Lincoln National (LNC) 10-Q 4 May 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	May 01, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Entity Registrant Name	LINCOLN NATIONAL CORP
Entity Central Index Key	59,558
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		224,278,433

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost: 2017 - $85,834; 2016 - $84,287)	$ 91,102	$ 89,013
Variable interest entities' fixed maturity securities (amortized cost: 2017 - $0; 2016 - $200)		200
Equity securities (cost: 2017 - $263; 2016 - $260)	276	275
Trading securities	1,703	1,712
Mortgage loans on real estate	10,001	9,889
Real estate	24	24
Policy loans	2,432	2,451
Derivative investments	991	927
Other investments	2,104	2,230
Total investments	108,633	106,721
Cash and invested cash	1,923	2,722
Deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired	9,030	9,134
Premiums and fees receivable	465	430
Accrued investment income	1,124	1,062
Reinsurance recoverables	5,333	5,265
Funds withheld reinsurance assets	610	617
Goodwill	2,273	2,273
Other assets	5,119	5,006
Separate account assets	132,958	128,397
Total assets	267,468	261,627
Liabilities
Future contract benefits	22,202	21,576
Other contract holder funds	79,078	78,903
Short-term debt	200
Long-term debt	5,133	5,345
Reinsurance related embedded derivatives	50	53
Funds withheld reinsurance liabilities	1,961	1,976
Deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance	6	24
Payables for collateral on investments	5,086	4,995
Other liabilities	5,821	5,880
Separate account liabilities	132,958	128,397
Total liabilities	252,495	247,149
Contingencies and Commitments (See Note 13)
Stockholders Equity
Preferred stock - 10,000,000 shares authorized	0	0
Common stock - 800,000,000 shares authorized; 224,888,259 and 226,335,105 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively	5,839	5,869
Retained earnings	7,287	7,043
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,847	1,566
Total stockholders' equity	14,973	14,478
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 267,468	$ 261,627

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost)	$ 85,834	$ 84,287
Variable interest entities' fixed maturity securities (amortized cost)	0	200
Equity securities (cost)	$ 263	$ 260
Stockholders Equity
Preferred stock - shares authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock - shares authorized (in shares)	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock - shares issued (in shares)	224,888,259	226,335,105
Common stock - shares outstanding (in shares)	224,888,259	226,335,105

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenues
Insurance premiums	$ 807	$ 816
Fee income	1,354	1,235
Net investment income	1,238	1,172
Realized gain (loss):
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities	(4)	(56)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income		20
Net OTTI recognized in net income (loss), pre-tax	(4)	(36)
Realized gain (loss), excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities	(35)	(78)
Total realized gain (loss)	(39)	(114)
Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance	18	18
Other revenues	122	116
Total revenues	3,500	3,243
Expenses
Interest credited	647	633
Benefits	1,290	1,331
Commissions and other expenses	1,015	976
Interest and debt expense	64	68
Strategic digitization expense	9
Total expenses	3,025	3,008
Income (loss) before taxes	475	235
Federal income tax expense (benefit)	40	24
Net income (loss)	435	211
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	281	1,086
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 716	$ 1,297
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Basic
Net income (loss) (in dollars per share)	$ 1.93	$ 0.87
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Diluted
Net income (loss) (in dollars per share)	1.89	0.83
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.29	$ 0.25

Consolidated Statements Of Stoc

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Common Stock	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total
Balance as of beginning-of-year at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 6,298	$ 6,474	$ 845
Stock compensation/issued for benefit plans	3
Net income (loss)		211		$ 211
Retirement of common stock/cancellation of shares	(142)	(58)
Common stock dividends declared		(59)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			1,086	1,086
Balance as of end-of-period at Mar. 31, 2016	6,159	6,568	1,931	14,658
Balance as of beginning-of-year at Dec. 31, 2016	5,869	7,043	1,566	14,478
Stock compensation/issued for benefit plans	44
Net income (loss)		435		435
Retirement of common stock/cancellation of shares	(74)	(126)
Common stock dividends declared		(65)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			281	281
Balance as of end-of-period at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 5,839	$ 7,287	$ 1,847	$ 14,973

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ 435	$ 211
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Deferred acquisition costs, value of business acquired, deferred sales inducements and deferred front-end loads deferrals and interest, net of amortization	15	5
Trading securities purchases, sales and maturities, net	23	28
Change in premiums and fees receivable	(35)	(25)
Change in accrued investment income	(62)	(38)
Change in future contract benefits and other contract holder funds	(281)	262
Change in reinsurance related assets and liabilities	(13)	(286)
Change in federal income tax accruals	40	(38)
Realized (gain) loss	39	114
Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance	(18)	(18)
Other	(34)	83
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	109	298
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(3,158)	(3,291)
Sales of available-for-sale securities	503	1,502
Maturities of available-for-sale securities	1,298	1,269
Purchases of alternative investments	(53)	(71)
Sales and repayments of alternative investments	53	32
Issuance of mortgage loans on real estate	(341)	(421)
Repayment and maturities of mortgage loans on real estate	229	182
Issuance and repayment of policy loans, net	18	11
Net change in collateral on investments and derivatives	(32)	106
Other	(16)	(26)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(1,499)	(707)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Deposits of fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable	2,713	2,672
Withdrawals of fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable	(1,530)	(1,413)
Transfers to and from separate accounts, net	(356)	(549)
Common stock issued for benefit plans and excess tax benefits	29	(10)
Repurchase of common stock	(200)	(200)
Dividends paid to common stockholders	(65)	(60)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	591	440
Net increase (decrease) in cash and invested cash	(799)	31
Cash and invested cash as of beginning-of-year	2,722	3,146
Cash and invested cash as of end-of-year	$ 1,923	$ 3,177

Nature of Operations, Basis of

Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) 1. Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation  Nature of Operations  Lincoln National Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiaries (“LNC” or the “Company,” which also may be referred to as “we,” “our” or “us”) operate multiple insurance businesses through four business segments. See Note 13 for additional details. The collective group of businesses uses “Lincoln Financial Group” as its marketing identity. Through our business segments, we sell a wide range of wealth protection, accumulation and retirement income products and solutions. These products include fixed and indexed annuities, variable annuities, universal life insurance (“UL”), variable universal life insurance (“VUL”), linked-benefit UL, indexed universal life insurance (“IUL”), term life insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plans and services, and group life, disability and dental.  Basis of Presentation  The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions for the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Therefore, the information contained in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (“ 2016 Form 10-K”), should be read in connection with the reading of these interim unaudited consolidated financial statements.  Certain GAAP policies, which significantly affect the determination of financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, are summarized in our 2016 Form 10-K.  Certain amounts reported in prior year's consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in the current year. Specifically, we reclassified cash flows from certain investing activities into their own respective line items within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Previously, these amounts were reported within purchases of other investments or sales or maturities of other investments line items, as applicable, within cash flows from investing activities. These reclassifications had no effect on net income (loss), net cash provided by (used in) investing activities, or stockholders’ equity for the prior year.  In the opinion of management, these statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s results. Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2017 , are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2017 . All material inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

New Accounting Standards

New Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
New Accounting Standards [Abstract]
New Accounting Standards	 2. New Accounting Standards  Adoption of New Accounting Standards  The following table provides a description of our adoption of new Accounting Standard Updates (“ASUs”) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the impact of the adoption on our financial statements:     Standard Description Date of Adoption Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters  ASU 2016-05, Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships The amendments clarify that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument identified in a hedging relationship in and of itself does not require dedesignation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. We adopted the guidance in this ASU prospectively. January 1, 2017 The adoption of this ASU did not have an effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.  ASU 2016-06, Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments The amendments clarify the requirements for assessing whether contingent call and put options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts. Upon adoption of this ASU, entities will be required to assess embedded call and put options solely in accordance with the four-step decision sequence that was developed by the FASB Derivatives Implementation Group. We adopted this ASU using a modified retrospective basis applied to existing debt instruments. January 1, 2017 The adoption of this ASU did not have an effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.  Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards  The following table provides a description of future adoptions of new accounting standards that may have an impact on our financial statements when adopted:     Standard Description Projected Date of Adoption Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters  ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers & ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers; Deferral of the Effective Date This standard establishes the core principle of recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods and services. The amendments define a five-step process that systematically identifies the various components of the revenue recognition process, culminating with the recognition of revenue upon satisfaction of an entity’s performance obligation. Retrospective application is required. After performing extensive outreach, the FASB decided to delay the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for one year. Early application is permitted but only for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. January 1, 2018 Our primary revenue sources will continue to be recognized in accordance with ASC Topic 944, Financial Services – Insurance . Our analysis indicates that approximately $1 billion of our revenue reported in fee income and other revenue in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2016, is within the scope of this ASU. We continue to evaluate the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.  Standard Description Projected Date of Adoption Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters  ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities These amendments require, among other things, the fair value measurement of investments in equity securities and certain other ownership interests that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The change in fair value of the impacted investments in equity securities must be recognized in net income. In addition, the amendments include certain enhancements to the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial assets and financial liabilities. Early adoption of the ASU is generally not permitted, except as defined in the ASU. The amendments should be adopted in the financial statements through a cumulative-effect adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings. January 1, 2018 We hold equity securities classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) securities that are currently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized through other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”). Upon adoption of this ASU, we will be required to recognize changes in fair value of our equity securities through net income. See Note 4 for details regarding our equity securities currently classified as AFS securities.  ASU 2016-02, Leases This standard establishes a new accounting model for leases. Lessees will recognize most leases on the balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and a related lease liability. The lease liability is measured as the present value of the lease payments over the lease term with the right-of-use asset measured at the lease liability amount and including adjustments for certain lease incentives and initial direct costs. Lease expense recognition will continue to differentiate between finance leases and operating leases resulting in a similar pattern of lease expense recognition as under current GAAP. This ASU permits a modified retrospective adoption approach that includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect upon adoption. Early adoption is permitted. January 1, 2019 We are currently identifying all of our leases that will be within the scope of this standard; as such, we continue to evaluate the quantitative impact of adopting this ASU on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Based on our initial assessment, we do not expect there to be a significant difference in our pattern of lease expense recognition under this ASU.  ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) These amendments clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations in ASU 2014-09, including how an entity should identify the unit of accounting for the principal versus agent evaluation. In addition, the amendments clarify how to apply the control principle to certain types of arrangements, such as service transactions, by explaining what a principal controls before the good or service is transferred to the customer. Transition requirements are consistent with ASU 2014-09. January 1, 2018 We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. See comments under ASU 2014-09 for more information.  ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing These amendments clarify, among other things, the accounting guidance in ASU 2014-09 regarding how an entity will determine whether promised goods or services are separately identifiable, which is an important consideration in determining whether to account for goods or services as a separate performance obligation. Transition requirements are consistent with ASU 2014-09. January 1, 2018 We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. See comments under ASU 2014-09 for more information.  Standard Description Projected Date of Adoption Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters  ASU 2016-12, Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients The standard update amends the revenue recognition guidance in ASU 2014-09 related to transition, collectability, noncash consideration and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes. The amendments clarify that, for a contract to be considered completed at transition, substantially all of the revenue must have been recognized under current GAAP. The amendments also clarify how an entity should evaluate the collectability threshold and when an entity can recognize nonrefundable consideration received as revenue if an arrangement does not meet the standard’s contract criteria. Transition requirements are consistent with ASU 2014-09. January 1, 2018 We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. See comments under ASU 2014-09 for more information.  ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments These amendments adopt a new model to measure and recognize credit losses for most financial assets. The method used to measure estimated credit losses for AFS debt securities will be unchanged from current GAAP; however, the amendments require credit losses to be recognized through an allowance rather than as a reduction to the amortized cost of those debt securities. The amendments will permit entities to recognize improvements in credit loss estimates on AFS debt securities by reducing the allowance account immediately through earnings. The amendments will be adopted through a cumulative effect adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings as of the first reporting period in which the amendments are effective. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods therein. January 1, 2020 We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations, with a primary focus on our fixed maturity securities (see Note 4). We currently reduce the amortized cost of the individual security when recognizing other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on these securities. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, we will no longer reduce the amortized cost of each individual security; rather we will establish a valuation allowance, and any declines or improvements in credit quality will be recognized through the valuation allowance.  ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments These amendments clarify the classification of eight specific cash flow issues in an entity’s statement of cash flows where it was determined by the FASB that there is diversity in practice. Early adoption of the amendments is permitted, and retrospective transition is required for each period presented in the statement of cash flows. January 1, 2018 We are currently evaluating these disclosure requirements and will amend classifications in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows upon adoption as applicable.  ASU 2016-16, Intra-Entity Asset Transfers Other Than Inventory This amendment requires an entity to recognize current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs, thereby eliminating the current GAAP exception that prohibits the recognition of income taxes until the asset has been sold to an outside party. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of the annual reporting period for which financial statements have not been issued. January 1, 2018 We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.  Standard Description Projected Date of Adoption Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters  ASU 2016-18, Restricted Cash This amendment requires that amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included within cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. Early adoption is permitted using a retrospective transition method applied to each period presented. January 1, 2018 We will provide these additional disclosures in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows upon the adoption date as applicable.  ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers These amendments clarify 13 issues related to the adoption of ASU 2014-09. The most significant issue of these amendments for us is the clarification that all contracts within the scope of Topic 944 are excluded from the scope of ASU 2014-09, rather than just insurance contracts as described in ASU 2014-09. Transition requirements are consistent with ASU 2014-09. January 1, 2018 We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. See comments under ASU 2014-09 for more information.  ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment These amendments eliminate the requirement in current GAAP to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test in favor of only applying Step 1. Under Step 1, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with its carrying value, and an impairment charge is recognized when the carrying value exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. An entity still has the option to first perform a qualitative assessment of an individual reporting unit to determine if the quantitative assessment in Step 1 is necessary. ASU 2017-04 should be adopted prospectively, and early adoption is permitted on impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017. Impairment tests performed after January 1, 2020 We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.  ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost These amendments require that an entity report the service cost component of employee pension and postretirement benefit plans in the same line item as other compensation costs from services rendered by the applicable employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. ASU 2017-07 requires retrospective adoption related to the presentation of net periodic pension costs and postretirement benefit cost. January 1, 2018 We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.  ASU 2017-08, Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities These amendments require an entity to shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium so that the premium is amortized to the earliest call date. Early adoption is permitted, and the ASU requires adoption under a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings. January 1, 2019 We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. 

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	 3. Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”)  Consolidated VIEs  See Note 4 in our 201 6 Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of our consolidated VIEs, which information is incorporated herein by reference .  As of March 2017 and December 2016 , our $ 200 million and $400 million credit-linked notes (“CLNs”) matured, respectively, and we no longer reflect the assets and liabilities associated with these VIEs on our Consolidated Balance Sheets or recognize the results of operations of these VIEs on our Consolidated Statements of Co mprehensive Income (Loss). We no longer have any exposure related to these VIEs.  Asset and liability information (dollars in millions) for the consolidated VIEs included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows:     As of March 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016  Number Number  of Notional Carrying of Notional Carrying  Instruments Amounts Value Instruments Amounts Value  Assets  Fixed maturity securities:  Asset-backed credit card loans (1) N/A $ - $ - N/A $ - $ 200  Total return swap 1 527 - 1 533 -  Credit default swaps - - - 1 200 -  Total assets 1 $ 527 $ - 2 $ 733 $ 200   (1) Reported in variable interest entities’ fixed maturity securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  As of March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016, we did not recognize any liabilities from consolidated VIEs on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We did hold one contingent forward instrument as of December 31, 2016; however, the instrument had a zero notional and carrying value.  For details related to the fixed maturity AFS securities underlying these VIEs, see Note 4 .  As described more fully in Note 1 of our 2016 Form 10-K, we regularly review our investment holdings for OTTI. Based upon this review, we believe that the AFS fixed maturity securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired as of March 31, 201 7 .  The gains (losses) for the consolidated VIEs (in millions) recorded on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) were as follows:     For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Non-Qualifying Hedges  Credit default swaps $ - $ 6  Contingent forwards - -  Total non-qualifying hedges (1) $ - $ 6  (1) Reported in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss ).  Unconsolidated VIEs  See Note 4 in our 2016 Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of our unconsolidated VIEs, which information is incorporated herein by reference.  Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies  We invest in certain limited partnerships (“LPs”) and limited liability companies (“LLCs”), including qualified affordable housing projects, that we have concluded are VIEs. We do not hold any substantive kick-out or participation rights in the LPs and LLCs, and we do not receive any performance fees or decision maker fees from the LPs and LLCs. Based on our analysis of the LPs and LLCs, we are not the primary beneficiary of the VIEs as we do not have the power to direct the most significant activities of the LPs and LLCs.  The carrying amounts of our investments in the LPs and LLCs are recognized in other investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and were $1.3 billion as of March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016. Included in these carrying amounts are our investments in qualified affordable housing projects, which were $ 35 million and $37 million as of March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively. We do not have any contingent commitments to provide additional capital funding to these qualified affordable housing projects. We receive returns from these qualified affordable housing projects in the form of income tax credits and other tax benefits, which are recognized in federal income tax expense (benefit) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and were less than $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.  Our exposure to loss is limited to the capital we invest in the LPs and LLCs, and there have been no indicators of impairment that would require us to recognize an impairment loss related to the LPs and LLCs as of March 31, 2017.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	 4. Investments  AFS Securities  See Note 1 in our 2016 Form 10-K for information regarding our accounting policy relating to AFS securities, which also includes additional disclosures regarding our fair value measurements.  The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses and OTTI and fair value of AFS securities (in millions) were as follows:     As of March 31, 2017  Amortized Gross Unrealized Fair  Cost Gains Losses OTTI (1) Value  Fixed maturity securities:  Corporate bonds $ 74,509 $ 5,036 $ 771 $ (5 ) $ 78,779  Asset-backed securities (“ABS”) 1,017 40 12 (17 ) 1,062  U.S. government bonds 540 38 2 - 576  Foreign government bonds 398 58 - - 456  Residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) 3,490 144 62 (9 ) 3,581  Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) 423 7 4 (1 ) 427  Collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) 772 3 3 (4 ) 776  State and municipal bonds 4,101 743 18 - 4,826  Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities 584 75 40 - 619  Total fixed maturity securities 85,834 6,144 912 (36 ) 91,102  Equity securities 263 16 3 - 276  Total AFS securities $ 86,097 $ 6,160 $ 915 $ (36 ) $ 91,378     As of December 31, 2016  Amortized Gross Unrealized Fair  Cost Gains Losses OTTI (1) Value  Fixed maturity securities:  Corporate bonds $ 73,275 $ 4,754 $ 970 $ (5 ) $ 77,064  ABS 1,047 39 14 (13 ) 1,085  U.S. government bonds 384 37 2 - 419  Foreign government bonds 449 58 1 - 506  RMBS 3,534 147 73 (6 ) 3,614  CMBS 345 8 4 (1 ) 350  CLOs 742 1 3 (4 ) 744  State and municipal bonds 3,929 718 20 - 4,627  Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities 582 70 48 - 604  VIEs’ fixed maturity securities 200 - - - 200  Total fixed maturity securities 84,487 5,832 1,135 (29 ) 89,213  Equity securities 260 19 4 - 275  Total AFS securities $ 84,747 $ 5,851 $ 1,139 $ (29 ) $ 89,488  (1) Includes unrealized (gains) and losses on impaired securities related to changes in the fair value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date.     The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity AFS securities by contractual maturities (in millions) as of March 31, 2017 , were as follows:     Amortized Fair  Cost Value  Due in one year or less $ 3,090 $ 3,131  Due after one year through five years 18,673 19,611  Due after five years through ten years 17,275 17,719  Due after ten years 41,094 44,795  Subtotal 80,132 85,256  Structured securities (ABS, MBS, CLOs) 5,702 5,846  Total fixed maturity AFS securities $ 85,834 $ 91,102  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or pre-pay obligations.  The fair value and gross unrealized losses, including the p ortion of OTTI recognized in OCI, of AFS securities (dollars in millions), aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, were as follows:     As of March 31, 2017  Less Than or Equal Greater Than  to Twelve Months Twelve Months Total  Gross Gross Gross  Unrealized Unrealized Unrealized  Fair Losses and Fair Losses and Fair Losses and  Value OTTI Value OTTI Value OTTI  Fixed maturity securities:  Corporate bonds $ 14,068 $ 471 $ 2,790 $ 302 $ 16,858 $ 773  ABS 121 4 270 22 391 26  U.S. government bonds 170 2 - - 170 2  RMBS 996 52 325 15 1,321 67  CMBS 210 4 18 2 228 6  CLOs 277 3 21 - 298 3  State and municipal bonds 231 12 46 6 277 18  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 56 3 141 37 197 40  Total fixed maturity securities 16,129 551 3,611 384 19,740 935  Equity securities 13 2 40 1 53 3  Total AFS securities $ 16,142 $ 553 $ 3,651 $ 385 $ 19,793 $ 938   Total number of AFS securities in an unrealized loss position 1,584      As of December 31, 2016  Less Than or Equal Greater Than  to Twelve Months Twelve Months Total  Gross Gross Gross  Unrealized Unrealized Unrealized  Fair Losses and Fair Losses and Fair Losses and  Value OTTI Value OTTI Value OTTI  Fixed maturity securities:  Corporate bonds $ 15,820 $ 569 $ 3,187 $ 403 $ 19,007 $ 972  ABS 201 4 298 25 499 29  U.S. government bonds 18 2 - - 18 2  Foreign government bonds 29 1 - - 29 1  RMBS 989 58 392 23 1,381 81  CMBS 190 4 19 2 209 6  CLOs 259 3 25 - 284 3  State and municipal bonds 227 12 47 8 274 20  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 76 4 143 44 219 48  Total fixed maturity securities 17,809 657 4,111 505 21,920 1,162  Equity securities 4 2 44 2 48 4  Total AFS securities $ 17,813 $ 659 $ 4,155 $ 507 $ 21,968 $ 1,166   Total number of AFS securities in an unrealized loss position 1,744  For information regarding our investments in VIEs, see Note 3 .  The fair value, gross unrealized losses, the portion of OTTI recognized in OCI (in millions) and number of AFS securities where the fair value had declined and remained below amortized cost by greater than 20% were as follows:      As of March 31, 2017  Number  Fair Gross Unrealized of  Value Losses OTTI Securities (1)  Less than six months $ 92 $ 31 $ - 18  Six months or greater, but less than nine months 25 7 1 4  Twelve months or greater 265 105 9 52  Total $ 382 $ 143 $ 10 74      As of December 31, 2016  Number  Fair Gross Unrealized of  Value Losses OTTI Securities (1)  Less than six months $ 174 $ 52 $ 2 19  Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months 1 1 - 2  Twelve months or greater 364 167 10 62  Total $ 539 $ 220 $ 12 83  (1) We may reflect a security in more than one aging category based on various purchase dates.  We regularly review our investment holdings for OTTI. Our gross unrealized losses, including the portion of OTTI recognized in OCI, on AFS securities decreased by $ 228 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . As discussed further below, we believe the unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2017 , did not represent OTTI as (i) we did not intend to sell these fixed maturity AFS securities; (ii) it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these fixed maturity AFS securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis; (iii) the estimated future cash flows were equal to or greater than the amortized cost basis of the debt securities; and (iv) we had the ability and intent to hold the equity AFS securities for a period of time sufficient for recovery.  Based upon this evaluation as of March 31, 2017 , management believes we have the ability to generate adequate amounts of cash from our normal operations (e.g., insurance premiums and fees and investment income) to meet cash requirements with a prudent margin of safety without requiring the sale of our temporarily-impaired securities.  As of March 31, 2017 , the unrealized losses associated with our corporate bond securities were attributable primarily to widening credit spreads and rising interest rates since purchase. We performed a detailed analysis of the financial performance of the underlying issuers and determined that we expected to recover the entire amortized cost for each temporarily-impaired security.  As of March 31, 2017 , the unrealized losses associated with our mortgage-backed securities ( “ MBS ” ) and ABS were attributable primarily to widening credit spreads and rising interest rates since purchase . We assessed for credit impairment using a cash flow model that incorporates key assumptions including default rates, severities and prepayment rates. We estimated losses for a security by forecasting the underlying loans in each transaction. The forecasted loan performance was used to project cash flows to the various tranches in the structure, as applicable. Our forecasted cash flows also considered, as applicable, independent industr y analyst reports and forecasts and other independent market data. Based upon our assessment of the expected credit losses of the security given the performance of the underlying collateral compared to our subordination or other credit enhancement, we expected to recover the entire amortized cost of each temporarily-impaired security.  As of March 31, 2017 , the unrealized losses associated with our hybrid and redeemable preferred securities were attributable primarily to wider credit spreads caused by illiquidity in the market and subordination within the capital structure, as well as credit risk of underlying issuers. For our hybrid and redeemable preferred securities, we evaluated the financial performance of the underlying issuers based upon credit performance and investment ratings and determined that we expected to recover the entire amortized cost of each temporarily-impaired security.  Changes in the amount of credit loss of OTTI recognized in net income (loss) where the portion related to other factors was recognized in OCI (in millions) on fixed maturity AFS securities were as follows:      For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 430 $ 382  Increases attributable to:  Credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was not previously recognized 1 35  Credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was previously recognized 3 5  Decreases attributable to:  Securities sold, paid down or matured (41 ) (9 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ 393 $ 413  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , we recorded credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was not previously recognized as we determined the cash flows expected to be collected would not be sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security. The credit losses we recorded on securities for which an OTTI was not previously recognized were attributable primarily to one or a combination of the following reasons:  · Failure of the issuer of the security to make scheduled payments; · Deterioration of creditworthiness of the issuer; · Deterioration of conditions specifically related to the security; · Deterioration of fundamentals of the industry in which the issuer operates; and · Deterioration of the rating of the security by a rating agency.  We recognize the OTTI attributed to the noncredit portion as a separate component in OCI referred to as unrealized OTTI on AFS securities.  Details of the amount of credit loss of OTTI recognized in net income (loss) for which a portion related to other factors was recognized in OCI (in millions), were as follows:     As of March 31, 2017  Net  Unrealized OTTI in  Amortized Gain/(Loss) Fair Credit  Cost Position Value Losses  Corporate bonds $ 20 $ 5 $ 25 $ 39  ABS 205 17 222 112  RMBS 312 9 321 195  CMBS 22 1 23 39  CLOs 11 4 15 5  State and municipal bonds 1 - 1 3  Total $ 571 $ 36 $ 607 $ 393       As of December 31, 2016  Net  Unrealized OTTI in  Amortized Gain/(Loss) Fair Credit  Cost Position Value Losses  Corporate bonds $ 80 $ 5 $ 85 $ 77  ABS 212 13 225 112  RMBS 332 6 338 194  CMBS 29 1 30 39  CLOs 11 4 15 5  State and municipal bonds 2 - 2 3  Total $ 666 $ 29 $ 695 $ 430  Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  See Note 1 in our 2016 Form 10-K for information regarding our accounting policy relating to mortgage loans on real estate.  Mortgage loans on real estate principally involve commercial real estate. The commercial loans are geographically diversified throughout the U.S. with the largest concentrations in California and Texas, which accounted for 20% and 11% , respectively, of mortgage loans on real estate as of March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016.  The following provides the current and past due composition of our mortgage loans on real estate (in millions):     As of As of  March 31, December 31,  2017 2016  Current $ 10,000 $ 9,888  60 to 90 days past due - -  Greater than 90 days past due 2 2  Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate (2 ) (2 )  Unamortized premium (discount) 1 1  Total carrying value $ 10,001 $ 9,889  The number of impaired mortgage loans on real estate, each of which had an associated specific valuation allowance, and the carrying value of impaired mortgage loans on real estate (dollars in millions) were as follows:     As of As of  March 31, December 31,  2017 2016  Number of impaired mortgage loans on real estate 2 2   Principal balance of impaired mortgage loans on real estate $ 7 $ 7  Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate (2 ) (2 )  Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans on real estate $ 5 $ 5 The changes in the valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate (in millions) were as follows:      For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 2 $ 2  Additions - -  Charge-offs, net of recoveries - -  Balance as of end-of-period $ 2 $ 2  Additional information related to impaired mortgage loans on real estate (in millions) was as follows:     For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Average carrying value for impaired mortgage loans on real estate $ 5 $ 6  Interest income recognized on impaired mortgage loans on real estate - -  Interest income collected on impaired mortgage loans on real estate - -  As described in Note 1 in our 2016 Form 10-K, we use the loan-to-value and debt-service coverage ratios as credit quality indicators for our mortgage loans, which were as follows (dollars in millions):     As of March 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016  Debt- Debt-  Service Service  Carrying % of Coverage Carrying % of Coverage  Loan-to-Value Ratio Value Total Ratio Value Total Ratio  Less than 65% $ 8,873 88.7% 2.16 $ 8,709 88.0% 2.16  65% to 74% 968 9.7% 1.89 1,009 10.2% 1.87  75% to 100% 155 1.5% 0.82 166 1.7% 0.82  Greater than 100% 5 0.1% 1.04 5 0.1% 1.04  Total mortgage loans on real estate $ 10,001 100.0% $ 9,889 100.0%  Alternative Investments  As of March 31, 2017 , and December 31, 201 6 , alternative investments included investments in 199 and 202 different partnerships, respectively, and the portfolios represented approximately 1 % of our overall invested assets.  Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments  The detail of the realized gain (loss) related to certain investments (in millions) was as follows:     For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Fixed maturity AFS securities: (1)  Gross gains $ 8 $ 54  Gross losses (12 ) (98 )  Equity AFS securities:  Gross gains 1 -  Gross losses - -  Gain (loss) on other investments (3 ) (60 )  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL  and changes in other contract holder funds (7 ) (3 )  Total realized gain (loss) related to certain investments, pre-tax $ (13 ) $ (107 )  (1) These amounts are represented net of related fair value hedging activity. See Note 5 for more information. Details underlying write-downs taken as a result of OTTI (in millions) that were recognized in net income (loss) and included in realized gain (loss) on AFS securities above, and the portion of OTTI recognized in OCI (in millions) were as follows:     For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  OTTI Recognized in Net Income (Loss)  Fixed maturity securities:  Corporate bonds $ (2 ) $ (36 )  ABS (1 ) (2 )  RMBS (1 ) (2 )  Gross OTTI recognized in net income (loss) (4 ) (40 )  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL - 4  Net OTTI recognized in net income (loss), pre-tax $ (4 ) $ (36 )   Portion of OTTI Recognized in OCI  Gross OTTI recognized in OCI $ - $ 26  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL - (6 )  Net portion of OTTI recognized in OCI, pre-tax $ - $ 20  Determination of Credit Losses on Corporate Bonds and ABS  As of March 31, 2017 , and December 31, 2016 , we reviewed our corporate bond and ABS portfolios for potential shortfall in contractual principal and interest based on numerous subjective and objective inputs. The factors used to determine the amount of credit loss for each individual security, include, but are not limited to, near term risk, substantial discrepancy between book and market value, sector or company-specific volatility, negative operating trends and trading levels wider than peers.  Credit ratings express opinions about the credit quality of a security. Securities rated investment grade, that is those rated BBB- or higher by Standard & Poor’s ( “ S&P ” ) Rating Services or Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service ( “ Moody’s ” ), are generally considered by the rating agencies and market participants to be low credit risk. As of March 31, 2017 , and December 31, 2016 , 96% and 9 5% , respectively, of the fair value of our corporate bond portfolio was rated investment grade. As of March 31, 2017 , and December 31, 2016 , the portion of our corporate bond portfolio rated below investment grade had an amortized cost of $ 3.6 billion and $3.8 billion, respectively, and a fair value of $ 3.5 billion and $ 3.7 billion, respectively. As of March 31, 2017, and December 31, 201 6, 96% of the fair value of our ABS portfolio was rated investment grade. As of March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016 , the portion of our ABS portfolio rated below investment grade had an amortized cost of $ 87 million and $ 91 million, respectively, and a fair value of $74 million and $ 75 million, respectively. Based upon the analysis discussed above, we believe as of March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016 , that we would recover the amortized cost of each fixed maturity security.  Determination of Credit Losses on MBS  As of March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016 , default rates were projected by considering underlying MBS loan performance and collateral type. Projected default rates on existing delinquencies vary between 10% to 100% depending on loan type and severity of delinquency status. In addition, we estimate the potential contributions of currently performing loans that may become delinquent in the future based on the change in delinquencies and loan liquidations experienced in the recent history. Finally, we develop a default rate timing curve by aggregating the defaults for all loans in the pool (delinquent loans, foreclosure and real estate owned and new delinquencies from currently performing loans) and the associated loan-level loss severities.  We use certain available loan characteristics such as lien status, loan sizes and occupancy to estimate the loss severity of loans. Second lien loans are assigned 100% severity, if defaulted. For first lien loans, we assume a minimum of 30% severity with higher severity assumed for investor properties and further adjusted by housing price assumptions. With the default rate timing curve and loan-level loss severity, we derive the future expected credit losses.  Payables for Collateral on Investments  The carrying value of the payables for collateral on investments (in millions) included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and the fair value of the related investments or collateral consisted of the following:     As of March 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016  Carrying Fair Carrying Fair  Value Value Value Value  Collateral payable for derivative investments (1) $ 923 $ 923 $ 894 $ 894  Securities pledged under securities lending agreements (2) 127 123 216 209  Securities pledged under repurchase agreements (3) 536 588 535 589  Investments pledged for Federal Home Loan Bank of  Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) (4) 3,500 5,205 3,350 4,947  Total payables for collateral on investments $ 5,086 $ 6,839 $ 4,995 $ 6,639  (1) We obtain collateral based upon contractual provisions with our counterparties. These agreements take into consideration the counterparties’ credit rating as compared to ours, the fair value of the derivative investments and specified thresholds that if exceeded result in the receipt of cash that is typically invested in cash and invested cash. See Note 5 for additional information. (2) Our pledged securities under securities lending agreements are included in fixed maturity AFS securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We generally obtain collateral in an amount equal to 102 % and 105 % of the fair value of the domestic and foreign securities, respectively. We value collateral daily and obtain additional collateral when deemed appropriate. The cash received in our securities lending program is typically invested in cash and invested cash or fixed maturity AFS securities. (3) Our pledged securities under repurchase agreements are included in fixed maturity AFS securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We obtain collateral in an amount equal to 95 % of the fair value of the securities, and our agreements with third parties contain contractual provisions to allow for additional collateral to be obtained when necessary. The cash received in our repurchase program is typically invested in fixed maturity AFS securities. (4) Our pledged investments for FHLBI are included in fixed maturity AFS securities and mortgage loans on real estate on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The collateral requirements are generally 105 % to 115 % of the fair value for fixed maturity AFS securities and 155 % to 175 % of the fair value for mortgage loans on real estate. The cash received in these transactions is primarily invested in cash and invested cash or fixed maturity AFS securities.  Increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments (in millions) consisted of the following:     For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Collateral payable for derivative investments $ 29 $ 772  Securities pledged under securities lending agreements (89 ) 4  Securities pledged under repurchase agreements 1 (166 )  Investments pledged for FHLBI 150 (250 )  Total increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments $ 91 $ 360   We have elected not to offset our repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions in our financial statements. The remaining contractual maturities of repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions accounted for as secured borrowings were as follows:      As of March 31, 2017  Overnight and Continuous Up to 30 Days 30 - 90 Days Greater Than 90 Days Total  Repurchase Agreements  Corporate bonds $ - $ - $ 386 $ 150 $ 536  Total - - 386 150 536  Securities Lending  Corporate bonds 127 - - - 127  Total 127 - - - 127  Total gross secured borrowings $ 127 $ - $ 386 $ 150 $ 663      As of December 31, 2016  Overnight and Continuous Up to 30 Days 30 - 90 Days Greater Than 90 Days Total  Repurchase Agreements  Corporate bonds $ - $ - $ 389 $ 146 $ 535  Total - - 389 146 535  Securities Lending  Corporate bonds 212 - - - 212  Foreign government bonds 4 - - - 4  Total 216 - - - 216  Total gross secured borrowings $ 216 $ - $ 389 $ 146 $ 751    We accept collateral in the form of securities in connection with repurchase agreements. In instances where we are permitted to sell or re-pledge the securities received, we report the fair value of the collateral received and a related obligation to return the collateral in the financial statements. In addition, we receive securities in connection with securities borrowing agreements, which we are permitted to sell or re-pledge. As of March 31, 2017, the fair value of all collateral received that we are permitted to sell or re-pledge was $ 176 million. As of March 31, 2017, we have not sold or re-pledged this collateral.  Investment Commitments  As of March 31, 2017 , our investment commitments were $ 1.3 billion, which included $ 735 million of LPs, $ 340 million of mortgage loans on real estate and $ 228 million of private placement securities .  Concentrations of Financial Instruments  As of March 31, 2017 , and December 31, 2016 , our most significant investments in one issuer were our investments in securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation with a fair value of $ 1.4 billion and $ 1.5 billion, respectively, or 1 % of our invested assets portfolio, and our investments in securities issued by Federal National Mortgage Association with a fair value of $ 1.1 billion, or 1 % of our invested assets portfolio. These concentrations include both AFS and trading securities.  As of March 31 , 2017, and December 31, 2016 , our most significant investments in one industry were our investment securities in the consumer non-cyclical industry with a fair value of $ 14.2 billion and $ 13.7 billion, respectively, or 13% of our invested assets portfolio, and our investment securities in the utilities industry with a fair value of $13.4 billion and $ 13.2 billion, respectively, or 12% of our invested assets portfolio. These concentrations include both AFS and trading securities .

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	 5. Derivative Instruments We maintain an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings that are caused by interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange risk, equity market risk, default risk, basis risk and credit risk. See Note 1 in our 2016 Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of the accounting treatment for derivative instruments. See Note 6 in our 2016 Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of our derivative instruments and use of them in our overall risk management strategy, which information is incorporated herein by reference. See Note 12 for additional disclosures related to the fair value of our derivative instruments and Note 3 for derivative instruments related to our consolidated VIEs.  We have derivati ve instruments with off-balance- sheet risks whose notional or contract amounts exceed the related credit exposure. Outstanding derivati ve instruments with off-balance- sheet risks (in millions) were as follows:     As of March 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016  Notional Fair Value Notional Fair Value  Amounts Asset Liability Amounts Asset Liability  Qualifying Hedges  Cash flow hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) $ 3,574 $ 39 $ 80 $ 3,552 $ 68 $ 122  Foreign currency contracts (1) 1,213 131 10 1,177 153 10  Total cash flow hedges 4,787 170 90 4,729 221 132  Fair value hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) 1,493 246 174 1,512 258 182  Non-Qualifying Hedges  Interest rate contracts (1) 77,202 695 160 70,290 985 701  Foreign currency contracts (1) 25 - - 14 - -  Equity market contracts (1) 29,063 526 393 28,315 541 616  Credit contracts (1) 56 - - 66 - -  Embedded derivatives:  Guaranteed living benefit ("GLB") (2) - 226 - - - -  GLB (3) - - - - - 371  Reinsurance related (4) - - 50 - - 53  Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (5) - - 1,238 - - 1,139  Total derivative instruments $ 112,626 $ 1,863 $ 2,105 $ 104,926 $ 2,005 $ 3,194  (1) Reported in derivative investments and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. (2) Reported in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets . (3) Reported in other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. (4) Reported in reinsurance related embedded derivatives on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. (5) Reported in future contract benefits on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Beginning in the first quarter 2017, consistent with changes enacted by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”), the Company offset the variation margin payments with the derivative balances that are cleared through CME.  The maturity of the notional amounts of derivative instruments (in millions) was as follows:     Remaining Life as of March 31, 2017  Less Than 1 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 30 Over 30  1 Year Years Years Years Years Total  Interest rate contracts (1) $ 12,032 $ 25,178 $ 29,368 $ 14,478 $ 1,213 $ 82,269  Foreign currency contracts (2) 37 151 355 695 - 1,238  Equity market contracts 17,297 8,832 1,645 15 1,274 29,063  Credit contracts - - 56 - - 56  Total derivative instruments  with notional amounts $ 29,366 $ 34,161 $ 31,424 $ 15,188 $ 2,487 $ 112,626  (1) As of March 31, 2017 , the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was April 2067 . (2) As of March 31, 2017 , the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was December 2045 .  The change in our unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments in accumulated OCI (“AOCI”) (in millions) was as follows:     For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 49 $ 132  Other comprehensive income (loss):  Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period:  Cash flow hedges:  Interest rate contracts 9 (144 )  Foreign currency contracts 11 15  Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment (20 ) (11 )  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (2 ) (4 )  Income tax benefit (expense) 1 50  Less:  Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses)  included in net income (loss):  Cash flow hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) 2 1  Interest rate contracts (2) (4 ) -  Foreign currency contracts (1) 4 2  Foreign currency contracts (3) 5 4  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL - (1 )  Income tax benefit (expense) (2 ) (2 )  Balance as of end-of-year $ 43 $ 34  (1) The OCI offset is reported within net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (2) The OCI offset is reported within interest and debt expense on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (3) The OCI offset is reported within realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).   The gains (losses) on derivative instruments (in millions) recorded within income (loss) from continuing operations on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) were as follows:     For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Qualifying Hedges  Cash flow hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) $ 2 $ 1  Interest rate contracts (2) (4 ) -  Foreign currency contracts (1) 4 2  Foreign currency contracts (3) 5 4  Total cash flow hedges 7 7  Fair value hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) (7 ) (8 )  Interest rate contracts (2) 8 8  Interest rate contracts (3) 8 (53 )  Total fair value hedges 9 (53 )  Non-Qualifying Hedges  Interest rate contracts (3) (50 ) 975  Foreign currency contracts (3) 3 4  Equity market contracts (3) (528 ) (330 )  Equity market contracts (4) 10 (1 )  Credit contracts (3) - (3 )  Embedded derivatives:  GLB (3) 597 (963 )  Reinsurance related (3) 3 (24 )  Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (3) (120 ) 6  Total derivative instruments $ (69 ) $ (382 )  (1) Reported in net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (2) Reported in interest and debt expense on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (3) Reported in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (4) Reported in commissions and other expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).  Gains (losses) recognized as a component of OCI (in millions) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges were as follows:     For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Offset to net investment income $ 6 $ 3  Offset to realized gain (loss) 5 4  Offset to interest and debt expense (4 ) -  As of March 31, 2017 , $ 8 million of the deferred net gains ( losses ) on derivative instruments in A OCI were expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next 12 months. This reclassification would be due primarily to interest rate variances related to our interest rate swap agreements.  For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , there were no material reclassifications to earnings due to hedged firm commitments no longer deemed probable or due to hedged forecasted transactions that had not occurred by the end of the originally specified time period.    Information related to our credit default swap s for which we are the seller (dollars in millions) was as follows:     As of March 31, 2017  Credit  Reason Nature Rating of Number Maximum  for of Underlying of Fair Potential  Credit Contract Type Maturity Entering Recourse Obligation (1) Instruments Value (2) Payout  Basket credit default swaps 6/20/2022 (3) (4) BBB+ 1 $ 1 $ 56  1 $ 1 $ 56     As of December 31, 2016  Credit  Reason Nature Rating of Number Maximum  for of Underlying of Fair Potential  Credit Contract Type Maturity Entering Recourse Obligation (1) Instruments Value (2) Payout  Single name credit default swaps 3/20/2017 (5) (6) (4) BBB+ 2 $ - $ 40  2 $ - $ 40  (1) Represents average credit ratings based on the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch Ratings, as scaled to the corresponding S&P ratings. (2) Broker quotes are used to det ermine the market value of our credit default swaps. (3) Credit default swaps were entered into in order to hedge the liability exposure on certain variable annuity products . (4) Sellers do not have the right to demand indemnification or compensation from third parties in case of a loss (payment) on the contract. (5) These credit default swaps were sold to a counterparty of the consolidated VIEs discussed in Note 4 in our 2016 Form 10-K. (6) Credit default swaps were entered into in order to generate income by providing default protection in return for a quarterly payment.  Details underlying the associated collateral of our credit default sw aps for which we are the seller if credit risk - related contingent features were triggered (in millions) were as follows:     As of As of  March 31, December 31,  2017 2016  Maximum potential payout $ 56 $ 40  Less: Counterparty thresholds - -  Maximum collateral potentially required to post $ 56 $ 40  Certain of our credit default swap agreements contain contractual provisions that allow for the netting of collateral with our counterparties related to all of our collateralized financing transactions that we have outstanding. If these netting agreements were not in place, we would have been required to post less than $ 1 million of collateral as of March 31, 2017 .  Credit Risk  We are exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by our counterparties on various derivative contracts and reflect assumptions regarding the credit or non-performance risk (“NPR”). The NPR is based upon assumptions for each counterparty’s credit spread over the estimated weighted average life of the counterparty exposure less collateral held. As of March 31, 2017 , the NPR adjustment was less than $ 1 million . The credit risk associated with such agreements is minimized by entering into agreements with financial institutions with long-standing, superior performance records. Additionally, we maintain a policy of requiring derivative contracts to be governed by an International Swaps and Derivatives Association ( “ ISDA ” ) Master Agreement. We are required to maintain minimum ratings as a matter of routine practice in negotiating ISDA agreements. Under some ISDA agreements, our insurance subsidiaries have agreed to maintain certain financial strength or claims-paying ratings. A downgrade below these levels could result in termination of derivative contracts, at which time any amounts payable by us would be dependent on the market value of the underlying derivative contracts. In certain transactions, we and the counterparty have entered into a credit support annex requiring either party to post collateral when net exposures exceed pre-determined thresholds. These thresholds vary by counterparty and credit rating. The amount of such exposure is essentially the net replacement cost or market value less collateral held for such agreements with each counterparty if the net market value is in our favor. As of March 31, 2017 , our exposure was $ 4 million . The amounts recognized (in mi llions) by S&P credit rating of counterparty, for which we had the right to reclaim cash collateral or were obligated to return cash collateral , were as follows:     As of March 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016  Collateral Collateral Collateral Collateral  Posted by Posted by Posted by Posted by  S&P Counter- LNC Counter- LNC  Credit Party (Held by Party (Held by  Rating of (Held by Counter- (Held by Counter-  Counterparty LNC) Party) LNC) Party)  AA- $ 74 $ - $ 53 $ (32 )  A+ 32 (212 ) 10 (217 )  A 495 (277 ) 466 (381 )  A- 59 - 67 -  BBB+ 262 - 298 -  $ 922 $ (489 ) $ 894 $ (630 )  Balance Sheet Offsetting  Information related to the effects of offsetting on our Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions) was as follows:      As of March 31, 2017  Embedded  Derivative Derivative  Instruments Instruments Total   Financial Assets  Gross amount of recognized assets $ 1,532 $ 226 $ 1,758  Gross amounts offset (541 ) - (541 )  Net amount of assets 991 226 1,217  Gross amounts not offset:  Cash collateral (922 ) - (922 )  Net amount $ 69 $ 226 $ 295   Financial Liabilities  Gross amount of recognized liabilities $ 589 $ 1,288 $ 1,877  Gross amounts offset (105 ) - (105 )  Net amount of liabilities 484 1,288 1,772  Gross amounts not offset:  Cash collateral (489 ) - (489 )  Net amount $ (5 ) $ 1,288 $ 1,283      As of December 31, 2016  Embedded  Derivative Derivative  Instruments Instruments Total   Financial Assets  Gross amount of recognized assets $ 1,470 $ - $ 1,470  Gross amounts offset (543 ) - (543 )  Net amount of assets 927 - 927  Gross amounts not offset:  Cash collateral (894 ) - (894 )  Net amount $ 33 $ - $ 33   Financial Liabilities  Gross amount of recognized liabilities $ 1,089 $ 1,563 $ 2,652  Gross amounts offset (536 ) - (536 )  Net amount of liabilities 553 1,563 2,116  Gross amounts not offset:  Cash collateral (630 ) - (630 )  Net amount $ (77 ) $ 1,563 $ 1,486 

Federal Income Taxes

Federal Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Federal Income Taxes [Abstract]
Federal Income Taxes	 6 . Federal Income Taxes  The effective tax rate is the ratio of tax expense over pre-tax income (loss). The effective tax rate was 8 % and 10% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The amount previously reported for the three months ended March 31, 2016, was updated due to the October 1, 2016, adoption of ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. For more information, see Note 2 in our 2016 Form 10-K. The effective tax rate on pre-tax income from continuing operations was significantly lower than the prevailing corporate federal income tax rate. Differences in the effective rates and the U.S. statutory rate of 35 % were the result of the separate accounts dividends-received deduction, certain tax preferred investment income , foreign tax credits a nd other tax preference items. 

Guaranteed Benefit Features

Guaranteed Benefit Features	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Guaranteed Benefit Features [Abstract]
Guaranteed Benefit Features	7. Guaranteed Benefit Features  Information on the guaranteed death benefit (“GDB”) features outstanding (dollars in millions) was as follows:     As of As of  March 31, December 31,  2017 (1) 2016 (1)  Return of Net Deposits  Total account value $ 90,582 $ 87,707  Net amount at risk (2) 348 824  Average attained age of contract holders 63 years 63 years   Minimum Return  Total account value $ 106 $ 105  Net amount at risk (2) 20 22  Average attained age of contract holders 75 years 75 years  Guaranteed minimum return 5% 5%   Anniversary Contract Value  Total account value $ 25,359 $ 24,605  Net amount at risk (2) 553 782  Average attained age of contract holders 70 years 69 years  (1) Our variable contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract; therefore, the amounts listed are not mutually exclusive. (2) Represents the amount of death benefit in excess of the account balance that is subject to market fluctuations.  The determination of GDB liabilities is based on models that involve a range of scenarios and assumptions, including those regarding expected market rates of return and volatility, contract surrender rates and mortality experience. The following summarizes the balances of and changes in the liabilities for GDBs (in millions), which were recorded in future contract benefits on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:     For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 110 $ 115  Changes in reserves (5 ) 15  Benefits paid (6 ) (14 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ 99 $ 116  Variable Annuity Contracts  Account balances of variable annuity contracts, including those with guarantees, (in millions) were invested in separate account investment options as follows:     As of As of  March 31, December 31,  2017 2016  Asset Type  Domestic equity $ 54,433 $ 52,244  International equity 18,131 17,396  Bonds 27,564 27,532  Money market 12,992 12,010  Total $ 113,120 $ 109,182   Percent of total variable annuity  separate account values 99% 99%  Secondary Guarantee Products  Future contract benefits and other contract holder funds include reserves for our secondary guarantee products sold through our Life Insurance segment. These UL and VUL products with secondary guarantees represented 34% and 35% of total life insurance in-force reserves as of March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016 , respectively. UL and VUL products with secondary guarantees represented 26% and 29% of total sales for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Contingencies and Commitments

Contingencies and Commitments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Contingencies and Commitments [Abstract]
Contingencies and Commitments	8. Contingencies and Commitments  Regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments, the SEC, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and other regulatory bodies regularly make inquiries and conduct examinations or investigations concerning our compliance with, among other things, insurance laws, securities laws, laws governing the activities of broker-dealers, registered investment advisors and unclaimed property laws. LNC is involved in various pending or threatened legal or regulatory proceedings, including purported class actions, arising from the conduct of business both in the ordinary course and otherwise. In some of the matters, very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the assertion of monetary damages or other relief. Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the trial court. In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding verdicts obtained in the jurisdiction for similar matters. This variability in pleadings, together with the actual experiences of LNC in litigating or resolving through settlement numerous claims over an extended period of time, demonstrates to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value. Due to the unpredictable nature of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time is normally difficult to ascertain. Uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law in the context of the pleadings or evidence presented, whether by motion practice, or at trial or on appeal. Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law. We establish liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when information related to the loss contingencies shows both that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. It is possible that some matters could require us to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be estimated as of March 31, 2017 . While the potential future charges could be material in the particular quarterly or annual periods in which they are recorded, based on information currently known by management, management does not believe any such charges are likely to have a material adverse effect on LNC’s financial condition.  For some matters, the Company is able to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss. For such matters in which a loss is probable, an accrual has been made. For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no accrual has been made. Accordingly, the estimate contained in this paragraph reflects two types of matters. For some matters included within this estimate, an accrual has been made, but there is a reasonable possibility that an exposure exists in excess of the amount accrued. In these cases, the estimate reflects the reasonably possible range of loss in excess of the accrued amount. For other matters included within this estimation, no accrual has been made because a loss, while potentially estimable, is believed to be reasonably possible but not probable. In these cases, the estimate reflects the reasonably possible loss or range of loss. As of March 3 1 , 201 7 , we estimate the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses to be up to approximately $ 50 million.  For other matters, we are not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss. We are often unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of the range of possible loss, such as quantification of a damage demand from plaintiffs, discovery from other parties and investigation of factual allegations, rulings by the court on motions or appeals, analysis by experts and the progress of settlement negotiations. On a quarterly and annual basis, we review relevant information with respect to litigation contingencies and update our accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews .  Cost of Insurance Litigation  In re: Lincoln National COI Litigation , pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Master File No. 16-cv-06605-GJP, is a consolidated litigation matter related to multiple putative class action filings that were consolidated by an order dated March 20, 2017. In addition to consolidating a number of existing ma tters, the order also covers any future filed cases in the same district related to the same subject matter. Plaintiffs own universal life insurance policies originally issued by Jefferson Pilot (now Lincoln). Plaintiffs allege that The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company breached the terms of policyholders’ contracts when it increased non-guaranteed cost of ins urance rates beginning in 2016. Plaintiffs seek to represent classes of policyowners and seek damages on their behalf. We are vigorously defending this matter.  See Note 13 in our 201 6 Form 10-K for additional discussion of commitments and contingencies, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

Shares and Stockholders' Equity

Shares and Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Shares and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shares and Stockholders' Equity	 9. Shares and Stockholders’ Equity  Common Shares  The changes in our common stock (number of shares) were as follows:      For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Common Stock  Balance as of beginning-of-year 226,335,105 243,835,893  Stock issued for exercise of warrants 45,294 24,813  Stock compensation/issued for benefit plans 1,371,831 660,605  Retirement/cancellation of shares (2,863,971 ) (5,516,059 )  Balance as of end-of-period 224,888,259 239,005,252   Common Stock as of End-of-Period  Basic basis 224,888,259 239,005,252  Diluted basis (1) 228,934,631 242,176,232  (1) Effective October 1, 2016, we early adopted ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. We have updated certain previously reported interim results and metrics as of January 1, 2016, in accordance with the new guidance. For more information, see Note 1 – Earnings Per Share in our 2016 Form 10-K.  Our common stock is without par value.  Average Shares  A reconciliation of the denominator (number of shares) in the calculations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share was as follows:    For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Weighted-average shares, as used in basic calculation 225,619,803 241,676,363  Shares to cover exercise of outstanding warrants 1,023,429 1,101,947  Shares to cover non-vested stock (1) 1,675,799 1,063,150  Average stock options outstanding during the period 2,681,129 1,806,644  Assumed acquisition of shares with assumed proceeds  from exercising outstanding warrants (150,236 ) (291,520 )  Assumed acquisition of shares with assumed  proceeds and benefits from exercising stock  options (at average market price for the period) (1) (1,619,156 ) (1,299,510 )  Shares repurchasable from measured but  unrecognized stock option expense (77,078 ) (1,103 )  Average deferred compensation shares 949,815 1,039,929  Weighted-average shares, as used in diluted calculation (1) 230,103,505 245,095,900  (1) Effective October 1, 2016, we early adopted ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. We have updated certain previously reported interim results and metrics as of January 1, 2016, in accordance with the new guidance. For more information, see Note 1 – Earnings Per Share in our 2016 Form 10-K.  In the event the average market price of LNC common stock exceeds the issue price of stock options and the options have a dilutive effect to our earnings per share (“EPS”), such options will be shown in the table above.  We have participants in our deferred compensation plans who selected LNC stock as the measure for the investment return attributable to all or a portion of their deferral amounts. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , the effect of settling this obligation in LNC stock (“equity classification”) was more dilutive than the scenario of settling in cash (“liability classification”). Therefore, for our EPS calculation for these periods, we added these shares to the denominator and adjusted the numerator to present net income as if the shares had been accounted for under equity classification by removing the mark-to-market adjustment included in net income attributable to these deferred units of LNC stock. The amount of this adjustment was less than $1 million and $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , and 2016 , respectively.  AOCI  The following summarizes the components and changes in AOCI (in millions):     For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 1,784 $ 991  Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period 530 2,469  Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment 19 7  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI, future contract benefits and other contract holder funds (121 ) (661 )  Income tax benefit (expense) (151 ) (641 )  Less:  Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (3 ) (44 )  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (7 ) (2 )  Income tax benefit (expense) 4 16  Balance as of end-of-period $ 2,067 $ 2,195  Unrealized OTTI on AFS Securities  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 25 $ 26  (Increases) attributable to:  Gross OTTI recognized in OCI during the period - (26 )  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL - 6  Income tax benefit (expense) - 7  Decreases attributable to:  Changes in fair value, sales, maturities or other settlements of AFS securities 7 (14 )  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (1 ) 4  Income tax benefit (expense) (2 ) 3  Balance as of end-of-period $ 29 $ 6  Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 49 $ 132  Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period 20 (129 )  Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment (20 ) (11 )  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (2 ) (4 )  Income tax benefit (expense) 1 50  Less:  Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss) 7 7  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL - (1 )  Income tax benefit (expense) (2 ) (2 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ 43 $ 34  Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ (27 ) $ (5 )  Foreign currency translation adjustment arising during the period 2 (2 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ (25 ) $ (7 )  Funded Status of Employee Benefit Plans  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ (265 ) $ (299 )  Adjustment arising during the period (2 ) 2  Balance as of end-of-period $ (267 ) $ (297 )  The following summarizes the reclassifications out of AOCI (in millions) and the associated line item in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss):      For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities  Gross reclassification $ (3 ) $ (44 ) Total realized gain (loss)  Associated amortization of DAC,  VOBA, DSI and DFEL (7 ) (2 ) Total realized gain (loss)  Reclassification before income Income (loss) from continuing  tax benefit (expense) (10 ) (46 ) operations before taxes  Income tax benefit (expense) 4 16 Federal income tax expense (benefit)  Reclassification, net of income tax $ (6 ) $ (30 ) Net income (loss)   Unrealized OTTI on AFS Securities  Gross reclassification $ - $ - Total realized gain (loss)  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL - - Total realized gain (loss)  Reclassification before income Income (loss) from continuing  tax benefit (expense) - - operations before taxes  Income tax benefit (expense) - - Federal income tax expense (benefit)  Reclassification, net of income tax $ - $ - Net income (loss)   Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments  Gross reclassifications:  Interest rate contracts $ 2 $ 1 Net investment income  Interest rate contracts (4 ) - Interest and debt expense  Foreign currency contracts 4 6 Net investment income  Foreign currency contracts 5 - Total realized gain (loss)  Total gross reclassifications 7 7  Associated amortization of DAC,  VOBA, DSI and DFEL - (1 ) Commissions and other expenses  Reclassifications before income Income (loss) from continuing  tax benefit (expense) 7 6 operations before taxes  Income tax benefit (expense) (2 ) (2 ) Federal income tax expense (benefit)  Reclassifications, net of income tax $ 5 $ 4 Net income (loss)  

Realized Gain (Loss)

Realized Gain (Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Realized Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Realized Gain (Loss)	 10. Realized Gain (Loss)  Details underlying realized gain (loss) (in millions) reported on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) were as follows:      For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Total realized gain (loss) related to certain investments (1) $ (13 ) $ (107 )  Realized gain (loss) on the mark-to-market on certain instruments (2) 11 8  Indexed annuity and IUL contracts net derivatives results: (3)  Gross gain (loss) (10 ) (23 )  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (2 ) 1  Variable annuity net derivatives results: (4)  Gross gain (loss) (28 ) 11  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL 3 (4 )  Total realized gain (loss) $ (39 ) $ (114 )  (1) See “ Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments ” section in Note 4 . (2) Represents changes in the fair values of certain derivative investments (not including those associated with our variable and indexed annuity and IUL contracts net derivatives results), reinsurance related embedded derivatives and trading securities. (3) Represents the net difference between the change in the fair value of the S&P 500 Index ® call options that we hold and the change in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities of our indexed annuity and IUL contracts along with changes in the fair value of embedded derivative liabilities related to index call options we may purchase in the future to hedge contract holder index allocations applicable to future reset periods for our indexed annuity products. (4) Includes the net difference in the change in embedded derivative reserves of our GLB riders and the change in the fair value of the derivative instruments we own to hedge the change in embedded derivative reserves on our GLB riders and the benefit ratio unlocking on our GLB and GDB riders, including the cost of purchasing the hedging instruments. 

Stock-Based Incentive Compensat

Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans	11 . Stock-Based Compensation Plans  We sponsor stock-based compensation plans for our employees and directors and for the employees and agents of our subsidiaries that provide for the grant of stock options, performance shares (performance-vested shares as opposed to service-vested shares), stock a ppreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock units ( “ RSUs ” ) and deferred stock units (“DSUs”) . We issue new shares to satisfy option exercises.  LNC stock-based awards granted were as follows:      For the  Three  Months  Ended  March 31,  2017  10-year LNC stock options 392,367  Performance shares 149,225  RSUs 398,500  Non-employee:  SARs 26,494  Agent stock options 102,638  Director DSUs 7,475 

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12. Fair Value of Financial Instruments  The carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments (in millions) were as follows:      As of March 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016  Carrying Fair Carrying Fair  Value Value Value Value  Assets  AFS securities:  Fixed maturity securities $ 91,102 $ 91,102 $ 89,013 $ 89,013  VIEs’ fixed maturity securities - - 200 200  Equity securities 276 276 275 275  Trading securities 1,703 1,703 1,712 1,712  Mortgage loans on real estate 10,001 10,033 9,889 9,853  Derivative investments (1) 991 991 927 927  Other investments 2,104 2,104 2,230 2,230  Cash and invested cash 1,923 1,923 2,722 2,722  Other assets:  GLB direct embedded derivatives (2) 226 226 - -  GLB ceded embedded derivatives 116 116 203 203  Separate account assets 132,958 132,958 128,397 128,397   Liabilities  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (1,238 ) (1,238 ) (1,139 ) (1,139 )  Other contract holder funds:  Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts (629 ) (629 ) (629 ) (629 )  Account values of certain investment contracts (31,832 ) (35,540 ) (31,516 ) (35,647 )  Short-term debt (200 ) (210 ) - -  Long-term debt (5,133 ) (5,573 ) (5,345 ) (5,679 )  Reinsurance related embedded derivatives (50 ) (50 ) (53 ) (53 )  Other liabilities:  Derivative liabilities (1) (171 ) (171 ) (553 ) (553 )  GLB direct embedded derivatives (2) - - (371 ) (371 )  (1) We have master netting agreements with each of our derivative counterparties, which allow for the netting of our derivative asset and liability positions by counterparty. (2) Portions of our GLB direct embedded derivatives are ceded to third-party reinsurance counterparties. Refer to Note 5 for additional detail.  Valuation Methodologies and Associated Inputs for Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value  The following discussion outlines the methodologies and assumptions used to determine the fair value of our financial instruments not carried at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Considerable judgment is required to develop these assumptions used to measure fair value. Accordingly, the estimates shown are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would be realized in a one-time, current market exchange of all of our financial instruments.  Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  The fair value of mortgage loans on real estate is established using a discounted cash flow method based on credit rating, maturity and future income. The ratings for mortgages in good standing are based on property type, location, market conditions, occupancy, debt-service coverage, loan-to-value, quality of tenancy, borrower and payment record. The fair value for impaired mortgage loans is based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our mortgage loans on real estate are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.  Other Investments  The carrying value of our assets classified as other investments approximates fair value. Other investments includes primarily LPs and other privately held investments that are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and the carrying value is based on our proportional share of the net assets of the LPs. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our LPs and other privately held investments are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Other investments also includes securities that are not LPs or other privately held investments and the inputs used to measure the fair value of these securities are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.  Other Contract Holder Funds  Other contract holder funds include remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts and account values of certain investment contracts. The fair value for the remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts is estimated using discounted cash flow calculations as of the balance sheet date. These calculations are based on interest rates currently offered on similar contracts with maturities that are consistent with those remaining for the contracts being valued. As of March 31, 2017 , and December 31 , 2016 , the r emaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts carrying value approximated fair value. The fair value of the account values of certain investment contracts is based on their approximate surrender value as of the balance sheet date. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our other contract holder funds are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.  Short-Term and Long-Term Debt  The fair value of short-term and long-term debt is based on quoted market prices. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our short-term and long-term debt are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.  Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value  We did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair valu e on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2017 , o r December 31, 201 6 , and we noted no changes in our valuation methodologies between these periods. The following summarizes our financial instruments carried at fair value (in millions) on a recurring basis by the fair value hierarchy levels described in “ Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” in Note 1 of our 20 16 Fo rm 10-K:      As of March 31, 2017  Quoted  Prices  in Active  Markets for Significant Significant  Identical Observable Unobservable Total  Assets Inputs Inputs Fair  (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Value  Assets  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ - $ 76,376 $ 2,403 $ 78,779  ABS - 1,033 29 1,062  U.S. government bonds 562 9 5 576  Foreign government bonds - 346 110 456  RMBS - 3,574 7 3,581  CMBS - 383 44 427  CLOs - 688 88 776  State and municipal bonds - 4,825 1 4,826  Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities 66 474 79 619  Equity AFS securities 16 78 182 276  Trading securities 102 1,541 60 1,703  Derivative investments (1) - 1,077 560 1,637  Other investments 150 - - 150  Cash and invested cash - 1,923 - 1,923  Other assets:  GLB direct embedded derivatives - - 226 226  GLB ceded embedded derivatives - - 116 116  Separate account assets 834 132,124 - 132,958  Total assets $ 1,730 $ 224,451 $ 3,910 $ 230,091   Liabilities  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives $ - $ - $ (1,238 ) $ (1,238 )  Long-term debt - (1,118 ) - (1,118 )  Reinsurance related embedded derivatives - (50 ) - (50 )  Other liabilities:  Derivative liabilities (1) - (369 ) (448 ) (817 )  Total liabilities $ - $ (1,537 ) $ (1,686 ) $ (3,223 )      As of December 31, 2016  Quoted  Prices  in Active  Markets for Significant Significant  Identical Observable Unobservable Total  Assets Inputs Inputs Fair  (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Value  Assets  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ - $ 74,659 $ 2,405 $ 77,064  ABS - 1,052 33 1,085  U.S. government bonds 408 11 - 419  Foreign government bonds - 395 111 506  RMBS - 3,611 3 3,614  CMBS - 343 7 350  CLOs - 676 68 744  State and municipal bonds - 4,627 - 4,627  Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities 60 468 76 604  VIEs’ fixed maturity securities - 200 - 200  Equity AFS securities 17 81 177 275  Trading securities 102 1,545 65 1,712  Derivative investments (1) - 1,406 599 2,005  Other investments 146 - - 146  Cash and invested cash - 2,722 - 2,722  Other assets – GLB ceded embedded derivatives - - 203 203  Separate account assets 863 127,534 - 128,397  Total assets $ 1,596 $ 219,330 $ 3,747 $ 224,673   Liabilities  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives $ - $ - $ (1,139 ) $ (1,139 )  Long-term debt - (1,203 ) - (1,203 )  Reinsurance related embedded derivatives - (53 ) - (53 )  Other liabilities:  Derivative liabilities (1) - (939 ) (692 ) (1,631 )  GLB direct embedded derivatives - - (371 ) (371 )  Total liabilities $ - $ (2,195 ) $ (2,202 ) $ (4,397 )  (1) Derivative investment assets and liabilities presented within the fair value hierarchy are presented on a gross basis by derivative type and not on a master netting basis by counterparty. The following summarizes changes to our financial instruments carried at fair value (in millions) and classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. This summary excludes any effect of amortization of deferred acquisition costs ( “ DAC ” ), value of business acquired ( “ VOBA ” ), deferred sales inducements ( “ DSI ” ) and deferred front-end loads ( “ DFEL ” ). The gains and losses below may include changes in fair value due in part to observable inputs that are a component of the valuation methodology.        For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017  Gains Issuances, Transfers  Items (Losses) Sales, Into or  Included in Maturities, Out  Beginning in OCI Settlements, of Ending  Fair Net and Calls, Level 3, Fair  Value Income Other (1) Net Net (2) Value  Investments: (3)  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 2,405 $ 6 $ 65 $ (204 ) $ 131 $ 2,403  ABS 33 - 1 - (5 ) 29  U.S. government bonds - - - - 5 5  Foreign government bonds 111 - (1 ) - - 110  RMBS 3 - - 4 - 7  CMBS 7 - - 41 (4 ) 44  CLOs 68 - - 5 15 88  State and municipal bonds - (1 ) - - 2 1  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 76 - 3 - - 79  Equity AFS securities 177 1 (1 ) 5 - 182  Trading securities 65 1 7 (16 ) 3 60  Derivative investments (93 ) (69 ) 23 251 - 112  Other assets: (5)  GLB direct embedded derivatives - 226 - - - 226  GLB ceded embedded derivatives 203 (87 ) - - - 116  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (5) (1,139 ) (120 ) - 21 - (1,238 )  Other liabilities – GLB direct embedded  derivatives (5) (371 ) 371 - - - -  Total, net $ 1,545 $ 328 $ 97 $ 107 $ 147 $ 2,224        For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016  Gains Issuances, Transfers  Items (Losses) Sales Into or  Included in Maturities, Out  Beginning in OCI Settlements, of Ending  Fair Net and Calls, Level 3, Fair  Value Income Other (1) Net Net (2) Value  Investments: (3)  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 1,993 $ 6 $ 18 $ 28 $ 140 $ 2,185  ABS 45 - (1 ) - - 44  Foreign government bonds 111 - - - - 111  RMBS 1 - - - - 1  CMBS 10 - - (1 ) - 9  CLOs 551 - 2 38 - 591  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 94 - (2 ) - - 92  Equity AFS securities 164 - (1 ) 4 - 167  Trading securities 73 1 2 (1 ) (1 ) 74  Derivative investments 555 (440 ) 92 (17 ) - 190  Other investments (4) - 2 - - - 2  Other assets – GLB ceded  embedded derivatives (5) 268 165 - - - 433  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded  derivatives (5) (1,100 ) 7 - 5 - (1,088 )  VIEs’ liabilities – derivative instruments (4) (4 ) 4 - - - -  Other liabilities:  Credit default swaps (4) (9 ) (3 ) - - - (12 )  GLB direct embedded derivatives (5) (953 ) (963 ) - - - (1,916 )  Total, net $ 1,799 $ (1,221 ) $ 110 $ 56 $ 139 $ 883  (1) The changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps are offset by an adjustment to derivative investments (see Note 5). (2) Transfers into or out of Level 3 for AFS and trading securities are displayed at amortized co st as of the beginning-of-year . For AFS and trading securities, the diff erence between beginning-of-year amorti zed cost and beginning-of-year fair value was included in OCI and earnings, r espectively, in the prior period . (3) Amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts are included in net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Gains (losses) from sales, maturities, settlements and calls and OTTI are included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (4) The changes in fair value of the credit default swaps and contingency forwards are included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (5) Gains (losses) from sales, maturities, settlements and calls are included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The following provides the components of the items included in issuances, sales, maturities, settlements and calls, net, excluding any effect of amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and changes in future contract benefits, (in millions) as reported above:     For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017  Issuances Sales Maturities Settlements Calls Total  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 38 $ (62 ) $ (22 ) $ (63 ) $ (95 ) $ (204 )  RMBS 4 - - - - 4  CMBS 41 - - - - 41  CLOs 5 - - - - 5  Equity AFS securities 7 (2 ) - - - 5  Trading securities 2 (17 ) - (1 ) - (16 )  Derivative investments 47 294 (90 ) - - 251  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (18 ) - - 39 - 21  Total, net $ 126 $ 213 $ (112 ) $ (25 ) $ (95 ) $ 107     For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016  Issuances Sales Maturities Settlements Calls Total  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 116 $ 9 $ (4 ) $ (36 ) $ (57 ) $ 28  CMBS - (1 ) - - - (1 )  CLOs 40 - - (2 ) - 38  Equity AFS securities 4 - - - - 4  Trading securities - - - (1 ) - (1 )  Derivative investments 40 (43 ) (14 ) - - (17 )  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (26 ) - - 31 - 5  Total, net $ 174 $ (35 ) $ (18 ) $ (8 ) $ (57 ) $ 56       The following summarizes changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income, excluding any effect of amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and changes in future contract benefits, related to financial instruments carried at fair value classified within Level 3 that we still held (in millions):     For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Derivative investments $ (74 ) $ (393 )  Other investments - 2  Embedded derivatives:  Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (14 ) (23 )  GLB 747 (824 )  VIEs’ liabilities – derivative instruments - 4  Credit default swaps - (3 )  Total, net (1) $ 659 $ (1,237 )  (1) Included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The following provides the components of the transfers into and out of Level 3 (in millions) as reported above:     For the Three For the Three  Months Ended Months Ended  March 31, 2017 March 31, 2016  Transfers Transfers Transfers Transfers  Into Out of Into Out of  Level 3 Level 3 Total Level 3 Level 3 Total  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 160 $ (29 ) $ 131 $ 164 $ (24 ) $ 140  ABS - (5 ) (5 ) - - -  U.S. government bonds 5 - 5 - - -  CMBS - (4 ) (4 ) - - -  CLOs 30 (15 ) 15 - - -  State and municipal bonds 2 - 2 - - -  Trading securities 3 - 3 - (1 ) (1 )  Total, net $ 200 $ (53 ) $ 147 $ 164 $ (25 ) $ 139      Transfers into and out of Level 3 are generally the result of observable market information on a security no longer being available or becoming available to our pricing vendors. For th e three months ended March 31 , 201 7 and 201 6 , transfers in and out of Level 3 were attributable primarily to the securities’ observable market information no longer being available or becoming available. Transfers into and out of Levels 1 and 2 are generally the result of a change in the type of input used to measure the fair value of an asset or liability at the end of the reporting period. When quoted prices in active markets become available, transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 will result. When quoted prices in active markets become unavailable, but we are able to employ a valuation methodology using significant observable inputs, transfers from Level 1 to Le vel 2 will result. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the transfers between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy were less than $1 million for our financial instruments carried at fa ir value. The following summarizes the fair value ( in millions), valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs of the Level 3 fair va lue measurements as of March 3 1 , 201 7 :       Fair Valuation Significant Assumption or  Value Technique Unobservable Inputs Input Ranges  Assets  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS and trading  securities:  Corporate bonds $ 1,795 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 0.6 % - 37.3 %  ABS 25 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 3.0 % - 3.0 %  Foreign government bonds 79 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 1.7 % - 3.3 %  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 4 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 2.0 % - 2.0 %  Equity AFS securities 24 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 4.5 % - 5.0 %  Other assets – GLB direct and ceded  embedded derivatives 342 Discounted cash flow Long-term lapse rate (2) 1 % - 30 %  Utilization of guaranteed withdrawals (3) 85 % - 100 %  Claims utilization factor (4) 60 % - 100 %  Premiums utilization factor (4) 80 % - 115 %  NPR (5) 0.02 % - 0.37 %  Mortality rate (6) (8)  Volatility (7) 1 % - 29 %  Liabilities  Future contract benefits – indexed  annuity and IUL contracts  embedded derivatives $ (1,238 ) Discounted cash flow Lapse rate (2) 1 % - 9 %  Mortality rate (6) (8)  (1) The liquidity /duration adjustment input represents an estimated market participant composite of adjustments attributable to liquidity premiums, expected durations, structures and credit quality that would be applied to the market observable information of an investment. (2) The lapse rate input represents the estimated probability of a contract surrendering during a year, and thereby forgoing any future benefits. The range for indexed annuity and IUL contracts represents the lapse rates during the surrender charge period. (3) The utilization of guaranteed withdrawals input represents the estimated percentage of contract holders that utilize the guaranteed withdrawal feature. (4) The utilization factors are applied to the present value of claims or premiums, as appropriate, in the GLB reserve calculation to estimate the impact of inefficient withdrawal behavior, including taking less than or more than the maximum guaranteed withdrawal. (5) The NPR input represents the estimated additional credit spread that market participants would apply to the market observable discount rate when pricing a contract. (6) The mortality rate input represents the estimated probability of when an individual belonging to a particular group, categorized according to age or some other factor such as gender, will die. (7) The volatility input represents overall volatilities assumed for the underlying variable annuity funds, which include a mixture of equity and fixed-income assets. Fair value of the variable annuity GLB embedded derivatives would increase if higher volatilities were used for valuation. (8) The mortality rate is based on a combination of company and industry experience, adjusted for improvement factors.  From the table above, we have excluded Level 3 fair value measurements obtained from independent, third-party pricing sources. We do not develop the significant inputs used to measure the fair value of these assets and liabilities, and the information regarding the significant inputs is not readily available to us. Independent broker-quoted fair values are non-binding quotes developed by market makers or broker-dealers obtained from third-party sources recognized as market participants. The fair value of a broker-quoted asset or liability is based solely on the receipt of an updated quote from a single market maker or a broker-dealer recognized as a market participant as we do not adjust broker quotes when used as the fair value measurement for an asset or liability. Significant increases or decreases in any of the quotes received from a third-party broker-dealer may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.  Changes in any of the significant inputs presented in the table above may result in a significant change in the fair value measurement of the asset or liability as follows:  · Investments – An increase in the liquidity/duration adjustment input would result in a decrease in the fair value measurement. · Indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives – An increase in the lapse rate or mortality rate inputs would result in a decrease in the fair value measurement. · GLB embedded derivatives – Assuming our GLB direct embedded derivative is in a liability position, an increase in our lapse rate, NPR or mortality rate inputs would result in a decrease in the fair value measurement; and an increase in the utilization of guaranteed withdrawal or volatility inputs would result in an increase in the fair value measurement. Assuming our GLB ceded embedded derivative is in an asset position, the fair value measurement would move in the opposite direction from the GLB direct embedded derivative.  For each category discussed above, the unobservable inputs are not inter-related; therefore, a directional change in one input will not affect the other inputs.  As part of our ongoing valuation process, we assess the reasonable ness of our valuation techniques or models and make adjustments as necessary. For more information, see “ Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” in Note 1 of our 2 016 Form 10-K .

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	13 . Segment Information  We provide products and services and report results through our Annuities, Retirement Plan Services, Life Insurance and Group Protection segments. We also have Other Operations, which includes the financial data for operations that are not directly related to the business segments. Our reporting segments reflect the manner by which our chief operating decision makers view and manage the business. See Note 2 1 of our 2016 Form 10-K for a brief description of these segments and Other Operations.  Segment operating revenues and income (loss) from operations are internal measures used by our management and Board of Directors to evaluate and assess the results of our segments. Income (loss) from operations is GAAP net income excluding the after-tax effects of the following items, as applicable:  · Realized gains and losses associated with the following ( “ excluded realized gain (loss) ” ): § Sales or disposals and impairments of securities; § Changes in the fair value of derivatives, embedded derivatives within certain reinsurance arrangements and trading securities; § Changes in the fair value of the derivatives we own to hedge our GDB riders within our variable annuities; § Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives of our GLB riders reflected within variable annuity net derivative results accounted for at fair value; § Changes in the fair value of the derivatives we own to hedge our GLB riders reflected within variable annuity net derivative results; and § Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities related to index call options we may purchase in the future to hedge contract holder index allocations applicable to future reset periods for our indexed annuity products accounted for at fair value; · Changes in reserves resulting from benefit ratio unlocking on our GDB and GLB riders; · Income (loss) from reserve changes, net of related amortization, on business sold through reinsurance; · Gains (losses) on early extinguishment of debt; · Losses from the impairment of intangible assets; · Income (loss) from discontinued operations; and · Income (loss) from the initial adoption of new accounting standards.  Operating revenues represent GAAP revenues excluding the pre-tax effects of the following items, as applicable:  · Excluded realized gain (loss); · Revenue adjustments from the initial adoption of new accounting standards; · Amortization of DFEL arising from changes in GDB and GLB benefit ratio unlocking; and · Amortization of deferred gains arising from reserve changes on business sold through reinsurance.  We use our prevailing corporate federal income tax rate of 35 % while taking into account any permanent differences for events recognized differently in our financial statements and federal income tax returns when reconciling our non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measure. Operating revenues and income (loss) from operations do not replace revenues and net income as the GAAP measures of our consolidated results of operations. Segment information (in millions) was as follows:      For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Revenues  Operating revenues:  Annuities $ 1,061 $ 1,039  Retirement Plan Services 282 267  Life Insurance 1,606 1,478  Group Protection 541 534  Other Operations 88 82  Excluded realized gain (loss), pre-tax (80 ) (158 )  Amortization of deferred gain arising  from reserve changes on business  sold through reinsurance, pre-tax 1 1  Amortization of DFEL associated  with benefit ratio unlocking, pre-tax 1 -  Total revenues $ 3,500 $ 3,243       For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Net Income (Loss)  Income (loss) from operations:  Annuities $ 281 $ 218  Retirement Plan Services 37 31  Life Insurance 130 75  Group Protection 7 5  Other Operations (13 ) (12 )  Excluded realized gain (loss), after-tax (52 ) (102 )  Benefit ratio unlocking, after-tax 45 (4 )  Net income (loss) $ 435 $ 211 

Variable Interest Entities ("VI

Variable Interest Entities ("VIE's") (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity Asset and Liability information	   As of March 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016  Number Number  of Notional Carrying of Notional Carrying  Instruments Amounts Value Instruments Amounts Value  Assets  Fixed maturity securities:  Asset-backed credit card loans (1) N/A $ - $ - N/A $ - $ 200  Total return swap 1 527 - 1 533 -  Credit default swaps - - - 1 200 -  Total assets 1 $ 527 $ - 2 $ 733 $ 200   (1) Reported in variable interest entities’ fixed maturity securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity Settlement Payments and Mark-to-Market Adjustments	   For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Non-Qualifying Hedges  Credit default swaps $ - $ 6  Contingent forwards - -  Total non-qualifying hedges (1) $ - $ 6  (1) Reported in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss ).

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Investments [Abstract]
Reconciliation Of Available-For-Sale Securities From Cost Basis To Fair Value	   As of March 31, 2017  Amortized Gross Unrealized Fair  Cost Gains Losses OTTI (1) Value  Fixed maturity securities:  Corporate bonds $ 74,509 $ 5,036 $ 771 $ (5 ) $ 78,779  Asset-backed securities (“ABS”) 1,017 40 12 (17 ) 1,062  U.S. government bonds 540 38 2 - 576  Foreign government bonds 398 58 - - 456  Residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) 3,490 144 62 (9 ) 3,581  Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) 423 7 4 (1 ) 427  Collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) 772 3 3 (4 ) 776  State and municipal bonds 4,101 743 18 - 4,826  Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities 584 75 40 - 619  Total fixed maturity securities 85,834 6,144 912 (36 ) 91,102  Equity securities 263 16 3 - 276  Total AFS securities $ 86,097 $ 6,160 $ 915 $ (36 ) $ 91,378     As of December 31, 2016  Amortized Gross Unrealized Fair  Cost Gains Losses OTTI (1) Value  Fixed maturity securities:  Corporate bonds $ 73,275 $ 4,754 $ 970 $ (5 ) $ 77,064  ABS 1,047 39 14 (13 ) 1,085  U.S. government bonds 384 37 2 - 419  Foreign government bonds 449 58 1 - 506  RMBS 3,534 147 73 (6 ) 3,614  CMBS 345 8 4 (1 ) 350  CLOs 742 1 3 (4 ) 744  State and municipal bonds 3,929 718 20 - 4,627  Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities 582 70 48 - 604  VIEs’ fixed maturity securities 200 - - - 200  Total fixed maturity securities 84,487 5,832 1,135 (29 ) 89,213  Equity securities 260 19 4 - 275  Total AFS securities $ 84,747 $ 5,851 $ 1,139 $ (29 ) $ 89,488  (1) Includes unrealized (gains) and losses on impaired securities related to changes in the fair value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date.    
Available-For-Sale Securities By Contractual Maturities	   Amortized Fair  Cost Value  Due in one year or less $ 3,090 $ 3,131  Due after one year through five years 18,673 19,611  Due after five years through ten years 17,275 17,719  Due after ten years 41,094 44,795  Subtotal 80,132 85,256  Structured securities (ABS, MBS, CLOs) 5,702 5,846  Total fixed maturity AFS securities $ 85,834 $ 91,102 
Fair Value And Gross Unrealized Losses In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position	   As of March 31, 2017  Less Than or Equal Greater Than  to Twelve Months Twelve Months Total  Gross Gross Gross  Unrealized Unrealized Unrealized  Fair Losses and Fair Losses and Fair Losses and  Value OTTI Value OTTI Value OTTI  Fixed maturity securities:  Corporate bonds $ 14,068 $ 471 $ 2,790 $ 302 $ 16,858 $ 773  ABS 121 4 270 22 391 26  U.S. government bonds 170 2 - - 170 2  RMBS 996 52 325 15 1,321 67  CMBS 210 4 18 2 228 6  CLOs 277 3 21 - 298 3  State and municipal bonds 231 12 46 6 277 18  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 56 3 141 37 197 40  Total fixed maturity securities 16,129 551 3,611 384 19,740 935  Equity securities 13 2 40 1 53 3  Total AFS securities $ 16,142 $ 553 $ 3,651 $ 385 $ 19,793 $ 938   Total number of AFS securities in an unrealized loss position 1,584      As of December 31, 2016  Less Than or Equal Greater Than  to Twelve Months Twelve Months Total  Gross Gross Gross  Unrealized Unrealized Unrealized  Fair Losses and Fair Losses and Fair Losses and  Value OTTI Value OTTI Value OTTI  Fixed maturity securities:  Corporate bonds $ 15,820 $ 569 $ 3,187 $ 403 $ 19,007 $ 972  ABS 201 4 298 25 499 29  U.S. government bonds 18 2 - - 18 2  Foreign government bonds 29 1 - - 29 1  RMBS 989 58 392 23 1,381 81  CMBS 190 4 19 2 209 6  CLOs 259 3 25 - 284 3  State and municipal bonds 227 12 47 8 274 20  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 76 4 143 44 219 48  Total fixed maturity securities 17,809 657 4,111 505 21,920 1,162  Equity securities 4 2 44 2 48 4  Total AFS securities $ 17,813 $ 659 $ 4,155 $ 507 $ 21,968 $ 1,166   Total number of AFS securities in an unrealized loss position 1,744 
Schedule Of Available-For-Sale Securites Whose Value Is Below Amortized Cost	   As of March 31, 2017  Number  Fair Gross Unrealized of  Value Losses OTTI Securities (1)  Less than six months $ 92 $ 31 $ - 18  Six months or greater, but less than nine months 25 7 1 4  Twelve months or greater 265 105 9 52  Total $ 382 $ 143 $ 10 74      As of December 31, 2016  Number  Fair Gross Unrealized of  Value Losses OTTI Securities (1)  Less than six months $ 174 $ 52 $ 2 19  Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months 1 1 - 2  Twelve months or greater 364 167 10 62  Total $ 539 $ 220 $ 12 83  (1) We may reflect a security in more than one aging category based on various purchase dates.
Schedule Of Changes In Amount Of Credit Losses Of OTTI Recognized In Net Income (Loss)	   For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 430 $ 382  Increases attributable to:  Credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was not previously recognized 1 35  Credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was previously recognized 3 5  Decreases attributable to:  Securities sold, paid down or matured (41 ) (9 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ 393 $ 413 
Schedule of Details Of The Amount Of Credit Losses Of OTTI Recognized In Net Income (Loss)	   As of March 31, 2017  Net  Unrealized OTTI in  Amortized Gain/(Loss) Fair Credit  Cost Position Value Losses  Corporate bonds $ 20 $ 5 $ 25 $ 39  ABS 205 17 222 112  RMBS 312 9 321 195  CMBS 22 1 23 39  CLOs 11 4 15 5  State and municipal bonds 1 - 1 3  Total $ 571 $ 36 $ 607 $ 393       As of December 31, 2016  Net  Unrealized OTTI in  Amortized Gain/(Loss) Fair Credit  Cost Position Value Losses  Corporate bonds $ 80 $ 5 $ 85 $ 77  ABS 212 13 225 112  RMBS 332 6 338 194  CMBS 29 1 30 39  CLOs 11 4 15 5  State and municipal bonds 2 - 2 3  Total $ 666 $ 29 $ 695 $ 430 
Composition Of Current And Past Due Mortgage Loans On Real Estate	   As of As of  March 31, December 31,  2017 2016  Current $ 10,000 $ 9,888  60 to 90 days past due - -  Greater than 90 days past due 2 2  Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate (2 ) (2 )  Unamortized premium (discount) 1 1  Total carrying value $ 10,001 $ 9,889 
Schedule Of Impaired Mortgage Loans	   As of As of  March 31, December 31,  2017 2016  Number of impaired mortgage loans on real estate 2 2   Principal balance of impaired mortgage loans on real estate $ 7 $ 7  Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate (2 ) (2 )  Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans on real estate $ 5 $ 5 
Schedule of changes in the valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate	   For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 2 $ 2  Additions - -  Charge-offs, net of recoveries - -  Balance as of end-of-period $ 2 $ 2 
Schedule Of Average Carrying Value Of Impaired Mortgage Loans	   For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Average carrying value for impaired mortgage loans on real estate $ 5 $ 6  Interest income recognized on impaired mortgage loans on real estate - -  Interest income collected on impaired mortgage loans on real estate - - 
Credit Quality Indicators For Mortgage Loans	   As of March 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016  Debt- Debt-  Service Service  Carrying % of Coverage Carrying % of Coverage  Loan-to-Value Ratio Value Total Ratio Value Total Ratio  Less than 65% $ 8,873 88.7% 2.16 $ 8,709 88.0% 2.16  65% to 74% 968 9.7% 1.89 1,009 10.2% 1.87  75% to 100% 155 1.5% 0.82 166 1.7% 0.82  Greater than 100% 5 0.1% 1.04 5 0.1% 1.04  Total mortgage loans on real estate $ 10,001 100.0% $ 9,889 100.0% 
Realized Gain (Loss) Related To Certain Investments	   For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Fixed maturity AFS securities: (1)  Gross gains $ 8 $ 54  Gross losses (12 ) (98 )  Equity AFS securities:  Gross gains 1 -  Gross losses - -  Gain (loss) on other investments (3 ) (60 )  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL  and changes in other contract holder funds (7 ) (3 )  Total realized gain (loss) related to certain investments, pre-tax $ (13 ) $ (107 )  (1) These amounts are represented net of related fair value hedging activity. See Note 5 for more information.
OTTI Recognized In Net Income (Loss) And OCI	   For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  OTTI Recognized in Net Income (Loss)  Fixed maturity securities:  Corporate bonds $ (2 ) $ (36 )  ABS (1 ) (2 )  RMBS (1 ) (2 )  Gross OTTI recognized in net income (loss) (4 ) (40 )  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL - 4  Net OTTI recognized in net income (loss), pre-tax $ (4 ) $ (36 )   Portion of OTTI Recognized in OCI  Gross OTTI recognized in OCI $ - $ 26  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL - (6 )  Net portion of OTTI recognized in OCI, pre-tax $ - $ 20 
Payables For Collateral On Investments	   As of March 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016  Carrying Fair Carrying Fair  Value Value Value Value  Collateral payable for derivative investments (1) $ 923 $ 923 $ 894 $ 894  Securities pledged under securities lending agreements (2) 127 123 216 209  Securities pledged under repurchase agreements (3) 536 588 535 589  Investments pledged for Federal Home Loan Bank of  Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) (4) 3,500 5,205 3,350 4,947  Total payables for collateral on investments $ 5,086 $ 6,839 $ 4,995 $ 6,639  (1) We obtain collateral based upon contractual provisions with our counterparties. These agreements take into consideration the counterparties’ credit rating as compared to ours, the fair value of the derivative investments and specified thresholds that if exceeded result in the receipt of cash that is typically invested in cash and invested cash. See Note 5 for additional information. (2) Our pledged securities under securities lending agreements are included in fixed maturity AFS securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We generally obtain collateral in an amount equal to 102 % and 105 % of the fair value of the domestic and foreign securities, respectively. We value collateral daily and obtain additional collateral when deemed appropriate. The cash received in our securities lending program is typically invested in cash and invested cash or fixed maturity AFS securities. (3) Our pledged securities under repurchase agreements are included in fixed maturity AFS securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We obtain collateral in an amount equal to 95 % of the fair value of the securities, and our agreements with third parties contain contractual provisions to allow for additional collateral to be obtained when necessary. The cash received in our repurchase program is typically invested in fixed maturity AFS securities. (4) Our pledged investments for FHLBI are included in fixed maturity AFS securities and mortgage loans on real estate on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The collateral requirements are generally 105 % to 115 % of the fair value for fixed maturity AFS securities and 155 % to 175 % of the fair value for mortgage loans on real estate. The cash received in these transactions is primarily invested in cash and invested cash or fixed maturity AFS securities.
Schedule Of Increase (Decrease) In Payables For Collateral On Investments	   For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Collateral payable for derivative investments $ 29 $ 772  Securities pledged under securities lending agreements (89 ) 4  Securities pledged under repurchase agreements 1 (166 )  Investments pledged for FHLBI 150 (250 )  Total increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments $ 91 $ 360 
Schedule Of Securities Pledged By Contractual Maturity	   As of March 31, 2017  Overnight and Continuous Up to 30 Days 30 - 90 Days Greater Than 90 Days Total  Repurchase Agreements  Corporate bonds $ - $ - $ 386 $ 150 $ 536  Total - - 386 150 536  Securities Lending  Corporate bonds 127 - - - 127  Total 127 - - - 127  Total gross secured borrowings $ 127 $ - $ 386 $ 150 $ 663      As of December 31, 2016  Overnight and Continuous Up to 30 Days 30 - 90 Days Greater Than 90 Days Total  Repurchase Agreements  Corporate bonds $ - $ - $ 389 $ 146 $ 535  Total - - 389 146 535  Securities Lending  Corporate bonds 212 - - - 212  Foreign government bonds 4 - - - 4  Total 216 - - - 216  Total gross secured borrowings $ 216 $ - $ 389 $ 146 $ 751   

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Outstanding Derivative Instruments With Off-Balance-Sheet Risks	   As of March 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016  Notional Fair Value Notional Fair Value  Amounts Asset Liability Amounts Asset Liability  Qualifying Hedges  Cash flow hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) $ 3,574 $ 39 $ 80 $ 3,552 $ 68 $ 122  Foreign currency contracts (1) 1,213 131 10 1,177 153 10  Total cash flow hedges 4,787 170 90 4,729 221 132  Fair value hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) 1,493 246 174 1,512 258 182  Non-Qualifying Hedges  Interest rate contracts (1) 77,202 695 160 70,290 985 701  Foreign currency contracts (1) 25 - - 14 - -  Equity market contracts (1) 29,063 526 393 28,315 541 616  Credit contracts (1) 56 - - 66 - -  Embedded derivatives:  Guaranteed living benefit ("GLB") (2) - 226 - - - -  GLB (3) - - - - - 371  Reinsurance related (4) - - 50 - - 53  Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (5) - - 1,238 - - 1,139  Total derivative instruments $ 112,626 $ 1,863 $ 2,105 $ 104,926 $ 2,005 $ 3,194  (1) Reported in derivative investments and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. (2) Reported in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets . (3) Reported in other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. (4) Reported in reinsurance related embedded derivatives on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. (5) Reported in future contract benefits on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Beginning in the first quarter 2017, consistent with changes enacted by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”), the Company offset the variation margin payments with the derivative balances that are cleared through CME. 
Maturity Of The Notional Amounts Of Derivative Financial Instruments	   Remaining Life as of March 31, 2017  Less Than 1 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 30 Over 30  1 Year Years Years Years Years Total  Interest rate contracts (1) $ 12,032 $ 25,178 $ 29,368 $ 14,478 $ 1,213 $ 82,269  Foreign currency contracts (2) 37 151 355 695 - 1,238  Equity market contracts 17,297 8,832 1,645 15 1,274 29,063  Credit contracts - - 56 - - 56  Total derivative instruments  with notional amounts $ 29,366 $ 34,161 $ 31,424 $ 15,188 $ 2,487 $ 112,626  (1) As of March 31, 2017 , the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was April 2067 . (2) As of March 31, 2017 , the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was December 2045 .
Change In Our Unrealized Gain On Derivative Instruments In Accumulated OCI	   For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 49 $ 132  Other comprehensive income (loss):  Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period:  Cash flow hedges:  Interest rate contracts 9 (144 )  Foreign currency contracts 11 15  Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment (20 ) (11 )  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (2 ) (4 )  Income tax benefit (expense) 1 50  Less:  Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses)  included in net income (loss):  Cash flow hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) 2 1  Interest rate contracts (2) (4 ) -  Foreign currency contracts (1) 4 2  Foreign currency contracts (3) 5 4  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL - (1 )  Income tax benefit (expense) (2 ) (2 )  Balance as of end-of-year $ 43 $ 34  (1) The OCI offset is reported within net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (2) The OCI offset is reported within interest and debt expense on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (3) The OCI offset is reported within realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). 
Gains (Losses) On Derivative Instruments Recorded Within Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	   For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Qualifying Hedges  Cash flow hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) $ 2 $ 1  Interest rate contracts (2) (4 ) -  Foreign currency contracts (1) 4 2  Foreign currency contracts (3) 5 4  Total cash flow hedges 7 7  Fair value hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) (7 ) (8 )  Interest rate contracts (2) 8 8  Interest rate contracts (3) 8 (53 )  Total fair value hedges 9 (53 )  Non-Qualifying Hedges  Interest rate contracts (3) (50 ) 975  Foreign currency contracts (3) 3 4  Equity market contracts (3) (528 ) (330 )  Equity market contracts (4) 10 (1 )  Credit contracts (3) - (3 )  Embedded derivatives:  GLB (3) 597 (963 )  Reinsurance related (3) 3 (24 )  Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (3) (120 ) 6  Total derivative instruments $ (69 ) $ (382 )  (1) Reported in net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (2) Reported in interest and debt expense on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (3) Reported in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (4) Reported in commissions and other expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Gains (Losses) On Derivative Instruments Designated As Cash Flow Hedges	   For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Offset to net investment income $ 6 $ 3  Offset to realized gain (loss) 5 4  Offset to interest and debt expense (4 ) -  
Open Credit Default Swap Liabilities	   As of March 31, 2017  Credit  Reason Nature Rating of Number Maximum  for of Underlying of Fair Potential  Credit Contract Type Maturity Entering Recourse Obligation (1) Instruments Value (2) Payout  Basket credit default swaps 6/20/2022 (3) (4) BBB+ 1 $ 1 $ 56  1 $ 1 $ 56     As of December 31, 2016  Credit  Reason Nature Rating of Number Maximum  for of Underlying of Fair Potential  Credit Contract Type Maturity Entering Recourse Obligation (1) Instruments Value (2) Payout  Single name credit default swaps 3/20/2017 (5) (6) (4) BBB+ 2 $ - $ 40  2 $ - $ 40  (1) Represents average credit ratings based on the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch Ratings, as scaled to the corresponding S&P ratings. (2) Broker quotes are used to det ermine the market value of our credit default swaps. (3) Credit default swaps were entered into in order to hedge the liability exposure on certain variable annuity products . (4) Sellers do not have the right to demand indemnification or compensation from third parties in case of a loss (payment) on the contract. (5) These credit default swaps were sold to a counterparty of the consolidated VIEs discussed in Note 4 in our 2016 Form 10-K. (6) Credit default swaps were entered into in order to generate income by providing default protection in return for a quarterly payment.
Collateral Support Agreements	   As of As of  March 31, December 31,  2017 2016  Maximum potential payout $ 56 $ 40  Less: Counterparty thresholds - -  Maximum collateral potentially required to post $ 56 $ 40 
Schedule Of Collateral Amounts With Rights To Reclaim Or Obligation To Return Cash	   As of March 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016  Collateral Collateral Collateral Collateral  Posted by Posted by Posted by Posted by  S&P Counter- LNC Counter- LNC  Credit Party (Held by Party (Held by  Rating of (Held by Counter- (Held by Counter-  Counterparty LNC) Party) LNC) Party)  AA- $ 74 $ - $ 53 $ (32 )  A+ 32 (212 ) 10 (217 )  A 495 (277 ) 466 (381 )  A- 59 - 67 -  BBB+ 262 - 298 -  $ 922 $ (489 ) $ 894 $ (630 ) 
Schedule Of Offsetting Assets And Liabilities	   As of March 31, 2017  Embedded  Derivative Derivative  Instruments Instruments Total   Financial Assets  Gross amount of recognized assets $ 1,532 $ 226 $ 1,758  Gross amounts offset (541 ) - (541 )  Net amount of assets 991 226 1,217  Gross amounts not offset:  Cash collateral (922 ) - (922 )  Net amount $ 69 $ 226 $ 295   Financial Liabilities  Gross amount of recognized liabilities $ 589 $ 1,288 $ 1,877  Gross amounts offset (105 ) - (105 )  Net amount of liabilities 484 1,288 1,772  Gross amounts not offset:  Cash collateral (489 ) - (489 )  Net amount $ (5 ) $ 1,288 $ 1,283      As of December 31, 2016  Embedded  Derivative Derivative  Instruments Instruments Total   Financial Assets  Gross amount of recognized assets $ 1,470 $ - $ 1,470  Gross amounts offset (543 ) - (543 )  Net amount of assets 927 - 927  Gross amounts not offset:  Cash collateral (894 ) - (894 )  Net amount $ 33 $ - $ 33   Financial Liabilities  Gross amount of recognized liabilities $ 1,089 $ 1,563 $ 2,652  Gross amounts offset (536 ) - (536 )  Net amount of liabilities 553 1,563 2,116  Gross amounts not offset:  Cash collateral (630 ) - (630 )  Net amount $ (77 ) $ 1,563 $ 1,486 

Guaranteed Benefit Features (Ta

Guaranteed Benefit Features (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Guaranteed Benefit Features [Abstract]
Information On Guaranteed Death Benefit Features	   As of As of  March 31, December 31,  2017 (1) 2016 (1)  Return of Net Deposits  Total account value $ 90,582 $ 87,707  Net amount at risk (2) 348 824  Average attained age of contract holders 63 years 63 years   Minimum Return  Total account value $ 106 $ 105  Net amount at risk (2) 20 22  Average attained age of contract holders 75 years 75 years  Guaranteed minimum return 5% 5%   Anniversary Contract Value  Total account value $ 25,359 $ 24,605  Net amount at risk (2) 553 782  Average attained age of contract holders 70 years 69 years  (1) Our variable contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract; therefore, the amounts listed are not mutually exclusive. (2) Represents the amount of death benefit in excess of the account balance that is subject to market fluctuations.
Summary Of Guaranteed Death Benefit Liabilities	   For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 110 $ 115  Changes in reserves (5 ) 15  Benefits paid (6 ) (14 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ 99 $ 116 
Account Balances Of Variable Annuity Contracts With Guarantees Invested In Separate Accounts	   As of As of  March 31, December 31,  2017 2016  Asset Type  Domestic equity $ 54,433 $ 52,244  International equity 18,131 17,396  Bonds 27,564 27,532  Money market 12,992 12,010  Total $ 113,120 $ 109,182   Percent of total variable annuity  separate account values 99% 99% 

Shares and Stockholders' Equi24

Shares and Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Shares and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Changes In Common stock (Number Of Shares)	  For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Common Stock  Balance as of beginning-of-year 226,335,105 243,835,893  Stock issued for exercise of warrants 45,294 24,813  Stock compensation/issued for benefit plans 1,371,831 660,605  Retirement/cancellation of shares (2,863,971 ) (5,516,059 )  Balance as of end-of-period 224,888,259 239,005,252   Common Stock as of End-of-Period  Basic basis 224,888,259 239,005,252  Diluted basis (1) 228,934,631 242,176,232  (1) Effective October 1, 2016, we early adopted ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. We have updated certain previously reported interim results and metrics as of January 1, 2016, in accordance with the new guidance. For more information, see Note 1 – Earnings Per Share in our 2016 Form 10-K.
Reconciliation Of The Denominator Calculations Of Basic And Diluted EPS	  For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Weighted-average shares, as used in basic calculation 225,619,803 241,676,363  Shares to cover exercise of outstanding warrants 1,023,429 1,101,947  Shares to cover non-vested stock (1) 1,675,799 1,063,150  Average stock options outstanding during the period 2,681,129 1,806,644  Assumed acquisition of shares with assumed proceeds  from exercising outstanding warrants (150,236 ) (291,520 )  Assumed acquisition of shares with assumed  proceeds and benefits from exercising stock  options (at average market price for the period) (1) (1,619,156 ) (1,299,510 )  Shares repurchasable from measured but  unrecognized stock option expense (77,078 ) (1,103 )  Average deferred compensation shares 949,815 1,039,929  Weighted-average shares, as used in diluted calculation (1) 230,103,505 245,095,900  (1) Effective October 1, 2016, we early adopted ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. We have updated certain previously reported interim results and metrics as of January 1, 2016, in accordance with the new guidance. For more information, see Note 1 – Earnings Per Share in our 2016 Form 10-K.
Components And Changes In Accumulated OCI	  For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 1,784 $ 991  Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period 530 2,469  Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment 19 7  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI, future contract benefits and other contract holder funds (121 ) (661 )  Income tax benefit (expense) (151 ) (641 )  Less:  Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (3 ) (44 )  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (7 ) (2 )  Income tax benefit (expense) 4 16  Balance as of end-of-period $ 2,067 $ 2,195  Unrealized OTTI on AFS Securities  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 25 $ 26  (Increases) attributable to:  Gross OTTI recognized in OCI during the period - (26 )  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL - 6  Income tax benefit (expense) - 7  Decreases attributable to:  Changes in fair value, sales, maturities or other settlements of AFS securities 7 (14 )  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (1 ) 4  Income tax benefit (expense) (2 ) 3  Balance as of end-of-period $ 29 $ 6  Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 49 $ 132  Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period 20 (129 )  Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment (20 ) (11 )  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (2 ) (4 )  Income tax benefit (expense) 1 50  Less:  Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss) 7 7  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL - (1 )  Income tax benefit (expense) (2 ) (2 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ 43 $ 34  Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ (27 ) $ (5 )  Foreign currency translation adjustment arising during the period 2 (2 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ (25 ) $ (7 )  Funded Status of Employee Benefit Plans  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ (265 ) $ (299 )  Adjustment arising during the period (2 ) 2  Balance as of end-of-period $ (267 ) $ (297 ) 
Schedule of Reclassifications Out Of AOCI	   For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities  Gross reclassification $ (3 ) $ (44 ) Total realized gain (loss)  Associated amortization of DAC,  VOBA, DSI and DFEL (7 ) (2 ) Total realized gain (loss)  Reclassification before income Income (loss) from continuing  tax benefit (expense) (10 ) (46 ) operations before taxes  Income tax benefit (expense) 4 16 Federal income tax expense (benefit)  Reclassification, net of income tax $ (6 ) $ (30 ) Net income (loss)   Unrealized OTTI on AFS Securities  Gross reclassification $ - $ - Total realized gain (loss)  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL - - Total realized gain (loss)  Reclassification before income Income (loss) from continuing  tax benefit (expense) - - operations before taxes  Income tax benefit (expense) - - Federal income tax expense (benefit)  Reclassification, net of income tax $ - $ - Net income (loss)   Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments  Gross reclassifications:  Interest rate contracts $ 2 $ 1 Net investment income  Interest rate contracts (4 ) - Interest and debt expense  Foreign currency contracts 4 6 Net investment income  Foreign currency contracts 5 - Total realized gain (loss)  Total gross reclassifications 7 7  Associated amortization of DAC,  VOBA, DSI and DFEL - (1 ) Commissions and other expenses  Reclassifications before income Income (loss) from continuing  tax benefit (expense) 7 6 operations before taxes  Income tax benefit (expense) (2 ) (2 ) Federal income tax expense (benefit)  Reclassifications, net of income tax $ 5 $ 4 Net income (loss) 

Realized Gain (Loss) (Tables)

Realized Gain (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Realized Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Details underlying realized (gain) loss	   For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Total realized gain (loss) related to certain investments (1) $ (13 ) $ (107 )  Realized gain (loss) on the mark-to-market on certain instruments (2) 11 8  Indexed annuity and IUL contracts net derivatives results: (3)  Gross gain (loss) (10 ) (23 )  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (2 ) 1  Variable annuity net derivatives results: (4)  Gross gain (loss) (28 ) 11  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL 3 (4 )  Total realized gain (loss) $ (39 ) $ (114 )  (1) See “ Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments ” section in Note 4 . (2) Represents changes in the fair values of certain derivative investments (not including those associated with our variable and indexed annuity and IUL contracts net derivatives results), reinsurance related embedded derivatives and trading securities. (3) Represents the net difference between the change in the fair value of the S&P 500 Index ® call options that we hold and the change in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities of our indexed annuity and IUL contracts along with changes in the fair value of embedded derivative liabilities related to index call options we may purchase in the future to hedge contract holder index allocations applicable to future reset periods for our indexed annuity products. (4) Includes the net difference in the change in embedded derivative reserves of our GLB riders and the change in the fair value of the derivative instruments we own to hedge the change in embedded derivative reserves on our GLB riders and the benefit ratio unlocking on our GLB and GDB riders, including the cost of purchasing the hedging instruments. 

Stock-Based Incentive Compens26

Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Stock Based Awards Granted Table	   For the  Three  Months  Ended  March 31,  2017  10-year LNC stock options 392,367  Performance shares 149,225  RSUs 398,500  Non-employee:  SARs 26,494  Agent stock options 102,638  Director DSUs 7,475 

Fair Value of Financial Instr27

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Carrying And Estimated Fair Values Of Financial Instruments	   As of March 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016  Carrying Fair Carrying Fair  Value Value Value Value  Assets  AFS securities:  Fixed maturity securities $ 91,102 $ 91,102 $ 89,013 $ 89,013  VIEs’ fixed maturity securities - - 200 200  Equity securities 276 276 275 275  Trading securities 1,703 1,703 1,712 1,712  Mortgage loans on real estate 10,001 10,033 9,889 9,853  Derivative investments (1) 991 991 927 927  Other investments 2,104 2,104 2,230 2,230  Cash and invested cash 1,923 1,923 2,722 2,722  Other assets:  GLB direct embedded derivatives (2) 226 226 - -  GLB ceded embedded derivatives 116 116 203 203  Separate account assets 132,958 132,958 128,397 128,397   Liabilities  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (1,238 ) (1,238 ) (1,139 ) (1,139 )  Other contract holder funds:  Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts (629 ) (629 ) (629 ) (629 )  Account values of certain investment contracts (31,832 ) (35,540 ) (31,516 ) (35,647 )  Short-term debt (200 ) (210 ) - -  Long-term debt (5,133 ) (5,573 ) (5,345 ) (5,679 )  Reinsurance related embedded derivatives (50 ) (50 ) (53 ) (53 )  Other liabilities:  Derivative liabilities (1) (171 ) (171 ) (553 ) (553 )  GLB direct embedded derivatives (2) - - (371 ) (371 )  (1) We have master netting agreements with each of our derivative counterparties, which allow for the netting of our derivative asset and liability positions by counterparty. (2) Portions of our GLB direct embedded derivatives are ceded to third-party reinsurance counterparties. Refer to Note 5 for additional detail.
Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities On A Recurring Basis	   As of March 31, 2017  Quoted  Prices  in Active  Markets for Significant Significant  Identical Observable Unobservable Total  Assets Inputs Inputs Fair  (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Value  Assets  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ - $ 76,376 $ 2,403 $ 78,779  ABS - 1,033 29 1,062  U.S. government bonds 562 9 5 576  Foreign government bonds - 346 110 456  RMBS - 3,574 7 3,581  CMBS - 383 44 427  CLOs - 688 88 776  State and municipal bonds - 4,825 1 4,826  Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities 66 474 79 619  Equity AFS securities 16 78 182 276  Trading securities 102 1,541 60 1,703  Derivative investments (1) - 1,077 560 1,637  Other investments 150 - - 150  Cash and invested cash - 1,923 - 1,923  Other assets:  GLB direct embedded derivatives - - 226 226  GLB ceded embedded derivatives - - 116 116  Separate account assets 834 132,124 - 132,958  Total assets $ 1,730 $ 224,451 $ 3,910 $ 230,091   Liabilities  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives $ - $ - $ (1,238 ) $ (1,238 )  Long-term debt - (1,118 ) - (1,118 )  Reinsurance related embedded derivatives - (50 ) - (50 )  Other liabilities:  Derivative liabilities (1) - (369 ) (448 ) (817 )  Total liabilities $ - $ (1,537 ) $ (1,686 ) $ (3,223 )      As of December 31, 2016  Quoted  Prices  in Active  Markets for Significant Significant  Identical Observable Unobservable Total  Assets Inputs Inputs Fair  (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Value  Assets  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ - $ 74,659 $ 2,405 $ 77,064  ABS - 1,052 33 1,085  U.S. government bonds 408 11 - 419  Foreign government bonds - 395 111 506  RMBS - 3,611 3 3,614  CMBS - 343 7 350  CLOs - 676 68 744  State and municipal bonds - 4,627 - 4,627  Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities 60 468 76 604  VIEs’ fixed maturity securities - 200 - 200  Equity AFS securities 17 81 177 275  Trading securities 102 1,545 65 1,712  Derivative investments (1) - 1,406 599 2,005  Other investments 146 - - 146  Cash and invested cash - 2,722 - 2,722  Other assets – GLB ceded embedded derivatives - - 203 203  Separate account assets 863 127,534 - 128,397  Total assets $ 1,596 $ 219,330 $ 3,747 $ 224,673   Liabilities  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives $ - $ - $ (1,139 ) $ (1,139 )  Long-term debt - (1,203 ) - (1,203 )  Reinsurance related embedded derivatives - (53 ) - (53 )  Other liabilities:  Derivative liabilities (1) - (939 ) (692 ) (1,631 )  GLB direct embedded derivatives - - (371 ) (371 )  Total liabilities $ - $ (2,195 ) $ (2,202 ) $ (4,397 )  (1) Derivative investment assets and liabilities presented within the fair value hierarchy are presented on a gross basis by derivative type and not on a master netting basis by counterparty.
Fair Value Measured On A Recurring Basis Reconciliation	   For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017  Gains Issuances, Transfers  Items (Losses) Sales, Into or  Included in Maturities, Out  Beginning in OCI Settlements, of Ending  Fair Net and Calls, Level 3, Fair  Value Income Other (1) Net Net (2) Value  Investments: (3)  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 2,405 $ 6 $ 65 $ (204 ) $ 131 $ 2,403  ABS 33 - 1 - (5 ) 29  U.S. government bonds - - - - 5 5  Foreign government bonds 111 - (1 ) - - 110  RMBS 3 - - 4 - 7  CMBS 7 - - 41 (4 ) 44  CLOs 68 - - 5 15 88  State and municipal bonds - (1 ) - - 2 1  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 76 - 3 - - 79  Equity AFS securities 177 1 (1 ) 5 - 182  Trading securities 65 1 7 (16 ) 3 60  Derivative investments (93 ) (69 ) 23 251 - 112  Other assets: (5)  GLB direct embedded derivatives - 226 - - - 226  GLB ceded embedded derivatives 203 (87 ) - - - 116  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (5) (1,139 ) (120 ) - 21 - (1,238 )  Other liabilities – GLB direct embedded  derivatives (5) (371 ) 371 - - - -  Total, net $ 1,545 $ 328 $ 97 $ 107 $ 147 $ 2,224        For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016  Gains Issuances, Transfers  Items (Losses) Sales Into or  Included in Maturities, Out  Beginning in OCI Settlements, of Ending  Fair Net and Calls, Level 3, Fair  Value Income Other (1) Net Net (2) Value  Investments: (3)  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 1,993 $ 6 $ 18 $ 28 $ 140 $ 2,185  ABS 45 - (1 ) - - 44  Foreign government bonds 111 - - - - 111  RMBS 1 - - - - 1  CMBS 10 - - (1 ) - 9  CLOs 551 - 2 38 - 591  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 94 - (2 ) - - 92  Equity AFS securities 164 - (1 ) 4 - 167  Trading securities 73 1 2 (1 ) (1 ) 74  Derivative investments 555 (440 ) 92 (17 ) - 190  Other investments (4) - 2 - - - 2  Other assets – GLB ceded  embedded derivatives (5) 268 165 - - - 433  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded  derivatives (5) (1,100 ) 7 - 5 - (1,088 )  VIEs’ liabilities – derivative instruments (4) (4 ) 4 - - - -  Other liabilities:  Credit default swaps (4) (9 ) (3 ) - - - (12 )  GLB direct embedded derivatives (5) (953 ) (963 ) - - - (1,916 )  Total, net $ 1,799 $ (1,221 ) $ 110 $ 56 $ 139 $ 883  (1) The changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps are offset by an adjustment to derivative investments (see Note 5). (2) Transfers into or out of Level 3 for AFS and trading securities are displayed at amortized co st as of the beginning-of-year . For AFS and trading securities, the diff erence between beginning-of-year amorti zed cost and beginning-of-year fair value was included in OCI and earnings, r espectively, in the prior period . (3) Amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts are included in net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Gains (losses) from sales, maturities, settlements and calls and OTTI are included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (4) The changes in fair value of the credit default swaps and contingency forwards are included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (5) Gains (losses) from sales, maturities, settlements and calls are included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Schedule Of Investment Holdings Movements	   For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017  Issuances Sales Maturities Settlements Calls Total  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 38 $ (62 ) $ (22 ) $ (63 ) $ (95 ) $ (204 )  RMBS 4 - - - - 4  CMBS 41 - - - - 41  CLOs 5 - - - - 5  Equity AFS securities 7 (2 ) - - - 5  Trading securities 2 (17 ) - (1 ) - (16 )  Derivative investments 47 294 (90 ) - - 251  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (18 ) - - 39 - 21  Total, net $ 126 $ 213 $ (112 ) $ (25 ) $ (95 ) $ 107     For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016  Issuances Sales Maturities Settlements Calls Total  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 116 $ 9 $ (4 ) $ (36 ) $ (57 ) $ 28  CMBS - (1 ) - - - (1 )  CLOs 40 - - (2 ) - 38  Equity AFS securities 4 - - - - 4  Trading securities - - - (1 ) - (1 )  Derivative investments 40 (43 ) (14 ) - - (17 )  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (26 ) - - 31 - 5  Total, net $ 174 $ (35 ) $ (18 ) $ (8 ) $ (57 ) $ 56      
Changes In Unrealized Gains (Losses) Within Level 3 Financial Instruments Carried At Fair Value And Still Held	   For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Derivative investments $ (74 ) $ (393 )  Other investments - 2  Embedded derivatives:  Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (14 ) (23 )  GLB 747 (824 )  VIEs’ liabilities – derivative instruments - 4  Credit default swaps - (3 )  Total, net (1) $ 659 $ (1,237 )  (1) Included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Components Of The Transfers In And Out Of Level 3	   For the Three For the Three  Months Ended Months Ended  March 31, 2017 March 31, 2016  Transfers Transfers Transfers Transfers  Into Out of Into Out of  Level 3 Level 3 Total Level 3 Level 3 Total  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 160 $ (29 ) $ 131 $ 164 $ (24 ) $ 140  ABS - (5 ) (5 ) - - -  U.S. government bonds 5 - 5 - - -  CMBS - (4 ) (4 ) - - -  CLOs 30 (15 ) 15 - - -  State and municipal bonds 2 - 2 - - -  Trading securities 3 - 3 - (1 ) (1 )  Total, net $ 200 $ (53 ) $ 147 $ 164 $ (25 ) $ 139     
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information	   Fair Valuation Significant Assumption or  Value Technique Unobservable Inputs Input Ranges  Assets  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS and trading  securities:  Corporate bonds $ 1,795 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 0.6 % - 37.3 %  ABS 25 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 3.0 % - 3.0 %  Foreign government bonds 79 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 1.7 % - 3.3 %  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 4 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 2.0 % - 2.0 %  Equity AFS securities 24 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 4.5 % - 5.0 %  Other assets – GLB direct and ceded  embedded derivatives 342 Discounted cash flow Long-term lapse rate (2) 1 % - 30 %  Utilization of guaranteed withdrawals (3) 85 % - 100 %  Claims utilization factor (4) 60 % - 100 %  Premiums utilization factor (4) 80 % - 115 %  NPR (5) 0.02 % - 0.37 %  Mortality rate (6) (8)  Volatility (7) 1 % - 29 %  Liabilities  Future contract benefits – indexed  annuity and IUL contracts  embedded derivatives $ (1,238 ) Discounted cash flow Lapse rate (2) 1 % - 9 %  Mortality rate (6) (8)  (1) The liquidity /duration adjustment input represents an estimated market participant composite of adjustments attributable to liquidity premiums, expected durations, structures and credit quality that would be applied to the market observable information of an investment. (2) The lapse rate input represents the estimated probability of a contract surrendering during a year, and thereby forgoing any future benefits. The range for indexed annuity and IUL contracts represents the lapse rates during the surrender charge period. (3) The utilization of guaranteed withdrawals input represents the estimated percentage of contract holders that utilize the guaranteed withdrawal feature. (4) The utilization factors are applied to the present value of claims or premiums, as appropriate, in the GLB reserve calculation to estimate the impact of inefficient withdrawal behavior, including taking less than or more than the maximum guaranteed withdrawal. (5) The NPR input represents the estimated additional credit spread that market participants would apply to the market observable discount rate when pricing a contract. (6) The mortality rate input represents the estimated probability of when an individual belonging to a particular group, categorized according to age or some other factor such as gender, will die. (7) The volatility input represents overall volatilities assumed for the underlying variable annuity funds, which include a mixture of equity and fixed-income assets. Fair value of the variable annuity GLB embedded derivatives would increase if higher volatilities were used for valuation. (8) The mortality rate is based on a combination of company and industry experience, adjusted for improvement factors.

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Information [Abstract]
Reconciliation Of Revenue From Segments To Consolidated	   For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Revenues  Operating revenues:  Annuities $ 1,061 $ 1,039  Retirement Plan Services 282 267  Life Insurance 1,606 1,478  Group Protection 541 534  Other Operations 88 82  Excluded realized gain (loss), pre-tax (80 ) (158 )  Amortization of deferred gain arising  from reserve changes on business  sold through reinsurance, pre-tax 1 1  Amortization of DFEL associated  with benefit ratio unlocking, pre-tax 1 -  Total revenues $ 3,500 $ 3,243 
Reconciliation Of Income (Loss) From Operations By Segment To Consolidated Net Income (Loss)	   For the Three  Months Ended  March 31,  2017 2016  Net Income (Loss)  Income (loss) from operations:  Annuities $ 281 $ 218  Retirement Plan Services 37 31  Life Insurance 130 75  Group Protection 7 5  Other Operations (13 ) (12 )  Excluded realized gain (loss), after-tax (52 ) (102 )  Benefit ratio unlocking, after-tax 45 (4 )  Net income (loss) $ 435 $ 211 

Variable Interest Entities ("29

Variable Interest Entities ("VIE's") (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Carrying Amounts of our Investments in LPs and LLCs, As Recognized In Other Investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets	$ 2,104	$ 2,230
Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies [Member]
Carrying Amounts of our Investments in LPs and LLCs, As Recognized In Other Investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets	1,300	1,300
Carrying Amount Of Investments In Qualified Affordable Housing Projects	$ 35	$ 37

Variable Interest Entities ("30

Variable Interest Entities ("VIE's") (CLN Structures Summary Information ) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Credit Linked Note Structure December 2006 [Member]
Credit Linked Notes Structures Summary Information [Line Items]
Amount of Issuance	$ 400
Maturity	Dec. 20, 2016
Credit Linked Note Structure April 2007 [Member]
Credit Linked Notes Structures Summary Information [Line Items]
Amount of Issuance	$ 200
Maturity	Mar. 20, 2017

Variable Interest Entities ("31

Variable Interest Entities ("VIE's") (Consolidated Variable Interest Entity Asset and Liability Information) (Details) $ in Millions		Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)item
Disclosure Of Variable Interest Entities Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Number of Instruments, Assets | item		1	2
Notional Amounts, Assets		$ 527	$ 733
Carrying Value, Assets			$ 200
Total Return Swap [Member]
Disclosure Of Variable Interest Entities Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Number of Instruments, Assets | item		1	1
Notional Amounts, Assets		$ 527	$ 533
Carrying Value, Assets
Credit default swaps [Member]
Disclosure Of Variable Interest Entities Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Number of Instruments, Assets | item			1
Notional Amounts, Assets			$ 200
Carrying Value, Assets
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Asset-backed credit card loans [Member]
Disclosure Of Variable Interest Entities Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Number of Instruments, Assets | item	[1]
Notional Amounts, Assets	[1]
Carrying Value, Assets	[1]		$ 200
[1]	Reported in variable interest entities' fixed maturity securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Variable Interest Entities ("32

Variable Interest Entities ("VIE's") (Consolidated Variable Interest Entity Settlement Payments and Mark-to-Market Adjustments) (Details) - Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity Settlement Payments And Mark To Market Adjustments [Line Items]
Gains (losses) for consolidated variable interest entities	[1]		$ 6
Credit default swaps [Member]
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity Settlement Payments And Mark To Market Adjustments [Line Items]
Gains (losses) for consolidated variable interest entities			6
Contingent forwards
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity Settlement Payments And Mark To Market Adjustments [Line Items]
Gains (losses) for consolidated variable interest entities	[1]
[1]	Reported in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Investments (Narrative) (Detail

Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)item
Increase (decrease) in gross AFS securities unrealized losses	$ (228)
Number of partnerships in alternative investment portfolio | item	199	202
Alternative investments as a percentage of overall invested assets	1.00%	1.00%
Fair value of collateral received that we are permitted to sell or re-pledge	$ 176
Investment commitments	1,300
Investment commitments for limited partnerships	735
Investment commitments for mortgage loans on real estate	340
Investment commitments for private placements	$ 228
California [Member]
Largest mortgage loan concentration in geographic region	20.00%	20.00%
Texas [Member]
Largest mortgage loan concentration in geographic region	11.00%	11.00%
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
Fair value	$ 1,400	$ 1,500
Concentration risk, percentage	1.00%	1.00%
Fannie Mae
Fair value	$ 1,100	$ 1,100
Concentration risk, percentage	1.00%	1.00%
Consumer Non-Cyclical Industry [Member]
Fair value	$ 14,200	$ 13,700
Concentration risk, percentage	13.00%	13.00%
Utilities Industry [Member]
Fair value	$ 13,400	$ 13,200
Concentration risk, percentage	12.00%	12.00%
Corporate bonds [Member]
Percentage of fair value rated as investment grade	96.00%	95.00%
Amortized cost of portfolio rated below investment grade	$ 3,600	$ 3,800
Fair value of portfolio rated below investment grade	$ 3,500	$ 3,700
ABS [Member]
Percentage of fair value rated as investment grade	96.00%	96.00%
Amortized cost of portfolio rated below investment grade	$ 87	$ 91
Fair value of portfolio rated below investment grade	$ 74	$ 75
MBS [Member]
Projected default rate on existing delinquencies on MBS (low end of range)	10.00%	10.00%
Projected default rate on existing delinquencies on MBS (high end of range)	100.00%	100.00%
Severity of second lien loans	100.00%	100.00%
Severity of first lien loans	30.00%	30.00%

Investments (Reconciliation Of

Investments (Reconciliation Of Available-For-Sale Securities From Cost Basis To Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		$ 86,097	$ 84,747
Gross unrealized gains		6,160	5,851
Gross unrealized losses		915	1,139
Gross unrealized OTTI	[1]	(36)	(29)
Fair value		91,378	89,488
Equity AFS securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		263	260
Gross unrealized gains		16	19
Gross unrealized losses		3	4
Fair value		276	275
Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		85,834	84,487
Gross unrealized gains		6,144	5,832
Gross unrealized losses		912	1,135
Gross unrealized OTTI	[1]	(36)	(29)
Fair value		91,102	89,213
Corporate bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		74,509	73,275
Gross unrealized gains		5,036	4,754
Gross unrealized losses		771	970
Gross unrealized OTTI	[1]	(5)	(5)
Fair value		78,779	77,064
ABS [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		1,017	1,047
Gross unrealized gains		40	39
Gross unrealized losses		12	14
Gross unrealized OTTI	[1]	(17)	(13)
Fair value		1,062	1,085
U.S. government bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		540	384
Gross unrealized gains		38	37
Gross unrealized losses		2	2
Fair value		576	419
Foreign government bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		398	449
Gross unrealized gains		58	58
Gross unrealized losses			1
Fair value		456	506
RMBS [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		3,490	3,534
Gross unrealized gains		144	147
Gross unrealized losses		62	73
Gross unrealized OTTI	[1]	(9)	(6)
Fair value		3,581	3,614
CMBS [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		423	345
Gross unrealized gains		7	8
Gross unrealized losses		4	4
Gross unrealized OTTI	[1]	(1)	(1)
Fair value		427	350
CLOs [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		772	742
Gross unrealized gains		3	1
Gross unrealized losses		3	3
Gross unrealized OTTI	[1]	(4)	(4)
Fair value		776	744
State and municipal bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		4,101	3,929
Gross unrealized gains		743	718
Gross unrealized losses		18	20
Fair value		4,826	4,627
Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		584	582
Gross unrealized gains		75	70
Gross unrealized losses		40	48
Fair value		$ 619	604
VIEs' fixed maturity securities [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost			200
Fair value			$ 200
[1]	Includes unrealized (gains) and losses on impaired securities related to changes in the fair value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date.

Investments (Available-For-Sale

Investments (Available-For-Sale Securities By Contractual Maturities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost
Amortized cost	$ 86,097	$ 84,747
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value
Fair Value	91,378	89,488
Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost
Amortized cost	85,834	84,487
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value
Fair Value	91,102	$ 89,213
Fixed maturity AFS securities other than structured securities [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	3,090
Due after one year through five years	18,673
Due after five years through ten years	17,275
Due after ten years	41,094
Amortized cost	80,132
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value
Due in one year or less	3,131
Due after one year through five years	19,611
Due after five years through ten years	17,719
Due after ten years	44,795
Fair Value	85,256
Structured securities [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost
Amortized cost	5,702
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value
Fair Value	$ 5,846

Investments (Fair Value And Gro

Investments (Fair Value And Gross Unrealized Losses In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)security
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	$ 16,142	$ 17,813
Greater Than Twelve Months	3,651	4,155
Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Total	19,793	21,968
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	553	659
Greater Than Twelve Months	385	507
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	$ 938	$ 1,166
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions | security	1,584	1,744
Equity AFS securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	$ 13	$ 4
Greater Than Twelve Months	40	44
Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Total	53	48
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	2	2
Greater Than Twelve Months	1	2
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	3	4
Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	16,129	17,809
Greater Than Twelve Months	3,611	4,111
Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Total	19,740	21,920
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	551	657
Greater Than Twelve Months	384	505
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	935	1,162
Corporate bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	14,068	15,820
Greater Than Twelve Months	2,790	3,187
Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Total	16,858	19,007
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	471	569
Greater Than Twelve Months	302	403
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	773	972
ABS [Member] | Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	121	201
Greater Than Twelve Months	270	298
Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Total	391	499
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	4	4
Greater Than Twelve Months	22	25
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	26	29
U.S. government bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	170	18
Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Total	170	18
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	2	2
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	2	2
Foreign government bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months		29
Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Total		29
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months		1
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses		1
RMBS [Member] | Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	996	989
Greater Than Twelve Months	325	392
Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Total	1,321	1,381
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	52	58
Greater Than Twelve Months	15	23
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	67	81
CMBS [Member] | Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	210	190
Greater Than Twelve Months	18	19
Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Total	228	209
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	4	4
Greater Than Twelve Months	2	2
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	6	6
CLOs [Member] | Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	277	259
Greater Than Twelve Months	21	25
Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Total	298	284
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	3	3
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	3	3
State and municipal bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	231	227
Greater Than Twelve Months	46	47
Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Total	277	274
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	12	12
Greater Than Twelve Months	6	8
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	18	20
Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities [Member] | Fixed maturity securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	56	76
Greater Than Twelve Months	141	143
Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Total	197	219
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	3	4
Greater Than Twelve Months	37	44
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	$ 40	$ 48

Investments (Schedule Of Availa

Investments (Schedule Of Available-For-Sale Securities Whose Value Is Below Amortized Cost) (Details) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)security
Available For Sale Securities In Unrealized Loss Position With Loss Severity Greater Than 20 Percent [Line Items]
Fair Value - Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months		$ 16,142	$ 17,813
Fair Value - Twelve months or greater		3,651	4,155
Fair Value - Total		19,793	21,968
Fair Value		91,378	89,488
Losses - Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months		553	659
Losses - Twelve months or greater		385	507
Losses - Total		$ 938	$ 1,166
Number of Securities - Total | security		1,584	1,744
Fair Value Decline, Greater Than 20% [Member]
Available For Sale Securities In Unrealized Loss Position With Loss Severity Greater Than 20 Percent [Line Items]
Fair Value - Less than six months		$ 92	$ 174
Fair Value - Six months or greater, but less than nine months		25
Fair Value - Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months			1
Fair Value - Twelve months or greater		265	364
Fair Value - Total		382	539
Losses - Less than six months		31	52
Losses - Six months or greater, but less than nine months		7
Losses - Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months			1
Losses - Twelve months or greater		105	167
Losses - Total		143	220
OTTI - Less than six months			2
OTTI - Six months or greater, but less than nine months		1
OTTI - Twelve months or greater		9	10
OTTI - Total		$ 10	$ 12
Number of Securities - Less than six months | security	[1]	18	19
Number of Securities - Six months or greater, but less than nine months | security	[1]	4
Number of Securities - Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months | security	[1]		2
Number of Securities - Twelve months or greater | security	[1]	52	62
Number of Securities - Total | security	[1]	74	83
[1]	We may reflect a security in more than one aging category based on various purchase dates.

Investments (Schedule Of Change

Investments (Schedule Of Changes in Amount Of Credit Losses Of OTTI Recognized In Net Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Investments [Abstract]
Balance as of beginning of period	$ 430	$ 382
Increases attributable to:
Credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was not previously recognized	1	35
Credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was previously recognized	3	5
Decreases attributable to:
Securities sold, paid down or matured	(41)	(9)
Balance as of end of period	$ 393	$ 413

Investments (Schedule of Detail

Investments (Schedule of Details Of The Amount Of Credit Losses Of OTTI Recognized In Net Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 571	$ 666
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Position	36	29
Fair Value	607	695
OTTI in Credit Losses	393	430	$ 413	$ 382
Corporate bonds [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	20	80
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Position	5	5
Fair Value	25	85
OTTI in Credit Losses	39	77
ABS [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	205	212
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Position	17	13
Fair Value	222	225
OTTI in Credit Losses	112	112
RMBS [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	312	332
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Position	9	6
Fair Value	321	338
OTTI in Credit Losses	195	194
CMBS [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	22	29
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Position	1	1
Fair Value	23	30
OTTI in Credit Losses	39	39
CLOs [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	11	11
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Position	4	4
Fair Value	15	15
OTTI in Credit Losses	5	5
State and municipal bonds [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1	2
Fair Value	1	2
OTTI in Credit Losses	$ 3	$ 3

Investments (Composition Of Cur

Investments (Composition Of Current And Past Due Mortgage Loans On Real Estate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Aging [Abstract]
Current	$ 10,000	$ 9,888
Greater than 90 days past due	2	2
Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate	(2)	(2)	$ (2)	$ (2)
Unamortized premium (discount)	1	1
Total carrying value	$ 10,001	$ 9,889

Investments (Schedule Of Impair

Investments (Schedule Of Impaired Mortgage Loans) (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)item	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Information about impaired mortgage loans on real estate
Number of impaired mortgage loans on real estate | item	2	2
Principal balance of impaired mortgage loans on real estate	$ 7	$ 7
Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate	(2)	(2)	$ (2)	$ (2)
Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans on real estate	$ 5	$ 5

Investments (Changes In The Val

Investments (Changes In The Valuation Allowance Of Impaired Mortgage Loans On Real Estate (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Allowance for Losses
Balance as of beginning-of-year	$ 2	$ 2
Additions
Charge-offs, net of recoveries
Balance as of end-of-period	$ 2	$ 2

Investments (Average Carrying V

Investments (Average Carrying Value On The Impaired Mortgage Loans On Real Estate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Information about impaired mortgage loans on real estate
Average carrying value for impaired loans on real estate	$ 5	$ 6

Investments (Credit Quality Ind

Investments (Credit Quality Indicators For Mortgage Loans) (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Mortgage Loans Credit Quality [Line Items]
Carrying value of mortgage loans on real estate	$ 10,001	$ 9,889
Percentage of total mortgage loans on real estate	100.00%	100.00%
Loan-to-value ratio, less than 65% [Member]
Mortgage Loans Credit Quality [Line Items]
Carrying value of mortgage loans on real estate	$ 8,873	$ 8,709
Percentage of total mortgage loans on real estate	88.70%	88.00%
Debt-service coverage ratio	2.16	2.16
Loan-to-value ratio, 65% to 74% [Member]
Mortgage Loans Credit Quality [Line Items]
Carrying value of mortgage loans on real estate	$ 968	$ 1,009
Percentage of total mortgage loans on real estate	9.70%	10.20%
Debt-service coverage ratio	1.89	1.87
Loan-to-value ratio, 75% to 100% [Member]
Mortgage Loans Credit Quality [Line Items]
Carrying value of mortgage loans on real estate	$ 155	$ 166
Percentage of total mortgage loans on real estate	1.50%	1.70%
Debt-service coverage ratio	0.82	0.82
Loan-To-Value Ratio, Greater Than 100% [Member]
Mortgage Loans Credit Quality [Line Items]
Carrying value of mortgage loans on real estate	$ 5	$ 5
Percentage of total mortgage loans on real estate	0.10%	0.10%
Debt-service coverage ratio	1.04	1.04

Investments (Realized Gain (Los

Investments (Realized Gain (Loss) Related To Certain Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Realized gain (loss) related to certain investments
Gain (loss) on other investments		$ (3)	$ (60)
Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and changes in other contract holder funds		(7)	(3)
Total realized gain (loss) related to certain investments	[1]	(13)	(107)
Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Realized gain (loss) related to certain investments
AFS securities. Gross gains	[2]	8	54
AFS securities. Gross losses	[2]	(12)	(98)
Equity AFS securities [Member]
Realized gain (loss) related to certain investments
AFS securities. Gross gains		1
AFS securities. Gross losses
[1]	See "Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments" section in Note 4.
[2]	These amounts are represented net of related fair value hedging activity. See Note 5 for more information.

Investments (OTTI Recognized In

Investments (OTTI Recognized In Net Income (Loss) And OCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
OTTI Recognized in Net Income (Loss)
Gross OTTI recognized in net income (loss)	$ (4)	$ (40)
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL		4
Net OTTI recognized in net income (loss), pre-tax	(4)	(36)
Portion of OTTI Recognized in OCI
Gross OTTI recognized in OCI		26
Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL		(6)
Net portion of OTTI recognized in OCI, pre-tax		20
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
OTTI Recognized in Net Income (Loss)
Gross OTTI recognized in net income (loss)	(2)	(36)
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | ABS [Member]
OTTI Recognized in Net Income (Loss)
Gross OTTI recognized in net income (loss)	(1)	(2)
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | RMBS [Member]
OTTI Recognized in Net Income (Loss)
Gross OTTI recognized in net income (loss)	$ (1)	$ (2)

Investments (Payables For Colla

Investments (Payables For Collateral On Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Carrying Value Of Payables For Collateral On Investments [Abstract]
Collateral payable held for derivative investments	[1]	$ 923	$ 894
Securities pledged under securities lending agreements	[2]	127	216
Securities pledged under reverse repurchase agreements	[3]	536	535
Investments pledged for Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ('FHLBI')	[4]	3,500	3,350
Total payables for collateral on investments		5,086	4,995
Fair Value Of Related Investments Or Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral payable held for derivative investments	[1]	923	894
Securities pledged under securities lending agreements	[2]	123	209
Securities pledged under reverse repurchase agreements	[3]	588	589
Investments pledged for Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis('FHLBI')	[4]	5,205	4,947
Total payables for collateral on investments		$ 6,839	$ 6,639
Percentage of the fair value of domestic securities obtained as collateral under securities lending agreements.		102.00%
Percentage of the fair value of foreign securities obtained as collateral under securities lending agreements.		105.00%
Percentage of the fair value of securities obtained as collateral under reverse repurchase agreements.		95.00%
Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Of Related Investments Or Collateral [Abstract]
Percentage of the fair value of FHLBI securities obtained as collateral under securities pledged for FHLBI for AFS Securities		105.00%
Percentage of the fair value of FHLBI securities obtained as collateral under securities pledged for FHLBI for mortgage loan		155.00%
Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Of Related Investments Or Collateral [Abstract]
Percentage of the fair value of FHLBI securities obtained as collateral under securities pledged for FHLBI for AFS Securities		115.00%
Percentage of the fair value of FHLBI securities obtained as collateral under securities pledged for FHLBI for mortgage loan		175.00%
[1]	We obtain collateral based upon contractual provisions with our counterparties. These agreements take into consideration the counterparties' credit rating as compared to ours, the fair value of the derivative investments and specified thresholds that if exceeded result in the receipt of cash that is typically invested in cash and invested cash. See Note 5 for additional information.
[2]	Our pledged securities under securities lending agreements are included in fixed maturity AFS securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We generally obtain collateral in an amount equal to 102% and 105% of the fair value of the domestic and foreign securities, respectively. We value collateral daily and obtain additional collateral when deemed appropriate. The cash received in our securities lending program is typically invested in cash and invested cash or fixed maturity AFS securities.
[3]	Our pledged securities under repurchase agreements are included in fixed maturity AFS securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We obtain collateral in an amount equal to 95% of the fair value of the securities, and our agreements with third parties contain contractual provisions to allow for additional collateral to be obtained when necessary. The cash received in our repurchase program is typically invested in fixed maturity AFS securities.
[4]	Our pledged investments for FHLBI are included in fixed maturity AFS securities and mortgage loans on real estate on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The collateral requirements are generally 105% to 115% of the fair value for fixed maturity AFS securities and 155% to 175% of the fair value for mortgage loans on real estate. The cash received in these transactions is primarily invested in cash and invested cash or fixed maturity AFS securities.

Investments (Schedule Of Increa

Investments (Schedule Of Increase (Decrease) In Payables For Collateral On Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments
Collateral payable held for derivative investments	$ 29	$ 772
Securities pledged under securities lending agreements	(89)	4
Securities pledged under repurchase agreements	1	(166)
Investments pledged for FHLBI	150	(250)
Total increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments	$ 91	$ 360

Investments (Schedule of Securi

Investments (Schedule of Securities Pledged by Contractual Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Repurchase Agreements		$ 536	$ 535
Securities Lending	[1]	127	216
Total gross secured borrowings		663	751
Corporate bonds [Member]
Repurchase Agreements		536	535
Securities Lending		127	212
Foreign government bonds [Member]
Securities Lending			4
Overnight and Continuous [Member]
Securities Lending		127	216
Total gross secured borrowings		127	216
Overnight and Continuous [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Securities Lending		127	212
Overnight and Continuous [Member] | Foreign government bonds [Member]
Securities Lending			4
30 to 90 Days [Member]
Repurchase Agreements		386	389
Total gross secured borrowings		386	389
30 to 90 Days [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Repurchase Agreements		386	389
Greater than 90 days [Member]
Repurchase Agreements		150	146
Total gross secured borrowings		150	146
Greater than 90 days [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Repurchase Agreements		$ 150	$ 146
[1]	Our pledged securities under securities lending agreements are included in fixed maturity AFS securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We generally obtain collateral in an amount equal to 102% and 105% of the fair value of the domestic and foreign securities, respectively. We value collateral daily and obtain additional collateral when deemed appropriate. The cash received in our securities lending program is typically invested in cash and invested cash or fixed maturity AFS securities.

Derivative Instruments (Narrati

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months	$ 8
Exposure Associated With Collateralization Events	$ 4

Derivative Instruments (Outstan

Derivative Instruments (Outstanding Derivative Instruments With Off-Balance-Sheet Risks) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts		$ 112,626
Interest rate contracts [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts	[1]	82,269
Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts	[2]	1,238
Equity market contracts [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts		29,063
Credit contracts [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts		56
Total Derivative Instruments [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts		112,626	$ 104,926
Asset Fair Value		1,863	2,005
Liability Fair Value		2,105	3,194
Derivative investments [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts	[3]	77,202	70,290
Asset Fair Value	[3]	695	985
Liability Fair Value	[3]	160	701
Derivative investments [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts	[3]	25	14
Derivative investments [Member] | Equity market contracts [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts	[3]	29,063	28,315
Asset Fair Value	[3]	526	541
Liability Fair Value	[3]	393	616
Derivative investments [Member] | Credit contracts [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts	[3]	56	66
Derivative investments [Member] | Cash flow hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts		4,787	4,729
Asset Fair Value		170	221
Liability Fair Value		90	132
Derivative investments [Member] | Cash flow hedges | Interest rate contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts	[3]	3,574	3,552
Asset Fair Value	[3]	39	68
Liability Fair Value	[3]	80	122
Derivative investments [Member] | Cash flow hedges | Foreign currency contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts	[3]	1,213	1,177
Asset Fair Value	[3]	131	153
Liability Fair Value	[3]	10	10
Derivative investments [Member] | Fair value hedges | Interest rate contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts	[3]	1,493	1,512
Asset Fair Value	[3]	246	258
Liability Fair Value	[3]	174	182
Other assets [Member] | Embedded derivatives - GLB [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Asset Fair Value	[4]	226
Other liabilities [Member] | Embedded derivatives - GLB [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Liability Fair Value	[5]		371
Reinsurance related embedded derivatives [Member] | Embedded derivatives - Reinsurance related [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Liability Fair Value	[6]	50	53
Future contract benefits [Member] | Indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Liability Fair Value	[7]	$ 1,238	$ 1,139
[1]	As of March 31, 2017, the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was April 2067.
[2]	As of March 31, 2017, the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was December 2045.
[3]	Reported in derivative investments and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[4]	Reported in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.Reported in other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[5]	Reported in other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[6]	Reported in reinsurance related embedded derivatives on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[7]	Reported in future contract benefits on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Derivative Instruments (Maturit

Derivative Instruments (Maturity Of The Notional Amounts Of Derivative Financial Instruments) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Maturity of the notional amounts of derivative financial instruments
Remaining Life Less Than 1 Year	$ 29,366
Remaining Life - 1 - 5 Years	34,161
Remaining Life - 6 - 10 Years	31,424
Remaining Life - 11 - 30 Years	15,188
Remaining Life Over - 30 Years	2,487
Remaining Life - Total Years	112,626
Interest rate contracts [Member]
Maturity of the notional amounts of derivative financial instruments
Remaining Life Less Than 1 Year	12,032	[1]
Remaining Life - 1 - 5 Years	25,178	[1]
Remaining Life - 6 - 10 Years	29,368	[1]
Remaining Life - 11 - 30 Years	14,478	[1]
Remaining Life Over - 30 Years	1,213	[1]
Remaining Life - Total Years	$ 82,269	[1]
Derivative maturity date	Apr. 1, 2067
Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Maturity of the notional amounts of derivative financial instruments
Remaining Life Less Than 1 Year	$ 37	[2]
Remaining Life - 1 - 5 Years	151	[2]
Remaining Life - 6 - 10 Years	355	[2]
Remaining Life - 11 - 30 Years	695	[2]
Remaining Life Over - 30 Years		[2]
Remaining Life - Total Years	$ 1,238	[2]
Derivative maturity date	Dec. 1, 2045
Equity market contracts [Member]
Maturity of the notional amounts of derivative financial instruments
Remaining Life Less Than 1 Year	$ 17,297
Remaining Life - 1 - 5 Years	8,832
Remaining Life - 6 - 10 Years	1,645
Remaining Life - 11 - 30 Years	15
Remaining Life Over - 30 Years	1,274
Remaining Life - Total Years	29,063
Credit contracts [Member]
Maturity of the notional amounts of derivative financial instruments
Remaining Life Less Than 1 Year
Remaining Life - 1 - 5 Years
Remaining Life - 6 - 10 Years	56
Remaining Life - 11 - 30 Years
Remaining Life Over - 30 Years
Remaining Life - Total Years	$ 56
[1]	As of March 31, 2017, the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was April 2067.
[2]	As of March 31, 2017, the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was December 2045.

Derivative Instruments (Change

Derivative Instruments (Change In Our Unrealized Gain On Derivative Instruments In Accumulated OCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Change in our unrealized gain on derivative instruments in accumulated OCI
Balance as of beginning-of-year		$ 1,566
Federal income tax expense (benefit)		40	$ 24
Balance as of end-of-period		1,847
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member]
Change in our unrealized gain on derivative instruments in accumulated OCI
Balance as of beginning-of-year		49	132
Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment		(20)	(11)
Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL		(2)	(4)
Income tax benefit (expense)		1	50
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss)		7	7
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL			(1)
Federal income tax expense (benefit)		(2)	(2)
Balance as of end-of-period		43	34
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Cash flow hedges | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Change in our unrealized gain on derivative instruments in accumulated OCI
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period		9	(144)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Cash flow hedges | Interest rate contracts [Member] | Net Investment Income [Member]
Change in our unrealized gain on derivative instruments in accumulated OCI
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	[1]	2	1
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Cash flow hedges | Interest rate contracts [Member] | Interest and Debt Expense [Member]
Change in our unrealized gain on derivative instruments in accumulated OCI
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	[2]	(4)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Cash flow hedges | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Change in our unrealized gain on derivative instruments in accumulated OCI
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period		11	15
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Cash flow hedges | Foreign currency contracts [Member] | Net Investment Income [Member]
Change in our unrealized gain on derivative instruments in accumulated OCI
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	[1]	4	2
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Cash flow hedges | Foreign currency contracts [Member] | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member]
Change in our unrealized gain on derivative instruments in accumulated OCI
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	[3]	$ 5	$ 4
[1]	The OCI offset is reported within net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
[2]	The OCI offset is reported within interest and debt expense on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
[3]	The OCI offset is reported within realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Derivative Instruments (Gains (

Derivative Instruments (Gains (Losses) On Derivative Instruments Recorded Within Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)		$ (69)	$ (382)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash flow hedges
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)		7	7
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair value hedges
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)		9	(53)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Investment Income [Member] | Cash flow hedges | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[1]	2	1
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Investment Income [Member] | Cash flow hedges | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[1]	4	2
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Investment Income [Member] | Fair value hedges | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[1]	(7)	(8)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest and Debt Expense [Member] | Cash flow hedges | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[2]	(4)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest and Debt Expense [Member] | Fair value hedges | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[2]	8	8
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member] | Cash flow hedges | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[3]	5	4
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member] | Fair value hedges | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[3]	8	(53)
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[3]	(50)	975
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[3]	3	4
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member] | Equity market contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[3]	(528)	(330)
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member] | Credit contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[3]		(3)
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member] | Embedded derivatives - GLB [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[3]	597	(963)
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member] | Embedded derivatives - Reinsurance related [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[3]	3	(24)
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member] | Indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[3]	(120)	6
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments | Commissions and other expenses [Member] | Equity market contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[4]	$ 10	$ (1)
[1]	Reported in net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
[2]	Reported in interest and debt expense on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
[3]	Reported in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
[4]	Reported in commissions and other expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Derivative Instruments (Gains55

Derivative Instruments (Gains (Losses) On Derivative Instruments Designated As Cash Flow Hedges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Gains (losses) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges
Offset to net investment income	$ 1,238	$ 1,172
Offset to realized gain (loss)	(39)	(114)
Offset to interest and debt expense	64	68
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash flow hedges | Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Gains (losses) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges
Offset to net investment income	6	3
Offset to realized gain (loss)	5	$ 4
Offset to interest and debt expense	$ (4)

Derivative Instruments (Open Cr

Derivative Instruments (Open Credit Default Swap Liabilities) (Details) - Open Credit Default Swap Liabilities [Member] $ in Millions		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)item
Summary Of Credit Derivatives
Number of instruments | item		1	2
Fair value	[1]	$ 1
Maximum potential payout		$ 56	$ 40
3/20/2017 maturity
Summary Of Credit Derivatives
Credit rating of underlying obligation	[2]		BBB+
Number of instruments | item			2
Maximum potential payout			$ 40
6/20/2022 maturity
Summary Of Credit Derivatives
Credit rating of underlying obligation	[2]	BBB+
Number of instruments | item		1
Fair value	[1]	$ 1
Maximum potential payout		$ 56
[1]	Broker quotes are used to determine the market value of our credit default swaps.Credit default swaps were entered into in order to hedge the liability exposure on certain variable annuity products.Sellers do not have the right to demand indemnification or compensation from third parties in case of a loss (payment) on the contract.
[2]	Represents average credit ratings based on the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch Ratings, as scaled to the corresponding S&P ratings.

Derivative Instruments (Collate

Derivative Instruments (Collateral Support Agreements) (Details) - Open Credit Default Swap Liabilities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Credit risk related contingent features collateral
Maximum potential payout	$ 56	$ 40
Less: Counterparty thresholds
Maximum collateral potentially required to post	$ 56	$ 40

Derivative Instruments (Schedul

Derivative Instruments (Schedule Of Collateral Amounts With Rights To Reclaim Or Obligation To Return Cash) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)	$ 922	$ 894
Collateral Posted by LNC (Held by Counter-Party)	(489)	(630)
AA- [Member]
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)	74	53
Collateral Posted by LNC (Held by Counter-Party)		(32)
A plus [Member]
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)	32	10
Collateral Posted by LNC (Held by Counter-Party)	(212)	(217)
A [Member]
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)	495	466
Collateral Posted by LNC (Held by Counter-Party)	(277)	(381)
A- [Member]
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)	59	67
Collateral Posted by LNC (Held by Counter-Party)
BBB+ [Member]
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)	262	298
Collateral Posted by LNC (Held by Counter-Party)

Derivative Instruments (Balance

Derivative Instruments (Balance Sheet Offsetting) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial Assets
Derivative Instruments, Gross amount of recognized assets	$ 1,532	$ 1,470
Derivative Instruments, Gross amounts offset	(541)	(543)
Derivative Instruments, Net amount of assets	991	927
Derivative Instruments, Cash collateral	(922)	(894)
Derivative Instruments, Net amount	69	33
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Gross amount of recognized assets	226
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Gross amounts offset
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Net amount of assets	226
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Cash collateral
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Net amount	226
Total, Gross amount of recognized assets	1,758	1,470
Total, Gross amounts offset	(541)	(543)
Total, Net amount of assets	1,217	927
Total, Cash collateral	(922)	(894)
Total, Net amount	295	33
Financial Liabilities
Derivative Instruments, Gross amount of recognized liabilities	589	1,089
Derivative Instruments, Gross amounts offset	(105)	(536)
Derivative Instruments, Net amount of liabilities	484	553
Derivative Instruments, Cash collateral	(489)	(630)
Derivative Instruments, Net amount	(5)	(77)
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Gross amount of recognized liabilities	1,288	1,563
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Gross amounts offset
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Net amount of liabilities	1,288	1,563
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Cash collateral
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Net amount	1,288	1,563
Total, Gross amount of recognized liabilities	1,877	2,652
Total, Gross amounts offset	(105)	(536)
Total, Net amount of liabilities	1,772	2,116
Total, Cash collateral	(489)	(630)
Total, Net amount	$ 1,283	$ 1,486

Federal Income Taxes (Narrative

Federal Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Federal Income Taxes [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	8.00%	10.00%
Federal rate	35.00%	35.00%

Guaranteed Benefit Features (Na

Guaranteed Benefit Features (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Guaranteed Benefit Features [Abstract]
Percent of permanent life insurance in force	34.00%		35.00%
Percent of permanent life insurance sales	26.00%	29.00%

Guaranteed Benefit Features (In

Guaranteed Benefit Features (Information On Guaranteed Death Benefit Features) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Return of Net Deposits [Member]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total Account Value	[1]	$ 90,582	$ 87,707
Net Amount At Risk	[1],[2]	$ 348	$ 824
Average attained age of contract holders	[1]	63 years	63 years
Minimum Return [Member]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total Account Value	[1]	$ 106	$ 105
Net Amount At Risk	[1],[2]	$ 20	$ 22
Average attained age of contract holders	[1]	75 years	75 years
Guaranteed minimum return	[1]	5.00%	5.00%
Anniversary Contract Value [Member]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total Account Value	[1]	$ 25,359	$ 24,605
Net Amount At Risk	[1],[2]	$ 553	$ 782
Average attained age of contract holders	[1]	70 years	69 years
[1]	Our variable contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract; therefore, the amounts listed are not mutually exclusive.
[2]	Represents the amount of death benefit in excess of the account balance that is subject to market fluctuations.

Guaranteed Benefit Features (Su

Guaranteed Benefit Features (Summary Of Guaranteed Death Benefit Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Guaranteed Benefit Features [Abstract]
Balance as of beginning-of-year	$ 110	$ 115
Changes in reserves	(5)	15
Benefits paid	(6)	(14)
Balance as of end-of-period	$ 99	$ 116

Guaranteed Benefit Features (Ac

Guaranteed Benefit Features (Account Balances Of Variable Annuity Contracts With Guarantees Invested In Separate Accounts) (Details) - Variable Annuity [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Account Balances Of Variable Annuity Contracts With Guarantees Invested In Separate Accounts [Line Items]
Total	$ 113,120	$ 109,182
Percent of total variable annuity separate account values	99.00%	99.00%
Domestic equity
Account Balances Of Variable Annuity Contracts With Guarantees Invested In Separate Accounts [Line Items]
Total	$ 54,433	$ 52,244
International equity
Account Balances Of Variable Annuity Contracts With Guarantees Invested In Separate Accounts [Line Items]
Total	18,131	17,396
Bonds
Account Balances Of Variable Annuity Contracts With Guarantees Invested In Separate Accounts [Line Items]
Total	27,564	27,532
Money Market
Account Balances Of Variable Annuity Contracts With Guarantees Invested In Separate Accounts [Line Items]
Total	$ 12,992	$ 12,010

Contingencies and Commitments (

Contingencies and Commitments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Pending Litigation [Member]
Loss contingency, estimate	$ 50

Shares and Stockholders' Equi66

Shares and Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Shares and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Deferred compensation plan mark to market adjustment	$ 7

Shares and Stockholders' Equi67

Shares and Stockholders' Equity (Changes In Preferred And Common stock (Number Of Shares)) (Details) - shares		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Changes In Preferred And Common Stock Number Of Shares [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning-of-year		226,335,105
Balance as of end-of-period		224,888,259
Common stock as of end-of-period:
Basic basis		224,888,259	239,005,252
Diluted basis	[1]	228,934,631	242,176,232
Common Stock
Changes In Preferred And Common Stock Number Of Shares [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning-of-year		226,335,105	243,835,893
Stock issued for exercise of warrants		45,294	24,813
Stock compensation/issued for benefit plans		1,371,831	660,605
Retirement/cancellation of shares		(2,863,971)	(5,516,059)
Balance as of end-of-period		224,888,259	239,005,252
[1]	Effective October 1, 2016, we early adopted ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. We have updated certain previously reported interim results and metrics as of January 1, 2016, in accordance with the new guidance. For more information, see Note 1 - Earnings Per Share in our 2016 Form 10-K.

Shares and Stockholders' Equi68

Shares and Stockholders' Equity (Reconciliation Of The Denominator Calculations Of Basic And Diluted EPS) (Details) - shares		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Reconciliation of the denominator (number of shares) in the calculations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share
Weighted-average shares, as used in basic calculation		225,619,803	241,676,363
Shares to cover exercise of outstanding warrants		1,023,429	1,101,947
Shares to cover non-vested stock	[1]	1,675,799	1,063,150
Average stock options outstanding during the period		2,681,129	1,806,644
Assumed acquisition of shares with assumed proceeds from exercising outstanding warrants		(150,236)	(291,520)
Assumed acquisition of shares with assumed proceeds and benefits from exercising stock options (at average market price for the period)	[1]	(1,619,156)	(1,299,510)
Shares repurchaseable from measured but unrecognized stock option expense		(77,078)	(1,103)
Average deferred compensation shares		949,815	1,039,929
Weighted-average shares, as used in diluted calculation	[1]	230,103,505	245,095,900
[1]	Effective October 1, 2016, we early adopted ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. We have updated certain previously reported interim results and metrics as of January 1, 2016, in accordance with the new guidance. For more information, see Note 1 - Earnings Per Share in our 2016 Form 10-K.

Shares and Stockholders' Equi69

Shares and Stockholders' Equity (Components And Changes In Accumulated OCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Components And Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning-of-year	$ 1,566
Increases Attributable To
Gross OTTI recognized in OCI during the year		$ (26)
Less:
Balance as of end-of-period	1,847
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities [Member]
Components And Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning-of-year	1,784	991
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the year	530	2,469
Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment	19	7
Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI, future contract benefits and other contract holder funds	(121)	(661)
Income tax benefit (expense)	(151)	(641)
Less:
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	(3)	(44)
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI, and DFEL	(7)	(2)
Income tax benefit (expense)	4	16
Less:
Balance as of end-of-period	2,067	2,195
Unrealized OTTI on AFS Securities [Member]
Components And Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning-of-year	25	26
Increases Attributable To
Gross OTTI recognized in OCI during the year		(26)
Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL		6
Income tax benefit (expense)		7
Decreases attributable to
Changes in fair value, sales, maturities or other settlements of AFS securities	7	(14)
Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI, and DFEL	(1)	4
Income tax benefit (expense)	(2)	3
Less:
Balance as of end-of-period	29	6
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member]
Components And Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning-of-year	49	132
Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment	(20)	(11)
Decreases attributable to
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the year	20	(129)
Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL	(2)	(4)
Income tax benefit (expense)	1	50
Less:
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	7	7
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL		(1)
Income tax benefit (expense)	(2)	(2)
Balance as of end-of-period	43	34
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Components And Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning-of-year	(27)	(5)
Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment	2	(2)
Less:
Balance as of end-of-period	(25)	(7)
Funded Status of Employee Benefit Plans [Member]
Components And Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning-of-year	(265)	(299)
Less:
Adjustment arising during the period	(2)	2
Balance as of end-of-period	$ (267)	$ (297)

Shares And Stockholders' Equi70

Shares And Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Reclassifications Out Of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total realized gain (loss)	$ (39)	$ (114)
Net investment income	1,238	1,172
Interest and debt expense	64	68
Commissions and other expenses	1,015	976
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	475	235
Federal income tax expense (benefit)	40	24
Net income (loss)	435	211
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	(10)	(46)
Federal income tax expense (benefit)	4	16
Net income (loss)	(6)	(30)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	7	6
Federal income tax expense (benefit)	(2)	(2)
Net income (loss)	5	4
Gross Reclassification [Member] | Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total realized gain (loss)	(3)	(44)
Gross Reclassification [Member] | Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Nonoperating income expense	7	7
Gross Reclassification [Member] | Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment income	2	1
Interest and debt expense	(4)
Gross Reclassification [Member] | Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total realized gain (loss)	5
Net investment income	4	6
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL [Member] | Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total realized gain (loss)	$ (7)	(2)
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL [Member] | Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Commissions and other expenses		$ (1)

Realized (Gain) Loss (Details)

Realized (Gain) Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Details underlying realized gain (loss)
Total realized gain loss related to certain investments	[1]	$ (13)	$ (107)
Realized gain (loss) on the mark-to-market on certain instruments	[2]	11	8
Indexed annuity and universal life net derivative results:
Gross gain (loss)	[3]	(10)	(23)
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI, and DFEL	[3]	(2)	1
Variable annuity net derivatives results:
Gross gain (loss)	[4]	(28)	11
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI, and DFEL	[4]	3	(4)
Total realized gain (loss)		$ (39)	$ (114)
[1]	See "Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments" section in Note 4.
[2]	Represents changes in the fair values of certain derivative investments (not including those associated with our variable and indexed annuity and IUL contracts net derivatives results), reinsurance related embedded derivatives and trading securities.
[3]	Represents the net difference between the change in the fair value of the S&P 500 Index ® call options that we hold and the change in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities of our indexed annuity and IUL contracts along with changes in the fair value of embedded derivative liabilities related to index call options we may purchase in the future to hedge contract holder index allocations applicable to future reset periods for our indexed annuity products.
[4]	Includes the net difference in the change in embedded derivative reserves of our GLB riders and the change in the fair value of the derivative instruments we own to hedge the change in embedded derivative reserves on our GLB riders and the benefit ratio unlocking on our GLB and GDB riders, including the cost of purchasing the hedging instruments.

Stock-Based Incentive Compens72

Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017shares
Stock options [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award [Line Items]
Shares granted	392,367
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award [Line Items]
Shares granted	149,225
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award [Line Items]
Shares granted	398,500
Non-employee Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award [Line Items]
Shares granted	26,494
Non-employee Agent Stock Options [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award [Line Items]
Shares granted	102,638
Non-employee Director Deferred Stock Units [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award [Line Items]
Shares granted	7,475

Fair Value of Financial Instr73

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Carrying and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
AFS securities:
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities		$ 91,102	$ 89,013
Variable interest entities' fixed maturity securities			200
AFS Equity securities		276	275
Trading securities		1,703	1,712
Mortgage loans on real estate		10,001	9,889
Derivative investments		991	927
Other investments		2,104	2,230
Carrying Value [Member]
AFS securities:
AFS Equity securities		276	275
Trading securities		1,703	1,712
Mortgage loans on real estate		10,001	9,889
Derivative investments	[1]	991	927
Other investments		2,104	2,230
Cash and invested cash		1,923	2,722
Other assets - GLB direct embedded derivatives	[2]	226
Other assets - GLB ceded embedded derivatives		116	203
Separate account assets		132,958	128,397
Future contract benefits:
Indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives		(1,238)	(1,139)
Other contract holder funds:
Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts		(629)	(629)
Account values of certain investment contracts		(31,832)	(31,516)
Short-term debt		(200)
Long-term debt		(5,133)	(5,345)
Reinsurance related embedded derivatives		(50)	(53)
Other liabilities - derivative liabilities	[1]	(171)	(553)
Other liabilities - GLB direct embedded derivatives	[2]		(371)
Fair Value [Member]
AFS securities:
AFS Equity securities		276	275
Trading securities		1,703	1,712
Mortgage loans on real estate		10,033	9,853
Derivative investments	[1]	991	927
Other investments		2,104	2,230
Cash and invested cash		1,923	2,722
Other assets - GLB direct embedded derivatives	[2]	226
Other assets - GLB ceded embedded derivatives		116	203
Separate account assets		132,958	128,397
Future contract benefits:
Indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives		(1,238)	(1,139)
Other contract holder funds:
Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts		(629)	(629)
Account values of certain investment contracts		(35,540)	(35,647)
Short-term debt		(210)
Long-term debt		(5,573)	(5,679)
Reinsurance related embedded derivatives		(50)	(53)
Other liabilities - derivative liabilities	[1]	(171)	(553)
Other liabilities - GLB direct embedded derivatives	[2]		(371)
VIEs' fixed maturity securities [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
AFS securities:
Variable interest entities' fixed maturity securities			200
VIEs' fixed maturity securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
AFS securities:
Variable interest entities' fixed maturity securities			200
Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
AFS securities:
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities		91,102	89,013
Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
AFS securities:
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities		$ 91,102	$ 89,013
[1]	We have master netting agreements with each of our derivative counterparties, which allow for the netting of our derivative asset and liability positions by counterparty.
[2]	Portions of our GLB direct embedded derivatives are ceded to third-party reinsurance counterparties. Refer to Note 5 for additional detail.

Fair Value of Financial Instr74

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		$ 230,091	$ 224,673
Liabilities measured at fair value		(3,223)	(4,397)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		1,730	1,596
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		224,451	219,330
Liabilities measured at fair value		(1,537)	(2,195)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		3,910	3,747
Liabilities measured at fair value		(1,686)	(2,202)
Corporate bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		78,779	77,064
Corporate bonds [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		76,376	74,659
Corporate bonds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		2,403	2,405
ABS [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		1,062	1,085
ABS [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		1,033	1,052
ABS [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		29	33
U.S. government bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		576	419
U.S. government bonds [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		562	408
U.S. government bonds [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		9	11
U.S. government bonds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		5
Foreign government bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		456	506
Foreign government bonds [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		346	395
Foreign government bonds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		110	111
RMBS [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		3,581	3,614
RMBS [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		3,574	3,611
RMBS [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		7	3
CMBS [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		427	350
CMBS [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		383	343
CMBS [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		44	7
CLOs [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		776	744
CLOs [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		688	676
CLOs [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		88	68
State and municipal bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		4,826	4,627
State and municipal bonds [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		4,825	4,627
State and municipal bonds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		1
Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		619	604
Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		66	60
Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		474	468
Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		79	76
VIEs' fixed maturity securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value			200
VIEs' fixed maturity securities [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value			200
Equity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		276	275
Equity AFS securities [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		16	17
Equity AFS securities [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		78	81
Equity AFS securities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		182	177
Trading securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		1,703	1,712
Trading securities [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		102	102
Trading securities [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		1,541	1,545
Trading securities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		60	65
Derivative investments [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	[1]	1,637	2,005
Derivative investments [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	[1]	1,077	1,406
Derivative investments [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	[1]	560	599
Other investments [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		150	146
Other investments [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		150	146
Invested cash [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		1,923	2,722
Invested cash [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		1,923	2,722
GLB ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		116	203
GLB ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		116	203
Separate Account Assets [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		132,958	128,397
Separate Account Assets [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		834	863
Separate Account Assets [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		132,124	127,534
Indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives [Member] | Future contract benefits [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value		(1,238)	(1,139)
Indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Future contract benefits [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value		(1,238)	(1,139)
Long-term Debt [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value		(1,118)	(1,203)
Long-term Debt [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value		(1,118)	(1,203)
Reinsurance related embedded derivatives [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value		(50)	(53)
Reinsurance related embedded derivatives [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value		(50)	(53)
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value	[1]	(817)	(1,631)
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value	[1]	(369)	(939)
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value	[1]	(448)	(692)
GLB direct embedded derivatives [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		226
GLB direct embedded derivatives [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value			(371)
GLB direct embedded derivatives [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		$ 226
GLB direct embedded derivatives [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value			$ (371)
[1]	Derivative investment assets and liabilities presented within the fair value hierarchy are presented on a gross basis by derivative type and not on a master netting basis by counterparty.

Fair Value of Financial Instr75

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Fair Value Measured On A Recurring Basis Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value		$ 1,545	$ 1,799
Items Included in Net Income		328	(1,221)
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1]	97	110
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net		107	56
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	[2]	147	139
Ending Fair Value		2,224	883
Corporate bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[3]	2,405	1,993
Items Included in Net Income	[3]	6	6
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[3]	65	18
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[3]	(204)	28
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	[2],[3]	131	140
Ending Fair Value	[3]	2,403	2,185
ABS [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[3]	33	45
Items Included in Net Income	[3]
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[3]	1	(1)
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[3]
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	[2],[3]	(5)
Ending Fair Value	[3]	29	44
U.S. government bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	[2],[3]	5
Ending Fair Value	[3]	5
Foreign government bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[3]	111	111
Items Included in Net Income	[3]
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[3]	(1)
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[3]
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	[2],[3]
Ending Fair Value	[3]	110	111
RMBS [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[3]	3	1
Items Included in Net Income	[3]
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[3]
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[3]	4
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	[2],[3]
Ending Fair Value	[3]	7	1
CMBS [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[3]	7	10
Items Included in Net Income	[3]
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[3]
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[3]	41	(1)
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	[2],[3]	(4)
Ending Fair Value	[3]	44	9
CLOs [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[3]	68	551
Items Included in Net Income	[3]
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[3]		2
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[3]	5	38
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	[2],[3]	15
Ending Fair Value	[3]	88	591
State and municipal bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Items Included in Net Income	[3]	(1)
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	[2],[3]	2
Ending Fair Value	[3]	1
Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[3]	76	94
Items Included in Net Income	[3]
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[3]	3	(2)
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[3]
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	[2],[3]
Ending Fair Value	[3]	79	92
Equity AFS securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[3]	177	164
Items Included in Net Income	[3]	1
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[3]	(1)	(1)
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[3]	5	4
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	[2],[3]
Ending Fair Value	[3]	182	167
Trading securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[3]	65	73
Items Included in Net Income	[3]	1	1
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[3]	7	2
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[3]	(16)	(1)
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	[2],[3]	3	(1)
Ending Fair Value	[3]	60	74
Derivative investments [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[3]	(93)	555
Items Included in Net Income	[3]	(69)	(440)
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[3]	23	92
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[3]	251	(17)
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	[2],[3]
Ending Fair Value	[3]	112	190
Other investments [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Items Included in Net Income	[4]		2
Ending Fair Value	[4]		2
GLB ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[5]	203	268
Items Included in Net Income	[5]	(87)	165
Ending Fair Value	[5]	116	433
Indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives [Member] | Future contract benefits [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[5]	(1,139)	(1,100)
Items Included in Net Income	[5]	(120)	7
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[5]
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[5]	21	5
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	[2],[5]
Ending Fair Value	[5]	(1,238)	(1,088)
VIEs' liabilities - derivative instruments [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[4]		(4)
Items Included in Net Income	[4]		4
Credit default swaps [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[4]		(9)
Items Included in Net Income	[4]		(3)
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[4]
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[4]
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	[2],[4]
Ending Fair Value	[4]		(12)
GLB direct embedded derivatives [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Items Included in Net Income	[5]	226
Ending Fair Value	[5]	226
GLB direct embedded derivatives [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[5]	(371)	(953)
Items Included in Net Income	[5]	371	(963)
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[5]
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[5]
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	[2],[5]
Ending Fair Value	[5]		$ (1,916)
[1]	The changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps are offset by an adjustment to derivative investments (see Note 5).
[2]	Transfers into or out of Level 3 for AFS and trading securities are displayed at amortized cost as of the beginning-of-year. For AFS and trading securities, the difference between beginning-of-year amortized cost and beginning-of-year fair value was included in OCI and earnings, respectively, in the prior period.
[3]	Amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts are included in net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Gains (losses) from sales, maturities, settlements and calls and OTTI are included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
[4]	The changes in fair value of the credit default swaps and contingency forwards are included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
[5]	Gains (losses) from sales, maturities, settlements and calls are included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Fair Value of Financial Instr76

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Investment Holdings Movements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share Unobservable Input Investment Holdings Movements [Abstract]
Issuances	$ 126	$ 174
Sales	213	(35)
Maturities	(112)	(18)
Settlements	(25)	(8)
Calls	(95)	(57)
Total	107	56
Corporate bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share Unobservable Input Investment Holdings Movements [Abstract]
Issuances	38	116
Sales	(62)	9
Maturities	(22)	(4)
Settlements	(63)	(36)
Calls	(95)	(57)
Total	(204)	28
RMBS [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share Unobservable Input Investment Holdings Movements [Abstract]
Issuances	4
Total	4
CMBS [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share Unobservable Input Investment Holdings Movements [Abstract]
Issuances	41
Sales		(1)
Total	41	(1)
CLOs [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share Unobservable Input Investment Holdings Movements [Abstract]
Issuances	5	40
Settlements		(2)
Total	5	38
Equity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share Unobservable Input Investment Holdings Movements [Abstract]
Issuances	7	4
Sales	(2)
Total	5	4
Trading securities [Member]
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share Unobservable Input Investment Holdings Movements [Abstract]
Issuances	2
Sales	(17)
Settlements	(1)	(1)
Total	(16)	(1)
Derivative investments [Member]
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share Unobservable Input Investment Holdings Movements [Abstract]
Issuances	47	40
Sales	294	(43)
Maturities	(90)	(14)
Total	251	(17)
Indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives [Member] | Future contract benefits [Member]
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share Unobservable Input Investment Holdings Movements [Abstract]
Issuances	(18)	(26)
Settlements	39	31
Total	$ 21	$ 5

Fair Value of Financial Instr77

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Changes In Unrealized Gains (Losses) Within Level 3 Financial Instruments Carried At Fair Value And Still Held) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) within Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value and still held
Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income	[1]	$ 659	$ (1,237)
Derivative investments [Member] | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) within Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value and still held
Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income		(74)	(393)
Other investments [Member] | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) within Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value and still held
Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income			2
Indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives [Member] | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) within Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value and still held
Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income		(14)	(23)
GLB direct and ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) within Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value and still held
Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income		$ 747	(824)
VIEs' liabilities - derivative instruments [Member] | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) within Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value and still held
Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income			4
Credit default swaps [Member] | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) within Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value and still held
Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income			$ (3)
[1]	Included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Fair Value of Financial Instr78

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Components Of The Transfers In And Out Of Level 3) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers In to Level 3	$ 200	$ 164
Transfers Out of Level 3	(53)	(25)
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	147	139
Corporate bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers In to Level 3	160	164
Transfers Out of Level 3	(29)	(24)
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	131	140
ABS [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers Out of Level 3	(5)
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	(5)
U.S. government bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers In to Level 3	5
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	5
CMBS [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers Out of Level 3	(4)
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	(4)
CLOs [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers In to Level 3	30
Transfers Out of Level 3	(15)
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	15
State and municipal bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers In to Level 3	2
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	2
Trading securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers In to Level 3	3
Transfers Out of Level 3		(1)
Transfers In or Out of Level 3, Net	$ 3	$ (1)

Fair Value of Financial Instr79

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	$ 230,091	$ 224,673
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liabilities measured at fair value	(3,223)	(4,397)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	3,910	3,747
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liabilities measured at fair value	(1,686)	$ (2,202)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	1,795
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | ABS [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	25
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Foreign government bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	79
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	4
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Equity AFS securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	24
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB direct and ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	342
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Future contract benefits - indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liabilities measured at fair value	$ (1,238)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liquidity Duration Adjustment	0.60%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Minimum [Member] | ABS [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liquidity Duration Adjustment	3.00%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Foreign government bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liquidity Duration Adjustment	1.70%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liquidity Duration Adjustment	2.00%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Equity AFS securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liquidity Duration Adjustment	4.50%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Minimum [Member] | GLB direct and ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Lapse Rate	1.00%
Utilization of guaranteed withdrawal	85.00%
Claims Utilization Factor	60.00%
Premiums Utilization Factor	80.00%
NPR	0.02%
Volatility	1.00%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Future contract benefits - indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Lapse Rate	1.00%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liquidity Duration Adjustment	37.30%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Maximum [Member] | ABS [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liquidity Duration Adjustment	3.00%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Foreign government bonds [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liquidity Duration Adjustment	3.30%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liquidity Duration Adjustment	2.00%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Equity AFS securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liquidity Duration Adjustment	5.00%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Maximum [Member] | GLB direct and ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Lapse Rate	30.00%
Utilization of guaranteed withdrawal	100.00%
Claims Utilization Factor	100.00%
Premiums Utilization Factor	115.00%
NPR	0.37%
Volatility	29.00%
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Future contract benefits - indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Lapse Rate	9.00%

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Information [Abstract]
Federal rate	35.00%	35.00%

Segment Information (Reconcilia

Segment Information (Reconciliation Of Revenue From Segments To Consolidated) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Schedule Of Segment Reporting And Reconcilliation [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 3,500	$ 3,243
Annuities Segment [Member]
Schedule Of Segment Reporting And Reconcilliation [Line Items]
Total revenues	1,061	1,039
Retirement Plan Services Segment [Member]
Schedule Of Segment Reporting And Reconcilliation [Line Items]
Total revenues	282	267
Life Insurance Segment [Member]
Schedule Of Segment Reporting And Reconcilliation [Line Items]
Total revenues	1,606	1,478
Group Protection Segment [Member]
Schedule Of Segment Reporting And Reconcilliation [Line Items]
Total revenues	541	534
Other Operations [Member]
Schedule Of Segment Reporting And Reconcilliation [Line Items]
Total revenues	88	82
Excluded realized gain (loss) pre-tax [Member]
Schedule Of Segment Reporting And Reconcilliation [Line Items]
Total revenues	(80)	(158)
Amortization of deferred gain arising from reserve changes on business sold through reinsurance, pre-tax [Member]
Schedule Of Segment Reporting And Reconcilliation [Line Items]
Total revenues	1	$ 1
Amortization Of DFEL Associated With Benefit Ratio Unlocking, Pre-Tax [Member]
Schedule Of Segment Reporting And Reconcilliation [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 1

Segment Information (Reconcil82

Segment Information (Reconciliation Of Income (Loss) From Operations By Segment To Consolidated Net Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 435	$ 211
Annuities Segment [Member]
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	281	218
Retirement Plan Services Segment [Member]
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	37	31
Life Insurance Segment [Member]
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	130	75
Group Protection Segment [Member]
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	7	5
Other Operations [Member]
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(13)	(12)
Excluded realized gain (loss), after-tax [Member]
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(52)	(102)
Benefit ratio unlocking, after-tax [Member]
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 45	$ (4)