Lincoln National (LNC) 10-Q 2 Nov 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 30, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
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 Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		213,604,724

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost: 2018 – $90,808; 2017 – $86,993)	$ 93,161	$ 94,840
Equity securities (cost: 2017 – $247)		246
Trading securities	1,440	1,620
Equity securities	112
Mortgage loans on real estate	12,561	10,762
Real estate	12	11
Policy loans	2,490	2,399
Derivative investments	706	915
Other investments	2,204	2,296
Total investments	112,686	113,089
Cash and invested cash	1,460	1,628
Deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired	10,014	8,403
Premiums and fees receivable	592	396
Accrued investment income	1,168	1,078
Reinsurance recoverables	18,271	4,907
Funds withheld reinsurance assets	566	593
Goodwill	1,757	1,368
Other assets	9,644	6,082
Separate account assets	147,692	144,219
Total assets	303,850	281,763
Liabilities
Future contract benefits	33,988	22,887
Other contract holder funds	89,906	80,209
Short-term debt		450
Long-term debt	5,804	4,894
Reinsurance related embedded derivatives	20	57
Funds withheld reinsurance liabilities	1,733	1,761
Deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance	1	1
Payables for collateral on investments	4,212	4,417
Other liabilities	5,424	5,546
Separate account liabilities	147,692	144,219
Total liabilities	288,780	264,441
Contingencies and Commitments (See Note 10)
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock - 10,000,000 shares authorized
Common stock – 800,000,000 shares authorized; 214,776,806 and 218,090,114 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively	5,619	5,693
Retained earnings	8,615	8,399
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	836	3,230
Total stockholders' equity	15,070	17,322
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 303,850	$ 281,763

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost)	$ 90,808	$ 86,993
Equity securities (cost)		$ 247
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)	214,776,806	218,090,114
Common stock - shares outstanding (in shares)	214,776,806	218,090,114

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenues
Insurance premiums	$ 1,323	$ 774	$ 3,265	$ 2,382
Fee income	1,550	1,401	4,475	4,148
Net investment income	1,271	1,239	3,736	3,738
Realized gain (loss):
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities	(2)	(9)	(5)	(17)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income		1		1
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities recognized in earnings	(2)	(8)	(5)	(16)
Realized gain (loss), excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities	(53)	(48)	(46)	(89)
Total realized gain (loss)	(55)	(56)	(51)	(105)
Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance			1	22
Other revenues	175	153	467	403
Total revenues	4,264	3,511	11,893	10,588
Expenses
Interest credited	652	647	1,952	1,940
Benefits	1,626	1,261	4,646	3,839
Commissions and other expenses	1,367	1,020	3,600	3,068
Interest and debt expense	69	63	228	190
Strategic digitization expense	18	10	49	33
Total expenses	3,732	3,001	10,475	9,070
Income (loss) before taxes	532	510	1,418	1,518
Federal income tax expense (benefit)	42	92	176	254
Net income (loss)	490	418	1,242	1,264
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(365)	148	(3,036)	1,293
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 125	$ 566	$ (1,794)	$ 2,557
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.27	$ 1.89	$ 5.71	$ 5.66
Diluted (in dollars per share)	2.24	1.87	5.59	5.58
Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share	$ 0.33	$ 0.29	$ 0.99	$ 0.87

Consolidated Statements Of Stoc

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total
Balance as of beginning-of-year at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 5,869	$ 7,043	$ 1,566
Stock compensation/issued for benefit plans	75
Net income (loss)		1,264		$ 1,264
Retirement of common stock/cancellation of shares	(227)	(373)
Common stock dividends declared		(196)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			1,293	1,293
Balance as of end-of-period at Sep. 30, 2017	5,717	7,738	2,859	16,314
Balance as of beginning-of-year at Dec. 31, 2017	5,693	8,399	3,230	17,322
Cumulative effect from adoption of new accounting standards at Dec. 31, 2017		(642)	642
Stock compensation/issued for benefit plans	33
Net income (loss)		1,242		1,242
Retirement of common stock/cancellation of shares	(107)	(168)
Common stock dividends declared		(216)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			(3,036)	(3,036)
Balance as of end-of-period at Sep. 30, 2018	$ 5,619	$ 8,615	$ 836	$ 15,070

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ 1,242	$ 1,264
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	86	38
Trading securities purchases, sales and maturities, net	162	83
Change in premiums and fees receivable	(109)	60
Change in accrued investment income	(66)	(75)
Change in future contract benefits and other contract holder funds	(997)	(1,152)
Change in reinsurance related assets and liabilities	426	80
Change in accrued expenses	73	(21)
Change in federal income tax accruals	86	154
Realized (gain) loss	51	105
Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance	(1)	(22)
Other	81	95
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	1,034	609
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Purchases of available-for-sale securities and equity securities	(8,816)	(7,465)
Sales of available-for-sale securities and equity securities	2,678	1,104
Maturities of available-for-sale securities	4,714	4,100
Purchase of common stock in acquisition, net of cash acquired	(1,410)
Sale of business, net	(12)
Purchases of alternative investments	(234)	(228)
Sales and repayments of alternative investments	115	140
Issuance of mortgage loans on real estate	(2,035)	(1,342)
Repayment and maturities of mortgage loans on real estate	842	849
Issuance and repayment of policy loans, net	40	34
Net change in collateral on investments, derivatives and related settlements	22	90
Other	(144)	(66)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(4,240)	(2,784)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Payment of long-term debt, including current maturities	(537)
Issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs	1,094
Payment related to early extinguishment of debt	(23)
Proceeds from sales leaseback transaction	51	45
Deposits of fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable	9,426	7,625
Withdrawals of fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable	(4,466)	(4,309)
Transfers to and from separate accounts, net	(2,008)	(1,183)
Common stock issued for benefit plans	(7)	38
Repurchase of common stock	(275)	(600)
Dividends paid to common stockholders	(217)	(198)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	3,038	1,418
Net increase (decrease) in cash, invested cash and restricted cash	(168)	(757)
Cash, invested cash and restricted cash as of beginning-of-year	1,628	2,722
Cash, invested cash and restricted cash as of end-of-period	$ 1,460	$ 1,965

Nature Of Operations And Basis

Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Presentation
Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Presentation	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 15 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 primarily 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. As discussed in Note 3, on May 1, 2018, LNC and The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (“LNL”) completed the acquisition of Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston (“Liberty Life”). 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, 2017 (“ 2017 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 2017 Form 10-K.  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 nine months ended September 30, 2018 , are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2018 . All material inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 

New Accounting Standards

New Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 Standards Updates (“ASUs”) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the impact of the adoption on our financial statements. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or not material in presentation or amount.     Standard Description Date of Adoption Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters  ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all related amendments This standard establishes the core principle of recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods and services and defines 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. Although the standard and all related amendments supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP, the guidance does not amend the accounting for insurance and investment contracts recognized in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ™ (“ASC”) Topic 944, Financial Services – Insurance, leases, financial instruments and guarantees. January 1, 2018 We adopted the standard and all related amendments using the modified retrospective method. Our primary sources of revenue are recognized in accordance with ASC Topic 944, Financial Services – Insurance; as such, revenue within the scope of the new standard primarily includes commissions and advisory fees earned by our broker dealer operation. The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, stockholders’ equity or cash flows. There were no material changes in the timing or measurement of revenues based upon the guidance. As a result, there is no cumulative effect on retained earnings. For more information, see Note 15.      Standard Description 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 the period of the change in fair value. In addition, the amendments include certain enhancements to the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial assets and financial liabilities. The guidance does not apply to Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock. Early adoption of the ASU is generally not permitted, except as defined in the ASU. The amendments were adopted in the financial statements through a cumulative-effect adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. January 1, 2018 At the time of adoption, we had equity securities classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) with a total carrying value of $246 million. We classified, prospectively, $110 million of equity securities within the scope of this ASU in a separate line on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The remaining securities, consisting of $136 million of FHLB stock, are classified in other investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and carried at cost. The cumulative-effect adjustment of adopting this ASU was $1 million. ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income These amendments require a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to retained earnings for stranded tax effects associated with the change in the federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”) of 2017. The amount of the reclassification is equal to the impact of the change in deferred taxes related to amounts recorded in AOCI resulting from the change in the statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% . Early adoption is permitted and retrospective application is required. January 1, 2018 We retrospectively reclassified $641 million of stranded tax effects from AOCI to retained earnings in the period of adoption.  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 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 continue to gather information to determine our leases that are within the scope of this standard. We do not expect there to be a significant difference in our pattern of lease expense recognition under this ASU.  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, mortgage loans and reinsurance recoverables.  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.  ASU 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities These amendments change both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. These amendments retain the threshold of highly effective for hedging relationships, remove the requirement to bifurcate between the portions of the hedging relationship that are effective and ineffective, record hedge item and hedging instrument results in the same financial statement line item, require quantitative assessment initially for all hedging relationships unless the hedging relationship meets the definition of either the shortcut method or critical terms match method and allow the contractual specified index rate to be designated as the hedged risk in a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk of a variable rate financial instrument. These amendments also eliminate the benchmark interest rate concept for variable rate instruments. Early adoption is permitted. January 1, 2019 We do not currently expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.   Standard Description Projected Date of Adoption Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters  ASU 2018-12, Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts These amendments make changes to the accounting and reporting for long-duration contracts issued by an insurance entity that will significantly change how insurers account for long-duration contracts, including how they measure, recognize and make disclosures about insurance liabilities and deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”). Under this ASU insurers will be required to review cash flow assumptions at least annually and update them if necessary. They also will have to make quarterly updates to the discount rate assumptions they use to measure the liability for future policyholder benefits. The ASU creates a new category of market risk benefits (i.e., features that protect the contract holder from capital market risk and expose the insurer to that risk) that insurers will have to measure at fair value. The ASU provides various transition methods by topic that entities may elect upon adoption. Early adoption is permitted. January 1, 2021 We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

Acquisition

Acquisition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Acquisition [Abstract]
Acquisitions	3. Acquisition  As previously announced, on May 1, 2018 , we completed the acquisition of 100% of the capital stock of Liberty Life, which operates a group benefits business (“Liberty Group Business”) and individual life and individual and group annuity business (the “Liberty Life Business”), from Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in a transaction accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting pursuant to Business Combinations Topic 805 (“Topic 805”). The acquisition enables us to increase our market share within the group protection marketplace.  In connection with the acquisition and pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement (“MTA”), dated January 18, 2018, which was attached as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 22, 2018, Liberty Life sold the Liberty Life Business on May 1, 2018, by entering into reinsurance agreements and related ancillary documents (including administrative services agreements and transition services agreements) with Protective Life Insurance Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company (together with Protective Life Insurance Company, “Protective”), providing for the reinsurance and administration of the Liberty Life Business.  Liberty Life’s excess capital of $1.8 billion was paid to Liberty Mutual Insurance Company through an extraordinary dividend at the acquisition date. We paid $1.5 billion of cash to Liberty Mutual Insurance Company to acquire the Liberty Group Business.   We recognized $10 million and $60 million of acquisition-related costs, pre-tax, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. These costs are included in commissions and other expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The acquisition date fair values of certain assets and liabilities, including future contract benefits, intangible assets and related weighted average expected lives, commercial mortgage loans, reinsurance recoverables and deferred income taxes, are provisional and subject to revision within one year of the acquisition date. Under the terms of the MTA, a final balance sheet will be agreed upon at a later date. As such, our estimates of fair values are pending finalization, which may result in adjustments to goodwill. The following table presents the preliminary fair values (in millions) of the net assets acquired related to the Liberty Group Business as of the acquisition date:     Preliminary  Fair Value  Assets  Investments $ 2,493  Mortgage loans on real estate 658  Cash and invested cash 107  Reinsurance recoverables 76  Premiums and fees receivable 83  Accrued investment income 24  Other intangible assets acquired 640  Other assets acquired 142  Separate account assets 99  Total assets acquired $ 4,322   Liabilities  Future contract benefits $ 2,930  Other contract holder funds 46  Other liabilities acquired 120  Separate account liabilities 99  Total liabilities assumed $ 3,195   Net identifiable assets acquired $ 1,127  Goodwill 390  Net assets acquired $ 1,517  Identifiable Intangible Assets  The following table presents the fair value of identifiable intangible assets acquired (dollars in millions):     Weighted-  Average  Amortization  Fair Value Period  Value of customer relationships acquired $ 576 20  Value of distribution agreements 31 13  Value of business acquired 30 3  Insurance licenses 3 N/A  Total identifiable intangible assets $ 640  The value of customer relationships acquired (“VOCRA”) and value of distribution agreements (“VODA”), included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, reflects the estimated fair value of the customer relationships acquired and distribution agreements of the Liberty Group Business as of May 1, 2018. The value of the identifiable intangible assets was estimated using a discounted cash flow method. Significant inputs to the valuation models include estimates of expected premiums, persistency rates, investment returns, claim costs, expenses and discount rates based on a weighted average cost of capital. Similar to other specifically identifiable intangible assets, the carrying values of VOCRA and VODA will be amortized using a straight-line method and reviewed at least annually for indicators of impairment in value that are other-than-temporary.  For information on value of business acquired (“VOBA”), see Notes 1 and 8 in our 2017 Form 10-K.  The value of insurance licenses was estimated using the comparable transaction method under the market approach based on arms-length transactions in which certificate authority companies with life and health insurance licenses were purchased. The value of insurance licenses has an indefinite useful life. Goodwill  Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the future economic benefits arising from assets acquired and liabilities assumed that could not be individually identified. The goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition includes the expected synergies and other benefits that management believes will result from the acquisition, including an increase in distribution strength. The goodwill resulting from the acquisition was allocated to the Group Protection segment. The goodwill is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. For more information on goodwill, see Notes 1 and 10 in our 2017 Form 10-K.  Future Contract Benefits  Unpaid claims acquired reflected within future contract benefits were recorded at estimated fair value. The reserve discount rate was based on the investment yield of the assets acquired with adjustments for risk margin. The actuarial classifications and methodologies were adjusted to be consistent with our accounting policies and reserve methodologies.  Financial Information  Since the acquisition date of May 1, 2018, the revenues and net income of the business acquired have been included in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the Group Protection segment and were $929 million and $26 million, respectively .  The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations of the Company assume that the acquisition of Liberty Life was completed on January 1, 2017 (in millions):     For the Three For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Revenue $ 4,263 $ 3,989 $ 12,632 $ 12,030   Net income 497 396 1,287 1,201  Pro forma adjustments include the revenue and net income of the acquired business for each period as well as amortization of identifiable intangible assets acquired and the fair value adjustment to acquired insurance reserves and investments. Other pro forma adjustments include the incremental increase to interest expense attributable to financing the acquisition; and the impact of reflecting acquisition and integration costs and investment expenses directly attributable to the business combination in 2017 instead of in 2018. Pro forma adjustments do not include retrospective adjustments to defer and amortize acquisition costs as would be recorded under our accounting policy.  Reinsurance  Pursuant to the reinsurance agreements, we sold the Liberty Life Business to Protective for a ceding commission of $423 million. Our amounts recoverable from reinsurers increased significantly to $18.3 billion as of September 30, 2018, from $4.9 billion as of December 31, 2017, primarily as a result of this reinsurance transaction. As such, Protective now represents our largest reinsurance exposure. As we are not relieved of our liability, the liabilities and obligations associated with the reinsured policies remain on our Consolidated Balance Sheets with a corresponding reinsurance recoverable from Protective. To support its obligations under the reinsurance agreements, Protective has established trust accounts for our benefit that fully collateralize the related reinsurance recoverable. We recorded a deferred tax asset attributed to a tax loss carryforward arising from the reinsurance transaction with Protective.

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	4. Variable Interest Entities  Consolidated VIEs  See Note 4 in our 2017 Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of our consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”), which information is incorporated herein by reference . Asset information (dollars in millions) for the consolidated VIEs included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows:      As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017  Number Number  of Notional Carrying of Notional Carrying  Instruments Amounts Value Instruments Amounts Value  Assets  Total return swap 1 587 - 1 573 -  Total assets 1 $ 587 $ - 1 $ 573 $ -   As of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, there were no gains or losses for consolidated VIEs recognized on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).  Unconsolidated VIEs  See Note 4 in our 2017 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 $1.7 billion and $1.5 billion as of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively. Included in these carrying amounts are our investments in qualified affordable housing projects, which were $25 million and $31 million as of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively. We do not have any contingent commitments to provide additional capital funding to these qualified affordable housing projects. We received returns from these qualified affordable housing projects in the form of income tax credits and other tax benefits that were $1 million and $2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which were recognized in federal income tax expense (benefit) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).  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 September 30, 2018.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	 5 . Investments  AFS Securities  See Note 1 in our 2017 Form 10-K for information regarding our accounting policy relating to AFS securities, which also includes additional disclosures regarding our fair value measurements. In addition, we adopted ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, in 2018 that resulted in a new classification and measurement of our equity securities. See Note 2 for additional information.  The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses and other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) and fair value of AFS securities (in millions) were as follows:     As of September 30, 2018  Amortized Gross Unrealized Fair  Cost Gains Losses OTTI (1) Value  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 78,496 $ 3,299 $ 1,724 $ (9 ) $ 80,080  Asset-backed securities ("ABS") 934 41 7 (17 ) 985  U.S. government bonds 392 23 6 - 409  Foreign government bonds 418 41 - - 459  Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS") 3,267 113 114 (21 ) 3,287  Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") 766 2 23 (3 ) 748  Collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs") 1,371 - 14 (5 ) 1,362  State and municipal bonds 4,588 656 26 - 5,218  Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities 576 62 25 - 613  Total AFS securities $ 90,808 $ 4,237 $ 1,939 $ (55 ) $ 93,161     As of December 31, 2017  Amortized Gross Unrealized Fair  Cost Gains Losses OTTI (1) Value  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 75,701 $ 6,862 $ 354 $ (7 ) $ 82,216  ABS 903 51 7 (27 ) 974  U.S. government bonds 527 41 1 - 567  Foreign government bonds 395 56 - - 451  RMBS 3,327 155 39 (22 ) 3,465  CMBS 590 10 2 (2 ) 600  CLOs 803 2 2 (5 ) 808  State and municipal bonds 4,172 953 6 - 5,119  Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities 575 87 22 - 640  Total fixed maturity securities 86,993 8,217 433 (63 ) 94,840  Equity AFS securities 247 16 17 - 246  Total AFS securities $ 87,240 $ 8,233 $ 450 $ (63 ) $ 95,086  (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 September 30, 2018 , were as follows:     Amortized Fair  Cost Value  Due in one year or less $ 3,631 $ 3,669  Due after one year through five years 17,430 17,509  Due after five years through ten years 17,493 17,440  Due after ten years 45,916 48,161  Subtotal 84,470 86,779  Structured securities (ABS, MBS, CLOs) 6,338 6,382  Total fixed maturity AFS securities $ 90,808 $ 93,161  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 portion of OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (“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 September 30, 2018  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 AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 33,196 $ 1,188 $ 4,690 $ 538 $ 37,886 $ 1,726  ABS 252 3 129 12 381 15  U.S. government bonds 169 4 18 2 187 6  RMBS 836 43 603 73 1,439 116  CMBS 624 18 57 5 681 23  CLOs 1,062 14 34 - 1,096 14  State and municipal bonds 724 15 75 11 799 26  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 31 2 132 22 163 24  Total AFS securities $ 36,894 $ 1,287 $ 5,738 $ 663 $ 42,632 $ 1,950   Total number of AFS securities in an unrealized loss position 3,480      As of December 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 AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 4,854 $ 68 $ 4,893 $ 288 $ 9,747 $ 356  ABS 62 1 151 15 213 16  U.S. government bonds 156 - 19 1 175 1  RMBS 302 4 641 36 943 40  CMBS 113 - 60 3 173 3  CLOs 281 2 72 - 353 2  State and municipal bonds 34 - 93 6 127 6  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 20 - 126 22 146 22  Total fixed maturity securities 5,822 75 6,055 371 11,877 446  Equity AFS securities 22 14 8 3 30 17  Total AFS securities $ 5,844 $ 89 $ 6,063 $ 374 $ 11,907 $ 463   Total number of AFS securities in an unrealized loss position 1,128  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 September 30, 2018  Number  Fair Gross Unrealized of  Value Losses OTTI Securities (1)  Less than six months $ 131 $ 47 $ - 20  Six months or greater, but less than nine months 21 16 - 3  Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months 39 16 - 4  Twelve months or greater 123 50 8 29  Total $ 314 $ 129 $ 8 56      As of December 31, 2017  Number  Fair Gross Unrealized of  Value Losses OTTI Securities (1)  Less than six months $ 156 $ 57 $ 1 26  Six months or greater, but less than nine months 2 1 - 4  Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months 15 8 - 7  Twelve months or greater 215 78 10 49  Total $ 388 $ 144 $ 11 86  (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 fixed maturity AFS securities increased by $1.5 bi llion for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . As discussed further below, we believe the unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2018 , 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; and (iii) the estimated future cash flows were equal to or greater than the amortized cost basis of the debt securities.  Based upon this evaluation as of September 30, 2018 , 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 September 30, 2018 , 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 September 30, 2018 , 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 industry 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 September 30, 2018 , 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 For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Balance as of beginning-of-period $ 375 $ 390 $ 378 $ 430  Increases attributable to:  Credit losses on securities for which an  OTTI was not previously recognized 2 8 4 13  Credit losses on securities for which an  OTTI was previously recognized - 1 1 4  Decreases attributable to:  Securities sold, paid down or matured (5 ) (21 ) (11 ) (69 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ 372 $ 378 $ 372 $ 378  During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , 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 fixed maturity AFS securities.  Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  See Note 1 in our 2017 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 , which accounted for 22% and 21% of mortgage loans on real estate as of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively, and Texas which accounted for 12% of mortgage loans on real estate as of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017. The following provides the current and past due composition of our mortgage loans on real estate (in millions):     As of As of  September 30, December 31,  2018 2017  Current $ 12,578 $ 10,762  60 to 90 days past due - -  Greater than 90 days past due 1 3  Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate (1 ) (3 )  Unamortized premium (discount) (17 ) -  Total carrying value $ 12,561 $ 10,762  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  September 30, December 31,  2018 2017  Number of impaired mortgage loans on real estate 1 3   Principal balance of impaired mortgage loans on real estate $ 4 $ 11  Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate (1 ) (3 )  Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans on real estate $ 3 $ 8  The changes in the valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate (in millions) were as follows:      For the Three For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Balance as of beginning-of-period $ 2 $ 2 $ 3 $ 2  Additions - - - -  Charge-offs, net of recoveries (1 ) - (2 ) -  Balance as of end-of-period $ 1 $ 2 $ 1 $ 2  Additional information related to impaired mortgage loans on real estate (in millions) was as follows:     For the Three For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Average carrying value for impaired mortgage loans on real estate $ 5 $ 5 $ 6 $ 5  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 2017 Form 10-K, we use the loan-to-value and debt-service coverage ratios as credit quality indicators for our mortgage loans on real estate, which were as follows (dollars in millions):     As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017  Debt- Debt-  Service Service  Carrying % of Coverage Carrying % of Coverage  Loan-to-Value Ratio Value Total Ratio Value Total Ratio  Less than 65% $ 11,297 89.9% 2.30 $ 9,642 89.6% 2.26  65% to 74% 1,187 9.5% 1.79 1,000 9.3% 1.94  75% to 100% 74 0.6% 0.95 112 1.0% 0.97  Greater than 100% 3 0.0% 0.21 8 0.1% 0.82  Total mortgage loans on real estate $ 12,561 100.0% $ 10,762 100.0% Alternative Investments  As of September 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 , alternative investments included investments in 239 and 224 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 For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Fixed maturity AFS securities: (1)  Gross gains $ 14 $ 7 $ 30 $ 19  Gross losses (21 ) (22 ) (65 ) (47 )  Equity AFS securities:  Gross gains - 1 - 2  Gain (loss) on other investments (2) 1 - 6 (6 )  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL  and changes in other contract holder funds (5 ) (5 ) (16 ) (17 )  Total realized gain (loss) related to certain investments, pre-tax $ (11 ) $ (19 ) $ (45 ) $ (49 )  (1) These amounts are represented net of related fair value hedging activity. See Note 6 for more information. (2) Includes market adjustments on equity securities still held of less than $1 million and $2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively.  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, were as follows:     For the Three For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  OTTI Recognized in Net Income (Loss)  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ (2 ) $ (8 ) $ (4 ) $ (13 )  ABS - (1 ) - (2 )  RMBS - - (1 ) (1 )  State and municipal bonds - - - (1 )  Gross OTTI recognized in net income (loss) (2 ) (9 ) (5 ) (17 )  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL - 1 - 1  Net OTTI recognized in net income (loss), pre-tax $ (2 ) $ (8 ) $ (5 ) $ (16 )  We recognized less than $1 million of OTTI in OCI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. We recognized $1 million of OTTI in OCI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.  Determination of Credit Losses on Corporate Bonds and ABS  As of September 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 , 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 September 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 , 96% of the fair value of our corporate bond portfolio was rated investment grade. As of September 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 , the portion of our corporate bond portfolio rated below investment grade had an amortized cost of $3.2 billion and $3.5 billion, respectively, and a fair value of $ 3.1 billion and $3.5 billion, respectively. As of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017 , 98% of the fair value of our ABS portfolio was rated investment grade. As of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017 , the portion of our ABS portfolio rated below investment grade had an amortized cost of $46 million and a fair value of $43 million. Based upon the analysis discussed above, we believe as of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017 , that we would recover the amortized cost of each investment grade corporate bond and ABS security.  Determination of Credit Losses on MBS  As of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017 , 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 September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017  Carrying Fair Carrying Fair  Value Value Value Value  Collateral payable for derivative investments (1) $ 366 $ 366 $ 765 $ 765  Securities pledged under securities lending agreements (2) 117 113 222 213  Securities pledged under repurchase agreements (3) 149 185 530 588  Investments pledged for Federal Home Loan Bank of  Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) (4) 3,580 5,413 2,900 4,235  Total payables for collateral on investments $ 4,212 $ 6,077 $ 4,417 $ 5,801  (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 6 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 generally obtain collateral in an amount between 80% 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 Nine  Months Ended  September 30,  2018 2017  Collateral payable for derivative investments $ (399 ) $ 41  Securities pledged under securities lending agreements (105 ) (16 )  Securities pledged under repurchase agreements (381 ) (2 )  Investments pledged for FHLBI 680 (50 )  Total increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments $ (205 ) $ (27 )   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 (in millions) were as follows:      As of September 30, 2018  Overnight and Continuous Up to 30 Days 30 - 90 Days Greater Than 90 Days Total  Repurchase Agreements  Corporate bonds $ - $ - $ - $ 149 $ 149  Total - - - 149 149  Securities Lending  Corporate bonds 117 - - - 117  Total 117 - - - 117  Total gross secured borrowings $ 117 $ - $ - $ 149 $ 266      As of December 31, 2017  Overnight and Continuous Up to 30 Days 30 - 90 Days Greater Than 90 Days Total  Repurchase Agreements  Corporate bonds $ - $ 100 $ 280 $ 150 $ 530  Total - 100 280 150 530  Securities Lending  Corporate bonds 222 - - - 222  Total 222 - - - 222  Total gross secured borrowings $ 222 $ 100 $ 280 $ 150 $ 752   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 September 30, 2018, the fair value of all collateral received that we are permitted to sell or re-pledge was $ 528 million. As of September 30, 2018, we have re-pledged $502 million of this collateral to cover initial margin on certain derivative investments.  Investment Commitments  As of September 30, 2018 , our investment commitments were $1.5 billion , which included $815 million of LPs, $379 million of mortgage loans on real estate and $ 334 million of private placement securities.  Concentrations of Financial Instruments  As of September 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 , 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 $ 1.3 billion, respectively, or 1% of our invested assets portfolio, and our investments in securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association with a fair value of $1.2 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, or 1% of our invested assets portfolio. These concentrations include fixed maturity AFS, trading and equity securities.  As of September 30, 2018 , our most significant investments in one industry were our investments in securities in the consumer non-cyclical industry and the financial services industry with a fair value of $14.5 billion and $13.7 billion, respectively, or 13% and 12% , respectively, of our invested assets portfolio. As of December 31, 2017, our most significant investments in one industry were our investments in securities in the consumer non-cyclical industry and the utilities industry with a fair value of $15.0 billion and $14.3 billion, respectively, or 13% of our invested assets portfolio. These concentrations include fixed maturity AFS, trading and equity securities. 

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	6. 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, basis risk and credit risk. See Note 1 in our 2017 Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of the accounting treatment for derivative instruments. See Note 6 in our 2017 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 14 for additional disclosures related to the fair value of our derivative instruments. We have derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks whose notional or contract amounts exceed the related credit exposure. Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks (in millions) were as follows:     As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017  Notional Fair Value Notional Fair Value  Amounts Asset Liability Amounts Asset Liability  Qualifying Hedges  Cash flow hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) $ 2,827 $ 121 $ 42 $ 3,007 $ 46 $ 84  Foreign currency contracts (1) 2,085 104 71 1,804 79 79  Total cash flow hedges 4,912 225 113 4,811 125 163  Fair value hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) 1,268 30 112 1,438 254 174  Non-Qualifying Hedges  Interest rate contracts (1) 90,138 318 233 72,937 657 127  Foreign currency contracts (1) 87 - - 22 - -  Equity market contracts (1) 24,967 534 140 31,090 562 557  Credit contracts (1) - - - 52 - -  Embedded derivatives:  Guaranteed living benefit ("GLB")  direct (2) - 1,648 - - 903 -  GLB ceded (2) (3) - 35 193 - 51 67  Reinsurance related (4) - - 20 - - 57  Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (2) (5) - 44 1,571 - 11 1,418  Total derivative instruments $ 121,372 $ 2,834 $ 2,382 $ 110,350 $ 2,563 $ 2,563   (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.  The maturity of the notional amounts of derivative instruments (in millions) was as follows:      Remaining Life as of September 30, 2018  Less Than 1 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 30 Over 30  1 Year Years Years Years Years Total  Interest rate contracts (1) $ 10,907 $ 14,802 $ 47,193 $ 20,118 $ 1,213 $ 94,233  Foreign currency contracts (2) 141 256 635 1,130 10 2,172  Equity market contracts 18,103 3,615 115 14 3,120 24,967  Total derivative instruments  with notional amounts $ 29,151 $ 18,673 $ 47,943 $ 21,262 $ 4,343 $ 121,372  (1) As of September 30, 2018 , 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 September 30, 2018 , the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was September 2049 .  The change in our unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments in AOCI (in millions) was as follows:     For the Nine  Months Ended  September 30,  2018 2017  Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ (29 ) $ 49  Other comprehensive income (loss):  Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period:  Cumulative effect from adoption of  new accounting standard (6 ) -  Cash flow hedges:  Interest rate contracts 117 (15 )  Foreign currency contracts (19 ) 46  Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment 69 (119 )  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL 8 (3 )  Income tax benefit (expense) (37 ) 32  Less:  Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses)  included in net income (loss):  Cash flow hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) 3 3  Interest rate contracts (2) (6 ) (13 )  Foreign currency contracts (1) 18 12  Foreign currency contracts (3) - 5  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (1 ) (1 )  Income tax benefit (expense) (3 ) (2 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ 92 $ (14 )  (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 For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Qualifying Hedges  Cash flow hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) $ 1 $ 2 $ 3 $ 3  Interest rate contracts (2) (4 ) (5 ) (6 ) (13 )  Foreign currency contracts (1) 7 4 18 12  Foreign currency contracts (3) - - - 5  Total cash flow hedges 4 1 15 7  Fair value hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) (2 ) (5 ) (11 ) (18 )  Interest rate contracts (2) 5 6 11 21  Interest rate contracts (3) 17 2 64 2  Total fair value hedges 20 3 64 5  Non-Qualifying Hedges  Interest rate contracts (3) (167 ) 18 (577 ) 161  Foreign currency contracts (3) - 1 2 1  Equity market contracts (3) (199 ) (347 ) (280 ) (1,163 )  Equity market contracts (4) 10 6 11 21  Embedded derivatives: - -  GLB (3) 333 233 603 784  Reinsurance related (3) 5 3 37 3  Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (3) (164 ) (46 ) (175 ) (230 )  Total derivative instruments $ (158 ) $ (128 ) $ (300 ) $ (411 )  (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 For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Offset to net investment income $ 8 $ 6 $ 21 $ 15  Offset to realized gain (loss) - - - 5  Offset to interest and debt expense (4 ) (5 ) (6 ) (13 )   As of September 30, 2018 , $ 29 million of the deferred net gains (losses) on derivative instruments in AOCI 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 nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , 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.  As of September 30, 2018, we did not have any exposure related to credit default swaps for which we are the seller. As of December 31, 2017 information related to our credit default swaps for which we are the seller (dollars in millions) was as follows:      As of December 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 12/20/2022 (3) (4) BBB+ 1 $ 1 $ 52  1 $ 1 $ 52  (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 determine 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.  Details underlying the associated collateral of our credit default swaps for which we are the seller if credit risk-related contingent features were triggered (in millions) were as follows:     As of As of  September 30, December 31,  2018 2017  Maximum potential payout $ - $ 52  Less: Counterparty thresholds - -  Maximum collateral potentially required to post $ - $ 52  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 collateral if the market value was less than zero.  Credit Risk  We are exposed to credit losses 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 September 30, 2018 , the NPR adjustment was zero . 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 September 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017, our exposure was zero . The amounts recognized (in millions) 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 September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017  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- $ 36 $ (22 ) $ 116 $ (1 )  A+ 177 (111 ) 242 (453 )  A 40 (1 ) 170 (120 )  A- 113 - 237 (3 )  BBB+ - - - (4 )  $ 366 $ (134 ) $ 765 $ (581 )  Balance Sheet Offsetting  Information related to the effects of offsetting (in millions) was as follows:      As of September 30, 2018  Embedded  Derivative Derivative  Instruments Instruments Total   Financial Assets  Gross amount of recognized assets $ 957 $ 1,727 $ 2,684  Gross amounts offset (251 ) - (251 )  Net amount of assets 706 1,727 2,433  Gross amounts not offset:  Cash collateral (366 ) - (366 )  Non-cash collateral (80 ) - (80 )  Net amount $ 260 $ 1,727 $ 1,987   Financial Liabilities  Gross amount of recognized liabilities $ 879 $ 1,784 $ 2,663  Gross amounts offset (149 ) - (149 )  Net amount of liabilities 730 1,784 2,514  Gross amounts not offset:  Cash collateral (134 ) - (134 )  Non-cash collateral (420 ) - (420 )  Net amount $ 176 $ 1,784 $ 1,960    As of December 31, 2017  Embedded  Derivative Derivative  Instruments Instruments Total   Financial Assets  Gross amount of recognized assets $ 1,301 $ 965 $ 2,266  Gross amounts offset (386 ) - (386 )  Net amount of assets 915 965 1,880  Gross amounts not offset:  Cash collateral (765 ) - (765 )  Net amount $ 150 $ 965 $ 1,115   Financial Liabilities  Gross amount of recognized liabilities $ 955 $ 1,542 $ 2,497  Gross amounts offset (296 ) - (296 )  Net amount of liabilities 659 1,542 2,201  Gross amounts not offset:  Cash collateral (581 ) - (581 )  Net amount $ 78 $ 1,542 $ 1,620 

Federal Income Taxes

Federal Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Federal Income Taxes [Abstract]
Federal Income Taxes	 7 . 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 12% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to 18% and 17% for the corresponding periods in 2017. The effective tax rate on pre-tax income was lower than the prevailing corporate federal income tax rate. Differences in the effective rates and the U.S. statutory rates of 21% and 35% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were the result of the separate account dividends-received deduction, certain tax preferred investment income, foreign tax credits and other tax preference items. The current quarter also includes a tax benefit to net income from the impact of the reduced corporate tax rate under the Tax Act on our adoption of a recent Internal Revenue Service pronouncement related to variable annuity contracts.  The SEC previously issued rules that allow for a one year measurement period after the enactment of the Tax Act to finalize calculations and recording of the related tax impacts. Subsequent to the Tax Act, we have continued to review and analyze the provisions of the Tax Act, including the actual and potential impact of the reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate and the impact of specific life insurance provisions on our financial statements. While we do not anticipate any significant changes to amounts currently recorded, any additional adjustments to amounts recorded as a result of the Tax Act will be made during 2018. 

Guaranteed Benefit Features

Guaranteed Benefit Features	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Guaranteed Benefit Features [Abstract]
Guaranteed Benefit Features	8. Guaranteed Benefit Features  Information on the guaranteed death benefit (“GDB”) features outstanding (dollars in millions) was as follows:     As of As of  September 30, December 31,  2018 (1) 2017 (1)  Return of Net Deposits  Total account value $ 98,623 $ 96,941  Net amount at risk (2) 93 81  Average attained age of contract holders 64 years 64 years   Minimum Return  Total account value $ 103 $ 108  Net amount at risk (2) 16 18  Average attained age of contract holders 76 years 76 years  Guaranteed minimum return 5% 5%   Anniversary Contract Value  Total account value $ 26,308 $ 26,596  Net amount at risk (2) 438 417  Average attained age of contract holders 71 years 70 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 Nine  Months Ended  September 30,  2018 2017  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 100 $ 110  Changes in reserves 18 4  Benefits paid (11 ) (14 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ 107 $ 100  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  September 30, December 31,  2018 2017  Asset Type  Domestic equity $ 61,732 $ 59,647  International equity 20,598 20,837  Fixed income 40,529 40,626  Total $ 122,859 $ 121,110  Percent of total variable annuity  separate account values 98% 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 35% of total life insurance in-force reserves as of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017 . UL and VUL products with secondary guarantees represented 38% and 34% of total sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, compared to 26% and 27% for the corresponding periods in 2017 .

Liability For Unpaid Claims

Liability For Unpaid Claims	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Liability For Unpaid Claims [Abstract]
Liability For Unpaid Claims	9. Liability for Unpaid Claims  Changes in the liability for unpaid claims (in millions), were as follows:    For the Nine  Months Ended  September 30,  2018 2017  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 2,222 $ 2,242  Reinsurance recoverable 57 69  Net balance as of beginning-of-year 2,165 2,173   Business acquired (1) 2,842 -   Incurred related to:  Current year 1,640 909  Prior years  Interest 85 53  All other incurred (159 ) (85 )  Total incurred 1,566 877   Paid related to:  Current year (663 ) (458 )  Prior years (796 ) (440 )  Total paid (1,459 ) (898 )   Net balance as of end-of-period 5,114 2,152  Reinsurance recoverable 141 57  Balance as of end-of-period $ 5,255 $ 2,209  (1) Represents Liberty group life and disability reserves, net, as of May 1, 2018, subject to finalization of acquisition date fair values. See Note 3 for additional information.  The majority of the reserves included in the roll forward are for long-term disability claims. The interest rate assumption is an important part of the reserving process due to the long benefit period for these claims. Interest accrued on prior year reserves has been calculated on the opening reserve balance less one-half of the prior year incurred period’s claim payments at our average reserve discount rate for the respective periods.  “Incurred related to prior years - All other incurred” reflected in the preceding table is primarily impacted by the level of claim resolutions in the period compared to that which is expected by the reserve assumption. A negative number implies a favorable result where claim resolutions were more favorable than assumed. Our claim resolution rate assumption used in determining reserves is our expectation of the resolution rate we will experience over the long-term life of the block of claims. It will vary from actual experience in any one period, both favorably and unfavorably.   A reconciliation of future contract benefits as reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheets to the liability for unpaid claims (in millions), was as follows:    As of September 30,  2018 2017  Future contract benefits $ 33,988 $ 22,547   Less:  Life and annuity reserves and claims due 27,193 18,698  Accident and health active life reserves 1,540 1,640  Liability for unpaid claims $ 5,255 $ 2,209 

Contingencies and Commitments

Contingencies and Commitments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Contingencies and Commitments [Abstract]
Contingencies and Commitments	10. 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 September 30, 2018. 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 September 30, 2018 , 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 .  Certain reinsurers have sought rate increases on certain yearly renewable term treaties. We are disputing the requested rate increases under these treaties. We have initiated and will initiate arbitration proceedings, as necessary, under these treaties in order to protect our contractual rights. Additionally, reinsurers may initiate arbitration proceedings against us. We believe it is unlikely the outcome of these disputes will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. For more information about reinsurance, see Note 9 in our 2017 Form 10-K .  See Note 13 in our 2017 Form 10-K and Note 10 in our Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2018, and June 30, 2018, for additional discussion of commitments and contingencies, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

Shares and Stockholders' Equity

Shares and Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Shares and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shares and Stockholders' Equity	 11 . Shares and Stockholders’ Equity  Common Shares  The changes in our common stock (number of shares) were as follows:      For the Three For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Common Stock  Balance as of beginning-of-period 217,294,051 222,237,262 218,090,114 226,335,105  Stock issued for exercise of warrants 97,076 2,464 119,942 337,394  Stock compensation/issued for benefit plans 38,642 139,179 675,608 1,600,465  Retirement/cancellation of shares (2,652,963 ) (2,834,287 ) (4,108,858 ) (8,728,346 )  Balance as of end-of-period 214,776,806 219,544,618 214,776,806 219,544,618   Common Stock as of End-of-Period  Basic basis 214,776,806 219,544,618 214,776,806 219,544,618  Diluted basis 217,390,897 222,701,021 217,390,897 222,701,021  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 For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Weighted-average shares, as used in basic calculation 215,901,268 220,813,693 217,413,480 223,311,993  Shares to cover exercise of outstanding warrants 579,882 668,103 620,580 795,312  Shares to cover non-vested stock 1,467,953 1,614,405 1,512,297 1,572,250  Average stock options outstanding during the period 1,700,026 2,275,826 1,807,340 2,432,171  Assumed acquisition of shares with assumed proceeds  from exercising outstanding warrants (86,040 ) (94,338 ) (86,335 ) (116,577 )  Assumed acquisition of shares with assumed  proceeds and benefits from exercising stock  options (at average market price for the period) (1,082,651 ) (1,361,094 ) (1,090,868 ) (1,481,524 )  Shares repurchasable from measured but  unrecognized stock option expense (11,209 ) (44,579 ) (17,381 ) (60,539 )  Average deferred compensation shares - - 936,355 926,612  Weighted-average shares, as used in diluted calculation 218,469,229 223,872,016 221,095,468 227,379,698  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 nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, 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 $6 million and $(5) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  AOCI  The following summarizes the components and changes in AOCI (in millions):     For the Nine  Months Ended  September 30,  2018 2017  Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 3,486 $ 1,784  Cumulative effect from adoption of new accounting standards 674 -  Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period (5,520 ) 2,385  Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment (68 ) 112  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI, future contract benefits and other contract holder funds 1,538 (468 )  Income tax benefit (expense) 858 (717 )  Less:  Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (35 ) (26 )  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (15 ) (16 )  Income tax benefit (expense) 11 15  Balance as of end-of-period $ 1,007 $ 3,123  Unrealized OTTI on AFS Securities  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 44 $ 25  (Increases) attributable to:  Cumulative effect from adoption of new accounting standards 9 -  Gross OTTI recognized in OCI during the period - (1 )  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL - -  Income tax benefit (expense) - -  Decreases attributable to:  Changes in fair value, sales, maturities or other settlements of AFS securities (8 ) 29  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (10 ) (5 )  Income tax benefit (expense) 4 (8 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ 39 $ 40  Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ (29 ) $ 49  Cumulative effect from adoption of new accounting standard (6 ) -  Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period 98 31  Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment 69 (119 )  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL 8 (3 )  Income tax benefit (expense) (37 ) 32  Less:  Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss) 15 7  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (1 ) (1 )  Income tax benefit (expense) (3 ) (2 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ 92 $ (14 )  Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ (14 ) $ (27 )  Foreign currency translation adjustment arising during the period (6 ) 11  Balance as of end-of-period $ (20 ) $ (16 )  Funded Status of Employee Benefit Plans  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ (257 ) $ (265 )  Cumulative effect from adoption of new accounting standard (35 ) -  Adjustment arising during the period 10 (9 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ (282 ) $ (274 )  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 Nine  Months Ended  September 30,  2018 2017  Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities  Gross reclassification $ (35 ) $ (26 ) Total realized gain (loss)  Associated amortization of DAC,  VOBA, DSI and DFEL (15 ) (16 ) Total realized gain (loss)  Reclassification before income Income (loss) from continuing  tax benefit (expense) (50 ) (42 ) operations before taxes  Income tax benefit (expense) 11 15 Federal income tax expense (benefit)  Reclassification, net of income tax $ (39 ) $ (27 ) Net income (loss)   Unrealized OTTI on AFS Securities  Gross reclassification $ (1 ) $ 6 Total realized gain (loss)  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL - (1 ) Total realized gain (loss)  Reclassification before income Income (loss) from continuing  tax benefit (expense) (1 ) 5 operations before taxes  Income tax benefit (expense) - (2 ) Federal income tax expense (benefit)  Reclassification, net of income tax $ (1 ) $ 3 Net income (loss)   Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments  Gross reclassifications:  Interest rate contracts $ 3 $ 3 Net investment income  Interest rate contracts (6 ) (13 ) Interest and debt expense  Foreign currency contracts 18 12 Net investment income  Foreign currency contracts - 5 Total realized gain (loss)  Total gross reclassifications 15 7  Associated amortization of DAC,  VOBA, DSI and DFEL (1 ) (1 ) Commissions and other expenses  Reclassifications before income Income (loss) from continuing  tax benefit (expense) 14 6 operations before taxes  Income tax benefit (expense) (3 ) (2 ) Federal income tax expense (benefit)  Reclassifications, net of income tax $ 11 $ 4 Net income (loss)  

Realized Gain (Loss)

Realized Gain (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Realized Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Realized Gain (Loss)	 12 . 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 For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Total realized gain (loss) related to certain investments (1) $ (11 ) $ (19 ) $ (45 ) $ (49 )  Realized gain (loss) on the mark-to-market on certain instruments (2) (10 ) (2 ) 14 3  Indexed annuity and IUL contracts net derivatives results: (3)  Gross gain (loss) (7 ) - (14 ) (17 )  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (2 ) (1 ) (2 ) (1 )  Variable annuity net derivatives results: (4)  Gross gain (loss) (32 ) (41 ) (10 ) (45 )  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL 7 7 6 4  Total realized gain (loss) $ (55 ) $ (56 ) $ (51 ) $ (105 )  (1) See “Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments” section in Note 5 . (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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans	13. Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans  We sponsor stock-based incentive compensation plans for our employees and directors and for the employees and agents of our subsidiaries that provide for the issuance of stock options, performance shares (performance-vested shares as opposed to service-vested shares), stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and deferred stock units (“DSUs”). We issue new shares to satisfy option exercises and vested performance shares and RSUs.  LNC stock-based awards granted were as follows:     For the For the  Three Nine  Months Months  Ended Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2018  10-year LNC stock options - 481,404  Performance shares - 156,676  RSUs 1,202 695,471  Non-employee:  SARs - 14,692  Agent stock options - 32,400  Director DSUs 7,184 21,682 

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	14 . Fair Value of Financial Instruments  The carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments (in millions) were as follows:      As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017  Carrying Fair Carrying Fair  Value Value Value Value  Assets  AFS securities:  Fixed maturity securities $ 93,161 $ 93,161 $ 94,840 $ 94,840  Equity securities - - 246 246  Trading securities 1,440 1,440 1,620 1,620  Equity securities 112 112 - -  Mortgage loans on real estate 12,561 12,239 10,762 10,877  Derivative investments (1) 706 706 915 915  Other investments 2,204 2,204 2,296 2,296  Cash and invested cash 1,460 1,460 1,628 1,628  Other assets:  GLB direct embedded derivatives 1,648 1,648 903 903  GLB ceded embedded derivatives 35 35 51 51  Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives 44 44 11 11  Separate account assets 147,692 147,692 144,219 144,219   Liabilities  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (1,571 ) (1,571 ) (1,418 ) (1,418 )  Other contract holder funds:  Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts (562 ) (562 ) (592 ) (592 )  Account values of certain investment contracts (33,684 ) (34,577 ) (32,370 ) (36,200 )  Short-term debt - - (450 ) (452 )  Long-term debt (5,804 ) (5,795 ) (4,894 ) (5,042 )  Reinsurance related embedded derivatives (20 ) (20 ) (57 ) (57 )  Other liabilities:  Derivative liabilities (1) (197 ) (197 ) (338 ) (338 )  GLB ceded embedded derivatives (193 ) (193 ) (67 ) (67 )  (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.  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. Other investments also include FHLB stock carried at cost and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our LPs, other privately held investments and FHLB stock are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. The remaining assets in other investments include cash collateral receivables and securities that are not LPs or other privately held investments. The inputs used to measure the fair value of these assets are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.  Separate Account Assets  Separate account assets are primarily carried at fair value. A portion of our separate account assets includes LPs, which 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 the separate account asset LPs are classified as Level 3 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 September 30, 2018 , and December 31, 2017 , the remaining 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 value on a nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2018 , or December 31, 2017 , 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 2017 Form 10-K:      As of September 30, 2018  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 $ - $ 76,871 $ 3,209 $ 80,080  ABS - 954 31 985  U.S. government bonds 391 18 - 409  Foreign government bonds - 351 108 459  RMBS - 3,280 7 3,287  CMBS - 725 23 748  CLOs - 1,311 51 1,362  State and municipal bonds - 5,218 - 5,218  Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities 74 462 77 613  Trading securities 43 1,379 18 1,440  Equity securities 28 58 26 112  Derivative investments (1) - 572 535 1,107  Other investments 149 - - 149  Cash and invested cash - 1,460 - 1,460  Other assets:  GLB direct embedded derivatives - - 1,648 1,648  GLB ceded embedded derivatives - - 35 35  Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives - - 44 44  Separate account assets 764 146,894 - 147,658  Total assets $ 1,449 $ 239,553 $ 5,812 $ 246,814   Liabilities  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives $ - $ - $ (1,571 ) $ (1,571 )  Reinsurance related embedded derivatives - (20 ) - (20 )  Other liabilities:  Derivative liabilities (1) - (417 ) (181 ) (598 )  GLB ceded embedded derivatives - - (193 ) (193 )  Total liabilities $ - $ (437 ) $ (1,945 ) $ (2,382 )      As of December 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 $ - $ 79,125 $ 3,091 $ 82,216  ABS - 947 27 974  U.S. government bonds 556 6 5 567  Foreign government bonds - 341 110 451  RMBS - 3,453 12 3,465  CMBS - 594 6 600  CLOs - 717 91 808  State and municipal bonds - 5,119 - 5,119  Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities 71 493 76 640  Equity AFS securities 28 56 162 246  Trading securities 73 1,498 49 1,620  Derivative investments (1) - 994 603 1,597  Other investments 150 - - 150  Cash and invested cash - 1,628 - 1,628  Other assets:  GLB direct embedded derivatives - - 903 903  GLB ceded embedded derivatives - - 51 51  Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives - - 11 11  Separate account assets 814 143,405 - 144,219  Total assets $ 1,692 $ 238,376 $ 5,197 $ 245,265   Liabilities  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives $ - $ - $ (1,418 ) $ (1,418 )  Long-term debt - (1,127 ) - (1,127 )  Reinsurance related embedded derivatives - (57 ) - (57 )  Other liabilities:  Derivative liabilities (1) - (447 ) (573 ) (1,020 )  GLB ceded embedded derivatives - - (67 ) (67 )  Total liabilities $ - $ (1,631 ) $ (2,058 ) $ (3,689 )  (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 DAC , 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 September 30, 2018  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 (3) Value  Investments: (5)  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 3,181 $ 1 $ (30 ) $ 88 $ (31 ) $ 3,209  ABS 31 - - - - 31  Foreign government bonds 108 - - - - 108  RMBS - - - 7 - 7  CMBS 5 - - 18 - 23  CLOs 145 - - 17 (111 ) 51  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 78 - (1 ) - - 77  Trading securities 22 - - 2 (6 ) 18  Equity securities 26 - - - - 26  Derivative investments 93 (115 ) (55 ) 431 - 354  Other assets: (6)  GLB direct embedded derivatives 1,248 400 - - - 1,648  GLB ceded embedded derivatives 41 (6 ) - - - 35  Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives 29 4 - 11 - 44  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (6) (1,400 ) (164 ) - (7 ) - (1,571 )  Other liabilities – GLB ceded embedded  derivatives (6) (131 ) (62 ) - - - (193 )  Total, net $ 3,476 $ 58 $ (86 ) $ 567 $ (148 ) $ 3,867           For the Three Months Ended September 30, 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 (3) Value  Investments: (5)  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 2,517 $ 4 $ 35 $ (35 ) $ 59 $ 2,580  ABS 43 - (1 ) - (15 ) 27  U.S. government bonds 5 - - - - 5  Foreign government bonds 109 - 1 - - 110  RMBS 7 - - 6 - 13  CMBS 21 - - (1 ) (14 ) 6  CLOs 28 - - 15 (28 ) 15  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 82 - 3 - (9 ) 76  Equity AFS securities 183 - (1 ) 9 (1 ) 190  Trading securities 59 - - (10 ) 1 50  Derivative investments 155 (13 ) 9 (85 ) - 66  Other assets: (6)  GLB direct embedded derivatives 298 272 - - - 570  GLB ceded embedded derivatives 85 (32 ) - - - 53  Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives - - - 3 - 3  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (6) (1,268 ) (47 ) - (3 ) - (1,318 )  Other liabilities – GLB ceded embedded  derivatives (6) - (7 ) - - - (7 )  Total, net $ 2,324 $ 177 $ 46 $ (101 ) $ (7 ) $ 2,439      For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018  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 (2) Net (3)(4) Value  Investments: (5)  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 3,091 $ 7 $ (137 ) $ 319 $ (71 ) $ 3,209  ABS 27 - (1 ) 5 - 31  U.S. government bonds 5 - - (5 ) - -  Foreign government bonds 110 - (2 ) - - 108  RMBS 12 - - 7 (12 ) 7  CMBS 6 1 - 37 (21 ) 23  CLOs 91 - - 164 (204 ) 51  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 76 - 1 - - 77  Equity AFS securities 162 - - - (162 ) -  Trading securities 49 (5 ) - (20 ) (6 ) 18  Equity securities - - - - 26 26  Derivative investments 30 106 (113 ) 331 - 354  Other assets: (6)  GLB direct embedded derivatives 903 745 - - - 1,648  GLB ceded embedded derivatives 51 (16 ) - - - 35  Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives 11 4 - 29 - 44  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (6) (1,418 ) (175 ) - 22 - (1,571 )  Other liabilities – GLB ceded embedded  derivatives (6) (67 ) (126 ) - - - (193 )  Total, net $ 3,139 $ 541 $ (252 ) $ 889 $ (450 ) $ 3,867      For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 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 (3) Value  Investments: (5)  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 2,405 $ 15 $ 153 $ (182 ) $ 189 $ 2,580  ABS 33 - - - (6 ) 27  U.S. government bonds - - - - 5 5  Foreign government bonds 111 - (1 ) - - 110  RMBS 3 - - 10 - 13  CMBS 7 - 1 54 (56 ) 6  CLOs 68 - - 33 (86 ) 15  State and municipal bonds - (1 ) - - 1 -  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 76 - 14 - (14 ) 76  Equity AFS securities 177 1 (2 ) 15 (1 ) 190  Trading securities 65 2 8 (26 ) 1 50  Derivative investments (93 ) (25 ) 97 87 - 66  Other assets: (6)  GLB direct embedded derivatives - 570 - - - 570  GLB ceded embedded derivatives 203 (150 ) - - - 53  Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives - - - 3 - 3  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (6) (1,139 ) (230 ) - 51 - (1,318 )  Other liabilities: (6)  GLB direct embedded derivatives (371 ) 371 - - - -  GLB ceded embedded derivatives - (7 ) - - - (7 )  Total, net $ 1,545 $ 546 $ 270 $ 45 $ 33 $ 2,439  (1) The changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps are offset by an adjustment to derivative investments (see Note 5). (2) Net issuances, sales, maturities, settlements, calls, net include financial instruments acquired from Liberty Life as follows: corporate bonds of $67 million and ABS of $17 million. (3) 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-period amortized cost and beginning-of-period fair value was included in OCI and earnings, respectively, in the prior period. (4) Transfers into or out of Level 3 for FHLB stock between equity securities and other investments at cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. (5) 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). (6) 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 September 30, 2018  Issuances Sales Maturities Settlements Calls Total  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 162 $ - $ (1 ) $ (65 ) $ (8 ) $ 88  RMBS 7 - - - - 7  CMBS 18 - - - - 18  CLOs 17 - - - - 17  Trading securities 2 - - - - 2  Derivative investments 96 455 (120 ) - - 431  Other assets – indexed annuity ceded  embedded derivatives 11 - - - - 11  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (83 ) - - 76 - (7 )  Total, net $ 230 $ 455 $ (121 ) $ 11 $ (8 ) $ 567      For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017  Issuances Sales Maturities Settlements Calls Total  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 167 $ (114 ) $ (19 ) $ (43 ) $ (26 ) $ (35 )  RMBS 6 - - - - 6  CMBS - - - (1 ) - (1 )  CLOs 15 - - - - 15  Equity AFS securities 10 (1 ) - - - 9  Trading securities - (10 ) - - - (10 )  Derivative investments 50 (23 ) (112 ) - - (85 )  Other assets – indexed annuity ceded  embedded derivatives 3 - - - - 3  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (14 ) - - 11 - (3 )  Total, net $ 237 $ (148 ) $ (131 ) $ (33 ) $ (26 ) $ (101 )        For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018  Issuances Sales Maturities Settlements Calls Total  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 785 $ (156 ) $ (3 ) $ (238 ) $ (69 ) $ 319  ABS 22 (17 ) - - - 5  U.S. government bonds - (5 ) - - - (5 )  RMBS 7 - - - - 7  CMBS 39 - - (2 ) - 37  CLOs 164 - - - - 164  Trading securities 4 (24 ) - - - (20 )  Equity securities 1 (1 ) - - - -  Derivative investments 225 460 (354 ) - - 331  Other assets – indexed annuity ceded  embedded derivatives 29 - - - - 29  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (158 ) - - 180 - 22  Total, net $ 1,118 $ 257 $ (357 ) $ (60 ) $ (69 ) $ 889     For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017  Issuances Sales Maturities Settlements Calls Total  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 367 $ (179 ) $ (66 ) $ (170 ) $ (134 ) $ (182 )  RMBS 10 - - - - 10  CMBS 55 - - (1 ) - 54  CLOs 33 - - - - 33  Equity AFS securities 18 (3 ) - - - 15  Trading securities 2 (27 ) - (1 ) - (26 )  Derivative investments 145 243 (301 ) - - 87  Other assets – indexed annuity ceded  embedded derivatives 3 - - - - 3  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (45 ) - - 96 - 51  Total, net $ 588 $ 34 $ (367 ) $ (76 ) $ (134 ) $ 45  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 For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Derivative investments $ (1 ) $ (83 ) $ 105 $ (159 )  Embedded derivatives:  Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (11 ) 2 (18 ) (13 )  GLB 576 428 1,264 1,352  Total, net (1) $ 564 $ 347 $ 1,351 $ 1,180  (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  September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017  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 $ 11 $ (42 ) $ (31 ) $ 116 $ (57 ) $ 59  ABS - - - - (15 ) (15 )  CMBS - - - - (14 ) (14 )  CLOs - (111 ) (111 ) - (28 ) (28 )  Hybrid and redeemable preferred  securities - - - - (9 ) (9 )  Equity AFS securities - - - - (1 ) (1 )  Trading securities - (6 ) (6 ) 1 - 1  Total, net $ 11 $ (159 ) $ (148 ) $ 117 $ (124 ) $ (7 )      For the Nine For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017  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 $ 54 $ (125 ) $ (71 ) $ 277 $ (88 ) $ 189  ABS - - - 15 (21 ) (6 )  U.S. government bonds - - - 5 - 5  RMBS - (12 ) (12 ) - - -  CMBS - (21 ) (21 ) 3 (59 ) (56 )  CLOs - (204 ) (204 ) 30 (116 ) (86 )  State and municipal bonds - - - 2 (1 ) 1  Hybrid and redeemable preferred  securities - - - - (14 ) (14 )  Equity AFS securities - (162 ) (162 ) - (1 ) (1 )  Trading securities - (6 ) (6 ) 4 (3 ) 1  Equity securities 26 - 26 - - -  Total, net $ 80 $ (530 ) $ (450 ) $ 336 $ (303 ) $ 33  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 the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , transfers in and out of Level 3 were attributable primarily to the securities’ observable market information no longer being available or becoming available. In 2018, transfers into or out of Level 3 also include FHLB stock between equity securities and other investments at cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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 Level 2 will result. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , 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 value measurements as of September 30, 2018 :        Fair Valuation Significant Assumption or  Value Technique Unobservable Inputs Input Ranges  Assets  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS and trading  securities:  Corporate bonds $ 2,445 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 0.5 % - 24.8 %  ABS 23 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 3.0 % - 3.0 %  Foreign government bonds 78 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 1.1 % - 2.8 %  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 4 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 1.8 % - 1.8 %  Equity securities 21 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 4.5 % - 5.1 %  Other assets:  GLB direct and ceded  embedded derivatives 1,683 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) 0.01 % - 0.32 %  Mortality rate (6) (8)  Volatility (7) 1 % - 29 %   Indexed annuity ceded  embedded derivatives 44 Discounted cash flow Lapse rate (2) 1 % - 9 %  Mortality rate (6) (8)  Liabilities  Future contract benefits – indexed  annuity and IUL contracts  embedded derivatives $ (1,571 ) Discounted cash flow Lapse rate (2) 1 % - 9 %  Mortality rate (6) (8)  Other liabilities – GLB ceded  embedded derivatives (193 ) 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) 0.01 % - 0.32 %  Mortality rate (6) (8)  Volatility (7) 1 % - 29 %  (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 – For direct 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 derivatives are 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.  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 reasonableness 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 2017 Form 10-K .

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	15. Segment Information  We provide products and services and report results through our Annuities, Retirement Plan Services, Life Insurance and Group Protection segments. As discussed in Note 3, we completed the acquisition of Liberty Life during the second quarter of 2018. Related results are included within the Group Protection segment. 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 21 of our 2017 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; § 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; and § Changes in the fair value of equity securities; · 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; · Acquisition and integration costs related to mergers and acquisitions; and · Income (loss) from the initial adoption of new accounting standards, regulations, and policy changes including the net impact from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  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 rates of 21% and 35 %, where applicable, 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 For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Revenues  Operating revenues:  Annuities $ 1,118 $ 1,073 $ 3,297 $ 3,211  Retirement Plan Services 294 291 878 863  Life Insurance 1,766 1,614 5,106 4,874  Group Protection 1,128 564 2,618 1,646  Other Operations 56 65 182 220  Excluded realized gain (loss), pre-tax (98 ) (97 ) (188 ) (229 )  Amortization of deferred gain arising from reserve changes  on business sold through reinsurance, pre-tax - - - 1  Amortization of DFEL associated with benefit ratio unlocking, pre-tax - 1 - 2  Total revenues $ 4,264 $ 3,511 $ 11,893 $ 10,588       For the Three For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Net Income (Loss)  Income (loss) from operations:  Annuities $ 302 $ 277 $ 844 $ 809  Retirement Plan Services 40 35 125 109  Life Insurance 176 121 470 384  Group Protection 63 41 137 83  Other Operations (71 ) (20 ) (171 ) (71 )  Excluded realized gain (loss), after-tax (77 ) (63 ) (149 ) (149 )  Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt, after-tax - (3 ) (18 ) (3 )  Income (loss) from reserve changes (net of related amortization)  on business sold through reinsurance, after-tax - - - 1  Benefit ratio unlocking, after-tax 33 30 32 101  Net impact from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 32 - 19 -  Acquisition and integration costs related to mergers  and acquisitions, after-tax (8 ) - (47 ) -  Net income (loss) $ 490 $ 418 $ 1,242 $ 1,264  Revenue from Contracts with Customers  As discussed in Note 2, we adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as of January 1, 2018, that applies primarily to commissions and advisory fees earned by our broker dealer operation. The following table illustrates the revenue recognized from contracts with customers reported within fee income and other revenues on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and timing of revenue recognition by segment (in millions):     For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018  Retirement  Plan Life Group Other  Annuities Services Insurance Protection Operations Total  Revenue from Contracts with Customers  Fee income $ 137 $ 42 $ 6 $ - $ - $ 185  Other revenues 120 5 2 41 - 168  Total revenue from contracts  with customers $ 257 $ 47 $ 8 $ 41 $ - $ 353   Timing of Revenue Recognition  Satisfaction of performance obligation:  Transferred at a point in time $ 17 $ 1 $ 3 $ - $ - $ 21  Transferred over time 240 46 5 41 - 332  Total revenue from contracts  with customers $ 257 $ 47 $ 8 $ 41 $ - $ 353    For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018  Retirement  Plan Life Group Other  Annuities Services Insurance Protection Operations Total  Revenue from Contracts with Customers  Fee income $ 403 $ 126 $ 17 $ - $ - $ 546  Other revenues 359 14 7 73 - 453  Total revenue from contracts  with customers $ 762 $ 140 $ 24 $ 73 $ - $ 999   Timing of Revenue Recognition  Satisfaction of performance obligation:  Transferred at a point in time $ 53 $ 3 $ 6 $ - $ - $ 62  Transferred over time 709 137 18 73 - 937  Total revenue from contracts  with customers $ 762 $ 140 $ 24 $ 73 $ - $ 999  Revenue recognized from contracts with customers included in fee income consists primarily of wholesaling-related 12b-1 fees and net investment advisory fees. The 12b-1 fees are received from separate account fund sponsors as compensation for servicing the underlying mutual funds. The net investment advisory fees are related to asset management of certain separate account funds. Such revenues are recorded based on a contractual percentage of the market value of mutual fund assets over the period shares are owned by customers, and on a contractual percentage of the customer’s managed assets over the period advisory services are provided, respectively.  Revenue recognized from contracts with customers included in other revenues primarily relates to our retail sales network and consists of commission revenue for the sale of non-affiliated securities recorded on a trade-date basis and advisory fee income. Advisory fee income is asset-based revenues recorded as earned based on a contractual percentage of customer account values.

Nature Of Operations And Basi_2

Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Presentation
Nature Of Operations	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 15 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 primarily 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	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. As discussed in Note 3, on May 1, 2018, LNC and The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (“LNL”) completed the acquisition of Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston (“Liberty Life”). 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, 2017 (“ 2017 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 2017 Form 10-K.  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 nine months ended September 30, 2018 , are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2018 . All material inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Acquisition (Tables)

Acquisition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Acquisition [Abstract]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Net Assets Acquired	   Preliminary  Fair Value  Assets  Investments $ 2,493  Mortgage loans on real estate 658  Cash and invested cash 107  Reinsurance recoverables 76  Premiums and fees receivable 83  Accrued investment income 24  Other intangible assets acquired 640  Other assets acquired 142  Separate account assets 99  Total assets acquired $ 4,322   Liabilities  Future contract benefits $ 2,930  Other contract holder funds 46  Other liabilities acquired 120  Separate account liabilities 99  Total liabilities assumed $ 3,195   Net identifiable assets acquired $ 1,127  Goodwill 390  Net assets acquired $ 1,517 
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired	   Weighted-  Average  Amortization  Fair Value Period  Value of customer relationships acquired $ 576 20  Value of distribution agreements 31 13  Value of business acquired 30 3  Insurance licenses 3 N/A  Total identifiable intangible assets $ 640 
Schedule Of Pro Forma Information	   For the Three For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Revenue $ 4,263 $ 3,989 $ 12,632 $ 12,030   Net income 497 396 1,287 1,201 

Variable Interest Entities (Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity Asset and Liability information	   As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017  Number Number  of Notional Carrying of Notional Carrying  Instruments Amounts Value Instruments Amounts Value  Assets  Total return swap 1 587 - 1 573 -  Total assets 1 $ 587 $ - 1 $ 573 $ -  

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Investments [Abstract]
Reconciliation Of Available-For-Sale Securities From Cost Basis To Fair Value	   As of September 30, 2018  Amortized Gross Unrealized Fair  Cost Gains Losses OTTI (1) Value  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 78,496 $ 3,299 $ 1,724 $ (9 ) $ 80,080  Asset-backed securities ("ABS") 934 41 7 (17 ) 985  U.S. government bonds 392 23 6 - 409  Foreign government bonds 418 41 - - 459  Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS") 3,267 113 114 (21 ) 3,287  Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") 766 2 23 (3 ) 748  Collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs") 1,371 - 14 (5 ) 1,362  State and municipal bonds 4,588 656 26 - 5,218  Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities 576 62 25 - 613  Total AFS securities $ 90,808 $ 4,237 $ 1,939 $ (55 ) $ 93,161     As of December 31, 2017  Amortized Gross Unrealized Fair  Cost Gains Losses OTTI (1) Value  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 75,701 $ 6,862 $ 354 $ (7 ) $ 82,216  ABS 903 51 7 (27 ) 974  U.S. government bonds 527 41 1 - 567  Foreign government bonds 395 56 - - 451  RMBS 3,327 155 39 (22 ) 3,465  CMBS 590 10 2 (2 ) 600  CLOs 803 2 2 (5 ) 808  State and municipal bonds 4,172 953 6 - 5,119  Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities 575 87 22 - 640  Total fixed maturity securities 86,993 8,217 433 (63 ) 94,840  Equity AFS securities 247 16 17 - 246  Total AFS securities $ 87,240 $ 8,233 $ 450 $ (63 ) $ 95,086  (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 $ 3,631 $ 3,669  Due after one year through five years 17,430 17,509  Due after five years through ten years 17,493 17,440  Due after ten years 45,916 48,161  Subtotal 84,470 86,779  Structured securities (ABS, MBS, CLOs) 6,338 6,382  Total fixed maturity AFS securities $ 90,808 $ 93,161 
Fair Value And Gross Unrealized Losses In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position	     As of September 30, 2018  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 AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 33,196 $ 1,188 $ 4,690 $ 538 $ 37,886 $ 1,726  ABS 252 3 129 12 381 15  U.S. government bonds 169 4 18 2 187 6  RMBS 836 43 603 73 1,439 116  CMBS 624 18 57 5 681 23  CLOs 1,062 14 34 - 1,096 14  State and municipal bonds 724 15 75 11 799 26  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 31 2 132 22 163 24  Total AFS securities $ 36,894 $ 1,287 $ 5,738 $ 663 $ 42,632 $ 1,950   Total number of AFS securities in an unrealized loss position 3,480      As of December 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 AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 4,854 $ 68 $ 4,893 $ 288 $ 9,747 $ 356  ABS 62 1 151 15 213 16  U.S. government bonds 156 - 19 1 175 1  RMBS 302 4 641 36 943 40  CMBS 113 - 60 3 173 3  CLOs 281 2 72 - 353 2  State and municipal bonds 34 - 93 6 127 6  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 20 - 126 22 146 22  Total fixed maturity securities 5,822 75 6,055 371 11,877 446  Equity AFS securities 22 14 8 3 30 17  Total AFS securities $ 5,844 $ 89 $ 6,063 $ 374 $ 11,907 $ 463   Total number of AFS securities in an unrealized loss position 1,128 
Schedule Of Available-For-Sale Securities Whose Value Is Below Amortized Cost	   As of September 30, 2018  Number  Fair Gross Unrealized of  Value Losses OTTI Securities (1)  Less than six months $ 131 $ 47 $ - 20  Six months or greater, but less than nine months 21 16 - 3  Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months 39 16 - 4  Twelve months or greater 123 50 8 29  Total $ 314 $ 129 $ 8 56      As of December 31, 2017  Number  Fair Gross Unrealized of  Value Losses OTTI Securities (1)  Less than six months $ 156 $ 57 $ 1 26  Six months or greater, but less than nine months 2 1 - 4  Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months 15 8 - 7  Twelve months or greater 215 78 10 49  Total $ 388 $ 144 $ 11 86  (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 For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Balance as of beginning-of-period $ 375 $ 390 $ 378 $ 430  Increases attributable to:  Credit losses on securities for which an  OTTI was not previously recognized 2 8 4 13  Credit losses on securities for which an  OTTI was previously recognized - 1 1 4  Decreases attributable to:  Securities sold, paid down or matured (5 ) (21 ) (11 ) (69 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ 372 $ 378 $ 372 $ 378 
Composition Of Current And Past Due Mortgage Loans On Real Estate	   As of As of  September 30, December 31,  2018 2017  Current $ 12,578 $ 10,762  60 to 90 days past due - -  Greater than 90 days past due 1 3  Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate (1 ) (3 )  Unamortized premium (discount) (17 ) -  Total carrying value $ 12,561 $ 10,762 
Schedule Of Impaired Mortgage Loans	   As of As of  September 30, December 31,  2018 2017  Number of impaired mortgage loans on real estate 1 3   Principal balance of impaired mortgage loans on real estate $ 4 $ 11  Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate (1 ) (3 )  Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans on real estate $ 3 $ 8 
Changes In The Valuation Allowance Of Impaired Mortgage Loans On Real Estate	   For the Three For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Balance as of beginning-of-period $ 2 $ 2 $ 3 $ 2  Additions - - - -  Charge-offs, net of recoveries (1 ) - (2 ) -  Balance as of end-of-period $ 1 $ 2 $ 1 $ 2 
Schedule Of Average Carrying Value Of Impaired Mortgage Loans On Real Estate	   For the Three For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Average carrying value for impaired mortgage loans on real estate $ 5 $ 5 $ 6 $ 5  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 September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017  Debt- Debt-  Service Service  Carrying % of Coverage Carrying % of Coverage  Loan-to-Value Ratio Value Total Ratio Value Total Ratio  Less than 65% $ 11,297 89.9% 2.30 $ 9,642 89.6% 2.26  65% to 74% 1,187 9.5% 1.79 1,000 9.3% 1.94  75% to 100% 74 0.6% 0.95 112 1.0% 0.97  Greater than 100% 3 0.0% 0.21 8 0.1% 0.82  Total mortgage loans on real estate $ 12,561 100.0% $ 10,762 100.0% 
Realized Gain (Loss) Related To Certain Investments	   For the Three For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Fixed maturity AFS securities: (1)  Gross gains $ 14 $ 7 $ 30 $ 19  Gross losses (21 ) (22 ) (65 ) (47 )  Equity AFS securities:  Gross gains - 1 - 2  Gain (loss) on other investments (2) 1 - 6 (6 )  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL  and changes in other contract holder funds (5 ) (5 ) (16 ) (17 )  Total realized gain (loss) related to certain investments, pre-tax $ (11 ) $ (19 ) $ (45 ) $ (49 )  (1) These amounts are represented net of related fair value hedging activity. See Note 6 for more information. (2) Includes market adjustments on equity securities still held of less than $1 million and $2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. 
OTTI Recognized In Net Income (Loss) And OCI	   For the Three For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  OTTI Recognized in Net Income (Loss)  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ (2 ) $ (8 ) $ (4 ) $ (13 )  ABS - (1 ) - (2 )  RMBS - - (1 ) (1 )  State and municipal bonds - - - (1 )  Gross OTTI recognized in net income (loss) (2 ) (9 ) (5 ) (17 )  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL - 1 - 1  Net OTTI recognized in net income (loss), pre-tax $ (2 ) $ (8 ) $ (5 ) $ (16 ) 
Payables For Collateral On Investments	   As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017  Carrying Fair Carrying Fair  Value Value Value Value  Collateral payable for derivative investments (1) $ 366 $ 366 $ 765 $ 765  Securities pledged under securities lending agreements (2) 117 113 222 213  Securities pledged under repurchase agreements (3) 149 185 530 588  Investments pledged for Federal Home Loan Bank of  Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) (4) 3,580 5,413 2,900 4,235  Total payables for collateral on investments $ 4,212 $ 6,077 $ 4,417 $ 5,801  (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 6 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 generally obtain collateral in an amount between 80% 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 Nine  Months Ended  September 30,  2018 2017  Collateral payable for derivative investments $ (399 ) $ 41  Securities pledged under securities lending agreements (105 ) (16 )  Securities pledged under repurchase agreements (381 ) (2 )  Investments pledged for FHLBI 680 (50 )  Total increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments $ (205 ) $ (27 ) 
Schedule Of Securities Pledged By Contractual Maturity	   As of September 30, 2018  Overnight and Continuous Up to 30 Days 30 - 90 Days Greater Than 90 Days Total  Repurchase Agreements  Corporate bonds $ - $ - $ - $ 149 $ 149  Total - - - 149 149  Securities Lending  Corporate bonds 117 - - - 117  Total 117 - - - 117  Total gross secured borrowings $ 117 $ - $ - $ 149 $ 266      As of December 31, 2017  Overnight and Continuous Up to 30 Days 30 - 90 Days Greater Than 90 Days Total  Repurchase Agreements  Corporate bonds $ - $ 100 $ 280 $ 150 $ 530  Total - 100 280 150 530  Securities Lending  Corporate bonds 222 - - - 222  Total 222 - - - 222  Total gross secured borrowings $ 222 $ 100 $ 280 $ 150 $ 752  

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Outstanding Derivative Instruments With Off-Balance-Sheet Risks	     As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017  Notional Fair Value Notional Fair Value  Amounts Asset Liability Amounts Asset Liability  Qualifying Hedges  Cash flow hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) $ 2,827 $ 121 $ 42 $ 3,007 $ 46 $ 84  Foreign currency contracts (1) 2,085 104 71 1,804 79 79  Total cash flow hedges 4,912 225 113 4,811 125 163  Fair value hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) 1,268 30 112 1,438 254 174  Non-Qualifying Hedges  Interest rate contracts (1) 90,138 318 233 72,937 657 127  Foreign currency contracts (1) 87 - - 22 - -  Equity market contracts (1) 24,967 534 140 31,090 562 557  Credit contracts (1) - - - 52 - -  Embedded derivatives:  Guaranteed living benefit ("GLB")  direct (2) - 1,648 - - 903 -  GLB ceded (2) (3) - 35 193 - 51 67  Reinsurance related (4) - - 20 - - 57  Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (2) (5) - 44 1,571 - 11 1,418  Total derivative instruments $ 121,372 $ 2,834 $ 2,382 $ 110,350 $ 2,563 $ 2,563   (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.
Maturity Of The Notional Amounts Of Derivative Financial Instruments	    Remaining Life as of September 30, 2018  Less Than 1 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 30 Over 30  1 Year Years Years Years Years Total  Interest rate contracts (1) $ 10,907 $ 14,802 $ 47,193 $ 20,118 $ 1,213 $ 94,233  Foreign currency contracts (2) 141 256 635 1,130 10 2,172  Equity market contracts 18,103 3,615 115 14 3,120 24,967  Total derivative instruments  with notional amounts $ 29,151 $ 18,673 $ 47,943 $ 21,262 $ 4,343 $ 121,372  (1) As of September 30, 2018 , 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 September 30, 2018 , the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was September 2049 .
Change In Our Unrealized Gain On Derivative Instruments In Accumulated OCI	   For the Nine  Months Ended  September 30,  2018 2017  Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ (29 ) $ 49  Other comprehensive income (loss):  Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period:  Cumulative effect from adoption of  new accounting standard (6 ) -  Cash flow hedges:  Interest rate contracts 117 (15 )  Foreign currency contracts (19 ) 46  Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment 69 (119 )  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL 8 (3 )  Income tax benefit (expense) (37 ) 32  Less:  Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses)  included in net income (loss):  Cash flow hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) 3 3  Interest rate contracts (2) (6 ) (13 )  Foreign currency contracts (1) 18 12  Foreign currency contracts (3) - 5  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (1 ) (1 )  Income tax benefit (expense) (3 ) (2 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ 92 $ (14 )  (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 For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Qualifying Hedges  Cash flow hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) $ 1 $ 2 $ 3 $ 3  Interest rate contracts (2) (4 ) (5 ) (6 ) (13 )  Foreign currency contracts (1) 7 4 18 12  Foreign currency contracts (3) - - - 5  Total cash flow hedges 4 1 15 7  Fair value hedges:  Interest rate contracts (1) (2 ) (5 ) (11 ) (18 )  Interest rate contracts (2) 5 6 11 21  Interest rate contracts (3) 17 2 64 2  Total fair value hedges 20 3 64 5  Non-Qualifying Hedges  Interest rate contracts (3) (167 ) 18 (577 ) 161  Foreign currency contracts (3) - 1 2 1  Equity market contracts (3) (199 ) (347 ) (280 ) (1,163 )  Equity market contracts (4) 10 6 11 21  Embedded derivatives: - -  GLB (3) 333 233 603 784  Reinsurance related (3) 5 3 37 3  Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (3) (164 ) (46 ) (175 ) (230 )  Total derivative instruments $ (158 ) $ (128 ) $ (300 ) $ (411 )  (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 For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Offset to net investment income $ 8 $ 6 $ 21 $ 15  Offset to realized gain (loss) - - - 5  Offset to interest and debt expense (4 ) (5 ) (6 ) (13 )  
Open Credit Default Swap Liabilities	    As of December 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 12/20/2022 (3) (4) BBB+ 1 $ 1 $ 52  1 $ 1 $ 52  (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 determine 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.
Collateral Support Agreements	   As of As of  September 30, December 31,  2018 2017  Maximum potential payout $ - $ 52  Less: Counterparty thresholds - -  Maximum collateral potentially required to post $ - $ 52 
Schedule Of Collateral Amounts With Rights To Reclaim Or Obligation To Return Cash	   As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017  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- $ 36 $ (22 ) $ 116 $ (1 )  A+ 177 (111 ) 242 (453 )  A 40 (1 ) 170 (120 )  A- 113 - 237 (3 )  BBB+ - - - (4 )  $ 366 $ (134 ) $ 765 $ (581 ) 
Schedule Of Offsetting Assets And Liabilities	   As of September 30, 2018  Embedded  Derivative Derivative  Instruments Instruments Total   Financial Assets  Gross amount of recognized assets $ 957 $ 1,727 $ 2,684  Gross amounts offset (251 ) - (251 )  Net amount of assets 706 1,727 2,433  Gross amounts not offset:  Cash collateral (366 ) - (366 )  Non-cash collateral (80 ) - (80 )  Net amount $ 260 $ 1,727 $ 1,987   Financial Liabilities  Gross amount of recognized liabilities $ 879 $ 1,784 $ 2,663  Gross amounts offset (149 ) - (149 )  Net amount of liabilities 730 1,784 2,514  Gross amounts not offset:  Cash collateral (134 ) - (134 )  Non-cash collateral (420 ) - (420 )  Net amount $ 176 $ 1,784 $ 1,960    As of December 31, 2017  Embedded  Derivative Derivative  Instruments Instruments Total   Financial Assets  Gross amount of recognized assets $ 1,301 $ 965 $ 2,266  Gross amounts offset (386 ) - (386 )  Net amount of assets 915 965 1,880  Gross amounts not offset:  Cash collateral (765 ) - (765 )  Net amount $ 150 $ 965 $ 1,115   Financial Liabilities  Gross amount of recognized liabilities $ 955 $ 1,542 $ 2,497  Gross amounts offset (296 ) - (296 )  Net amount of liabilities 659 1,542 2,201  Gross amounts not offset:  Cash collateral (581 ) - (581 )  Net amount $ 78 $ 1,542 $ 1,620 

Guaranteed Benefit Features (Ta

Guaranteed Benefit Features (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Guaranteed Benefit Features [Abstract]
Information On Guaranteed Death Benefit Features	     As of As of  September 30, December 31,  2018 (1) 2017 (1)  Return of Net Deposits  Total account value $ 98,623 $ 96,941  Net amount at risk (2) 93 81  Average attained age of contract holders 64 years 64 years   Minimum Return  Total account value $ 103 $ 108  Net amount at risk (2) 16 18  Average attained age of contract holders 76 years 76 years  Guaranteed minimum return 5% 5%   Anniversary Contract Value  Total account value $ 26,308 $ 26,596  Net amount at risk (2) 438 417  Average attained age of contract holders 71 years 70 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 Nine  Months Ended  September 30,  2018 2017  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 100 $ 110  Changes in reserves 18 4  Benefits paid (11 ) (14 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ 107 $ 100 
Account Balances Of Variable Annuity Contracts With Guarantees Invested In Separate Accounts	   As of As of  September 30, December 31,  2018 2017  Asset Type  Domestic equity $ 61,732 $ 59,647  International equity 20,598 20,837  Fixed income 40,529 40,626  Total $ 122,859 $ 121,110  Percent of total variable annuity  separate account values 98% 99% 

Liability For Unpaid Claims (Ta

Liability For Unpaid Claims (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Liability For Unpaid Claims [Abstract]
Changes In Liability For Unpaid Claims	   For the Nine  Months Ended  September 30,  2018 2017  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 2,222 $ 2,242  Reinsurance recoverable 57 69  Net balance as of beginning-of-year 2,165 2,173   Business acquired (1) 2,842 -   Incurred related to:  Current year 1,640 909  Prior years  Interest 85 53  All other incurred (159 ) (85 )  Total incurred 1,566 877   Paid related to:  Current year (663 ) (458 )  Prior years (796 ) (440 )  Total paid (1,459 ) (898 )   Net balance as of end-of-period 5,114 2,152  Reinsurance recoverable 141 57  Balance as of end-of-period $ 5,255 $ 2,209  (1) Represents Liberty group life and disability reserves, net, as of May 1, 2018, subject to finalization of acquisition date fair values. See Note 3 for additional information. 
Schedule Of Reconciliation	   As of September 30,  2018 2017  Future contract benefits $ 33,988 $ 22,547   Less:  Life and annuity reserves and claims due 27,193 18,698  Accident and health active life reserves 1,540 1,640  Liability for unpaid claims $ 5,255 $ 2,209 

Shares and Stockholders' Equi_2

Shares and Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Shares and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Changes In Common stock (Number Of Shares)	   For the Three For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Common Stock  Balance as of beginning-of-period 217,294,051 222,237,262 218,090,114 226,335,105  Stock issued for exercise of warrants 97,076 2,464 119,942 337,394  Stock compensation/issued for benefit plans 38,642 139,179 675,608 1,600,465  Retirement/cancellation of shares (2,652,963 ) (2,834,287 ) (4,108,858 ) (8,728,346 )  Balance as of end-of-period 214,776,806 219,544,618 214,776,806 219,544,618   Common Stock as of End-of-Period  Basic basis 214,776,806 219,544,618 214,776,806 219,544,618  Diluted basis 217,390,897 222,701,021 217,390,897 222,701,021 
Reconciliation Of The Denominator Calculations Of Basic And Diluted EPS	   For the Three For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Weighted-average shares, as used in basic calculation 215,901,268 220,813,693 217,413,480 223,311,993  Shares to cover exercise of outstanding warrants 579,882 668,103 620,580 795,312  Shares to cover non-vested stock 1,467,953 1,614,405 1,512,297 1,572,250  Average stock options outstanding during the period 1,700,026 2,275,826 1,807,340 2,432,171  Assumed acquisition of shares with assumed proceeds  from exercising outstanding warrants (86,040 ) (94,338 ) (86,335 ) (116,577 )  Assumed acquisition of shares with assumed  proceeds and benefits from exercising stock  options (at average market price for the period) (1,082,651 ) (1,361,094 ) (1,090,868 ) (1,481,524 )  Shares repurchasable from measured but  unrecognized stock option expense (11,209 ) (44,579 ) (17,381 ) (60,539 )  Average deferred compensation shares - - 936,355 926,612  Weighted-average shares, as used in diluted calculation 218,469,229 223,872,016 221,095,468 227,379,698 
Components And Changes In Accumulated OCI	  For the Nine  Months Ended  September 30,  2018 2017  Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 3,486 $ 1,784  Cumulative effect from adoption of new accounting standards 674 -  Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period (5,520 ) 2,385  Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment (68 ) 112  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI, future contract benefits and other contract holder funds 1,538 (468 )  Income tax benefit (expense) 858 (717 )  Less:  Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (35 ) (26 )  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (15 ) (16 )  Income tax benefit (expense) 11 15  Balance as of end-of-period $ 1,007 $ 3,123  Unrealized OTTI on AFS Securities  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ 44 $ 25  (Increases) attributable to:  Cumulative effect from adoption of new accounting standards 9 -  Gross OTTI recognized in OCI during the period - (1 )  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL - -  Income tax benefit (expense) - -  Decreases attributable to:  Changes in fair value, sales, maturities or other settlements of AFS securities (8 ) 29  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (10 ) (5 )  Income tax benefit (expense) 4 (8 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ 39 $ 40  Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ (29 ) $ 49  Cumulative effect from adoption of new accounting standard (6 ) -  Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period 98 31  Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment 69 (119 )  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL 8 (3 )  Income tax benefit (expense) (37 ) 32  Less:  Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss) 15 7  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (1 ) (1 )  Income tax benefit (expense) (3 ) (2 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ 92 $ (14 )  Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ (14 ) $ (27 )  Foreign currency translation adjustment arising during the period (6 ) 11  Balance as of end-of-period $ (20 ) $ (16 )  Funded Status of Employee Benefit Plans  Balance as of beginning-of-year $ (257 ) $ (265 )  Cumulative effect from adoption of new accounting standard (35 ) -  Adjustment arising during the period 10 (9 )  Balance as of end-of-period $ (282 ) $ (274 ) 
Schedule of Reclassifications Out Of AOCI	   For the Nine  Months Ended  September 30,  2018 2017  Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities  Gross reclassification $ (35 ) $ (26 ) Total realized gain (loss)  Associated amortization of DAC,  VOBA, DSI and DFEL (15 ) (16 ) Total realized gain (loss)  Reclassification before income Income (loss) from continuing  tax benefit (expense) (50 ) (42 ) operations before taxes  Income tax benefit (expense) 11 15 Federal income tax expense (benefit)  Reclassification, net of income tax $ (39 ) $ (27 ) Net income (loss)   Unrealized OTTI on AFS Securities  Gross reclassification $ (1 ) $ 6 Total realized gain (loss)  Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL - (1 ) Total realized gain (loss)  Reclassification before income Income (loss) from continuing  tax benefit (expense) (1 ) 5 operations before taxes  Income tax benefit (expense) - (2 ) Federal income tax expense (benefit)  Reclassification, net of income tax $ (1 ) $ 3 Net income (loss)   Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments  Gross reclassifications:  Interest rate contracts $ 3 $ 3 Net investment income  Interest rate contracts (6 ) (13 ) Interest and debt expense  Foreign currency contracts 18 12 Net investment income  Foreign currency contracts - 5 Total realized gain (loss)  Total gross reclassifications 15 7  Associated amortization of DAC,  VOBA, DSI and DFEL (1 ) (1 ) Commissions and other expenses  Reclassifications before income Income (loss) from continuing  tax benefit (expense) 14 6 operations before taxes  Income tax benefit (expense) (3 ) (2 ) Federal income tax expense (benefit)  Reclassifications, net of income tax $ 11 $ 4 Net income (loss) 

Realized Gain (Loss) (Tables)

Realized Gain (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Realized Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Details underlying realized (gain) loss	  For the Three For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Total realized gain (loss) related to certain investments (1) $ (11 ) $ (19 ) $ (45 ) $ (49 )  Realized gain (loss) on the mark-to-market on certain instruments (2) (10 ) (2 ) 14 3  Indexed annuity and IUL contracts net derivatives results: (3)  Gross gain (loss) (7 ) - (14 ) (17 )  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (2 ) (1 ) (2 ) (1 )  Variable annuity net derivatives results: (4)  Gross gain (loss) (32 ) (41 ) (10 ) (45 )  Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL 7 7 6 4  Total realized gain (loss) $ (55 ) $ (56 ) $ (51 ) $ (105 )  (1) See “Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments” section in Note 5 . (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 Compens_2

Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Stock Based Awards Granted Table	  For the For the  Three Nine  Months Months  Ended Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2018  10-year LNC stock options - 481,404  Performance shares - 156,676  RSUs 1,202 695,471  Non-employee:  SARs - 14,692  Agent stock options - 32,400  Director DSUs 7,184 21,682 

Fair Value of Financial Instr_2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Carrying And Estimated Fair Values Of Financial Instruments	   As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017  Carrying Fair Carrying Fair  Value Value Value Value  Assets  AFS securities:  Fixed maturity securities $ 93,161 $ 93,161 $ 94,840 $ 94,840  Equity securities - - 246 246  Trading securities 1,440 1,440 1,620 1,620  Equity securities 112 112 - -  Mortgage loans on real estate 12,561 12,239 10,762 10,877  Derivative investments (1) 706 706 915 915  Other investments 2,204 2,204 2,296 2,296  Cash and invested cash 1,460 1,460 1,628 1,628  Other assets:  GLB direct embedded derivatives 1,648 1,648 903 903  GLB ceded embedded derivatives 35 35 51 51  Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives 44 44 11 11  Separate account assets 147,692 147,692 144,219 144,219   Liabilities  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (1,571 ) (1,571 ) (1,418 ) (1,418 )  Other contract holder funds:  Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts (562 ) (562 ) (592 ) (592 )  Account values of certain investment contracts (33,684 ) (34,577 ) (32,370 ) (36,200 )  Short-term debt - - (450 ) (452 )  Long-term debt (5,804 ) (5,795 ) (4,894 ) (5,042 )  Reinsurance related embedded derivatives (20 ) (20 ) (57 ) (57 )  Other liabilities:  Derivative liabilities (1) (197 ) (197 ) (338 ) (338 )  GLB ceded embedded derivatives (193 ) (193 ) (67 ) (67 )  (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.
Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities On A Recurring Basis	   As of September 30, 2018  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 $ - $ 76,871 $ 3,209 $ 80,080  ABS - 954 31 985  U.S. government bonds 391 18 - 409  Foreign government bonds - 351 108 459  RMBS - 3,280 7 3,287  CMBS - 725 23 748  CLOs - 1,311 51 1,362  State and municipal bonds - 5,218 - 5,218  Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities 74 462 77 613  Trading securities 43 1,379 18 1,440  Equity securities 28 58 26 112  Derivative investments (1) - 572 535 1,107  Other investments 149 - - 149  Cash and invested cash - 1,460 - 1,460  Other assets:  GLB direct embedded derivatives - - 1,648 1,648  GLB ceded embedded derivatives - - 35 35  Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives - - 44 44  Separate account assets 764 146,894 - 147,658  Total assets $ 1,449 $ 239,553 $ 5,812 $ 246,814   Liabilities  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives $ - $ - $ (1,571 ) $ (1,571 )  Reinsurance related embedded derivatives - (20 ) - (20 )  Other liabilities:  Derivative liabilities (1) - (417 ) (181 ) (598 )  GLB ceded embedded derivatives - - (193 ) (193 )  Total liabilities $ - $ (437 ) $ (1,945 ) $ (2,382 )      As of December 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 $ - $ 79,125 $ 3,091 $ 82,216  ABS - 947 27 974  U.S. government bonds 556 6 5 567  Foreign government bonds - 341 110 451  RMBS - 3,453 12 3,465  CMBS - 594 6 600  CLOs - 717 91 808  State and municipal bonds - 5,119 - 5,119  Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities 71 493 76 640  Equity AFS securities 28 56 162 246  Trading securities 73 1,498 49 1,620  Derivative investments (1) - 994 603 1,597  Other investments 150 - - 150  Cash and invested cash - 1,628 - 1,628  Other assets:  GLB direct embedded derivatives - - 903 903  GLB ceded embedded derivatives - - 51 51  Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives - - 11 11  Separate account assets 814 143,405 - 144,219  Total assets $ 1,692 $ 238,376 $ 5,197 $ 245,265   Liabilities  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives $ - $ - $ (1,418 ) $ (1,418 )  Long-term debt - (1,127 ) - (1,127 )  Reinsurance related embedded derivatives - (57 ) - (57 )  Other liabilities:  Derivative liabilities (1) - (447 ) (573 ) (1,020 )  GLB ceded embedded derivatives - - (67 ) (67 )  Total liabilities $ - $ (1,631 ) $ (2,058 ) $ (3,689 )  (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 September 30, 2018  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 (3) Value  Investments: (5)  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 3,181 $ 1 $ (30 ) $ 88 $ (31 ) $ 3,209  ABS 31 - - - - 31  Foreign government bonds 108 - - - - 108  RMBS - - - 7 - 7  CMBS 5 - - 18 - 23  CLOs 145 - - 17 (111 ) 51  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 78 - (1 ) - - 77  Trading securities 22 - - 2 (6 ) 18  Equity securities 26 - - - - 26  Derivative investments 93 (115 ) (55 ) 431 - 354  Other assets: (6)  GLB direct embedded derivatives 1,248 400 - - - 1,648  GLB ceded embedded derivatives 41 (6 ) - - - 35  Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives 29 4 - 11 - 44  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (6) (1,400 ) (164 ) - (7 ) - (1,571 )  Other liabilities – GLB ceded embedded  derivatives (6) (131 ) (62 ) - - - (193 )  Total, net $ 3,476 $ 58 $ (86 ) $ 567 $ (148 ) $ 3,867           For the Three Months Ended September 30, 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 (3) Value  Investments: (5)  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 2,517 $ 4 $ 35 $ (35 ) $ 59 $ 2,580  ABS 43 - (1 ) - (15 ) 27  U.S. government bonds 5 - - - - 5  Foreign government bonds 109 - 1 - - 110  RMBS 7 - - 6 - 13  CMBS 21 - - (1 ) (14 ) 6  CLOs 28 - - 15 (28 ) 15  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 82 - 3 - (9 ) 76  Equity AFS securities 183 - (1 ) 9 (1 ) 190  Trading securities 59 - - (10 ) 1 50  Derivative investments 155 (13 ) 9 (85 ) - 66  Other assets: (6)  GLB direct embedded derivatives 298 272 - - - 570  GLB ceded embedded derivatives 85 (32 ) - - - 53  Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives - - - 3 - 3  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (6) (1,268 ) (47 ) - (3 ) - (1,318 )  Other liabilities – GLB ceded embedded  derivatives (6) - (7 ) - - - (7 )  Total, net $ 2,324 $ 177 $ 46 $ (101 ) $ (7 ) $ 2,439      For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018  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 (2) Net (3)(4) Value  Investments: (5)  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 3,091 $ 7 $ (137 ) $ 319 $ (71 ) $ 3,209  ABS 27 - (1 ) 5 - 31  U.S. government bonds 5 - - (5 ) - -  Foreign government bonds 110 - (2 ) - - 108  RMBS 12 - - 7 (12 ) 7  CMBS 6 1 - 37 (21 ) 23  CLOs 91 - - 164 (204 ) 51  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 76 - 1 - - 77  Equity AFS securities 162 - - - (162 ) -  Trading securities 49 (5 ) - (20 ) (6 ) 18  Equity securities - - - - 26 26  Derivative investments 30 106 (113 ) 331 - 354  Other assets: (6)  GLB direct embedded derivatives 903 745 - - - 1,648  GLB ceded embedded derivatives 51 (16 ) - - - 35  Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives 11 4 - 29 - 44  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (6) (1,418 ) (175 ) - 22 - (1,571 )  Other liabilities – GLB ceded embedded  derivatives (6) (67 ) (126 ) - - - (193 )  Total, net $ 3,139 $ 541 $ (252 ) $ 889 $ (450 ) $ 3,867      For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 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 (3) Value  Investments: (5)  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 2,405 $ 15 $ 153 $ (182 ) $ 189 $ 2,580  ABS 33 - - - (6 ) 27  U.S. government bonds - - - - 5 5  Foreign government bonds 111 - (1 ) - - 110  RMBS 3 - - 10 - 13  CMBS 7 - 1 54 (56 ) 6  CLOs 68 - - 33 (86 ) 15  State and municipal bonds - (1 ) - - 1 -  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 76 - 14 - (14 ) 76  Equity AFS securities 177 1 (2 ) 15 (1 ) 190  Trading securities 65 2 8 (26 ) 1 50  Derivative investments (93 ) (25 ) 97 87 - 66  Other assets: (6)  GLB direct embedded derivatives - 570 - - - 570  GLB ceded embedded derivatives 203 (150 ) - - - 53  Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives - - - 3 - 3  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (6) (1,139 ) (230 ) - 51 - (1,318 )  Other liabilities: (6)  GLB direct embedded derivatives (371 ) 371 - - - -  GLB ceded embedded derivatives - (7 ) - - - (7 )  Total, net $ 1,545 $ 546 $ 270 $ 45 $ 33 $ 2,439  (1) The changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps are offset by an adjustment to derivative investments (see Note 5). (2) Net issuances, sales, maturities, settlements, calls, net include financial instruments acquired from Liberty Life as follows: corporate bonds of $67 million and ABS of $17 million. (3) 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-period amortized cost and beginning-of-period fair value was included in OCI and earnings, respectively, in the prior period. (4) Transfers into or out of Level 3 for FHLB stock between equity securities and other investments at cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. (5) 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). (6) 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 September 30, 2018  Issuances Sales Maturities Settlements Calls Total  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 162 $ - $ (1 ) $ (65 ) $ (8 ) $ 88  RMBS 7 - - - - 7  CMBS 18 - - - - 18  CLOs 17 - - - - 17  Trading securities 2 - - - - 2  Derivative investments 96 455 (120 ) - - 431  Other assets – indexed annuity ceded  embedded derivatives 11 - - - - 11  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (83 ) - - 76 - (7 )  Total, net $ 230 $ 455 $ (121 ) $ 11 $ (8 ) $ 567      For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017  Issuances Sales Maturities Settlements Calls Total  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 167 $ (114 ) $ (19 ) $ (43 ) $ (26 ) $ (35 )  RMBS 6 - - - - 6  CMBS - - - (1 ) - (1 )  CLOs 15 - - - - 15  Equity AFS securities 10 (1 ) - - - 9  Trading securities - (10 ) - - - (10 )  Derivative investments 50 (23 ) (112 ) - - (85 )  Other assets – indexed annuity ceded  embedded derivatives 3 - - - - 3  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (14 ) - - 11 - (3 )  Total, net $ 237 $ (148 ) $ (131 ) $ (33 ) $ (26 ) $ (101 )        For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018  Issuances Sales Maturities Settlements Calls Total  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 785 $ (156 ) $ (3 ) $ (238 ) $ (69 ) $ 319  ABS 22 (17 ) - - - 5  U.S. government bonds - (5 ) - - - (5 )  RMBS 7 - - - - 7  CMBS 39 - - (2 ) - 37  CLOs 164 - - - - 164  Trading securities 4 (24 ) - - - (20 )  Equity securities 1 (1 ) - - - -  Derivative investments 225 460 (354 ) - - 331  Other assets – indexed annuity ceded  embedded derivatives 29 - - - - 29  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (158 ) - - 180 - 22  Total, net $ 1,118 $ 257 $ (357 ) $ (60 ) $ (69 ) $ 889     For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017  Issuances Sales Maturities Settlements Calls Total  Investments:  Fixed maturity AFS securities:  Corporate bonds $ 367 $ (179 ) $ (66 ) $ (170 ) $ (134 ) $ (182 )  RMBS 10 - - - - 10  CMBS 55 - - (1 ) - 54  CLOs 33 - - - - 33  Equity AFS securities 18 (3 ) - - - 15  Trading securities 2 (27 ) - (1 ) - (26 )  Derivative investments 145 243 (301 ) - - 87  Other assets – indexed annuity ceded  embedded derivatives 3 - - - - 3  Future contract benefits – indexed annuity  and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (45 ) - - 96 - 51  Total, net $ 588 $ 34 $ (367 ) $ (76 ) $ (134 ) $ 45 
Changes In Unrealized Gains (Losses) Within Level 3 Financial Instruments Carried At Fair Value And Still Held	   For the Three For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Derivative investments $ (1 ) $ (83 ) $ 105 $ (159 )  Embedded derivatives:  Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (11 ) 2 (18 ) (13 )  GLB 576 428 1,264 1,352  Total, net (1) $ 564 $ 347 $ 1,351 $ 1,180  (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  September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017  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 $ 11 $ (42 ) $ (31 ) $ 116 $ (57 ) $ 59  ABS - - - - (15 ) (15 )  CMBS - - - - (14 ) (14 )  CLOs - (111 ) (111 ) - (28 ) (28 )  Hybrid and redeemable preferred  securities - - - - (9 ) (9 )  Equity AFS securities - - - - (1 ) (1 )  Trading securities - (6 ) (6 ) 1 - 1  Total, net $ 11 $ (159 ) $ (148 ) $ 117 $ (124 ) $ (7 )      For the Nine For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017  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 $ 54 $ (125 ) $ (71 ) $ 277 $ (88 ) $ 189  ABS - - - 15 (21 ) (6 )  U.S. government bonds - - - 5 - 5  RMBS - (12 ) (12 ) - - -  CMBS - (21 ) (21 ) 3 (59 ) (56 )  CLOs - (204 ) (204 ) 30 (116 ) (86 )  State and municipal bonds - - - 2 (1 ) 1  Hybrid and redeemable preferred  securities - - - - (14 ) (14 )  Equity AFS securities - (162 ) (162 ) - (1 ) (1 )  Trading securities - (6 ) (6 ) 4 (3 ) 1  Equity securities 26 - 26 - - -  Total, net $ 80 $ (530 ) $ (450 ) $ 336 $ (303 ) $ 33 
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 $ 2,445 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 0.5 % - 24.8 %  ABS 23 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 3.0 % - 3.0 %  Foreign government bonds 78 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 1.1 % - 2.8 %  Hybrid and redeemable  preferred securities 4 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 1.8 % - 1.8 %  Equity securities 21 Discounted cash flow Liquidity/duration adjustment (1) 4.5 % - 5.1 %  Other assets:  GLB direct and ceded  embedded derivatives 1,683 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) 0.01 % - 0.32 %  Mortality rate (6) (8)  Volatility (7) 1 % - 29 %   Indexed annuity ceded  embedded derivatives 44 Discounted cash flow Lapse rate (2) 1 % - 9 %  Mortality rate (6) (8)  Liabilities  Future contract benefits – indexed  annuity and IUL contracts  embedded derivatives $ (1,571 ) Discounted cash flow Lapse rate (2) 1 % - 9 %  Mortality rate (6) (8)  Other liabilities – GLB ceded  embedded derivatives (193 ) 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) 0.01 % - 0.32 %  Mortality rate (6) (8)  Volatility (7) 1 % - 29 %  (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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Information [Abstract]
Reconciliation Of Revenue From Segments To Consolidated	   For the Three For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Revenues  Operating revenues:  Annuities $ 1,118 $ 1,073 $ 3,297 $ 3,211  Retirement Plan Services 294 291 878 863  Life Insurance 1,766 1,614 5,106 4,874  Group Protection 1,128 564 2,618 1,646  Other Operations 56 65 182 220  Excluded realized gain (loss), pre-tax (98 ) (97 ) (188 ) (229 )  Amortization of deferred gain arising from reserve changes  on business sold through reinsurance, pre-tax - - - 1  Amortization of DFEL associated with benefit ratio unlocking, pre-tax - 1 - 2  Total revenues $ 4,264 $ 3,511 $ 11,893 $ 10,588 
Reconciliation Of Income (Loss) From Operations By Segment To Consolidated Net Income (Loss)	   For the Three For the Nine  Months Ended Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  2018 2017 2018 2017  Net Income (Loss)  Income (loss) from operations:  Annuities $ 302 $ 277 $ 844 $ 809  Retirement Plan Services 40 35 125 109  Life Insurance 176 121 470 384  Group Protection 63 41 137 83  Other Operations (71 ) (20 ) (171 ) (71 )  Excluded realized gain (loss), after-tax (77 ) (63 ) (149 ) (149 )  Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt, after-tax - (3 ) (18 ) (3 )  Income (loss) from reserve changes (net of related amortization)  on business sold through reinsurance, after-tax - - - 1  Benefit ratio unlocking, after-tax 33 30 32 101  Net impact from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 32 - 19 -  Acquisition and integration costs related to mergers  and acquisitions, after-tax (8 ) - (47 ) -  Net income (loss) $ 490 $ 418 $ 1,242 $ 1,264 
Schedule Of Disaggregation of Revenue	     For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018  Retirement  Plan Life Group Other  Annuities Services Insurance Protection Operations Total  Revenue from Contracts with Customers  Fee income $ 137 $ 42 $ 6 $ - $ - $ 185  Other revenues 120 5 2 41 - 168  Total revenue from contracts  with customers $ 257 $ 47 $ 8 $ 41 $ - $ 353   Timing of Revenue Recognition  Satisfaction of performance obligation:  Transferred at a point in time $ 17 $ 1 $ 3 $ - $ - $ 21  Transferred over time 240 46 5 41 - 332  Total revenue from contracts  with customers $ 257 $ 47 $ 8 $ 41 $ - $ 353    For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018  Retirement  Plan Life Group Other  Annuities Services Insurance Protection Operations Total  Revenue from Contracts with Customers  Fee income $ 403 $ 126 $ 17 $ - $ - $ 546  Other revenues 359 14 7 73 - 453  Total revenue from contracts  with customers $ 762 $ 140 $ 24 $ 73 $ - $ 999   Timing of Revenue Recognition  Satisfaction of performance obligation:  Transferred at a point in time $ 53 $ 3 $ 6 $ - $ - $ 62  Transferred over time 709 137 18 73 - 937  Total revenue from contracts  with customers $ 762 $ 140 $ 24 $ 73 $ - $ 999  

Nature Of Operations And Basi_3

Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Presentation (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018segment
Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Presentation
Number of segments	4

New Accounting Standards (Narra

New Accounting Standards (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
AFS Equity securities					$ 246
Equity Securities, FV-NI	$ 112		$ 112
Federal rate	21.00%	35.00%	21.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
AFS Equity securities					$ 246
Equity Securities, FV-NI					110
Cumulative effect of adoption					1
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] | Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
AFS Equity securities					136
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings					$ 641

Acquisition (Narrative) (Detail

Acquisition (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		5 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash received from sale				$ 423
Acquisition related costs	$ 10			60
Revenues	4,264	$ 3,511		11,893	$ 10,588
Net income (loss)	$ 490	$ 418		1,242	$ 1,264
Reinsurance ceded				$ 18,300		$ 4,900
Liberty Transaction [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition agreement date				May 1, 2018
Capital stock acquired, percent	100.00%		100.00%	100.00%
Excess capital in LLAC (extraordinary dividend)				$ 1,800
Cash				$ 1,500
Revenues			$ 929
Net income (loss)			$ 26

Acquisition (Schedule Of Fair V

Acquisition (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Net Assets Acquired) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,757	$ 1,368
Liberty Transaction [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investments	2,493
Mortgage loans on real estate	658
Cash and invested cash	107
Reinsurance recoverables	76
Premiums and fees receivable	83
Accrued investment income	24
Other intangible assets acquired	640
Other assets acquired	142
Separate account assets	99
Total assets acquired	4,322
Future contract benefits	2,930
Other contract holder funds	46
Other liabilities acquired	120
Separate account liabilities	99
Total liabilities assumed	3,195
Net identifiable assets acquired	1,127
Goodwill	390
Net assets acquired	$ 1,517

Acquisition (Schedule Of Fair_2

Acquisition (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Schedule Of Intangibles Acquired [Line Items]
Total identifiable intangible assets	$ 640
Insurance Licenses [Member]
Schedule Of Intangibles Acquired [Line Items]
Indefinite intangibles acquired	3
Customer Relationships [Member]
Schedule Of Intangibles Acquired [Line Items]
Finite intangibles acquired	$ 576
Weighted Average Amortization Period	20 years
Distribution Agreements [Member]
Schedule Of Intangibles Acquired [Line Items]
Finite intangibles acquired	$ 31
Weighted Average Amortization Period	13 years
Business Acquired [Member]
Schedule Of Intangibles Acquired [Line Items]
Finite intangibles acquired	$ 30
Weighted Average Amortization Period	3 years

Acquisition (Schedule Of Pro Fo

Acquisition (Schedule Of Pro Forma Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Acquisition [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 4,263	$ 3,989	$ 12,632	$ 12,030
Net Income	$ 497	$ 396	$ 1,287	$ 1,201

Variable Interest Entities (Nar

Variable Interest Entities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Gains (losses) for consolidated variable interest entities	$ 0		$ 0
Carrying Amounts of our Investments in LPs and LLCs, As Recognized In Other Investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets	2,204,000,000		2,296,000,000
Income Tax Credits And Other Tax Benefits From Qualified Affordable Housing Projects	1,000,000	$ 2,000,000
Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amounts of our Investments in LPs and LLCs, As Recognized In Other Investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets	1,700,000,000		1,500,000,000
Carrying Amount Of Investments In Qualified Affordable Housing Projects	$ 25,000,000		$ 31,000,000

Variable Interest Entities (Con

Variable Interest Entities (Consolidated Variable Interest Entity Asset and Liability Information) (Details) - Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)security
Disclosure Of Variable Interest Entities Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Number of Instruments, Assets | security	1	1
Notional Amounts, Assets | $	$ 587	$ 573
Total Return Swap [Member]
Disclosure Of Variable Interest Entities Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Number of Instruments, Assets | security	1	1
Notional Amounts, Assets | $	$ 587	$ 573

Investments (Narrative) (Detail

Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)item	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)item	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)item
Investment [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in gross AFS securities unrealized losses			$ 1,500
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income		$ 1		$ 1
Number of partnerships in alternative investment portfolio | item	239		239		224
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	$ 528		$ 528
Securities that have been re-pledged	502		502
Investment commitments	1,500		1,500
Investment commitments for limited partnerships	815		815
Investment commitments for mortgage loans on real estate	379		379
Investment commitments for private placements	334		334
Maximum [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income	1		1
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [Member] | Invested Assets [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Fair value	1,400		$ 1,400		$ 1,300
Concentration risk, percentage			1.00%		1.00%
Federal National Mortgage Association [Member] | Invested Assets [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Fair value	1,200		$ 1,200		$ 1,000
Concentration risk, percentage			1.00%		1.00%
Consumer Non-Cyclical Industry [Member] | Invested Assets [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Fair value	14.5		$ 14.5		$ 15
Concentration risk, percentage			13.00%		13.00%
Financial Service [Member] | Invested Assets [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 13.7		$ 13.7
Concentration risk, percentage			12.00%
Utilities Industry [Member] | Invested Assets [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Fair value					$ 14.3
Concentration risk, percentage					13.00%
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | California [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage			22.00%		21.00%
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Texas [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage			12.00%		12.00%
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Percentage of fair value rated as investment grade	96.00%		96.00%		96.00%
Amortized cost of portfolio rated below investment grade	$ 3,200		$ 3,200		$ 3,500
Fair value of portfolio rated below investment grade	$ 3,100		$ 3,100		$ 3,500
ABS [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Percentage of fair value rated as investment grade	98.00%		98.00%		98.00%
Amortized cost of portfolio rated below investment grade	$ 46		$ 46		$ 46
Fair value of portfolio rated below investment grade	$ 43		$ 43		$ 43
MBS [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Projected default rate on existing delinquencies on MBS (low end of range)	10.00%		10.00%		10.00%
Projected default rate on existing delinquencies on MBS (high end of range)	100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
Severity of second lien loans	100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
Severity of first lien loans	30.00%		30.00%		30.00%

Investments (Reconciliation Of

Investments (Reconciliation Of Available-For-Sale Securities From Cost Basis To Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		$ 90,808	$ 87,240
Gross unrealized gains		4,237	8,233
Gross unrealized losses		1,939	450
OTTI	[1]	(55)	(63)
Fair value		93,161	95,086
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		90,808	86,993
Gross unrealized gains			8,217
Gross unrealized losses			433
OTTI	[1]		(63)
Fair value		93,161	94,840
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		78,496	75,701
Gross unrealized gains		3,299	6,862
Gross unrealized losses		1,724	354
OTTI	[1]	(9)	(7)
Fair value		80,080	82,216
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | ABS [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		934	903
Gross unrealized gains		41	51
Gross unrealized losses		7	7
OTTI	[1]	(17)	(27)
Fair value		985	974
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | U.S. Government Bonds [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		392	527
Gross unrealized gains		23	41
Gross unrealized losses		6	1
Fair value		409	567
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Foreign Government Bonds [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		418	395
Gross unrealized gains		41	56
Fair value		459	451
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | RMBS [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		3,267	3,327
Gross unrealized gains		113	155
Gross unrealized losses		114	39
OTTI	[1]	(21)	(22)
Fair value		3,287	3,465
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | CMBS [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		766	590
Gross unrealized gains		2	10
Gross unrealized losses		23	2
OTTI	[1]	(3)	(2)
Fair value		748	600
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | CLOs [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		1,371	803
Gross unrealized gains			2
Gross unrealized losses		14	2
OTTI	[1]	(5)	(5)
Fair value		1,362	808
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | State And Municipal Bonds [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		4,588	4,172
Gross unrealized gains		656	953
Gross unrealized losses		26	6
Fair value		5,218	5,119
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Hybrid And Redeemable Preferred Securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost		576	575
Gross unrealized gains		62	87
Gross unrealized losses		25	22
Fair value		$ 613	640
Equity Securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, OTTI and fair value of AFS securities
Amortized cost			247
Gross unrealized gains			16
Gross unrealized losses			17
Fair value			$ 246
[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	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost
Amortized cost	$ 90,808	$ 87,240
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value
Fair Value	93,161	95,086
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost
Amortized cost	90,808	86,993
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value
Fair Value	93,161	$ 94,840
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Fixed maturity AFS securities other than structured securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	3,631
Due after one year through five years	17,430
Due after five years through ten years	17,493
Due after ten years	45,916
Amortized cost	84,470
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value
Due in one year or less	3,669
Due after one year through five years	17,509
Due after five years through ten years	17,440
Due after ten years	48,161
Fair Value	86,779
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Structured securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost
Amortized cost	6,338
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value
Fair Value	$ 6,382

Investments (Fair Value And Gro

Investments (Fair Value And Gross Unrealized Losses In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)security
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	$ 36,894	$ 5,844
Greater Than Twelve Months	5,738	6,063
Fair Value - Total	42,632	11,907
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	1,287	89
Greater Than Twelve Months	663	374
Losses - Total	$ 1,950	$ 463
Total number of AFS securities in an unrealized loss position | security	3,480	1,128
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months		$ 5,822
Greater Than Twelve Months		6,055
Fair Value - Total		11,877
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months		75
Greater Than Twelve Months		371
Losses - Total		446
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	$ 33,196	4,854
Greater Than Twelve Months	4,690	4,893
Fair Value - Total	37,886	9,747
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	1,188	68
Greater Than Twelve Months	538	288
Losses - Total	1,726	356
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | ABS [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	252	62
Greater Than Twelve Months	129	151
Fair Value - Total	381	213
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	3	1
Greater Than Twelve Months	12	15
Losses - Total	15	16
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | U.S. Government Bonds [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	169	156
Greater Than Twelve Months	18	19
Fair Value - Total	187	175
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	4
Greater Than Twelve Months	2	1
Losses - Total	6	1
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | RMBS [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	836	302
Greater Than Twelve Months	603	641
Fair Value - Total	1,439	943
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	43	4
Greater Than Twelve Months	73	36
Losses - Total	116	40
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | CMBS [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	624	113
Greater Than Twelve Months	57	60
Fair Value - Total	681	173
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	18
Greater Than Twelve Months	5	3
Losses - Total	23	3
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | CLOs [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	1,062	281
Greater Than Twelve Months	34	72
Fair Value - Total	1,096	353
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	14	2
Losses - Total	14	2
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | State And Municipal Bonds [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	724	34
Greater Than Twelve Months	75	93
Fair Value - Total	799	127
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	15
Greater Than Twelve Months	11	6
Losses - Total	26	6
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Hybrid And Redeemable Preferred Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	31	20
Greater Than Twelve Months	132	126
Fair Value - Total	163	146
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months	2
Greater Than Twelve Months	22	22
Losses - Total	$ 24	22
Equity Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months		22
Greater Than Twelve Months		8
Fair Value - Total		30
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI
Less Than or Equal to Twelve Months		14
Greater Than Twelve Months		3
Losses - Total		$ 17

Investments (Schedule Of Availa

Investments (Schedule Of Available-For-Sale Securities Whose Value Is Below Amortized Cost) (Details) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)security
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value - Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months		$ 36,894	$ 5,844
Fair Value - Twelve months or greater		5,738	6,063
Fair Value - Total		42,632	11,907
Losses - Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months		1,287	89
Losses - Twelve months or greater		663	374
Losses - Total		$ 1,950	$ 463
Number of Securities - Total | security		3,480	1,128
Fair Value Decline, Greater Than 20% [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value - Less than six months		$ 131	$ 156
Fair Value - Six months or greater, but less than nine months		21	2
Fair Value - Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months		39	15
Fair Value - Twelve months or greater		123	215
Fair Value - Total		314	388
Losses - Less than six months		47	57
Losses - Six months or greater, but less than nine months		16	1
Losses - Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months		16	8
Losses - Twelve months or greater		50	78
Losses - Total		129	144
OTTI - Less than six months			1
OTTI - Twelve months or greater		8	10
OTTI - Total		$ 8	$ 11
Number of Securities - Less than six months | security	[1]	20	26
Number of Securities - Six months or greater, but less than nine months | security	[1]	3	4
Number of Securities - Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months | security	[1]	4	7
Number of Securities - Twelve months or greater | security	[1]	29	49
Number of Securities - Total | security	[1]	56	86
[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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Investments [Abstract]
Balance as of beginning-of-period	$ 375	$ 390	$ 378	$ 430
Increases attributable to:
Credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was not previously recognized	2	8	4	13
Credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was previously recognized		1	1	4
Decreases attributable to:
Securities sold, paid down or matured	(5)	(21)	(11)	(69)
Balance as of end-of-period	$ 372	$ 378	$ 372	$ 378

Investments (Composition Of Cur

Investments (Composition Of Current And Past Due Mortgage Loans On Real Estate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Aging [Abstract]
Current	$ 12,578		$ 10,762
60 to 90 days past due
Greater than 90 days past due	1		3
Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate	(1)	$ (2)	(3)	$ (2)	$ (2)	$ (2)
Unamortized premium (discount)	(17)
Total carrying value	$ 12,561		$ 10,762

Investments (Schedule Of Impair

Investments (Schedule Of Impaired Mortgage Loans) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)item	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)item	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Information about impaired mortgage loans on real estate
Number of impaired mortgage loans on real estate | item	1		3
Principal balance of impaired mortgage loans on real estate	$ 4		$ 11
Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate	(1)	$ (2)	(3)	$ (2)	$ (2)	$ (2)
Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans on real estate	$ 3		$ 8

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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Allowance for Losses
Balance as of beginning-of-period	$ 2	$ 2	$ 3	$ 2
Additions
Charge-offs, net of recoveries	(1)		(2)
Balance as of end-of-period	$ 1	$ 2	$ 1	$ 2

Investments (Schedule Of Averag

Investments (Schedule Of Average Carrying Value Of Impaired Mortgage Loans On Real Estate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Information about impaired mortgage loans on real estate
Average carrying value for impaired mortgage loans on real estate	$ 5	$ 5	$ 6	$ 5
Interest income recognized on impaired mortgage loans on real estate
Interest income collected on impaired mortgage loans on real estate

Investments (Credit Quality Ind

Investments (Credit Quality Indicators For Mortgage Loans) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Mortgage Loans Credit Quality [Line Items]
Carrying value of mortgage loans on real estate	$ 12,561	$ 10,762
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	$ 11,297	$ 9,642
Percentage of total mortgage loans on real estate	89.90%	89.60%
Debt-service coverage ratio	2.30	2.26
Loan-to-value ratio, 65% to 74% [Member]
Mortgage Loans Credit Quality [Line Items]
Carrying value of mortgage loans on real estate	$ 1,187	$ 1,000
Percentage of total mortgage loans on real estate	9.50%	9.30%
Debt-service coverage ratio	1.79	1.94
Loan-to-value ratio, 75% to 100% [Member]
Mortgage Loans Credit Quality [Line Items]
Carrying value of mortgage loans on real estate	$ 74	$ 112
Percentage of total mortgage loans on real estate	0.60%	1.00%
Debt-service coverage ratio	0.95	0.97
Loan-To-Value Ratio, Greater Than 100% [Member]
Mortgage Loans Credit Quality [Line Items]
Carrying value of mortgage loans on real estate	$ 3	$ 8
Percentage of total mortgage loans on real estate	0.00%	0.10%
Debt-service coverage ratio	0.21	0.82

Investments (Realized Gain (Los

Investments (Realized Gain (Loss) Related To Certain Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Realized gain (loss) related to certain investments
Gain (loss) on other investments	[1]	$ 1		$ 6	$ (6)
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and changes in other contract holder funds		(5)	$ (5)	(16)	(17)
Total realized gain (loss) related to certain investments, pre-tax	[2]	(11)	(19)	(45)	(49)
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Realized gain (loss) related to certain investments
AFS securities. Gross gains	[3]	14	7	30	19
AFS securities. Gross losses	[3]	(21)	(22)	(65)	(47)
Equity AFS Securities [Member]
Realized gain (loss) related to certain investments
AFS securities. Gross gains			$ 1		$ 2
Equity Securities [Member]
Realized gain (loss) related to certain investments
Gain (loss) on other investments		$ 1		$ 2
[1]	Includes market adjustments on equity securities still held of less than $1 million and $2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively.
[2]	See "Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments" section in Note 5.
[3]	These amounts are represented net of related fair value hedging activity. See Note 6 for more information.

Investments (OTTI Recognized In

Investments (OTTI Recognized In Net Income (Loss) And OCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
OTTI Recognized in Net Income (Loss)
Gross OTTI recognized in net income (loss)	$ (2)	$ (9)	$ (5)	$ (17)
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL		1		1
Net OTTI recognized in net income (loss), pre-tax	(2)	(8)	(5)	(16)
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
OTTI Recognized in Net Income (Loss)
Gross OTTI recognized in net income (loss)	$ (2)	(8)	(4)	(13)
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | ABS [Member]
OTTI Recognized in Net Income (Loss)
Gross OTTI recognized in net income (loss)		$ (1)		(2)
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | RMBS [Member]
OTTI Recognized in Net Income (Loss)
Gross OTTI recognized in net income (loss)			$ (1)	(1)
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | State And Municipal Bonds [Member]
OTTI Recognized in Net Income (Loss)
Gross OTTI recognized in net income (loss)				$ (1)

Investments (Payables For Colla

Investments (Payables For Collateral On Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Carrying Value Of Payables For Collateral On Investments [Abstract]
Collateral payable for derivative investments	[1]	$ 366	$ 765
Securities pledged under securities lending agreements	[2]	117	222
Securities pledged under repurchase agreements	[3]	149	530
Investments pledged for Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ('FHLBI')	[4]	3,580	2,900
Total payables for collateral on investments		4,212	4,417
Fair Value Of Related Investments Or Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral payable for derivative investments	[1]	366	765
Securities pledged under securities lending agreements	[2]	113	213
Securities pledged under repurchase agreements	[3]	185	588
Investments pledged for Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis('FHLBI')	[4]	5,413	4,235
Total payables for collateral on investments		$ 6,077	$ 5,801
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%
Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Of Related Investments Or Collateral [Abstract]
Percentage of the fair value of securities obtained as collateral under reverse repurchase agreements.		95.00%
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%
Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Of Related Investments Or Collateral [Abstract]
Percentage of the fair value of securities obtained as collateral under reverse repurchase agreements.		80.00%
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%
[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 6 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 generally obtain collateral in an amount between 80% 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments
Collateral payable for derivative investments	$ (399)	$ 41
Securities pledged under securities lending agreements	(105)	(16)
Securities pledged under repurchase agreements	(381)	(2)
Investments pledged for FHLBI	680	(50)
Total increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments	$ (205)	$ (27)

Investments (Schedule of Securi

Investments (Schedule of Securities Pledged by Contractual Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements		$ 149	$ 530
Securities Lending	[1]	117	222
Total gross secured borrowings		266	752
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements		149	530
Securities Lending		117	222
Overnight and Continuous [Member]
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Securities Lending		117	222
Total gross secured borrowings		117	222
Overnight and Continuous [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Securities Lending		117	222
Up to 30 days [Member]
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements			100
Total gross secured borrowings			100
Up to 30 days [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements			100
30 to 90 Days [Member]
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements			280
Total gross secured borrowings			280
30 to 90 Days [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements			280
Greater than 90 days [Member]
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements		149	150
Total gross secured borrowings		149	150
Greater than 90 days [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements		$ 149	$ 150
[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) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months	$ 29,000,000
Cash flow hedge, reclassified to earnings, net	0	$ 0
Non-performance Risk Adjustment	0
Exposure Associated With Collateralization Events	$ 0		$ 0

Derivative Instruments (Outstan

Derivative Instruments (Outstanding Derivative Instruments With Off-Balance-Sheet Risks) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts		$ 121,372
Interest rate contracts [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts	[1]	94,233
Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts	[2]	2,172
Equity market contracts [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts		24,967
Total Derivative Instruments [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts		121,372	$ 110,350
Asset Fair Value		2,834	2,563
Liability Fair Value		2,382	2,563
Derivative investments [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts	[3]	90,138	72,937
Asset Fair Value	[3]	318	657
Liability Fair Value	[3]	233	127
Derivative investments [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts	[3]	87	22
Derivative investments [Member] | Equity market contracts [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts	[3]	24,967	31,090
Asset Fair Value	[3]	534	562
Liability Fair Value	[3]	140	557
Derivative investments [Member] | Credit contracts [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts	[3]		52
Derivative investments [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts		4,912	4,811
Asset Fair Value		225	125
Liability Fair Value		113	163
Derivative investments [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts	[3]	2,827	3,007
Asset Fair Value	[3]	121	46
Liability Fair Value	[3]	42	84
Derivative investments [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts	[3]	2,085	1,804
Asset Fair Value	[3]	104	79
Liability Fair Value	[3]	71	79
Derivative investments [Member] | Fair Value Hedges [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Notional Amounts	[3]	1,268	1,438
Asset Fair Value	[3]	30	254
Liability Fair Value	[3]	112	174
Other Assets [Member] | GLB Direct Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Asset Fair Value	[4]	1,648	903
Other Liabilities [Member] | GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Asset Fair Value	[4],[5]	35	51
Liability Fair Value	[4],[5]	193	67
Reinsurance Related Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Embedded derivatives - Reinsurance related [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Liability Fair Value	[6]	20	57
Future Contract Benefits [Member] | Indexed Annuity And Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks
Asset Fair Value	[4],[7]	44	11
Liability Fair Value	[4],[7]	$ 1,571	$ 1,418
[1]	As of September 30, 2018, 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 September 30, 2018, the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was September 2049.
[3]	Reported in derivative investments and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[4]	Reported in other assets 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Maturity of the notional amounts of derivative financial instruments
Remaining Life Less Than 1 Year	$ 29,151
Remaining Life - 1 - 5 Years	18,673
Remaining Life - 6 - 10 Years	47,943
Remaining Life - 11 - 30 Years	21,262
Remaining Life Over - 30 Years	4,343
Remaining Life - Total Years	121,372
Interest rate contracts [Member]
Maturity of the notional amounts of derivative financial instruments
Remaining Life Less Than 1 Year	10,907	[1]
Remaining Life - 1 - 5 Years	14,802	[1]
Remaining Life - 6 - 10 Years	47,193	[1]
Remaining Life - 11 - 30 Years	20,118	[1]
Remaining Life Over - 30 Years	1,213	[1]
Remaining Life - Total Years	$ 94,233	[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	$ 141	[2]
Remaining Life - 1 - 5 Years	256	[2]
Remaining Life - 6 - 10 Years	635	[2]
Remaining Life - 11 - 30 Years	1,130	[2]
Remaining Life Over - 30 Years	10	[2]
Remaining Life - Total Years	$ 2,172	[2]
Derivative maturity date	Sep. 1, 2049
Equity market contracts [Member]
Maturity of the notional amounts of derivative financial instruments
Remaining Life Less Than 1 Year	$ 18,103
Remaining Life - 1 - 5 Years	3,615
Remaining Life - 6 - 10 Years	115
Remaining Life - 11 - 30 Years	14
Remaining Life Over - 30 Years	3,120
Remaining Life - Total Years	$ 24,967
[1]	As of September 30, 2018, 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 September 30, 2018, the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was September 2049.

Derivative Instruments (Change

Derivative Instruments (Change In Our Unrealized Gain On Derivative Instruments In Accumulated OCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Change in our unrealized gain on derivative instruments in accumulated OCI
Balance as of beginning-of-year				$ 3,230
Income tax expense (benefit)		$ 42	$ 92	176	$ 254
Balance as of end-of-period		836		836
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member]
Change in our unrealized gain on derivative instruments in accumulated OCI
Balance as of beginning-of-year				(29)	49
Cumulative effect from adoption of new accounting standards						$ (6)
Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment				69	(119)
Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL				8	(3)
Income tax benefit (expense)				(37)	32
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss)				15	7
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL				(1)	(1)
Income tax expense (benefit)				(3)	(2)
Balance as of end-of-period		$ 92	$ (14)	92	(14)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Change in our unrealized gain on derivative instruments in accumulated OCI
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period				117	(15)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | 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]			3	3
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | 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]			(6)	(13)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Change in our unrealized gain on derivative instruments in accumulated OCI
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period				(19)	46
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | 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]			$ 18	12
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | 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
[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		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)		$ (158)	$ (128)	$ (300)	$ (411)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)		4	1	15	7
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedges [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)		20	3	64	5
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Investment Income [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[1]	1	2	3	3
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Investment Income [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[1]	7	4	18	12
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Investment Income [Member] | Fair Value Hedges [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[1]	(2)	(5)	(11)	(18)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest and Debt Expense [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[2]	(4)	(5)	(6)	(13)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest and Debt Expense [Member] | Fair Value Hedges [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[2]	5	6	11	21
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[3]				5
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member] | Fair Value Hedges [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[3]	17	2	64	2
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[3]	(167)	18	(577)	161
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[3]		1	2	1
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member] | Equity market contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[3]	(199)	(347)	(280)	(1,163)
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member] | GLB Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[3]	333	233	603	784
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member] | Embedded derivatives - Reinsurance related [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[3]	5	3	37	3
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Realized Gain (Loss) [Member] | Indexed Annuity And Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[3]	(164)	(46)	(175)	(230)
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Commissions and other expenses [Member] | Equity market contracts [Member]
Gains (losses)
Gains (losses)	[4]	$ 10	$ 6	$ 11	$ 21
[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 (Gains_2

Derivative Instruments (Gains (Losses) On Derivative Instruments Designated As Cash Flow Hedges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Gains (losses) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges
Offset to net investment income	$ 1,271	$ 1,239	$ 3,736	$ 3,738
Offset to realized gain (loss)	(55)	(56)	(51)	(105)
Offset to interest and debt expense	(69)	(63)	(228)	(190)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Gains (losses) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges
Offset to net investment income	8	6	21	15
Offset to realized gain (loss)				5
Offset to interest and debt expense	$ (4)	$ (5)	$ (6)	$ (13)

Derivative Instruments (Open Cr

Derivative Instruments (Open Credit Default Swap Liabilities) (Details) - Open Credit Default Swap Liabilities [Member] $ in Millions		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)item
Summary Of Credit Derivatives
Number of instruments | item			1
Fair value	[1]		$ 1
Maximum potential payout			$ 52
Maturity 12/20/2022 [Member]
Summary Of Credit Derivatives
Maturity		Dec. 20, 2022
Credit rating of underlying obligation	[2]		BBB+
Number of instruments | item			1
Fair value	[1]		$ 1
Maximum potential payout			$ 52
[1]	Broker quotes are used to determine the market value of our credit default swaps.
[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	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Credit risk related contingent features collateral
Maximum potential payout		$ 52
Less: Counterparty thresholds
Maximum collateral potentially required to post		$ 52

Derivative Instruments (Schedul

Derivative Instruments (Schedule Of Collateral Amounts With Rights To Reclaim Or Obligation To Return Cash) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)	$ 366	$ 765
Collateral Posted by LNC (Held by Counter-Party)	(134)	(581)
AA- [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)	36	116
Collateral Posted by LNC (Held by Counter-Party)	(22)	(1)
A+ [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)	177	242
Collateral Posted by LNC (Held by Counter-Party)	(111)	(453)
A [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)	40	170
Collateral Posted by LNC (Held by Counter-Party)	(1)	(120)
A- [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)	113	237
Collateral Posted by LNC (Held by Counter-Party)		(3)
BBB+ [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)
Collateral Posted by LNC (Held by Counter-Party)		$ (4)

Derivative Instruments (Sched_2

Derivative Instruments (Schedule Of Offsetting Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financial Assets
Derivative Instruments, Gross amount of recognized assets	$ 957	$ 1,301
Derivative Instruments, Gross amounts offset	(251)	(386)
Derivative Instruments, Net amount of assets	706	915
Derivative Instruments, Cash collateral	(366)	(765)
Derivative Instruments, Non-cash collateral	(80)
Derivative Instruments, Net amount	260	150
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Gross amount of recognized assets	1,727	965
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Gross amounts offset
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Net amount of assets	1,727	965
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Cash collateral
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Non-cash collateral
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Net amount	1,727	965
Total, Gross amount of recognized assets	2,684	2,266
Total, Gross amounts offset	(251)	(386)
Total, Net amount of assets	2,433	1,880
Total, Cash collateral	(366)	(765)
Total, Non-cash collateral	(80)
Total, Net amount	1,987	1,115
Financial Liabilities
Derivative Instruments, Gross amount of recognized liabilities	879	955
Derivative Instruments, Gross amounts offset	(149)	(296)
Derivative Instruments, Net amount of liabilities	730	659
Derivative Instruments, Cash collateral	(134)	(581)
Derivative Instruments, Non-cash collateral	(420)
Derivative Instruments, Net amount	176	78
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Gross amount of recognized liabilities	1,784	1,542
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Gross amounts offset
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Net amount of liabilities	1,784	1,542
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Cash collateral
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Non-cash collateral
Embedded Derivative Instruments, Net amount	1,784	1,542
Total, Gross amount of recognized liabilities	2,663	2,497
Total, Gross amounts offset	(149)	(296)
Total, Net amount of liabilities	2,514	2,201
Total, Cash collateral	(134)	(581)
Total, Non-cash collateral	(420)
Total, Net amount	$ 1,960	$ 1,620

Federal Income Taxes (Narrative

Federal Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Federal Income Taxes [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	8.00%	18.00%	12.00%	17.00%
Federal rate	21.00%	35.00%	21.00%	35.00%	35.00%

Guaranteed Benefit Features (Na

Guaranteed Benefit Features (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Guaranteed Benefit Features [Abstract]
Percent of permanent life insurance in force	35.00%		35.00%		35.00%
Percent of permanent life insurance sales	38.00%	26.00%	34.00%	27.00%

Guaranteed Benefit Features (In

Guaranteed Benefit Features (Information On Guaranteed Death Benefit Features) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Return of Net Deposits [Member]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total Account Value	[1]	$ 98,623	$ 96,941
Net Amount At Risk	[1],[2]	$ 93	$ 81
Average attained age of contract holders	[1]	64 years	64 years
Minimum Return [Member]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total Account Value	[1]	$ 103	$ 108
Net Amount At Risk	[1],[2]	$ 16	$ 18
Average attained age of contract holders	[1]	76 years	76 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]	$ 26,308	$ 26,596
Net Amount At Risk	[1],[2]	$ 438	$ 417
Average attained age of contract holders	[1]	71 years	70 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Guaranteed Benefit Features [Abstract]
Balance as of beginning-of-year	$ 100	$ 110
Changes in reserves	18	4
Benefits paid	(11)	(14)
Balance as of end-of-period	$ 107	$ 100

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	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Account Balances Of Variable Annuity Contracts With Guarantees Invested In Separate Accounts [Line Items]
Total	$ 122,859	$ 121,110
Percent of total variable annuity separate account values	98.00%	99.00%
Domestic Equity [Member]
Account Balances Of Variable Annuity Contracts With Guarantees Invested In Separate Accounts [Line Items]
Total	$ 61,732	$ 59,647
International Equity [Member]
Account Balances Of Variable Annuity Contracts With Guarantees Invested In Separate Accounts [Line Items]
Total	20,598	20,837
Fixed Income [Member]
Account Balances Of Variable Annuity Contracts With Guarantees Invested In Separate Accounts [Line Items]
Total	$ 40,529	$ 40,626

Liability For Unpaid Claims (Ch

Liability For Unpaid Claims (Changes In Liability For Unpaid Claims) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Liability For Unpaid Claims [Abstract]
Balance as of beginning-of-year		$ 2,222	$ 2,242
Reinsurance recoverable		57	69
Net balance as of beginning-of-year		2,165	2,173
Business acquired	[1]	2,842
Incurred related to:
Current year		1,640	909
Interest		85	53
All other incurred		(159)	(85)
Total incurred		1,566	877
Paid related to:
Current year		(663)	(458)
Prior years		(796)	(440)
Total paid		(1,459)	(898)
Net balance as of end-of-period		5,114	2,152
Reinsurance recoverable		141	57
Balance as of end-of-period		$ 5,255	$ 2,209
[1]	Represents Liberty group life and disability reserves, net, as of May 1, 2018, subject to finalization of acquisition date fair values. See Note 3 for additional information.

Liability For Unpaid Claims (Sc

Liability For Unpaid Claims (Schedule Of Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Future contract benefits	$ 33,988		$ 22,547
Liability for unpaid claims	5,255	$ 2,222	2,209	$ 2,242
Life And Annuity Reserves And Claims Due [Member]
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Less adjustments	27,193		18,698
Accident And Health Active Life Reserves [Member]
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Less adjustments	$ 1,540		$ 1,640

Contingencies And Commitments (

Contingencies And Commitments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Pending Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, estimate	$ 50

Shares and Stockholders' Equi_3

Shares and Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Shares and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Deferred compensation plan mark to market adjustment	$ 6	$ (5)

Shares and Stockholders' Equi_4

Shares and Stockholders' Equity (Changes In Common stock (Number Of Shares)) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Changes In Preferred And Common Stock Number Of Shares [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning-of-period			218,090,114
Balance as of end-of-period	214,776,806		214,776,806
Common stock as of End-of-period:
Basic basis	214,776,806	219,544,618	214,776,806	219,544,618
Diluted basis	217,390,897	222,701,021	217,390,897	222,701,021
Common Stock [Member]
Changes In Preferred And Common Stock Number Of Shares [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning-of-period	217,294,051	222,237,262	218,090,114	226,335,105
Stock issued for exercise of warrants	97,076	2,464	119,942	337,394
Stock compensation/issued for benefit plans	38,642	139,179	675,608	1,600,465
Retirement/cancellation of shares	(2,652,963)	(2,834,287)	(4,108,858)	(8,728,346)
Balance as of end-of-period	214,776,806	219,544,618	214,776,806	219,544,618

Shares And Stockholders' Equi_5

Shares And Stockholders' Equity (Reconciliation Of The Denominator Calculations Of Basic And Diluted EPS) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
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	215,901,268	220,813,693	217,413,480	223,311,993
Shares to cover exercise of outstanding warrants	579,882	668,103	620,580	795,312
Shares to cover non-vested stock	1,467,953	1,614,405	1,512,297	1,572,250
Average stock options outstanding during the period	1,700,026	2,275,826	1,807,340	2,432,171
Assumed acquisition of shares with assumed proceeds from exercising outstanding warrants	(86,040)	(94,338)	(86,335)	(116,577)
Assumed acquisition of shares with assumed proceeds and benefits from exercising stock options (at average market price for the period)	(1,082,651)	(1,361,094)	(1,090,868)	(1,481,524)
Shares repurchasable from measured but unrecognized stock option expense	(11,209)	(44,579)	(17,381)	(60,539)
Average deferred compensation shares			936,355	926,612
Weighted-average shares, as used in diluted calculation	218,469,229	223,872,016	221,095,468	227,379,698

Shares and Stockholders' Equi_6

Shares and Stockholders' Equity (Components And Changes In Accumulated OCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning-of-year	$ 3,230
Less:
Balance as of end-of-period	836
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning-of-year	3,486	$ 1,784
Cumulative effect from adoption of new accounting standards			$ 674
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	(5,520)	2,385
Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment	(68)	112
Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI, future contract benefits and other contract holder funds	1,538	(468)
Income tax benefit (expense)	858	(717)
Less:
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	(35)	(26)
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI, and DFEL	(15)	(16)
Income tax benefit (expense)	11	15
Less:
Balance as of end-of-period	1,007	3,123
Unrealized OTTI on AFS Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning-of-year	44	25
Cumulative effect from adoption of new accounting standards			9
(Increases) attributable to:
Gross OTTI recognized in OCI during the period		(1)
Decreases attributable to
Changes in fair value, sales, maturities or other settlements of AFS securities	(8)	29
Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI, and DFEL	(10)	(5)
Income tax benefit (expense)	4	(8)
Less:
Balance as of end-of-period	39	40
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning-of-year	(29)	49
Cumulative effect from adoption of new accounting standards			(6)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	98	31
Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment	69	(119)
Decreases attributable to
Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL	8	(3)
Income tax benefit (expense)	(37)	32
Less:
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	15	7
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL	(1)	(1)
Income tax benefit (expense)	(3)	(2)
Balance as of end-of-period	92	(14)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning-of-year	(14)	(27)
Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment	(6)	11
Less:
Balance as of end-of-period	(20)	(16)
Funded Status of Employee Benefit Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning-of-year	(257)	(265)
Cumulative effect from adoption of new accounting standards			$ (35)
Less:
Adjustment arising during the period	10	(9)
Balance as of end-of-period	$ (282)	$ (274)

Shares And Stockholders' Equi_7

Shares And Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Reclassifications Out Of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total realized gain (loss)	$ (55)	$ (56)	$ (51)	$ (105)
Net investment income	1,271	1,239	3,736	3,738
Interest and debt expense	(69)	(63)	(228)	(190)
Commissions and other expenses	$ (1,367)	$ (1,020)	(3,600)	(3,068)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total realized gain (loss)			(35)	(26)
Reclassifications before income tax benefit (expense)			(50)	(42)
Income tax benefit (expense)			11	15
Reclassifications, net of income tax			(39)	(27)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities [Member] | Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total realized gain (loss)			(15)	(16)
Unrealized OTTI on AFS Securities [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total realized gain (loss)			(1)	6
Reclassifications before income tax benefit (expense)			(1)	5
Income tax benefit (expense)				(2)
Reclassifications, net of income tax			(1)	3
Unrealized OTTI on AFS Securities [Member] | Change In DAC, VOBA, DSI, And DFEL [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total realized gain (loss)				(1)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Nonoperating income expense			15	7
Reclassifications before income tax benefit (expense)			14	6
Income tax benefit (expense)			(3)	(2)
Reclassifications, net of income tax			11	4
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment income			3	3
Interest and debt expense			(6)	(13)
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			18	12
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Commissions and other expenses			$ (1)	$ (1)

Realized (Gain) Loss (Details)

Realized (Gain) Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Details underlying realized gain (loss)
Total realized gain (loss) related to certain investments	[1]	$ (11)	$ (19)	$ (45)	$ (49)
Realized gain (loss) on the mark-to-market on certain instruments	[2]	(10)	(2)	14	3
Indexed annuity and IUL contracts net derivatives results:
Gross gain (loss)	[3]	(7)		(14)	(17)
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI, and DFEL	[3]	(2)	(1)	(2)	(1)
Variable annuity net derivatives results:
Gross gain (loss)	[4]	(32)	(41)	(10)	(45)
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI, and DFEL	[4]	7	7	6	4
Total realized gain (loss)		$ (55)	$ (56)	$ (51)	$ (105)
[1]	See "Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments" section in Note 5.
[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 Compens_3

Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award [Line Items]
Shares granted		481,404
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award [Line Items]
Shares granted		156,676
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award [Line Items]
Shares granted	1,202	695,471
Non-employee Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award [Line Items]
Shares granted		14,692
Non-employee Agent Stock Options [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award [Line Items]
Shares granted		32,400
Non-employee Director Deferred Stock Units [Member]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award [Line Items]
Shares granted	7,184	21,682

Fair Value of Financial Instr_3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	$ 246,814	$ 245,265
Liabilities measured at fair value	2,382	3,689
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	0	0
Liabilities measured at fair value	0	$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	1		$ 1
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	1		1
Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	1		1
Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	$ 1		$ 1

Fair Value of Financial Instr_4

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Carrying and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
AFS securities:
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities		$ 93,161	$ 94,840
Equity securities			246
Trading securities		1,440	1,620
Equity securities		112
Mortgage loans on real estate		12,561	10,762
Derivative investments		706	915
Other investments		2,204	2,296
Carrying Value [Member]
AFS securities:
Equity securities			246
Trading securities		1,440	1,620
Equity securities		112
Mortgage loans on real estate		12,561	10,762
Derivative investments	[1]	706	915
Other investments		2,204	2,296
Cash and invested cash		1,460	1,628
Separate account assets		147,692	144,219
Future contract benefits:
Indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives		(1,571)	(1,418)
Other contract holder funds:
Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts		(562)	(592)
Account values of certain investment contracts		(33,684)	(32,370)
Short-term debt			(450)
Long-term debt		(5,804)	(4,894)
Reinsurance related embedded derivatives		(20)	(57)
Fair Value [Member]
AFS securities:
Equity securities			246
Trading securities		1,440	1,620
Equity securities		112
Mortgage loans on real estate		12,239	10,877
Derivative investments	[1]	706	915
Other investments		2,204	2,296
Cash and invested cash		1,460	1,628
Separate account assets		147,692	144,219
Future contract benefits:
Indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives		(1,571)	(1,418)
Other contract holder funds:
Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts		(562)	(592)
Account values of certain investment contracts		(34,577)	(36,200)
Short-term debt			(452)
Long-term debt		(5,795)	(5,042)
Reinsurance related embedded derivatives		(20)	(57)
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
AFS securities:
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities		93,161	94,840
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
AFS securities:
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities		93,161	94,840
Other Assets [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
AFS securities:
Other assets - GLB direct embedded derivatives		1,648	903
Other assets - GLB ceded embedded derivatives		35	51
Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives		44	11
Other Assets [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
AFS securities:
Other assets - GLB direct embedded derivatives		1,648	903
Other assets - GLB ceded embedded derivatives		35	51
Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives		44	11
Other Liabilities [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
Other contract holder funds:
Other liabilities - derivative liabilities	[1]	(197)	(338)
Other Liabilities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Other contract holder funds:
Other liabilities - derivative liabilities	[1]	(197)	(338)
Other Liabilities [Member] | GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
Other contract holder funds:
Other liabilities - GLB embedded derivatives		(193)	(67)
Other Liabilities [Member] | GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Other contract holder funds:
Other liabilities - GLB embedded derivatives		$ (193)	$ (67)
[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.

Fair Value of Financial Instr_5

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		$ 246,814	$ 245,265
Liabilities measured at fair value		(2,382)	(3,689)
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		1,449	1,692
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		239,553	238,376
Liabilities measured at fair value		(437)	(1,631)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		5,812	5,197
Liabilities measured at fair value		(1,945)	(2,058)
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		80,080	82,216
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		76,871	79,125
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		3,209	3,091
ABS [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		985	974
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		954	947
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		31	27
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		409	567
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		391	556
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		18	6
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		459	451
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		351	341
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		108	110
RMBS [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		3,287	3,465
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		3,280	3,453
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	12
CMBS [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		748	600
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		725	594
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		23	6
CLOs [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		1,362	808
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		1,311	717
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		51	91
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		5,218	5,119
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		5,218	5,119
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		613	640
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		74	71
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		462	493
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		77	76
Equity AFS Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value			246
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			28
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			56
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			162
Trading Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		1,440	1,620
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		43	73
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		1,379	1,498
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		18	49
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		112
Equity 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		28
Equity Securities [Member] | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		58
Equity Securities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		26
Derivative Investments [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	[1]	1,107	1,597
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]	572	994
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]	535	603
Other investments [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		149	150
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		149	150
Cash And Invested cash [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		1,460	1,628
Cash And 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		1,460	1,628
GLB Direct Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		1,648	903
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		1,648	903
GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		35	51
GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value		(193)	(67)
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		35	51
GLB Ceded 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		(193)	(67)
Separate Account Assets [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		147,658	144,219
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		764	814
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		146,894	143,405
Indexed Annuity And Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value		44	11
Indexed Annuity And Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Future Contract Benefits [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value		(1,571)	(1,418)
Indexed Annuity And 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		44	11
Indexed Annuity And 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		(1,571)	(1,418)
Long-term Debt [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value			(1,127)
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			(1,127)
Reinsurance Related Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value		(20)	(57)
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		(20)	(57)
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]	(598)	(1,020)
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]	(417)	(447)
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]	$ (181)	$ (573)
[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 Instr_6

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Fair Value Measured On A Recurring Basis Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018		Sep. 30, 2017
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value		$ 3,476		$ 2,324	$ 3,139		$ 1,545
Items Included in Net Income		58		177	541		546
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1]	(86)		46	(252)		270
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net		567	[2]	(101)	889	[2]	45
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3]	(148)		(7)	(450)	[4]	33
Ending Fair Value		3,867		2,439	3,867		2,439
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[5]	3,181		2,517	3,091		2,405
Items Included in Net Income	[5]	1		4	7		15
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[5]	(30)		35	(137)		153
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[5]	88	[2]	(35)	319	[2]	(182)
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3],[5]	(31)		59	(71)	[4]	189
Ending Fair Value	[5]	3,209		2,580	3,209		2,580
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Liberty Transaction [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net		67			67
ABS [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[5]	31		43	27		33
Items Included in Net Income	[5]
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[5]			(1)	(1)
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[5]		[2]		5	[2]
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3],[5]			(15)			(6)
Ending Fair Value	[5]	31		27	31		27
ABS [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Liberty Transaction [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net		17			17
U.S. Government Bonds [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[5]			5	5
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[2],[5]				(5)
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3],[5]						5
Ending Fair Value	[5]			5			5
Foreign Government Bonds [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[5]	108		109	110		111
Items Included in Net Income	[5]
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[5]			1	(2)		(1)
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[2],[5]
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3],[5]
Ending Fair Value	[5]	108		110	108		110
RMBS [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[5]			7	12		3
Items Included in Net Income	[5]
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[5]
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[5]	7	[2]	6	7	[2]	10
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3],[5]				(12)	[4]
Ending Fair Value	[5]	7		13	7		13
CMBS [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[5]	5		21	6		7
Items Included in Net Income	[5]				1
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[5]						1
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[5]	18	[2]	(1)	37	[2]	54
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3],[5]			(14)	(21)	[4]	(56)
Ending Fair Value	[5]	23		6	23		6
CLOs [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[5]	145		28	91		68
Items Included in Net Income	[5]
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[5]
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[5]	17	[2]	15	164	[2]	33
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3],[5]	(111)		(28)	(204)	[4]	(86)
Ending Fair Value	[5]	51		15	51		15
State And Municipal Bonds [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Items Included in Net Income	[5]						(1)
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3],[5]						1
Hybrid And Redeemable Preferred Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[5]	78		82	76		76
Items Included in Net Income	[5]
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[5]	(1)		3	1		14
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[2],[5]
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3],[5]			(9)			(14)
Ending Fair Value	[5]	77		76	77		76
Equity AFS Securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[5]			183	162		177
Items Included in Net Income	[5]						1
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[5]			(1)			(2)
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[5]			9			15
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3],[5]			(1)	(162)	[4]	(1)
Ending Fair Value	[5]			190			190
Trading Securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[5]	22		59	49		65
Items Included in Net Income	[5]				(5)		2
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[5]						8
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[5]	2	[2]	(10)	(20)	[2]	(26)
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3],[5]	(6)		1	(6)	[4]	1
Ending Fair Value	[5]	18		50	18		50
Equity Securities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[5]	26
Items Included in Net Income	[5]
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[5]
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[2],[5]
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3],[5]				26	[4]
Ending Fair Value	[5]	26			26
Derivative Investments [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[5]	93		155	30		(93)
Items Included in Net Income	[5]	(115)		(13)	106		(25)
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[5]	(55)		9	(113)		97
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[5]	431	[2]	(85)	331	[2]	87
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3],[5]
Ending Fair Value	[5]	354		66	354		66
GLB Direct Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[6]	1,248		298	903
Items Included in Net Income	[6]	400		272	745		570
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[6]
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[2],[6]
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3],[6]
Ending Fair Value	[6]	1,648		570	1,648		570
GLB Direct Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[6]						(371)
Items Included in Net Income	[6]						371
GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[6]	41		85	51		203
Items Included in Net Income	[6]	(6)		(32)	(16)		(150)
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[6]
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[2],[6]
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3],[6]
Ending Fair Value	[6]	35		53	35		53
GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[6]	(131)			(67)
Items Included in Net Income	[6]	(62)		(7)	(126)		(7)
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[6]
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[2],[6]
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3],[6]
Ending Fair Value	[6]	(193)		(7)	(193)		(7)
Indexed Annuity And Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[6]	29			11
Items Included in Net Income	[6]	4			4
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[6]
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[6]	11	[2]	3	29	[2]	3
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3],[6]
Ending Fair Value	[6]	44		3	44		3
Indexed Annuity And Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Future Contract Benefits [Member]
Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Beginning Fair Value	[6]	(1,400)		(1,268)	(1,418)		(1,139)
Items Included in Net Income	[6]	(164)		(47)	(175)		(230)
Gains (Losses) in OCI and Other	[1],[6]
Issuances, Sales, Maturities, Settlements, Calls, Net	[6]	(7)	[2]	(3)	22	[2]	51
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	[3],[6]
Ending Fair Value	[6]	$ (1,571)		$ (1,318)	$ (1,571)		$ (1,318)
[1]	The changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps are offset by an adjustment to derivative investments (see Note 5).
[2]	Net issuances, sales, maturities, settlements, calls, net include financial instruments acquired from Liberty Life as follows: corporate bonds of $67 million and ABS of $17 million.
[3]	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-period amortized cost and beginning-of-period fair value was included in OCI and earnings, respectively, in the prior period.
[4]	Transfers into or out of Level 3 for FHLB stock between equity securities and other investments at cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[5]	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).
[6]	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 Instr_7

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Investment Holdings Movements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share Unobservable Input Investment Holdings Movements [Abstract]
Issuances	$ 230	$ 237	$ 1,118	$ 588
Sales	455	(148)	257	34
Maturities	(121)	(131)	(357)	(367)
Settlements	11	(33)	(60)	(76)
Calls	(8)	(26)	(69)	(134)
Total	567	(101)	889	45
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	162	167	785	367
Sales		(114)	(156)	(179)
Maturities	(1)	(19)	(3)	(66)
Settlements	(65)	(43)	(238)	(170)
Calls	(8)	(26)	(69)	(134)
Total	88	(35)	319	(182)
ABS [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share Unobservable Input Investment Holdings Movements [Abstract]
Issuances			22
Sales			(17)
Total			5
U.S. Government Bonds [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share Unobservable Input Investment Holdings Movements [Abstract]
Sales			(5)
Total			(5)
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	7	6	7	10
Total	7	6	7	10
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	18		39	55
Settlements		(1)	(2)	(1)
Total	18	(1)	37	54
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	17	15	164	33
Total	17	15	164	33
Equity AFS Securities [Member]
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share Unobservable Input Investment Holdings Movements [Abstract]
Issuances		10		18
Sales		(1)		(3)
Total		9		15
Trading Securities [Member]
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share Unobservable Input Investment Holdings Movements [Abstract]
Issuances	2		4	2
Sales		(10)	(24)	(27)
Settlements				(1)
Total	2	(10)	(20)	(26)
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share Unobservable Input Investment Holdings Movements [Abstract]
Issuances			1
Sales			(1)
Derivative Investments [Member]
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share Unobservable Input Investment Holdings Movements [Abstract]
Issuances	96	50	225	145
Sales	455	(23)	460	243
Maturities	(120)	(112)	(354)	(301)
Total	431	(85)	331	87
Indexed Annuity And Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share Unobservable Input Investment Holdings Movements [Abstract]
Issuances	11	3	29	3
Total	11	3	29	3
Indexed Annuity And 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	(83)	(14)	(158)	(45)
Settlements	76	11	180	96
Total	$ (7)	$ (3)	$ 22	$ 51

Fair Value of Financial Instr_8

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		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
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]	$ 564	$ 347	$ 1,351	$ 1,180
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		(1)	(83)	105	(159)
Indexed Annuity And 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		(11)	2	(18)	(13)
GLB 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		$ 576	$ 428	$ 1,264	$ 1,352
[1]	Included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Fair Value of Financial Instr_9

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Components Of The Transfers In And Out Of Level 3) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers Into Level 3	$ 11	$ 117	$ 80	$ 336
Transfers Out of Level 3	(159)	(124)	(530)	(303)
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	(148)	(7)	(450)	33
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers Into Level 3	11	116	54	277
Transfers Out of Level 3	(42)	(57)	(125)	(88)
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	(31)	59	(71)	189
ABS [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers Into Level 3				15
Transfers Out of Level 3		(15)		(21)
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net		(15)		(6)
U.S. Government Bonds [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers Into Level 3				5
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net				5
RMBS [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers Out of Level 3			(12)
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net			(12)
CMBS [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers Into Level 3				3
Transfers Out of Level 3		(14)	(21)	(59)
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net		(14)	(21)	(56)
CLOs [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers Into Level 3				30
Transfers Out of Level 3	(111)	(28)	(204)	(116)
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	(111)	(28)	(204)	(86)
State And Municipal Bonds [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers Into Level 3				2
Transfers Out of Level 3				(1)
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net				1
Hybrid And Redeemable Preferred Securities [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers Out of Level 3		(9)		(14)
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net		(9)		(14)
Equity AFS Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers Out of Level 3		(1)	(162)	(1)
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net		(1)	(162)	(1)
Trading Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers Into Level 3		1		4
Transfers Out of Level 3	(6)		(6)	(3)
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net	$ (6)	$ 1	(6)	$ 1
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
Transfers Into Level 3			26
Transfers Into or Out of Level 3, Net			$ 26

Fair Value of Financial Inst_10

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	$ 246,814,000,000	$ 245,265,000,000
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liabilities measured at fair value	(2,382,000,000)	(3,689,000,000)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	5,812,000,000	5,197,000,000
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liabilities measured at fair value	(1,945,000,000)	$ (2,058,000,000)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	$ 21,000,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Liquidity/Duration Adjustment [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Equity securities, measurement input	0.045
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Liquidity/Duration Adjustment [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Equity securities, measurement input	0.051
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	$ 2,445,000,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | ABS [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	23,000,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Foreign Government Bonds [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	78,000,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Hybrid And Redeemable Preferred Securities [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	$ 4,000,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Liquidity/Duration Adjustment [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity AFS and trading securities, measurement input	0.005
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | ABS [Member] | Liquidity/Duration Adjustment [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity AFS and trading securities, measurement input	0.030
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Foreign Government Bonds [Member] | Liquidity/Duration Adjustment [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity AFS and trading securities, measurement input	0.011
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Hybrid And Redeemable Preferred Securities [Member] | Liquidity/Duration Adjustment [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity AFS and trading securities, measurement input	0.018
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Liquidity/Duration Adjustment [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity AFS and trading securities, measurement input	0.248
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member] | ABS [Member] | Liquidity/Duration Adjustment [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity AFS and trading securities, measurement input	0.030
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Foreign Government Bonds [Member] | Liquidity/Duration Adjustment [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity AFS and trading securities, measurement input	0.028
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Fixed Maturity AFS Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Hybrid And Redeemable Preferred Securities [Member] | Liquidity/Duration Adjustment [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity AFS and trading securities, measurement input	0.018
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	$ 1,683,000,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB direct and ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Long-Term Lapse Rate [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative assets, measurement input	0.01
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB direct and ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Utilization Of Guaranteed Withdrawls [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative assets, measurement input	0.85
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB direct and ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Claims Utilization Factor [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative assets, measurement input	0.60
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB direct and ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Premiums Utilization Factor [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative assets, measurement input	0.80
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB direct and ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | NPR [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative assets, measurement input	0.0001
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB direct and ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Volatility [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative assets, measurement input	0.01
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB direct and ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Long-Term Lapse Rate [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative assets, measurement input	0.30
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB direct and ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Utilization Of Guaranteed Withdrawls [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative assets, measurement input	1
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB direct and ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Claims Utilization Factor [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative assets, measurement input	1
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB direct and ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Premiums Utilization Factor [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative assets, measurement input	1.15
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB direct and ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | NPR [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative assets, measurement input	0.0032
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB direct and ceded embedded derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Volatility [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative assets, measurement input	0.29
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Indexed Annuity And Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	$ 44,000,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Indexed Annuity And Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Long-Term Lapse Rate [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative assets, measurement input	0.01
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Indexed Annuity And Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Long-Term Lapse Rate [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative assets, measurement input	0.09
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Future contract benefits - indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives [Member] | Future Contract Benefits [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liabilities measured at fair value	$ (1,571,000,000)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Future contract benefits - indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Future Contract Benefits [Member] | Long-Term Lapse Rate [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liability, measurement input	0.01
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Future contract benefits - indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Future Contract Benefits [Member] | Long-Term Lapse Rate [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liability, measurement input	0.09
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Liabilities measured at fair value	$ (193,000,000)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member] | Long-Term Lapse Rate [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liability, measurement input	0.01
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member] | Utilization Of Guaranteed Withdrawls [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liability, measurement input	0.85
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member] | Claims Utilization Factor [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liability, measurement input	0.60
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member] | Premiums Utilization Factor [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liability, measurement input	0.80
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member] | NPR [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liability, measurement input	0.0001
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member] | Volatility [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liability, measurement input	0.01
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member] | Long-Term Lapse Rate [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liability, measurement input	0.30
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member] | Utilization Of Guaranteed Withdrawls [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liability, measurement input	1
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member] | Claims Utilization Factor [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liability, measurement input	1
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member] | Premiums Utilization Factor [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liability, measurement input	1.15
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member] | NPR [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liability, measurement input	0.0032
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | GLB Ceded Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member] | Volatility [Member]
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liability, measurement input	0.29

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Information [Abstract]
Federal rate	21.00%	35.00%	21.00%	35.00%	35.00%

Segment Information (Reconcilia

Segment Information (Reconciliation Of Revenue From Segments To Consolidated) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 4,264	$ 3,511	$ 11,893	$ 10,588
Annuities Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	1,118	1,073	3,297	3,211
Retirement Plan Services Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	294	291	878	863
Life Insurance Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	1,766	1,614	5,106	4,874
Group Protection Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	1,128	564	2,618	1,646
Other Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	56	65	182	220
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Excluded realized gain (loss), pre-tax	$ (98)	(97)	$ (188)	(229)
Amortization of deferred gain arising from reserve changes on business sold through reinsurance, pre-tax				1
Amortization of DFEL associated with benefit ratio unlocking, pre-tax		$ 1		$ 2

Segment Information (Reconcil_2

Segment Information (Reconciliation Of Income (Loss) From Operations By Segment To Consolidated Net Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Acquisition and integration costs related to mergers and acquisitions, after tax	$ (10)		$ (60)
Net income (loss)	490	$ 418	1,242	$ 1,264
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Excluded realized gain (loss), after-tax	(77)	(63)	(149)	(149)
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt, after-tax		(3)	(18)	(3)
Income (loss) from reserve changes (net of related amortization) on business sold through reinsurance, after tax				1
Benefit ratio unlocking, after-tax	33	30	32	101
Net impact from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act	32		19
Acquisition and integration costs related to mergers and acquisitions, after tax	(8)		(47)
Annuities Segment [Member]
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	302	277	844	809
Retirement Plan Services Segment [Member]
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	40	35	125	109
Life Insurance Segment [Member]
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	176	121	470	384
Group Protection Segment [Member]
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	63	41	137	83
Other Operations [Member]
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (71)	$ (20)	$ (171)	$ (71)

Segment Information (Schedule O

Segment Information (Schedule Of Disaggregation Of Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	$ 353	$ 999
Transferred at Point in Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	21	62
Transferred over Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	332	937
Fee Income [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	185	546
Other Revenues [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	168	453
Annuities Segment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	257	762
Annuities Segment [Member] | Transferred at Point in Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	17	53
Annuities Segment [Member] | Transferred over Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	240	709
Annuities Segment [Member] | Fee Income [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	137	403
Annuities Segment [Member] | Other Revenues [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	120	359
Retirement Plan Services Segment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	47	140
Retirement Plan Services Segment [Member] | Transferred at Point in Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	1	3
Retirement Plan Services Segment [Member] | Transferred over Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	46	137
Retirement Plan Services Segment [Member] | Fee Income [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	42	126
Retirement Plan Services Segment [Member] | Other Revenues [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	5	14
Life Insurance Segment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	8	24
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Transferred at Point in Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	3	6
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Transferred over Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	5	18
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Fee Income [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	6	17
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Other Revenues [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	2	7
Group Protection Segment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	41	73
Group Protection Segment [Member] | Transferred over Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	41	73
Group Protection Segment [Member] | Other Revenues [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue from contracts with customers	$ 41	$ 73