantee period. The net asset value of this fund reported in separate account assets was $1.7 billion and $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

																																The following table summarizes assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012:


																																(in millions)		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
																																Assets
																																Investments:
																																Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
																																U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies		$	592			$	2			$	3			$	597
																																Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments			73				2,047				—				2,120
																																Corporate public securities			1				17,890				119				18,010
																																Corporate private securities			—				3,817				772				4,589
																																Residential mortgage-backed securities			484				4,173				10				4,667
																																Commercial mortgage-backed securities			—				1,335				2				1,337
																																Other asset-backed securities			—				200				291				491

																																Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value		$	1,150			$	29,464			$	1,197			$	31,811
																																Other investments at fair value			45				1,001				62				1,108

																																Investments at fair value		$	1,195			$	30,465			$	1,259			$	32,919

																																Derivative assets			—				1,968				822				2,790
																																Separate account assets			68,185				1,230				2,025				71,440

																																Assets at fair value		$	69,380			$	33,663			$	4,106			$	107,149

																																Liabilities
																																Future policy benefits and claims:
																																Embedded derivatives on living benefits		$	—			$	—			$	(657	)		$	(657	)
																																Embedded derivatives on indexed products			—				—				(91	)			(91	)

																																Total future policy benefits and claims		$	—			$	—			$	(748	)		$	(748	)
																																Derivative liabilities			—				(2,118	)			(5	)			(2,123	)

																																Liabilities at fair value		$	—			$	(2,118	)		$	(753	)		$	(2,871	)


																																The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2012:


																																		Balance				Net gains (losses)																							Balance
																																		as of																											as of
																																		December																											December
																																(in millions)		31, 2011				In operations1				In other				Purchases				Sales				Transfers			Transfers				31, 2012
																																										comprehensive												into			out of
																																										income												Level 3			Level 3
																																Assets
																																Investments:
																																Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
																																Corporate private securities		$	1,209			$	2			$	13			$	69			$	(187	)$			40		$	(374	)$			772
																																Other asset-backed securities			251				2				53				36				(61	)			10			—				291
																																Other			131				—				11				2				(8	)			1			(3	)			134

																																Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value2		$	1,591				4				77				107				(256	)			51			(377	)			1,197
																																Other investments at fair value			43				16				3				—				—				—			—				62
																																Derivative assets3			1,004				(353	)			—				350				(179	)			—			—				822
																																Separate account assets			1,952				73				—				—				—				—			—				2,025

																																Assets at fair value		$	4,590			$	(260	)$			80			$	457			$	(435	)$			51		$	(377	)$			4,106

																																Liabilities
																																Future policy benefits and claims:
																																Embedded derivatives on living benefits		$	(1,842	)$			1,185			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—			$	(657	)
																																Embedded derivatives on indexed products			(63	)			(28	)			—				—				—				—			—				(91	)

																																Total future policy benefits and claims		$	(1,905	)$			1,157			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—			$	(748	)
																																Derivative liabilities3			(6	)			1				—				—				—				—			—				(5	)

																																Liabilities at fair value		$	(1,911	)$			1,158			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—			$	(753	)


																																1	Net gains and losses included in operations are reported in net realized investment gains and losses and interest credited to policyholder accounts. The net unrealized gains on separate account assets are attributable to contractholders and therefore are not included in the Company’s earnings. The change in unrealized gains (losses) included in operations on assets and liabilities still held as of the end of the year was $16 million for other investments at fair value, $(257) million for derivative assets, $1.2 billion for future policy benefits and claims and $(1) million for derivative liabilities.
																																2	Non-binding broker quotes were utilized to determine a fair value of $1.1 billion of total fixed maturity securities as of December 31, 2012.
																																3	Non-binding broker quotes were utilized to determine a fair value of all Level 3 derivative assets and liabilities.
																																During the year ended December 31, 2012, transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 within the debt securities issued by foreign governments were $42 million. There were no transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 during the year ended December 31, 2012.
																																Transfers into and out of Level 3 during the year ended December 31, 2012 represented changes in the sources used to price certain securities and changes in the Company’s assumptions related to the observability of certain inputs.

																																Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value
																																The following table summarizes the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments not carried at fair value as of the dates indicated. The valuation techniques used to estimate these fair values are described below.


																																		December 31, 2013																December 31, 2012
																																(in millions)		Carrying				Fair				Level 2				Level 3				Carrying				Fair			Level 2				Level 3
																																(in millions)		value				value				Level 2				Level 3				value				value			Level 2				Level 3
																																Assets
																																Investments:
																																Mortgage loans, net of allowance		$	6,341			$	6,481			$	—			$	6,481			$	5,827			$	5,988		$	—			$	5,988
																																Policy loans		$	987			$	987			$	—			$	987			$	980			$	980		$	—			$	980

																																Liabilities
																																Investment contracts		$	21,874			$	20,436			$	—			$	20,436			$	20,123			$	19,561		$	—			$	19,561
																																Short-term debt		$	278			$	278			$	—			$	278			$	300			$	300		$	—			$	300
																																Long-term debt		$	707			$	1,004			$	997			$	7			$	1,038			$	1,323		$	1,282			$	41
																																Mortgage loans, net of allowance. The fair values of mortgage loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on interest rates currently being offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings.
																																Policy loans. The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value.
																																Investment contracts. For investment contracts without defined maturities, fair value is the amount payable on demand, net of surrender charges. For investment contracts with known or determined maturities, fair value is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis. Interest rates used in this analysis are similar to currently offered contracts with maturities consistent with those remaining for the contracts being valued. The fair value of adjustable rate contracts approximates their carrying value.
																																Short-term debt. The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value.
																																Long-term debt. The fair value for long-term debt are based on estimated market prices using observable inputs from similar debt instruments.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
Goodwill	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill	-9	Goodwill
	The following table summarizes changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment for the years indicated:


	(in millions)		Retirement		Individual		Total
			Plans		Products &
					Solutions -
					Life and
					NBSG
	Balance as of December 31, 20111		$	25	$	175	$	200
	Adjustments			—		—		—

	Balance as of December 31, 20121		$	25	$	175	$	200
	Adjustments			—		—		—

	Balance as of December 31, 20131		$	25	$	175	$	200


	1	The goodwill balances have not been previously impaired.

Closed_Block

Closed Block	12 Months Ended
Closed Block	Dec. 31, 2013
Closed Block	-10	Closed Block
	The amounts shown in the following tables for assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the closed block are those that enter into the determination of amounts that are to be paid to policyholders.
	The following table summarizes financial information for the closed block, as of the dates indicated:


	(in millions)		December 31,				December 31,
	(in millions)		2013				2012
	Liabilities:
	Future policyholder benefits		$	1,703			$	1,732
	Policyholder funds and accumulated dividends			141				142
	Policyholder dividends payable			23				24
	Policyholder dividend obligation			113				198
	Other policy obligations and liabilities			29				32

	Total liabilities		$	2,009			$	2,128

	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale		$	1,320			$	1,511
	Mortgage loans, net of allowance			257				183
	Policy loans			157				164
	Other assets			93				77

	Total assets		$	1,827			$	1,935

	Excess of reported liabilities over assets			182				193

	Portion of above representing other comprehensive income:
	(Decrease) increase in unrealized gain on fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale		$	(92	)		$	45
	Adjustment to policyholder dividend obligation			92				(45	)

	Total		$	—			$	—

	Maximum future earnings to be recognized from assets and liabilities		$	182			$	193

	Other comprehensive income:
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
	Fair value		$	1,320			$	1,511
	Amortized cost			1,235				1,334
	Shadow policyholder dividend obligation			(85	)			(177	)

	Net unrealized appreciation		$	—			$	—

	The following table summarizes closed block operations for the years ended:


	(in millions)		December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
	(in millions)		2013				2012				2011
	Revenues:
	Premiums		$	66			$	73			$	77
	Net investment income			94				98				102
	Realized investment gains (losses)			—				1				(3	)
	Realized losses credited to policyholder benefit obligation			(4	)			(5	)			(1	)

	Total revenues		$	156			$	167			$	175

	Benefits and expenses:
	Policy and contract benefits		$	123			$	134			$	145
	Change in future policyholder benefits and interest credited to policyholder accounts			(29	)			(27	)			(35	)
	Policyholder dividends			44				50				55
	Change in policyholder dividend obligation			3				(8	)			(8	)
	Other expenses			(2	)			1				1

	Total benefits and expenses		$	139			$	150			$	158

Total revenues, net of benefits and expenses, before federal income tax expense		$	17			$	17			$	17
Federal income tax expense			6				6				6

Revenues, net of benefits and expenses and federal income tax expense		$	11			$	11			$	11

Maximum future earnings from assets and liabilities:
Beginning of period		$	193			$	204			$	215
Change during period			(11	)			(11	)			(11	)

End of period		$	182			$	193			$	204

Cumulative closed block earnings from inception through December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were higher than expected as determined in the actuarial calculation. Therefore, policyholder dividend obligations (excluding the adjustment for unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities) were $28 million, $21 million and $23 million as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

ShortTerm_Debt

Short-Term Debt	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Short-Term Debt	-9	Short-Term Debt	-11	Short-Term Debt
	In November 2014, the Company entered into a $400 million unsecured revolving promissory note and line of credit agreement with its parent company, NFS. Outstanding principal balances of the line of credit bear interest at the rate of six-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.25%. Interest is due and payable as of the last day of each interest period, as defined in the agreement, while there are outstanding principal balances. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company may borrow, repay and re-borrow advances under the line of credit at any time prior to the termination of the note, which, among other conditions, is November 2015, subject to automatic renewal for additional one year periods unless either party terminates the agreement.		The Company classifies debt as short-term if the maturity date at inception is less than one year and all other debt instruments as long-term.
			The following table summarizes the carrying value of short-term debt and weighted average annual interest rates, as of the dates indicated:


			(in millions)		December 31,		December 31,
					2013		2012
			$600 million commercial paper program (0.24% and 0.29%, respectively)		$	278	$	300

			Total short-term debt		$	278	$	300

			In March 2012, NLIC entered into an agreement with the FHLB that allows the Company access to borrow up to $250 million and expires on March 28, 2014. The Company had $4.3 billion in eligible collateral and no amounts outstanding under the agreement as of December 31, 2013. Additionally, as part of the agreement, NLIC purchased $25 million in capital stock with the FHLB.
			In May 2011, NMIC, NFS, and NLIC entered into a $600 million revolving variable rate credit facility upon expiration of its existing facility of the same amount. The new facility matures on May 6, 2015 and is subject to various covenants, as defined in the agreement. NLIC had no amounts outstanding under the facility as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
			The Company has entered into an agreement with its custodial bank to borrow against the cash collateral that is posted in connection with its securities lending program. The maximum amount available under the agreement is $350 million. The borrowing rate on this program is equal to one-month U.S. LIBOR. The Company had no amounts outstanding under this agreement as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
			The terms of each debt instrument contain various restrictive covenants, including, but not limited to, minimum statutory surplus and minimum net worth requirements, and maximum debt to tangible net worth requirements, as defined in the agreements. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
			The amount of interest paid on short-term debt was immaterial in 2013, 2012 and 2011.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-Term Debt	-12	Long-Term Debt
	The following table summarizes the carrying value of long-term debt, as of the dates indicated:


	(in millions)		December 31,		December 31,
	(in millions)		2013		2012
	8.15% surplus note, due June 26, 2032, payable to NFS		$	300	$	300
	7.50% surplus note, due December 17, 2031, payable to NFS			300		300
	6.75% surplus note, due December 23, 2033, payable to NFS			100		100
	Variable funding surplus note, repaid June 2013			—		297
	Other			7		41

	Total long-term debt		$	707	$	1,038

	On December 31, 2010, Olentangy Reinsurance, LLC (Olentangy), a special purpose financial captive insurance company subsidiary of NLAIC domiciled in the State of Vermont, issued a variable funding surplus note due on December 31, 2040 to Nationwide Corporation, a majority-owned subsidiary of NMIC. In June 2013, the Company paid the outstanding balance of the surplus note. The Company made interest payments on this surplus note totaling $5 million and $10 million for the years ending December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Any payment of interest or principal on the note requires the prior approval of the State of Vermont.
	The Company made interest payments to NFS on surplus notes totaling $54 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Payments of interest and principal under the notes require the prior approval of the ODI.

Federal_Income_Taxes

Federal Income Taxes	9 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Federal Income Taxes	Sep. 30, 2014								Dec. 31, 2013
Federal Income Taxes	-10	Federal Income Taxes							-13	Federal Income Taxes
	The following table summarizes how the total federal income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to net income for the period indicated:								The following table summarizes the federal income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income (loss) before loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, for the years ended:


			Nine months ended						(in millions)		December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
			September 30, 2014						(in millions)		2013				2012				20111
	(in millions)		Amount			%			Current tax (benefit) expense		$	(33	)		$	(144	)		$	55
	Rate reconciliation:								Deferred tax expense (benefit)			346				243				(482	)
	Computed (expected tax expense)		$	56			35
	Tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction			(54	)		(34	)	Total tax expense (benefit)		$	313			$	99			$	(427	)
	Income tax credits			(31	)		(19	)
	Impact of noncontrolling interest			26			16
	Other, net			7			5		1	The balances reflect a change in accounting principle, as described in Note 2.
									The following table summarizes how the total federal income tax expense (benefit) differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to income (loss) before loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, for the years ended:
	Total		$	4			3

											December 31,								December 31,						December 31,
											2013								2012						20111
									(in millions)		Amount				%				Amount			%			Amount			%
									Rate reconciliation:
									Computed (expected tax expense (benefit))		$	469				35	%		$	245			35	%	$	(297	)		35	%
									Dividends received deduction			(112	)			(8	)%			(75	)		(11	)%		(99	)		12	%
									Tax credits			(82	)			(6	)%			(85	)		(12	)%		(30	)		3	%
									Other, net			38				2	%			14			2	%		(1	)		—	%

									Total		$	313				23	%		$	99			14	%	$	(427	)		50	%


									1	The balances reflect a change in accounting principle, as described in Note 2.
									The Company’s current federal income tax (liability) receivable was $(13) million and $61 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
									Total federal income taxes (refunded) paid were $(107) million, $(95) million and $121 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
									During 2013 and 2011, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $13 million and $10 million, respectively. These changes in estimates were primarily driven by differences in the Company’s separate account dividends received deduction (“DRD”) between the previous year’s estimate and the amount reported on the previous year’s tax return. No material changes in estimated income tax expense were recorded in 2012.
									As of December 31, 2013, the Company has gross federal net operating loss carryforwards of $797 million, which expire between 2027 and 2028. In addition, the Company has $222 million in low-income-housing credit carryforwards, which expire between 2024 and 2033, $90 million in alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards, which have an unlimited carryforward and $40 million in foreign tax credit carryforwards which expire between 2019 and 2023. The Company expects to fully utilize all carryforwards.
									The following table summarizes the tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant components of the net deferred tax liability included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, as of the dates indicated:


									(in millions)		December 31,				December 31,
									(in millions)		2013				2012
									Deferred tax assets:
									Future policy benefits and claims		$	1,244			$	1,295
									Derivatives, including embedded derivatives			—				94
									Tax credit carryforwards			352				288
									Other			845				478

									Gross deferred tax assets		$	2,441			$	2,155

									Valuation allowance			(17	)			(18	)

									Net deferred tax assets			2,424				2,137

									Deferred tax liabilities:
									Deferred policy acquisition costs		$	(1,048	)		$	(874	)
									Available-for-sale securities			(821	)			(1,338	)
									Derivatives, including embedded derivatives			(600	)			—
									Other			(255	)			(239	)

									Gross deferred tax liabilities		$	(2,724	)		$	(2,451	)

									Net deferred tax liability		$	(300	)		$	(314	)

									In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the total gross deferred tax assets will not be realized. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce the deferred tax assets to amounts expected to be realized. The valuation allowance was $17 million and $18 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The change in the valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2011 was $1 million and $6 million, respectively, while there was no change in the valuation allowance for the year ended December 31, 2012. Based on management’s analysis, it is more likely than not that the results of future operations and the implementation of tax planning strategies will generate sufficient taxable income to enable the Company to realize the deferred tax assets for which the Company has not established valuation allowances.

									The following table is a rollforward of the beginning and ending uncertain tax positions, including permanent and temporary differences, but excluding interest and penalties:


								(in millions)		2013				2012				2011
								Balance at beginning of period		$	36			$	76			$	119
								Additions for current year tax positions			2				(2	)			9
								Additions for prior years tax positions			—				25				—
								Reductions for prior years tax positions			(2	)			(63	)			(52	)

								Balance at end of period		$	36			$	36			$	76

								The Company does not anticipate any significant changes to unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months.
								The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities through the 2005 tax year. In 2013, the IRS commenced an examination of the Company’s U.S. income tax returns for the years 2009 through 2010. Any adjustments that may result from IRS examination of tax returns are not expected to have a material effect on the results of operations, cash flows or financial position of the Company.

Statutory_Financial_Informatio

Statutory Financial Information	12 Months Ended
Statutory Financial Information	Dec. 31, 2013
Statutory Financial Information	-14	Statutory Financial Information
	Statutory Results
	The Company’s life insurance subsidiaries are required to prepare statutory financial statements in conformity with the statutory accounting practices prescribed and permitted by insurance regulatory authorities, subject to any deviations prescribed or permitted by the applicable state department of insurance. Olentangy was granted a permitted practice from the State of Vermont that changed NLAIC’s valuation of this subsidiary by $66 million as of December 31, 2013, which also allowed NLIC to admit additional deferred tax assets of $10 million as of December 31, 2013. Statutory accounting practices focus on insurer solvency and materially differ from GAAP primarily due to charging policy acquisition and other costs to expense as incurred, establishing future policy benefits and claims reserves using different actuarial assumptions, excluding certain assets from statutory admitted assets; and valuing investments and establishing deferred taxes on a different basis.
	The following table summarizes the statutory net income (loss) and statutory capital and surplus for the Company’s primary life insurance subsidiary for the years ended:


	(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	(in millions)		2013			2012			2011
	Statutory net income (loss)
	NLIC		$	262		$	764		$	18
	NLAIC		$	(103	)	$	(54	)	$	(61	)

	Statutory capital and surplus
	NLIC		$	3,550		$	3,837		$	3,591
	NLAIC		$	534		$	311		$	302


	Dividend Restrictions
	The payment of dividends by NLIC is subject to restrictions set forth in the insurance laws and regulations of the State of Ohio, its domiciliary state. The State of Ohio insurance laws require Ohio-domiciled life insurance companies to seek prior regulatory approval to pay a dividend or distribution of cash or other property if the fair market value thereof, together with that of other dividends or distributions made in the preceding 12 months, exceeds the greater of (1) 10% of statutory-basis policyholders’ surplus as of the prior December 31 or (2) the statutory-basis net income of the insurer for the prior year. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2011, NLIC did not pay any dividends to NFS. During the year ended December 31, 2012, NLIC paid a cash dividend of $40 million to NFS. As of January 1, 2014, NLIC has the ability to pay dividends to NFS totaling $355 million without obtaining prior approval.
	The State of Ohio insurance laws also require insurers to seek prior regulatory approval for any dividend paid from other than earned surplus. Earned capital and surplus is defined under the State of Ohio insurance laws as the amount equal to the Company’s unassigned funds as set forth in its most recent statutory financial statements, including net unrealized capital gains and losses or revaluation of assets. Additionally, following any dividend, an insurer’s policyholder capital and surplus must be reasonable in relation to the insurer’s outstanding liabilities and adequate for its financial needs. The payment of dividends by the Company may also be subject to restrictions set forth in the insurance laws of the state of New York that limit the amount of statutory profits on the Company’s participating policies (measured before dividends to policyholders) available for the benefit of the Company and its stockholders.
	The Company currently does not expect such regulatory requirements to impair the ability to pay operating expenses and dividends in the future.
	Regulatory Risk-Based Capital
	The National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (“NAIC”) Risk-Based Capital (“RBC”) model law requires every insurer to calculate its total adjusted capital and RBC requirement to ensure insurer solvency. Regulatory guidelines provide for an insurance commissioner to intervene if the insurer experiences financial difficulty, as evidenced by a company’s total adjusted capital falling below established relationships to required RBC. The model includes components for asset risk, liability risk, interest rate exposure and other factors. The State of Ohio, where NLIC and NLAIC are domiciled, imposes minimum RBC requirements that are developed by the NAIC. The formulas in the model for determining the amount of RBC specify various weighting factors that are applied to financial balances or various levels of activity based on the perceived degree of risk. Regulatory compliance is determined by a ratio of total adjusted capital, as defined by the NAIC, to authorized control level RBC, as defined by the NAIC. Companies below specific trigger points or ratios are classified within certain levels, all of which require specified corrective action. NLIC and NLAIC each exceeded the minimum RBC requirements for all periods presented herein.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions	-15	Related Party Transactions
	The Company has entered into significant, recurring transactions and agreements with NMIC, other affiliates and subsidiaries as a part of its ongoing operations. These include annuity and life insurance contracts, employee benefit plans, office space cost sharing arrangements, and agreements related to reinsurance, cost sharing, administrative services, marketing, intercompany loans, intercompany repurchases, cash management services and software licensing. Measures used to allocate expenses among companies include individual employee estimates of time spent, special cost studies, the number of full-time employees, commission expense and other methods agreed to by the participating companies.
	In addition, Nationwide Services Company, LLC (“NSC”), a subsidiary of NMIC, provides data processing, systems development, hardware and software support, telephone, mail and other services to the Company, based on specified rates for units of service consumed. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company made payments to NMIC and NSC totaling $277 million, $283 million and $241 million, respectively.

	The Company has issued group annuity and life insurance contracts and performs administrative services for various employee benefit plans sponsored by NMIC or its affiliates. Total account values of these contracts were $3.3 billion and $3.2 billion as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Total revenues from these contracts were $137 million, $140 million and $148 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and include policy charges, net investment income from investments backing the contracts and administrative fees. Total interest credited to the account balances was $109 million, $113 million and $122 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The terms of these contracts are materially consistent with what the Company offers to unaffiliated parties.
	The Company has a cost sharing arrangement with NMIC to occupy office space. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company made payments to NMIC of $16 million, $15 million and $14 million, respectively. In addition, an affiliate of NMIC has a cost sharing arrangement with the Company to occupy office space.
	NLIC has a reinsurance agreement with NMIC whereby all of NLIC’s accident and health business not ceded to unaffiliated reinsurers is ceded to NMIC on a modified coinsurance basis. Either party may terminate the agreement on January 1 of any year with prior notice. Under a modified coinsurance agreement, the ceding company retains invested assets, and investment earnings are paid to the reinsurer. Under the terms of NLIC’s agreements, the investment risk associated with changes in interest rates is borne by the reinsurer. The ceding of risk does not discharge the original insurer from its primary obligation to the policyholder. The Company believes that the terms of the modified coinsurance agreements are consistent in all material respects with what the Company could have obtained with unaffiliated parties. Revenues ceded to NMIC for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $179 million, $161 million and $203 million, respectively, while benefits, claims and expenses ceded during these years were $178 million, $167 million and $212 million, respectively.
	Funds of Nationwide Funds Group (“NFG”), an affiliate, are offered to the Company’s customers as investment options in certain of the Company’s products. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, customer allocations to NFG funds totaled $53.2 billion and $45.0 billion, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, NFG paid the Company $163 million, $144 million and $129 million, respectively, for the distribution and servicing of these funds.
	Amounts on deposit with NCMC for the benefit of the Company were $228 million and $854 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Refer to Note 12 for discussion of variable funding surplus note between Olentangy Reinsurance, LLC and Nationwide Corporation.
	Certain annuity products are sold through affiliated companies, which are also subsidiaries of NFS. Total commissions and fees paid to these affiliates were $54 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and $64 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.
	The Company provides financing to Nationwide Realty Investors, LTD, a subsidiary of NMIC. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had notes receivable outstanding of $146 million and $126 million, respectively.

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Contingencies	-12	Contingencies	-16	Contingencies
	Legal and Regulatory Matters		Legal and Regulatory Matters
	The Company is subject to legal and regulatory proceedings in the ordinary course of its business. The Company’s legal and regulatory matters include proceedings specific to the Company and other proceedings generally applicable to business practices in the industries in which the Company operates. These matters are subject to many uncertainties, and given their complexity and scope, their outcomes cannot be predicted. Regulatory proceedings could also affect the outcome of one or more of the Company’s litigation matters. Furthermore, it is often not possible to determine the ultimate outcomes of the pending regulatory investigations and legal proceedings or to provide reasonable ranges of potential losses with any degree of certainty. Some matters, including certain of those referred to below, are in very preliminary stages, and the Company does not have sufficient information to make an assessment of the plaintiffs’ claims for liability or damages. In some of the cases seeking to be certified as class actions, the court has not yet decided whether a class will be certified or (in the event of certification) the size of the class and class period. In many of the cases, the plaintiffs are seeking undefined amounts of damages or other relief, including punitive damages and equitable remedies, which are difficult to quantify and cannot be defined based on the information currently available. The Company believes, however, that based on currently known information, the ultimate outcome of all pending legal and regulatory matters is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position. Nonetheless, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that such outcomes could materially affect the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position or results of operations in a particular quarter or annual period.		The Company is subject to legal and regulatory proceedings in the ordinary course of its business. The Company’s legal and regulatory matters include proceedings specific to the Company and other proceedings generally applicable to business practices in the industries in which the Company operates. These matters are subject to many uncertainties, and given their complexity and scope, their outcomes cannot be predicted. Regulatory proceedings could also affect the outcome of one or more of the Company’s litigation matters. Furthermore, it is often not possible to determine the ultimate outcomes of the pending regulatory investigations and legal proceedings or to provide reasonable ranges of potential losses with any degree of certainty. Some matters, including certain of those referred to below, are in very preliminary stages, and the Company does not have sufficient information to make an assessment of the plaintiffs’ claims for liability or damages. In some of the cases seeking to be certified as class actions, the court has not yet decided whether a class will be certified or (in the event of certification) the size of the class and class period. In many of the cases, the plaintiffs are seeking undefined amounts of damages or other relief, including punitive damages and equitable remedies, which are difficult to quantify and cannot be defined based on the information currently available. The Company believes, however, that based on currently known information, the ultimate outcome of all pending legal and regulatory matters is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position. Nonetheless, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that such outcomes could materially affect the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations in a particular quarter or annual period.
	The various businesses conducted by the Company are subject to oversight by numerous federal and state regulatory entities, including but not limited to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Department of Labor, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), the Federal Reserve Bank and state insurance authorities. Such regulatory entities may, in the normal course, be engaged in general or targeted inquiries, examinations and investigations of the Company and/or its affiliates. The financial services industry has been the subject of increasing scrutiny in connection with a broad spectrum of regulatory issues; with respect to all such scrutiny directed at the Company and/or its affiliates, the Company is cooperating with regulators. The Company will cooperate with NMIC insofar as any inquiry, examination or investigation encompasses NMIC’s operations.		The various businesses conducted by the Company are subject to oversight by numerous federal and state regulatory entities, including but not limited to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Department of Labor, the IRS and state insurance authorities. Such regulatory entities may, in the normal course, be engaged in general or targeted inquiries, examinations and investigations of the Company and/or its affiliates. The financial services industry has been the subject of increasing scrutiny in connection with a broad spectrum of regulatory issues; with respect to all such scrutiny directed at the Company and/or its affiliates, the Company is cooperating with regulators. The Company will cooperate with NMIC insofar as any inquiry, examination or investigation encompasses NMIC’s operations.
			On August 15, 2001, NFS and NLIC were named in a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut entitled Lou Haddock, as trustee of the Flyte Tool & Die, Incorporated Deferred Compensation Plan, et al v. Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. and Nationwide Life Insurance Company. On November 18, 2009, the plaintiffs filed a sixth amended complaint amending the list of named plaintiffs and claiming to represent a class of qualified retirement plan trustees under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) that purchased variable annuities from NLIC. The plaintiffs allege that they invested ERISA plan assets in their variable annuity contracts and that NLIC and NFS breached ERISA fiduciary duties by allegedly accepting service payments from certain mutual funds. The complaint seeks disgorgement of some or all of the payments allegedly received by NFS and NLIC, other unspecified relief for restitution, declaratory and injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees. On November 6, 2009, the Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. On October 21, 2010, the District Court dismissed NFS from the lawsuit. On February 6, 2012, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the November 6, 2009 order granting class certification and remanded the case back to the District Court for further consideration. On September 6, 2013, the District Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. The case is set for trial beginning August 11, 2014. NLIC continues to defend this lawsuit vigorously.
	On August 15, 2001, NFS and NLIC were named in a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut entitled Lou Haddock, as trustee of the Flyte Tool & Die, Incorporated Deferred Compensation Plan, et al v. Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. and Nationwide Life Insurance Company. On November 18, 2009, the plaintiffs filed a sixth amended complaint amending the list of named plaintiffs and claiming to represent a class of qualified retirement plan trustees under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) that purchased variable annuities from NLIC. The plaintiffs allege that they invested ERISA plan assets in their variable annuity contracts and that NLIC and NFS breached ERISA fiduciary duties by allegedly accepting service payments from certain mutual funds. The complaint seeks damages in an amount equivalent to some or all of the payments allegedly received by NFS and NLIC, other unspecified relief for restitution, declaratory and injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees. On November 6, 2009, the Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. On October 21, 2010, the District Court dismissed NFS from the lawsuit. On February 6, 2012, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the November 6, 2009 order granting class certification and remanded the case back to the District Court for further consideration. On September 6, 2013, the District Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. On December 11, 2014, the plaintiffs filed a Seventh Amended Complaint adding another sub class of defendants that held trust platform products. On December 11, 2014, plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary approval of settlement. NFS has made adequate provision for all probable and reasonably estimable losses associated with this settlement.
	Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. (Debtors) and Giddens, James v NLIC and NMIC, et al. In 2012, the Plaintiff, Debtor in Possession Lehman Brothers Special Financing, Inc., filed a class action in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York seeking the recovery of certain assets from approximately 200 defendants, including NLIC and NMIC (the “Distributed Action”). The claims against NLIC and NMIC arise from the bankruptcy filings in 2008 of the Plaintiff and its parent company, Lehman Brothers Holding, Inc., which triggered the early termination of two collateralized debt obligation transactions, resulting in payments to NLIC and NMIC. The Plaintiff seeks to have certain sums returned to the bankruptcy estate in addition to prejudgment interest and costs. In 2013, Plaintiff sent correspondence to all defendants inviting settlement discussions and served NMIC and NLIC with a “SPV Derivatives ADR Notice,” formally starting the Alternative Dispute Resolution process. NMIC and NLIC responded, taking part in the ADR process, including a mediation. On July 17, 2014, the parties reached a settlement of this matter. On December 8, 2014, the settlement agreements were finalized and executed. Nationwide has issued the settlement payment, and this matter will soon be closed.		On November 20, 2007, NRS and NLIC were named in a lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama entitled Ruth A. Gwin and Sandra H. Turner, and a class of similarly situated individuals v Nationwide Life Insurance Company, Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc., Alabama State Employees Association, PEBCO, Inc. and Fictitious Defendants A to Z. On March 12, 2010, NRS and NLIC were named in a Second Amended Class Action Complaint filed in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama entitled Steven E. Coker, Sandra H. Turner, David N. Lichtenstein and a class of similarly situated individuals v. Nationwide Life Insurance Company, Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc, Alabama State Employees Association, Inc., PEBCO, Inc. and Fictitious Defendants A to Z claiming to represent a class of all participants in the Alabama State Employees Association, Inc. (“ASEA”) Plan, excluding members of the Deferred Compensation Committee, ASEA’s directors, officers and board members, and PEBCO’s directors, officers and board members. On October 22, 2010, the parties to this action executed a court approved stipulation of settlement that agreed to certify a class for settlement purposes only, that provided for payments to the settlement class, and that provided for releases, certain bar orders, and dismissal of the case. The settlement fund has been paid out. On December 6, 2011, the Court entered an Order that NRS owes indemnification to ASEA and PEBCO for only the Coker (Gwin) class action, and dismissed NLIC. The Company has resolved the indemnification claims of ASEA. On February 15, 2013, the Court issued its Order determining the amount of fees due to PEBCO on its indemnification claim. On March 28, 2013, the Company filed a notice of appeal to the Alabama Supreme Court. The case is fully briefed. NRS continues to defend this case vigorously.
	Tax Matters		On June 8, 2011, NMIC and NLIC were named in a lawsuit filed in Court of Common Pleas, Cuyahoga County, Ohio entitled Stanley Andrews and Donald C. Clark v. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Nationwide Life Insurance Company. The complaint alleges that NMIC and NLIC have an obligation to review the Social Security Administration Death Master File database for all life insurance policyholders who have at least a 70% probability of being deceased according to actuarial tables. The complaint further alleges that NMIC and NLIC are not conducting such a review. The complaint seeks injunctive relief and declaratory judgment requiring NMIC and NLIC to conduct such a review, and alleges NMIC and NLIC have violated the covenant of good faith and fair dealing and have been unjustly enriched by not having conducted such reviews. The lower court granted Nationwide’s motion to dismiss. Plaintiffs appealed. The Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal on October 24, 2012. Plaintiffs filed a petition for rehearing en banc on November 5, 2012. The Court of Appeals denied the petition on December 14, 2012. Plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court on January 24, 2013. Nationwide filed its memorandum in opposition to plaintiffs’ petition for jurisdiction to the Ohio Supreme Court on February 27, 2013. The Ohio Supreme Court denied plaintiffs’ petition for review of the decision of the Court of Appeals on April 24, 2013. Plaintiffs’ time to file a petition for writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court has expired, concluding this matter.
	The Company’s federal income tax returns are routinely audited by the IRS. The Company has established tax reserves as described in Note 2 of the 2013 audited consolidated financial statements. The Company believes its tax reserves reasonably provide for potential assessments that may result from IRS examinations and other tax-related matters for all open tax years.		In 2012, the Plaintiff, Debtor in Possession Lehman Brothers Special Financing, Inc., filed a class action in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York seeking the recovery of nearly $3.0 billion in assets from all the named defendants including NLIC and NMIC. This litigation arises from two collateralized debt obligation transactions, 801 Grand and Alta, which resulted in payments to NLIC and NMIC after the Plaintiff and its parent company, Lehman Brothers Holding, Inc. filed for bankruptcy in 2008. This triggered an early termination of the above transactions. The Plaintiff seeks to have sums returned to the bankruptcy estate in addition to prejudgment interest and costs. The case is currently stayed. In 2013, Plaintiff sent correspondence to all defendants inviting settlement discussions and has served NMIC and NLIC with a “SPV Derivatives ADR Notice,” formally starting the Alternative Dispute Resolution process. NMIC and NLIC have responded, and are currently taking part in the ADR process. Mediation was scheduled for and proceeded on December 13, 2013, but the parties reached an impasse. On January 10, 2014, Lehman filed another motion to extend the stay for a final four month period. After a hearing, the court extended the stay to the later of (a) May 20, 2014 or (b) 30 days after the court enters a scheduling order governing the Distributed Action. The parties are negotiating the proposed scheduling order for the conduct of the Distributed Action litigation, which will be finalized by March 24, 2014.
	Indemnifications
	In the normal course of business, the Company provides standard indemnifications to contractual counterparties. The types of indemnifications typically provided include breaches of representations and warranties, taxes and certain other liabilities, such as third party lawsuits. The indemnification clauses are often standard contractual terms and are entered into in the normal course of business based on an assessment that the risk of loss would be remote. The terms of the indemnifications vary in duration and nature. In many cases, the maximum obligation is not explicitly stated, and the contingencies triggering the obligation to indemnify have not occurred and are not expected to occur. Consequently, the maximum amount of the obligation under such indemnifications is not determinable. Historically, the Company has not made any material payments pursuant to these obligations.		Tax Matters
			The Company’s federal income tax returns are routinely audited by the IRS. The Company has established tax reserves as described in Note 2. The Company believes its tax reserves reasonably provide for potential assessments that may result from IRS examinations and other tax-related matters for all open tax years.
			Indemnifications
			In the normal course of business, the Company provides standard indemnifications to contractual counterparties. The types of indemnifications typically provided include breaches of representations and warranties, taxes and certain other liabilities, such as third party lawsuits. The indemnification clauses are often standard contractual terms and are entered into in the normal course of business based on an assessment that the risk of loss would be remote. The terms of the indemnifications vary in duration and nature. In many cases, the maximum obligation is not explicitly stated, and the contingencies triggering the obligation to indemnify have not occurred and are not expected to occur. Consequently, the maximum amount of the obligation under such indemnifications is not determinable. Historically, the Company has not made any material payments pursuant to these obligations.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
Reinsurance	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance	-17	Reinsurance
	The following table summarizes the effects of reinsurance on life, accident and health insurance in force and premiums for the years ended:


	(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	(in millions)		2013			2012			2011
	Premiums
	Direct		$	1,015		$	890		$	832
	Assumed from other companies			—			—			—
	Ceded to other companies			(291	)		(255	)		(301	)

	Net		$	724		$	635		$	531

	Life, accident and health insurance in force
	Direct		$	228,095		$	216,002		$	209,732
	Assumed from other companies			6			5			5
	Ceded to other companies			(58,310	)		(59,895	)		(60,499	)

	Net		$	169,791		$	156,112		$	149,238

	Total amounts recoverable under reinsurance contracts totaled $675 million, $684 million and $704 million as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended																	12 Months Ended
Segment Information	Sep. 30, 2014																	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Information	-13	Segment Information																-18	Segment Information
	Management views the Company’s business primarily based on its underlying products and uses this basis to define its four reportable segments: Individual Products and Solutions-Annuity (formerly named Individual Investments), Retirement Plans, Individual Products and Solutions-Life and NBSG (formerly named Individual Protection) and Corporate and Other. Refer to Note 18 of the 2013 audited consolidated financial statements for a description of the Company’s four reportable business segments.																	Management views the Company’s business primarily based on its underlying products and uses this basis to define its four reportable segments: Individual Products and Solutions-Annuity (formerly named Individual Investments), Retirement Plans, Individual Products and Solutions-Life and NBSG (formerly named Individual Protection) and Corporate and Other.

	The following tables summarize the Company’s business segment operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:																	The primary segment profitability measure that management uses is a non-GAAP financial measure called pre-tax operating earnings (loss), which is calculated by adjusting income before federal income taxes to exclude: (1) net realized investment gains and losses, except for operating items (trading portfolio realized gains and losses, trading portfolio valuation changes and net realized gains and losses related to hedges on GMDB contracts); (2) the adjustment to amortization of DAC and other related to net realized investment gains and losses; and (3) net losses attributable to noncontrolling interest.
																		Due to a change in the manner in which we view our reportable segments, certain prior period amounts have been restated.
																		Individual Products and Solutions-Annuity
	(in millions)		Individual			Retirement			Individual			Corporate			Total			The Individual Products & Solutions-Annuity segment consists of individual annuity products marketed under the Nationwide DestinationSM and other Nationwide-specific or private label brands. Deferred annuity contracts provide the customer with tax-deferred accumulation of savings and flexible payout options including lump sum, systematic withdrawal or a stream of payments for life. In addition, deferred variable annuity contracts provide the customer with access to a wide range of investment options and asset protection features, while deferred fixed annuity contracts generate a return for the customer at a specified interest rate fixed for prescribed periods. Immediate annuities differ from deferred annuities in that the initial premium is exchanged for a stream of income for a certain period or for the owner’s lifetime without future access to the original investment. The majority of assets and recent sales for the Individual Products & Solutions-Annuity segment consist of deferred variable annuities.
			Products and			Plans			Products and			and Other						Retirement Plans
			Solutions-						Solutions-Life									The Retirement Plans segment is comprised of the Company’s private and public sector retirement plans businesses. The private sector primarily includes Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 401 fixed and variable group annuity business, and the public sector primarily includes IRC Section 457 and Section 401(a) business in the form of full-service arrangements that provide plan administration and fixed and variable group annuities as well as administration-only business. The Retirement Plan segment also includes managed account services and stable value wrap products.
			Annuity						and NBSG									Individual Products and Solutions-Life and NBSG
	Revenues																	The Individual Products & Solutions-Life and NBSG segment consists of life insurance products, including individual variable universal life, COLI and BOLI products; traditional life insurance products; fixed universal life insurance products; and indexed universal life products. Life insurance products provide a death benefit and generally allow the customer to build cash value on a tax-advantaged basis.
	Policy charges		$	871		$	79		$	580		$	—		$	1,530		Corporate and Other
	Premiums			371			—			211			21			603		The Corporate and Other segment includes non-operating realized gains and losses and related amortization, including mark-to-market adjustments on embedded derivatives, net of economic hedges, related to products with living benefits included in the Individual Products & Solutions-Annuity segment and other revenues and expenses not allocated to other segments.
	Net investment income			407			553			418			39			1,417
	Non-operating net realized investment losses, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses1			—			—			—			(587	)		(587	)	The following tables summarize the Company’s business segment operating results for the years ended:
	Other revenues2			(22	)		—			6			7			(9	)

	Total revenues		$	1,627		$	632		$	1,215		$	(520	)	$	2,954		(in millions)		Individual				Retirement				Individual			Corporate				Total
																				Products and				Plans				Products and			and Other
	Benefits and expenses																			Solutions-								Solutions-Life
	Interest credited to policyholder accounts		$	270		$	358		$	169		$	9		$	806				Annuity								and NBSG
	Benefits and claims			599			—			458			17			1,074		December 31, 2013
	Amortization of DAC			70			(30	)		92			—			132		Revenues:
	Other expenses, net of deferrals			220			111			252			199			782		Policy charges		$	1,021			$	101			$	727		$	—			$	1,849
																		Premiums			416				—				282			26				724
	Total benefits and expenses		$	1,159		$	439		$	971		$	225		$	2,794		Net investment income			546				743				544			16				1,849
																		Non-operating net realized investment gains, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses1			—				—				—			791				791
	Income before federal income taxes and noncontrolling interests		$	468		$	193		$	244		$	(745	)	$	160		Other revenues2			(109	)			—				—			13				(96	)

	Less: non-operating net realized investment losses, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses1			—			—			—			587					Total revenues		$	1,874			$	844			$	1,553		$	846			$	5,117
	Less: adjustment to amortization of DAC and other expense related to net realized investment gains and losses			15			—			(1	)		—
	Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest			—			—			—			75					Benefits and expenses:
																		Interest credited to policyholder accounts		$	377			$	473			$	213		$	4			$	1,067
	Pre-tax operating earnings (loss)		$	483		$	193		$	243		$	(83	)				Benefits and claims			688				—				636			30				1,354
																		Policyholder dividends			—				—				61			(2	)			59
	Assets as of September 30, 2014		$	70,911		$	30,624		$	28,555		$	9,359		$	139,449		Amortization of DAC			185				(2	)			125			66				374
																		Other expenses, net of deferrals			303				151				284			184				922

	1	Excluding operating items (trading portfolio realized gains and losses, trading portfolio valuation changes and net realized gains and losses related to hedges on GMDB contracts).																Total benefits and expenses		$	1,553			$	622			$	1,319		$	282			$	3,776
	2	Includes operating items discussed above.
																		Income before federal income taxes and noncontrolling interests		$	321			$	222			$	234		$	564			$	1,341

																		Less: non-operating net realized investment gains, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses1			—				—				—			(791	)
																		Less: adjustment to amortization of DAC and other related to net realized investment gains and losses			—				—				—			70
																		Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest			—				—				—			82

																		Pre-tax operating earnings (loss)		$	321			$	222			$	234		$	(75	)

																		Assets as of year end		$	68,805			$	29,904			$	27,183		$	7,553			$	133,445


																		1	Excluding operating items (trading portfolio realized gains and losses, trading portfolio valuation changes and net realized gains and losses related to hedges on GMDB contracts).
																		2	Includes operating items discussed above.


																		(in millions)		Individual				Retirement				Individual			Corporate				Total
																				Products and				Plans				Products and			and Other
																				Solutions-								Solutions-Life
																				Annuity								and NBSG
																		December 31, 2012
																		Revenues:
																		Policy charges		$	899			$	94			$	677		$	—			$	1,670
																		Premiums			334				—				274			27				635
																		Net investment income			551				736				534			4				1,825
																	Non-operating net realized investment gains, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses1			—				—				—			428				428
																	Other revenues2			(124	)			—				—			22				(102	)

																	Total revenues		$	1,660			$	830			$	1,485		$	481			$	4,456

																	Benefits and expenses:
																	Interest credited to policyholder accounts		$	375			$	457			$	199		$	7			$	1,038
																	Benefits and claims			595				—				589			43				1,227
																	Policyholder dividends			—				—				57			(3	)			54
																	Amortization of DAC			185				14				150			226				575
																	Other expenses, net of deferrals			285				163				250			165				863

																	Total benefits and expenses		$	1,440			$	634			$	1,245		$	438			$	3,757

																	Income before federal income taxes and noncontrolling interests		$	220			$	196			$	240		$	43			$	699

																	Less: non-operating net realized investment gains, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses1			—				—				—			(428	)
																	Less: adjustment to amortization of DAC and other related to net realized investment gains and losses			—				—				—			243
																	Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest			—				—				—			61

																	Pre-tax operating earnings (loss)		$	220			$	196			$	240		$	(81	)

																	Assets as of year end		$	58,707			$	27,842			$	25,301		$	8,320			$	120,170


																	1	Excluding operating items (trading portfolio realized gains and losses, trading portfolio valuation changes and net realized gains and losses related to hedges on GMDB contracts).
																	2	Includes operating items discussed above.


																	(in millions)		Individual				Retirement				Individual			Corporate				Total
																			Products and				Plans				Products and			and Other
																			Solutions-								Solutions-Life
																			Annuity								and NBSG
																	December 31, 20113
																	Revenues:
																	Policy charges		$	781			$	96			$	629		$	—			$	1,506
																	Premiums			234				—				272			25				531
																	Net investment income			527				715				531			71				1,844
																	Non-operating net realized investment losses, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses1			—				—				—			(1,613	)			(1,613	)
																	Other revenues2			(59	)			—				—			(1	)			(60	)

																	Total revenues		$	1,483			$	811			$	1,432		$	(1,518	)		$	2,208

																	Benefits and expenses:
																	Interest credited to policyholder accounts		$	374			$	441			$	198		$	20			$	1,033
																	Benefits and claims			476				—				577			9				1,062
																	Policyholder dividends			—				—				67			—				67
																	Amortization of DAC			80				11				75			(101	)			65
																	Other expenses, net of deferrals			269				166				235			160				830

																	Total benefits and expenses		$	1,199			$	618			$	1,152		$	88			$	3,057

																	Income (loss) before federal income taxes and noncontrolling interests		$	284			$	193			$	280		$	(1,606	)		$	(849	)

																	Less: non-operating net realized investment losses, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses1			—				—				—			1,613
																	Less: adjustment to amortization of DAC and other related to net realized investment gains and losses			—				—				—			(115	)
																	Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest			—				—				—			56

																	Pre-tax operating earnings (loss)		$	284			$	193			$	280		$	(52	)

																	Assets as of year end		$	57,741			$	25,114			$	22,503		$	6,628			$	111,986


																	1	Excluding operating items (trading portfolio realized gains and losses, trading portfolio valuation changes and net realized gains and losses related to hedges on GMDB contracts).
																	2	Includes operating items discussed above.
																	3	The balances reflect a change in accounting principle, as described in Note 2.

Consolidated_Summary_of_Invest

Consolidated Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties	Schedule I Consolidated Summary of Investments – Other Than Investments in Related Parties
	As of December 31, 2013 (in millions)


	Column A		Column B		Column C		Column D
	Type of investment		Cost		Fair value		Amount at
							which shown
							in the
							consolidated
							balance sheet
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
	Bonds:
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies		$	484	$	561	$	561
	Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments			1,892		1,963		1,963
	Public utilities			2,616		2,759		2,759
	All other corporate, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities			26,010		26,966		26,966

	Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale		$	31,002	$	32,249	$	32,249

	Equity securities, available-for-sale:
	Common stocks:
	Industrial, miscellaneous and all other		$	6	$	14	$	14
	Nonredeemable preferred stocks			—		10		10

	Total equity securities, available-for-sale		$	6	$	24	$	24

	Trading assets			30		31		31
	Mortgage loans, net of allowance			6,376				6,341	1
	Policy loans			987				987
	Other investments			712				712
	Short-term investments			411				411

	Total investments		$	39,524			$	40,755


	1	Difference from Column B primarily is attributable to valuation allowances due to impairments on mortgage loans (see Note 6 to the audited consolidated financial statements).

Supplementary_Insurance_Inform

Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
Supplementary Insurance Information	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplementary Insurance Information	Schedule III Supplementary Insurance Information
	As of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and for each of the years then ended (in millions)


	Column A		Column B			Column C		Column D			Column E		Column F
	Year: Segment		Deferred			Future policy		Unearned			Other policy		Premium
			policy			benefits, losses,		premiums1			claims and		revenue
			acquisition			claims and					benefits payable1
			costs3			loss expenses
	2013
	IPS - Annuity		$	2,214		$	10,985						$	416
	Retirement Plans			179			14,313							—
	IPS - Life and NBSG			1,557			10,068							282
	Corporate and Other			(172	)		1,399							26

	Total		$	3,778		$	36,765						$	724

	2012
	IPS - Annuity		$	2,110		$	12,214						$	334
	Retirement Plans			168			13,628							—
	IPS - Life and NBSG			1,442			9,564							301
	Corporate and Other			(471	)		748							—

	Total		$	3,249		$	36,154						$	635

	2011
	IPS - Annuity		$	2,232		$	12,550						$	234
	Retirement Plans			172			12,638							—
	IPS - Life and NBSG			1,421			9,338							297
	Corporate and Other			(338	)		726							—

	Total		$	3,487		$	35,252						$	531


	Column A		Column G			Column H		Column I			Column J		Column K
	Year: Segment		Net			Benefits, claims,		Amortization			Other		Premiums
			investment			losses and		of deferred policy			operating		written
			income2			settlement expenses		acquisition costs3			expenses2,3
	2013
	IPS - Annuity		$	546		$	1,065	$	185		$	303
	Retirement Plans			743			473		(2	)		151
	IPS - Life and NBSG			544			910		125			284
	Corporate and Other			16			32		66			184

	Total		$	1,849		$	2,480	$	374		$	922

	2012
	IPS - Annuity		$	551		$	970	$	185		$	285
	Retirement Plans			736			457		14			163
	IPS - Life and NBSG			536			868		150			255
	Corporate and Other			2			24		226			160

	Total		$	1,825		$	2,319	$	575		$	863

	2011
	IPS - Annuity		$	527		$	850	$	80		$	269
	Retirement Plans			715			441		11			166
	IPS - Life and NBSG			533			863		75			238
	Corporate and Other			69			8		(101	)		157

	Total		$	1,844		$	2,162	$	65		$	830


	1	Unearned premiums and other policy claims and benefits payable are included in Column C amounts.
2	Allocations of net investment income and certain operating expenses are based on numerous assumptions and estimates, and reported segment operating results would change if different methods were applied.
3	The 2011 balances reflect a change in accounting principle, as described in Note 2.

Reinsurance1

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
Reinsurance	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance	Schedule IV Reinsurance
	As of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and for each of the years then ended (in millions)


	Column A		Column B		Column C			Column D		Column E		Column F
			Gross		Ceded to			Assumed		Net		Percentage
			amount		other			from other		amount		of amount
					companies			companies				assumed
												to net
	2013

	Life, accident and health insurance in force		$	228,095	$	(58,310	)	$	6	$	169,791		—

	Premiums:
	Life insurance1		$	783	$	(59	)	$	—	$	724		—
	Accident and health insurance			232		(232	)		—		—		—

	Total		$	1,015	$	(291	)	$	—	$	724		—

	2012

	Life, accident and health insurance in force		$	216,002	$	(59,895	)	$	5	$	156,112		—

	Premiums:
	Life insurance1		$	701	$	(66	)	$	—	$	635		—
	Accident and health insurance			189		(189	)		—		—		—

	Total		$	890	$	(255	)	$	—	$	635		—

	2011

	Life, accident and health insurance in force		$	209,732	$	(60,499	)	$	5	$	149,238		—

	Premiums:
	Life insurance1		$	596	$	(65	)	$	—	$	531		—
	Accident and health insurance			236		(236	)		—		—		—

	Total		$	832	$	(301	)	$	—	$	531		—


	1	Primarily represents premiums from traditional life insurance and life-contingent immediate annuities and excludes deposits on investment and universal life insurance products.

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Schedule V Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	Years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in millions)


	Column A		Column B		Column C					Column D		Column E
	Description		Balance at		Charged to			Charged to		Deductions1		Balance at
			beginning		costs and			other				end of
			of period		expenses			accounts				period
	2013
	Valuation allowances - mortgage loans		$	44	$	(4	)	$	—	$	5	$	35

	2012
	Valuation allowances - mortgage loans		$	60	$	1		$	—	$	17	$	44

	2011
	Valuation allowances - mortgage loans		$	96	$	25		$	—	$	61	$	60


	1	Amounts generally represent payoffs, sales and recoveries.

Dividend_Restrictions

Dividend Restrictions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Dividend Restrictions	-11	Dividend Restrictions
	The payment of dividends by NLIC is subject to restrictions set forth in the insurance laws and regulations of the State of Ohio, its domiciliary state. The State of Ohio insurance laws require Ohio-domiciled life insurance companies to seek prior regulatory approval to pay a dividend or distribution of cash or other property if the fair market value thereof, together with that of other dividends or distributions made in the preceding 12 months, exceeds the greater of (1) 10% of statutory-basis policyholders’ surplus as of the prior December 31 or (2) the statutory-basis net income of the insurer for the prior year. NLIC’s statutory capital and surplus as of December 31, 2013 was $3.6 billion, and statutory net income for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $262 million. NLIC did not pay any dividends to NFS during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, NLIC has the ability to pay dividends to NFS totaling $355 million without obtaining prior approval.
	The State of Ohio insurance laws also require insurers to seek prior regulatory approval for any dividend paid from other than earned surplus. Earned capital and surplus is defined under the State of Ohio insurance laws as the amount equal to the Company’s unassigned funds as set forth in its most recent statutory financial statements, including net unrealized capital gains and losses or revaluation of assets. Additionally, following any dividend, an insurer’s policyholder capital and surplus must be reasonable in relation to the insurer’s outstanding liabilities and adequate for its financial needs. The payment of dividends by the Company may also be subject to restrictions set forth in the insurance laws of the State of New York that limit the amount of statutory profits on the Company’s participating policies (measured before dividends to policyholders) available for the benefit of the Company and its stockholders.
	The Company currently does not expect such regulatory requirements to impair the ability to pay operating expenses and dividends in the future.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Basis of Presentation

Use of Estimates

Revenues and Benefits

Future Policy Benefits and Claims

Reinsurance ceded

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Refer to Note 5 for discussion regarding assumption changes impacting DAC amortization and related balances.

Investments

The Company is not required and does not intend to provide financial or other support outside of contractual requirements to any VIE.

Derivative Instruments

For derivatives that are not designated for hedge accounting, the gain or loss on the derivative is primarily recognized in net realized investment gains and losses.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company categorizes assets and liabilities held at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

•

Fair Value Option

Federal Income Taxes

NLIC files a separate consolidated federal income tax return, with its subsidiaries, and is eligible to join the NMIC consolidated federal tax return group in 2015.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than three months.

Goodwill

Closed Block

Separate Accounts

Participating Business

Change in Accounting Principle

The following tables summarize the impact of the retrospective change in accounting principle on the consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated:

Year ended December 31, 2011

(in millions)

As Originally

As Adjusted

Effect of Change

Reported

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

Other expenses, net of deferrals1

620

760

(140

)

Federal income tax benefit

(382

)

(427

)

Net loss attributable to Nationwide Life Insurance Company

(282

)

(366

)

(84

)

Excludes interest expense, which is included in other expenses, net of deferrals on the consolidated statements of operations.

Subsequent Events

The Company evaluated subsequent events through December 19, 2014, the date the condensed consolidated financial statements were issued.

The Company evaluated subsequent events through February 28, 2014, the date the consolidated financial statements were issued.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Impact of the retrospective change in accounting principle on the consolidated statments of operations	The following tables summarize the impact of the retrospective change in accounting principle on the consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated:


			Year ended December 31, 2011
	(in millions)		As Originally			As Adjusted			Effect of Change
	(in millions)		Reported			As Adjusted			Effect of Change
	Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs		$	76		$	65		$	11
	Other expenses, net of deferrals1		$	620		$	760		$	(140	)
	Federal income tax benefit		$	(382	)	$	(427	)	$	45
	Net loss attributable to Nationwide Life Insurance Company		$	(282	)	$	(366	)	$	(84	)

	1	Excludes interest expense, which is included in other expenses, net of deferrals on the consolidated statements of operations.

Certain_LongDuration_Contracts1

Certain Long-Duration Contracts (Tables)	9 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
Certain Long-Duration Contracts (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014											Dec. 31, 2013
Summarizes information regarding variable annuity contracts with guarantees invested in general and separate accounts	The following table summarizes information regarding variable annuity contracts with guarantees invested in general and separate accounts, as of the date indicated (a contract may contain multiple guarantees):											The following table summarizes information regarding variable annuity contracts with guarantees invested in general and separate accounts, as of the dates indicated (a contract may contain multiple guarantees):


			September 30, 2014											December 31, 2013									December 31, 2012
	(in millions)		General			Separate		Net		Average		(in millions)		General			Separate		Net		Average		General		Separate		Net		Average
			account			account		amount		age2				account			account		amount		age2		account		account		amount		age2
			value			value		at risk1						value			value		at risk1				value		value		at risk1
	Contracts with GMDB:											Contracts with GMDB:
	Return of net deposits		$	890		$	22,182	$	22		65	Return of net deposits		$	916		$	19,927	$	13		64	$	836	$	14,963	$	24		64
	Minimum return or anniversary contract value			1,937			33,414		339		69	Minimum return or anniversary contract value			2,031			33,520		237		69		2,048		29,787		561		68

	Total contracts with GMDB		$	2,827		$	55,596	$	361		67	Total contracts with GMDB		$	2,947		$	53,447	$	250		67	$	2,884	$	44,750	$	585		66

												GMAB Return of net deposits3		$	92		$	2,383	$	—		64	$	165	$	3,230	$	12		64
	GLWB Minimum return or anniversary contract value		$	144		$	30,193	$	114		66	GLWB Minimum return or anniversary contract value		$	178		$	28,071	$	74		64	$	128	$	22,031	$	613		65
	GMAB Return of net deposits3		$	53		$	1,733	$	1		67	GMIB Minimum return or anniversary contract value		$	49		$	510	$	—		64	$	49	$	514	$	1		65
	GMIB Minimum return or anniversary contract value		$	46		$	461	$	1		66

												1	Net amount at risk is calculated on a policy-level basis and equals the respective guaranteed benefit less the account value (or zero if the account value exceeds the guaranteed benefit).
	1	Net amount at risk is calculated on a policy-level basis and equals the respective guaranteed benefit less the account value (or zero if the account value exceeds the guaranteed benefit).										2	Represents the weighted average attained age of contractholders.
	2	Represents the weighted average attained age of contractholders.										3	Contracts with the hybrid accumulation/withdrawal benefits are included with the accumulation benefits contracts.
	3	Contracts with the hybrid accumulation/withdrawal benefits are included with the accumulation benefits contracts.
Summarizes the reserve balances, for variable annuity contracts with guarantees	The following table summarizes the reserve balances for guarantees on variable annuity contracts, as of the date indicated:											The following table summarizes the reserve balances for guarantees on variable annuity contracts, as of the dates indicated:


			September 30,									(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,
	(in millions)		2014									(in millions)		2013			2012
	GMDB		$	72								GMDB		$	55		$	65
	GLWB		$	(417	)							GMAB1, 2		$	(19	)	$	57
	GMAB1		$	(5	)							GLWB1		$	(1,075	)	$	600
	GMIB		$	1								GMIB		$	2		$	2


	1	Contracts with hybrid accumulation/withdrawal benefits are included with the accumulation benefits contracts.										1	The fair value of the living benefit liability includes the present value of attributed fees.
												2	Contracts with the hybrid accumulation/withdrawal benefits are included with the accumulation benefits contracts.
Summarizes account balances of deferred variable annuity	The following table summarizes account balances of deferred variable annuity contracts with guarantees invested in separate accounts, as of the date indicated:											The following table summarizes account balances of deferred variable annuity contracts with guarantees invested in separate accounts, as of the dates indicated:


			September 30,									(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,
	(in millions)		2014									(in millions)		2013			2012
	Mutual funds:											Mutual funds:
	Bond		$	5,339								Bond		$	5,685		$	5,634
	Domestic equity			45,951								Domestic equity			43,505			35,277
	International equity			3,003								International equity			3,179			2,614

	Total mutual funds		$	54,293								Total mutual funds		$	52,369		$	43,525

	Money market funds			1,303								Money market funds			1,078			1,225

	Total1		$	55,596								Total1		$	53,447		$	44,750


	1	Excludes $30.9 billion as of September 30, 2014 of separate account assets not related to deferred variable annuity contracts with guarantees and are primarily attributable to retirement plan, variable universal life and corporate-owned life insurance products.										1	Excludes $30.6 billion and $26.7 billion as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, of separate account assets not related to deferred variable annuity contracts with guarantees and are primarily attributable to retirement plan, variable universal life and COLI products.
Summarizes information regarding universal and variable universal life insurance contracts with no lapse guarantees invested in general and separate accounts	The following table summarizes information regarding universal and variable universal life insurance contracts with no-lapse guarantees invested in general and separate accounts, as of the date indicated:											The following table summarizes information regarding universal and variable universal life insurance contracts with no-lapse guarantees invested in general and separate accounts, as of the dates indicated:


	(in millions)		General account			Separate account		Adjusted insurance		Average age2		(in millions)		General account			Separate account		Adjusted insurance		Average age2
	(in millions)		value			value		in force1		Average age2		(in millions)		value			value		in force1		Average age2
	September 30, 2014		$	1,558		$	375	$	21,769		54	December 31, 2013		$	1,270		$	362	$	16,960		55
												December 31, 2012		$	992		$	328	$	12,321		56

	1	The adjusted insurance in force is calculated on a policy-level basis and equals the respective guaranteed death benefit less the account value (or zero if the account value exceeds the guaranteed benefit).
	2	Represents the weighted average attained age of contractholders.										1	The adjusted insurance in force is calculated on a policy-level basis and equals the respective guaranteed death benefit less the account value (or zero if the account value exceeds the guaranteed benefit).
												2	Represents the weighted average attained age of contractholders.

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co1

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Tables)	9 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014				Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred policy acquisition costs	The following table summarizes changes in the deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) balance, for the period indicated:				The following table summarizes changes in the DAC balance, as of the dates indicated:


		Nine months ended			(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		September 30,			(in millions)		2013			2012			20111
	(in millions)	2014			Balance at beginning of year		$	3,249		$	3,487		$	3,125
	Balance at beginning of period	$	3,778		Capitalization of DAC			604			470			604
	Capitalization of DAC		494		Amortization of DAC, excluding unlocks			(373	)		(525	)		(200	)
	Amortization of DAC, excluding unlocks		(322	)	Amortization of DAC related to unlocks			(1	)		(50	)		135
	Amortization of DAC related to unlocks		190		Adjustments to DAC related to unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities			299			(133	)		(177	)
	Adjustments to DAC related to unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale		(159	)
					Balance at end of year		$	3,778		$	3,249		$	3,487
	Balance at end of period	$	3,981

					1	The balances reflect a change in accounting principle, as described in Note 2.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended																					12 Months Ended
Investments (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014																					Dec. 31, 2013
Available-for-Sale Securities	The following table summarizes amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses and fair value of available-for-sale securities, as of the date indicated:																					The following table summarizes amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses and fair value of available-for-sale securities, as of the dates indicated:


	(in millions)		Amortized			Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair value												(in millions)		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
	(in millions)		cost			gains		losses		Fair value												(in millions)		cost			gains			losses			value
	30-Sep-14																					December 31, 2013
	Fixed maturity securities:																					Fixed maturity securities:
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies		$	460		$	78	$	—	$	538											U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies		$	484		$	79		$	2		$	561
	Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments			1,952			254		5		2,201											Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments			1,892			111			40			1,963
	Corporate public securities			19,421			1,426		99		20,748											Corporate public securities			18,004			1,076			295			18,785
	Corporate private securities			4,437			300		18		4,719											Corporate private securities			4,374			258			38			4,594
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			3,690			183		47		3,826											Residential mortgage-backed securities			3,919			163			79			4,003
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			1,426			76		7		1,495											Commercial mortgage-backed securities			1,439			86			21			1,504
	Other asset-backed securities			1,291			29		65		1,255											Other asset-backed securities			890			26			77			839

	Total fixed maturity securities		$	32,677		$	2,346	$	241	$	34,782											Total fixed maturity securities		$	31,002		$	1,799		$	552		$	32,249
	Equity securities			6			21		—		27											Equity securities			6			18			—			24

	Total available-for-sale securities		$	32,683		$	2,367	$	241	$	34,809											Total available-for-sale securities		$	31,008		$	1,817		$	552		$	32,273

																						December 31, 2012
																						Fixed maturity securities:
																						U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies		$	476		$	121		$	—		$	597
																						Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments			1,820			301			1			2,120
																						Corporate public securities			16,152			1,891			33			18,010
																						Corporate private securities			4,216			392			19			4,589
																						Residential mortgage-backed securities			4,506			267			106			4,667
																						Commercial mortgage-backed securities			1,219			133			15			1,337
																						Other asset-backed securities			533			45			87			491

																						Total fixed maturity securities		$	28,922		$	3,150		$	261		$	31,811
																						Equity securities			15			5			—			20

																						Total available-for-sale securities		$	28,937		$	3,155		$	261		$	31,831

Summarizes the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities	The following table summarizes amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity, as of September 30, 2014. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without early redemption penalties.																					The following table summarizes the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity, as of December 31, 2013. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without early redemption penalties.


	(in millions)		Amortized			Fair																(in millions)		Amortized			Fair
	(in millions)		cost			value																(in millions)		cost			value
	Fixed maturity securities:																					Fixed maturity securities:
	Due in one year or less		$	915		$	931															Due in one year or less		$	1,081		$	1,097
	Due after one year through five years			9,115			9,893															Due after one year through five years			8,927			9,685
	Due after five years through ten years			8,177			8,538															Due after five years through ten years			7,805			7,967
	Due after ten years			8,063			8,844															Due after ten years			6,941			7,154

	Subtotal		$	26,270		$	28,206															Subtotal		$	24,754		$	25,903
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			3,690			3,826															Residential mortgage-backed securities			3,919			4,003
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			1,426			1,495															Commercial mortgage-backed securities			1,439			1,504
	Other asset-backed securities			1,291			1,255															Other asset-backed securities			890			839

	Total fixed maturity securities		$	32,677		$	34,782															Total fixed maturity securities		$	31,002		$	32,249

Summarizes components of net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities	The following table summarizes components of net unrealized gains and losses, as of the date indicated:																					The following table summarizes components of net unrealized gains and losses, as of the dates indicated:


	(in millions)		September 30,																			(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,
	(in millions)		2014																			(in millions)		2013			2012
	Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, before adjustments, taxes and fair value hedging		$	2,126																		Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, before adjustments, taxes and fair value hedging		$	1,265		$	2,894
	Change in fair value attributable to fixed maturity securities designated in fair value hedging relationships			—																		Change in fair value attributable to fixed maturity securities designated in fair value hedging relationships			—			(4	)

	Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, before adjustments and taxes1		$	2,126																		Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, before adjustments and taxes1		$	1,265		$	2,890
	Adjustment to DAC and other expense			(338	)																	Adjustment to DAC and other			(176	)		(482	)
	Adjustment to future policy benefits and claims			(132	)																	Adjustment to future policy benefits and claims			(89	)		(295	)
	Adjustment to policyholder dividend obligations			(116	)																	Adjustment to policyholder dividend obligation			(85	)		(177	)
	Deferred federal income tax expense			(533	)																	Deferred federal income tax expense			(314	)		(672	)

	Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities		$	1,007																		Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities		$	601		$	1,264


	1	Includes net unrealized losses of $5 million as of September 30, 2014, related to the non-credit portion of other-than-temporarily impaired securities.																				1	Includes net unrealized losses of $(40) million and $(48) million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to the non-credit portion of other-than-temporarily impaired securities.
Summarizes change in net unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities	The following table summarizes the change in net unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, for the nine months ended:																					The following table summarizes the change in net unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, for the years ended:


	(in millions)		September 30,																			(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,
	(in millions)		2014																			(in millions)		2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period		$	601																		Balance at beginning of year		$	1,264		$	693
																						Unrealized gains and losses arising during the period:
	Unrealized gains and losses arising during the period:																					Net unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities before adjustments			(1,657	)		990
	Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities before adjustments			824																		Non-credit impairments and subsequent changes in fair value of impaired debt securities			8			178
	Non-credit impairments and subsequent changes in fair value of impaired debt securities			35																		Net adjustment to DAC and other			306			(135	)
	Net adjustment to DAC and other expense			(162	)																	Net adjustment to future policy benefits and claims			206			(112	)
	Net adjustment to future policy benefits and claims			(43	)																	Net adjustment to policyholder dividend obligation			92			(45	)
	Net adjustment to policyholder dividend obligations			(31	)																	Related federal income tax benefit (expense)			366			(308	)
	Related federal income tax expense			(218	)
																						Change in unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities		$	(679	)	$	568
	Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities		$	405
																						Reclassification adjustment for net losses realized on available-for-sale securities, net of tax benefit ($8 and $2 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively)			(16	)		(3	)
	Less: Reclassification adjustment for net losses realized on available-for-sale securities, net of tax benefit ($1 as of September 30, 2014)			(1	)
																						Change in net unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities		$	(663	)	$	571
	Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities		$	406
																						Balance at end of year		$	601		$	1,264
	Balance at end of period		$	1,007

Summarizes available for sale securities by asset class in gross unrealized loss position	The following table summarizes, by asset class, available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position based on the amount of time each type of security has been in an unrealized loss position, as well as the related fair value, as of the date indicated:																					The following table summarizes by asset class available-for-sale securities, in an unrealized loss position based on the amount of time each type of security has been in an unrealized loss position, as well as the related fair value and number of securities, as of the dates indicated:


			Less than or equal to one year							More than one year						Total								Less than or equal to one year									More than one year								Total
	(in millions, except number		Fair			Unrealized		Number		Fair		Unrealized		Number		Fair		Unrealized		Number		(in millions, except number		Fair			Unrealized			Number			Fair		Unrealized			Number			Fair			Unrealized			Number
	of securities)		value			losses		of		value		losses		of		value		losses		of		of securities)		value			losses			of			value		losses			of			value			losses			of
								securities						securities						securities										securities								securities									securities
	30-Sep-14																					December 31, 2013
	Fixed maturity securities:																					Fixed maturity securities:
	Corporate public securities		$	2,116		$	28		159	$	2,127	$	71		130	$	4,243	$	99		289	Corporate public securities		$	4,889		$	256			346		$	442	$	39			34		$	5,331		$	295			380
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			239			4		31		565		43		134		804		47		165	Residential mortgage-backed securities			725			16			70			604		63			148			1,329			79			218
	Other asset-backed securities			392			2		22		362		63		42		754		65		64	Other asset-backed securities			507			6			32			144		71			40			651			77			72
	Other			499			14		30		672		16		46		1,171		30		76	Other			1,838			85			126			222		16			20			2,060			101			146

	Total		$	3,246		$	48		242	$	3,726	$	193		352	$	6,972	$	241		594	Total		$	7,959		$	363			574		$	1,412	$	189			242		$	9,371		$	552			816

																						December 31, 2012
																						Fixed maturity securities:
																						Corporate public securities		$	710		$	11			68		$	150	$	22			10		$	860		$	33			78
																						Residential mortgage-backed securities			89			2			12			1,029		104			190			1,118			106			202
																						Other asset-backed securities			27			1			5			163		86			46			190			87			51
																						Other			326			4			23			284		31			36			610			35			59

																						Total		$	1,152		$	18			108		$	1,626	$	243			282		$	2,778		$	261			390

Summarizes gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost	The following table summarizes unrealized losses based on the ratio of fair value to amortized cost, for available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position, as of the date indicated:																					The following table summarizes gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of fair value to amortized cost, for available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position, as of the dates indicated:


			September 30, 2014																					December 31, 2013									December 31, 2012
	(in millions)		Less			More		Total														(in millions)		Less			More			Total			Less		More			Total
			than or			than																		than or			than						than or		than
			equal to			one																		equal to			one						equal to		one
			one year			year																		one year			year						one year		year
	99.9% - 80.0%		$	49		$	131	$	180													99.9% - 80.0%		$	363		$	107		$	470		$	18	$	85		$	103
	Less than 80.0%:																					Less than 80.0%
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			—			11		11													Residential mortgage-backed securities			—			21			21			—		50			50
	Other asset-backed securities			—			50		50													Other asset-backed securities			—			61			61			—		72			72
																						Other			—			—			—			—		36			36
	Total		$	49		$	192	$	241
																						Total		$	363		$	189		$	552		$	18	$	243		$	261

Summary of the amortized cost of mortgage loans																						The following table summarizes the amortized cost of mortgage loans by method of evaluation for credit loss, and the related valuation allowances by type of credit loss, as of the dates indicated:


																						(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,
																						(in millions)		2013			2012
																						Amortized cost:
																						Loans with non-specific reserves		$	6,350		$	5,820
																						Loans with specific reserves			26			51

																						Total amortized cost		$	6,376		$	5,871
																						Valuation allowance:
																						Non-specific reserves		$	29		$	33
																						Specific reserves			6			11

																						Total valuation allowance		$	35		$	44

																						Mortgage loans, net of allowance		$	6,341		$	5,827

Activity in the valuation allowance for mortgage loans	The following table summarizes activity in the valuation allowance for mortgage loans, for the period indicated:																					The following table summarizes activity in the valuation allowance for mortgage loans, for the years ended:


			Nine months ended																			(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
			September 30,																			(in millions)		2013			2012			2011
	(in millions)		2014																			Balance at beginning of year		$	44		$	60		$	96
																						Current period provision1			(4	)		2			25
	Balance at beginning of period		$	35																		Recoveries2			(5	)		(15	)		(7	)
	Current period provision1			(10	)																	Charge offs and other			—			(3	)		(54	)
	Recoveries2			(1	)
																						Balance at end of year		$	35		$	44		$	60
	Balance at end of period		$	24

																						1	Includes specific reserve provisions and all changes in non-specific reserves.
	1	Includes specific reserve provisions and all changes in non-specific reserves.																				2	Includes recoveries on sales and increases in the valuation of loans with specific reserves.
	2	Includes recoveries on sales and increases in the valuation of loans with specific reserves.
Summary of the impaired mortgage loans by class																						The following table summarizes impaired commercial mortgage loans by class, for the years ended:


																						(in millions)		Office			Industrial			Retail			Other		Total
																						December 31, 2013
																						Amortized cost		$	—		$	26		$	—		$	—	$	26
																						Specific reserves			—			(6	)		—			—		(6	)

																						Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans, net of allowance		$	—		$	20		$	—		$	—	$	20

																						December 31, 2012
																						Amortized cost		$	13		$	26		$	12		$	—	$	51
																						Specific reserves			(2	)		(7	)		(2	)		—		(11	)

																						Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans, net of allowance		$	11		$	19		$	10		$	—	$	40

Summary of average recorded investment and interest income recognized for impaired mortgage loan																						The following table summarizes average recorded investment and interest income recognized for impaired commercial mortgage loans by class, for the years ended:


																						(in millions)		Office			Industrial			Retail			Other		Total
																						December 31, 2013
																						Average recorded investment		$	5		$	20		$	5		$	—	$	30
																						Interest income recognized		$	1		$	1		$	1		$	—	$	3

																						December 31, 2012
																						Average recorded investment		$	9		$	20		$	11		$	34	$	74
																						Interest income recognized		$	1		$	2		$	1		$	6	$	10

Summary of LTV ratio and DSC ratios of the mortgage loan portfolio																						The following table summarizes the LTV ratio and DSC ratios of the mortgage loan portfolio, as of the dates indicated:


																								LTV ratio											DSC ratio
																						(in millions)		Less			80% - less			90% or			Total		Greater			1.00-1.10			Less than			Total
																								than			than 90%			greater					than 1.10						1
																								80%
																						December 31, 2013:
																						Apartment		$	1,788		$	52		$	30		$	1,870	$	1,857		$	6		$	7		$	1,870
																						Industrial			951			52			86			1,089		893			122			74			1,089
																						Office			837			30			38			905		800			43			62			905
																						Retail			2,236			41			21			2,298		2,214			61			23			2,298
																						Other			213			—			1			214		214			—			—			214

																						Total		$	6,025		$	175		$	176		$	6,376	$	5,978		$	232		$	166		$	6,376

																						Weighted average DSC ratio			1.77			1.22			1			1.74		n/a			n/a			n/a			n/a

																						Weighted average LTV ratio			n/a			n/a			n/a			n/a		60	%		61	%		91	%		61	%

																						December 31, 2012:
																						Apartment		$	1,119		$	129		$	62		$	1,310	$	1,303		$	5		$	2		$	1,310
																						Industrial			922			76			162			1,160		951			121			88			1,160
																						Office			776			55			42			873		783			16			74			873
																						Retail			1,940			250			86			2,276		2,139			92			45			2,276
																						Other			189			57			6			252		252			—			—			252

																						Total		$	4,946		$	567		$	358		$	5,871	$	5,428		$	234		$	209		$	5,871

																						Weighted average DSC ratio			1.74			1.27			1.07			1.65		n/a			n/a			n/a			n/a

																						Weighted average LTV ratio			n/a			n/a			n/a			n/a		66	%		76	%		96	%		68	%

Summary of net investment income by investment type	The following table summarizes net investment income, by investment type, for the period indicated:																					The following table summarizes net investment income by investment type, for the years ended:


			Nine months ended																			(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
			September 30,																			(in millions)		2013			2012			2011
	(in millions)		2014																			Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale		$	1,565		$	1,506		$	1,502
																						Mortgage loans			348			366			370
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale		$	1,174																		Policy loans			52			53			56
	Mortgage loans			258																		Other			(57	)		(45	)		(34	)
	Policy loans			38
	Other			(10	)																	Gross investment income		$	1,908		$	1,880		$	1,894

	Gross investment income		$	1,460																		Investment expenses			59			55			50
	Investment expenses			43
																						Net investment income		$	1,849		$	1,825		$	1,844
	Net investment income		$	1,417

Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses	The following table summarizes net realized investment gains and losses, net of other-than-temporary impairments, by source, for the period indicated:																					The following table summarizes net realized investment gains and losses, net of other-than-temporary impairments, by source, for the years ended:


			Nine months ended																			(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
			September 30,																			(in millions)		2013			2012			2011
	(in millions)		2014																			Net derivative gains (losses)		$	705		$	314		$	(1,636	)
	Net realized derivative losses		$	(616	)																	Realized gains on sales			32			48			64
	Realized gains on sales			25																		Realized losses on sales			(54	)		(23	)		(45	)
	Realized losses on sales			(13	)																	Other			—			12			(19	)
	Other			6
																						Net realized investment gains (losses) before other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities		$	683		$	351		$	(1,636	)
	Net realized investment losses before other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities		$	(598	)																	Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities1			(5	)		(32	)		(40	)
	Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities1			(5	)
																						Net realized investment gains (losses), net of other-than-temporary impairments		$	678		$	319		$	(1,676	)
	Net realized investment losses, net of other-than-temporary impairments		$	(603	)

																						1	Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities are net $6 million, $36 million and $95 million of non-credit losses included in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	1	Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities are net of immaterial non-credit losses included in other comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses	The following table summarizes cumulative credit losses, for the period indicated:																					The following table summarizes the cumulative credit losses, for the years ended:


			Nine months ended																			(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
			September 30,																			(in millions)		2013			2012			2011
	(in millions)		2014																			Cumulative credit losses at beginning of year1		$	(289	)	$	(328	)	$	(340	)
	Cumulative credit losses at beginning of period1		$	(272	)																	New credit losses			(3	)		(18	)		(8	)
	New credit losses			(1	)																	Incremental credit losses			(3	)		(10	)		(29	)
	Incremental credit losses			(4	)																	Losses related to securities included in the beginning balance sold or paid down during the period			23			67			49
	Losses related to securities included in the beginning balance sold or paid down during the period			19
																						Cumulative credit losses at end of year1		$	(272	)	$	(289	)	$	(328	)
	Cumulative credit losses at end of period1		$	(258	)

																						1	Cumulative credit losses are defined as amounts related to the Company’s credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities that the Company does not intend to sell and that it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis.
	1	Cumulative credit losses are defined as amounts related to the Company’s credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities that the Company does not intend to sell and that it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell, prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis.

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014											Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of fair value of derivative instruments	The following table summarizes the fair value and related notional amounts of derivative instruments, as of the date indicated:											The following table summarizes the fair value and related notional amounts of derivative instruments, as of the dates indicated:


			Derivative assets					Derivative liabilities						Derivative assets						Derivative liabilities
	(in millions)		Fair value			Notional		Fair value		Notional		(in millions)		Fair value			Notional			Fair value			Notional
	September 30, 2014											December 31, 2013
	Derivatives designated and qualifying as hedging instruments		$	8		$	348	$	13	$	146	Derivatives designated and qualifying as hedging instruments		$	1		$	6		$	26		$	345
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:											Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts			1,709			33,281		2,013		36,404	Interest rate contracts		$	1,787		$	26,156		$	2,100		$	29,715
	Equity contracts			379			5,949		—		—	Equity contracts			343			6,556			—			—
	Total return swaps			33			2,634		—		—	Total return swaps			6			1,101			52			1,183
	Foreign currency and other derivative contracts			—			—		3		2	Other derivative contracts			—			—			5			2

	Total derivative positions1		$	2,129		$	42,212	$	2,029	$	36,552	Total derivative positions1		$	2,137		$	33,819		$	2,183		$	31,245

												December 31, 2012
	1	Derivative assets and liabilities are included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. As of September 30, 2014, derivative assets exclude $244 million of accrued interest receivable, and derivative liabilities exclude $211 million of accrued interest payable.										Derivatives designated and qualifying as hedging instruments		$	4		$	79		$	21		$	192
												Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
												Interest rate contracts		$	1,960		$	21,216		$	2,065		$	23,746
												Equity contracts			822			7,445			—			—
												Total return swaps			4			1,513			32			1,551
												Other derivative contracts			—			10			5			17

												Total derivative positions1		$	2,790		$	30,263		$	2,123		$	25,506


												1	Derivative assets and liabilities are included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, derivative assets exclude $196 million and $170 million, respectively, of accrued interest receivable, and derivative liabilities exclude $227 million and $179 million, respectively, of accrued interest payable.
Summary of realized gains and losses for derivative instruments	The following table summarizes gains and losses for derivative instruments recognized in net realized investment gains and losses, for the period indicated:											The following table summarizes gains and losses for derivative instruments recognized in net realized investment gains and losses in the consolidated statements of operations, for the years ended:


			Nine months ended									(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
			September 30,									(in millions)		2013			2012			2011
	(in millions)		2014									Derivatives designated and qualifying as hedging instruments		$	(1	)	$	(1	)	$	(4	)
	Derivatives designated and qualifying as hedging instruments		$	—								Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:											Interest rate contracts		$	(209	)	$	(125	)	$	(44	)
	Interest rate contracts			8								Equity contracts			(776	)		(665	)		(45	)
	Equity contracts			(57	)							Total return swaps			(321	)		(343	)		(17	)
	Total return swaps			(98	)							Other derivative contracts			(9	)		(1	)		(6	)
	Foreign currency and other derivative contracts			1								Net interest settlements			14			53			34
	Net interest settlements			6
												Total derivative losses1		$	(1,302	)	$	(1,082	)	$	(82	)
	Total derivative losses1		$	(140	)
												Change in embedded derivatives on guaranteed benefit annuity programs2			1,751			1,185			(1,674	)
	Change in embedded derivatives on guaranteed benefit annuity programs2		$	(673	)							Other revenue on guaranteed benefit annuity programs			256			211			120
	Other revenue on guaranteed benefit annuity programs			197
												Change in embedded derivative liabilities and related fees		$	2,007		$	1,396		$	(1,554	)
	Change in embedded derivative liabilities and related fees		$	(476	)
												Net realized derivative gains (losses)		$	705		$	314		$	(1,636	)
	Net realized derivative losses		$	(616	)

												1	Included in total derivative losses are economic hedging losses of $1.8 billion, $827 million and gains of $1.0 billion related to the guaranteed benefit annuity programs for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	1	Included in total derivative losses are economic hedging gains of $499 million related to the guaranteed benefit annuity programs for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.										2	As part of the Company’s annual comprehensive review of DAC model assumptions, all relevant assumptions impacting the fair value of embedded derivatives on annuity programs are also reviewed and updated. For the individual variable annuity business, the change in the embedded derivatives on guaranteed benefit annuity programs for the year ended December 31, 2013 includes model enhancements and updated assumptions for discounting, benefit utilization, mortality and lapse rates. The change in embedded derivatives on guaranteed benefit annuity programs for the year ended December 31, 2012 included updated assumptions for lapse rates, mortality, withdrawal behavior and benefit utilization.
	2	For the individual variable annuity business, the annual comprehensive review of model assumptions produced a favorable impact for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 primarily due to model enhancements and updated assumptions for discounting and benefit utilization, partially offset by mortality and lapse rates.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended																									12 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014																									Dec. 31, 2013
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following table summarizes assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014:																									The following table summarizes assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013:


	(in millions)		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total														(in millions)		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
	Assets																									Assets
	Investments:																									Investments:
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:																									Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies		$	534		$	1		$	3		$	538													U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies		$	557			$	1			$	3			$	561
	Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments			65			2,136			—			2,201													Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments			63				1,900				—				1,963
	Corporate public securities			—			20,668			80			20,748													Corporate public securities			1				18,705				79				18,785
	Corporate private securities			—			3,805			914			4,719													Corporate private securities			—				3,791				803				4,594
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			977			2,840			9			3,826													Residential mortgage-backed securities			791				3,203				9				4,003
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			—			1,491			4			1,495													Commercial mortgage-backed securities			—				1,504				—				1,504
	Other asset-backed securities			—			1,073			182			1,255													Other asset-backed securities			—				645				194				839

	Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value		$	1,576		$	32,014		$	1,192		$	34,782													Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value		$	1,412			$	29,749			$	1,088			$	32,249
	Other investments at fair value			66			514			37			617													Other investments at fair value			64				357				45				466

	Investments at fair value		$	1,642		$	32,528		$	1,229		$	35,399													Investments at fair value		$	1,476			$	30,106			$	1,133			$	32,715

	Derivative assets			—			1,750			379			2,129													Derivative assets			—				1,794				343				2,137
	Separate account assets			82,988			1,374			2,104			86,466													Separate account assets			80,647				1,339				2,083				84,069

	Assets at fair value		$	84,630		$	35,652		$	3,712		$	123,994													Assets at fair value		$	82,123			$	33,239			$	3,559			$	118,921

	Liabilities																									Liabilities
	Future policy benefits and claims:																									Future policy benefits and claims:
	Embedded derivatives on living benefits		$	—		$	—		$	421		$	421													Embedded derivatives on living benefits		$	—			$	—			$	1,094			$	1,094
	Embedded derivatives on indexed products			—			—			(84	)		(84	)												Embedded derivatives on indexed products			—				—				(84	)			(84	)

	Total future policy benefits and claims		$	—		$	—		$	337		$	337													Total future policy benefits and claims		$	—			$	—			$	1,010			$	1,010
	Derivative liabilities			—			(2,026	)		(3	)		(2,029	)												Derivative liabilities			—				(2,178	)			(5	)			(2,183	)

	Liabilities at fair value		$	—		$	(2,026	)	$	334		$	(1,692	)												Liabilities at fair value		$	—			$	(2,178	)		$	1,005			$	(1,173	)


																										The following table summarizes assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012:


																										(in millions)		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
																										Assets
																										Investments:
																										Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
																										U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies		$	592			$	2			$	3			$	597
																										Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments			73				2,047				—				2,120
																										Corporate public securities			1				17,890				119				18,010
																										Corporate private securities			—				3,817				772				4,589
																										Residential mortgage-backed securities			484				4,173				10				4,667
																										Commercial mortgage-backed securities			—				1,335				2				1,337
																										Other asset-backed securities			—				200				291				491

																										Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value		$	1,150			$	29,464			$	1,197			$	31,811
																										Other investments at fair value			45				1,001				62				1,108

																										Investments at fair value		$	1,195			$	30,465			$	1,259			$	32,919

																										Derivative assets			—				1,968				822				2,790
																										Separate account assets			68,185				1,230				2,025				71,440

																										Assets at fair value		$	69,380			$	33,663			$	4,106			$	107,149

																										Liabilities
																										Future policy benefits and claims:
																										Embedded derivatives on living benefits		$	—			$	—			$	(657	)		$	(657	)
																									Embedded derivatives on indexed products			—				—				(91	)			(91	)

																									Total future policy benefits and claims		$	—			$	—			$	(748	)		$	(748	)
																									Derivative liabilities			—				(2,118	)			(5	)			(2,123	)

																									Liabilities at fair value		$	—			$	(2,118	)		$	(753	)		$	(2,871	)

Summary of significant unobservable inputs used for fair value measurements for living benefits liabilities																										The following table summarizes significant unobservable inputs used for fair value measurements for living benefits liabilities classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2013:


																										Unobservable Inputs		Range
																										Mortality		0.1%-8%2
																										Lapse		0%-35%
																										Wait period		0 yrs – 30 yrs3
																										Efficiency of benefit utilization1		65%-100%
																										Discount rate		See footnote 4
																										Index volatility		15%-25%

																										1	The unobservable input is not applicable to GMABs.
																										2	Represents the mortality for the majority of business with living benefits, with policyholders ranging from 45 to 85.
																										3	A portion of the contractholders could never use the benefit, which would extend the range to an indeterminate period.
																										4	Incorporates the liquidity and non-performance risk adjustment. The liquidity spread takes into consideration market observables for spreads in illiquid assets. The non-performance risk adjustment reflects an additional spread over LIBOR determined by market observables for similarly rated public bonds.
Summary of significant unobservable inputs used for fair value measurements for indexed universal life equity indexed products																										The following table summarizes significant unobservable inputs used for fair value measurements for indexed universal life equity indexed products classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2013:


																										Unobservable Inputs		Range
																										Mortality		0%-4%1
																										Lapse		0%-10%
																										Index volatility		15%-25%

																										1	Represents the mortality for the majority of business, with policyholders ranging from 0 to 75.
Fair value measurements of unobservable inputs	The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the nine months ended September 30, 2014:																									The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2012:


			Balance			Net gains (losses)																	Balance					Balance				Net gains (losses)																			Balance
			as of																				as of					as of																							as of
			December 31,																				September 30,					December																							December
	(in millions)		2013			In operations1			In other			Purchases			Sales			Transfers		Transfers			2014			(in millions)		31, 2011				In operations1				In other				Purchases			Sales			Transfers		Transfers			31, 2012
									comprehensive									into		out of																comprehensive										into		out of
									income									Level 3		Level 3																income										Level 3		Level 3
	Assets																									Assets
	Investments:																									Investments:
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:																									Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
	Corporate private securities		$	803		$	(4	)	$	6		$	52		$	(140	)	$	197	$	—		$	914		Corporate private securities		$	1,209			$	2			$	13			$	69		$	(187	)$		40	$	(374	)$		772
	Other asset-backed securities			194			—			15			—			(23	)		—		(4	)		182		Other asset-backed securities			251				2				53				36			(61	)		10		—			291
	Other			91			—			6			—			(7	)		6		—			96		Other			131				—				11				2			(8	)		1		(3	)		134

	Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value2		$	1,088		$	(4	)	$	27		$	52		$	(170	)	$	203	$	(4	)	$	1,192		Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value2		$	1,591				4				77				107			(256	)		51		(377	)		1,197
	Other investments at fair value			45			1			2			—			(11	)		—		—			37		Other investments at fair value			43				16				3				—			—			—		—			62
	Derivative assets2			343			9			—			42			(15	)		—		—			379		Derivative assets3			1,004				(353	)			—				350			(179	)		—		—			822
	Separate account assets			2,083			21			—			—			—			—		—			2,104		Separate account assets			1,952				73				—				—			—			—		—			2,025

	Assets at fair value		$	3,559		$	27		$	29		$	94		$	(196	)	$	203	$	(4	)	$	3,712		Assets at fair value		$	4,590			$	(260	)$			80			$	457		$	(435	)$		51	$	(377	)$		4,106

	Liabilities																									Liabilities
	Future policy benefits and claims:																									Future policy benefits and claims:
	Embedded derivatives on living benefits2		$	1,094		$	(673	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	421		Embedded derivatives on living benefits		$	(1,842	)$			1,185			$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	(657	)
	Embedded derivatives on indexed products2			(84	)		—			—			—			—			—		—			(84	)	Embedded derivatives on indexed products			(63	)			(28	)			—				—			—			—		—			(91	)

	Total future policy benefits and claims		$	1,010		$	(673	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	337		Total future policy benefits and claims		$	(1,905	)$			1,157			$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	(748	)
	Derivative liabilities2			(5	)		2			—			—			—			—		—			(3	)	Derivative liabilities3			(6	)			1				—				—			—			—		—			(5	)

	Liabilities at fair value		$	1,005		$	(671	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	334		Liabilities at fair value		$	(1,911	)$			1,158			$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	(753	)


	1	Net gains and losses included in operations are reported in net realized investment gains and losses and interest credited to policyholder accounts. The net unrealized gains on separate account assets are attributable to contractholders, and therefore are not included in the Company’s earnings. The change in unrealized gains included in operations on assets and liabilities still held at the end of the quarter was $119 million for derivative assets, $7 million for other investments at fair value and $2 million for derivative liabilities.																								1	Net gains and losses included in operations are reported in net realized investment gains and losses and interest credited to policyholder accounts. The net unrealized gains on separate account assets are attributable to contractholders and therefore are not included in the Company’s earnings. The change in unrealized gains (losses) included in operations on assets and liabilities still held as of the end of the year was $16 million for other investments at fair value, $(257) million for derivative assets, $1.2 billion for future policy benefits and claims and $(1) million for derivative liabilities.
	2	Refer to Note 8 of the 2013 audited consolidated financial statements for a discussion of valuation inputs. There have been no material changes to these inputs as of September 30, 2014.																								2	Non-binding broker quotes were utilized to determine a fair value of $1.1 billion of total fixed maturity securities as of December 31, 2012.
																										3	Non-binding broker quotes were utilized to determine a fair value of all Level 3 derivative assets and liabilities.
Summary of carrying value and fair value of the Company's financial instruments not carried at fair value	The following table summarizes the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments not carried at fair value as of the date indicated. The valuation techniques used to estimate these fair values are described below.																									The following table summarizes the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments not carried at fair value as of the dates indicated. The valuation techniques used to estimate these fair values are described below.


			September 30, 2014																									December 31, 2013															December 31, 2012
	(in millions)		Carrying			Fair			Level 2			Level 3														(in millions)		Carrying				Fair				Level 2				Level 3			Carrying			Fair		Level 2			Level 3
	(in millions)		value			value			Level 2			Level 3														(in millions)		value				value				Level 2				Level 3			value			value		Level 2			Level 3
	Assets																									Assets
	Investments:																									Investments:
	Mortgage loans, net of allowance		$	6,842		$	7,081		$	—		$	7,081													Mortgage loans, net of allowance		$	6,341			$	6,481			$	—			$	6,481		$	5,827		$	5,988	$	—		$	5,988
	Policy loans		$	995		$	995		$	—		$	995													Policy loans		$	987			$	987			$	—			$	987		$	980		$	980	$	—		$	980

	Liabilities																									Liabilities
	Investment contracts		$	22,998		$	21,439		$	—		$	21,439													Investment contracts		$	21,874			$	20,436			$	—			$	20,436		$	20,123		$	19,561	$	—		$	19,561
	Short-term debt		$	214		$	214		$	—		$	214													Short-term debt		$	278			$	278			$	—			$	278		$	300		$	300	$	—		$	300
	Long-term debt		$	709		$	1,014		$	1,005		$	9													Long-term debt		$	707			$	1,004			$	997			$	7		$	1,038		$	1,323	$	1,282		$	41

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Goodwill (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment	The following table summarizes changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment for the years indicated:


	(in millions)		Retirement		Individual		Total
			Plans		Products &
					Solutions -
					Life and
					NBSG
	Balance as of December 31, 20111		$	25	$	175	$	200
	Adjustments			—		—		—

	Balance as of December 31, 20121		$	25	$	175	$	200
	Adjustments			—		—		—

	Balance as of December 31, 20131		$	25	$	175	$	200


	1	The goodwill balances have not been previously impaired.

Closed_Block_Tables

Closed Block (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Closed Block (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of financial information for the closed block	The following table summarizes financial information for the closed block, as of the dates indicated:


	(in millions)	December 31,			December 31,
	(in millions)	2013			2012
	Liabilities:
	Future policyholder benefits	$	1,703		$	1,732
	Policyholder funds and accumulated dividends		141			142
	Policyholder dividends payable		23			24
	Policyholder dividend obligation		113			198
	Other policy obligations and liabilities		29			32

	Total liabilities	$	2,009		$	2,128

	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	$	1,320		$	1,511
	Mortgage loans, net of allowance		257			183
	Policy loans		157			164
	Other assets		93			77

	Total assets	$	1,827		$	1,935

	Excess of reported liabilities over assets		182			193

	Portion of above representing other comprehensive income:
	(Decrease) increase in unrealized gain on fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	$	(92	)	$	45
	Adjustment to policyholder dividend obligation		92			(45	)

	Total	$	—		$	—

	Maximum future earnings to be recognized from assets and liabilities	$	182		$	193

	Other comprehensive income:
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
	Fair value	$	1,320		$	1,511
	Amortized cost		1,235			1,334
	Shadow policyholder dividend obligation		(85	)		(177	)

	Net unrealized appreciation	$	—		$	—

Summary of closed block operations	The following table summarizes closed block operations for the years ended:


	(in millions)	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	(in millions)	2013			2012			2011
	Revenues:
	Premiums	$	66		$	73		$	77
	Net investment income		94			98			102
	Realized investment gains (losses)		—			1			(3	)
	Realized losses credited to policyholder benefit obligation		(4	)		(5	)		(1	)

	Total revenues	$	156		$	167		$	175

	Benefits and expenses:
	Policy and contract benefits	$	123		$	134		$	145
	Change in future policyholder benefits and interest credited to policyholder accounts		(29	)		(27	)		(35	)
	Policyholder dividends		44			50			55
	Change in policyholder dividend obligation		3			(8	)		(8	)
	Other expenses		(2	)		1			1

	Total benefits and expenses	$	139		$	150		$	158

	Total revenues, net of benefits and expenses, before federal income tax expense	$	17		$	17		$	17
	Federal income tax expense		6			6			6

	Revenues, net of benefits and expenses and federal income tax expense	$	11		$	11		$	11

	Maximum future earnings from assets and liabilities:
	Beginning of period	$	193		$	204		$	215
	Change during period		(11	)		(11	)		(11	)

	End of period	$	182		$	193		$	204

ShortTerm_Debt_Tables

Short-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Short-Term Debt (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of short-term debt and weighted average annual interest rates	The following table summarizes the carrying value of short-term debt and weighted average annual interest rates, as of the dates indicated:


	(in millions)	December 31,		December 31,
	(in millions)	2013		2012
	$600 million commercial paper program (0.24% and 0.29%, respectively)	$	278	$	300

	Total short-term debt	$	278	$	300

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of long-term debt	The following table summarizes the carrying value of long-term debt, as of the dates indicated:


	(in millions)	December 31,		December 31,
	(in millions)	2013		2012
	8.15% surplus note, due June 26, 2032, payable to NFS	$	300	$	300
	7.50% surplus note, due December 17, 2031, payable to NFS		300		300
	6.75% surplus note, due December 23, 2033, payable to NFS		100		100
	Variable funding surplus note, repaid June 2013		—		297
	Other		7		41

	Total long-term debt	$	707	$	1,038

Federal_Income_Taxes_Tables

Federal Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
Federal Income Taxes (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014							Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of federal income tax (benefit) expense attributable to (loss) income before income attributable to noncontrolling interests								The following table summarizes the federal income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income (loss) before loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, for the years ended:


								(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
								(in millions)		2013			2012			20111
								Current tax (benefit) expense		$	(33	)	$	(144	)	$	55
								Deferred tax expense (benefit)			346			243			(482	)

								Total tax expense (benefit)		$	313		$	99		$	(427	)


								1	The balances reflect a change in accounting principle, as described in Note 2.
Summary of amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to (loss) income	The following table summarizes how the total federal income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to net income for the period indicated:							The following table summarizes how the total federal income tax expense (benefit) differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to income (loss) before loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, for the years ended:


		Nine months ended								December 31,						December 31,						December 31,
		September 30, 2014								2013						2012						20111
	(in millions)	Amount			%			(in millions)		Amount			%			Amount			%			Amount			%
	Rate reconciliation:							Rate reconciliation:
	Computed (expected tax expense)	$	56			35		Computed (expected tax expense (benefit))		$	469			35	%	$	245			35	%	$	(297	)		35	%
	Tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction		(54	)		(34	)	Dividends received deduction			(112	)		(8	)%		(75	)		(11	)%		(99	)		12	%
	Income tax credits		(31	)		(19	)	Tax credits			(82	)		(6	)%		(85	)		(12	)%		(30	)		3	%
	Impact of noncontrolling interest		26			16		Other, net			38			2	%		14			2	%		(1	)		—	%
	Other, net		7			5
								Total		$	313			23	%	$	99			14	%	$	(427	)		50	%
	Total	$	4			3

								1	The balances reflect a change in accounting principle, as described in Note 2.
Net deferred tax liability								The following table summarizes the tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant components of the net deferred tax liability included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, as of the dates indicated:


								(in millions)		December 31,			December 31,
								(in millions)		2013			2012
								Deferred tax assets:
								Future policy benefits and claims		$	1,244		$	1,295
								Derivatives, including embedded derivatives			—			94
								Tax credit carryforwards			352			288
								Other			845			478

								Gross deferred tax assets		$	2,441		$	2,155

								Valuation allowance			(17	)		(18	)

								Net deferred tax assets			2,424			2,137

								Deferred tax liabilities:
								Deferred policy acquisition costs		$	(1,048	)	$	(874	)
								Available-for-sale securities			(821	)		(1,338	)
								Derivatives, including embedded derivatives			(600	)		—
								Other			(255	)		(239	)

								Gross deferred tax liabilities		$	(2,724	)	$	(2,451	)

								Net deferred tax liability		$	(300	)	$	(314	)

Uncertain tax positions								The following table is a rollforward of the beginning and ending uncertain tax positions, including permanent and temporary differences, but excluding interest and penalties:


								(in millions)		2013			2012			2011
								Balance at beginning of period		$	36		$	76		$	119
								Additions for current year tax positions			2			(2	)		9
								Additions for prior years tax positions			—			25			—
								Reductions for prior years tax positions			(2	)		(63	)		(52	)

								Balance at end of period		$	36		$	36		$	76

Statutory_Financial_Informatio1

Statutory Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Statutory Financial Information (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of statutory net income loss and statutory capital and surplus	The following table summarizes the statutory net income (loss) and statutory capital and surplus for the Company’s primary life insurance subsidiary for the years ended:


	(in millions)	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	(in millions)	2013			2012			2011
	Statutory net income (loss)
	NLIC	$	262		$	764		$	18
	NLAIC	$	(103	)	$	(54	)	$	(61	)

	Statutory capital and surplus
	NLIC	$	3,550		$	3,837		$	3,591
	NLAIC	$	534		$	311		$	302

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Reinsurance (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of the effects of reinsurance on life, accident and health insurance	The following table summarizes the effects of reinsurance on life, accident and health insurance in force and premiums for the years ended:


	(in millions)	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	(in millions)	2013			2012			2011
	Premiums
	Direct	$	1,015		$	890		$	832
	Assumed from other companies		—			—			—
	Ceded to other companies		(291	)		(255	)		(301	)

	Net	$	724		$	635		$	531

	Life, accident and health insurance in force
	Direct	$	228,095		$	216,002		$	209,732
	Assumed from other companies		6			5			5
	Ceded to other companies		(58,310	)		(59,895	)		(60,499	)

	Net	$	169,791		$	156,112		$	149,238

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended																	12 Months Ended
Segment Information (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014																	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of the Company's business segment operating results	The following tables summarize the Company’s business segment operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:																	The following tables summarize the Company’s business segment operating results for the years ended:


	(in millions)		Individual			Retirement			Individual			Corporate			Total			(in millions)		Individual				Retirement				Individual			Corporate				Total
			Products and			Plans			Products and			and Other								Products and				Plans				Products and			and Other
			Solutions-						Solutions-Life											Solutions-								Solutions-Life
			Annuity						and NBSG											Annuity								and NBSG
	Revenues																	December 31, 2013
	Policy charges		$	871		$	79		$	580		$	—		$	1,530		Revenues:
	Premiums			371			—			211			21			603		Policy charges		$	1,021			$	101			$	727		$	—			$	1,849
	Net investment income			407			553			418			39			1,417		Premiums			416				—				282			26				724
	Non-operating net realized investment losses, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses1			—			—			—			(587	)		(587	)	Net investment income			546				743				544			16				1,849
	Other revenues2			(22	)		—			6			7			(9	)	Non-operating net realized investment gains, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses1			—				—				—			791				791
																		Other revenues2			(109	)			—				—			13				(96	)
	Total revenues		$	1,627		$	632		$	1,215		$	(520	)	$	2,954
																		Total revenues		$	1,874			$	844			$	1,553		$	846			$	5,117
	Benefits and expenses
	Interest credited to policyholder accounts		$	270		$	358		$	169		$	9		$	806		Benefits and expenses:
	Benefits and claims			599			—			458			17			1,074		Interest credited to policyholder accounts		$	377			$	473			$	213		$	4			$	1,067
	Amortization of DAC			70			(30	)		92			—			132		Benefits and claims			688				—				636			30				1,354
	Other expenses, net of deferrals			220			111			252			199			782		Policyholder dividends			—				—				61			(2	)			59
																		Amortization of DAC			185				(2	)			125			66				374
	Total benefits and expenses		$	1,159		$	439		$	971		$	225		$	2,794		Other expenses, net of deferrals			303				151				284			184				922

	Income before federal income taxes and noncontrolling interests		$	468		$	193		$	244		$	(745	)	$	160		Total benefits and expenses		$	1,553			$	622			$	1,319		$	282			$	3,776

	Less: non-operating net realized investment losses, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses1			—			—			—			587					Income before federal income taxes and noncontrolling interests		$	321			$	222			$	234		$	564			$	1,341
	Less: adjustment to amortization of DAC and other expense related to net realized investment gains and losses			15			—			(1	)		—
	Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest			—			—			—			75					Less: non-operating net realized investment gains, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses1			—				—				—			(791	)
																		Less: adjustment to amortization of DAC and other related to net realized investment gains and losses			—				—				—			70
	Pre-tax operating earnings (loss)		$	483		$	193		$	243		$	(83	)				Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest			—				—				—			82

	Assets as of September 30, 2014		$	70,911		$	30,624		$	28,555		$	9,359		$	139,449		Pre-tax operating earnings (loss)		$	321			$	222			$	234		$	(75	)

																		Assets as of year end		$	68,805			$	29,904			$	27,183		$	7,553			$	133,445
	1	Excluding operating items (trading portfolio realized gains and losses, trading portfolio valuation changes and net realized gains and losses related to hedges on GMDB contracts).
	2	Includes operating items discussed above.
																		1	Excluding operating items (trading portfolio realized gains and losses, trading portfolio valuation changes and net realized gains and losses related to hedges on GMDB contracts).
																		2	Includes operating items discussed above.


																		(in millions)		Individual				Retirement				Individual			Corporate				Total
																				Products and				Plans				Products and			and Other
																				Solutions-								Solutions-Life
																				Annuity								and NBSG
																		December 31, 2012
																		Revenues:
																		Policy charges		$	899			$	94			$	677		$	—			$	1,670
																		Premiums			334				—				274			27				635
																		Net investment income			551				736				534			4				1,825
																		Non-operating net realized investment gains, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses1			—				—				—			428				428
																		Other revenues2			(124	)			—				—			22				(102	)

																		Total revenues		$	1,660			$	830			$	1,485		$	481			$	4,456

																		Benefits and expenses:
																		Interest credited to policyholder accounts		$	375			$	457			$	199		$	7			$	1,038
																		Benefits and claims			595				—				589			43				1,227
																		Policyholder dividends			—				—				57			(3	)			54
																		Amortization of DAC			185				14				150			226				575
																		Other expenses, net of deferrals			285				163				250			165				863

																		Total benefits and expenses		$	1,440			$	634			$	1,245		$	438			$	3,757

																	Income before federal income taxes and noncontrolling interests		$	220			$	196			$	240		$	43			$	699

																	Less: non-operating net realized investment gains, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses1			—				—				—			(428	)
																	Less: adjustment to amortization of DAC and other related to net realized investment gains and losses			—				—				—			243
																	Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest			—				—				—			61

																	Pre-tax operating earnings (loss)		$	220			$	196			$	240		$	(81	)

																	Assets as of year end		$	58,707			$	27,842			$	25,301		$	8,320			$	120,170


																	1	Excluding operating items (trading portfolio realized gains and losses, trading portfolio valuation changes and net realized gains and losses related to hedges on GMDB contracts).
																	2	Includes operating items discussed above.


																	(in millions)		Individual				Retirement				Individual			Corporate				Total
																			Products and				Plans				Products and			and Other
																			Solutions-								Solutions-Life
																			Annuity								and NBSG
																	December 31, 20113
																	Revenues:
																	Policy charges		$	781			$	96			$	629		$	—			$	1,506
																	Premiums			234				—				272			25				531
																	Net investment income			527				715				531			71				1,844
																	Non-operating net realized investment losses, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses1			—				—				—			(1,613	)			(1,613	)
																	Other revenues2			(59	)			—				—			(1	)			(60	)

																	Total revenues		$	1,483			$	811			$	1,432		$	(1,518	)		$	2,208

																	Benefits and expenses:
																	Interest credited to policyholder accounts		$	374			$	441			$	198		$	20			$	1,033
																	Benefits and claims			476				—				577			9				1,062
																	Policyholder dividends			—				—				67			—				67
																	Amortization of DAC			80				11				75			(101	)			65
																	Other expenses, net of deferrals			269				166				235			160				830

																	Total benefits and expenses		$	1,199			$	618			$	1,152		$	88			$	3,057

																	Income (loss) before federal income taxes and noncontrolling interests		$	284			$	193			$	280		$	(1,606	)		$	(849	)

																	Less: non-operating net realized investment losses, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses1			—				—				—			1,613
																	Less: adjustment to amortization of DAC and other related to net realized investment gains and losses			—				—				—			(115	)
																	Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest			—				—				—			56

																	Pre-tax operating earnings (loss)		$	284			$	193			$	280		$	(52	)

																	Assets as of year end		$	57,741			$	25,114			$	22,503		$	6,628			$	111,986


																	1	Excluding operating items (trading portfolio realized gains and losses, trading portfolio valuation changes and net realized gains and losses related to hedges on GMDB contracts).
																	2	Includes operating items discussed above.
																	3	The balances reflect a change in accounting principle, as described in Note 2.

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Premium method using interest rates	6.60%
Expenses discounted using weighted average interest rates	5.30%
Reversion period	3 years
Percentage of assumption for net separate account investment performance	7.00%
Fixed maturity securities priced using independent pricing services	86.00%	86.00%
Fixed maturity securities priced using external source data	99.00%	99.00%
Loans delinquent period	90 days
Valuation allowance for policy loan	$0
Government agency discount notes maturity period	12 months
Agreements require a minimum of fair value	102.00%
Cash and cash equivalents liquid investments maturities period	Less than three months
Company's life insurance	4.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Life insurance policies	38.00%	40.00%	42.00%
Annual impairment test	$0	$0	$0

Impact_of_Change_in_Accounting

Impact of Change in Accounting Principle in Consolidated Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Impact of the retrospective change in accounting principle on the consolidated statements of operations
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	$132	$374	$575	$65
Federal income tax expense (benefit)	4	313	99	-427	[1]
Net Income (loss) attributable to Nationwide Life Insurance Company	231	1,110	661	-366
Originally Reported [Member]
Impact of the retrospective change in accounting principle on the consolidated statements of operations
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs				76
Other expenses, net of deferrals				620	[2]
Federal income tax expense (benefit)				-382
Net Income (loss) attributable to Nationwide Life Insurance Company				-282
Adjusted [Member]
Impact of the retrospective change in accounting principle on the consolidated statements of operations
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs				65
Other expenses, net of deferrals				760	[2]
Federal income tax expense (benefit)				-427
Net Income (loss) attributable to Nationwide Life Insurance Company				-366
Effect of Change [Member]
Impact of the retrospective change in accounting principle on the consolidated statements of operations
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, effect of change				11
Other expenses, net of deferrals, effect of change				-140	[2]
Federal income tax (benefit) expense, effect of change				45
Net loss attributable to Nationwide Life Insurance Company, effect of change				($84)

[1]	The balances reflect a change in accounting principle, as described in Note 2.
[2]	Excludes interest expense, which is included in other expenses, net of deferrals on the consolidated statements of operations.

Certain_Long_Duration_Contract

Certain Long Duration Contracts - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Security	Security	Dec. 31, 2012
Certain Long Duration Contracts Textual [Abstract]
Number of primary quarantee types	5	5
Guaranteed return of deposits period one		5 years
Guaranteed return of deposits period two		7 years
Guaranteed return of deposits period three		10 years
Transfer of assets from general account to separate account	$0	$0	$0
Reserve balances on guarantees	377	325	216
GMDB [Member]
Certain Long Duration Contracts Textual [Abstract]
Paid claims for variable annuity contracts with guarantees	8	22	30
Reserve balances on guarantees	$72	$55	$65

Summary_of_Annuity_Contracts_w

Summary of Annuity Contracts with Guarantees Invested in General and Separate Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
GMDB [Member]
Summarizes information regarding variable annuity contracts with guarantees invested in general and separate accounts
Net general account value	$2,827		$2,947		$2,884
Net separate account value	55,596		53,447		44,750
Net amount at risk	361	[1]	250	[1]	585	[1]
Average age	67 years	[2]	67 years	[2]	66 years	[2]
GMDB [Member] \| Return of net deposits [Member]
Summarizes information regarding variable annuity contracts with guarantees invested in general and separate accounts
Net general account value	890		916		836
Net separate account value	22,182		19,927		14,963
Net amount at risk	22	[1]	13	[1]	24	[1]
Average age	65 years	[2]	64 years	[2]	64 years	[2]
GMDB [Member] \| Minimum return or anniversary contract value [Member]
Summarizes information regarding variable annuity contracts with guarantees invested in general and separate accounts
Net general account value	1,937		2,031		2,048
Net separate account value	33,414		33,520		29,787
Net amount at risk	339	[1]	237	[1]	561	[1]
Average age	69 years	[2]	69 years	[2]	68 years	[2]
GMAB [Member]
Summarizes information regarding variable annuity contracts with guarantees invested in general and separate accounts
Net general account value	53	[3]	92	[3]	165	[3]
Net separate account value	1,733	[3]	2,383	[3]	3,230	[3]
Net amount at risk	1	[1],[3]			12	[1],[3]
Average age	67 years	[2],[3]	64 years	[2],[3]	64 years	[2],[3]
GLWB [Member]
Summarizes information regarding variable annuity contracts with guarantees invested in general and separate accounts
Net general account value	144		178		128
Net separate account value	30,193		28,071		22,031
Net amount at risk	114	[1]	74	[1]	613	[1]
Average age	66 years	[2]	64 years	[2]	65 years	[2]
GMIB [Member]
Summarizes information regarding variable annuity contracts with guarantees invested in general and separate accounts
Net general account value	46		49		49
Net separate account value	461		510		514
Net amount at risk	$1	[1]			$1	[1]
Average age	66 years	[2]	64 years	[2]	65 years	[2]

[1]	Net amount at risk is calculated on a policy-level basis and equals the respective guaranteed benefit less the account value (or zero if the account value exceeds the guaranteed benefit).
[2]	Represents the weighted average attained age of contractholders.
[3]	Contracts with the hybrid accumulation/withdrawal benefits are included with the accumulation benefits contracts.

Summary_of_Reserve_Balances_fo

Summary of Reserve Balances for Variable Annuity Contracts With Guarantees (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Summarizes the reserve balances, for variable annuity contracts with guarantees
Reserve balances on guarantees	$377		$325		$216
GMDB [Member]
Summarizes the reserve balances, for variable annuity contracts with guarantees
Reserve balances on guarantees	72		55		65
GMAB [Member]
Summarizes the reserve balances, for variable annuity contracts with guarantees
Reserve balances on guarantees	-5	[1]	-19	[2],[3]	57	[2],[3]
GLWB [Member]
Summarizes the reserve balances, for variable annuity contracts with guarantees
Reserve balances on guarantees	-417		-1,075	[2]	600	[2]
GMIB [Member]
Summarizes the reserve balances, for variable annuity contracts with guarantees
Reserve balances on guarantees	$1		$2		$2

[1]	Contracts with hybrid accumulation/withdrawal benefits are included with the accumulation benefits contracts.
[2]	The fair value of the living benefit liability includes the present value of attributed fees.
[3]	Contracts with the hybrid accumulation/withdrawal benefits are included with the accumulation benefits contracts.

Summary_of_Account_Balances_of

Summary of Account Balances of Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts With Guarantees Invested in Separate Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Summarizes account balances of deferred variable annuity
Deferred variable annuity	$55,596	[1]	$53,447	[2]	$44,750	[2]
Bonds [Member]
Summarizes account balances of deferred variable annuity
Deferred variable annuity	5,339		5,685		5,634
Domestic equity [Member]
Summarizes account balances of deferred variable annuity
Deferred variable annuity	45,951		43,505		35,277
International Equity [Member]
Summarizes account balances of deferred variable annuity
Deferred variable annuity	3,003		3,179		2,614
Total mutual funds [Member]
Summarizes account balances of deferred variable annuity
Deferred variable annuity	54,293		52,369		43,525
Money market funds [Member]
Summarizes account balances of deferred variable annuity
Deferred variable annuity	$1,303		$1,078		$1,225

[1]	Excludes $30.9 billion as of September 30, 2014 of separate account assets not related to deferred variable annuity contracts with guarantees and are primarily attributable to retirement plan, variable universal life and corporate-owned life insurance products.
[2]	Excludes $30.6 billion and $26.7 billion as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, of separate account assets not related to deferred variable annuity contracts with guarantees and are primarily attributable to retirement plan, variable universal life and COLI products.

Summary_of_Account_Balances_of1

Summary of Account Balances of Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts With Guarantees Invested in Separate Accounts (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Separate Account Value [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Separate Account Value [Member]
Summarizes account balances of deferred variable annuity
Deferred variable annuity	$30.90	$30.60	$26.70

Summary_of_Universal_and_Unive

Summary of Universal and Universal Variable Life Insurance Contracts With No Larger Guarantees Invested in general and Separate Accounts (Detail) (Universal Life [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Universal Life [Member]
Summarizes information regarding universal and variable universal life insurance contracts with no lapse guarantees invested in general and separate accounts
General account value	$1,558	$1,270		$992
Separate account value	375	362		328
Adjusted insurance in force	$21,769	$16,960	[1]	$12,321	[1]
Average age	54 years	55 years	[2]	56 years	[2]

[1]	The adjusted insurance in force is calculated on a policy-level basis and equals the respective guaranteed death benefit less the account value (or zero if the account value exceeds the guaranteed benefit).
[2]	Represents the weighted average attained age of contractholders.

Summary_of_Changes_in_DAC_Bala

Summary of Changes in DAC Balance (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance at beginning of period	$3,778	$3,249	$3,487	[1]	$3,125	[1]
Capitalization of DAC	494	604	470		604	[1]
Amortization of DAC, excluding unlocks	-322	-373	-525		-200	[1]
Amortization of DAC related to unlocks	190	-1	-50		135	[1]
Adjustments to DAC related to unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale	-159	299	-133		-177	[1]
Balance at end of period	$3,981	$3,778	$3,249		$3,487	[1]

[1]	The balances reflect a change in accounting principle, as described in Note 2.

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co2

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]
Amortization of DAC related to unlocks	($190)	$1	$50	($135)	[1]
Equity Funds [Member]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]
Reflect assumed gross returns, discount rate	10.50%
Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]
Reflect assumed gross returns, discount rate	5.00%

[1]	The balances reflect a change in accounting principle, as described in Note 2.

Summary_of_Amortized_Cost_Unre

Summary of Amortized Cost, Unrealized Gains and Losses and Fair Value of Available For Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Available-for-Sale Securities
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized cost	$32,683	$31,008	$28,937
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized gains	2,367	1,817	3,155
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized losses	241	552	261
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair value	34,809	32,273	31,831
Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Available-for-Sale Securities
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized cost	32,677	31,002	28,922
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized gains	2,346	1,799	3,150
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized losses	241	552	261
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair value	34,782	32,249	31,811
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies [Member]
Available-for-Sale Securities
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized cost	460	484	476
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized gains	78	79	121
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized losses		2
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair value	538	561	597
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments [Member]
Available-for-Sale Securities
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized cost	1,952	1,892	1,820
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized gains	254	111	301
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized losses	5	40	1
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair value	2,201	1,963	2,120
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Corporate public securities [Member]
Available-for-Sale Securities
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized cost	19,421	18,004	16,152
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized gains	1,426	1,076	1,891
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized losses	99	295	33
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair value	20,748	18,785	18,010
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Corporate private securities [Member]
Available-for-Sale Securities
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized cost	4,437	4,374	4,216
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized gains	300	258	392
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized losses	18	38	19
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair value	4,719	4,594	4,589
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Available-for-Sale Securities
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized cost	3,690	3,919	4,506
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized gains	183	163	267
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized losses	47	79	106
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair value	3,826	4,003	4,667
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Available-for-Sale Securities
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized cost	1,426	1,439	1,219
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized gains	76	86	133
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized losses	7	21	15
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair value	1,495	1,504	1,337
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Other asset-backed securities [Member]
Available-for-Sale Securities
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized cost	1,291	890	533
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized gains	29	26	45
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized losses	65	77	87
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair value	1,255	839	491
Equity securities [Member]
Available-for-Sale Securities
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized cost	6	6	15
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized gains	21	18	5
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair value	$27	$24	$20

Summary_of_Amortized_Cost_and_

Summary of Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Securities, By Maturity (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summarizes the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities
Subtotal, Fair value	$34,782	$32,249	$31,811
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized cost	32,683	31,008	28,937
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair value	34,809	32,273	31,831
Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Summarizes the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities
Due in one year or less, Amortized cost	915	1,081
Due in one year or less, Fair Value	931	1,097
Due after one year through five years, Amortized cost	9,115	8,927
Due after one year through five years, Fair value	9,893	9,685
Due after five years through ten years, Amortized cost	8,177	7,805
Due after five years through ten years, Fair value	8,538	7,667
Due after ten years, Amortized cost	8,063	6,941
Due after ten years, Fair value	8,844	7,154
Subtotal, Amortized cost	26,270	24,754
Subtotal, Fair value	28,206	25,903
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized cost	32,677	31,002	28,922
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair value	34,782	32,249	31,811
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Summarizes the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized cost	3,690	3,919	4,506
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair value	3,826	4,003	4,667
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Summarizes the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized cost	1,426	1,439	1,219
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair value	1,495	1,504	1,337
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Other asset-backed securities [Member]
Summarizes the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities
Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized cost	1,291	890	533
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair value	$1,255	$839	$491

Summary_of_Components_of_Net_U

Summary of Components of Net Unrealized Gains and Losses (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Summarizes components of net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, before adjustments, taxes and fair value hedging	$2,126		$1,265		$2,894
Change in fair value attributable to fixed maturity securities designated in fair value hedging relationships					-4
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, before adjustments and taxes	2,126	[1]	1,265	[2]	2,890	[2]
Adjustment to DAC and other expense	-338		-176		-482
Adjustment to future policy benefits and claims	-132		-89		-295
Adjustment to policyholder dividend obligation	-116		-85		-177
Deferred federal income tax expense	-533		-314		-672
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	$1,007		$601		$1,264

[1]	Includes net unrealized losses of $5 million as of September 30, 2014, related to the non-credit portion of other-than-temporarily impaired
[2]	Includes net unrealized losses of $(40) million and $(48) million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to the non-credit portion of other-than-temporarily impaired securities.

Summary_of_Components_of_Net_U1

Summary of Components of Net Unrealized Gains and Losses (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments	$5	($40)	($48)

Summary_of_Change_in_Net_Unrea

Summary of Change in Net Unrealized Gains and Losses Reported in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summarizes the change in net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities
Balance at beginning of period	$601	$1,264	$693
Unrealized gains and losses arising during the period:
Net unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities before adjustments	824	-1,657	990
Non-credit impairments and subsequent changes in fair value of impaired debt securities	35	8	178
Adjustment to DAC and other expense	-162	306	-135
Net adjustment to future policy benefits and claims	-43	206	-112
Net adjustment to policyholder dividend obligation	-31	92	-45
Related federal income tax benefit (expense)	-218	366	-308
Change in unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities	405	-679	568
Reclassification adjustment for net losses realized on available-for-sale securities, net of tax benefit ($1, $8 and $2 as of Septembe 30, 2014 ,December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively)	-1	-16	-3
Change in net unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities	406	-663	571	317
Balance at end of period	$1,007	$601	$1,264	$693

Summary_of_Change_in_Net_Unrea1

Summary of Change in Net Unrealized Gains and Losses Reported in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summarizes the change in net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities
Reclassification adjustments to net investment losses, tax benefit	$1	$8	$2

Summary_of_Available_for_Sale_

Summary of Available for Sale Securities, By Asset Class, in Unrealized Loss Position (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Security	Security	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair value
Less than or equal to one year, Fair value	$3,246	$7,959
More than one year, Fair value	3,726	1,412
Total Fair value	6,972	9,371
Gross unrealized losses
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Less than or equal to one year	48	363	18
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, More than one year	193	189	243
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Total	241	552	261
Number of securities
Less than or equal to one year number of securities	242	574
More than one year number of securities	352	242
Number of securities	594	816
Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Fair value
Less than or equal to one year, Fair value			1,152
More than one year, Fair value			1,626
Total Fair value			2,778
Gross unrealized losses
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Less than or equal to one year			18
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, More than one year			243
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Total			261
Number of securities
Less than or equal to one year number of securities			108
More than one year number of securities			282
Number of securities			390
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Corporate public securities [Member]
Fair value
Less than or equal to one year, Fair value	2,116	4,889	710
More than one year, Fair value	2,127	442	150
Total Fair value	4,243	5,331	860
Gross unrealized losses
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Less than or equal to one year	28	256	11
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, More than one year	71	39	22
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Total	99	295	33
Number of securities
Less than or equal to one year number of securities	159	346	68
More than one year number of securities	130	34	10
Number of securities	289	380	78
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair value
Less than or equal to one year, Fair value	239	725	89
More than one year, Fair value	565	604	1,029
Total Fair value	804	1,329	1,118
Gross unrealized losses
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Less than or equal to one year	4	16	2
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, More than one year	43	63	104
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Total	47	79	106
Number of securities
Less than or equal to one year number of securities	31	70	12
More than one year number of securities	134	148	190
Number of securities	165	218	202
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Other asset-backed securities [Member]
Fair value
Less than or equal to one year, Fair value	392	507	27
More than one year, Fair value	362	144	163
Total Fair value	754	651	190
Gross unrealized losses
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Less than or equal to one year	2	6	1
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, More than one year	63	71	86
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Total	65	77	87
Number of securities
Less than or equal to one year number of securities	22	32	5
More than one year number of securities	42	40	46
Number of securities	64	72	51
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Other [Member]
Fair value
Less than or equal to one year, Fair value	499	1,838	326
More than one year, Fair value	672	222	284
Total Fair value	1,171	2,060	610
Gross unrealized losses
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Less than or equal to one year	14	85	4
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, More than one year	16	16	31
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Total	$30	$101	$35
Number of securities
Less than or equal to one year number of securities	30	126	23
More than one year number of securities	46	20	36
Number of securities	76	146	59

Summary_of_Gross_Unrealized_Lo

Summary of Gross Unrealized Losses Based On Ratio of Fair Value to Amortized Cost (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summarizes gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Less than or equal to one year	$48	$363	$18
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, More than one year	193	189	243
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Total	241	552	261
Unrealized Losses Of Securities Twelve Months Or More [Member]
Summarizes gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Less than or equal to one year	49
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, More than one year	192
99.9% - 80.0% [Member]
Summarizes gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Less than or equal to one year	49	363	18
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, More than one year	131	107	85
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Total	180	470	103
Less than 80.0% [Member] \| Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Summarizes gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, More than one year	11	21	50
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Total	11	21	50
Less than 80.0% [Member] \| Other asset-backed securities [Member]
Summarizes gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, More than one year	50	61	72
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Total	50	61	72
Less than 80.0% [Member] \| Other [Member]
Summarizes gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, More than one year			36
Gross unrealized losses based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost, Total			$36

Investments_Additional_Informa

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investments (Textual) [Abstract]
No mortgage loans past due and still accruing		90 days
Available-for-sale securities, carrying value	$34,809,000,000	$32,273,000,000	$31,831,000,000
LIHTC Funds Sold	1,300,000,000	1,200,000,000	900,000,000
Cumulative yields after tax maturity	2029	2028
Effective period of Guarantees	15 years	15 years	15 years
Maximum amount payment to investors under guarantees	718,000,000	796,000,000
Net assets of all consolidated VIEs	620,000,000	680,000,000	347,000,000
Investments in tax credit funds carrying value	118,000,000		104,000,000	222,000,000
Investments in tax credit funds	18,000,000		29,000,000	66,000,000
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	480,000,000	1,091,000,000	796,000,000	1,585,000,000
Gross realized gains	11,000,000	31,000,000	47,000,000	50,000,000
Gross realized losses	8,000,000	50,000,000	20,000,000	39,000,000
Carrying value of commercial mortgage loans	19,000,000
Specific reserve [Member]
Investments (Textual) [Abstract]
Specific reserves	5,000,000	6,000,000	11,000,000
Maximum [Member]
Investments (Textual) [Abstract]
Ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost	99.90%	99.90%
Minimum [Member]
Investments (Textual) [Abstract]
Ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost	80.00%	80.00%
Deposits [Member]
Investments (Textual) [Abstract]
Available-for-sale securities, carrying value		8,000,000	9,000,000
Available-for-sale securities, collateral value		849,000,000	73,000,000
Mortgage loans, net of allowance [Member]
Investments (Textual) [Abstract]
Mortgage Loans		0
Other [Member]
Investments (Textual) [Abstract]
Other long-term investments	562,000,000	554,000,000	348,000,000
Other Assets [Member]
Investments (Textual) [Abstract]
Other assets	91,000,000	182,000,000
Other Liabilities [Member]
Investments (Textual) [Abstract]
Other liabilities	$77,000,000	$82,000,000

Summary_Of_Amortized_Cost_Of_M

Summary Of Amortized Cost Of Mortgage Loans (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Specific reserve [Member]
Summary of the amortized cost of mortgage loans
Non-specific reserves	$5	$6	$11
Mortgage loans, net of allowance [Member]
Summary of the amortized cost of mortgage loans
Total amortized cost		6,376	5,871
Total valuation allowance		35	44
Mortgage loans, net of allowance		6,341	5,827
Mortgage loans, net of allowance [Member] \| Non-specific reserves [Member]
Summary of the amortized cost of mortgage loans
Amortized cost		6,350	5,820
Non-specific reserves		29	33
Mortgage loans, net of allowance [Member] \| Specific reserve [Member]
Summary of the amortized cost of mortgage loans
Amortized cost		26	51
Specific reserves		$6	$11

Summary_Of_Activity_In_Valuati

Summary Of Activity In Valuation Allowance For Mortgage Loans (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Activity in the valuation allowance for mortgage loans
Balance at end of period			$0
Mortgage loans, net of allowance [Member]
Activity in the valuation allowance for mortgage loans
Balance at beginning of year	35		44		60		96
Current period provision	-10	[1]	-4	[1]	2	[1]	25	[1]
Recoveries	-1	[2]	-5	[2]	-15	[2]	-7	[2]
Charge offs and other					-3		-54
Balance at end of period	$24		$35		$44		$60

[1]	Includes specific reserve provisions and all changes in non-specific reserves.
[2]	Includes recoveries on sales and increases in the valuation of loans with specific reserves.

Summary_Of_Impaired_Mortgage_L

Summary Of Impaired Mortgage Loans By Class (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of the impaired mortgage loans by class
Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans, net of allowance		$20	$40
Office [Member]
Summary of the impaired mortgage loans by class
Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans, net of allowance			11
Industrial Property [Member]
Summary of the impaired mortgage loans by class
Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans, net of allowance		20	19
Retail [Member]
Summary of the impaired mortgage loans by class
Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans, net of allowance			10
Other [Member]
Summary of the impaired mortgage loans by class
Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans, net of allowance
Amortized Cost [Member]
Summary of the impaired mortgage loans by class
Amortized cost		26	51
Amortized Cost [Member] \| Office [Member]
Summary of the impaired mortgage loans by class
Amortized cost			13
Amortized Cost [Member] \| Industrial Property [Member]
Summary of the impaired mortgage loans by class
Amortized cost		26	26
Amortized Cost [Member] \| Retail [Member]
Summary of the impaired mortgage loans by class
Amortized cost			12
Amortized Cost [Member] \| Other [Member]
Summary of the impaired mortgage loans by class
Amortized cost
Specific reserve [Member]
Summary of the impaired mortgage loans by class
Specific reserves	-5	-6	-11
Specific reserve [Member] \| Office [Member]
Summary of the impaired mortgage loans by class
Specific reserves			-2
Specific reserve [Member] \| Industrial Property [Member]
Summary of the impaired mortgage loans by class
Specific reserves		-6	-7
Specific reserve [Member] \| Retail [Member]
Summary of the impaired mortgage loans by class
Specific reserves			-2
Specific reserve [Member] \| Other [Member]
Summary of the impaired mortgage loans by class
Specific reserves

Summary_Of_Average_Recorded_In

Summary Of Average Recorded Investment And Interest Income (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of average recorded investment and interest income recognized for impaired mortgage loan
Average recorded investment	$30	$74
Interest income recognized	3	10
Office [Member]
Summary of average recorded investment and interest income recognized for impaired mortgage loan
Average recorded investment	5	9
Interest income recognized	1	1
Warehouse [Member]
Summary of average recorded investment and interest income recognized for impaired mortgage loan
Average recorded investment	20	20
Interest income recognized	1	2
Retail [Member]
Summary of average recorded investment and interest income recognized for impaired mortgage loan
Average recorded investment	5	11
Interest income recognized	1	1
Other [Member]
Summary of average recorded investment and interest income recognized for impaired mortgage loan
Average recorded investment		34
Interest income recognized		$6

Summary_of_LTV_Ratio_and_DSC_R

Summary of LTV Ratio and DSC Ratios of Mortgage Loan (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	$6,376	$5,871
Weighted-average DSC ratio	1.74	1.65
Weighted-average LTV ratio	0.61	0.68
Apartment [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	1,870	1,310
Warehouse [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	1,089	1,160
Office [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	905	873
Retail [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	2,298	2,276
Other [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	214	252
Less than 80% [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	6,025	4,946
Weighted-average DSC ratio	1.77	1.74
Less than 80% [Member] \| Apartment [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	1,788	1,119
Less than 80% [Member] \| Warehouse [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	951	922
Less than 80% [Member] \| Office [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	837	776
Less than 80% [Member] \| Retail [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	2,236	1,940
Less than 80% [Member] \| Other [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	213	189
80% - less than 90% [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	175	567
Weighted-average DSC ratio	1.22	1.27
80% - less than 90% [Member] \| Apartment [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	52	129
80% - less than 90% [Member] \| Warehouse [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	52	76
80% - less than 90% [Member] \| Office [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	30	55
80% - less than 90% [Member] \| Retail [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	41	250
80% - less than 90% [Member] \| Other [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total		57
90% or greater [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	176	358
Weighted-average DSC ratio	1	1.07
90% or greater [Member] \| Apartment [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	30	62
90% or greater [Member] \| Warehouse [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	86	162
90% or greater [Member] \| Office [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	38	42
90% or greater [Member] \| Retail [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	21	86
90% or greater [Member] \| Other [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	1	6
Greater than 1.10 [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	5,978	5,428
Weighted-average LTV ratio	0.6	0.66
Greater than 1.10 [Member] \| Apartment [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	1,857	1,303
Greater than 1.10 [Member] \| Warehouse [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	893	951
Greater than 1.10 [Member] \| Office [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	800	783
Greater than 1.10 [Member] \| Retail [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	2,214	2,139
Greater than 1.10 [Member] \| Other [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	214	252
1.00-1.10 [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	232	234
Weighted-average LTV ratio	0.61	0.76
1.00-1.10 [Member] \| Apartment [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	6	5
1.00-1.10 [Member] \| Warehouse [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	122	121
1.00-1.10 [Member] \| Office [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	43	16
1.00-1.10 [Member] \| Retail [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	61	92
Less than 1.00 [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	166	209
Weighted-average LTV ratio	0.91	0.96
Less than 1.00 [Member] \| Apartment [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	7	2
Less than 1.00 [Member] \| Warehouse [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	74	88
Less than 1.00 [Member] \| Office [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	62	74
Less than 1.00 [Member] \| Retail [Member]
Summary of loan-to-value ratio and debt service coverage ratios of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio
Total	$23	$45

Summary_of_Net_Investment_Inco

Summary of Net Investment Income by Investment Type (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of net investment income by investment type
Gross investment income	$1,460	$1,908	$1,880	$1,894
Investment expenses	43	59	55	50
Net investment income	1,417	1,849	1,825	1,844
Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Summary of net investment income by investment type
Gross investment income	1,174	1,565	1,506	1,502
Mortgage loans, net of allowance [Member]
Summary of net investment income by investment type
Gross investment income	258	348	366	370
Policy loans [Member]
Summary of net investment income by investment type
Gross investment income	38	52	53	56
Other [Member]
Summary of net investment income by investment type
Gross investment income	($10)	($57)	($45)	($34)

Summary_of_Net_Realized_Invest

Summary of Net Realized Investment Gains And Losses (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses
Net derivative gains (losses)	($616)		$705		$314		($1,636)
Realized gains on sales	25		32		48		64
Realized losses on sales	-13		-54		-23		-45
Other	6				12		-19
Net realized investment gains (losses) before other-than- temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	-598		683		351		-1,636
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	-5	[1]	-5	[2]	-32	[2]	-40	[2]
Net realized investment gains (losses), net of other- than-temporary impairments	($603)		$678		$319		($1,676)

[1]	Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities are net of immaterial non-credit losses included in other comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
[2]	Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities are net $6 million, $36 million and $95 million of non-credit losses included in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Summary_of_Net_Realized_Invest1

Summary of Net Realized Investment Gains And Losses (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses
Non-credit losses included in other comprehensive income	$6	$36	$95

Summary_of_Cumulative_Credit_L

Summary of Cumulative Credit Losses (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses on Debt Securities
Cumulative credit losses at beginning of year	($272)	[1]	($289)	[1]	($328)	[1]	($340)	[1]
New credit losses	-1		-3		-18		-8
Incremental credit losses	-4		-3		-10		-29
Losses related to securities included in the beginning balance sold or paid down during the period	19		23		67		49
Cumulative credit losses at end of year	($258)	[1]	($272)	[1]	($289)	[1]	($328)	[1]

[1]	Cumulative credit losses are defined as amounts related to the Company's credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities that the Company does not intend to sell and that it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell, prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis.

Summary_of_Fair_Value_and_Rela

Summary of Fair Value and Related Notional Amounts of Derivative Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of fair value of derivative instruments
Derivative asset, Fair value	$2,129	[1]	$2,137	[2]	$2,790	[2]
Derivative asset, Notional amount	42,212	[1]	33,819	[2]	30,263	[2]
Derivative liability, Fair value	2,029	[1]	2,183	[2]	2,123	[2]
Derivative liability, Notional amount	36,552	[1]	31,245	[2]	25,506	[2]
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Summary of fair value of derivative instruments
Derivative asset, Fair value	8		1		4
Derivative asset, Notional amount	348		6		79
Derivative liability, Fair value	13		26		21
Derivative liability, Notional amount	146		345		192
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Interest Rate Contracts [Member]
Summary of fair value of derivative instruments
Derivative asset, Fair value	1,709		1,787		1,960
Derivative asset, Notional amount	33,281		26,156		21,216
Derivative liability, Fair value	2,013		2,100		2,065
Derivative liability, Notional amount	36,404		29,715		23,746
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Equity Contracts [Member]
Summary of fair value of derivative instruments
Derivative asset, Fair value	379		343		822
Derivative asset, Notional amount	5,949		6,556		7,445
Derivative liability, Fair value
Derivative liability, Notional amount
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Total Return Swap [Member]
Summary of fair value of derivative instruments
Derivative asset, Fair value	33		6		4
Derivative asset, Notional amount	2,634		1,101		1,513
Derivative liability, Fair value			52		32
Derivative liability, Notional amount			1,183		1,551
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Other Derivative Contracts [Member]
Summary of fair value of derivative instruments
Derivative asset, Notional amount					10
Derivative liability, Fair value	3		5		5
Derivative liability, Notional amount	$2		$2		$17

[1]	Derivative assets and liabilities are included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. As of September 30, 2014, derivative assets exclude $244 million of accrued interest receivable, and derivative liabilities exclude $211 million of accrued interest payable.
[2]	Derivative assets and liabilities are included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, derivative assets exclude $196 million and $170 million, respectively, of accrued interest receivable, and derivative liabilities exclude $227 million and $179 million, respectively, of accrued interest payable.

Summary_of_Fair_Value_and_Rela1

Summary of Fair Value and Related Notional Amounts of Derivative Instruments (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of fair value of derivative instruments
Interest receivable	$244	$196	$170
Interest payable	$211	$227	$179

Derivative_Instruments_Additio

Derivative Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Net uncollateralized derivative asset and liability	Immaterial		Immaterial		Immaterial
Fair value of Derivative liability subject to offsetting by collateral agreement	$1,800,000,000		$1,700,000,000		$2,000,000,000
Cash collateral from derivative counterparties	465,000,000		382,000,000		798,000,000
Off balance sheet Collateral	44,000,000		29,000,000
Posted cash collateral	284,000,000		435,000,000		228,000,000
Pledged securities of fair value	311,000,000		173,000,000		148,000,000
Derivative asset, Fair value	2,129,000,000	[1]	2,137,000,000	[2]	2,790,000,000	[2]
Fair value of Derivative assets subject to offsetting by collateral agreement	1,800,000,000
Derivative liability, Fair value	$2,029,000,000	[1]	$2,183,000,000	[2]	$2,123,000,000	[2]

[1]	Derivative assets and liabilities are included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. As of September 30, 2014, derivative assets exclude $244 million of accrued interest receivable, and derivative liabilities exclude $211 million of accrued interest payable.
[2]	Derivative assets and liabilities are included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, derivative assets exclude $196 million and $170 million, respectively, of accrued interest receivable, and derivative liabilities exclude $227 million and $179 million, respectively, of accrued interest payable.

Summary_of_Gains_and_Losses_fo

Summary of Gains and Losses for Derivative Instruments Recognized in Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses in Statements of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of realized gains and losses for derivative instruments
Total derivative losses	($140)	[1]	($1,302)	[2]	($1,082)	[2]	($82)	[2]
Change in embedded derivatives on guaranteed benefit annuity programs	-673	[3]	1,751	[4]	1,185	[4]	-1,674	[4]
Other revenue on guaranteed benefit annuity programs	197		256		211		120
Change in embedded derivative liabilities and related fees	-476		2,007		1,396		-1,554
Net realized derivative gains (losses)	-616		705		314		-1,636
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Summary of realized gains and losses for derivative instruments
Total derivative losses			-1		-1		-4
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Interest Rate Contracts [Member]
Summary of realized gains and losses for derivative instruments
Total derivative losses	8		-209		-125		-44
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Equity Contracts [Member]
Summary of realized gains and losses for derivative instruments
Total derivative losses	-57		-776		-665		-45
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Total Return Swap [Member]
Summary of realized gains and losses for derivative instruments
Total derivative losses	-98		-321		-343		-17
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Other Derivative Contracts [Member]
Summary of realized gains and losses for derivative instruments
Total derivative losses	1		-9		-1		-6
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Net Interest Settlements [Member]
Summary of realized gains and losses for derivative instruments
Total derivative losses	$6		($14)		($53)		($34)

[1]	Included in total derivative losses are economic hedging gains of $499 million related to the guaranteed benefit annuity programs for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
[2]	Included in total derivative losses are economic hedging losses of $1.8 billion, $827 million and gains of $1.0 billion related to the guaranteed benefit annuity programs for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
[3]	For the individual variable annuity business, the annual comprehensive review of model assumptions produced a favorable impact for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 primarily due to model enhancements and updated assumptions for discounting and benefit utilization, partially offset by mortality and lapse rates.
[4]	As part of the Company's annual comprehensive review of DAC model assumptions, all relevant assumptions impacting the fair value of embedded derivatives on annuity programs are also reviewed and updated. For the individual variable annuity business, the change in the embedded derivatives on guaranteed benefit annuity programs for the year ended December 31, 2013 includes model enhancements and updated assumptions for discounting, benefit utilization, mortality and lapse rates. The change in embedded derivatives on guaranteed benefit annuity programs for the year ended December 31, 2012 included updated assumptions for lapse rates, mortality, withdrawal behavior and benefit utilization.

Summary_of_Gains_and_Losses_fo1

Summary of Gains and Losses for Derivative Instruments Recognized in Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses in Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of realized gains and losses for derivative instruments
Hedging gains/losses	$499	$1,800	$827	$1,000

Summary_of_Assets_and_Liabilit

Summary of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Assets
Separate account assets	$55,596	[1]	$53,447	[2]	$44,750	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	35,399		32,715		32,919
Derivative assets	2,129		2,137		2,790
Separate account assets	86,466		84,069		71,440
Assets at fair value	123,994		118,921		107,149
Liabilities
Total future policy benefits and claims	337		1,010		-748
Derivative liabilities	-2,029		-2,183		-2,123
Liabilities at fair value	-1,692		-1,173		-2,871
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	1,642		1,476		1,195
Derivative assets	0		0
Separate account assets	82,988		80,647		68,185
Assets at fair value	84,630		82,123		69,380
Liabilities
Total future policy benefits and claims	0		0
Derivative liabilities	0		0
Liabilities at fair value	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	32,528		30,106		30,465
Derivative assets	1,750		1,794		1,968
Separate account assets	1,374		1,339		1,230
Assets at fair value	35,652		33,239		33,663
Liabilities
Total future policy benefits and claims	0		0
Derivative liabilities	-2,026		-2,178		-2,118
Liabilities at fair value	-2,026		-2,178		-2,118
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	1,229		1,133		1,259
Derivative assets	379		343		822
Separate account assets	2,104		2,083		2,025
Assets at fair value	3,712		3,559		4,106
Liabilities
Total future policy benefits and claims	337		1,010		-748
Derivative liabilities	-3		-5		-5
Liabilities at fair value	334		1,005		-753
Living Benefits [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities
Total future policy benefits and claims	421		1,094		-657
Living Benefits [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities
Total future policy benefits and claims	0		0
Living Benefits [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities
Total future policy benefits and claims	0		0
Living Benefits [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities
Total future policy benefits and claims	421		1,094		-657
Indexed Products [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities
Total future policy benefits and claims	-84		-84		-91
Indexed Products [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities
Total future policy benefits and claims	0		0
Indexed Products [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities
Total future policy benefits and claims	0		0
Indexed Products [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities
Total future policy benefits and claims	-84		-84		-91
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	34,782		32,249		31,811
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	1,576		1,412		1,150
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	32,014		29,749		29,464
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	1,192		1,088		1,197
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	538		561		597
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	534		557		592
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	1		1		2
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	3		3		3
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	2,201		1,963		2,120
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	65		63		73
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	2,136		1,900		2,047
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	0		0
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Corporate public securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	20,748		18,785		18,010
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Corporate public securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	0		1		1
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Corporate public securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	20,668		18,705		17,890
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Corporate public securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	80		79		119
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Corporate private securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	4,719		4,594		4,589
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Corporate private securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	0		0
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Corporate private securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	3,805		3,791		3,817
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Corporate private securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	914		803		772
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	3,826		4,003		4,667
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	977		791		484
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	2,840		3,203		4,173
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	9		9		10
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	1,495		1,504		1,337
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	0		0
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	1,491		1,504		1,335
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	4		0		2
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Other asset-backed securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	1,255		839		491
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Other asset-backed securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	0		0
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Other asset-backed securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	1,073		645		200
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Other asset-backed securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	182		194		291
Other [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	617		466		1,108
Other [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	66		64		45
Other [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	514		357		1,001
Other [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Investments at fair value	$37		$45		$62

[1]	Excludes $30.9 billion as of September 30, 2014 of separate account assets not related to deferred variable annuity contracts with guarantees and are primarily attributable to retirement plan, variable universal life and corporate-owned life insurance products.
[2]	Excludes $30.6 billion and $26.7 billion as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, of separate account assets not related to deferred variable annuity contracts with guarantees and are primarily attributable to retirement plan, variable universal life and COLI products.

Rollforward_of_Level_3_Assets_

Rollforward of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Held at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to determine fair value
Assets, beginning balance	$3,559		$4,106		$4,590
Assets, Net gains (losses) In operations	27	[1]	-396	[2]	-260	[3]
Assets, Net gains (losses) In OCI	29		7		80
Assets, Purchases	94		249		457
Assets, Sales	-196		-415		-435
Assets, Transfers in to Level 3	203		142		51
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	-4		-134		-377
Assets, ending balance	3,712		3,559		4,106
Liability value, beginning balance	1,005		-753		-1,911
Liability, Net gains (losses) In operations	-671		1,758	[2]	1,158	[3]
Liability, Net gains (losses) In OCI	0		0		0
Liability, Purchases	0		0		0
Liability, Sales	0		0		0
Liability, Transfers into Level 3	0		0		0
Liability, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0		0
Liability value, ending balance	334		1,005		-753
Future policy benefits and claims [Member]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to determine fair value
Liability value, beginning balance	1,010		-748		-1,905
Liability, Net gains (losses) In operations	-673		1,758	[2]	1,157	[3]
Liability, Net gains (losses) In OCI	0		0		0
Liability, Purchases	0		0		0
Liability, Sales	0		0		0
Liability, Transfers into Level 3	0		0		0
Liability, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0		0
Liability value, ending balance	337		1,010		-748
Future policy benefits and claims [Member] \| Living Benefits [Member]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to determine fair value
Liability value, beginning balance	1,094	[4]	-657		-1,842
Liability, Net gains (losses) In operations	-673	[4]	1,751	[2]	1,185	[3]
Liability, Net gains (losses) In OCI	0	[4]	0		0
Liability, Purchases	0	[4]	0		0
Liability, Sales	0	[4]	0		0
Liability, Transfers into Level 3	0	[4]	0		0
Liability, Transfers out of Level 3	0	[4]	0		0
Liability value, ending balance	421	[4]	1,094	[4]	-657
Future policy benefits and claims [Member] \| Indexed Products [Member]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to determine fair value
Liability value, beginning balance	-84	[4]	-91		-63
Liability, Net gains (losses) In operations			7	[2]	-28	[3]
Liability, Net gains (losses) In OCI	0	[4]	0		0
Liability, Purchases	0	[4]	0		0
Liability, Sales	0	[4]	0		0
Liability, Transfers into Level 3	0	[4]	0		0
Liability, Transfers out of Level 3	0	[4]	0		0
Liability value, ending balance	-84	[4]	-84	[4]	-91
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to determine fair value
Liability value, beginning balance	-5	[4],[5]	-5	[5]	-6	[5]
Liability, Net gains (losses) In operations	2	[4]			1	[3],[5]
Liability, Net gains (losses) In OCI	0	[4]	0	[5]	0	[5]
Liability, Purchases	0	[4]	0	[5]	0	[5]
Liability, Sales	0	[4]	0	[5]	0	[5]
Liability, Transfers into Level 3	0	[4]	0	[5]	0	[5]
Liability, Transfers out of Level 3	0	[4]	0	[5]	0	[5]
Liability value, ending balance	-3	[4]	-5	[4],[5]	-5	[5]
Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to determine fair value
Assets, beginning balance	1,088	[4],[6]	1,197	[6],[7]	1,591	[7]
Assets, Net gains (losses) In operations	-4	[1],[4]	-1	[2],[6]	4	[3],[7]
Assets, Net gains (losses) In OCI	27	[4]	1	[6]	77	[7]
Assets, Purchases	52	[4]	115	[6]	107	[7]
Assets, Sales	-170	[4]	-232	[6]	-256	[7]
Assets, Transfers in to Level 3	203	[4]	142	[6]	51	[7]
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	-4	[4]	-134	[6]	-377	[7]
Assets, ending balance	1,192	[4]	1,088	[4],[6]	1,197	[6],[7]
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Corporate private securities [Member]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to determine fair value
Assets, beginning balance	803		772		1,209
Assets, Net gains (losses) In operations	-4	[1]	-1	[2]	2	[3]
Assets, Net gains (losses) In OCI	6		-2		13
Assets, Purchases	52		91		69
Assets, Sales	-140		-117		-187
Assets, Transfers in to Level 3	197		127		40
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3			-67		-374
Assets, ending balance	914		803		772
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Other asset-backed securities [Member]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to determine fair value
Assets, beginning balance	194		291		251
Assets, Net gains (losses) In operations					2	[3]
Assets, Net gains (losses) In OCI	15		10		53
Assets, Purchases			6		36
Assets, Sales	-23		-62		-61
Assets, Transfers in to Level 3			15		10
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	-4		-66
Assets, ending balance	182		194		291
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Other fixed maturity securities [Member]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to determine fair value
Assets, beginning balance	91		134		131
Assets, Net gains (losses) In OCI	6		-7		11
Assets, Purchases			18		2
Assets, Sales	-7		-53		-8
Assets, Transfers in to Level 3	6				1
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3			-1		-3
Assets, ending balance	96		91		134
Other [Member]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to determine fair value
Assets, beginning balance	45		62		43
Assets, Net gains (losses) In operations	1	[1]	-6	[2]	16	[3]
Assets, Net gains (losses) In OCI	2		6		3
Assets, Purchases			5
Assets, Sales	-11		-22
Assets, ending balance	37		45		62
Derivative Assets [Member]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to determine fair value
Assets, beginning balance	343	[4],[5]	822	[5]	1,004	[5]
Assets, Net gains (losses) In operations	9	[1],[4]	-447	[2],[5]	-353	[3],[5]
Assets, Purchases	42	[4]	129	[5]	350	[5]
Assets, Sales	-15	[4]	-161	[5]	-179	[5]
Assets, ending balance	379	[4]	343	[4],[5]	822	[5]
Separate Account Assets [Member]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to determine fair value
Assets, beginning balance	2,083		2,025		1,952
Assets, Net gains (losses) In operations	21	[1]	58	[2]	73	[3]
Assets, ending balance	$2,104		$2,083		$2,025

[1]	Net gains and losses included in operations are reported in net realized investment gains and losses and interest credited to policyholder accounts. The net unrealized gains on separate account assets are attributable to contractholders, and therefore are not included in the Company's earnings. The change in unrealized gains included in operations on assets and liabilities still held at the end of the quarter was $119 million for derivative assets, $7 million for other investments at fair value and $2 million for derivative liabilities.
[2]	Net gains and losses included in operations are reported in net realized investment gains and losses and interest credited to policyholder accounts. The net unrealized gains on separate account assets are attributable to contractholders and therefore are not included in the Company's earnings. The change in unrealized (losses) gains included in operations on assets and liabilities still held at the end of the year was $(6) million for other investments at fair value, $(297) million for derivative assets and $1.8 billion for future policy benefits and claims.
[3]	Net gains and losses included in operations are reported in net realized investment gains and losses and interest credited to policyholder accounts. The net unrealized gains on separate account assets are attributable to contractholders and therefore are not included in the Company's earnings. The change in unrealized gains (losses) included in operations on assets and liabilities still held as of the end of the year was $16 million for other investments at fair value, $(257) million for derivative assets, $1.2 billion for future policy benefits and claims and $(1) million for derivative liabilities.
[4]	Refer to Note 8 of the 2013 audited consolidated financial statements for a discussion of valuation inputs. There have been no material changes to these inputs as of September 30, 2014.
[5]	Non-binding broker quotes were utilized to determine a fair value of all Level 3 derivative assets and liabilities.
[6]	Non-binding broker quotes were utilized to determine a fair value of $924 million of total fixed maturity securities as of December 31, 2013.
[7]	Non-binding broker quotes were utilized to determine a fair value of $1.1 billion of total fixed maturity securities as of December 31, 2012.

Rollforward_of_Level_3_Assets_1

Rollforward of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Held at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to determine fair value
Unrealized gain (loss) on other investments	$119,000,000	($6,000,000)	$16,000,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	7,000,000	-297,000,000	-257,000,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on future policy benefits and claims		1,800,000,000	1,200,000,000
Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Derivatives Liabilities	2,000,000		-1,000,000
Fair value of fixed maturity securities that were determind using non binding broker quotes	34,809,000,000	32,273,000,000	31,831,000,000
Fixed Maturity Securities Held At Fair Value [Member]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to determine fair value
Fair value of fixed maturity securities that were determind using non binding broker quotes		$924,000,000

Summary_of_Significant_observa

Summary of Significant observable Inputs Used for Fair Value Measurements for Living Benefits Liabilities Classified as Level 3 (Detail) (Living Benefits [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member]
Summary of significant unobservable inputs used for fair value measurements for living benefits liabilities
Fair value unobservable inputs Mortality	0.10%	[1]
Fair value unobservable inputs Lapse	0.00%
Fair value unobservable inputs wait period	0 years	[2]
Fair value unobservable inputs efficiency of benefit utilization	65.00%	[3]
Fair value unobservable inputs index Volatility	15.00%
Maximum [Member]
Summary of significant unobservable inputs used for fair value measurements for living benefits liabilities
Fair value unobservable inputs Mortality	8.00%	[1]
Fair value unobservable inputs Lapse	35.00%
Fair value unobservable inputs wait period	30 years	[2]
Fair value unobservable inputs efficiency of benefit utilization	100.00%	[3]
Fair value unobservable inputs index Volatility	25.00%

[1]	Represents the mortality for the majority of business with living benefits, with policyholders ranging from 45 to 85.
[2]	A portion of the contractholders could never use the benefit, which would extend the range to an indeterminate period.
[3]	The unobservable input is not applicable to GMABs.

Summary_of_Significant_observa1

Summary of Significant observable Inputs Used for Fair Value Measurements for Living Benefits Liabilities Classified as Level 3 (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Living Benefits [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
	Person
Minimum [Member]
Summary of significant unobservable inputs used for fair value measurements for living benefits liabilities
Policyholders of mortality for majority of business	45
Maximum [Member]
Summary of significant unobservable inputs used for fair value measurements for living benefits liabilities
Policyholders of mortality for majority of business	85

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Enhancing guarantee bonus feature period		10 years
High liability value policy withdrawal period		20 years
Policy withdrawal period		1 year
Investments guarantee period	7 years
Separate account expiration year	2016
Target portfolio guaranteed period	7 years
Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2	$0	$42,000,000
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Separate account assets	$1,700,000,000	$1,600,000,000

Summary_of_Significant_Unobser

Summary of Significant Unobservable Inputs Used for Fair Value Measurements For Indexed Universal Life Equity Indexed Products Classified as Level 3 (Detail) (Equity Index Product [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Unobservable Inputs Used For Fair Value Measurements For Equity Indexed Products [Abstract]
Fair value unobservable inputs Mortality	0.00%	[1]
Fair value unobservable inputs Lapse	0.00%
Fair value unobservable inputs index Volatility	15.00%
Maximum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Unobservable Inputs Used For Fair Value Measurements For Equity Indexed Products [Abstract]
Fair value unobservable inputs Mortality	4.00%	[1]
Fair value unobservable inputs Lapse	10.00%
Fair value unobservable inputs index Volatility	25.00%

[1]	Represents the mortality for the majority of business, with policyholders ranging from 0 to 75.

Summary_of_Significant_Unobser1

Summary of Significant Unobservable Inputs Used for Fair Value Measurements For Indexed Universal Life Equity Indexed Products Classified as Level 3 (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Equity Index Product [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
	Person
Minimum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Unobservable Inputs Used For Fair Value Measurements For Equity Indexed Products [Abstract]
Policyholders of mortality for majority of business	0
Maximum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Unobservable Inputs Used For Fair Value Measurements For Equity Indexed Products [Abstract]
Policyholders of mortality for majority of business	75

Financial_Instruments_Not_Carr

Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments:
Mortgage loans, net of allowance	$6,842	$6,341	$5,827
Policy loans	995	987	980
Liabilities
Short-term debt	214	278	300
Long-term debt	709	707	1,038
Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities
Long-term debt	1,005	997	1,282
Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities
Investment contracts	21,439	20,436	19,561
Short-term debt	214	278	300
Long-term debt	9	7	41
Mortgage loans held-for-investment [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Investments:
Investments	7,081	6,481	5,988
Policy loans [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Investments:
Investments	995	987	980
Fair Value [Member]
Liabilities
Investment contracts	21,439	20,436	19,561
Short-term debt	214	278	300
Long-term debt	1,014	1,004	1,323
Fair Value [Member] \| Mortgage loans held-for-investment [Member]
Investments:
Investments	7,081	6,481	5,988
Fair Value [Member] \| Policy loans [Member]
Investments:
Investments	995	987	980
Carrying Value [Member]
Liabilities
Investment contracts	22,998	21,874	20,123
Short-term debt	214	278	300
Long-term debt	709	707	1,038
Carrying Value [Member] \| Mortgage loans held-for-investment [Member]
Investments:
Mortgage loans, net of allowance	6,842	6,341	5,827
Carrying Value [Member] \| Policy loans [Member]
Investments:
Policy loans	$995	$987	$980

Goodwill_Detail

Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment
Goodwill, beginning balance	$200	[1]	$200	[1]	$200
Adjustments	0		0
Goodwill, ending balance	200	[1]	200	[1]	200
Retirement Plans [Member]
Summary of changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment
Goodwill, beginning balance	25	[1]	25	[1]
Adjustments	0		0
Goodwill, ending balance	25	[1]	25	[1]
Individual Products and Solutions - Life and NBSG [Member]
Summary of changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment
Goodwill, beginning balance	175	[1]	175	[1]
Adjustments	0		0
Goodwill, ending balance	$175	[1]	$175	[1]

[1]	The goodwill balances have not been previously impaired.

Goodwill_Parenthetical_Detail

Goodwill (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment
Impairment of goodwil	$0	$0	$0

Summary_of_Financial_Informati

Summary of Financial Information For Closed Block (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Liabilities:
Future policyholder benefits	$1,703	$1,732
Policyholder funds and accumulated dividends	141	142
Policyholder dividends payable	23	24
Policyholder dividend obligation	113	198
Other policy obligations and liabilities	29	32
Total liabilities	2,009	2,128
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,320	1,511
Mortgage loans, net of allowance	257	183
Policy loans	157	164
Other assets	93	77
Total assets	1,827	1,935
Excess of reported liabilities over assets	182	193
Portion of above representing other comprehensive income:
(Decrease) increase in unrealized gain on fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	-92	45
Adjustment to policyholder dividend obligation	92	-45
Maximum future earnings to be recognized from assets and liabilities	182	193	204	215
Available-for-Sale Securities
Fair value	1,320	1,511
Amortized cost	1,235	1,334
Shadow policyholder dividend obligation	-85	-177
Net unrealized appreciation	$0	$0

Summary_of_Closed_Block_Operat

Summary of Closed Block Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues:
Premiums	$66	$73	$77
Net investment income	94	98	102
Realized investment gains (losses)		1	-3
Realized losses credited to policyholder benefit obligation	-4	-5	-1
Total revenues	156	167	175
Benefits and expenses:
Policy and contract benefits	123	134	145
Change in future policyholder benefits and interest credited to policyholder accounts	-29	-27	-35
Policyholder dividends	44	50	55
Change in policyholder dividend obligation	3	-8	-8
Other expenses	-2	1	1
Total benefits and expenses	139	150	158
Total revenues, net of benefits and expenses, before federal income tax expense	17	17	17
Federal income tax expense	6	6	6
Revenues, net of benefits and expenses and federal income tax expense	11	11	11
Maximum future earnings from assets and liabilities:
Beginning of period	193	204	215
Change during period	-11	-11	-11
End of period	$182	$193	$204

Closed_Block_Additional_Inform

Closed Block - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Closed Block (Textual) [Abstract]
Policyholder dividend obligation	$28	$21	$23

ShortTerm_Debt_Additional_Info

Short-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Short-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	31-May-11	Nov. 30, 2014
Short Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Cash equivalent maturity description	less than one year
Maximum borrowing capacity of short term debt	$350,000,000
Capital stock purchased	25,000,000
Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings [Member]
Short Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity of short term debt	250,000,000
Eligible collateral for short term borrowings	4,300,000,000
Amounts outstanding under agreement with Federal Home Loan Bank	0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Short Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity of short term debt	600,000,000	600,000,000		600,000,000
Custodial Bank [Member]
Short Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rate basis on outstanding principal balances of the line of credit	One-month U.S. LIBOR	One-month U.S. LIBOR
Unsecured Revolving Demand Promissory Note [Member]
Short Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rate basis on outstanding principal balances of the line of credit			("LIBOR") plus 1.25%
Unsecured Revolving Demand Promissory Note [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Short Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity of short term debt					$400,000,000
Line of credit, interest rate					1.25%

Summary_of_Short_Term_Debt_and

Summary of Short Term Debt and Weighted Average Annual Interest Rates (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of short-term debt and weighted average annual interest rates
Total short-term debt	$214	$278	$300
Commercial paper program [Member]
Summary of short-term debt and weighted average annual interest rates
$600 million commercial paper program (0.24% and 0.29%, respectively)		$278	$300

Summary_of_Short_Term_Debt_and1

Summary of Short Term Debt and Weighted Average Annual Interest Rates (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of short-term debt and weighted average annual interest rates
Maximum borrowing capacity of short term debt	$350
Commercial paper program [Member]
Summary of short-term debt and weighted average annual interest rates
Maximum borrowing capacity of short term debt	$600	$600
Weighted average annual interest rate	0.24%	0.29%

LongTerm_Debt_Detail

Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of long-term debt
Long-term debt	$709	$707	$1,038
8.15% surplus note, due June 27, 2032, payable to NFS [Member]
Summary of long-term debt
Surplus note		300	300
7.50% surplus note, due December 17, 2031, payable to NFS [Member]
Summary of long-term debt
Surplus note		300	300
6.75% surplus note, due December 23, 2033, payable to NFS [Member]
Summary of long-term debt
Surplus note		100	100
Variable funding surplus note, due December 31, 2040 [Member]
Summary of long-term debt
Surplus note			297
Other [Member]
Summary of long-term debt
Long-term debt		$7	$41

LongTerm_Debt_Parenthetical_De

Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013
8.15% surplus note, due June 27, 2032, payable to NFS [Member]
Summary of long-term debt
Interest rate of surplus note	8.15%
7.50% surplus note, due December 17, 2031, payable to NFS [Member]
Summary of long-term debt
Interest rate of surplus note	7.50%
6.75% surplus note, due December 23, 2033, payable to NFS [Member]
Summary of long-term debt
Interest rate of surplus note	6.75%

LongTerm_Debt_Additional_infor

Long-Term Debt - Additional information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest payments on surplus notes payable to NFS	$54	$54	$54
Variable funding surplus note, due December 31, 2040 [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest payments on surplus notes payable to NFS	$5	$10

Summary_of_Federal_Income_Tax_

Summary of Federal Income Tax Expense Attributable to Net Income (Loss) Before Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of federal income tax (benefit) expense attributable to (loss) income before income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Current tax expense (benefit)		($33)	($144)	$55	[1]
Deferred tax (benefit) expense		346	243	-482	[1]
Total tax (benefit) expense	$4	$313	$99	($427)	[1]

[1]	The balances reflect a change in accounting principle, as described in Note 2.

Summary_of_Federal_Income_Tax_1

Summary of Federal Income Tax Expense Attributable to Income Loss (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of percentage computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to (loss) income before federal income taxes and noncontrolling interests
Computed (expected tax expense (benefit))	$56	$469	$245	($297)	[1]
Dividends received deduction	-54	-112	-75	-99	[1]
Tax credits	-31	-82	-85	-30	[1]
Impact of noncontrolling interest	26
Other, net	7	38	14	-1	[1]
Total tax (benefit) expense	$4	$313	$99	($427)	[1]
Computed (expected tax (benefit) expense), percentage	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	[1]
Dividends received deduction, percentage	-34.00%	-8.00%	-11.00%	12.00%	[1]
Tax credit, percentage	-19.00%	-6.00%	-12.00%	3.00%	[1]
Impact of noncontrolling interest, percentage	16.00%
Other, net, percentage	5.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Total percentage	3.00%	23.00%	14.00%	50.00%	[1]

[1]	The balances reflect a change in accounting principle, as described in Note 2.

Federal_Income_Taxes_Additiona

Federal Income Taxes - Additional information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Federal Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Federal income tax receivable (liability)	($13)	$61
Federal income taxes paid (refunded)	-107	-95	121
Company recorded tax benefit	13		10
Income-housing credit carryforwards description	Income-housing credit carryforwards, which expire between 2024 and 2033
Low Income-housing credit carry forwards	222
Minimum tax credit carryforwards	90
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	40
Valuation allowance	17	18
Change in valuation allowance	1	0	6
Local income tax examinations year by tax authorities	2005
Income tax returns description	The IRS commenced an examination of the Company's U.S. income tax returns for the years 2009 through 2010
Minimum [Member]
Federal Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Foreign tax credit carryforwards expiring period	2019
Maximum [Member]
Federal Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Foreign tax credit carryforwards expiring period	2023
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Federal Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Gross federal net operating loss carryforwards	$797
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Federal Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Gross federal net operating loss carryforwards expiration period	2027
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Federal Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Gross federal net operating loss carryforwards expiration period	2028

Summary_of_Tax_Effects_of_Temp

Summary of Tax Effects of Temporary Differences Included in Net Deferred Tax (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred tax assets:
Future policy benefits and claims	$1,244	$1,295
Derivatives, including embedded derivatives		94
Tax credit carryforwards	352	288
Other	845	478
Gross deferred tax assets	2,441	2,155
Valuation allowance	-17	-18
Net deferred tax assets	2,424	2,137
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred policy acquisition costs	-1,048	-874
Available-for-sale securities	-821	-1,338
Derivatives, including embedded derivatives	-600
Other	-255	-239
Gross deferred tax liabilities	-2,724	-2,451
Net deferred tax liability	($300)	($314)

Rollforward_of_Uncertain_Tax_P

Rollforward of Uncertain Tax Positions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Uncertain tax positions including permanent and temporary differences
Balance at beginning of period	$36	$76	$119
Additions for current year tax positions	2	-2	9
Additions for prior years tax positions		25
Reductions for prior years tax positions	-2	-63	-52
Balance at end of period	$36	$36	$76

Statutory_Financial_Informatio2

Statutory Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statutory Financial Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Change in deferred tax valuation		$1	$0	$6
Deferred tax asset, subsidiaries		10
State of Ohio insurance laws description	The State of Ohio insurance laws require Ohio-domiciled life insurance companies to seek prior regulatory approval to pay a dividend or distribution of cash or other property if the fair market value thereof, together with that of other dividends or distributions made in the preceding 12 months, exceeds the greater of (1) 10% of statutory-basis policyholders' surplus as of the prior December 31 or (2) the statutory-basis net income of the insurer for the prior year.	The State of Ohio insurance laws require Ohio-domiciled life insurance companies to seek prior regulatory approval to pay a dividend or distribution of cash or other property if the fair market value thereof, together with that of other dividends or distributions made in the preceding 12 months, exceeds the greater of (1) 10% of statutory-basis policyholders' surplus as of the prior December 31 or (2) the statutory-basis net income of the insurer for the prior year.
Dividend distributions made for the period	12 months	12 months
Statutory basis policyholders surplus	10.00%	10.00%
Cash dividend paid	0	0	40	0
NLIC paid dividend	355	355
Subsidiaries [Member]
Statutory Financial Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Change in deferred tax valuation		$66

Statutory_Financial_Informatio3

Statutory Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summarize the statutory net income (loss) and statutory capital and surplus for the Company and its primary insurance subsidiary
Statutory net income (loss)	$262
Statutory capital and surplus	3,600
Parent Company [Member]
Summarize the statutory net income (loss) and statutory capital and surplus for the Company and its primary insurance subsidiary
Statutory net income (loss)	262	764	18
Statutory capital and surplus	3,550	3,837	3,591
Subsidiaries [Member]
Summarize the statutory net income (loss) and statutory capital and surplus for the Company and its primary insurance subsidiary
Statutory net income (loss)	-103	-54	-61
Statutory capital and surplus	$534	$311	$302

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
IT service payments to NMIC and NSC	$277,000,000	$283,000,000	$241,000,000
Total account values of group annuity and life insurance contracts	3,300,000,000	3,200,000,000
Revenue from group annuity and life insurance contracts	137,000,000	140,000,000	148,000,000
Total interest credited to the account balances	109,000,000	113,000,000	122,000,000
Company made lease payments to NMIC	16,000,000	15,000,000	14,000,000
Revenues ceded to NMIC	291,000,000	255,000,000	301,000,000
Benefits, claims and expenses	178,000,000	167,000,000	212,000,000
Customer allocations to NFG funds	53,200,000,000	45,000,000,000
NFG paid to NLIC	163,000,000	144,000,000	129,000,000
Amounts on deposit with NCMC	228,000,000	854,000,000
Total commissions and fees paid	54,000,000	54,000,000	64,000,000
Notes receivable outstanding	146,000,000	126,000,000
Life insurance [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Revenues ceded to NMIC	$179,000,000	$161,000,000	$203,000,000

Contingencies_Additional_Infor

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 08, 2011
	Defendants	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 08, 2011
Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Probability of deceased percentage			70.00%
Recovery of assets		$3
No of Defendant	200

Reinsurance_Detail

Reinsurance (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Premiums
Direct		$1,015	$890	$832
Assumed from other companies		0	0	0
Ceded to other companies		-291	-255	-301
Premiums	603	724	635	531
Life, accident and health insurance in force
Direct		228,095	216,002	209,732
Assumed from other companies		6	5	5
Ceded to other companies		-58,310	-59,895	-60,499
Life, accident and health insurance		$169,791	$156,112	$149,238

Reinsurance_Additional_informa

Reinsurance - Additional information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reinsurance (Textual) [Abstract]
Amounts recoverable under reinsurance contracts	$675	$684	$704

Segment_Information_Detail

Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues:
Policy charges	$1,530		$1,849		$1,670		$1,506
Premiums	603		724		635		531
Net investment income	1,417		1,849		1,825		1,844
Non-operating net realized investment gains, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses	-587	[1]	791	[1]	428	[1]	-1,613	[1]
Other revenues	-9	[2]	-96	[2]	-102	[2]	-60	[2]
Total revenues	2,954		5,117		4,456		2,208
Benefits and expenses:
Interest credited to policyholder accounts	806		1,067		1,038		1,033
Benefits and claims	1,074		1,354		1,227		1,062
Policyholder dividends			59		54		67
Amortization of DAC	132		374		575		65
Other expenses, net of deferrals	782		922		863		830
Total benefits and expenses	2,794		3,776		3,757		3,057
Income (loss) before federal income taxes and noncontrolling interests	160		1,341		699		-849
Less: non-operating net realized investment losses, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses	587	[1]	-791	[1]	-428	[1]	1,613	[1]
Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-75		-82		-61		-56
Total assets	139,449		133,445		120,170		111,986
Individual Products and Solutions - Annuity [Member]
Revenues:
Policy charges	871		1,021		899		781
Premiums	371		416		334		234
Net investment income	407		546		551		527
Other revenues	-22	[2]	-109	[2]	-124	[2]	-59	[2]
Total revenues	1,627		1,874		1,660		1,483
Benefits and expenses:
Interest credited to policyholder accounts	270		377		375		374
Benefits and claims	599		688		595		476
Amortization of DAC	70		185		185		80
Other expenses, net of deferrals	220		303		285		269
Total benefits and expenses	1,159		1,553		1,440		1,199
Income (loss) before federal income taxes and noncontrolling interests	468		321		220		284
Less: adjustment to amortization of DAC and other expense related to net realized investment gains and losses	15
Pre-tax operating earnings (loss)	483		321		220		284
Total assets	70,911		68,805		58,707		57,741
Retirement Plans [Member]
Revenues:
Policy charges	79		101		94		96
Net investment income	553		743		736		715
Total revenues	632		844		830		811
Benefits and expenses:
Interest credited to policyholder accounts	358		473		457		441
Amortization of DAC	-30		-2		14		11
Other expenses, net of deferrals	111		151		163		166
Total benefits and expenses	439		622		634		618
Income (loss) before federal income taxes and noncontrolling interests	193		222		196		193
Pre-tax operating earnings (loss)	193		222		196		193
Total assets	30,624		29,904		27,842		25,114
Individual Products and Solutions - Life and NBSG [Member]
Revenues:
Policy charges	580		727		677		629
Premiums	211		282		274		272
Net investment income	418		544		534		531
Other revenues	6	[2]
Total revenues	1,215		1,553		1,485		1,432
Benefits and expenses:
Interest credited to policyholder accounts	169		213		199		198
Benefits and claims	458		636		589		577
Policyholder dividends			61		57		67
Amortization of DAC	92		125		150		75
Other expenses, net of deferrals	252		284		250		235
Total benefits and expenses	971		1,319		1,245		1,152
Income (loss) before federal income taxes and noncontrolling interests	244		234		240		280
Less: adjustment to amortization of DAC and other expense related to net realized investment gains and losses	-1
Pre-tax operating earnings (loss)	243		234		240		280
Total assets	28,555		27,183		25,301		22,503
Corporate and Other [Member]
Revenues:
Premiums	21		26		27		25
Net investment income	39		16		4		71
Non-operating net realized investment gains, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses	-587	[1]	791	[1]	428	[1]	-1,613	[1]
Other revenues	7	[2]	13	[2]	22	[2]	-1	[2]
Total revenues	-520		846		481		-1,518
Benefits and expenses:
Interest credited to policyholder accounts	9		4		7		20
Benefits and claims	17		30		43		9
Policyholder dividends			-2		-3
Amortization of DAC			66		226		-101
Other expenses, net of deferrals	199		184		165		160
Total benefits and expenses	225		282		438		88
Income (loss) before federal income taxes and noncontrolling interests	-745		564		43		-1,606
Less: non-operating net realized investment losses, net of other-than-temporary impairment losses	587	[1]	-791	[1]	-428	[1]	1,613	[1]
Less: adjustment to amortization of DAC and other expense related to net realized investment gains and losses			70		243		-115
Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	75		82		61		56
Pre-tax operating earnings (loss)	-83		-75		-81		-52
Total assets	$9,359		$7,553		$8,320		$6,628

[1]	Excluding operating items (trading portfolio realized gains and losses, trading portfolio valuation changes and net realized gains and losses related to hedges on GMDB contracts).
[2]	Includes operating items discussed above.

Consolidated_Summary_of_Invest1

Consolidated Summary of Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost	$39,524
Amount at which shown in the consolidated balance sheet	40,755
Trading assets [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost	30
Fair value	31
Amount at which shown in the consolidated balance sheet	31
Policy loans [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost	987
Amount at which shown in the consolidated balance sheet	987
Other investments [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost	712
Amount at which shown in the consolidated balance sheet	712
Short-term investments [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost	411
Amount at which shown in the consolidated balance sheet	411
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost	31,002
Fair value	32,249
Amount at which shown in the consolidated balance sheet	32,249
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| US Government Corporations and Agencies securities [Member] \| Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost	484
Fair value	561
Amount at which shown in the consolidated balance sheet	561
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Obligations of states, political subdivisions and foreign governments [Member] \| Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost	1,892
Fair value	1,963
Amount at which shown in the consolidated balance sheet	1,963
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| Public Utility, Bonds [Member] \| Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost	2,616
Fair value	2,759
Amount at which shown in the consolidated balance sheet	2,759
Fixed maturity securities [Member] \| All Other Corporate Bonds [Member] \| Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost	26,010
Fair value	26,966
Amount at which shown in the consolidated balance sheet	26,966
Equity securities [Member] \| Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost	6
Fair value	24
Amount at which shown in the consolidated balance sheet	24
Equity securities [Member] \| Industrial, miscellaneous and all other [Member] \| Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost	6
Fair value	14
Amount at which shown in the consolidated balance sheet	14
Equity securities [Member] \| Nonredeemable preferred stocks [Member] \| Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost	0
Fair value	10
Amount at which shown in the consolidated balance sheet	10
Mortgage loans, net of allowance [Member]
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Cost	6,376
Amount at which shown in the consolidated balance sheet	$6,341	[1]

[1]	Difference from Column B primarily is attributable to valuation allowances due to impairments on mortgage loans (see Note 6 to the audited consolidated financial statements).

Schedule_Supplementary_Insuran

Schedule - Supplementary Insurance Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Supplementary Insurance Information
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred policy acquisition costs	$3,778	[1]	$3,249	[1]	$3,487	[1]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Future policy benefits, losses, claims and loss expenses	36,765		36,154		35,252
Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned premiums		[2]		[2]		[2]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other policy claims and benefits payable		[2]		[2]		[2]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium revenue	724		635		531
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net investment income	1,849	[3]	1,825	[3]	1,844	[3]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses	2,480		2,319		2,162
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	374	[1]	575	[1]	65	[1]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other operating expenses	922	[1],[3]	863	[1],[3]	830	[1],[3]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premiums written
IPS - Annuity [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred policy acquisition costs	2,214	[1]	2,110	[1]	2,232	[1]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Future policy benefits, losses, claims and loss expenses	10,985		12,214		12,550
Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned premiums		[2]		[2]		[2]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other policy claims and benefits payable		[2]		[2]		[2]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium revenue	416		334		234
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net investment income	546	[3]	551	[3]	527	[3]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses	1,065		970		850
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	185	[1]	185	[1]	80	[1]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other operating expenses	303	[1],[3]	285	[1],[3]	269	[1],[3]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premiums written
Retirement Plans Segment [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred policy acquisition costs	179	[1]	168	[1]	172	[1]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Future policy benefits, losses, claims and loss expenses	14,313		13,628		12,638
Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned premiums		[2]		[2]		[2]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other policy claims and benefits payable		[2]		[2]		[2]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium revenue	0
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net investment income	743	[3]	736	[3]	715	[3]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses	473		457		441
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	-2	[1]	14	[1]	11	[1]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other operating expenses	151	[1],[3]	163	[1],[3]	166	[1],[3]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premiums written
IPS - Life And NBSG [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred policy acquisition costs	1,557	[1]	1,442	[1]	1,421	[1]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Future policy benefits, losses, claims and loss expenses	10,068		9,564		9,338
Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned premiums		[2]		[2]		[2]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other policy claims and benefits payable		[2]		[2]		[2]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium revenue	282		301		297
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net investment income	544	[3]	536	[3]	533	[3]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses	910		868		863
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	125	[1]	150	[1]	75	[1]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other operating expenses	284	[1],[3]	255	[1],[3]	238	[1],[3]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premiums written
Corporate and Other Segment [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred policy acquisition costs	-172	[1]	-471	[1]	-338	[1]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Future policy benefits, losses, claims and loss expenses	1,399		748		726
Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned premiums		[2]		[2]		[2]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other policy claims and benefits payable		[2]		[2]		[2]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium revenue	26
Supplementary Insurance Information, Net investment income	16	[3]	2	[3]	69	[3]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses	32		24		8
Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	66	[1]	226	[1]	-101	[1]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Other operating expenses	184	[1],[3]	160	[1],[3]	157	[1],[3]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Premiums written

[1]	The 2011 balances reflect a change in accounting principle, as described in Note 2.
[2]	Unearned premiums and other policy claims and benefits payable are included in Column C amounts.
[3]	Allocations of net investment income and certain operating expenses are based on numerous assumptions and estimates, and reported segment operating results would change if different methods were applied.

Schedule_of_Reinsurance_Detail

Schedule of Reinsurance (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount [Abstract]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, Product Segment, Gross amount		$1,015		$890		$832
Reinsurance Effect on Claims and Benefits Incurred, Amount Ceded to other companies		-291		-255		-301
Reinsurance Effect on Claims and Benefits Incurred, Amount Assumed from other companies		0		0		0
Reinsurance Effect on Claims and Benefits Incurred, Net amount	603	724		635		531
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of amount assumed to net		0.00%		0.00%		0.00%
Life, accident and health insurance in force [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount [Abstract]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, Product Segment, Gross amount		228,095		216,002		209,732
Reinsurance Effect on Claims and Benefits Incurred, Amount Ceded to other companies		-58,310		-59,895		-60,499
Reinsurance Effect on Claims and Benefits Incurred, Amount Assumed from other companies		6		5		5
Reinsurance Effect on Claims and Benefits Incurred, Net amount		169,791		156,112		149,238
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of amount assumed to net		0.00%		0.00%		0.00%
Life insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount [Abstract]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, Product Segment, Gross amount		783	[1]	701	[1]	596	[1]
Reinsurance Effect on Claims and Benefits Incurred, Amount Ceded to other companies		-59	[1]	-66	[1]	-65	[1]
Reinsurance Effect on Claims and Benefits Incurred, Net amount		724	[1]	635	[1]	531	[1]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of amount assumed to net		0.00%	[1]	0.00%	[1]	0.00%	[1]
Accident and health insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Net Amount [Abstract]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, Product Segment, Gross amount		232		189		236
Reinsurance Effect on Claims and Benefits Incurred, Amount Ceded to other companies		($232)		($189)		($236)
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment, Percentage of amount assumed to net		0.00%		0.00%		0.00%

[1]	Primarily represents premiums from traditional life insurance and life-contingent immediate annuities and excludes deposits on investment and universal life insurance products.

Schedule_of_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (Allowance For Mortgage Loan [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance For Mortgage Loan [Member]
Activity in the valuation allowance for mortgage loans
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, beginning Balance	$44		$60		$96
Charged to costs and expenses	-4		1		25
Charged to other accounts	0
Deductions	5	[1]	17	[1]	61	[1]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	$35		$44		$60

[1]	Amounts generally represent payoffs, sales and recoveries.

Dividend_Restrictions_Addition

Dividend Restrictions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statutory Financial Information (Textual) [Abstract]
State of Ohio insurance laws description	The State of Ohio insurance laws require Ohio-domiciled life insurance companies to seek prior regulatory approval to pay a dividend or distribution of cash or other property if the fair market value thereof, together with that of other dividends or distributions made in the preceding 12 months, exceeds the greater of (1) 10% of statutory-basis policyholders' surplus as of the prior December 31 or (2) the statutory-basis net income of the insurer for the prior year.	The State of Ohio insurance laws require Ohio-domiciled life insurance companies to seek prior regulatory approval to pay a dividend or distribution of cash or other property if the fair market value thereof, together with that of other dividends or distributions made in the preceding 12 months, exceeds the greater of (1) 10% of statutory-basis policyholders' surplus as of the prior December 31 or (2) the statutory-basis net income of the insurer for the prior year.
Dividend distributions made for the period	12 months	12 months
Statutory basis policyholders surplus	10.00%	10.00%
Statutory capital and surplus		$3,600,000,000
Statutory net income		262,000,000
Cash dividend paid	0	0	40,000,000	0
NLIC paid dividend	$355,000,000	$355,000,000

Segment_Reporting_Additional_I

Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	4