BRIGHTHOUSE LIFE INSURANCE 10-Q13 Nov 172017 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Nov. 09, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	BRIGHTHOUSE LIFE INSURANCE Co
Entity Central Index Key	733,076
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 0
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		3,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $57,134 and $57,289, respectively)	$ 61,483	$ 59,899
Equity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (cost: $234 and $280, respectively)	265	300
Mortgage loans (net of valuation allowances of $44 and $40, respectively; includes $119 and $136, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)	10,328	9,290
Policy loans	1,101	1,093
Real estate and real estate joint ventures	407	215
Other limited partnership interests	1,651	1,639
Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value (includes $0 and $344, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	1,096	1,272
Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value	2,676	5,029
Total investments	79,007	78,737
Cash and cash equivalents, principally at estimated fair value (includes $0 and $3,078, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	1,388	5,057
Accrued investment income (includes $1 and $1, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	613	668
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	13,005	13,853
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	5,737	6,339
Current income tax recoverable	1,768	736
Other assets	579	689
Separate account assets	108,843	105,346
Total assets	210,940	211,425
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	35,379	32,752
Policyholder account balances	36,571	36,579
Other policy-related balances	2,688	2,712
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	4,556	7,371
Long-term debt (includes $14 and $23, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)	50	1,904
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	1,960	2,451
Other Liabilities	4,916	5,445
Separate account liabilities	108,843	105,346
Total liabilities	194,963	194,560
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 11)
Equity
Common stock, par value $25,000 per share; 4,000 shares authorized; 3,000 shares issued and outstanding	75	75
Additional paid-in capital	18,859	18,461
Retained earnings (deficit)	(4,237)	(2,919)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,265	1,248
Total equity	15,962	16,865
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	15	0
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	15,977	16,865
Total liabilities and equity	$ 210,940	$ 211,425

Consolidated Balance Sheets (U3

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 57,134	$ 57,289
Cost of equity securities available-for-sale	234	280
Mortgage loans valuation allowances	44	40
Short-term Investments	1,096	1,272
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	1,388	5,057
Mortgage loans, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	10,328	9,290
Real estate held-for-sale
Accrued investment income relating to variable interest entities	613	668
Liabilities
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	50	1,904
Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities	$ 4,916	$ 5,445
Equity
Common stock, par value	$ 25,000	$ 25,000
Common stock, shares authorized	4,000	4,000
Common stock, shares issued	3,000	3,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	3,000	3,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Assets
Short-term Investments	$ 0	$ 344
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	0	3,078
Mortgage loans, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	119	136
Accrued investment income relating to variable interest entities	1	1
Liabilities
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	14	23
Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities	$ 0	$ 1

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Revenues
Premiums	$ 228	$ 337	$ 607	$ 990
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees	811	801	2,381	2,324
Net investment income	732	842	2,231	2,349
Other revenues	64	54	263	491
Net investment gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	0	(2)	(1)	(19)
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Loss, before Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Available-for-sale Securities	0	(2)	0	(3)
Other net investment gains (losses)	21	30	(33)	8
Total net investment gains (losses)	21	26	(34)	(14)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(162)	(502)	(1,064)	(3,229)
Total revenues	1,694	1,558	4,384	2,911
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims	1,051	1,039	2,721	2,868
Interest credited to policyholder account balances	269	281	811	845
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0	381	0	381
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization	50	220	697	(129)
Other expenses	446	423	1,342	1,268
Total expenses	1,816	2,344	5,571	5,233
Income (loss) before provision for income tax	(122)	(786)	(1,187)	(2,322)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	567	(222)	131	(830)
Net income (loss)	(689)	(564)	(1,318)	(1,492)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (1,285)	$ (876)	$ (1,301)	$ (587)

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Deficit)	Parent [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 18,636,000,000						$ 0
December 31, 2016 at Dec. 31, 2015		$ 75,000,000	$ 16,850,000,000	$ 117,000,000	$ 18,636,000,000	$ 1,594,000,000
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Capital Contributions from Parent	1,574,000,000		1,574,000,000		1,574,000,000
Net income (loss)	(1,492,000,000)			(1,492,000,000)	(1,492,000,000)		0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	905,000,000				905,000,000	905,000,000
September 30, 2017 at Sep. 30, 2016		75,000,000	18,424,000,000	(1,375,000,000)	19,623,000,000	2,499,000,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	19,623,000,000						0
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	16,865,000,000						0
Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)	15,000,000				0		15,000,000
December 31, 2016 at Dec. 31, 2016	16,865,000,000	75,000,000	18,461,000,000	(2,919,000,000)	16,865,000,000	1,248,000,000
Amount of other increase (decrease) in additional paid in capital (APIC) due to a return of capital	(2,737,000,000)		(2,737,000,000)		(2,737,000,000)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Capital Contributions from Parent	2,933,000,000		2,933,000,000		2,933,000,000
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other	202,000,000		202,000,000		202,000,000
Net income (loss)	(1,318,000,000)			(1,318,000,000)	(1,318,000,000)		0
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	(1,318,000,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	17,000,000				17,000,000	17,000,000
September 30, 2017 at Sep. 30, 2017	15,962,000,000	$ 75,000,000	$ 18,859,000,000	$ (4,237,000,000)	$ 15,962,000,000	$ 1,265,000,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 15,977,000,000						$ 15,000,000

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ 2,435	$ 2,917
Cash flows from investing activities
Sales, maturities and repayments of fixed maturity securities	12,446	27,474
Sales, maturities and repayments of equity securities	58	166
Sales, maturities and repayments of mortgage loans	562	1,403
Sales, maturities and repayments of real estate and real estate joint ventures	47	426
Sales, maturities and repayments of other limited partnership interests	194	288
Purchases of fixed maturity securities	(11,969)	(29,580)
Purchases of equity securities	(1)	(57)
Purchases of mortgage loans	(1,535)	(2,098)
Purchases of real estate and real estate joint ventures	(224)	(51)
Purchases of other limited partnership interests	(174)	(134)
Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives	1,805	457
Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives	(3,380)	(1,659)
Sale of operating joint venture interest to a former MetLife, Inc. affiliate	42	0
Receipts on loans to former MetLife, Inc. affiliates	0	50
Net change in policy loans	(9)	105
Net change in short-term investments	217	(1,761)
Net change in other invested assets	31	29
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(1,890)	(4,942)
Cash flows from financing activities
Policyholder account balances: Deposits	3,012	8,554
Policyholder account balances: Withdrawals	(2,315)	(9,755)
Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	(2,741)	3,061
Long-term debt repaid	(10)	(21)
Financing element on certain derivative instruments and other derivative related transactions, net	(37)	(228)
Returns of capital (Note 3)	(3,425)	0
Capital contribution	1,100	1,682
Capital contribution associated with the sale of joint venture interest to a former MetLife, Inc. affiliate	202	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(4,214)	3,293
Change in cash and cash equivalents	(3,669)	1,268
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	5,057	1,507
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	1,388	2,775
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Net cash paid for interest	81	100
Net cash paid (received) for income tax	35	196
Non-cash transactions:
Transfer of fixed maturity securities from former MetLife, Inc. affiliates	0	3,478
Transfer of mortgage loans from former MetLife, Inc. affiliates	0	395
Transfer of short-term investments from former MetLife, Inc. affiliates	0	94
Transfer of fixed maturity securities to former MetLife, Inc. affiliates	293	0
Reduction of policyholder account balances in connection with reinsurance transactions	$ 293	$ 0

Business, Basis of Presentation

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Business “Brighthouse Insurance” and the “Company” refer to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, a Delaware corporation originally incorporated in Connecticut in 1863, and its subsidiaries. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brighthouse Holdings, LLC, which until July 28, 2017 was a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (MetLife, Inc., together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “MetLife”). The Company offers a range of individual annuities and individual life insurance products. The Company reports results through three segments: Annuities, Life and Run-off. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results in Corporate & Other. On January 12, 2016, MetLife, Inc. announced its plan to pursue the separation of a substantial portion of its former U.S. retail business (the “Separation”). Additionally, on July 21, 2016, MetLife, Inc. announced that the separated business would be rebranded as “Brighthouse Financial.” Effective March 6, 2017, and in connection with the Separation, the Company changed its name from MetLife Insurance Company USA to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company. On October 5, 2016, Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “Brighthouse”), which until the completion of the Separation on August 4, 2017, was a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc., filed a registration statement on Form 10 (as amended, the “Form 10”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that was declared effective by the SEC on July 6, 2017. The Form 10 disclosed MetLife, Inc.’s plans to undertake several actions, including an internal reorganization involving its U.S. retail business (the “Restructuring”) and include Brighthouse Insurance and certain affiliates in the planned separated business and distribute at least 80.1% of the shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common stock on a pro rata basis to the holders of MetLife, Inc. common stock. In connection with the Restructuring, effective April 2017, following receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, MetLife, Inc. contributed certain affiliated reinsurance companies and Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY (“Brighthouse NY”) to Brighthouse Insurance (the “Contribution Transactions”). The affiliated reinsurance companies were then merged into Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware (“BRCD”), a licensed reinsurance subsidiary of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company. See Note 3 for further information on this change, which was applied retrospectively. On July 28, 2017, MetLife, Inc. contributed Brighthouse Holdings, LLC to Brighthouse Financial, Inc., resulting in Brighthouse Life Insurance Company becoming an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. On August 4, 2017, MetLife, Inc. completed the Separation through a distribution of 96,776,670 of the 119,773,106 shares of the common stock of Brighthouse, representing 80.8% of MetLife Inc.’s interest in Brighthouse, to holders of MetLife, Inc. common stock. Basis of Presentation The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported on the interim condensed consolidated financial statements. In applying these policies and estimates, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to the Company’s business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Consolidation The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, as well as partnerships and joint ventures in which the Company has control, and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company uses the equity method of accounting for equity securities when it has significant influence or at least 20% interest and for real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests (“investees”) when it has more than a minor ownership interest or more than a minor influence over the investee’s operations. The Company generally recognizes its share of the investee’s earnings on a three-month lag in instances where the investee’s financial information is not sufficiently timely or when the investee’s reporting period differs from the Company’s reporting period. The Company uses the cost method of accounting for investments in which it has virtually no influence over the investee’s operations. Reclassifications Certain amounts in the prior year periods’ interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related footnotes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation as discussed throughout the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Since the Company is a member of a controlled group of affiliated companies, its results may not be indicative of those of a stand-alone entity. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented in conformity with GAAP. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance. The December 31, 2016 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (the “2016 Annual Report”), which include all disclosures required by GAAP. Therefore, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the 2016 Annual Report. Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements Effective January 1, 2017, the Company early adopted guidance relating to business combinations. The new guidance clarifies the definition of a business and requires that an entity apply certain criteria in order to determine when a set of assets and activities qualifies as a business. The adoption of this standard will result in fewer acquisitions qualifying as businesses and, accordingly, acquisition costs for those acquisitions that do not qualify as businesses will be capitalized rather than expensed. The adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company retrospectively adopted guidance relating to consolidation. The new guidance does not change the characteristics of a primary beneficiary under current GAAP. It changes how a reporting entity evaluates whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by changing how a reporting entity that is a single decision maker of a VIE handles indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Other Effective January 3, 2017, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) amended its rulebook, resulting in the characterization of variation margin transfers as settlement payments, as opposed to adjustments to collateral. These amendments impacted the accounting treatment of the Company’s centrally cleared derivatives, for which the CME serves as the central clearing party. As of the effective date, the application of the amended rulebook, reduced gross derivative assets by $206 million , gross derivative liabilities by $927 million , accrued investment income by $30 million , collateral receivables recorded within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables of $765 million , and collateral payables recorded within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions of $74 million . Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance on accounting for hedging activities (Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities ). The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The ASU (i) refines and expands the criteria for achieving hedge accounting on certain hedging strategies, (ii) requires an entity to present the earnings effect of the hedging instrument in the same income statement line item in which the earnings effect of the hedged item is reported, and (iii) eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. The ASU also makes other changes to simplify the application of existing guidance related to the assessment of hedge effectiveness and creates new disclosure requirements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on purchased callable debt securities (ASU 2017-08, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities ). The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years and should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings. Early adoption is permitted. The ASU shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium and requires the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. However, the new guidance does not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount whose discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on derecognition of nonfinancial assets (ASU 2017-05, Other Income-Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets ). The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The guidance may be applied retrospectively for all periods presented or retrospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment at the date of adoption. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on restricted cash (ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) . The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years, and should be applied on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The new guidance requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. As a result, the new guidance requires that amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance does not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on tax accounting for intra-entity transfers of assets (ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory ) . The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years, and should be applied on a modified retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The new guidance eliminates the prohibition on recognizing current or deferred income taxes related to inter-entity asset transfers other than inventory by requiring recognition when the transfer occurs. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on cash flow statement presentation (ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments) . The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years, and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. This ASU addresses diversity in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified on the statement of cash flows. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on measurement of credit losses on financial instruments (ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ) . The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. This ASU replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology with one that reflects expected credit losses based on historical loss information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The new guidance requires that an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on a debt security will be recognized as an allowance going forward, such that improvements in expected future cash flows after an impairment will no longer be reflected as a prospective yield adjustment through net investment income, but rather a reversal of the previous impairment and recognized through realized investment gains and losses. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures. The Company has assessed the asset classes impacted by the new guidance and has determined the most significant impacts will be to its mortgage loan investments. The Company is currently assessing the accounting and reporting system changes that will be required to comply with the new guidance along with the overall impacts to its consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance (ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities ) on the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for the instrument-specific credit risk provision. The new guidance changes the current accounting guidance related to (i) the classification and measurement of certain equity investments, (ii) the presentation of changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option (“FVO”) that are due to instrument-specific credit risk, and (iii) certain disclosures associated with the fair value of financial instruments. Additionally, there will no longer be a requirement to assess equity securities for impairment since such securities will be measured at fair value through net income. The Company has assessed the population of financial instruments that are subject to the new guidance and has determined that the most significant impact will be the requirement to report changes in fair value in net income each reporting period for all equity securities currently classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) and to a lesser extent, the elimination of the cost method of accounting for equity method investments. The Company had approximately $195 million of equity securities and $42 million of partnerships and joint ventures accounted for under the cost method as of September 30, 2017 that will be subject to the new guidance. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard (ASU 2014‑09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)) , effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. The guidance may be applied retrospectively for all periods presented or retrospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment at the date of adoption. The new guidance will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP; however, it will not impact the accounting for insurance and investment contracts within the scope of Financial Services insurance (Topic 944), leases, financial instruments and guarantees. For those contracts that are impacted, the guidance will require an entity to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled, in exchange for those goods or services. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
Segment Information	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	2. Segment Information The Company is organized into three segments: Annuities; Life; and Run-off. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other. Also, in the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company moved the universal life policies with secondary guarantees (“ULSG”) business from the Life segment to the Run-off segment. These and certain other presentation changes were applied retrospectively and did not have an impact on total consolidated net income (loss) or operating earnings (loss) in the prior periods. Annuities The Annuities segment offers a variety of variable, fixed, index-linked and income annuities designed to address contractholders’ needs for protected wealth accumulation on a tax-deferred basis, wealth transfer and income security. Life The Life segment offers insurance products and services, including term, whole, universal and variable life products designed to address policyholders’ needs for financial security and protected wealth transfer, which may be provided on a tax-advantaged basis. Run-off The Run-off segment consists of products no longer actively sold and which are separately managed, including structured settlements, certain company-owned life insurance policies, bank-owned life insurance policies, funding agreements and ULSG. Corporate & Other Corporate & Other contains the excess capital not allocated to the segments and interest expense related to the majority of the Company’s outstanding debt, as well as expenses associated with certain legal proceedings and income tax audit issues. Corporate & Other also includes the elimination of intersegment amounts and term life insurance sold direct to consumers, which is no longer being offered for new sales. Financial Measures and Segment Accounting Policies Operating earnings (loss) is used by management to evaluate performance, allocate resources and facilitate comparisons to industry results. The Company believes the presentation of operating earnings (loss), as the Company measures it for management purposes, enhances the understanding of its performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of the business. Consistent with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, operating earnings (loss) is also the Company’s GAAP measure of segment performance and is reported below. Operating earnings (loss) should not be viewed as a substitute for net income (loss). Operating earnings (loss) is a measure that focuses on the Company’s primary businesses principally by excluding the impact of market volatility, which could distort trends, and revenues and costs related to non-core products and businesses. Non-core businesses include discontinued operations and other businesses that have been or will be sold or exited by the Company, referred to as divested businesses and certain entities required to be consolidated under GAAP. The following are excluded from total revenues in calculating operating earnings (loss): • Net investment gains (losses); • Net derivative gains (losses) except: (i) earned income on derivatives and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments or that are used to replicate certain investments, but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and (ii) earned income on derivatives that are hedges of policyholder account balances but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment; • Amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and certain variable annuity guaranteed minimum income benefits (“ GMIBs”) fees (“GMIB Fees”); • Certain amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP; and • Revenues from divested businesses. The following are excluded from total expenses in calculating operating earnings (loss): • Amounts associated with benefits and hedging costs related to GMIBs (“GMIB Costs”); • Amounts associated with periodic crediting rate adjustments based on the total return of a contractually referenced pool of assets and market value adjustments associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts (“Market Value Adjustments”); • Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”) related to: (i) net investment gains (losses), (ii) net derivative gains (losses), (iii) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs and (iv) Market Value Adjustments; • Recognition of certain contingent assets and liabilities that could not be recognized at acquisition or adjusted for during the measurement period under GAAP business combination accounting guidance; • Expenses of divested businesses; • Amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP; • Goodwill impairment; and • Costs related to: (i) implementation of new insurance regulatory requirements and (ii) acquisition and integration costs. The tax impact of the adjustments mentioned above are calculated net of the U.S statutory tax rate, which could differ from the Company’s effective tax rate. Set forth in the tables below is certain financial information with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. The segment accounting policies are the same as those used to prepare the Company’s consolidated financial statements, except for operating earnings (loss) adjustments as defined above. In addition, segment accounting policies include the method of capital allocation described below. The internal capital model is a risk capital model that reflects management’s judgment and view of required capital to represent the measurement of the risk profile of the business, to meet the Company’s long term promises to clients, to service long-term obligations and to support the credit ratings of the Company. It accounts for the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in the Company’s business. Management is responsible for the ongoing production and enhancement of the internal capital model and reviews its approach periodically to ensure that it remains consistent with emerging industry practice standards. The Company allocates equity to the segments based on the internal capital model and aligns with emerging standards and consistent risk principles. Segment net investment income is credited or charged based on the level of allocated equity; however, changes in allocated equity do not impact the Company’s consolidated net investment income or net income (loss). Net investment income is based upon the actual results of each segment’s specifically identifiable investment portfolios adjusted for allocated equity. Other costs are allocated to each of the segments based upon: (i) a review of the nature of such costs; (ii) time studies analyzing the amount of employee time incurred by each segment; and (iii) cost estimates included in the Company’s product pricing. Operating Results Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Annuities Life Run-off Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Pre-tax operating earnings (loss) $ 441 $ (16 ) $ 144 $ (58 ) $ 511 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 128 (11 ) 41 1,057 1,215 Operating earnings (loss) $ 313 $ (5 ) $ 103 $ (1,115 ) (704 ) Adjustments for: Net investment gains (losses) 21 Net derivative gains (losses) (162 ) Other adjustments to net income (492 ) Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 648 Net income (loss) $ (689 ) Inter-segment revenues $ 100 $ (100 ) $ 28 $ (4 ) Interest revenue $ 306 $ 76 $ 349 $ 20 Interest expense $ — $ (4 ) $ 4 $ — Operating Results Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Annuities Life Run-off Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Pre-tax operating earnings (loss) $ 348 $ 8 $ (324 ) $ 37 $ 69 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 128 8 (121 ) 7 22 Operating earnings (loss) $ 220 $ — $ (203 ) $ 30 47 Adjustments for: Net investment gains (losses) 26 Net derivative gains (losses) (502 ) Other adjustments to net income (379 ) Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 244 Net income (loss) $ (564 ) Inter-segment revenues $ 94 $ (133 ) $ 17 $ (71 ) Interest revenue $ 369 $ 81 $ 365 $ 102 Interest expense $ — $ — $ 15 $ 17 Operating Results Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Annuities Life Run-off Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Pre-tax operating earnings (loss) $ 970 $ (58 ) $ (340 ) $ (43 ) $ 529 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 260 (27 ) (130 ) 1,054 1,157 Operating earnings (loss) $ 710 $ (31 ) $ (210 ) $ (1,097 ) (628 ) Adjustments for: Net investment gains (losses) (34 ) Net derivative gains (losses) (1,064 ) Other adjustments to net income (618 ) Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 1,026 Net income (loss) $ (1,318 ) Inter-segment revenues $ 346 $ (341 ) $ 76 $ (67 ) Interest revenue $ 938 $ 230 $ 1,061 $ 122 Interest expense $ — $ (4 ) $ 23 $ 37 Operating Results Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Annuities Life Run-off Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Pre-tax operating earnings (loss) $ 1,132 $ (6 ) $ (287 ) $ 43 $ 882 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 339 (3 ) (104 ) 2 234 Operating earnings (loss) $ 793 $ (3 ) $ (183 ) $ 41 648 Adjustments for: Net investment gains (losses) (14 ) Net derivative gains (losses) (3,229 ) Other adjustments to net income 39 Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 1,064 Net income (loss) $ (1,492 ) Inter-segment revenues $ 599 $ (471 ) $ 38 $ (48 ) Interest revenue $ 1,071 $ 227 $ 1,068 $ 187 Interest expense $ — $ — $ 45 $ 51 The following table presents total revenues with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other: Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Annuities $ 901 $ 1,000 $ 2,789 $ 3,415 Life 288 244 774 702 Run-off 549 678 1,634 1,731 Corporate & Other 48 116 203 297 Adjustments (92 ) (480 ) (1,016 ) (3,234 ) Total $ 1,694 $ 1,558 $ 4,384 $ 2,911 The following table presents total assets with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Annuities $ 148,447 $ 146,224 Life 13,680 12,296 Run-off 36,522 40,575 Corporate & Other 12,291 12,330 Total $ 210,940 $ 211,425

Contribution Transaction (Notes

Contribution Transaction (Notes)	9 Months Ended
Contribution Transaction (Notes)	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Accounting Changes [Text Block]	3. Contribution Transactions In April 2017, in connection with the Separation, MetLife, Inc. contributed MetLife Reinsurance Company of Delaware, MetLife Reinsurance Company of South Carolina (“MRSC”), MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont II, all affiliated reinsurance companies, and Brighthouse NY to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company. The affiliated reinsurance companies were then merged into BRCD, and certain reserve financing arrangements were restructured, resulting in a net return of capital to MetLife of $2.7 billion . The return of capital included $3.4 billion in cash, offset by a non-cash capital contribution of $703 million primarily comprised of the $643 million tax impact of a basis adjustment for BRCD in connection with the Contribution Transactions. The affiliated reinsurance companies reinsured risks, including level premium term life and ULSG assumed from the Company and other entities and operations of Brighthouse. Simultaneously with the Contribution Transactions, the following additional transactions occurred: • The existing reserve financing arrangements of the affiliated reinsurance companies with unaffiliated financial institutions were terminated and replaced with a single financing arrangement supported by a pool of highly rated third-party reinsurers. See Note 8 . • Invested assets held in trust totaling $3.4 billion were liquidated, of which $2.8 billion provided funding for MetLife, Inc.’s repayment of the associated collateral financing arrangement, and the remainder was remitted to MetLife, Inc. See Notes 5 and 9 . • Loans outstanding to MetLife, Inc. totaling $1.1 billion were repaid in an exchange transaction that resulted in the satisfaction of $1.1 billion of surplus notes due to MetLife. See Notes 5 and 8 . The Contribution Transactions were between entities under common control and has been accounted for in a manner similar to the pooling-of-interests method, which requires that the acquired entities be combined at their historical cost. The Company’s consolidated financial statements and related footnotes are presented as if the transaction occurred at the beginning of the earliest date presented and the prior periods have been retrospectively adjusted. The effect of the Contribution Transactions on net income (loss) was ($135) million and $333 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. The effect of the Contribution Transactions on other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) was ($168) million and $463 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 respectively.

Insurance

Insurance	9 Months Ended
Insurance	Sep. 30, 2017
Insurance [Abstract]
Insurance	4. Insurance Guarantees As discussed in Notes 1 and 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report, the Company issues variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMABs”), the non-life contingent portion of guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWBs”) and the portion of certain GMIBs that do not require annuitization are accounted for as embedded derivatives in policyholder account balances and are further discussed in Note 6 . The Company also issues universal and variable life contracts where the Company contractually guarantees to the contractholder a secondary guarantee. Information regarding the Company’s guarantee exposure was as follows at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 In the Event of Death At Annuitization In the Event of Death At Annuitization (Dollars in millions) Annuity Contracts (1), (2) Variable Annuity Guarantees Total account value (3) $ 111,247 $ 63,258 $ 106,590 $ 61,340 Separate account value $ 106,468 $ 62,021 $ 101,991 $ 60,016 Net amount at risk $ 5,499 (4) $ 2,618 (5) $ 6,763 (4) $ 3,116 (5) Average attained age of contractholders 68 years 68 years 67 years 67 years September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Secondary Guarantees (Dollars in millions) Universal Life Contracts Total account value (3) $ 6,256 $ 6,216 Net amount at risk (6) $ 75,862 $ 76,216 Average attained age of policyholders 64 years 63 years Variable Life Contracts Total account value (3) $ 987 $ 960 Net amount at risk (6) $ 14,110 $ 14,757 Average attained age of policyholders 43 years 43 years __________________ (1) The Company’s annuity contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract. Therefore, the amounts listed above may not be mutually exclusive. (2) Includes direct business, but excludes offsets from hedging or reinsurance, if any. Therefore, the net amount at risk presented reflects the economic exposures of living and death benefit guarantees associated with variable annuities, but not necessarily their impact on the Company. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report for a discussion of guaranteed minimum benefits which have been reinsured. (3) Includes the contractholder’s investments in the general account and separate account, if applicable. (4) Defined as the death benefit less the total account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date and includes any additional contractual claims associated with riders purchased to assist with covering income taxes payable upon death. (5) Defined as the amount (if any) that would be required to be added to the total account value to purchase a lifetime income stream, based on current annuity rates, equal to the minimum amount provided under the guaranteed benefit. This amount represents the Company’s potential economic exposure to such guarantees in the event all contractholders were to annuitize on the balance sheet date, even though the contracts contain terms that allow annuitization of the guaranteed amount only after the 10th anniversary of the contract, which not all contractholders have achieved. (6) Defined as the guarantee amount less the account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date. Liabilities for Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses Rollforward of Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Information regarding the liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses was as follows: Nine Months 2017 2016 (In millions) Balance at December 31 of prior period $ 1,970 $ 1,693 Less: Reinsurance recoverables 1,811 1,545 Net balance at December 31 of prior period 159 148 Cumulative adjustment (1) — 68 Net balance, beginning of period 159 216 Incurred related to: Current period 474 656 Prior periods (2) (5 ) (48 ) Total incurred 469 608 Paid related to: Current period (388 ) (471 ) Prior periods (48 ) (152 ) Total paid (436 ) (623 ) Net balance, end of period 192 201 Add: Reinsurance recoverables 1,865 1,645 Balance, end of period $ 2,057 $ 1,846 ______________ (1) Reflects the accumulated adjustment, net of reinsurance, upon implementation of the new short-duration contracts guidance which clarified the requirement to include claim information for long-duration contracts. The accumulated adjustment primarily reflects unpaid claim liabilities, net of reinsurance, for long-duration contracts as of the beginning of the period presented. (2) During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the claims and claim adjustment expenses associated with prior years changed due to differences between the actual benefits paid and the expected benefits owed during those periods.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
Investments	Sep. 30, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]	5. Investments Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale by Sector The following table presents the fixed maturity and equity securities AFS by sector. Redeemable preferred stock is reported within U.S. corporate and foreign corporate fixed maturity securities and non-redeemable preferred stock is reported within equity securities. Included within fixed maturity securities are structured securities including residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) (collectively, “Structured Securities”). September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Cost or Gross Unrealized Estimated Cost or Gross Unrealized Estimated Gains Temporary OTTI Gains Temporary OTTI (In millions) Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ 20,203 $ 1,733 $ 99 $ — $ 21,837 $ 20,663 $ 1,287 $ 285 $ — $ 21,665 U.S. government and agency 13,579 1,640 127 — 15,092 11,872 1,281 237 — 12,916 RMBS 7,621 282 59 (4 ) 7,848 7,876 203 139 — 7,940 Foreign corporate 6,206 359 71 — 6,494 6,071 220 168 — 6,123 State and political subdivision 3,557 489 9 — 4,037 3,520 376 38 — 3,858 CMBS 3,204 55 15 (1 ) 3,245 3,687 40 32 (1 ) 3,696 ABS 1,700 19 2 — 1,717 2,600 11 13 — 2,598 Foreign government 1,064 151 2 — 1,213 1,000 114 11 — 1,103 Total fixed maturity securities $ 57,134 $ 4,728 $ 384 $ (5 ) $ 61,483 $ 57,289 $ 3,532 $ 923 $ (1 ) $ 59,899 Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stock $ 138 $ 10 $ 1 $ — $ 147 $ 180 $ 6 $ 9 $ — $ 177 Common stock 96 22 — — 118 100 23 — — 123 Total equity securities $ 234 $ 32 $ 1 $ — $ 265 $ 280 $ 29 $ 9 $ — $ 300 __________________ (1) Noncredit OTTI losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) in an unrealized gain position are due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of noncredit losses on such securities. See also “— Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses).” The Company held non-income producing fixed maturity securities with an estimated fair value of $3 million and $5 million with unrealized gains (losses) of ($1) million and less than $1 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date, were as follows at September 30, 2017 : Due in One Year or Less Due After One Year Through Five Years Due After Five Years Through Ten Years Due After Ten Years Structured Securities Total Fixed Maturity Securities (In millions) Amortized cost $ 1,631 $ 10,116 $ 10,309 $ 22,553 $ 12,525 $ 57,134 Estimated fair value $ 1,641 $ 10,520 $ 10,657 $ 25,855 $ 12,810 $ 61,483 Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of call or prepayment options. Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been presented in the year of final contractual maturity. Structured Securities are shown separately, as they are not due at a single maturity. Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities AFS by Sector The following table presents the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity and equity securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by sector and by length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Less than 12 Months Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Less than 12 Months Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses (Dollars in millions) Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ 2,285 $ 52 $ 726 $ 47 $ 4,632 $ 187 $ 699 $ 98 U.S. government and agency 5,006 71 529 56 4,396 237 — — RMBS 2,152 42 383 13 3,457 107 818 32 Foreign corporate 540 12 547 59 1,443 64 573 104 State and political subdivision 300 6 43 3 887 35 29 3 CMBS 667 10 93 4 1,553 26 171 5 ABS 120 — 97 2 450 5 461 8 Foreign government 131 2 10 — 242 10 6 1 Total fixed maturity securities $ 11,201 $ 195 $ 2,428 $ 184 $ 17,060 $ 671 $ 2,757 $ 251 Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stock $ — $ — $ 16 $ 1 $ 57 $ 2 $ 40 $ 7 Common stock 1 — — — — — — — Total equity securities $ 1 $ — $ 16 $ 1 $ 57 $ 2 $ 40 $ 7 Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position 1,018 362 1,711 475 Evaluation of AFS Securities for OTTI and Evaluating Temporarily Impaired AFS Securities As described more fully in Notes 1 and 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report, the Company performs a regular evaluation of all investment classes for impairment, including fixed maturity securities, equity securities and perpetual hybrid securities, in accordance with its impairment policy, in order to evaluate whether such investments are other-than-temporarily impaired. Current Period Evaluation Based on the Company’s current evaluation of its AFS securities in an unrealized loss position in accordance with its impairment policy, and the Company’s current intentions and assessments (as applicable to the type of security) about holding, selling and any requirements to sell these securities, the Company concluded that these securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2017 . Future OTTI will depend primarily on economic fundamentals, issuer performance (including changes in the present value of future cash flows expected to be collected), changes in credit ratings, collateral valuation, interest rates and credit spreads, as well as a change in the Company’s intention to hold or sell a security that is in an unrealized loss position. If economic fundamentals deteriorate or if there are adverse changes in the above factors, OTTI may be incurred in upcoming periods. Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities decreased $543 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 to $379 million . The decrease in gross unrealized losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was primarily attributable to narrowing credit spreads and decreasing longer-term interest rates. At September 30, 2017 , $4 million of the total $379 million of gross unrealized losses were from eight fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss position of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater. The change in gross unrealized losses on equity securities was not significant during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . Investment Grade Fixed Maturity Securities Of the $4 million of gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater, $2 million , or 50% , were related to gross unrealized losses on two investment grade fixed maturity securities. Unrealized losses on investment grade fixed maturity securities are principally related to widening credit spreads since purchase and, with respect to fixed-rate fixed maturity securities, rising interest rates since purchase. Below Investment Grade Fixed Maturity Securities Of the $4 million of gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater, $2 million , or 50% , were related to gross unrealized losses on six below investment grade fixed maturity securities. Unrealized losses on below investment grade fixed maturity securities are principally related to U.S. and foreign corporate securities (primarily industrial securities) and are the result of significantly wider credit spreads resulting from higher risk premiums since purchase, largely due to economic and market uncertainties including concerns over lower oil prices in the energy sector. Management evaluates U.S. and foreign corporate securities based on factors such as expected cash flows and the financial condition and near-term and long-term prospects of the issuers. Mortgage Loans Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of Total (Dollars in millions) Mortgage loans: Commercial $ 7,011 67.8 % $ 6,497 69.9 % Agricultural 2,144 20.8 1,830 19.7 Residential 1,098 10.6 867 9.3 Subtotal (1) 10,253 99.2 9,194 98.9 Valuation allowances (44 ) (0.4 ) (40 ) (0.4 ) Subtotal mortgage loans, net 10,209 98.8 9,154 98.5 Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs - FVO 119 1.2 136 1.5 Total mortgage loans, net $ 10,328 100.0 % $ 9,290 100.0 % __________________ (1) Purchases of mortgage loans were $32 million and $339 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $123 million and $354 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively, and were primarily comprised of residential mortgage loans. See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of consolidated securitization entities (“CSEs”). Information on commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loans is presented in the tables below. Information on commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs - FVO is presented in Note 7 . The Company elects the FVO for certain commercial mortgage loans and related long-term debt that are managed on a total return basis. Mortgage Loans, Valuation Allowance and Impaired Loans by Portfolio Segment Mortgage loans by portfolio segment, by method of evaluation of credit loss, impaired mortgage loans including those modified in a troubled debt restructuring, and the related valuation allowances, were as follows at: Evaluated Individually for Credit Losses Evaluated Collectively for Credit Losses Impaired Loans Impaired Loans with a Valuation Allowance Impaired Loans without a Valuation Allowance Unpaid Principal Balance Recorded Investment Valuation Unpaid Principal Balance Recorded Recorded Valuation Carrying (In millions) September 30, 2017 Commercial $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 7,011 $ 34 $ — Agricultural 4 3 — — — 2,141 6 3 Residential — — — 4 4 1,094 4 4 Total $ 4 $ 3 $ — $ 4 $ 4 $ 10,246 $ 44 $ 7 December 31, 2016 Commercial $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 6,497 $ 32 $ — Agricultural 4 3 — — — 1,827 5 3 Residential — — — 1 1 866 3 1 Total $ 4 $ 3 $ — $ 1 $ 1 $ 9,190 $ 40 $ 4 The average recorded investment for impaired commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loans was $0 , $3 million and $4 million , respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and $0 , $3 million and $2 million , respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The average recorded investment for impaired commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loans was $0 , $3 million and $0 , respectively, for both the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 . Valuation Allowance Rollforward by Portfolio Segment The changes in the valuation allowance, by portfolio segment, were as follows: Nine Months 2017 2016 Commercial Agricultural Residential Total Commercial Agricultural Residential Total (In millions) Balance, beginning of period $ 32 $ 5 $ 3 $ 40 $ 28 $ 5 $ 3 $ 36 Provision (release) 2 1 1 4 4 — 2 6 Balance, end of period $ 34 $ 6 $ 4 $ 44 $ 32 $ 5 $ 5 $ 42 Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans was as follows at: Recorded Investment Debt Service Coverage Ratios % of Total Estimated Fair Value % of Total > 1.20x 1.00x - 1.20x < 1.00x Total (Dollars in millions) September 30, 2017 Loan-to-value ratios: Less than 65% $ 6,057 $ 300 $ 33 $ 6,390 91.1 % $ 6,555 91.4 % 65% to 75% 519 9 18 546 7.8 547 7.6 76% to 80% 10 32 9 51 0.7 51 0.7 Greater than 80% — — 24 24 0.4 23 0.3 Total $ 6,586 $ 341 $ 84 $ 7,011 100.0 % $ 7,176 100.0 % December 31, 2016 Loan-to-value ratios: Less than 65% $ 5,718 $ 230 $ 167 $ 6,115 94.1 % $ 6,197 94.3 % 65% to 75% 291 — 19 310 4.8 303 4.6 76% to 80% 34 — — 34 0.5 33 0.5 Greater than 80% 24 14 — 38 0.6 37 0.6 Total $ 6,067 $ 244 $ 186 $ 6,497 100.0 % $ 6,570 100.0 % Credit Quality of Agricultural Mortgage Loans The credit quality of agricultural mortgage loans was as follows at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Recorded Investment % of Total Recorded Investment % of Total (Dollars in millions) Loan-to-value ratios: Less than 65% $ 2,011 93.8 % $ 1,789 97.8 % 65% to 75% 133 6.2 41 2.2 Total $ 2,144 100.0 % $ 1,830 100.0 % The estimated fair value of agricultural mortgage loans was $2.2 billion and $1.9 billion at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Credit Quality of Residential Mortgage Loans The credit quality of residential mortgage loans was as follows at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Recorded Investment % of Total Recorded Investment % of Total (Dollars in millions) Performance indicators: Performing $ 1,072 97.6 % $ 856 98.7 % Nonperforming 26 2.4 11 1.3 Total $ 1,098 100.0 % $ 867 100.0 % The estimated fair value of residential mortgage loans was $1.1 billion and $867 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Past Due and Nonaccrual Mortgage Loans The Company has a high quality, well performing mortgage loan portfolio, with 99% of all mortgage loans classified as performing at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . The Company defines delinquency consistent with industry practice, when mortgage loans are past due as follows: commercial and residential mortgage loans — 60 days and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days. The past due and nonaccrual mortgage loans at recorded investment, prior to valuation allowances, by portfolio segment, were as follows at: Past Due Nonaccrual Status September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (Dollars in millions) Commercial $ — $ — $ — $ — Agricultural — — — — Residential 26 11 26 11 Total $ 26 $ 11 $ 26 $ 11 Mortgage Loans Modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring The Company did not have a significant amount of mortgage loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring during both the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity and equity securities AFS and the effect on DAC, VOBA, deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) and future policy benefits, that would result from the realization of the unrealized gains (losses), are included in net unrealized investment gains (losses) in AOCI. The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in AOCI, were as follows: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Fixed maturity securities $ 4,335 $ 2,600 Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI 5 1 Total fixed maturity securities 4,340 2,601 Equity securities 55 32 Derivatives 283 397 Short-term investments — (42 ) Other (9 ) 59 Subtotal 4,669 3,047 Amounts allocated from: Future policy benefits (2,384 ) (922 ) DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI (2 ) (2 ) DAC, VOBA and DSI (296 ) (193 ) Subtotal (2,682 ) (1,117 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI (1 ) — Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (695 ) (653 ) Net unrealized investment gains (losses) $ 1,291 $ 1,277 The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows: Nine Months (In millions) Balance, beginning of period $ 1,277 Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized 4 Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period 1,618 Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to: Future policy benefits (1,462 ) DAC, VOBA and DSI (103 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI (1 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (42 ) Balance, end of period $ 1,291 Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) $ 14 Concentrations of Credit Risk There were no investments in any counterparty that were greater than 10% of the Company’s equity, other than the U.S. government and its agencies, at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . Securities Lending Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Securities on loan: (1) Amortized cost $ 3,169 $ 5,895 Estimated fair value $ 3,820 $ 6,555 Cash collateral received from counterparties (2) $ 3,902 $ 6,642 Security collateral received from counterparties (3) $ — $ 27 Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value $ 3,935 $ 6,571 __________________ (1) Included within fixed maturity securities. (2) Included within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions. (3) Security collateral received from counterparties may not be sold or re-pledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected on the consolidated financial statements. The cash collateral liability by loaned security type and remaining tenor of the agreements were as follows at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements Open (1) 1 Month or Less 1 to 6 Months Total Open (1) 1 Month or Less 1 to 6 Months Total (In millions) Cash collateral liability by loaned security type: U.S. government and agency $ 1,480 $ 1,512 $ 910 $ 3,902 $ 2,129 $ 1,906 $ 1,743 $ 5,778 U.S. corporate — — — — — 480 — 480 Agency RMBS — — — — — — 274 274 Foreign corporate — — — — — 58 — 58 Foreign government — — — — — 52 — 52 Total $ 1,480 $ 1,512 $ 910 $ 3,902 $ 2,129 $ 2,496 $ 2,017 $ 6,642 __________________ (1) The related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day which would require the Company to immediately return the cash collateral. If the Company is required to return significant amounts of cash collateral on short notice and is forced to sell securities to meet the return obligation, it may have difficulty selling such collateral that is invested in securities in a timely manner, be forced to sell securities in a volatile or illiquid market for less than what otherwise would have been realized under normal market conditions, or both. The estimated fair value of the securities on loan related to the cash collateral on open at September 30, 2017 was $1.4 billion , all of which were U.S. government and agency securities which, if put back to the Company, could be immediately sold to satisfy the cash requirement. The reinvestment portfolio acquired with the cash collateral consisted principally of fixed maturity securities (including agency RMBS, ABS, U.S. and foreign corporate securities, U.S. government and agency securities and non-agency RMBS) with 60% invested in agency RMBS, U.S. government and agency securities, short-term investments, cash equivalents, or held in cash at September 30, 2017 . If the securities on loan or the reinvestment portfolio become less liquid, the Company has the liquidity resources of most of its general account available to meet any potential cash demands when securities on loan are put back to the Company. Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral are presented below at estimated fair value at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) $ 8,093 $ 7,644 Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements) 2,511 9,054 Invested assets pledged as collateral 3,933 3,548 Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral $ 14,537 $ 20,246 __________________ The Company has pledged invested assets in connection with various agreements and transactions, including funding agreements (see Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report) and derivative transactions (see Note 6 ). The Company held in trust certain investments in connection with certain reinsurance transactions. In April 2017, certain assets held in trust were liquidated in connection with the Contribution Transactions discussed in Note 3 . Amounts in the table above include invested assets and cash and cash equivalents. See “— Securities Lending” for information regarding securities on loan. Variable Interest Entities The Company has invested in legal entities that are VIEs. In certain instances, the Company holds both the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity, as well as an economic interest in the entity and, as such, is deemed to be the primary beneficiary or consolidator of the entity. The determination of the VIE’s primary beneficiary requires an evaluation of the contractual and implied rights and obligations associated with each party’s relationship with or involvement in the entity, an estimate of the entity’s expected losses and expected residual returns and the allocation of such estimates to each party involved in the entity. Consolidated VIEs Creditors or beneficial interest holders of VIEs where the Company is the pr imary beneficiary have no recourse to the general credit of the Company, as the Company’s obligation to the VIEs is limited to the amount of its committed investment. The following table presents the total assets and total liabilities re lating to VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary and which are consolidated at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Total Assets Total Liabilities Total Assets Total Liabilities (In millions) MRSC (collateral financing arrangement (primarily securities)) (1) $ — $ — $ 3,422 $ — CSEs (assets (primarily loans) and liabilities (primarily debt)) (2) 120 14 137 24 Total $ 120 $ 14 $ 3,559 $ 24 __________________ (1) In April 2017, these assets were liquidated in connection with the Contribution Transactions discussed in Note 3 . (2) The Company consolidates entities that are structured as CMBS. The assets of these entities can only be used to settle their respective liabilities, and under no circumstances is the Company liable for any principal or interest shortfalls should any arise. The Company’s exposure was limited to that of its remaining investment in these entities of $87 million and $95 million at estimated fair value at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Unconsolidated VIEs The carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss relating to VIEs in which the Company holds a significant variable interest but is not the primary beneficiary and which have not been consolidated were as follows at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Amount Maximum Exposure to Loss (1) Carrying Amount Maximum Exposure to Loss (1) (In millions) Fixed maturity securities AFS: Structured Securities (2) $ 11,148 $ 11,148 $ 12,809 $ 12,809 U.S. and foreign corporate 498 498 536 536 Other limited partnership interests 1,490 2,391 1,491 2,287 Other investments (3) 77 86 77 88 Total $ 13,213 $ 14,123 $ 14,913 $ 15,720 __________________ (1) The maximum exposure to loss relating to fixed maturity securities AFS is equal to their carrying amounts or the carrying amounts of retained interests. The maximum exposure to loss relating to other limited partnership interests and real estate joint ventures is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments. For certain of its investments in other invested assets, the Company’s return is in the form of income tax credits which are guaranteed by creditworthy third parties. For such investments, the maximum exposure to loss is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments, reduced by income tax credits guaranteed by third parties. There were no income tax credits at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . Such a maximum loss would be expected to occur only upon bankruptcy of the issuer or investee. (2) For these variable interests, the Company’s involvement is limited to that of a passive investor in mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities issued by trusts that do not have substantial equity. (3) Other investments is comprised of real estate joint ventures, other invested assets and non-redeemable preferred stock. As described in Note 11 , the Company makes commitments to fund partnership investments in the normal course of business. Excluding these commitments, the Company did not provide financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs during both the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 . Net Investment Income The components of net investment income were as follows: Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Investment income: Fixed maturity securities $ 582 $ 670 $ 1,756 $ 1,945 Equity securities 3 6 10 16 Mortgage loans 111 94 329 292 Policy loans 12 13 35 42 Real estate and real estate joint ventures 13 10 39 25 Other limited partnership interests 38 79 143 120 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 8 5 25 14 Other 9 6 21 15 Subtotal 776 883 2,358 2,469 Less: Investment expenses 46 44 133 128 Subtotal, net 730 839 2,225 2,341 FVO CSEs — interest income — commercial mortgage loans 2 3 6 8 Net investment income $ 732 $ 842 $ 2,231 $ 2,349 See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs. See “— Related Party Investment Transactions” for discussion of related party investment expenses. Net Investment Gains (Losses) Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses) The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows: Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities: Total OTTI losses recognized — by sector and industry: U.S. and foreign corporate securities — by industry: Industrial $ — $ — $ — $ (16 ) Total U.S. and foreign corporate securities — — — (16 ) RMBS — (4 ) — (6 ) State and political subdivision — — (1 ) — OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings — (4 ) (1 ) (22 ) Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals 21 47 (15 ) 30 Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities 21 43 (16 ) 8 Total gains (losses) on equity securities: Total OTTI losses recognized — by sector: Common stock — — — (1 ) OTTI losses on equity securities recognized in earnings — — — (1 ) Equity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals 3 4 4 8 Total gains (losses) on equity securities 3 4 4 7 Mortgage loans (2 ) 10 (7 ) 4 Real estate and real estate joint ventures 1 (33 ) 4 (34 ) Other limited partnership interests — (1 ) (10 ) (7 ) Other (1 ) 5 (6 ) 11 Subtotal 22 28 (31 ) (11 ) FVO CSEs: Commercial mortgage loans (1 ) (3 ) (2 ) (3 ) Long-term debt — related to commercial mortgage loans — 1 — 1 Non-investment portfolio gains (losses) — — (1 ) (1 ) Subtotal (1 ) (2 ) (3 ) (3 ) Total net investment gains (losses) $ 21 $ 26 $ (34 ) $ (14 ) See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs. See “— Related Party Investment Transactions” for discussion of net investment gains (losses) related to transfers of invested assets to former affiliates. Gains (losses) from foreign currency transactions included within net investment gains (losses) were $0 and ($5) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $4 million and $9 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively. Sales or Disposals and Impairments of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Investment gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains (losses) were as shown in the table below. Three Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 Fixed Maturity Securities Equity Securities (In millions) Proceeds $ 4,711 $ 8,389 $ 16 $ 35 Gross investment gains $ 30 $ 78 $ 3 $ 4 Gross investment losses (9 ) (31 ) — — OTTI losses — (4 ) — — Net investment gains (losses) $ 21 $ 43 $ 3 $ 4 Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 Fixed Maturity Securities Equity Securities (In millions) Proceeds $ 9,074 $ 23,168 $ 29 $ 41 Gross investment gains $ 50 $ 165 $ 5 $ 8 Gross investment losses (65 ) (135 ) (1 ) — OTTI losses (1 ) (22 ) — (1 ) Net investment gains (losses) $ (16 ) $ 8 $ 4 $ 7 Credit Loss Rollforward The table below presents a rollforward of the cumulative credit loss component of OTTI loss recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities still held for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in OCI: Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Balance, beginning of period $ 9 $ 60 $ 28 $ 66 Additions: Additional impairments — credit loss OTTI on securities previously impaired — 3 — 5 Reductions: Sales (maturities, pay downs or prepayments) of securities previously impaired as credit loss OTTI (8 ) (7 ) (27 ) (15 ) Balance, end of period $ 1 $ 56 $ 1 $ 56 Related Party Investment Transactions The Company previously transferred invested assets, primarily consisting of fixed maturity securities, to and from former affiliates, which were as follows: Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred to former affiliates $ — $ 574 $ 292 $ 732 Amortized cost of invested assets transferred to former affiliates $ — $ 539 $ 294 $ 657 Net investment gains (losses) recognized on transfers $ — $ 13 $ (2 ) $ 13 Change in additional paid-in-capital recognized on transfers $ — $ 21 $ — $ 62 Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred from former affiliates $ — $ 484 $ — $ 4,763 In April 2016, the Company received a transfer of investments and cash and cash equivalents of $4.3 billion for the recapture of risks related to certain single premium deferred annuity contracts previously reinsured to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”), a former affiliate, which are included in the table above. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report for additional information related to the transfer. The Company had loans outstanding to MetLife, Inc., which were included in other invested assets, totaling $1.1 billion at December 31, 2016. These loans were carried at fixed interest rates of 4.21% and 5.10% , payable semiannually, and were due on September 30, 2032 and December 31, 2033 , respectively. In April 2017 , the two loans were repaid. See Notes 3 and 8 . The Company receives investment administrative services from MLIC. The related investment administrative service charges were $22 million and $70 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $25 million and $72 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively. In January 2017, MLIC recaptured risks related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees on certain variable annuities being reinsured by the Company. The Company transferred investments and cash and cash equivalents which are included in the table above. See Note 12 for additional information related to the transfer. In March 2017, the Company sold an operating joint venture with a book value of $89 million to MLIC for $286 million . The operating joint venture was accounted for under the equity method and included in other invested assets. This sale resulted in an increase in additional paid-in capital of $202 million in the first quarter of 2017.
Investments	The changes in the valuation allowance, by portfolio segment, were as follows: Nine Months 2017 2016 Commercial Agricultural Residential Total Commercial Agricultural Residential Total (In millions) Balance, beginning of period $ 32 $ 5 $ 3 $ 40 $ 28 $ 5 $ 3 $ 36 Provision (release) 2 1 1 4 4 — 2 6 Balance, end of period $ 34 $ 6 $ 4 $ 44 $ 32 $ 5 $ 5 $ 42 Cash Equivalents The carrying value of cash equivalents, which includes securities and other investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase, was $787 million and $4.7 billion at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

Derivatives

Derivatives	9 Months Ended
Derivatives	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	6. Derivatives Accounting for Derivatives Freestanding Derivatives Freestanding derivatives are carried on the Company’s balance sheet either as assets within other invested assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value. The Company does not offset the estimated fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement. Accruals on derivatives are generally recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle within one year are included with the derivatives carrying value in other invested assets or other liabilities. If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are reported in net derivative gains (losses) except as follows: Statement of Operations Presentation: Derivative: Policyholder benefits and claims • Economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits Net investment income • Economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures Hedge Accounting To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge. Hedge designation and financial statement presentation of changes in estimated fair value of the hedging derivatives are as follows: • Fair value hedge (a hedge of the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liability) — in net derivative gains (losses), consistent with the change in estimated fair value of the hedged item attributable to the designated risk being hedged. • Cash flow hedge (a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability) — effectiveness in OCI (deferred gains or losses on the derivative are reclassified into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item); ineffectiveness in net derivative gains (losses). The changes in estimated fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported on the statement of operations within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item. In its hedge documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness and the method that will be used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and at least quarterly throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship. Assessments of hedge effectiveness and measurements of ineffectiveness are also subject to interpretation and estimation and different interpretations or estimates may have a material effect on the amount reported in net income. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument. When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in net derivative gains (losses). The carrying value of the hedged recognized asset or liability under a fair value hedge is no longer adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk, and the cumulative adjustment to its carrying value is amortized into income over the remaining life of the hedged item. Provided the hedged forecasted transaction is still probable of occurrence, the changes in estimated fair value of derivatives recorded in OCI related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transactions will occur on the anticipated date or within two months of that date, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in net derivative gains (losses). Deferred gains and losses of a derivative recorded in OCI pursuant to the discontinued cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction that is no longer probable are recognized immediately in net derivative gains (losses). In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net derivative gains (losses). Embedded Derivatives The Company sells variable annuities and issues certain insurance products and investment contracts and is a party to certain reinsurance agreements that have embedded derivatives. The Company assesses each identified embedded derivative to determine whether it is required to be bifurcated. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for as a freestanding derivative if: • the combined instrument is not accounted for in its entirety at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value recorded in earnings; • the terms of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract; and • a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would qualify as a derivative instrument. Such embedded derivatives are carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value with the host contract and changes in their estimated fair value are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses), except for those in policyholder benefits and claims related to ceded reinsurance of GMIB. If the Company is unable to properly identify and measure an embedded derivative for separation from its host contract, the entire contract is carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income. Additionally, the Company may elect to carry an entire contract on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income if that contract contains an embedded derivative that requires bifurcation. See Note 7 for information about the fair value hierarchy for derivatives. Derivative Strategies The Company is exposed to various risks relating to its ongoing business operations, including interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, credit and equity market. The Company uses a variety of strategies to manage these risks, including the use of derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments with values derived from interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and/or other financial indices. Derivatives may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. Certain of the Company’s OTC derivatives are cleared and settled through central clearing counterparties (“OTC-cleared”), while others are bilateral contracts between two counterparties (“OTC-bilateral”). The types of derivatives the Company uses include swaps, forwards, futures and option contracts. To a lesser extent, the Company uses credit default swaps to synthetically replicate investment risks and returns which are not readily available in the cash markets. Interest Rate Derivatives The Company uses a variety of interest rate derivatives to reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates, including interest rate swaps, caps, floors, swaptions and futures. Interest rate swaps are used by the Company primarily to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). In an interest rate swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate and floating rate interest amounts as calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. The Company utilizes interest rate swaps in fair value, cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships. Interest rate total return swaps are swaps whereby the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the economic risk and reward of an asset or a market index and the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. No cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract. Cash is paid and received over the life of the contract based on the terms of the swap. These transactions are entered into pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by the counterparty at each due date. Interest rate total return swaps are used by the Company to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). The Company utilizes interest rate total return swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships. The Company purchases interest rate caps and floors primarily to protect its floating rate liabilities against rises in interest rates above a specified level, and against interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities, as well as to protect its minimum rate guarantee liabilities against declines in interest rates below a specified level, respectively. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased caps and floors by entering into offsetting written caps and floors. The Company utilizes interest rate caps and floors in nonqualifying hedging relationships. In exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of interest rate securities, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures are used primarily to hedge mismatches between the duration of assets in a portfolio and the duration of liabilities supported by those assets, to hedge against changes in value of securities the Company owns or anticipates acquiring, to hedge against changes in interest rates on anticipated liability issuances by replicating Treasury or swap curve performance, and to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded interest rate futures in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Swaptions are used by the Company to hedge interest rate risk associated with the Company’s long-term liabilities and invested assets. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap with a forward starting effective date. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased swaptions by entering into offsetting written swaptions. The Company pays a premium for purchased swaptions and receives a premium for written swaptions. The Company utilizes swaptions in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Swaptions are included in interest rate options. Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Derivatives The Company uses foreign currency swaps to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. In a foreign currency swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between one currency and another at a fixed exchange rate, generally set at inception, calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional amount. The notional amount of each currency is exchanged at the inception and termination of the currency swap by each party. The Company utilizes foreign currency swaps in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships. To a lesser extent, the Company uses foreign currency forwards in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Credit Derivatives The Company enters into purchased credit default swaps to hedge against credit-related changes in the value of its investments. In a credit default swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to pay, at specified intervals, a premium to hedge credit risk. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the delivery of par quantities of the referenced investment equal to the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the payment of cash amounts by the counterparty equal to the par value of the investment surrendered. Credit events vary by type of issuer but typically include bankruptcy, failure to pay debt obligations, repudiation, moratorium, involuntary restructuring or governmental intervention. In each case, payout on a credit default swap is triggered only after the Credit Derivatives Determinations Committee of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) deems that a credit event has occurred. The Company utilizes credit default swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships. The Company enters into written credit default swaps to create synthetic credit investments that are either more expensive to acquire or otherwise unavailable in the cash markets. These transactions are a combination of a derivative and one or more cash instruments, such as U.S. government and agency securities or other fixed maturity securities. These credit default swaps are not designated as hedging instruments. Equity Derivatives The Company uses a variety of equity derivatives to reduce its exposure to equity market risk, including equity index options, equity variance swaps, exchange-traded equity futures and equity total return swaps. Equity index options are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. To hedge against adverse changes in equity indices, the Company enters into contracts to sell the equity index within a limited time at a contracted price. The contracts will be net settled in cash based on differentials in the indices at the time of exercise and the strike price. Certain of these contracts may also contain settlement provisions linked to interest rates. In certain instances, the Company may enter into a combination of transactions to hedge adverse changes in equity indices within a pre-determined range through the purchase and sale of options. The Company utilizes equity index options in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Equity variance swaps are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. In an equity variance swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange amounts in the future, based on changes in equity volatility over a defined period. The Company utilizes equity variance swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships. In exchange-traded equity futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of equity securities, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded equity futures are used primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded equity futures in nonqualifying hedging relationships. In an equity total return swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the economic risk and reward of an asset or a market index and the LIBOR, calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. No cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract. Cash is paid and received over the life of the contract based on the terms of the swap. The Company uses equity total return swaps to hedge its equity market guarantees in certain of its insurance products. Equity total return swaps can be used as hedges or to create synthetic investments. The Company utilizes equity total return swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Primary Risks Managed by Derivatives The following table presents the primary underlying risk exposure, gross notional amount, and estimated fair value of the Company’s derivatives, excluding embedded derivatives, held at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Primary Underlying Risk Exposure Gross Notional Estimated Fair Value Gross Notional Estimated Fair Value Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities (In millions) Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps Interest rate $ 182 $ 44 $ — $ 310 $ 41 $ — Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps Interest rate 45 8 — 45 7 — Foreign currency swaps Foreign currency exchange rate 1,534 108 48 1,420 186 10 Subtotal 1,579 116 48 1,465 193 10 Total qualifying hedges 1,761 160 48 1,775 234 10 Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate swaps Interest rate 20,227 994 786 28,175 1,928 1,688 Interest rate floors Interest rate — — — 2,100 5 2 Interest rate caps Interest rate 5,032 7 — 12,042 25 — Interest rate futures Interest rate 282 — — 1,288 9 — Interest rate options Interest rate 24,600 183 28 15,520 136 — Interest rate total return swaps Interest rate — — — 3,876 — 611 Foreign currency swaps Foreign currency exchange rate 959 80 25 1,250 153 4 Foreign currency forwards Foreign currency exchange rate 166 1 — 158 9 — Credit default swaps — purchased Credit 34 — — 34 — — Credit default swaps — written Credit 1,879 37 — 1,891 28 — Equity futures Equity market 2,535 — 11 8,037 38 — Equity index options Equity market 47,727 827 1,568 37,501 897 934 Equity variance swaps Equity market 14,894 176 607 14,894 140 517 Equity total return swaps Equity market 1,794 — 63 2,855 1 117 Total non-designated or nonqualifying derivatives 120,129 2,305 3,088 129,621 3,369 3,873 Total $ 121,890 $ 2,465 $ 3,136 $ 131,396 $ 3,603 $ 3,883 Based on gross notional amounts, a substantial portion of the Company’s derivatives was not designated or did not qualify as part of a hedging relationship at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . The Company’s use of derivatives includes (i) derivatives that serve as macro hedges of the Company’s exposure to various risks and that generally do not qualify for hedge accounting due to the criteria required under the portfolio hedging rules; (ii) derivatives that economically hedge insurance liabilities that contain mortality or morbidity risk and that generally do not qualify for hedge accounting because the lack of these risks in the derivatives cannot support an expectation of a highly effective hedging relationship; (iii) derivatives that economically hedge embedded derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting because the changes in estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives are already recorded in net income; and (iv) written credit default swaps that are used to create synthetic credit investments and that do not qualify for hedge accounting because they do not involve a hedging relationship. For these nonqualified derivatives, changes in market factors can lead to the recognition of fair value changes on the statement of operations without an offsetting gain or loss recognized in earnings for the item being hedged. Net Derivative Gains (Losses) The components of net derivative gains (losses) were as follows: Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Freestanding derivatives and hedging gains (losses) (1) $ (747 ) $ (1,033 ) $ (2,100 ) $ 257 Embedded derivatives gains (losses) 585 531 1,036 (3,486 ) Total net derivative gains (losses) $ (162 ) $ (502 ) $ (1,064 ) $ (3,229 ) __________________ (1) Includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on hedged items in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships, which are not presented elsewhere in this note. The following table presents earned income on derivatives: Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Qualifying hedges: Net investment income $ 5 $ 5 $ 16 $ 13 Nonqualifying hedges: Net derivative gains (losses) 67 124 253 320 Policyholder benefits and claims 1 4 8 11 Total $ 73 $ 133 $ 277 $ 344 Nonqualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging The following table presents the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives that were not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments: Net Net Policyholder (In millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate derivatives $ (81 ) $ — $ 6 Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (30 ) — — Credit derivatives — purchased — — — Credit derivatives — written 5 — — Equity derivatives (711 ) — (64 ) Total $ (817 ) $ — $ (58 ) Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Interest rate derivatives $ (372 ) $ — $ (3 ) Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (8 ) — — Credit derivatives — purchased (1 ) — — Credit derivatives — written 9 — — Equity derivatives (793 ) (2 ) (188 ) Total $ (1,165 ) $ (2 ) $ (191 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate derivatives $ (145 ) $ — $ 8 Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (72 ) — — Credit derivatives — purchased — — — Credit derivatives — written 16 — — Equity derivatives (2,123 ) (1 ) (341 ) Total $ (2,324 ) $ (1 ) $ (333 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Interest rate derivatives $ 1,044 $ — $ 26 Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 24 — — Credit derivatives — purchased (1 ) — — Credit derivatives — written 8 — — Equity derivatives (1,144 ) (6 ) (205 ) Total $ (69 ) $ (6 ) $ (179 ) __________________ (1) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures. (2) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits. Fair Value Hedges The Company designates and accounts for interest rate swaps to convert fixed rate assets and liabilities to floating rate assets and liabilities as fair value hedges when they have met the requirements of fair value hedging. The Company recognizes gains and losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair value hedges within net derivative gains (losses). The following table presents the amount of such net derivative gains (losses): Net Derivative Net Derivative Ineffectiveness (In millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate swaps: Fixed maturity securities $ — $ — $ — Policyholder liabilities (1) 1 (1 ) — Total $ 1 $ (1 ) $ — Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Interest rate swaps: Fixed maturity securities $ 2 $ (1 ) $ 1 Policyholder liabilities (1) 1 (1 ) — Total $ 3 $ (2 ) $ 1 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate swaps: Fixed maturity securities $ — $ — $ — Policyholder liabilities (1) 2 (2 ) — Total $ 2 $ (2 ) $ — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Interest rate swaps: Fixed maturity securities $ (1 ) $ 1 $ — Policyholder liabilities (1) 25 (25 ) — Total $ 24 $ (24 ) $ — __________________ (1) Fixed rate liabilities reported in policyholder account balances or future policy benefits. All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Cash Flow Hedges The Company designates and accounts for the following as cash flow hedges when they have met the requirements of cash flow hedging: (i) interest rate swaps to convert floating rate assets and liabilities to fixed rate assets and liabilities; (ii) foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency cash flow exposure of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities; (iii) interest rate forwards and credit forwards to lock in the price to be paid for forward purchases of investments; and (iv) interest rate swaps and interest rate forwards to hedge the forecasted purchases of fixed-rate investments. In certain instances, the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transactions were no longer probable of occurring. Because certain of the forecasted transactions also were not probable of occurring within two months of the anticipated date, the Company reclassified amounts from AOCI into net derivative gains (losses). These amounts were $0 and $9 million , for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $1 million and $1 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the maximum length of time over which the Company was hedging its exposure to variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions did not exceed two years and three years , respectively. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the balance in AOCI associated with cash flow hedges was $283 million and $397 million , respectively. The following table presents the effects of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) and the consolidated statements of equity: Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI on Derivatives Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss) Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives (Effective Portion) (Effective Portion) (Ineffective Portion) Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Net Investment Income Net Derivative Gains (Losses) (In millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate swaps $ — $ — $ — $ — Interest rate forwards — — 1 — Foreign currency swaps (50 ) — — — Credit forwards — — — — Total $ (50 ) $ — $ 1 $ — Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Interest rate swaps $ 1 $ — $ 1 $ — Interest rate forwards 1 1 — — Foreign currency swaps (17 ) 2 — — Credit forwards — — — — Total $ (15 ) $ 3 $ 1 $ — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate swaps $ 1 $ — $ 2 $ — Interest rate forwards — — 2 — Foreign currency swaps (102 ) 9 — — Credit forwards — — — — Total $ (101 ) $ 9 $ 4 $ — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Interest rate swaps $ 37 $ 12 $ 2 $ — Interest rate forwards 8 2 2 — Foreign currency swaps 29 3 — — Credit forwards — — — — Total $ 74 $ 17 $ 4 $ — All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. At September 30, 2017 , the Company expects to reclassify $18 million of deferred net gains (losses) on derivatives in AOCI to earnings within the next 12 months. Credit Derivatives In connection with synthetically created credit investment transactions, the Company writes credit default swaps for which it receives a premium to insure credit risk. Such credit derivatives are included within the nonqualifying derivatives and derivatives for purposes other than hedging table. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the Company paying the counterparty the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the delivery of par quantities of the referenced credit obligation. The Company’s maximum amount at risk, assuming the value of all referenced credit obligations is zero, was $1.9 billion at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . The Company can terminate these contracts at any time through cash settlement with the counterparty at an amount equal to the then current estimated fair value of the credit default swaps. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company would have received $37 million and $28 million , respectively, to terminate all of these contracts. The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations (1) Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2) Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2) (Dollars in millions) Aaa/Aa/A Single name credit default swaps (3) $ 1 $ 25 2.9 $ 1 $ 45 2.2 Credit default swaps referencing indices 11 533 3.0 8 433 3.7 Subtotal 12 558 3.0 9 478 3.6 Baa Single name credit default swaps (3) 1 130 1.3 1 180 1.6 Credit default swaps referencing indices 24 1,166 5.3 18 1,213 4.8 Subtotal 25 1,296 4.9 19 1,393 4.4 Ba Single name credit default swaps (3) — 25 4.7 — 20 2.7 Credit default swaps referencing indices — — — — — — Subtotal — 25 4.7 — 20 2.7 Total $ 37 $ 1,879 4.3 $ 28 $ 1,891 4.2 __________________ (1) The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”) and Fitch Ratings. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used. (2) The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average gross notional amounts. (3) Single name credit default swaps may be referenced to the credit of corporations, foreign governments, or state and political subdivisions. Credit Risk on Freestanding Derivatives The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by its counterparties to derivatives. Generally, the current credit exposure of the Company’s derivatives is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of derivatives at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of master netting or similar agreements and any collateral received pursuant to such agreements. The Company manages its credit risk related to derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties and establishing and monitoring exposure limits. The Company’s OTC-bilateral derivative transactions are generally governed by ISDA Master Agreements which provide for legally enforceable set-off and close-out netting of exposures to specific counterparties in the event of early termination of a transaction, which includes, but is not limited to, events of default and bankruptcy. In the event of an early termination, the Company is permitted to set off receivables from the counterparty against payables to the same counterparty arising out of all included transactions. Substantially all of the Company’s ISDA Master Agreements also include Credit Support Annex provisions which require both the pledging and accepting of collateral in connection with its OTC-bilateral derivatives. The Company’s OTC-cleared derivatives are effected through central clearing counterparties and its exchange-traded derivatives are effected through regulated exchanges. Such positions are marked to market and margined on a daily basis (both initial margin and variation margin), and the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to such derivatives. See Note 7 for a description of the impact of credit risk on the valuation of derivatives. The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreeme

Fair Value

Fair Value	9 Months Ended
Fair Value	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value	7. Fair Value Considerable judgment is often required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value, and the use of different assumptions or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. Recurring Fair Value Measurements The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, including those items for which the Company has elected the FVO, are presented below at: September 30, 2017 Fair Value Hierarchy Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In millions) Assets Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ — $ 20,256 $ 1,581 $ 21,837 U.S. government and agency 7,698 7,394 — 15,092 RMBS 22 6,676 1,150 7,848 Foreign corporate — 5,537 957 6,494 State and political subdivision — 4,028 9 4,037 CMBS — 3,104 141 3,245 ABS — 1,605 112 1,717 Foreign government — 1,213 — 1,213 Total fixed maturity securities 7,720 49,813 3,950 61,483 Equity securities 39 96 130 265 Short-term investments 472 623 1 1,096 Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO — 119 — 119 Derivative assets: (1) Interest rate — 1,236 — 1,236 Foreign currency exchange rate — 189 — 189 Credit — 27 10 37 Equity market — 803 200 1,003 Total derivative assets — 2,255 210 2,465 Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2) — — 220 220 Separate account assets (3) 415 108,422 6 108,843 Total assets $ 8,646 $ 161,328 $ 4,517 $ 174,491 Liabilities Derivative liabilities: (1) Interest rate $ — $ 814 $ — $ 814 Foreign currency exchange rate — 72 1 73 Credit — — — — Equity market 11 1,623 615 2,249 Total derivative liabilities 11 2,509 616 3,136 Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2) — — 2,289 2,289 Long-term debt of CSEs — FVO — 14 — 14 Total liabilities $ 11 $ 2,523 $ 2,905 $ 5,439 December 31, 2016 Fair Value Hierarchy Total Estimated Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In millions) Assets Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ — $ 20,221 $ 1,444 $ 21,665 U.S. government and agency 6,110 6,806 — 12,916 RMBS — 6,627 1,313 7,940 Foreign corporate — 5,257 866 6,123 State and political subdivision — 3,841 17 3,858 CMBS — 3,529 167 3,696 ABS — 2,383 215 2,598 Foreign government — 1,103 — 1,103 Total fixed maturity securities 6,110 49,767 4,022 59,899 Equity securities 39 124 137 300 Short-term investments 702 568 2 1,272 Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO — 136 — 136 Derivative assets: (1) Interest rate 9 2,142 — 2,151 Foreign currency exchange rate — 348 — 348 Credit — 20 8 28 Equity market 37 860 179 1,076 Total derivative assets 46 3,370 187 3,603 Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2) — — 409 409 Separate account assets (3) 720 104,616 10 105,346 Total assets $ 7,617 $ 158,581 $ 4,767 $ 170,965 Liabilities Derivative liabilities: (1) Interest rate $ — $ 1,690 $ 611 $ 2,301 Foreign currency exchange rate — 14 — 14 Equity market — 1,038 530 1,568 Total derivative liabilities — 2,742 1,141 3,883 Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2) — — 3,170 3,170 Long-term debt of CSEs — FVO — 23 — 23 Total liabilities $ — $ 2,765 $ 4,311 $ 7,076 __________________ (1) Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets and derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation on the consolidated balance sheets, but are presented net for purposes of the rollforward in the Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) tables. (2) Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , debt and equity securities also included embedded derivatives of ($56) million and ($49) million , respectively. (3) Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders whose liability is reflected within separate account liabilities. Separate account liabilities are set equal to the estimated fair value of separate account assets. The following describes the valuation methodologies used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. The description includes the valuation techniques and key inputs for each category of assets or liabilities that are classified within Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Investments Valuation Controls and Procedures The Company monitors and provides oversight of valuation controls and policies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives, which are primarily executed by MetLife Investment Advisors, LLC (“MLIA”), a related party investment manager. The valuation methodologies used to determine fair values prioritize the use of observable market prices and market-based parameters and determines that judgmental valuation adjustments, when applied, are based upon established policies and are applied consistently over time. The valuation methodologies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives are reviewed on an ongoing basis and revised when necessary, based on changing market conditions. In addition, the Chief Accounting Officer periodically reports to the Audit Committee of Brighthouse’s Board of Directors regarding compliance with fair value accounting standards. The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities is based on quoted market prices, where available. The Company assesses whether prices received represent a reasonable estimate of fair value through controls designed to ensure valuations represent an exit price. MLIA performs several controls, including certain monthly controls, which include, but are not limited to, analysis of portfolio returns to corresponding benchmark returns, comparing a sample of executed prices of securities sold to the fair value estimates, reviewing the bid/ask spreads to assess activity, comparing prices from multiple independent pricing services and ongoing due diligence to confirm that independent pricing services use market-based parameters. The process includes a determination of the observability of inputs used in estimated fair values received from independent pricing services or brokers by assessing whether these inputs can be corroborated by observable market data. Independent non-binding broker quotes, also referred to herein as “consensus pricing”, are used for non-significant portion of the portfolio. Prices received from independent brokers are assessed to determine if they represent a reasonable estimate of fair value by considering such pricing relative to the current market dynamics and current pricing for similar financial instruments. Fixed maturity securities priced using independent non-binding broker quotations represent less than 1% of the total estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities and 5% of the total estimated fair value of Level 3 fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2017 . MLIA also applies a formal process to challenge any prices received from independent pricing services that are not considered representative of estimated fair value. If prices received from independent pricing services are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value, independent non-binding broker quotations are obtained. If obtaining an independent non-binding broker quotation is unsuccessful, MLIA will use the last available price. The Company reviews outputs of MLIA’s controls and performs additional controls, including certain monthly controls, which include but are not limited to, performing balance sheet analytics to assess reasonableness of period to period pricing changes, including any price adjustments. Price adjustments are applied if prices or quotes received from independent pricing services or brokers are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value. The Company did not have significant price adjustments during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . Securities, Short-term Investments and Long-term Debt of CSEs — FVO When available, the estimated fair value of these financial instruments is based on quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly obtainable. Generally, these are the most liquid of the Company’s securities holdings and valuation of these securities does not involve management’s judgment. When quoted prices in active markets are not available, the determination of estimated fair value is based on market standard valuation methodologies, giving priority to observable inputs. The significant inputs to the market standard valuation methodologies for certain types of securities with reasonable levels of price transparency are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. When observable inputs are not available, the market standard valuation methodologies rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. These unobservable inputs can be based in large part on management’s judgment or estimation and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though these inputs are unobservable, management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such securities and are considered appropriate given the circumstances. The estimated fair value of long-term debt of CSEs — FVO is determined on a basis consistent with the methodologies described herein for securities. The valuation of most instruments listed below is determined using independent pricing sources, matrix pricing, discounted cash flow methodologies or other similar techniques that use either observable market inputs or unobservable inputs. Instrument Level 2 Observable Inputs Level 3 Unobservable Inputs Fixed Maturity Securities U.S. corporate and Foreign corporate securities Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches. Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach. Key Inputs: Key Inputs: • quoted prices in markets that are not active • illiquidity premium • benchmark yields; spreads off benchmark yields; new issuances; issuer rating • delta spread adjustments to reflect specific credit-related issues • trades of identical or comparable securities; duration • credit spreads • Privately-placed securities are valued using the additional key inputs: • quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2 • market yield curve; call provisions • observable prices and spreads for similar public or private securities that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer • independent non-binding broker quotations • delta spread adjustments to reflect specific credit-related issues U.S. government and agency, State and political subdivision and Foreign government securities Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach. Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach. Key Inputs: Key Inputs: • quoted prices in markets that are not active • independent non-binding broker quotations • benchmark U.S. Treasury yield or other yields • quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2 • the spread off the U.S. Treasury yield curve for the identical security • issuer ratings and issuer spreads; broker-dealer quotes • credit spreads • comparable securities that are actively traded Structured Securities Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches. Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches. Key Inputs: Key Inputs: • quoted prices in markets that are not active • credit spreads • spreads for actively traded securities; spreads off benchmark yields • quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2 • expected prepayment speeds and volumes • current and forecasted loss severity; ratings; geographic region • independent non-binding broker quotations • weighted average coupon and weighted average maturity • average delinquency rates; debt-service coverage ratios • issuance-specific information, including, but not limited to: • collateral type; structure of the security; vintage of the loans • payment terms of the underlying assets • payment priority within the tranche; deal performance Instrument Level 2 Observable Inputs Level 3 Unobservable Inputs Equity Securities Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach. Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches. Key Input: Key Inputs: • quoted prices in markets that are not considered active • credit ratings; issuance structures • quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2 • independent non-binding broker quotations Short-term investments • Short-term investments are of a similar nature and class to the fixed maturity and equity securities described above; accordingly, the valuation approaches and observable inputs used in their valuation are also similar to those described above. • Short-term investments are of a similar nature and class to the fixed maturity and equity securities described above; accordingly, the valuation approaches and unobservable inputs used in their valuation are also similar to those described above. Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach. • N/A Key Input: • quoted securitization market price of the obligations of the CSEs determined principally by independent pricing services using observable inputs Separate Account Assets (1) Mutual funds without readily determinable fair values as prices are not published publicly Key Input: • N/A • quoted prices or reported net asset value (“NAV”) provided by the fund managers Other limited partnership interests • N/A Valued giving consideration to the underlying holdings of the partnerships and by applying a premium or discount, if appropriate. Key Inputs: • liquidity; bid/ask spreads; performance record of the fund manager • other relevant variables that may impact the exit value of the particular partnership interest __________________ (1) Estimated fair value equals carrying value, based on the value of the underlying assets, including: mutual fund interests, fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives, other limited partnership interests, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents. Fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents are similar in nature to the instruments described under “— Securities, Short-term Investments and Long-term Debt of CSEs — FVO” and “— Derivatives — Freestanding Derivatives.” Derivatives The estimated fair value of derivatives is determined through the use of quoted market prices for exchange-traded derivatives, or through the use of pricing models for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives. The determination of estimated fair value, when quoted market values are not available, is based on market standard valuation methodologies and inputs that management believes are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments. Derivative valuations can be affected by changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, financial indices, credit spreads, default risk, nonperformance risk, volatility, liquidity and changes in estimates and assumptions used in the pricing models. The valuation controls and procedures for derivatives are described in “— Investments — Valuation Controls and Procedures.” The significant inputs to the pricing models for most OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Certain OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives may rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. These unobservable inputs may involve significant management judgment or estimation. Even though unobservable, these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments. Most inputs for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are mid-market inputs but, in certain cases, liquidity adjustments are made when they are deemed more representative of exit value. Market liquidity, as well as the use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs, may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s derivatives and could materially affect net income. The credit risk of both the counterparty and the Company are considered in determining the estimated fair value for all OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives, and any potential credit adjustment is based on the net exposure by counterparty after taking into account the effects of netting agreements and collateral arrangements. The Company values its OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives using standard swap curves which may include a spread to the risk-free rate, depending upon specific collateral arrangements. This credit spread is appropriate for those parties that execute trades at pricing levels consistent with similar collateral arrangements. As the Company and its significant derivative counterparties generally execute trades at such pricing levels and hold sufficient collateral, additional credit risk adjustments are not currently required in the valuation process. The Company’s ability to consistently execute at such pricing levels is in part due to the netting agreements and collateral arrangements that are in place with all of its significant derivative counterparties. An evaluation of the requirement to make additional credit risk adjustments is performed by the Company each reporting period. Freestanding Derivatives Level 2 Valuation Approaches and Key Inputs: This level includes all types of derivatives utilized by the Company with the exception of exchange-traded derivatives included within Level 1 and those derivatives with unobservable inputs as described in Level 3. Level 3 Valuation Approaches and Key Inputs: These valuation methodologies generally use the same inputs as described in the corresponding sections for Level 2 measurements of derivatives. However, these derivatives result in Level 3 classification because one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Freestanding derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. Valuations of non-option-based derivatives utilize present value techniques, whereas valuations of option-based derivatives utilize option pricing models. Key inputs are as follows: Instrument Interest Rate Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Credit Equity Market Inputs common to Level 2 and Level 3 by instrument type • swap yield curves • swap yield curves • swap yield curves • swap yield curves • basis curves • basis curves • credit curves • spot equity index levels • interest rate volatility (1) • currency spot rates • recovery rates • dividend yield curves • cross currency basis curves • equity volatility (1) Level 3 • swap yield curves (2) • N/A • swap yield curves (2) • dividend yield curves (2) • basis curves (2) • credit curves (2) • equity volatility (1), (2) • repurchase rates • credit spreads • correlation between model inputs (1) • repurchase rates • independent non-binding broker quotations ______________ (1) Option-based only. (2) Extrapolation beyond the observable limits of the curve(s). Embedded Derivatives Embedded derivatives principally include certain direct, assumed and ceded variable annuity guarantees, equity or bond indexed crediting rates within certain annuity contracts, and those related to funds withheld on ceded reinsurance agreements. Embedded derivatives are recorded at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value reported in net income. The Company issues certain variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs contain embedded derivatives, which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host variable annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s actuarial department calculates the fair value of these embedded derivatives, which are estimated as the present value of projected future benefits minus the present value of projected future fees using actuarial and capital market assumptions including expectations concerning policyholder behavior. The calculation is based on in-force business, and is performed using standard actuarial valuation software which projects future cash flows from the embedded derivative over multiple risk neutral stochastic scenarios using observable risk-free rates. Capital market assumptions, such as risk-free rates and implied volatilities, are based on market prices for publicly traded instruments to the extent that prices for such instruments are observable. Implied volatilities beyond the observable period are extrapolated based on observable implied volatilities and historical volatilities. Actuarial assumptions, including mortality, lapse, withdrawal and utilization, are unobservable and are reviewed at least annually based on actuarial studies of historical experience. The valuation of these guarantee liabilities includes nonperformance risk adjustments and adjustments for a risk margin related to non-capital market inputs. The nonperformance adjustment is determined by taking into consideration publicly available information relating to spreads in the secondary market for Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s debt. These observable spreads are then adjusted to reflect the priority of these liabilities and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance subsidiaries as compared to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s overall financial strength. Risk margins are established to capture the non-capital market risks of the instrument which represent the additional compensation a market participant would require to assume the risks related to the uncertainties of such actuarial assumptions as annuitization, premium persistency, partial withdrawal and surrenders. The establishment of risk margins requires the use of significant management judgment, including assumptions of the amount and cost of capital needed to cover the guarantees. These guarantees may be more costly than expected in volatile or declining equity markets. Market conditions including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, equity indices, market volatility and foreign currency exchange rates; changes in nonperformance risk; and variations in actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder behavior, mortality and risk margins related to non-capital market inputs, may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of the guarantees that could materially affect net income. The Company recaptured from a former affiliate the risk associated with certain GMIBs. These embedded derivatives are included in policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). The value of the embedded derivatives on these recaptured risks is determined using a methodology consistent with that described previously for the guarantees directly written by the Company. The Company ceded to a former affiliate the risk associated with certain of the GMIBs, GMABs and GMWBs described above that are also accounted for as embedded derivatives. In addition to ceding risks associated with guarantees that are accounted for as embedded derivatives, the Company also cedes, to a former affiliate, certain directly written GMIBs that are accounted for as insurance (i.e., not as embedded derivatives), but where the reinsurance agreement contains an embedded derivative. These embedded derivatives are included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). The value of the embedded derivatives on the ceded risk is determined using a methodology consistent with that described previously for the guarantees directly written by the Company with the exception of the input for nonperformance risk that reflects the credit of the reinsurer. The estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives within funds withheld related to certain ceded reinsurance is determined based on the change in estimated fair value of the underlying assets held by the Company in a reference portfolio backing the funds withheld liability. The estimated fair value of the underlying assets is determined as previously described in “— Investments — Securities, Short-term Investments and Long-term Debt of CSEs — FVO.” The estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives is included, along with their funds withheld hosts, in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net derivative gains (losses). Changes in the credit spreads on the underlying assets, interest rates and market volatility may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives that could materially affect net income. The Company issues certain annuity contracts which allow the policyholder to participate in returns from equity indices. These equity indexed features are embedded derivatives which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host fixed annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value of the embedded equity indexed derivatives, based on the present value of future equity returns to the policyholder using actuarial and present value assumptions including expectations concerning policyholder behavior, is calculated by the Company’s actuarial department. The calculation is based on in-force business and uses standard capital market techniques, such as Black-Scholes, to calculate the value of the portion of the embedded derivative for which the terms are set. The portion of the embedded derivative covering the period beyond where terms are set is calculated as the present value of amounts expected to be spent to provide equity indexed returns in those periods. The valuation of these embedded derivatives also includes the establishment of a risk margin, as well as changes in nonperformance risk. Embedded Derivatives Within Asset and Liability Host Contracts Level 3 Valuation Approaches and Key Inputs: Direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits These embedded derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. Valuations are based on option pricing techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include swap yield curves, currency exchange rates and implied volatilities. These embedded derivatives result in Level 3 classification because one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Significant unobservable inputs generally include: the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curves and implied volatilities, actuarial assumptions for policyholder behavior and mortality and the potential variability in policyholder behavior and mortality, nonperformance risk and cost of capital for purposes of calculating the risk margin. Reinsurance ceded on certain guaranteed minimum benefits These embedded derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. The valuation techniques and significant market standard unobservable inputs used in their valuation are similar to those described above in “— Direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits” and also include counterparty credit spreads. Transfers between Levels Overall, transfers between levels occur when there are changes in the observability of inputs and market activity. Transfers into or out of any level are assumed to occur at the beginning of the period. Transfers between Levels 1 and 2: For assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value and still held at September 30, 2017 , there were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2. For assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value and still held at December 31, 2016 , transfers between Levels 1 and 2 were not significant. Transfers into or out of Level 3: Assets and liabilities are transferred into Level 3 when a significant input cannot be corroborated with market observable data. This occurs when market activity decreases significantly and underlying inputs cannot be observed, current prices are not available, and/or when there are significant variances in quoted prices, thereby affecting transparency. Assets and liabilities are transferred out of Level 3 when circumstances change such that a significant input can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable. Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) The following table presents certain quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, and the sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in those inputs, for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Valuation Significant Unobservable Inputs Weighted Range Weighted Fixed maturity securities (3) U.S. corporate and foreign corporate • Matrix pricing • Offered quotes (4) 21 - 140 107 18 - 138 104 Increase • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) — - 498 79 13 - 700 99 Increase • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (4) 87 - 87 87 37 - 109 85 Increase RMBS • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) 48 - 107 95 38 - 111 91 Increase (5) ABS • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) 99 - 104 101 94 - 106 100 Increase (5) • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (4) 99 - 100 99 98 - 100 99 Increase (5) Derivatives Interest rate • Present value techniques • Repurchase rates (7) — - — (44) - 18 Decrease (6) Credit • Present value techniques • Credit spreads (8) 97 - 98 97 - 98 Decrease (8) • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (9) Equity market • Present value techniques or option pricing models • Volatility (10) 8% - 30% 14% - 32% Increase (6) • Correlation (11) 10% - 30% 40% - 40% Embedded derivatives Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits • Option pricing techniques • Mortality rates: Ages 0 - 40 0% - 0.09% 0% - 0.09% Decrease (12) Ages 41 - 60 0.04% - 0.65% 0.04% - 0.65% Decrease (12) Ages 61 - 115 0.26% - 100% 0.26% - 100% Decrease (12) • Lapse rates: Durations 1 - 10 0.25% - 100% 0.25% - 100% Decrease (13) Durations 11 - 20 2% - 100% 2% - 100% Decrease (13) Durations 21 - 116 2% - 100% 2% - 100% Decrease (13) • Utilization rates 0% - 25% 0% - 25% Increase (14) • Withdrawal rates 0.25% - 10% 0.25% - 10% (15) • Long-term equity volatilities 17.40% - 25% 17.40% - 25% Increase (16) • Nonperformance risk spread 0.66% - 1.59% 0.04% - 0.57% Decrease (17) ___________________ (1) The weighted average for fixed maturity securities is determined based on the estimated fair value of the securities. (2) The impact of a

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
Debt	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure	8. Debt On June 16, 2017, MetLife, Inc. forgave the Company’s obligation to pay the principal amount of $750 million , 8.595% surplus notes held by MetLife, Inc. The forgiveness of the surplus notes was treated as a capital transaction and recorded as an increase to additional paid-in-capital. See Note 9 . On April 28, 2017, two surplus note obligations with MetLife, Inc. totaling $1.1 billion , which were due on September 30, 2032 and December 31, 2033 and bore interest at 5.13% and 6.00% , respectively, were satisfied in a non-cash exchange for $1.1 billion of loans outstanding from MetLife, Inc. See Notes 3 and 5 . On April 28, 2017, BRCD entered into a financing arrangement with a pool of highly rated third party reinsurers and a total capacity of $10.0 billion . This financing arrangement consists of credit-linked notes that each have a term of 20 years. At September 30, 2017, there were no drawdowns on such notes and there was $8.1 billion of funding available under this arrangement. See Note 3 .

Equity

Equity	9 Months Ended
Equity	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	9. Equity Capital Transactions The Company recorded a non-cash tax expense and corresponding capital contribution of $1.1 billion in the third quarter of 2017 related to a tax obligation triggered prior to the Separation. Our former parent, through our tax separation agreement (the “Tax Separation Agreement”), is responsible for this tax liability. In September 2017, the Company received a capital contribution of $100 million in cash from Brighthouse Holdings, LLC. In August 2017, the Company received a capital contribution of $400 million in cash from Brighthouse Holdings, LLC. In June 2017, the Company received a capital contribution of $600 million in cash from Brighthouse Holdings, LLC. Also in June 2017, MetLife, Inc. made a non-cash capital contribution of $750 million in the form of forgiveness of debt to the Company. See Note 8 . In April 2017, the Contribution Transactions discussed in Note 3 included a net cash return of capital of $2.7 billion . Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information regarding changes in the balances of each component of AOCI was as follows: Three Months Unrealized Unrealized Foreign Total (In millions) Balance, beginning of period $ 1,675 $ 217 $ (31 ) $ 1,861 OCI before reclassifications (852 ) (50 ) 9 (893 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 305 17 (4 ) 318 AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 1,128 184 (26 ) 1,286 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (23 ) (1 ) — (24 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 2 1 — 3 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax (21 ) — — (21 ) Balance, end of period $ 1,107 $ 184 $ (26 ) $ 1,265 Three Months Unrealized Unrealized Foreign Total (In millions) Balance, beginning of period $ 2,540 $ 288 $ (17 ) $ 2,811 OCI before reclassifications (394 ) (15 ) (13 ) (422 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 145 5 2 152 AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 2,291 278 (28 ) 2,541 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (60 ) (4 ) — (64 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 21 1 — 22 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax (39 ) (3 ) — (42 ) Balance, end of period $ 2,252 $ 275 $ (28 ) $ 2,499 Nine Months Unrealized Unrealized Foreign Total (In millions) Balance, beginning of period $ 1,019 $ 258 $ (29 ) $ 1,248 OCI before reclassifications 106 (101 ) 4 9 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (52 ) 35 (1 ) (18 ) AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 1,073 192 (26 ) 1,239 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 65 (13 ) — 52 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (31 ) 5 — (26 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax 34 (8 ) — 26 Balance, end of period $ 1,107 $ 184 $ (26 ) $ 1,265 Nine Months Unrealized Unrealized Foreign Total (In millions) Balance, beginning of period $ 1,379 $ 241 $ (26 ) $ 1,594 OCI before reclassifications 1,369 74 (3 ) 1,440 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (479 ) (26 ) 1 (504 ) AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 2,269 289 (28 ) 2,530 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (26 ) (21 ) — (47 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 9 7 — 16 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax (17 ) (14 ) — (31 ) Balance, end of period $ 2,252 $ 275 $ (28 ) $ 2,499 __________________ (1) See Note 5 for information on offsets to investments related to future policy benefits, DAC, VOBA and DSI. Information regarding amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI was as follows: AOCI Components Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Locations Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Net unrealized investment gains (losses): Net unrealized investment gains (losses) $ 24 $ 52 $ (22 ) $ 18 Net investment gains (losses) Net unrealized investment gains (losses) (1 ) — 1 — Net investment income Net unrealized investment gains (losses) — 8 (44 ) 8 Net derivative gains (losses) Net unrealized investment gains (losses), before income tax 23 60 (65 ) 26 Income tax (expense) benefit (2 ) (21 ) 31 (9 ) Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax 21 39 (34 ) 17 Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps — — — 12 Net derivative gains (losses) Interest rate swaps — 1 2 2 Net investment income Interest rate forwards — 1 — 2 Net derivative gains (losses) Interest rate forwards 1 — 2 2 Net investment income Foreign currency swaps — 2 9 3 Net derivative gains (losses) Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, before income tax 1 4 13 21 Income tax (expense) benefit (1 ) (1 ) (5 ) (7 ) Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of income tax — 3 8 14 Total reclassifications, net of income tax $ 21 $ 42 $ (26 ) $ 31

Other Expenses

Other Expenses	9 Months Ended
Other Expenses	Sep. 30, 2017
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Expenses	10. Other Expenses Information on other expenses was as follows: Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Compensation $ 77 $ 67 $ 195 $ 292 Commissions 189 157 557 474 Volume-related costs 31 79 146 192 Related party expenses on ceded and assumed reinsurance (3 ) 15 1 16 Capitalization of DAC (57 ) (69 ) (185 ) (252 ) Interest expense on debt (1 ) 34 56 100 Premium taxes, licenses and fees 15 13 45 44 Professional services 53 31 134 57 Rent and related expenses 2 8 9 37 Other 140 88 384 308 Total other expenses $ 446 $ 423 $ 1,342 $ 1,268 Related Party Expenses Commissions and capitalization of DAC include the impact of related party reinsurance transactions. See Note 12 for a discussion of related party expenses included in the table above.

Contingencies, Commitments and

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees	9 Months Ended
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees	Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees	11. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees Contingencies Litigation The Company is a defendant in a number of litigation matters. In some of the matters, 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 reasonably possible verdicts in the jurisdiction for similar matters. This variability in pleadings, together with the actual experience of the Company 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 vagaries of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time may normally be 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. The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when 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 the Company to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be estimated at September 30, 2017 . Matters as to Which an Estimate Can Be Made For some loss contingency matters, the Company is able to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss. For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no accrual has been made. As of September 30, 2017 , the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued for these matters was not material for the Company. Matters as to Which an Estimate Cannot Be Made For other matters, the Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss. The Company is 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, the Company reviews relevant information with respect to litigation contingencies and updates its accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews. Sales Practices Claims Over the past several years, the Company has faced claims and regulatory inquiries and investigations, alleging improper marketing or sales of individual life insurance policies, annuities, mutual funds or other products. The Company continues to defend vigorously against the claims in these matters. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for sales practices matters. Summary Various litigation, claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, investor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations. It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to previously, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although in light of these considerations it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods. Commitments Mortgage Loan Commitments The Company commits to lend funds under mortgage loan commitments. The amounts of these mortgage loan commitments were $284 million and $335 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments The Company commits to fund partnership investments and to lend funds under private corporate bond investments. The amounts of these unfunded commitments were $1.2 billion at September 30, 2017 and $1.3 billion at December 31, 2016 , respectively. Other Commitments The Company had entered into collateral arrangements with former affiliates which required the transfer of collateral in connection with secured demand notes. These arrangements expired during the first quarter of 2017 and the Company is no longer transferring collateral to custody accounts. At December 31, 2016 , the Company had agreed to fund up to $20 million of cash upon the request by these former affiliates and had transferred collateral consisting of various securities with a fair market value of $25 million , to custody accounts to secure the demand notes. Each of these former affiliates was permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral. Guarantees In the normal course of its business, the Company has provided certain indemnities, guarantees and commitments to third parties such that it may be required to make payments now or in the future. In the context of acquisition, disposition, investment and other transactions, the Company has provided indemnities and guarantees, including those related to tax, environmental and other specific liabilities and other indemnities and guarantees that are triggered by, among other things, breaches of representations, warranties or covenants provided by the Company. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Company provides indemnifications to counterparties in contracts with triggers similar to the foregoing, as well as for certain other liabilities, such as third-party lawsuits. These obligations are often subject to time limitations that vary in duration, including contractual limitations and those that arise by operation of law, such as applicable statutes of limitation. In some cases, the maximum potential obligation under the indemnities and guarantees is subject to a contractual limitation ranging from $6 million to $203 million , with a cumulative maximum of $208 million , while in other cases such limitations are not specified or applicable. Since certain of these obligations are not subject to limitations, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount that could become due under these guarantees in the future. Management believes that it is unlikely the Company will have to make any material payments under these indemnities, guarantees, or commitments. In addition, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers as provided in its charters and by-laws. Also, the Company indemnifies its agents for liabilities incurred as a result of their representation of the Company’s interests. Since these indemnities are generally not subject to limitation with respect to duration or amount, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount that could become due under these indemnities in the future. The Company’s recorded liabilities were $2 million at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , for indemnities, guarantees and commitments.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions	Sep. 30, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	12. Related Party Transactions Non-Broker-Dealer Transactions The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with related parties (excluding broker-dealer transactions) for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Income $ (11 ) $ (115 ) $ (121 ) $ (161 ) Expense $ 259 $ 64 $ 668 $ 282 The following table summarizes assets and liabilities from transactions with related parties (excluding broker-dealer transactions) at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Assets $ 2,805 $ 4,288 Liabilities $ 2,655 $ 5,125 The material arrangements between the Company and its related parties are as follows: Reinsurance Agreements The Company enters into reinsurance agreements primarily as a purchaser of reinsurance for its various insurance products and also as a provider of reinsurance for some insurance products issued by related parties. The Company participates in reinsurance activities in order to limit losses, minimize exposure to significant risks and provide additional capacity for future growth. The Company has reinsurance agreements with its affiliate New England Life Insurance Company (“NELICO”) and certain MetLife, Inc. subsidiaries, including MLIC, General American Life Insurance Company, MetLife Europe d.a.c., MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont, Delaware American Life Insurance Company and American Life Insurance Company, all of which were related parties as of September 30, 2017. Information regarding the significant effects of related party reinsurance included on the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Premiums Reinsurance assumed $ 1 $ (20 ) $ 10 $ 34 Reinsurance ceded (106 ) (187 ) (423 ) (560 ) Net premiums $ (105 ) $ (207 ) $ (413 ) $ (526 ) Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Reinsurance assumed $ 32 $ 36 $ 82 $ 93 Reinsurance ceded 1 (14 ) (17 ) (45 ) Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees $ 33 $ 22 $ 65 $ 48 Other revenues Reinsurance assumed $ — $ 1 $ 28 $ 2 Reinsurance ceded — (7 ) 39 309 Net other revenues $ — $ (6 ) $ 67 $ 311 Policyholder benefits and claims Reinsurance assumed $ 32 $ 10 $ 67 $ 68 Reinsurance ceded (89 ) (201 ) (317 ) (538 ) Net policyholder benefits and claims $ (57 ) $ (191 ) $ (250 ) $ (470 ) Interest credited to policyholder account balances Reinsurance assumed $ 18 $ 18 $ 54 $ 56 Reinsurance ceded (3 ) (3 ) (9 ) (8 ) Net interest credited to policyholder account balances $ 15 $ 15 $ 45 $ 48 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired Reinsurance assumed $ 1 $ 3 $ 23 $ 8 Reinsurance ceded 5 (12 ) 19 (132 ) Net amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of $ 6 $ (9 ) $ 42 $ (124 ) Other expenses Reinsurance assumed $ 8 $ — $ 19 $ 16 Reinsurance ceded (1 ) 6 6 (17 ) Net other expenses $ 7 $ 6 $ 25 $ (1 ) Information regarding the significant effects of related party reinsurance included on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded (In millions) Assets Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ 34 $ 3,170 $ 23 $ 3,382 Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired 8 (403 ) 71 (356 ) Total assets $ 42 $ 2,767 $ 94 $ 3,026 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 159 $ — $ 211 $ — Policyholder account balances 454 — 741 — Other policy-related balances 1,676 — 1,677 — Other liabilities (17 ) 383 11 578 Total liabilities $ 2,272 $ 383 $ 2,640 $ 578 The Company assumes risks from NELICO and a former affiliate related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees written directly by the cedents. These assumed reinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives and changes in the estimated fair value are also included within net derivative gains (losses). The embedded derivatives associated with these agreements are included within policyholder account balances and were $454 million and $741 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivatives were $21 million and $159 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $32 million and ($276) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively. The Company cedes risks to a former affiliate to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees written directly by the Company. This ceded reinsurance agreement contains embedded derivatives and changes in the estimated fair value are also included within net derivative gains (losses). The embedded derivative associated with the cession is included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and were $2 million and $171 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivatives were ($1) million and ($126) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and ($6) million and $136 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively. In May 2017, the Company and Brighthouse NY recaptured from MLIC risks related to multiple life products ceded under yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements. This recapture resulted in an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $214 million and a decrease in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables of $189 million . The Company recognized a gain of $17 million , net of income tax, as a result of reinsurance termination. In January 2017, the Company executed a novation and assignment agreement whereby it replaced MLIC as the reinsurer of certain variable annuities, including guaranteed minimum benefits, issued by NELICO. This novation and assignment resulted in an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $184 million , an increase in future policy benefits of $34 million , an increase in policyholder account balances of $219 million and a decrease in other liabilities of $68 million . The Company recognized no gain or loss as a result of this transaction. In January 2017, MLIC recaptured risks related to certain variable annuities, including guaranteed minimum benefits, issued by Brighthouse NY. This recapture resulted in a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $150 million , an increase in future policy benefits of $45 million , an increase in policyholder account balances of $168 million and a decrease in other liabilities of $359 million . The Company recognized no gain or loss as a result of this transaction. In January 2017, MLIC recaptured risks related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees on certain variable annuities being reinsured by the Company. This recapture resulted in a decrease in investments and cash and cash equivalents of $568 million , a decrease in future policy benefits of $106 million , and a decrease in policyholder account balances of $460 million . In June 2017, there was an adjustment to the recapture amounts of this transaction, which resulted in an increase in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables of $140 million at June 30, 2017. The Company recognized a gain of $91 million and $89 million , net of income tax, for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017, as a result of this transaction. Financing Arrangements The Company had collateral financing arrangements with MetLife that were used to support reinsurance obligations arising under previously affiliated reinsurance agreements. The Company recognized interest expense for such arrangements of $0 and $55 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $32 million and $94 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively. See Note 3 for subsequent information regarding the termination of these arrangements. Investment Transactions Prior to the Separation, the Company had extended loans to certain subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc. Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, the Company had previously transferred invested assets, primarily consisting of fixed maturity securities, to and from former affiliates. See Note 5 for further discussion of the related party investment transactions. Shared Services and Overhead Allocations Brighthouse affiliates and MetLife provide the Company certain services, which include, but are not limited to, treasury, financial planning and analysis, legal, human resources, tax planning, internal audit, financial reporting and information technology. In 2017, the Company is charged for the MetLife services through a transition services agreement and allocated to the legal entities and products within the Company. When specific identification to a particular legal entity and/or product is not practicable, an allocation methodology based on various performance measures or activity-based costing, such as sales, new policies/contracts issued, reserves, and in-force policy counts is used. The bases for such charges are modified and adjusted by management when necessary or appropriate to reflect fairly and equitably the actual incidence of cost incurred by the Company and/or affiliate. Management believes that the methods used to allocate expenses under these arrangements are reasonable. Expenses incurred with the Brighthouse affiliates and MetLife related to these arrangements, recorded in other expenses, were $290 million and $722 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $184 million and $668 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively. Broker-Dealer Transactions Beginning in March 2017, Brighthouse Securities, LLC, a registered broker-dealer affiliate, began distributing certain of the Company’s existing and future variable insurance products, and the MetLife broker-dealers discontinued such distributions. Prior to March 2017, the Company recognized related party revenues and expenses arising from transactions with MetLife broker-dealers that previously sold the Company’s variable annuity and life products. The related party expense for the Company was commissions collected on the sale of variable products by the Company and passed through to the broker-dealer. The related party revenue for the Company was fee income from trusts and mutual funds whose shares serve as investment options of policyholders of the Company. The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with related party broker-dealers for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Fee income $ 56 $ 52 $ 167 $ 151 Commission expense $ 157 $ 157 $ 477 $ 471 The following table summarizes assets and liabilities from transactions with related party broker-dealers at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Fee income receivables $ 18 $ 19 Secured demand notes $ — $ 20

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Sep. 30, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	13. Subsequent Event Capital Transaction On October 26, 2017, the Company received a capital contribution of $200 million in cash from Brighthouse Holdings, LLC.

Business, Basis of Presentati20

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported on the interim condensed consolidated financial statements. In applying these policies and estimates, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to the Company’s business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Consolidation of Subsidiaries	Consolidation The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, as well as partnerships and joint ventures in which the Company has control, and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company uses the equity method of accounting for equity securities when it has significant influence or at least 20% interest and for real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests (“investees”) when it has more than a minor ownership interest or more than a minor influence over the investee’s operations. The Company generally recognizes its share of the investee’s earnings on a three-month lag in instances where the investee’s financial information is not sufficiently timely or when the investee’s reporting period differs from the Company’s reporting period. The Company uses the cost method of accounting for investments in which it has virtually no influence over the investee’s operations. Reclassifications Certain amounts in the prior year periods’ interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related footnotes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation as discussed throughout the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Since the Company is a member of a controlled group of affiliated companies, its results may not be indicative of those of a stand-alone entity. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented in conformity with GAAP. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance. The December 31, 2016 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (the “2016 Annual Report”), which include all disclosures required by GAAP. Therefore, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the 2016 Annual Report.
Investments	Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of call or prepayment options. Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been presented in the year of final contractual maturity. Structured Securities are shown separately, as they are not due at a single maturity. Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities Past Due and Nonaccrual Mortgage Loans The Company defines delinquency consistent with industry practice, when mortgage loans are past due as follows: commercial and residential mortgage loans — 60 days and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days. The Company has invested in legal entities that are VIEs. In certain instances, the Company holds both the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity, as well as an economic interest in the entity and, as such, is deemed to be the primary beneficiary or consolidator of the entity. The determination of the VIE’s primary beneficiary requires an evaluation of the contractual and implied rights and obligations associated with each party’s relationship with or involvement in the entity, an estimate of the entity’s expected losses and expected residual returns and the allocation of such estimates to each party involved in the entity.
Derivatives	Accounting for Derivatives Freestanding Derivatives Freestanding derivatives are carried on the Company’s balance sheet either as assets within other invested assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value. The Company does not offset the estimated fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement. Accruals on derivatives are generally recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle within one year are included with the derivatives carrying value in other invested assets or other liabilities. If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are reported in net derivative gains (losses) except as follows: Statement of Operations Presentation: Derivative: Policyholder benefits and claims • Economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits Net investment income • Economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures Hedge Accounting To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge. Hedge designation and financial statement presentation of changes in estimated fair value of the hedging derivatives are as follows: • Fair value hedge (a hedge of the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liability) — in net derivative gains (losses), consistent with the change in estimated fair value of the hedged item attributable to the designated risk being hedged. • Cash flow hedge (a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability) — effectiveness in OCI (deferred gains or losses on the derivative are reclassified into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item); ineffectiveness in net derivative gains (losses). The changes in estimated fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported on the statement of operations within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item. In its hedge documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness and the method that will be used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and at least quarterly throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship. Assessments of hedge effectiveness and measurements of ineffectiveness are also subject to interpretation and estimation and different interpretations or estimates may have a material effect on the amount reported in net income. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument. When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in net derivative gains (losses). The carrying value of the hedged recognized asset or liability under a fair value hedge is no longer adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk, and the cumulative adjustment to its carrying value is amortized into income over the remaining life of the hedged item. Provided the hedged forecasted transaction is still probable of occurrence, the changes in estimated fair value of derivatives recorded in OCI related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transactions will occur on the anticipated date or within two months of that date, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in net derivative gains (losses). Deferred gains and losses of a derivative recorded in OCI pursuant to the discontinued cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction that is no longer probable are recognized immediately in net derivative gains (losses). In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net derivative gains (losses). Embedded Derivatives The Company sells variable annuities and issues certain insurance products and investment contracts and is a party to certain reinsurance agreements that have embedded derivatives. The Company assesses each identified embedded derivative to determine whether it is required to be bifurcated. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for as a freestanding derivative if: • the combined instrument is not accounted for in its entirety at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value recorded in earnings; • the terms of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract; and • a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would qualify as a derivative instrument. Such embedded derivatives are carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value with the host contract and changes in their estimated fair value are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses), except for those in policyholder benefits and claims related to ceded reinsurance of GMIB. If the Company is unable to properly identify and measure an embedded derivative for separation from its host contract, the entire contract is carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income. Additionally, the Company may elect to carry an entire contract on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income if that contract contains an embedded derivative that requires bifurcation. Derivative Strategies Derivatives are financial instruments with values derived from interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and/or other financial indices. Derivatives may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. Certain of the Company’s OTC derivatives are cleared and settled through central clearing counterparties (“OTC-cleared”), while others are bilateral contracts between two counterparties (“OTC-bilateral”). The types of derivatives the Company uses include swaps, forwards, futures and option contracts. To a lesser extent, the Company uses credit default swaps to synthetically replicate investment risks and returns which are not readily available in the cash markets. The Company designates and accounts for interest rate swaps to convert fixed rate assets and liabilities to floating rate assets and liabilities as fair value hedges when they have met the requirements of fair value hedging. The Company designates and accounts for the following as cash flow hedges when they have met the requirements of cash flow hedging: (i) interest rate swaps to convert floating rate assets and liabilities to fixed rate assets and liabilities; (ii) foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency cash flow exposure of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities; (iii) interest rate forwards and credit forwards to lock in the price to be paid for forward purchases of investments; and (iv) interest rate swaps and interest rate forwards to hedge the forecasted purchases of fixed-rate investments. The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by its counterparties to derivatives. Generally, the current credit exposure of the Company’s derivatives is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of derivatives at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of master netting or similar agreements and any collateral received pursuant to such agreements.

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Segment Information (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Operating Results Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Annuities Life Run-off Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Pre-tax operating earnings (loss) $ 441 $ (16 ) $ 144 $ (58 ) $ 511 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 128 (11 ) 41 1,057 1,215 Operating earnings (loss) $ 313 $ (5 ) $ 103 $ (1,115 ) (704 ) Adjustments for: Net investment gains (losses) 21 Net derivative gains (losses) (162 ) Other adjustments to net income (492 ) Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 648 Net income (loss) $ (689 ) Inter-segment revenues $ 100 $ (100 ) $ 28 $ (4 ) Interest revenue $ 306 $ 76 $ 349 $ 20 Interest expense $ — $ (4 ) $ 4 $ — Operating Results Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Annuities Life Run-off Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Pre-tax operating earnings (loss) $ 348 $ 8 $ (324 ) $ 37 $ 69 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 128 8 (121 ) 7 22 Operating earnings (loss) $ 220 $ — $ (203 ) $ 30 47 Adjustments for: Net investment gains (losses) 26 Net derivative gains (losses) (502 ) Other adjustments to net income (379 ) Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 244 Net income (loss) $ (564 ) Inter-segment revenues $ 94 $ (133 ) $ 17 $ (71 ) Interest revenue $ 369 $ 81 $ 365 $ 102 Interest expense $ — $ — $ 15 $ 17 Operating Results Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Annuities Life Run-off Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Pre-tax operating earnings (loss) $ 970 $ (58 ) $ (340 ) $ (43 ) $ 529 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 260 (27 ) (130 ) 1,054 1,157 Operating earnings (loss) $ 710 $ (31 ) $ (210 ) $ (1,097 ) (628 ) Adjustments for: Net investment gains (losses) (34 ) Net derivative gains (losses) (1,064 ) Other adjustments to net income (618 ) Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 1,026 Net income (loss) $ (1,318 ) Inter-segment revenues $ 346 $ (341 ) $ 76 $ (67 ) Interest revenue $ 938 $ 230 $ 1,061 $ 122 Interest expense $ — $ (4 ) $ 23 $ 37 Operating Results Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Annuities Life Run-off Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Pre-tax operating earnings (loss) $ 1,132 $ (6 ) $ (287 ) $ 43 $ 882 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 339 (3 ) (104 ) 2 234 Operating earnings (loss) $ 793 $ (3 ) $ (183 ) $ 41 648 Adjustments for: Net investment gains (losses) (14 ) Net derivative gains (losses) (3,229 ) Other adjustments to net income 39 Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 1,064 Net income (loss) $ (1,492 ) Inter-segment revenues $ 599 $ (471 ) $ 38 $ (48 ) Interest revenue $ 1,071 $ 227 $ 1,068 $ 187 Interest expense $ — $ — $ 45 $ 51 The following table presents total assets with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Annuities $ 148,447 $ 146,224 Life 13,680 12,296 Run-off 36,522 40,575 Corporate & Other 12,291 12,330 Total $ 210,940 $ 211,425
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated	Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Annuities $ 901 $ 1,000 $ 2,789 $ 3,415 Life 288 244 774 702 Run-off 549 678 1,634 1,731 Corporate & Other 48 116 203 297 Adjustments (92 ) (480 ) (1,016 ) (3,234 ) Total $ 1,694 $ 1,558 $ 4,384 $ 2,911

Insurance (Tables)

Insurance (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Insurance (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2017
Insurance [Abstract]
Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Table Text Block]	Liabilities for Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses Rollforward of Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Information regarding the liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses was as follows: Nine Months 2017 2016 (In millions) Balance at December 31 of prior period $ 1,970 $ 1,693 Less: Reinsurance recoverables 1,811 1,545 Net balance at December 31 of prior period 159 148 Cumulative adjustment (1) — 68 Net balance, beginning of period 159 216 Incurred related to: Current period 474 656 Prior periods (2) (5 ) (48 ) Total incurred 469 608 Paid related to: Current period (388 ) (471 ) Prior periods (48 ) (152 ) Total paid (436 ) (623 ) Net balance, end of period 192 201 Add: Reinsurance recoverables 1,865 1,645 Balance, end of period $ 2,057 $ 1,846 ______________ (1) Reflects the accumulated adjustment, net of reinsurance, upon implementation of the new short-duration contracts guidance which clarified the requirement to include claim information for long-duration contracts. The accumulated adjustment primarily reflects unpaid claim liabilities, net of reinsurance, for long-duration contracts as of the beginning of the period presented. (2) During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the claims and claim adjustment expenses associated with prior years changed due to differences between the actual benefits paid and the expected benefits owed during those periods.
Guarantees related to Annuity, Universal and Variable Life Contracts	Information regarding the Company’s guarantee exposure was as follows at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 In the Event of Death At Annuitization In the Event of Death At Annuitization (Dollars in millions) Annuity Contracts (1), (2) Variable Annuity Guarantees Total account value (3) $ 111,247 $ 63,258 $ 106,590 $ 61,340 Separate account value $ 106,468 $ 62,021 $ 101,991 $ 60,016 Net amount at risk $ 5,499 (4) $ 2,618 (5) $ 6,763 (4) $ 3,116 (5) Average attained age of contractholders 68 years 68 years 67 years 67 years September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Secondary Guarantees (Dollars in millions) Universal Life Contracts Total account value (3) $ 6,256 $ 6,216 Net amount at risk (6) $ 75,862 $ 76,216 Average attained age of policyholders 64 years 63 years Variable Life Contracts Total account value (3) $ 987 $ 960 Net amount at risk (6) $ 14,110 $ 14,757 Average attained age of policyholders 43 years 43 years __________________ (1) The Company’s annuity contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract. Therefore, the amounts listed above may not be mutually exclusive. (2) Includes direct business, but excludes offsets from hedging or reinsurance, if any. Therefore, the net amount at risk presented reflects the economic exposures of living and death benefit guarantees associated with variable annuities, but not necessarily their impact on the Company. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report for a discussion of guaranteed minimum benefits which have been reinsured. (3) Includes the contractholder’s investments in the general account and separate account, if applicable. (4) Defined as the death benefit less the total account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date and includes any additional contractual claims associated with riders purchased to assist with covering income taxes payable upon death. (5) Defined as the amount (if any) that would be required to be added to the total account value to purchase a lifetime income stream, based on current annuity rates, equal to the minimum amount provided under the guaranteed benefit. This amount represents the Company’s potential economic exposure to such guarantees in the event all contractholders were to annuitize on the balance sheet date, even though the contracts contain terms that allow annuitization of the guaranteed amount only after the 10th anniversary of the contract, which not all contractholders have achieved. (6) Defined as the guarantee amount less the account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date.

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Investments (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale	The following table presents the fixed maturity and equity securities AFS by sector. Redeemable preferred stock is reported within U.S. corporate and foreign corporate fixed maturity securities and non-redeemable preferred stock is reported within equity securities. Included within fixed maturity securities are structured securities including residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) (collectively, “Structured Securities”). September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Cost or Gross Unrealized Estimated Cost or Gross Unrealized Estimated Gains Temporary OTTI Gains Temporary OTTI (In millions) Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ 20,203 $ 1,733 $ 99 $ — $ 21,837 $ 20,663 $ 1,287 $ 285 $ — $ 21,665 U.S. government and agency 13,579 1,640 127 — 15,092 11,872 1,281 237 — 12,916 RMBS 7,621 282 59 (4 ) 7,848 7,876 203 139 — 7,940 Foreign corporate 6,206 359 71 — 6,494 6,071 220 168 — 6,123 State and political subdivision 3,557 489 9 — 4,037 3,520 376 38 — 3,858 CMBS 3,204 55 15 (1 ) 3,245 3,687 40 32 (1 ) 3,696 ABS 1,700 19 2 — 1,717 2,600 11 13 — 2,598 Foreign government 1,064 151 2 — 1,213 1,000 114 11 — 1,103 Total fixed maturity securities $ 57,134 $ 4,728 $ 384 $ (5 ) $ 61,483 $ 57,289 $ 3,532 $ 923 $ (1 ) $ 59,899 Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stock $ 138 $ 10 $ 1 $ — $ 147 $ 180 $ 6 $ 9 $ — $ 177 Common stock 96 22 — — 118 100 23 — — 123 Total equity securities $ 234 $ 32 $ 1 $ — $ 265 $ 280 $ 29 $ 9 $ — $ 300 __________________ (1) Noncredit OTTI losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) in an unrealized gain position are due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of noncredit losses on such securities. See also “— Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses).”
Available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity date	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date, were as follows at September 30, 2017 : Due in One Year or Less Due After One Year Through Five Years Due After Five Years Through Ten Years Due After Ten Years Structured Securities Total Fixed Maturity Securities (In millions) Amortized cost $ 1,631 $ 10,116 $ 10,309 $ 22,553 $ 12,525 $ 57,134 Estimated fair value $ 1,641 $ 10,520 $ 10,657 $ 25,855 $ 12,810 $ 61,483
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale	The following table presents the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity and equity securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by sector and by length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Less than 12 Months Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Less than 12 Months Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses (Dollars in millions) Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ 2,285 $ 52 $ 726 $ 47 $ 4,632 $ 187 $ 699 $ 98 U.S. government and agency 5,006 71 529 56 4,396 237 — — RMBS 2,152 42 383 13 3,457 107 818 32 Foreign corporate 540 12 547 59 1,443 64 573 104 State and political subdivision 300 6 43 3 887 35 29 3 CMBS 667 10 93 4 1,553 26 171 5 ABS 120 — 97 2 450 5 461 8 Foreign government 131 2 10 — 242 10 6 1 Total fixed maturity securities $ 11,201 $ 195 $ 2,428 $ 184 $ 17,060 $ 671 $ 2,757 $ 251 Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stock $ — $ — $ 16 $ 1 $ 57 $ 2 $ 40 $ 7 Common stock 1 — — — — — — — Total equity securities $ 1 $ — $ 16 $ 1 $ 57 $ 2 $ 40 $ 7 Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position 1,018 362 1,711 475
Disclosure of Mortgage Loans Net of Valuation Allowance	Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of Total (Dollars in millions) Mortgage loans: Commercial $ 7,011 67.8 % $ 6,497 69.9 % Agricultural 2,144 20.8 1,830 19.7 Residential 1,098 10.6 867 9.3 Subtotal (1) 10,253 99.2 9,194 98.9 Valuation allowances (44 ) (0.4 ) (40 ) (0.4 ) Subtotal mortgage loans, net 10,209 98.8 9,154 98.5 Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs - FVO 119 1.2 136 1.5 Total mortgage loans, net $ 10,328 100.0 % $ 9,290 100.0 % __________________ (1) Purchases of mortgage loans were $32 million and $339 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $123 million and $354 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively, and were primarily comprised of residential mortgage loans.
Disclosure of mortgage loans held-for-investment and valuation allowances by method of evaluation for credit loss	Mortgage loans by portfolio segment, by method of evaluation of credit loss, impaired mortgage loans including those modified in a troubled debt restructuring, and the related valuation allowances, were as follows at: Evaluated Individually for Credit Losses Evaluated Collectively for Credit Losses Impaired Loans Impaired Loans with a Valuation Allowance Impaired Loans without a Valuation Allowance Unpaid Principal Balance Recorded Investment Valuation Unpaid Principal Balance Recorded Recorded Valuation Carrying (In millions) September 30, 2017 Commercial $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 7,011 $ 34 $ — Agricultural 4 3 — — — 2,141 6 3 Residential — — — 4 4 1,094 4 4 Total $ 4 $ 3 $ — $ 4 $ 4 $ 10,246 $ 44 $ 7 December 31, 2016 Commercial $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 6,497 $ 32 $ — Agricultural 4 3 — — — 1,827 5 3 Residential — — — 1 1 866 3 1 Total $ 4 $ 3 $ — $ 1 $ 1 $ 9,190 $ 40 $ 4
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables	The changes in the valuation allowance, by portfolio segment, were as follows: Nine Months 2017 2016 Commercial Agricultural Residential Total Commercial Agricultural Residential Total (In millions) Balance, beginning of period $ 32 $ 5 $ 3 $ 40 $ 28 $ 5 $ 3 $ 36 Provision (release) 2 1 1 4 4 — 2 6 Balance, end of period $ 34 $ 6 $ 4 $ 44 $ 32 $ 5 $ 5 $ 42 Cash Equivalents The carrying value of cash equivalents, which includes securities and other investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase, was $787 million and $4.7 billion at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.
Past Due and Nonaccrual Mortgage Loans	The past due and nonaccrual mortgage loans at recorded investment, prior to valuation allowances, by portfolio segment, were as follows at: Past Due Nonaccrual Status September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (Dollars in millions) Commercial $ — $ — $ — $ — Agricultural — — — — Residential 26 11 26 11 Total $ 26 $ 11 $ 26 $ 11
Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in AOCI, were as follows: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Fixed maturity securities $ 4,335 $ 2,600 Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI 5 1 Total fixed maturity securities 4,340 2,601 Equity securities 55 32 Derivatives 283 397 Short-term investments — (42 ) Other (9 ) 59 Subtotal 4,669 3,047 Amounts allocated from: Future policy benefits (2,384 ) (922 ) DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI (2 ) (2 ) DAC, VOBA and DSI (296 ) (193 ) Subtotal (2,682 ) (1,117 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI (1 ) — Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (695 ) (653 ) Net unrealized investment gains (losses) $ 1,291 $ 1,277 The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows: Nine Months (In millions) Balance, beginning of period $ 1,277 Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized 4 Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period 1,618 Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to: Future policy benefits (1,462 ) DAC, VOBA and DSI (103 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI (1 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (42 ) Balance, end of period $ 1,291 Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) $ 14
Securities Lending	Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Securities on loan: (1) Amortized cost $ 3,169 $ 5,895 Estimated fair value $ 3,820 $ 6,555 Cash collateral received from counterparties (2) $ 3,902 $ 6,642 Security collateral received from counterparties (3) $ — $ 27 Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value $ 3,935 $ 6,571 __________________ (1) Included within fixed maturity securities. (2) Included within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions. (3) Security collateral received from counterparties may not be sold or re-pledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected on the consolidated financial statements. The cash collateral liability by loaned security type and remaining tenor of the agreements were as follows at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements Open (1) 1 Month or Less 1 to 6 Months Total Open (1) 1 Month or Less 1 to 6 Months Total (In millions) Cash collateral liability by loaned security type: U.S. government and agency $ 1,480 $ 1,512 $ 910 $ 3,902 $ 2,129 $ 1,906 $ 1,743 $ 5,778 U.S. corporate — — — — — 480 — 480 Agency RMBS — — — — — — 274 274 Foreign corporate — — — — — 58 — 58 Foreign government — — — — — 52 — 52 Total $ 1,480 $ 1,512 $ 910 $ 3,902 $ 2,129 $ 2,496 $ 2,017 $ 6,642 __________________ (1) The related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day which would require the Company to immediately return the cash collateral.
Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral	Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral are presented below at estimated fair value at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) $ 8,093 $ 7,644 Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements) 2,511 9,054 Invested assets pledged as collateral 3,933 3,548 Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral $ 14,537 $ 20,246 __________________
The Components of Net Investment Income	The components of net investment income were as follows: Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Investment income: Fixed maturity securities $ 582 $ 670 $ 1,756 $ 1,945 Equity securities 3 6 10 16 Mortgage loans 111 94 329 292 Policy loans 12 13 35 42 Real estate and real estate joint ventures 13 10 39 25 Other limited partnership interests 38 79 143 120 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 8 5 25 14 Other 9 6 21 15 Subtotal 776 883 2,358 2,469 Less: Investment expenses 46 44 133 128 Subtotal, net 730 839 2,225 2,341 FVO CSEs — interest income — commercial mortgage loans 2 3 6 8 Net investment income $ 732 $ 842 $ 2,231 $ 2,349
The components of net investment gains (losses)	The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows: Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities: Total OTTI losses recognized — by sector and industry: U.S. and foreign corporate securities — by industry: Industrial $ — $ — $ — $ (16 ) Total U.S. and foreign corporate securities — — — (16 ) RMBS — (4 ) — (6 ) State and political subdivision — — (1 ) — OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings — (4 ) (1 ) (22 ) Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals 21 47 (15 ) 30 Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities 21 43 (16 ) 8 Total gains (losses) on equity securities: Total OTTI losses recognized — by sector: Common stock — — — (1 ) OTTI losses on equity securities recognized in earnings — — — (1 ) Equity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals 3 4 4 8 Total gains (losses) on equity securities 3 4 4 7 Mortgage loans (2 ) 10 (7 ) 4 Real estate and real estate joint ventures 1 (33 ) 4 (34 ) Other limited partnership interests — (1 ) (10 ) (7 ) Other (1 ) 5 (6 ) 11 Subtotal 22 28 (31 ) (11 ) FVO CSEs: Commercial mortgage loans (1 ) (3 ) (2 ) (3 ) Long-term debt — related to commercial mortgage loans — 1 — 1 Non-investment portfolio gains (losses) — — (1 ) (1 ) Subtotal (1 ) (2 ) (3 ) (3 ) Total net investment gains (losses) $ 21 $ 26 $ (34 ) $ (14 )
Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains and losses	Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains (losses) were as shown in the table below. Three Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 Fixed Maturity Securities Equity Securities (In millions) Proceeds $ 4,711 $ 8,389 $ 16 $ 35 Gross investment gains $ 30 $ 78 $ 3 $ 4 Gross investment losses (9 ) (31 ) — — OTTI losses — (4 ) — — Net investment gains (losses) $ 21 $ 43 $ 3 $ 4 Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 Fixed Maturity Securities Equity Securities (In millions) Proceeds $ 9,074 $ 23,168 $ 29 $ 41 Gross investment gains $ 50 $ 165 $ 5 $ 8 Gross investment losses (65 ) (135 ) (1 ) — OTTI losses (1 ) (22 ) — (1 ) Net investment gains (losses) $ (16 ) $ 8 $ 4 $ 7
Rollforward of the Cumulative Credit Loss Component of OTTI income (loss)	The table below presents a rollforward of the cumulative credit loss component of OTTI loss recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities still held for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in OCI: Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Balance, beginning of period $ 9 $ 60 $ 28 $ 66 Additions: Additional impairments — credit loss OTTI on securities previously impaired — 3 — 5 Reductions: Sales (maturities, pay downs or prepayments) of securities previously impaired as credit loss OTTI (8 ) (7 ) (27 ) (15 ) Balance, end of period $ 1 $ 56 $ 1 $ 56
Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Securitizations or Asset-backed Financing Arrangements of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sale [Table Text Block]	The Company previously transferred invested assets, primarily consisting of fixed maturity securities, to and from former affiliates, which were as follows: Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred to former affiliates $ — $ 574 $ 292 $ 732 Amortized cost of invested assets transferred to former affiliates $ — $ 539 $ 294 $ 657 Net investment gains (losses) recognized on transfers $ — $ 13 $ (2 ) $ 13 Change in additional paid-in-capital recognized on transfers $ — $ 21 $ — $ 62 Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred from former affiliates $ — $ 484 $ — $ 4,763
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entities	The following table presents the total assets and total liabilities re lating to VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary and which are consolidated at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Total Assets Total Liabilities Total Assets Total Liabilities (In millions) MRSC (collateral financing arrangement (primarily securities)) (1) $ — $ — $ 3,422 $ — CSEs (assets (primarily loans) and liabilities (primarily debt)) (2) 120 14 137 24 Total $ 120 $ 14 $ 3,559 $ 24 __________________ (1) In April 2017, these assets were liquidated in connection with the Contribution Transactions discussed in Note 3 . (2) The Company consolidates entities that are structured as CMBS. The assets of these entities can only be used to settle their respective liabilities, and under no circumstances is the Company liable for any principal or interest shortfalls should any arise. The Company’s exposure was limited to that of its remaining investment in these entities of $87 million and $95 million at estimated fair value at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entities	The carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss relating to VIEs in which the Company holds a significant variable interest but is not the primary beneficiary and which have not been consolidated were as follows at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Amount Maximum Exposure to Loss (1) Carrying Amount Maximum Exposure to Loss (1) (In millions) Fixed maturity securities AFS: Structured Securities (2) $ 11,148 $ 11,148 $ 12,809 $ 12,809 U.S. and foreign corporate 498 498 536 536 Other limited partnership interests 1,490 2,391 1,491 2,287 Other investments (3) 77 86 77 88 Total $ 13,213 $ 14,123 $ 14,913 $ 15,720 __________________ (1) The maximum exposure to loss relating to fixed maturity securities AFS is equal to their carrying amounts or the carrying amounts of retained interests. The maximum exposure to loss relating to other limited partnership interests and real estate joint ventures is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments. For certain of its investments in other invested assets, the Company’s return is in the form of income tax credits which are guaranteed by creditworthy third parties. For such investments, the maximum exposure to loss is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments, reduced by income tax credits guaranteed by third parties. There were no income tax credits at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . Such a maximum loss would be expected to occur only upon bankruptcy of the issuer or investee. (2) For these variable interests, the Company’s involvement is limited to that of a passive investor in mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities issued by trusts that do not have substantial equity. (3) Other investments is comprised of real estate joint ventures, other invested assets and non-redeemable preferred stock.
Commercial
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Disclosure of the mortgage loans portfolio segment by the recorded investment, prior to valuation allowances, by credit quality indicator categories	The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans was as follows at: Recorded Investment Debt Service Coverage Ratios % of Total Estimated Fair Value % of Total > 1.20x 1.00x - 1.20x < 1.00x Total (Dollars in millions) September 30, 2017 Loan-to-value ratios: Less than 65% $ 6,057 $ 300 $ 33 $ 6,390 91.1 % $ 6,555 91.4 % 65% to 75% 519 9 18 546 7.8 547 7.6 76% to 80% 10 32 9 51 0.7 51 0.7 Greater than 80% — — 24 24 0.4 23 0.3 Total $ 6,586 $ 341 $ 84 $ 7,011 100.0 % $ 7,176 100.0 % December 31, 2016 Loan-to-value ratios: Less than 65% $ 5,718 $ 230 $ 167 $ 6,115 94.1 % $ 6,197 94.3 % 65% to 75% 291 — 19 310 4.8 303 4.6 76% to 80% 34 — — 34 0.5 33 0.5 Greater than 80% 24 14 — 38 0.6 37 0.6 Total $ 6,067 $ 244 $ 186 $ 6,497 100.0 % $ 6,570 100.0 %
Agricultural
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Disclosure of the mortgage loans portfolio segment by the recorded investment, prior to valuation allowances, by credit quality indicator categories	The credit quality of agricultural mortgage loans was as follows at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Recorded Investment % of Total Recorded Investment % of Total (Dollars in millions) Loan-to-value ratios: Less than 65% $ 2,011 93.8 % $ 1,789 97.8 % 65% to 75% 133 6.2 41 2.2 Total $ 2,144 100.0 % $ 1,830 100.0 %
Residential
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Disclosure of the mortgage loans portfolio segment by the recorded investment, prior to valuation allowances, by credit quality indicator categories	The credit quality of residential mortgage loans was as follows at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Recorded Investment % of Total Recorded Investment % of Total (Dollars in millions) Performance indicators: Performing $ 1,072 97.6 % $ 856 98.7 % Nonperforming 26 2.4 11 1.3 Total $ 1,098 100.0 % $ 867 100.0 %

Derivatives (Tables)

Derivatives (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Derivatives (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	The following table presents the primary underlying risk exposure, gross notional amount, and estimated fair value of the Company’s derivatives, excluding embedded derivatives, held at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Primary Underlying Risk Exposure Gross Notional Estimated Fair Value Gross Notional Estimated Fair Value Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities (In millions) Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps Interest rate $ 182 $ 44 $ — $ 310 $ 41 $ — Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps Interest rate 45 8 — 45 7 — Foreign currency swaps Foreign currency exchange rate 1,534 108 48 1,420 186 10 Subtotal 1,579 116 48 1,465 193 10 Total qualifying hedges 1,761 160 48 1,775 234 10 Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate swaps Interest rate 20,227 994 786 28,175 1,928 1,688 Interest rate floors Interest rate — — — 2,100 5 2 Interest rate caps Interest rate 5,032 7 — 12,042 25 — Interest rate futures Interest rate 282 — — 1,288 9 — Interest rate options Interest rate 24,600 183 28 15,520 136 — Interest rate total return swaps Interest rate — — — 3,876 — 611 Foreign currency swaps Foreign currency exchange rate 959 80 25 1,250 153 4 Foreign currency forwards Foreign currency exchange rate 166 1 — 158 9 — Credit default swaps — purchased Credit 34 — — 34 — — Credit default swaps — written Credit 1,879 37 — 1,891 28 — Equity futures Equity market 2,535 — 11 8,037 38 — Equity index options Equity market 47,727 827 1,568 37,501 897 934 Equity variance swaps Equity market 14,894 176 607 14,894 140 517 Equity total return swaps Equity market 1,794 — 63 2,855 1 117 Total non-designated or nonqualifying derivatives 120,129 2,305 3,088 129,621 3,369 3,873 Total $ 121,890 $ 2,465 $ 3,136 $ 131,396 $ 3,603 $ 3,883 The following table presents earned income on derivatives: Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Qualifying hedges: Net investment income $ 5 $ 5 $ 16 $ 13 Nonqualifying hedges: Net derivative gains (losses) 67 124 253 320 Policyholder benefits and claims 1 4 8 11 Total $ 73 $ 133 $ 277 $ 344
Amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives that are not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments	The following table presents the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives that were not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments: Net Net Policyholder (In millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate derivatives $ (81 ) $ — $ 6 Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (30 ) — — Credit derivatives — purchased — — — Credit derivatives — written 5 — — Equity derivatives (711 ) — (64 ) Total $ (817 ) $ — $ (58 ) Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Interest rate derivatives $ (372 ) $ — $ (3 ) Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (8 ) — — Credit derivatives — purchased (1 ) — — Credit derivatives — written 9 — — Equity derivatives (793 ) (2 ) (188 ) Total $ (1,165 ) $ (2 ) $ (191 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate derivatives $ (145 ) $ — $ 8 Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (72 ) — — Credit derivatives — purchased — — — Credit derivatives — written 16 — — Equity derivatives (2,123 ) (1 ) (341 ) Total $ (2,324 ) $ (1 ) $ (333 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Interest rate derivatives $ 1,044 $ — $ 26 Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 24 — — Credit derivatives — purchased (1 ) — — Credit derivatives — written 8 — — Equity derivatives (1,144 ) (6 ) (205 ) Total $ (69 ) $ (6 ) $ (179 ) __________________ (1) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures. (2) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits.
Net derivatives gains (losses) recognized on fair value derivatives and the related hedged items	The Company recognizes gains and losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair value hedges within net derivative gains (losses). The following table presents the amount of such net derivative gains (losses): Net Derivative Net Derivative Ineffectiveness (In millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate swaps: Fixed maturity securities $ — $ — $ — Policyholder liabilities (1) 1 (1 ) — Total $ 1 $ (1 ) $ — Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Interest rate swaps: Fixed maturity securities $ 2 $ (1 ) $ 1 Policyholder liabilities (1) 1 (1 ) — Total $ 3 $ (2 ) $ 1 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate swaps: Fixed maturity securities $ — $ — $ — Policyholder liabilities (1) 2 (2 ) — Total $ 2 $ (2 ) $ — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Interest rate swaps: Fixed maturity securities $ (1 ) $ 1 $ — Policyholder liabilities (1) 25 (25 ) — Total $ 24 $ (24 ) $ — __________________ (1) Fixed rate liabilities reported in policyholder account balances or future policy benefits.
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	The following table presents the effects of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) and the consolidated statements of equity: Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI on Derivatives Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss) Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives (Effective Portion) (Effective Portion) (Ineffective Portion) Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Net Investment Income Net Derivative Gains (Losses) (In millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate swaps $ — $ — $ — $ — Interest rate forwards — — 1 — Foreign currency swaps (50 ) — — — Credit forwards — — — — Total $ (50 ) $ — $ 1 $ — Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Interest rate swaps $ 1 $ — $ 1 $ — Interest rate forwards 1 1 — — Foreign currency swaps (17 ) 2 — — Credit forwards — — — — Total $ (15 ) $ 3 $ 1 $ — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate swaps $ 1 $ — $ 2 $ — Interest rate forwards — — 2 — Foreign currency swaps (102 ) 9 — — Credit forwards — — — — Total $ (101 ) $ 9 $ 4 $ — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Interest rate swaps $ 37 $ 12 $ 2 $ — Interest rate forwards 8 2 2 — Foreign currency swaps 29 3 — — Credit forwards — — — — Total $ 74 $ 17 $ 4 $ —
Schedule of estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps	The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations (1) Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2) Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2) (Dollars in millions) Aaa/Aa/A Single name credit default swaps (3) $ 1 $ 25 2.9 $ 1 $ 45 2.2 Credit default swaps referencing indices 11 533 3.0 8 433 3.7 Subtotal 12 558 3.0 9 478 3.6 Baa Single name credit default swaps (3) 1 130 1.3 1 180 1.6 Credit default swaps referencing indices 24 1,166 5.3 18 1,213 4.8 Subtotal 25 1,296 4.9 19 1,393 4.4 Ba Single name credit default swaps (3) — 25 4.7 — 20 2.7 Credit default swaps referencing indices — — — — — — Subtotal — 25 4.7 — 20 2.7 Total $ 37 $ 1,879 4.3 $ 28 $ 1,891 4.2 __________________ (1) The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”) and Fitch Ratings. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used. (2) The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average gross notional amounts. (3) Single name credit default swaps may be referenced to the credit of corporations, foreign governments, or state and political subdivisions.
Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral	The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Derivatives Subject to a Master Netting Arrangement or a Similar Arrangement Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities (In millions) Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: OTC-bilateral (1) $ 2,502 $ 3,095 $ 3,394 $ 2,929 OTC-cleared (1), (6) 31 22 267 905 Exchange-traded — 11 46 — Total gross estimated fair value of derivatives (1) 2,533 3,128 3,707 3,834 Amounts offset on the consolidated balance sheets — — — — Estimated fair value of derivatives presented on the consolidated balance sheets (1), (6) 2,533 3,128 3,707 3,834 Gross amounts not offset on the consolidated balance sheets: Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: (2) OTC-bilateral (2,050 ) (2,050 ) (2,231 ) (2,231 ) OTC-cleared (2 ) (2 ) (165 ) (165 ) Exchange-traded — — — — Cash collateral: (3), (4) OTC-bilateral (336 ) — (634 ) — OTC-cleared (24 ) (19 ) (91 ) (740 ) Exchange-traded — — — — Securities collateral: (5) OTC-bilateral (114 ) (1,037 ) (429 ) (698 ) OTC-cleared — (1 ) — — Exchange-traded — (11 ) — — Net amount after application of master netting agreements and collateral $ 7 $ 8 $ 157 $ — __________________ (1) At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , derivative assets included income or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of $68 million and $104 million , respectively, and derivative liabilities included (income) or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of ($8) million and ($49) million , respectively. (2) Estimated fair value of derivatives is limited to the amount that is subject to set-off and includes income or expense accruals. (3) Cash collateral received by the Company for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives is included in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments or in fixed maturity securities, and the obligation to return it is included in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions on the balance sheet. (4) The receivable for the return of cash collateral provided by the Company is inclusive of initial margin on exchange-traded and OTC-cleared derivatives and is included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the balance sheet. The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company received excess cash collateral of $296 million and $3 million , respectively, and provided excess cash collateral of $2 million and $25 million , respectively, which is not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. (5) Securities collateral received by the Company is held in separate custodial accounts and is not recorded on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but at September 30, 2017 , none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. Securities collateral pledged by the Company is reported in fixed maturity securities on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral. The amount of securities collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements and cash collateral. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company received excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $152 million and $135 million , respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company provided excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $296 million and $108 million , respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, and $425 million and $630 million , respectively, for its OTC-cleared derivatives, and $103 million and $453 million , respectively, for its exchange-traded derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. (6) Effective January 3, 2017, the CME amended its rulebook, resulting in the characterization of variation margin transfers as settlement payments, as opposed to adjustments to collateral. See Note 1 for further information on the CME amendments.
Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral	The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Derivatives Subject to a Master Netting Arrangement or a Similar Arrangement Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities (In millions) Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: OTC-bilateral (1) $ 2,502 $ 3,095 $ 3,394 $ 2,929 OTC-cleared (1), (6) 31 22 267 905 Exchange-traded — 11 46 — Total gross estimated fair value of derivatives (1) 2,533 3,128 3,707 3,834 Amounts offset on the consolidated balance sheets — — — — Estimated fair value of derivatives presented on the consolidated balance sheets (1), (6) 2,533 3,128 3,707 3,834 Gross amounts not offset on the consolidated balance sheets: Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: (2) OTC-bilateral (2,050 ) (2,050 ) (2,231 ) (2,231 ) OTC-cleared (2 ) (2 ) (165 ) (165 ) Exchange-traded — — — — Cash collateral: (3), (4) OTC-bilateral (336 ) — (634 ) — OTC-cleared (24 ) (19 ) (91 ) (740 ) Exchange-traded — — — — Securities collateral: (5) OTC-bilateral (114 ) (1,037 ) (429 ) (698 ) OTC-cleared — (1 ) — — Exchange-traded — (11 ) — — Net amount after application of master netting agreements and collateral $ 7 $ 8 $ 157 $ — __________________ (1) At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , derivative assets included income or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of $68 million and $104 million , respectively, and derivative liabilities included (income) or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of ($8) million and ($49) million , respectively. (2) Estimated fair value of derivatives is limited to the amount that is subject to set-off and includes income or expense accruals. (3) Cash collateral received by the Company for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives is included in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments or in fixed maturity securities, and the obligation to return it is included in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions on the balance sheet. (4) The receivable for the return of cash collateral provided by the Company is inclusive of initial margin on exchange-traded and OTC-cleared derivatives and is included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the balance sheet. The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company received excess cash collateral of $296 million and $3 million , respectively, and provided excess cash collateral of $2 million and $25 million , respectively, which is not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. (5) Securities collateral received by the Company is held in separate custodial accounts and is not recorded on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but at September 30, 2017 , none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. Securities collateral pledged by the Company is reported in fixed maturity securities on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral. The amount of securities collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements and cash collateral. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company received excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $152 million and $135 million , respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company provided excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $296 million and $108 million , respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, and $425 million and $630 million , respectively, for its OTC-cleared derivatives, and $103 million and $453 million , respectively, for its exchange-traded derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. (6) Effective January 3, 2017, the CME amended its rulebook, resulting in the characterization of variation margin transfers as settlement payments, as opposed to adjustments to collateral. See Note 1 for further information on the CME amendments.
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Components of Net Derivatives Gains (Losses)	The components of net derivative gains (losses) were as follows: Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Freestanding derivatives and hedging gains (losses) (1) $ (747 ) $ (1,033 ) $ (2,100 ) $ 257 Embedded derivatives gains (losses) 585 531 1,036 (3,486 ) Total net derivative gains (losses) $ (162 ) $ (502 ) $ (1,064 ) $ (3,229 ) __________________ (1) Includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on hedged items in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships, which are not presented elsewhere in this note.
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	OTC-bilateral derivatives that are not subject to collateral agreements are excluded from this table. September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Estimated fair value of derivatives in a net liability position (1) $ 1,046 $ 698 Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided: Fixed maturity securities $ 1,193 $ 777 Cash $ — $ — Fair Value of Incremental Collateral Provided Upon: One-notch downgrade in financial strength rating $ — $ — Downgrade in financial strength rating to a level that triggers full overnight collateralization or termination of the derivative position $ — $ — __________________ (1) After taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements.
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Components of Net Derivatives Gains (Losses)	The following table presents changes in estimated fair value related to embedded derivatives: Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Net derivative gains (losses) (1), (2) $ 585 $ 531 $ 1,036 $ (3,486 ) Policyholder benefits and claims $ (21 ) $ (14 ) $ (22 ) $ 91 __________________ (1) The valuation of direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits includes a nonperformance risk adjustment. The amounts included in net derivative gains (losses) in connection with this adjustment were $525 million and $445 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and ($78) million and $564 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively. (2) See Note 12 for discussion of related party net derivative gains (losses).
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	The following table presents the estimated fair value and balance sheet location of the Company’s embedded derivatives that have been separated from their host contracts at: Balance Sheet Location September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts: Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ 220 $ 409 Options embedded in debt or equity securities Investments (56 ) (49 ) Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts $ 164 $ 360 Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts: Direct guaranteed minimum benefits Policyholder account balances $ 1,324 $ 2,237 Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits Policyholder account balances 454 741 Fixed annuities with equity indexed returns Policyholder account balances 511 192 Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts $ 2,289 $ 3,170

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Fair Value (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Recurring Fair Value Measurements	The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, including those items for which the Company has elected the FVO, are presented below at: September 30, 2017 Fair Value Hierarchy Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In millions) Assets Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ — $ 20,256 $ 1,581 $ 21,837 U.S. government and agency 7,698 7,394 — 15,092 RMBS 22 6,676 1,150 7,848 Foreign corporate — 5,537 957 6,494 State and political subdivision — 4,028 9 4,037 CMBS — 3,104 141 3,245 ABS — 1,605 112 1,717 Foreign government — 1,213 — 1,213 Total fixed maturity securities 7,720 49,813 3,950 61,483 Equity securities 39 96 130 265 Short-term investments 472 623 1 1,096 Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO — 119 — 119 Derivative assets: (1) Interest rate — 1,236 — 1,236 Foreign currency exchange rate — 189 — 189 Credit — 27 10 37 Equity market — 803 200 1,003 Total derivative assets — 2,255 210 2,465 Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2) — — 220 220 Separate account assets (3) 415 108,422 6 108,843 Total assets $ 8,646 $ 161,328 $ 4,517 $ 174,491 Liabilities Derivative liabilities: (1) Interest rate $ — $ 814 $ — $ 814 Foreign currency exchange rate — 72 1 73 Credit — — — — Equity market 11 1,623 615 2,249 Total derivative liabilities 11 2,509 616 3,136 Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2) — — 2,289 2,289 Long-term debt of CSEs — FVO — 14 — 14 Total liabilities $ 11 $ 2,523 $ 2,905 $ 5,439 December 31, 2016 Fair Value Hierarchy Total Estimated Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In millions) Assets Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ — $ 20,221 $ 1,444 $ 21,665 U.S. government and agency 6,110 6,806 — 12,916 RMBS — 6,627 1,313 7,940 Foreign corporate — 5,257 866 6,123 State and political subdivision — 3,841 17 3,858 CMBS — 3,529 167 3,696 ABS — 2,383 215 2,598 Foreign government — 1,103 — 1,103 Total fixed maturity securities 6,110 49,767 4,022 59,899 Equity securities 39 124 137 300 Short-term investments 702 568 2 1,272 Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO — 136 — 136 Derivative assets: (1) Interest rate 9 2,142 — 2,151 Foreign currency exchange rate — 348 — 348 Credit — 20 8 28 Equity market 37 860 179 1,076 Total derivative assets 46 3,370 187 3,603 Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2) — — 409 409 Separate account assets (3) 720 104,616 10 105,346 Total assets $ 7,617 $ 158,581 $ 4,767 $ 170,965 Liabilities Derivative liabilities: (1) Interest rate $ — $ 1,690 $ 611 $ 2,301 Foreign currency exchange rate — 14 — 14 Equity market — 1,038 530 1,568 Total derivative liabilities — 2,742 1,141 3,883 Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2) — — 3,170 3,170 Long-term debt of CSEs — FVO — 23 — 23 Total liabilities $ — $ 2,765 $ 4,311 $ 7,076 __________________ (1) Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets and derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation on the consolidated balance sheets, but are presented net for purposes of the rollforward in the Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) tables. (2) Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , debt and equity securities also included embedded derivatives of ($56) million and ($49) million , respectively. (3) Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders whose liability is reflected within separate account liabilities. Separate account liabilities are set equal to the estimated fair value of separate account assets.
Fair Value Inputs, Quantitative Information	The following table presents certain quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, and the sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in those inputs, for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Valuation Significant Unobservable Inputs Weighted Range Weighted Fixed maturity securities (3) U.S. corporate and foreign corporate • Matrix pricing • Offered quotes (4) 21 - 140 107 18 - 138 104 Increase • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) — - 498 79 13 - 700 99 Increase • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (4) 87 - 87 87 37 - 109 85 Increase RMBS • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) 48 - 107 95 38 - 111 91 Increase (5) ABS • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) 99 - 104 101 94 - 106 100 Increase (5) • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (4) 99 - 100 99 98 - 100 99 Increase (5) Derivatives Interest rate • Present value techniques • Repurchase rates (7) — - — (44) - 18 Decrease (6) Credit • Present value techniques • Credit spreads (8) 97 - 98 97 - 98 Decrease (8) • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (9) Equity market • Present value techniques or option pricing models • Volatility (10) 8% - 30% 14% - 32% Increase (6) • Correlation (11) 10% - 30% 40% - 40% Embedded derivatives Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits • Option pricing techniques • Mortality rates: Ages 0 - 40 0% - 0.09% 0% - 0.09% Decrease (12) Ages 41 - 60 0.04% - 0.65% 0.04% - 0.65% Decrease (12) Ages 61 - 115 0.26% - 100% 0.26% - 100% Decrease (12) • Lapse rates: Durations 1 - 10 0.25% - 100% 0.25% - 100% Decrease (13) Durations 11 - 20 2% - 100% 2% - 100% Decrease (13) Durations 21 - 116 2% - 100% 2% - 100% Decrease (13) • Utilization rates 0% - 25% 0% - 25% Increase (14) • Withdrawal rates 0.25% - 10% 0.25% - 10% (15) • Long-term equity volatilities 17.40% - 25% 17.40% - 25% Increase (16) • Nonperformance risk spread 0.66% - 1.59% 0.04% - 0.57% Decrease (17) ___________________ (1) The weighted average for fixed maturity securities is determined based on the estimated fair value of the securities. (2) The impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact on estimated fair value. For embedded derivatives, changes to direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits are based on liability positions; changes to ceded guaranteed minimum benefits are based on asset positions. (3) Significant increases (decreases) in expected default rates in isolation would result in substantially lower (higher) valuations. (4) Range and weighted average are presented in accordance with the market convention for fixed maturity securities of dollars per hundred dollars of par. (5) Changes in the assumptions used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumptions used for prepayment rates. (6) Changes in estimated fair value are based on long U.S. dollar net asset positions and will be inversely impacted for short U.S. dollar net asset positions. (7) Ranges represent different repurchase rates utilized as components within the valuation methodology and are presented in basis points. (8) Represents the risk quoted in basis points of a credit default event on the underlying instrument. Credit derivatives with significant unobservable inputs are primarily comprised of written credit default swaps. (9) At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , independent non-binding broker quotations were used in the determination of 1% and 3% , respectively, of the total net derivative estimated fair value. (10) Ranges represent the underlying equity volatility quoted in percentage points. Since this valuation methodology uses a range of inputs across multiple volatility surfaces to value the derivative, presenting a range is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. (11) Ranges represent the different correlation factors utilized as components within the valuation methodology. Presenting a range of correlation factors is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. Increases (decreases) in correlation in isolation will increase (decrease) the significance of the change in valuations. (12) Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. Mortality rate assumptions are based on company experience. A mortality improvement assumption is also applied. For any given contract, mortality rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (13) Base lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on a comparison of the actuarially calculated guaranteed values and the current policyholder account value, as well as other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. A dynamic lapse function reduces the base lapse rate when the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value as in the money contracts are less likely to lapse. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower in periods when a surrender charge applies. For any given contract, lapse rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (14) The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contractholders with a GMIB or lifetime withdrawal benefit who will elect to utilize the benefit upon becoming eligible. The rates may vary by the type of guarantee, the amount by which the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value, the contract’s withdrawal history and by the age of the policyholder. For any given contract, utilization rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (15) The withdrawal rate represents the percentage of account balance that any given policyholder will elect to withdraw from the contract each year. The withdrawal rate assumption varies by age and duration of the contract, and also by other factors such as benefit type. For any given contract, withdrawal rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. For GMWBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in an increase (decrease) in the estimated fair value of the guarantees. For GMABs and GMIBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in a decrease (increase) in the estimated fair value. (16) Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (17) Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration and by currency. For any given contract, multiple nonperformance risk spreads will apply, depending on the duration of the cash flow being discounted for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.
Fair Value Inputs, Quantitative Information	The following table presents certain quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, and the sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in those inputs, for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Valuation Significant Unobservable Inputs Weighted Range Weighted Fixed maturity securities (3) U.S. corporate and foreign corporate • Matrix pricing • Offered quotes (4) 21 - 140 107 18 - 138 104 Increase • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) — - 498 79 13 - 700 99 Increase • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (4) 87 - 87 87 37 - 109 85 Increase RMBS • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) 48 - 107 95 38 - 111 91 Increase (5) ABS • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) 99 - 104 101 94 - 106 100 Increase (5) • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (4) 99 - 100 99 98 - 100 99 Increase (5) Derivatives Interest rate • Present value techniques • Repurchase rates (7) — - — (44) - 18 Decrease (6) Credit • Present value techniques • Credit spreads (8) 97 - 98 97 - 98 Decrease (8) • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (9) Equity market • Present value techniques or option pricing models • Volatility (10) 8% - 30% 14% - 32% Increase (6) • Correlation (11) 10% - 30% 40% - 40% Embedded derivatives Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits • Option pricing techniques • Mortality rates: Ages 0 - 40 0% - 0.09% 0% - 0.09% Decrease (12) Ages 41 - 60 0.04% - 0.65% 0.04% - 0.65% Decrease (12) Ages 61 - 115 0.26% - 100% 0.26% - 100% Decrease (12) • Lapse rates: Durations 1 - 10 0.25% - 100% 0.25% - 100% Decrease (13) Durations 11 - 20 2% - 100% 2% - 100% Decrease (13) Durations 21 - 116 2% - 100% 2% - 100% Decrease (13) • Utilization rates 0% - 25% 0% - 25% Increase (14) • Withdrawal rates 0.25% - 10% 0.25% - 10% (15) • Long-term equity volatilities 17.40% - 25% 17.40% - 25% Increase (16) • Nonperformance risk spread 0.66% - 1.59% 0.04% - 0.57% Decrease (17) ___________________ (1) The weighted average for fixed maturity securities is determined based on the estimated fair value of the securities. (2) The impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact on estimated fair value. For embedded derivatives, changes to direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits are based on liability positions; changes to ceded guaranteed minimum benefits are based on asset positions. (3) Significant increases (decreases) in expected default rates in isolation would result in substantially lower (higher) valuations. (4) Range and weighted average are presented in accordance with the market convention for fixed maturity securities of dollars per hundred dollars of par. (5) Changes in the assumptions used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumptions used for prepayment rates. (6) Changes in estimated fair value are based on long U.S. dollar net asset positions and will be inversely impacted for short U.S. dollar net asset positions. (7) Ranges represent different repurchase rates utilized as components within the valuation methodology and are presented in basis points. (8) Represents the risk quoted in basis points of a credit default event on the underlying instrument. Credit derivatives with significant unobservable inputs are primarily comprised of written credit default swaps. (9) At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , independent non-binding broker quotations were used in the determination of 1% and 3% , respectively, of the total net derivative estimated fair value. (10) Ranges represent the underlying equity volatility quoted in percentage points. Since this valuation methodology uses a range of inputs across multiple volatility surfaces to value the derivative, presenting a range is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. (11) Ranges represent the different correlation factors utilized as components within the valuation methodology. Presenting a range of correlation factors is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. Increases (decreases) in correlation in isolation will increase (decrease) the significance of the change in valuations. (12) Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. Mortality rate assumptions are based on company experience. A mortality improvement assumption is also applied. For any given contract, mortality rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (13) Base lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on a comparison of the actuarially calculated guaranteed values and the current policyholder account value, as well as other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. A dynamic lapse function reduces the base lapse rate when the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value as in the money contracts are less likely to lapse. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower in periods when a surrender charge applies. For any given contract, lapse rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (14) The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contractholders with a GMIB or lifetime withdrawal benefit who will elect to utilize the benefit upon becoming eligible. The rates may vary by the type of guarantee, the amount by which the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value, the contract’s withdrawal history and by the age of the policyholder. For any given contract, utilization rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (15) The withdrawal rate represents the percentage of account balance that any given policyholder will elect to withdraw from the contract each year. The withdrawal rate assumption varies by age and duration of the contract, and also by other factors such as benefit type. For any given contract, withdrawal rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. For GMWBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in an increase (decrease) in the estimated fair value of the guarantees. For GMABs and GMIBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in a decrease (increase) in the estimated fair value. (16) Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (17) Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration and by currency. For any given contract, multiple nonperformance risk spreads will apply, depending on the duration of the cash flow being discounted for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.
Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The following tables summarize the change of all assets and (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fixed Maturity Securities Corporate (1) U.S. Government and Agency Structured Securities State and Foreign (In millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Balance, beginning of period $ 2,295 $ — $ 1,481 $ — $ — Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6) 1 — 13 — — Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI 34 — 6 — — Purchases (7) 92 — 147 — — Sales (7) (56 ) — (230 ) (1 ) — Issuances (7) — — — — — Settlements (7) — — — — — Transfers into Level 3 (8) 191 — — 10 — Transfers out of Level 3 (8) (19 ) — (14 ) — — Balance, end of period $ 2,538 $ — $ 1,403 $ 9 $ — Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Balance, beginning of period $ 2,694 $ 25 $ 1,859 $ 8 $ 9 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6) 8 — 8 — — Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI 2 — 14 — — Purchases (7) 111 — 112 — — Sales (7) (193 ) — (142 ) — — Issuances (7) — — — — — Settlements (7) — — — — — Transfers into Level 3 (8) 51 — 37 — — Transfers out of Level 3 (8) (271 ) (3 ) (77 ) — (9 ) Balance, end of period $ 2,402 $ 22 $ 1,811 $ 8 $ — Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2017 (9) $ 1 $ — $ 10 $ — $ — Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2016 (9) $ 1 $ — $ 8 $ — $ — Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Equity Short-term Net Net Embedded Separate (In millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Balance, beginning of period $ 134 $ 91 $ (780 ) $ (2,477 ) $ 6 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6) — — 4 561 — Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI (1 ) — — — — Purchases (7) — — — — 2 Sales (7) (3 ) — — — — Issuances (7) — — — — — Settlements (7) — — 370 (153 ) — Transfers into Level 3 (8) — — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (8) — (90 ) — — (2 ) Balance, end of period $ 130 $ 1 $ (406 ) $ (2,069 ) $ 6 Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Balance, beginning of period $ 173 $ 111 $ (182 ) $ (4,602 ) $ 142 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6) 1 — (113 ) 512 — Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI 3 — 1 — — Purchases (7) — 442 — — — Sales (7) (9 ) — — — (129 ) Issuances (7) — — — — — Settlements (7) — — (12 ) (155 ) — Transfers into Level 3 (8) — — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (8) (2 ) (111 ) — — (3 ) Balance, end of period $ 166 $ 442 $ (306 ) $ (4,245 ) $ 10 Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2017 (9) $ — $ — $ 4 $ 341 $ — Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2016 (9) $ — $ — $ (110 ) $ 503 $ — Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fixed Maturity Securities Corporate (1) U.S. Government and Agency Structured Securities State and Foreign (In millions) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Balance, beginning of period $ 2,310 $ — $ 1,695 $ 17 $ — Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6) (2 ) — 22 — — Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI 176 — 43 — — Purchases (7) 235 — 186 — — Sales (7) (230 ) — (460 ) (1 ) — Issuances (7) — — — — — Settlements (7) — — — — — Transfers into Level 3 (8) 180 — — 3 — Transfers out of Level 3 (8) (131 ) — (83 ) (10 ) — Balance, end of period $ 2,538 $ — $ 1,403 $ 9 $ — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Balance, beginning of period $ 2,410 $ — $ 1,996 $ 13 $ 27 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6) 1 — 21 — — Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI 179 3 (4 ) — — Purchases (7) 293 — 505 — — Sales (7) (268 ) — (380 ) — — Issuances (7) — — — — — Settlements (7) — — — — — Transfers into Level 3 (8) 165 19 17 — — Transfers out of Level 3 (8) (378 ) — (344 ) (5 ) (27 ) Balance, end of period $ 2,402 $ 22 $ 1,811 $ 8 $ — Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2017 (9) $ 1 $ — $ 19 $ — $ — Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2016 (9) $ 2 $ — $ 21 $ — $ — Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Equity Short-term Net Net Embedded Separate (In millions) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Balance, beginning of period $ 137 $ 2 $ (954 ) $ (2,761 ) $ 10 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6) — — 100 1,029 — Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI 2 — — — — Purchases (7) 4 1 4 — 2 Sales (7) (13 ) (1 ) — — (3 ) Issuances (7) — — — — — Settlements (7) — — 444 (337 ) — Transfers into Level 3 (8) — — — — 1 Transfers out of Level 3 (8) — (1 ) — — (4 ) Balance, end of period $ 130 $ 1 $ (406 ) $ (2,069 ) $ 6 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Balance, beginning of period $ 97 $ 47 $ (232 ) $ (442 ) $ 146 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6) — — (76 ) (3,382 ) — Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI 3 — 9 — — Purchases (7) — 442 7 — 1 Sales (7) (9 ) (47 ) — — (130 ) Issuances (7) — — — — — Settlements (7) — — (14 ) (421 ) (1 ) Transfers into Level 3 (8) 129 — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (8) (54 ) — — — (6 ) Balance, end of period $ 166 $ 442 $ (306 ) $ (4,245 ) $ 10 Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2017 (9) $ — $ — $ 98 $ 862 $ — Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2016 (9) $ — $ — $ (67 ) $ (3,392 ) $ — ________________ (1) Comprised of U.S. and foreign corporate securities. (2) Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward. (3) Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward. (4) Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders within separate account liabilities. Therefore, such changes in estimated fair value are not recorded in net income (loss). For the purpose of this disclosure, these changes are presented within net investment gains (losses). (5) Amortization of premium/accretion of discount is included within net investment income. Impairments charged to net income (loss) on securities are included in net investment gains (losses). Lapses associated with embedded derivatives are included in net derivative gains (losses). Substantially all realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and embedded derivatives are reported in net derivatives gains (losses). (6) Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward. (7) Items purchased/issued and then sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. Fees attributed to embedded derivatives are included in settlements. (8) Gains and losses, in net income (loss) and OCI, are calculated assuming transfers into and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and then out of Level 3 in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. (9) Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) relate to assets and liabilities still held at the end of the respective periods. Substantially all changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses).
Fair Value Option	The following table presents information for certain assets and liabilities of CSEs, which are accounted for under the FVO. These assets and liabilities were initially measured at fair value. September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Assets (1) Unpaid principal balance $ 73 $ 88 Difference between estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance 46 48 Carrying value at estimated fair value $ 119 $ 136 Liabilities (1) Contractual principal balance $ 13 $ 22 Difference between estimated fair value and contractual principal balance 1 1 Carrying value at estimated fair value $ 14 $ 23 __________________ (1) These assets and liabilities are comprised of commercial mortgage loans and long-term debt. Changes in estimated fair value on these assets and liabilities and gains or losses on sales of these assets are recognized in net investment gains (losses). Interest income on commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO is recognized in net investment income. Interest expense from long-term debt of CSEs — FVO is recognized in other expenses.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value	The carrying values and estimated fair values for such financial instruments, and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows at: September 30, 2017 Fair Value Hierarchy Carrying Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Estimated Fair Value (In millions) Assets Mortgage loans $ 10,209 $ — $ — $ 10,451 $ 10,451 Policy loans $ 1,101 $ — $ 746 $ 443 $ 1,189 Real estate joint ventures $ 5 $ — $ — $ 24 $ 24 Other limited partnership interests $ 37 $ — $ — $ 32 $ 32 Loans to MetLife, Inc. $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ 1,682 $ — $ 236 $ 1,775 $ 2,011 Liabilities Policyholder account balances $ 15,574 $ — $ — $ 15,785 $ 15,785 Long-term debt $ 36 $ — $ 43 $ — $ 43 Other liabilities $ 1,014 $ — $ 644 $ 374 $ 1,018 Separate account liabilities $ 1,180 $ — $ 1,180 $ — $ 1,180 December 31, 2016 Fair Value Hierarchy Carrying Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Estimated Fair Value (In millions) Assets Mortgage loans $ 9,154 $ — $ — $ 9,298 $ 9,298 Policy loans $ 1,093 $ — $ 746 $ 431 $ 1,177 Real estate joint ventures $ 12 $ — $ — $ 44 $ 44 Other limited partnership interests $ 44 $ — $ — $ 42 $ 42 Loans to MetLife, Inc. $ 1,100 $ — $ 1,090 $ — $ 1,090 Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ 2,363 $ — $ 834 $ 1,981 $ 2,815 Liabilities Policyholder account balances $ 16,043 $ — $ — $ 17,259 $ 17,259 Long-term debt $ 1,881 $ — $ 2,117 $ — $ 2,117 Other liabilities $ 256 $ — $ 90 $ 166 $ 256 Separate account liabilities $ 1,110 $ — $ 1,110 $ — $ 1,110

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Equity (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Information regarding changes in the balances of each component of AOCI was as follows: Three Months Unrealized Unrealized Foreign Total (In millions) Balance, beginning of period $ 1,675 $ 217 $ (31 ) $ 1,861 OCI before reclassifications (852 ) (50 ) 9 (893 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 305 17 (4 ) 318 AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 1,128 184 (26 ) 1,286 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (23 ) (1 ) — (24 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 2 1 — 3 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax (21 ) — — (21 ) Balance, end of period $ 1,107 $ 184 $ (26 ) $ 1,265 Three Months Unrealized Unrealized Foreign Total (In millions) Balance, beginning of period $ 2,540 $ 288 $ (17 ) $ 2,811 OCI before reclassifications (394 ) (15 ) (13 ) (422 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 145 5 2 152 AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 2,291 278 (28 ) 2,541 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (60 ) (4 ) — (64 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 21 1 — 22 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax (39 ) (3 ) — (42 ) Balance, end of period $ 2,252 $ 275 $ (28 ) $ 2,499 Nine Months Unrealized Unrealized Foreign Total (In millions) Balance, beginning of period $ 1,019 $ 258 $ (29 ) $ 1,248 OCI before reclassifications 106 (101 ) 4 9 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (52 ) 35 (1 ) (18 ) AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 1,073 192 (26 ) 1,239 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 65 (13 ) — 52 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (31 ) 5 — (26 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax 34 (8 ) — 26 Balance, end of period $ 1,107 $ 184 $ (26 ) $ 1,265 Nine Months Unrealized Unrealized Foreign Total (In millions) Balance, beginning of period $ 1,379 $ 241 $ (26 ) $ 1,594 OCI before reclassifications 1,369 74 (3 ) 1,440 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (479 ) (26 ) 1 (504 ) AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 2,269 289 (28 ) 2,530 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (26 ) (21 ) — (47 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 9 7 — 16 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax (17 ) (14 ) — (31 ) Balance, end of period $ 2,252 $ 275 $ (28 ) $ 2,499 __________________ (1) See Note 5 for information on offsets to investments related to future policy benefits, DAC, VOBA and DSI.
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Information regarding amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI was as follows: AOCI Components Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Locations Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Net unrealized investment gains (losses): Net unrealized investment gains (losses) $ 24 $ 52 $ (22 ) $ 18 Net investment gains (losses) Net unrealized investment gains (losses) (1 ) — 1 — Net investment income Net unrealized investment gains (losses) — 8 (44 ) 8 Net derivative gains (losses) Net unrealized investment gains (losses), before income tax 23 60 (65 ) 26 Income tax (expense) benefit (2 ) (21 ) 31 (9 ) Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax 21 39 (34 ) 17 Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps — — — 12 Net derivative gains (losses) Interest rate swaps — 1 2 2 Net investment income Interest rate forwards — 1 — 2 Net derivative gains (losses) Interest rate forwards 1 — 2 2 Net investment income Foreign currency swaps — 2 9 3 Net derivative gains (losses) Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, before income tax 1 4 13 21 Income tax (expense) benefit (1 ) (1 ) (5 ) (7 ) Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of income tax — 3 8 14 Total reclassifications, net of income tax $ 21 $ 42 $ (26 ) $ 31

Other Expenses (Tables)

Other Expenses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Other Expenses (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2017
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Expenses	Information on other expenses was as follows: Three Months Nine Months 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Compensation $ 77 $ 67 $ 195 $ 292 Commissions 189 157 557 474 Volume-related costs 31 79 146 192 Related party expenses on ceded and assumed reinsurance (3 ) 15 1 16 Capitalization of DAC (57 ) (69 ) (185 ) (252 ) Interest expense on debt (1 ) 34 56 100 Premium taxes, licenses and fees 15 13 45 44 Professional services 53 31 134 57 Rent and related expenses 2 8 9 37 Other 140 88 384 308 Total other expenses $ 446 $ 423 $ 1,342 $ 1,268

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2017
Reinsurance Disclosure [Line Items]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	12. Related Party Transactions Non-Broker-Dealer Transactions The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with related parties (excluding broker-dealer transactions) for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Income $ (11 ) $ (115 ) $ (121 ) $ (161 ) Expense $ 259 $ 64 $ 668 $ 282 The following table summarizes assets and liabilities from transactions with related parties (excluding broker-dealer transactions) at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Assets $ 2,805 $ 4,288 Liabilities $ 2,655 $ 5,125 The material arrangements between the Company and its related parties are as follows: Reinsurance Agreements The Company enters into reinsurance agreements primarily as a purchaser of reinsurance for its various insurance products and also as a provider of reinsurance for some insurance products issued by related parties. The Company participates in reinsurance activities in order to limit losses, minimize exposure to significant risks and provide additional capacity for future growth. The Company has reinsurance agreements with its affiliate New England Life Insurance Company (“NELICO”) and certain MetLife, Inc. subsidiaries, including MLIC, General American Life Insurance Company, MetLife Europe d.a.c., MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont, Delaware American Life Insurance Company and American Life Insurance Company, all of which were related parties as of September 30, 2017. Information regarding the significant effects of related party reinsurance included on the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Premiums Reinsurance assumed $ 1 $ (20 ) $ 10 $ 34 Reinsurance ceded (106 ) (187 ) (423 ) (560 ) Net premiums $ (105 ) $ (207 ) $ (413 ) $ (526 ) Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Reinsurance assumed $ 32 $ 36 $ 82 $ 93 Reinsurance ceded 1 (14 ) (17 ) (45 ) Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees $ 33 $ 22 $ 65 $ 48 Other revenues Reinsurance assumed $ — $ 1 $ 28 $ 2 Reinsurance ceded — (7 ) 39 309 Net other revenues $ — $ (6 ) $ 67 $ 311 Policyholder benefits and claims Reinsurance assumed $ 32 $ 10 $ 67 $ 68 Reinsurance ceded (89 ) (201 ) (317 ) (538 ) Net policyholder benefits and claims $ (57 ) $ (191 ) $ (250 ) $ (470 ) Interest credited to policyholder account balances Reinsurance assumed $ 18 $ 18 $ 54 $ 56 Reinsurance ceded (3 ) (3 ) (9 ) (8 ) Net interest credited to policyholder account balances $ 15 $ 15 $ 45 $ 48 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired Reinsurance assumed $ 1 $ 3 $ 23 $ 8 Reinsurance ceded 5 (12 ) 19 (132 ) Net amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of $ 6 $ (9 ) $ 42 $ (124 ) Other expenses Reinsurance assumed $ 8 $ — $ 19 $ 16 Reinsurance ceded (1 ) 6 6 (17 ) Net other expenses $ 7 $ 6 $ 25 $ (1 ) Information regarding the significant effects of related party reinsurance included on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded (In millions) Assets Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ 34 $ 3,170 $ 23 $ 3,382 Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired 8 (403 ) 71 (356 ) Total assets $ 42 $ 2,767 $ 94 $ 3,026 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 159 $ — $ 211 $ — Policyholder account balances 454 — 741 — Other policy-related balances 1,676 — 1,677 — Other liabilities (17 ) 383 11 578 Total liabilities $ 2,272 $ 383 $ 2,640 $ 578 The Company assumes risks from NELICO and a former affiliate related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees written directly by the cedents. These assumed reinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives and changes in the estimated fair value are also included within net derivative gains (losses). The embedded derivatives associated with these agreements are included within policyholder account balances and were $454 million and $741 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivatives were $21 million and $159 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $32 million and ($276) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively. The Company cedes risks to a former affiliate to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees written directly by the Company. This ceded reinsurance agreement contains embedded derivatives and changes in the estimated fair value are also included within net derivative gains (losses). The embedded derivative associated with the cession is included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and were $2 million and $171 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivatives were ($1) million and ($126) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and ($6) million and $136 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively. In May 2017, the Company and Brighthouse NY recaptured from MLIC risks related to multiple life products ceded under yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements. This recapture resulted in an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $214 million and a decrease in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables of $189 million . The Company recognized a gain of $17 million , net of income tax, as a result of reinsurance termination. In January 2017, the Company executed a novation and assignment agreement whereby it replaced MLIC as the reinsurer of certain variable annuities, including guaranteed minimum benefits, issued by NELICO. This novation and assignment resulted in an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $184 million , an increase in future policy benefits of $34 million , an increase in policyholder account balances of $219 million and a decrease in other liabilities of $68 million . The Company recognized no gain or loss as a result of this transaction. In January 2017, MLIC recaptured risks related to certain variable annuities, including guaranteed minimum benefits, issued by Brighthouse NY. This recapture resulted in a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $150 million , an increase in future policy benefits of $45 million , an increase in policyholder account balances of $168 million and a decrease in other liabilities of $359 million . The Company recognized no gain or loss as a result of this transaction. In January 2017, MLIC recaptured risks related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees on certain variable annuities being reinsured by the Company. This recapture resulted in a decrease in investments and cash and cash equivalents of $568 million , a decrease in future policy benefits of $106 million , and a decrease in policyholder account balances of $460 million . In June 2017, there was an adjustment to the recapture amounts of this transaction, which resulted in an increase in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables of $140 million at June 30, 2017. The Company recognized a gain of $91 million and $89 million , net of income tax, for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017, as a result of this transaction. Financing Arrangements The Company had collateral financing arrangements with MetLife that were used to support reinsurance obligations arising under previously affiliated reinsurance agreements. The Company recognized interest expense for such arrangements of $0 and $55 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $32 million and $94 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively. See Note 3 for subsequent information regarding the termination of these arrangements. Investment Transactions Prior to the Separation, the Company had extended loans to certain subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc. Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, the Company had previously transferred invested assets, primarily consisting of fixed maturity securities, to and from former affiliates. See Note 5 for further discussion of the related party investment transactions. Shared Services and Overhead Allocations Brighthouse affiliates and MetLife provide the Company certain services, which include, but are not limited to, treasury, financial planning and analysis, legal, human resources, tax planning, internal audit, financial reporting and information technology. In 2017, the Company is charged for the MetLife services through a transition services agreement and allocated to the legal entities and products within the Company. When specific identification to a particular legal entity and/or product is not practicable, an allocation methodology based on various performance measures or activity-based costing, such as sales, new policies/contracts issued, reserves, and in-force policy counts is used. The bases for such charges are modified and adjusted by management when necessary or appropriate to reflect fairly and equitably the actual incidence of cost incurred by the Company and/or affiliate. Management believes that the methods used to allocate expenses under these arrangements are reasonable. Expenses incurred with the Brighthouse affiliates and MetLife related to these arrangements, recorded in other expenses, were $290 million and $722 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $184 million and $668 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively. Broker-Dealer Transactions Beginning in March 2017, Brighthouse Securities, LLC, a registered broker-dealer affiliate, began distributing certain of the Company’s existing and future variable insurance products, and the MetLife broker-dealers discontinued such distributions. Prior to March 2017, the Company recognized related party revenues and expenses arising from transactions with MetLife broker-dealers that previously sold the Company’s variable annuity and life products. The related party expense for the Company was commissions collected on the sale of variable products by the Company and passed through to the broker-dealer. The related party revenue for the Company was fee income from trusts and mutual funds whose shares serve as investment options of policyholders of the Company. The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with related party broker-dealers for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Fee income $ 56 $ 52 $ 167 $ 151 Commission expense $ 157 $ 157 $ 477 $ 471 The following table summarizes assets and liabilities from transactions with related party broker-dealers at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Fee income receivables $ 18 $ 19 Secured demand notes $ — $ 20
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with related parties (excluding broker-dealer transactions) for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Income $ (11 ) $ (115 ) $ (121 ) $ (161 ) Expense $ 259 $ 64 $ 668 $ 282 The following table summarizes assets and liabilities from transactions with related parties (excluding broker-dealer transactions) at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Assets $ 2,805 $ 4,288 Liabilities $ 2,655 $ 5,125 The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with related party broker-dealers for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Fee income $ 56 $ 52 $ 167 $ 151 Commission expense $ 157 $ 157 $ 477 $ 471 The following table summarizes assets and liabilities from transactions with related party broker-dealers at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Fee income receivables $ 18 $ 19 Secured demand notes $ — $ 20
Effects of reinsurance	Information regarding the significant effects of related party reinsurance included on the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) Premiums Reinsurance assumed $ 1 $ (20 ) $ 10 $ 34 Reinsurance ceded (106 ) (187 ) (423 ) (560 ) Net premiums $ (105 ) $ (207 ) $ (413 ) $ (526 ) Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Reinsurance assumed $ 32 $ 36 $ 82 $ 93 Reinsurance ceded 1 (14 ) (17 ) (45 ) Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees $ 33 $ 22 $ 65 $ 48 Other revenues Reinsurance assumed $ — $ 1 $ 28 $ 2 Reinsurance ceded — (7 ) 39 309 Net other revenues $ — $ (6 ) $ 67 $ 311 Policyholder benefits and claims Reinsurance assumed $ 32 $ 10 $ 67 $ 68 Reinsurance ceded (89 ) (201 ) (317 ) (538 ) Net policyholder benefits and claims $ (57 ) $ (191 ) $ (250 ) $ (470 ) Interest credited to policyholder account balances Reinsurance assumed $ 18 $ 18 $ 54 $ 56 Reinsurance ceded (3 ) (3 ) (9 ) (8 ) Net interest credited to policyholder account balances $ 15 $ 15 $ 45 $ 48 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired Reinsurance assumed $ 1 $ 3 $ 23 $ 8 Reinsurance ceded 5 (12 ) 19 (132 ) Net amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of $ 6 $ (9 ) $ 42 $ (124 ) Other expenses Reinsurance assumed $ 8 $ — $ 19 $ 16 Reinsurance ceded (1 ) 6 6 (17 ) Net other expenses $ 7 $ 6 $ 25 $ (1 ) Information regarding the significant effects of related party reinsurance included on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows at: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded (In millions) Assets Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ 34 $ 3,170 $ 23 $ 3,382 Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired 8 (403 ) 71 (356 ) Total assets $ 42 $ 2,767 $ 94 $ 3,026 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 159 $ — $ 211 $ — Policyholder account balances 454 — 741 — Other policy-related balances 1,676 — 1,677 — Other liabilities (17 ) 383 11 578 Total liabilities $ 2,272 $ 383 $ 2,640 $ 578

Business, Basis of Presentati29

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)segmentshares	Aug. 04, 2017shares	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Payables For Collateral Under Securities Loaned And Other Transactions	$ 4,556				$ 7,371
Common Stock, Shares, Issued \| shares	3,000				3,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$ 2,465				$ 3,603
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	3,136				3,883
Accrued Investment Income Receivable	613				668
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	13,005				13,853
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	$ 265				$ 300
Number of segments \| segment	3
CME update impact [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Payables For Collateral Under Securities Loaned And Other Transactions				$ 74
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset				206
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability				927
Accrued Investment Income Receivable				30
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net				$ 765
Spinoff
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Common Stock Distribution by Parent		80.80%
Common Stock, Shares, Issued \| shares		119,773,106
Spinoff \| Minimum
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Common Stock Distribution by Parent			80.10%
Cost-method Investments [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	$ 195
Partnership and Joint Venture	$ 42
Parent Company [Member] \| Spinoff
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued \| shares		96,776,670

Segment Information (Earnings)

Segment Information (Earnings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	$ (122)	$ (786)	$ (1,187)	$ (2,322)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	567	(222)	131	(830)
Net investment gains (losses)	21	26	(34)	(14)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(162)	(502)	(1,064)	(3,229)
Other adjustments to net income	64	54	263	491
Net income (loss)	(689)	(564)	(1,318)	(1,492)
Inter-segment revenues	1,694	1,558	4,384	2,911
Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	306	369	938	1,071
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	76	81	230	227
Interest expense	(4)	0	(4)	0
Run-off
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	349	365	1,061	1,068
Interest expense	4	15	23	45
Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	20	102	122	187
Interest expense	0	17	37	51
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	511	69	529	882
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	1,215	22	1,157	234
Operating earnings	(704)	47	(628)	648
Operating Segments \| Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	441	348	970	1,132
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	128	128	260	339
Operating earnings	313	220	710	793
Inter-segment revenues	901	1,000	2,789	3,415
Operating Segments \| Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	(16)	8	(58)	(6)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(11)	8	(27)	(3)
Operating earnings	(5)	0	(31)	(3)
Inter-segment revenues	288	244	774	702
Operating Segments \| Run-off
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	144	(324)	(340)	(287)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	41	(121)	(130)	(104)
Operating earnings	103	(203)	(210)	(183)
Inter-segment revenues	549	678	1,634	1,731
Operating Segments \| Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	(58)	37	(43)	43
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	1,057	7	1,054	2
Operating earnings	(1,115)	30	(1,097)	41
Inter-segment revenues	48	116	203	297
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	648	244	1,026	1,064
Net investment gains (losses)	21	26	(34)	(14)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(162)	(502)	(1,064)	(3,229)
Other adjustments to net income	(492)	(379)	(618)	39
Inter-segment revenues	(92)	(480)	(1,016)	(3,234)
Intersegment Eliminations \| Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-segment revenues	100	94	346	599
Intersegment Eliminations \| Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-segment revenues	(100)	(133)	(341)	(471)
Intersegment Eliminations \| Run-off
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-segment revenues	28	17	76	38
Intersegment Eliminations \| Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-segment revenues	$ (4)	$ (71)	$ (67)	$ (48)

Segment Information (Reconcilia

Segment Information (Reconciliation of Operating Revenues to Total Revenues) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,694	$ 1,558	$ 4,384	$ 2,911
Net investment gains (losses)	21	26	(34)	(14)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(162)	(502)	(1,064)	(3,229)
Operating Segments \| Annuities
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	901	1,000	2,789	3,415
Operating Segments \| Life
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	288	244	774	702
Operating Segments \| Run-off
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	549	678	1,634	1,731
Operating Segments \| Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	48	116	203	297
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	(92)	(480)	(1,016)	(3,234)
Net investment gains (losses)	21	26	(34)	(14)
Net derivative gains (losses)	$ (162)	$ (502)	$ (1,064)	$ (3,229)

Segment Information (Total Asse

Segment Information (Total Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 210,940	$ 211,425
Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	148,447	146,224
Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	13,680	12,296
Run-off
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	36,522	40,575
Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 12,291	$ 12,330

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2017segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of segments	3

Contribution Transaction Contri

Contribution Transaction Contribution Transaction (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 28, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Amount of other increase (decrease) in additional paid in capital (APIC) due to a return of capital	$ 2,700				$ 2,737
Secured Debt	2,800
Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Capital Contribution			$ (202)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Capital Contributions from Parent					2,933	$ 1,574
Net income (loss)		$ (689)		$ (564)	(1,318)	(1,492)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		567		(222)	131	(830)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax					17	905
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Net income (loss)				(135)		333
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax				$ (168)		$ 463
Spinoff
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Amount of other increase (decrease) in additional paid in capital (APIC) due to a return of capital	3,425
Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Capital Contribution	703
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	643
Loans Payable	1,100	$ 1,100			$ 1,100
Surplus Notes	$ 1,100

Insurance (Guarantees Related t

Insurance (Guarantees Related to Annuity Contracts) (Details) - Variable Annuity Guarantees - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Guaranteed Death Benefits
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value	$ 111,247	$ 106,590
Separate account value	106,468	101,991
Net amount at risk	$ 5,499	$ 6,763
Average attained age of contractholders	68 years	67 years
Guaranteed Annuitization Benefits
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value	$ 63,258	$ 61,340
Separate account value	62,021	60,016
Net amount at risk	$ 2,618	$ 3,116
Average attained age of contractholders	68 years	67 years

Insurance (Guarantees Related36

Insurance (Guarantees Related to Universal and Variable Life Contracts) (Details) - Secondary Guarantees - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Universal Life [Member]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value (3)	$ 6,256	$ 6,216
Net amount at risk	$ 75,862	$ 76,216
Average attained age of policyholders	64 years	63 years
Variable Life [Member]
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value (3)	$ 987	$ 960
Net amount at risk	$ 14,110	$ 14,757
Average attained age of policyholders	43 years	43 years

Insurance Insurance (Liabilitie

Insurance Insurance (Liabilities for Unpaid Claims and Claim Expense) (Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Balance, end of period	$ 2,057	$ 1,846	$ 1,970	$ 1,693
Add: Reinsurance recoverables	1,865	1,645	1,811	1,545
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Net	192	201	159	216
Incurred related to:
Prior years (2)	(5)	(48)
Current Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	474	656
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims	469	608
Paid related to:
Prior years	(48)	(152)
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid, Current Year	(388)	(471)
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid	$ (436)	$ (623)
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Net			159	148
Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Net			$ 0	$ 68

Investments (Fixed Maturity and

Investments (Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-For-Sale by Sector) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 57,134	$ 57,289
Cost or Amortized Cost	234	280
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	5	1
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	61,483	59,899
Equity securities	265	300
Estimated Fair Value, Structured Securities	12,810
Fixed Maturity Securities
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	57,134	57,289
Gross Unrealized Gain	4,728	3,532
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	384	923
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	(5)	(1)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	61,483	59,899
U.S. corporate
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	20,203	20,663
Gross Unrealized Gain	1,733	1,287
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	99	285
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	21,837	21,665
U.S. government and agency
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	13,579	11,872
Gross Unrealized Gain	1,640	1,281
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	127	237
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	15,092	12,916
RMBS
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	7,621	7,876
Gross Unrealized Gain	282	203
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	59	139
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	(4)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	7,848	7,940
Foreign corporate
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	6,206	6,071
Gross Unrealized Gain	359	220
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	71	168
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	6,494	6,123
State and political subdivision
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	3,557	3,520
Gross Unrealized Gain	489	376
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	9	38
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	4,037	3,858
CMBS
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	3,204	3,687
Gross Unrealized Gain	55	40
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	15	32
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	(1)	(1)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	3,245	3,696
Foreign government
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	1,064	1,000
Gross Unrealized Gain	151	114
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	2	11
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,213	1,103
ABS
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	1,700	2,600
Gross Unrealized Gain	19	11
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	2	13
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,717	2,598
Equity securities
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	234	280
Gross Unrealized Gain	32	29
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	1	9
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Equity securities	265	300
Non-redeemable preferred stock
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	138	180
Gross Unrealized Gain	10	6
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	1	9
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Equity securities	147	177
Common stock
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	96	100
Gross Unrealized Gain	22	23
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	0	0
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Equity securities	$ 118	$ 123

Investments (Maturities of Fixe

Investments (Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost, Due in one year or less	$ 1,631
Amortized Cost, Due after one year through five years	10,116
Amortized Cost, Due after five years through ten years	10,309
Amortized Cost, Due after ten years	22,553
Amortized Cost, Structured Securities	12,525
Amortized Cost, Subtotal	57,134	$ 57,289
Estimated Fair Value, Due in one year or less	1,641
Estimated Fair Value, Due after one year through five years	10,520
Estimated Fair Value, Due after five years through ten years	10,657
Estimated Fair Value, Due after ten years	25,855
Estimated Fair Value, Structured Securities	12,810
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 61,483	$ 59,899

Investments (Continuous Gross U

Investments (Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-For-Sale) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position less than 12 months	1,018	1,711
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position equal to or greater than 12 months	362	475
Fixed Maturity Securities
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	$ 11,201	$ 17,060
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	195	671
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	2,428	2,757
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	184	251
U.S. corporate
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	2,285	4,632
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	52	187
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	726	699
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	47	98
U.S. government and agency
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	5,006	4,396
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	71	237
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	529	0
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	56	0
RMBS
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	2,152	3,457
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	42	107
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	383	818
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	13	32
Foreign corporate
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	540	1,443
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	12	64
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	547	573
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	59	104
State and political subdivision
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	300	887
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	6	35
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	43	29
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	3	3
CMBS
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	667	1,553
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	10	26
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	93	171
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	4	5
ABS
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	120	450
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	0	5
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	97	461
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	2	8
Foreign government
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	131	242
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	2	10
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	10	6
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	0	1
Equity securities
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	1	57
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	0	2
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	16	40
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	1	7
Non-redeemable preferred stock
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	0	57
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	0	2
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	16	40
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	1	7
Common Stock
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	1	0
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	0	0
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	$ 0	$ 0

Investments (Mortgage Loans by

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Company-held mortgage loans held-for-investment, net
Commercial Mortgage Loans	$ 7,011	$ 6,497
Percentage of loans receivable on commercial mortgage loans	67.80%	69.90%
Agricultural Mortgage Loans	$ 2,144	$ 1,830
Percentage of loans receivable on agricultural mortgage loans	20.80%	19.70%
Residential Mortgage Loans	$ 1,098	$ 867
Percentage of loans receivable on residential mortgage loans	10.60%	9.30%
Subtotal (1)	$ 10,253	$ 9,194
Percentage of loans receivable on subtotal	99.20%	98.90%
Valuation allowances	$ (44)	$ (40)	$ (42)	$ (36)
Percentage of loans receivable on valuation allowances	(0.40%)	(0.40%)
Subtotal mortgage loans, net	$ 10,209	$ 9,154
Percentage of loans receivable on subtotal mortgage loans held-for-investment, net	98.80%	98.50%
Total mortgage loans, net	$ 10,328	$ 9,290
Percentage of loans receivable on commercial mortgage loans held by consolidated securitization entities - fair value option	1.20%	1.50%
Percentage of loans held for sale on total mortgage loans, net	100.00%	100.00%
Consolidated Securitization Entities
Company-held mortgage loans held-for-investment, net
Total mortgage loans, net	$ 119	$ 136

Investments (Mortgage Loans and

Investments (Mortgage Loans and Valuation Allowance by Portfolio Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 4	$ 4
Recorded Investment	3	3
Valuation Allowances	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	4	1
Recorded Investment	4	1
Recorded Investment	10,246	9,190
Valuation Allowances	44	40
Carrying Value	7	4
Commercial
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Recorded Investment	0	0
Valuation Allowances	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Recorded Investment	0	0
Recorded Investment	7,011	6,497
Valuation Allowances	34	32
Carrying Value	0	0
Agricultural
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	4	4
Recorded Investment	3	3
Valuation Allowances	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Recorded Investment	0	0
Recorded Investment	2,141	1,827
Valuation Allowances	6	5
Carrying Value	3	3
Residential
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Recorded Investment	0	0
Valuation Allowances	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	4	1
Recorded Investment	4	1
Recorded Investment	1,094	866
Valuation Allowances	4	3
Carrying Value	$ 4	$ 1

Investments (Valuation Allowanc

Investments (Valuation Allowance Rollforward by Portfolio Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 40	$ 36
Provision (release)	4	6
Balance, end of period	44	42
Commercial
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	32	28
Provision (release)	2	4
Balance, end of period	34	32
Agricultural
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	5	5
Provision (release)	1	0
Balance, end of period	6	5
Residential
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	3	3
Provision (release)	1	2
Balance, end of period	$ 4	$ 5

Investments (Credit Quality of

Investments (Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 7,011	$ 6,497
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 7,176	$ 6,570
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Less than 65%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 6,390	$ 6,115
% of Total	91.10%	94.10%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 6,555	$ 6,197
% of Total	91.40%	94.30%
65% to 75%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 546	$ 310
% of Total	7.80%	4.80%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 547	$ 303
% of Total	7.60%	4.60%
76% to 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 51	$ 34
% of Total	0.70%	0.50%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 51	$ 33
% of Total	0.70%	0.50%
Greater than 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 24	$ 38
% of Total	0.40%	0.60%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 23	$ 37
% of Total	0.30%	0.60%
Greater than 1.20x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 6,586	$ 6,067
Greater than 1.20x \| Less than 65%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	6,057	5,718
Greater than 1.20x \| 65% to 75%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	519	291
Greater than 1.20x \| 76% to 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	10	34
Greater than 1.20x \| Greater than 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	0	24
1.00x - 1.20x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	341	244
1.00x - 1.20x \| Less than 65%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	300	230
1.00x - 1.20x \| 65% to 75%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	9	0
1.00x - 1.20x \| 76% to 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	32	0
1.00x - 1.20x \| Greater than 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	0	14
Less than 1.00x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	84	186
Less than 1.00x \| Less than 65%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	33	167
Less than 1.00x \| 65% to 75%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	18	19
Less than 1.00x \| 76% to 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	9	0
Less than 1.00x \| Greater than 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 24	$ 0

Investments (Credit Quality o45

Investments (Credit Quality of Agricultural and Residential Mortgage Loans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Agricultural Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator:
Recorded Investment	$ 2,144	$ 1,830
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Residential Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract]
Recorded Investment	$ 1,098	$ 867
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Less than 65%
Agricultural Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator:
Recorded Investment	$ 2,011	$ 1,789
% of Total	93.80%	97.80%
65% to 75%
Agricultural Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator:
Recorded Investment	$ 133	$ 41
% of Total	6.20%	2.20%
Performing
Residential Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract]
Recorded Investment	$ 1,072	$ 856
% of Total	97.60%	98.70%
Nonperforming
Residential Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract]
Recorded Investment	$ 26	$ 11
% of Total	2.40%	1.30%

Investments Investments (Past D

Investments Investments (Past Due and Interest Accrual Status of Mortgage Loans) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Past Due	$ 26,000,000	$ 11,000,000
Nonaccrual	26,000,000	11,000,000
Commercial
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Past Due	0	0
Nonaccrual	0	0
Agricultural
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Past Due	0	0
Nonaccrual	0	0
Residential
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Past Due	26,000,000	11,000,000
Nonaccrual	$ 26,000,000	$ 11,000,000

Investments (Net Unrealized Inv

Investments (Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Fixed maturity securities	$ 4,335	$ 2,600
Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI	5	1
Total fixed maturity securities	4,340	2,601
Equity securities	55	32
Derivatives	283	397
Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Allocated from short-term investments	0	(42)
Other	(9)	59
Subtotal	4,669	3,047
Future policy benefits	(2,384)	(922)
DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI	(2)	(2)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(296)	(193)
Subtotal	(2,682)	(1,117)
Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Deferred Income Tax Benefit Expense On Which Non Credit Otti Losses Have Been Recognized	(1)	0
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(695)	(653)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$ 1,291	$ 1,277

Investments (Changes in Net Unr

Investments (Changes in Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 1,277
Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized	4
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period	1,618
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
Future policy benefits	(1,462)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(103)
Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Related To Deferred Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Related To Non Credit Otti Losses Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(1)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(42)
Balance, end of period	1,291
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$ 14

Investments (Securities Lending

Investments (Securities Lending) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties	$ 3,902	$ 6,642
Security collateral on deposit from counterparties	0	27
Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value	3,935	6,571
Amortized cost
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities loaned	3,169	5,895
Estimated fair value
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities loaned	$ 3,820	$ 6,555

Investments (Securities Lendi50

Investments (Securities Lending Remaining Tenor) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	$ 3,902	$ 6,642
U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	3,902	5,778
U.S. corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	480
Agency RMBS
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	274
Foreign corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	58
Foreign government
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	52
Maturity Overnight
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	1,480	2,129
Maturity Overnight \| U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	1,480	2,129
Maturity Overnight \| U.S. corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	0
Maturity Overnight \| Agency RMBS
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	0
Maturity Overnight \| Foreign corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	0
Maturity Overnight \| Foreign government
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	0
Maturity Less than 30 Days
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	1,512	2,496
Maturity Less than 30 Days \| U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	1,512	1,906
Maturity Less than 30 Days \| U.S. corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	480
Maturity Less than 30 Days \| Agency RMBS
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	0
Maturity Less than 30 Days \| Foreign corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	58
Maturity Less than 30 Days \| Foreign government
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	52
Maturity 30 to 180 Days
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	910	2,017
Maturity 30 to 180 Days \| U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	910	1,743
Maturity 30 to 180 Days \| U.S. corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	0
Maturity 30 to 180 Days \| Agency RMBS
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	274
Maturity 30 to 180 Days \| Foreign corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	0
Maturity 30 to 180 Days \| Foreign government
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	$ 0	$ 0

Investments (Invested Assets on

Investments (Invested Assets on Deposit, Held In Trust and Pledged as Collateral) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits)	$ 8,093	$ 7,644
Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements)	2,511	9,054
Invested assets pledged as collateral	3,933	3,548
Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral	$ 14,537	$ 20,246

Investments (Consolidated Varia

Investments (Consolidated Variable Interest Entities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	$ 120	$ 3,559
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities	14	24
Mrsc Collateral Financing Arrangement [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	0	3,422
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities	0	0
Consolidated securitization entities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	120	137
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities	$ 14	$ 24

Investments (Unconsolidated Var

Investments (Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	$ 13,213	$ 14,913
Carrying Amount Liability	14,123	15,720
Other limited partnership interests
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	1,490	1,491
Carrying Amount Liability	2,391	2,287
Other investments
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	77	77
Carrying Amount Liability	86	88
Structured securities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	11,148	12,809
Carrying Amount Liability	11,148	12,809
U.S. and foreign corporate
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	498	536
Carrying Amount Liability	$ 498	$ 536

Investments (Net Investment Inc

Investments (Net Investment Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	$ 730	$ 839	$ 2,225	$ 2,341
Less: Investment expenses	46	44	133	128
Subtotal , net	732	842	2,231	2,349
Securities Investment
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	776	883	2,358	2,469
Fixed maturity securities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	582	670	1,756	1,945
Equity securities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	3	6	10	16
Mortgage loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	111	94	329	292
Policy loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	12	13	35	42
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	13	10	39	25
Other limited partnership interests
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	38	79	143	120
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	8	5	25	14
Other
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	9	6	21	15
FVO CSEs — interest income — commercial mortgage loans \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Consolidated Securitization Entities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	$ 2	$ 3	$ 6	$ 8

Investments (Components of Net

Investments (Components of Net Investment Gains Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals	$ 21	$ 47	$ (15)	$ 30
Equity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals	3	4	4	8
Other net investment gains (losses):
Mortgage loans	(2)	10	(7)	4
Real estate and real estate joint ventures	1	(33)	4	(34)
Other limited partnership interests	0	(1)	(10)	(7)
Other	(1)	5	(6)	11
Subtotal	22	28	(31)	(11)
FVO CSEs - changes in estimated fair value:
Commercial mortgage loans	(1)	(3)	(2)	(3)
Long-term debt — related to commercial mortgage loans	0	1	0	1
Non-investment portfolio gains (losses)	0	0	(1)	(1)
Subtotal	(1)	(2)	(3)	(3)
Total net investment gains (losses)	21	26	(34)	(14)
Fixed Maturity Securities
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	(4)	(1)	(22)
Net investment gains (losses)	21	43	(16)	8
Industrial
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	0	0	(16)
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	0	0	(16)
RMBS
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	(4)	0	(6)
State and political subdivision
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	0	(1)	0
Equity securities
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	0	0	(1)
Net investment gains (losses)	3	4	4	7
Common Stock
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (1)

Investments (Sales or Disposals

Investments (Sales or Disposals and Impairments of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Fixed Maturity Securities
Components of Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Proceeds	$ 4,711	$ 8,389	$ 9,074	$ 23,168
Gross investment gains	30	78	50	165
Gross investment losses	(9)	(31)	(65)	(135)
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings:
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	(4)	(1)	(22)
Net investment gains (losses)	21	43	(16)	8
Equity securities
Components of Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Proceeds	16	35	29	41
Gross investment gains	3	4	5	8
Gross investment losses	0	0	(1)	0
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings:
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	0	0	(1)
Net investment gains (losses)	$ 3	$ 4	$ 4	$ 7

Investments (Credit Loss Rollfo

Investments (Credit Loss Rollforward) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 9	$ 60	$ 28	$ 66
Additions:
Additional impairments — credit loss OTTI on securities previously impaired	0	3	0	5
Reductions:
Sales (maturities, pay downs or prepayments) of securities previously impaired as credit loss OTTI	(8)	(7)	(27)	(15)
Balance, end of period	$ 1	$ 56	$ 1	$ 56

Investments (Related Party Inve

Investments (Related Party Investment Transactions) (Details) - Affiliated Entity - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Invested Assets Transferred To and From Affiliates
Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred to affiliates	$ 0	$ 574	$ 292	$ 732
Amortized cost of invested assets transferred to affiliates	0	539	294	657
Net investment gains (losses) recognized on transfers	0	13	(2)	13
Change Additional Paid In Capital Recognized On Transfers	0	21	0	62
Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred from affiliates	$ 0	$ 484	$ 0	$ 4,763

Investments (Fixed Maturity a59

Investments (Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-For-Sale - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of Certain Fixed Maturity Securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 61,483	$ 59,899
Non-Income Producing Debt Securities [Member]
Summary of Certain Fixed Maturity Securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	3	5
Gross Unrealized Gain loss	$ (1)
Maximum \| Non-Income Producing Debt Securities [Member]
Summary of Certain Fixed Maturity Securities
Gross Unrealized Gain loss		$ 1

Investments (Evaluation of Avai

Investments (Evaluation of Available-For-Sale Securities for OTTI and Evaluating Temporarily Impaired AFS Securities - Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)Contracts
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed securities available-for-sale with gross unrealized loss of equal to or greater than stated percentage	20.00%
Fixed Maturity Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Change in Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	$ (543)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	379
20% or more \| Six months or greater \| Fixed Maturity Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ 4
Number of Securities \| Contracts	8
20% or more \| Six months or greater \| Fixed Maturity Securities \| Investment Grade
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ 2
Number of Securities \| Contracts	2
Percentage of gross unrealized loss	50.00%
20% or more \| Six months or greater \| Fixed Maturity Securities \| Below Investment Grade
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ 2
Number of Securities \| Contracts	6
Percentage of gross unrealized loss	50.00%

Investments (Mortgage Loans - N

Investments (Mortgage Loans - Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Investments (Mortgage Loans - Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Significant Purchases	$ 32,000,000	$ 123,000,000	$ 339,000,000	$ 354,000,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number of Contracts	0	0	0	0
Percentage of Mortgage Loans Classified as Performing	99.00%		99.00%		99.00%
Commercial
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Agricultural
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	3,000,000	3,000,000	3,000,000	3,000,000
Estimated fair value of mortgage loans held-for-investment	2,200,000,000		2,200,000,000		$ 1,900,000,000
Residential
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	4,000,000	$ 0	2,000,000	$ 0
Estimated fair value of mortgage loans held-for-investment	$ 1,100,000,000		$ 1,100,000,000		$ 867,000,000

Investments (Cash Equivalents -

Investments (Cash Equivalents - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	$ 787	$ 4,700

Investments (Concentrations of

Investments (Concentrations of Credit Risk - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Securities holdings exposure in single issuer greater than stated percentage of Company's equity	10.00%
Investments in any counterparty that were greater than 10% of equity	$ 0	$ 0

Investments (Securities Lendi64

Investments (Securities Lending Remaining Tenor - Narrative) (Details) - Estimated fair value $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties	$ 1.4
U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage Of US Treasury And Agency Securities At Estimated Fair Value Of Securities On Loan Relating To Cash Collateral On Open	100.00%
Securities Investment
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of Reinvestment Portfolio in Fixed Maturity Securities	60.00%

Investments (Consolidated Var65

Investments (Consolidated Variable Interest Entities - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Consolidated Securitization Entities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable interest, maximum exposure to loss in consolidated securitization entities	$ 87	$ 95

Investments (Unconsolidated V66

Investments (Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Tax Credits Guaranteed By Third Parties Amount That Reduces Maximum Exposure To Loss Related To Other Invested Assets	$ 0		$ 0
Financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs	$ 0	$ 0

Investments (Net Investment Gai

Investments (Net Investment Gains Losses - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Gains (losses) from foreign currency transactions	$ 0	$ 4	$ (5)	$ 9

Investments (Related Party In68

Investments (Related Party Invesment Transactions - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party investment administrative services	$ 22		$ 25	$ 70	$ 72
Equity Method Investments		$ 89
Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments		286
Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Capital Contribution		$ (202)
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party investment administrative services	$ 290		$ 184	$ 722	$ 668
Affiliated Entity [Member] \| Other Investments [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross						$ 1,100
Related Party Loan One [Member] \| Affiliated Entity [Member] \| Other Investments [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.21%			4.21%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date				Sep. 30, 2032
Related Party Loan Two [Member] \| Affiliated Entity [Member] \| Other Investments [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.10%			5.10%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date				Dec. 31, 2033
Contract Termination [Member] \| Recapture MLUS [Member] \| Affiliated Entity [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments							$ 4,300

Derivatives (Primary Risks) (De

Derivatives (Primary Risks) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	$ 121,890	$ 131,396
Estimated Fair Value Assets	2,465	3,603
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	3,136	3,883
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	1,761	1,775
Estimated Fair Value Assets	160	234
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	48	10
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: \| Fair Value Hedges \| Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	182	310
Estimated Fair Value Assets	44	41
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: \| Cash Flow Hedges
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	1,579	1,465
Estimated Fair Value Assets	116	193
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	48	10
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: \| Cash Flow Hedges \| Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	45	45
Estimated Fair Value Assets	8	7
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: \| Cash Flow Hedges \| Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	1,534	1,420
Estimated Fair Value Assets	108	186
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	48	10
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	120,129	129,621
Estimated Fair Value Assets	2,305	3,369
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	3,088	3,873
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	20,227	28,175
Estimated Fair Value Assets	994	1,928
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	786	1,688
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Interest rate floors
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	0	2,100
Estimated Fair Value Assets	0	5
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	2
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Interest rate caps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	5,032	12,042
Estimated Fair Value Assets	7	25
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Interest rate futures
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	282	1,288
Estimated Fair Value Assets	0	9
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Interest rate options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	24,600	15,520
Estimated Fair Value Assets	183	136
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	28	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Total Return Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	0	3,876
Estimated Fair Value Assets	0	0
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	611
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	959	1,250
Estimated Fair Value Assets	80	153
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	25	4
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Foreign currency forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	166	158
Estimated Fair Value Assets	1	9
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Credit default swaps — purchased
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	34	34
Estimated Fair Value Assets	0	0
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Credit default swaps — written
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	1,879	1,891
Estimated Fair Value Assets	37	28
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Equity futures
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	2,535	8,037
Estimated Fair Value Assets	0	38
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	11	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Equity index options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	47,727	37,501
Estimated Fair Value Assets	827	897
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	1,568	934
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Equity variance swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	14,894	14,894
Estimated Fair Value Assets	176	140
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	607	517
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Equity total return swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	1,794	2,855
Estimated Fair Value Assets	0	1
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	$ 63	$ 117

Derivatives (Net Derivative Gai

Derivatives (Net Derivative Gains Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Components of Net Derivatives Gains (Losses)
Derivatives and hedging gains (losses)	$ (747)	$ (1,033)	$ (2,100)	$ 257
Embedded derivatives gains (losses)	585	531	1,036	(3,486)
Total net derivative gains (losses)	$ (162)	$ (502)	$ (1,064)	$ (3,229)

Derivatives (Earned Income On D

Derivatives (Earned Income On Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	$ 73	$ 133	$ 277	$ 344
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: \| Net investment income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	5	5	16	13
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Net derivative gains (losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	67	124	253	320
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Policyholder benefits and claims
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	$ 1	$ 4	$ 8	$ 11

Derivatives (Gains Losses Recog

Derivatives (Gains Losses Recognized in Income Not Designated or Qualifying) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	$ 1	$ 3	$ 2	$ 24
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Net derivative gains (losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	(817)	(1,165)	(2,324)	(69)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Net derivative gains (losses) \| Interest rate derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	(81)	(372)	(145)	1,044
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Net derivative gains (losses) \| Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	(30)	(8)	(72)	24
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Net derivative gains (losses) \| Credit default swaps — purchased
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	(1)	0	(1)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Net derivative gains (losses) \| Credit default swaps — written
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	5	9	16	8
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Net derivative gains (losses) \| Equity derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	(711)	(793)	(2,123)	(1,144)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Net Investment Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	(2)	(1)	(6)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Net Investment Income \| Interest rate derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	0	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Net Investment Income \| Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	0	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Net Investment Income \| Credit default swaps — purchased
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	0	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Net Investment Income \| Credit default swaps — written
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	0	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Net Investment Income \| Equity derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	(2)	(1)	(6)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Policyholder benefits and claims
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	(58)	(191)	(333)	(179)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Policyholder benefits and claims \| Interest rate derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	6	(3)	8	26
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Policyholder benefits and claims \| Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	0	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Policyholder benefits and claims \| Credit default swaps — purchased
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	0	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Policyholder benefits and claims \| Credit default swaps — written
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	0	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Policyholder benefits and claims \| Equity derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	$ (64)	$ (188)	$ (341)	$ (205)

Derivatives (Fair Value Hedges)

Derivatives (Fair Value Hedges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	$ 1	$ 3	$ 2	$ 24
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	1	2	2	24
Ineffectiveness Recognized in Net Derivative Gains (Losses)	0	1	0	0
Interest rate swaps \| Fixed maturity securities
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	2	0	(1)
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	0	1	0	(1)
Ineffectiveness Recognized in Net Derivative Gains (Losses)	0	1	0	0
Interest rate swaps \| Policyholder account balances
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	1	1	2	25
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	1	1	2	25
Ineffectiveness Recognized in Net Derivative Gains (Losses)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Derivatives (Cash Flow Hedges)

Derivatives (Cash Flow Hedges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	$ 0	$ 1	$ 9	$ 1
Cash Flow Hedges
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI on Derivatives	(50)	(15)	(101)	74
Cash Flow Hedges \| Interest rate swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI on Derivatives	0	1	1	37
Cash Flow Hedges \| Interest rate forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI on Derivatives	0	1	0	8
Cash Flow Hedges \| Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI on Derivatives	(50)	(17)	(102)	29
Cash Flow Hedges \| Credit forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI on Derivatives	0	0	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges \| Net derivative gains (losses)
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	0	3	9	17
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives	0	0	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges \| Net derivative gains (losses) \| Interest rate swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	0	0	0	12
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives	0	0	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges \| Net derivative gains (losses) \| Interest rate forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	0	1	0	2
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives	0	0	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges \| Net derivative gains (losses) \| Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	0	2	9	3
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives	0	0	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges \| Net derivative gains (losses) \| Credit forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	0	0	0	0
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives	0	0	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges \| Net Investment Income
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	1	1	4	4
Cash Flow Hedges \| Net Investment Income \| Interest rate swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	0	1	2	2
Cash Flow Hedges \| Net Investment Income \| Interest rate forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	1	0	2	2
Cash Flow Hedges \| Net Investment Income \| Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	0	0	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges \| Net Investment Income \| Credit forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Derivatives (Credit Derivatives

Derivatives (Credit Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 37	$ 28
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 1,879	$ 1,891
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	4 years 4 months	4 years 2 months
Aaa/Aa/A
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 12	$ 9
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 558	$ 478
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	3 years	3 years 7 months
Aaa/Aa/A \| Single name credit default swaps (3)
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 1	$ 1
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 25	$ 45
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	2 years 11 months	2 years 2 months
Aaa/Aa/A \| Credit default swaps referencing indices
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 11	$ 8
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 533	$ 433
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	3 years	3 years 8 months
Baa
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 25	$ 19
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 1,296	$ 1,393
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	4 years 11 months	4 years 5 months
Baa \| Single name credit default swaps (3)
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 1	$ 1
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 130	$ 180
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	1 year 4 months	1 year 7 months
Baa \| Credit default swaps referencing indices
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 24	$ 18
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 1,166	$ 1,213
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	5 years 4 months	4 years 9 months
Ba
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 0	$ 0
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 25	$ 20
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	4 years 8 months	2 years 8 months
Ba \| Single name credit default swaps (3)
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 0	$ 0
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 25	$ 20
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	4 years 8 months	2 years 8 months
Ba \| Credit default swaps referencing indices
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 0	$ 0
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	0 years	0 years

Derivatives (Estimated Fair Val

Derivatives (Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals	$ 2,533	$ 3,707
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals	3,128	3,834
Amounts offset in the consoilidated balance sheets, Assets	0	0
Amounts offset in the consoilidated balance sheets, Liabilities	0	0
Estimated fair value of derivative assets presented in the consolidated balance sheets	2,533	3,707
Estimated fair value of derivative liabilities presented in the consolidated balance sheets	3,128	3,834
Net amount of derivative assets after application of master netting agreements and cash collateral	7	157
Net amount of derivative liabilities after application of master netting agreements and cash collateral	8	0
Over the Counter [Member]
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals	2,502	3,394
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals	3,095	2,929
Gross estimated fair value of derivative assets	(2,050)	(2,231)
Gross estimated fair value of derivative liabilities	(2,050)	(2,231)
Cash collateral on derivative assets	(336)	(634)
Cash collateral on derivative liabilities	0	0
Securities collateral on derivative assets	(114)	(429)
Securities collateral on derivative liabilities	(1,037)	(698)
OTC-cleared
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals	31	267
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals	22	905
Gross estimated fair value of derivative assets	(2)	(165)
Gross estimated fair value of derivative liabilities	(2)	(165)
Cash collateral on derivative assets	(24)	(91)
Cash collateral on derivative liabilities	(19)	(740)
Securities collateral on derivative assets	0	0
Securities collateral on derivative liabilities	(1)	0
Exchange-traded
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals	0	46
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals	11	0
Gross estimated fair value of derivative assets	0	0
Gross estimated fair value of derivative liabilities	0	0
Cash collateral on derivative assets	0	0
Cash collateral on derivative liabilities	0	0
Securities collateral on derivative assets	0	0
Securities collateral on derivative liabilities	$ (11)	$ 0

Derivatives (Credit Risk on Fre

Derivatives (Credit Risk on Freestanding Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Derivatives in Net Liability Position	$ 1,046	$ 698
Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value	0	0
Assets Needed for Immediate Settlement, Aggregate Fair Value	0	0
Fixed Maturity Securities
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided	1,193	777
Cash [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided	$ 0	$ 0

Derivatives (Embedded Derivativ

Derivatives (Embedded Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	$ 164	$ 360
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	2,289	3,170
Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits \| Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	220	409
Direct guaranteed minimum benefits \| Policyholder account balances
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	1,324	2,237
Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits \| Policyholder account balances
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	454	741
Fixed annuities with equity indexed returns \| Policyholder account balances
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	511	192
Options embedded in debt or equity securities \| Investments
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	$ (56)	$ (49)

Derivatives (Changes in Estimat

Derivatives (Changes in Estimated Fair Value Related to Embedded Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net derivatives gains (losses)	$ 585	$ 531	$ 1,036	$ (3,486)
Net derivative gains (losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net derivatives gains (losses)	585	531	1,036	(3,486)
Policyholder benefits and claims
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net derivatives gains (losses)	$ (21)	$ (14)	$ (22)	$ 91

Derivatives (Narrative) (Detail

Derivatives (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Derivatives (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$ 2,465		$ 2,465		$ 3,603
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	3,136		3,136		3,883
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	1,879		1,879		1,891
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	37		37		28
Cash collateral on derivative assets	296		296		$ 3
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	0	$ 1	9	$ 1
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months			18
Embedded derivatives gains (losses)	585	531	$ 1,036	(3,486)
Derivative Instrument Detail [Abstract]
Hedging exposure to variability in future cash flows for specific length of time			2 years		3 years
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	283		$ 283		$ 397
Cash collateral on derivative liabilities	2		2		25
Securities collateral received which the company is permitted to sell or repledge, amount that has been sold or repledged	0		0
Over the Counter [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash collateral on derivative assets	(336)		(336)		(634)
Excess securities collateral received on derivatives	152		152		135
Excess securities collateral provided on derivatives	296		296		108
Exchange Cleared [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash collateral on derivative assets	(24)		(24)		(91)
Excess securities collateral provided on derivatives	425		425		630
Exchange Traded [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash collateral on derivative assets	0		0		0
Excess securities collateral provided on derivatives	103		103		453
Direct And Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] \| Nonperformance Risk [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Embedded derivatives gains (losses)	525	$ (78)	445	$ 564
Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	68		68		104
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$ (8)		$ (8)		$ (49)

Fair Value (Recurring Fair Valu

Fair Value (Recurring Fair Value Measurements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 61,483	$ 59,899
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	265	300
Short-term Investments	1,096	1,272
Mortgage loans, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	10,328	9,290
Derivative assets	2,465	3,603
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	164	360
Separate account assets	108,843	105,346
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	3,136	3,883
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	2,289	3,170
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	50	1,904
Consolidated Securitization Entities
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage loans, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	119	136
Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	14	23
Recurring
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	61,483	59,899
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	265	300
Short-term Investments	1,096	1,272
Derivative assets	2,465	3,603
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	220	409
Separate account assets	108,843	105,346
Total assets	174,491	170,965
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	3,136	3,883
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	2,289	3,170
Total liabilities	5,439	7,076
Recurring \| Consolidated Securitization Entities
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage loans, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	119	136
Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	14	23
Recurring \| Interest rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	1,236	2,151
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	814	2,301
Recurring \| Foreign currency exchange rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	189	348
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	73	14
Recurring \| Credit contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	37	28
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0
Recurring \| Equity market contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	1,003	1,076
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	2,249	1,568
Recurring \| U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	21,837	21,665
Recurring \| U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	15,092	12,916
Recurring \| RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	7,848	7,940
Recurring \| Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	6,494	6,123
Recurring \| State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	4,037	3,858
Recurring \| ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,717	2,598
Recurring \| CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	3,245	3,696
Recurring \| Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,213	1,103
Recurring \| Level 1
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	7,720	6,110
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	39	39
Short-term Investments	472	702
Derivative assets	0	46
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	0	0
Separate account assets	415	720
Total assets	8,646	7,617
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	11	0
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	0	0
Total liabilities	11	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Consolidated Securitization Entities
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage loans, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Interest rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	9
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Foreign currency exchange rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Credit contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Equity market contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	37
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	11	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	7,698	6,110
Recurring \| Level 1 \| RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	22	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 2
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	49,813	49,767
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	96	124
Short-term Investments	623	568
Derivative assets	2,255	3,370
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	0	0
Separate account assets	108,422	104,616
Total assets	161,328	158,581
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	2,509	2,742
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	0	0
Total liabilities	2,523	2,765
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Consolidated Securitization Entities
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage loans, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	119	136
Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	14	23
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Interest rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	1,236	2,142
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	814	1,690
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Foreign currency exchange rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	189	348
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	72	14
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Credit contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	27	20
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Equity market contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	803	860
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	1,623	1,038
Recurring \| Level 2 \| U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	20,256	20,221
Recurring \| Level 2 \| U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	7,394	6,806
Recurring \| Level 2 \| RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	6,676	6,627
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	5,537	5,257
Recurring \| Level 2 \| State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	4,028	3,841
Recurring \| Level 2 \| ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,605	2,383
Recurring \| Level 2 \| CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	3,104	3,529
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,213	1,103
Recurring \| Level 3
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	3,950	4,022
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	130	137
Short-term Investments	1	2
Derivative assets	210	187
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	220	409
Separate account assets	6	10
Total assets	4,517	4,767
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	616	1,141
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	2,289	3,170
Total liabilities	2,905	4,311
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Consolidated Securitization Entities
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage loans, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Interest rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	611
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Foreign currency exchange rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	1	0
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Credit contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	10	8
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Equity market contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	200	179
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	615	530
Recurring \| Level 3 \| U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,581	1,444
Recurring \| Level 3 \| U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 3 \| RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,150	1,313
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	957	866
Recurring \| Level 3 \| State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	9	17
Recurring \| Level 3 \| ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	112	215
Recurring \| Level 3 \| CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	141	167
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value (Quantitative Inform

Fair Value (Quantitative Information) (Details) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Interest rate contracts \| Minimum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Repurchase Rate	0.00%	(44.00%)
Interest rate contracts \| Maximum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Repurchase Rate	0.00%	18.00%
Credit contracts \| Minimum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	97.00%	97.00%
Credit contracts \| Maximum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	98.00%	98.00%
Equity market contracts \| Minimum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Volatility	8.00%	14.00%
Correlation	10.00%	40.00%
Equity market contracts \| Maximum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Volatility	30.00%	32.00%
Correlation	30.00%	40.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits \| Minimum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Utilization rates	0.00%	0.00%
Withdrawal rates	0.25%	0.25%
Long-term equity volatilities	17.40%	17.40%
Nonperformance risk spread	0.66%	0.04%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits \| Minimum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique \| Durations 1 - 10
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Lapse Rate	0.25%	0.25%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits \| Minimum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique \| Durations 11 - 20
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Lapse Rate	1.50%	2.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits \| Minimum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique \| Durations 21 - 116
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Lapse Rate	1.50%	2.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits \| Minimum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique \| Ages 0 - 40
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality Rate	0.00%	0.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits \| Minimum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique \| Ages 41 - 60
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality Rate	0.04%	0.04%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits \| Minimum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique \| Ages 61 - 115
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality Rate	0.26%	0.26%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits \| Maximum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Utilization rates	25.00%	25.00%
Withdrawal rates	10.00%	10.00%
Long-term equity volatilities	25.00%	25.00%
Nonperformance risk spread	1.59%	0.57%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits \| Maximum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique \| Durations 1 - 10
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Lapse Rate	100.00%	100.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits \| Maximum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique \| Durations 11 - 20
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Lapse Rate	100.00%	100.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits \| Maximum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique \| Durations 21 - 116
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Lapse Rate	100.00%	100.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits \| Maximum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique \| Ages 0 - 40
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality Rate	0.09%	0.09%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits \| Maximum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique \| Ages 41 - 60
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality Rate	0.65%	0.65%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits \| Maximum \| Income Approach Valuation Technique \| Ages 61 - 115
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality Rate	100.00%	100.00%
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities \| Minimum \| Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes Matrix Pricing	$ 21	$ 18
Offered quotes	87	37
Quoted prices	0	13
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities \| Maximum \| Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes Matrix Pricing	140	138
Offered quotes	87	109
Quoted prices	498	700
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities \| Weighted Average \| Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes Matrix Pricing	107	104
Offered quotes	87	85
Quoted prices	79	99
RMBS \| Minimum \| Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Quoted prices	48	38
RMBS \| Maximum \| Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Quoted prices	107	111
RMBS \| Weighted Average \| Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Quoted prices	95	91
ABS \| Minimum \| Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Offered quotes	99	98
Quoted prices	99	94
ABS \| Maximum \| Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Offered quotes	100	100
Quoted prices	104	106
ABS \| Weighted Average \| Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Offered quotes	99	99
Quoted prices	$ 101	$ 100

Fair Value (Unobservable Input

Fair Value (Unobservable Input Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Net Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	$ 4	$ (110)	$ 98	$ (67)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	(780)	(182)	(954)	(232)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	4	(113)	100	(76)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	1	0	9
Purchases	0	0	4	7
Sales	0	0	0	0
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	370	(12)	444	(14)
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	(406)	(306)	(406)	(306)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	4	(110)	98	(67)
Net Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	341	503	862	(3,392)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	(2,477)	(4,602)	(2,761)	(442)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	561	512	1,029	(3,382)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases	0	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0	0
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	(153)	(155)	(337)	(421)
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	(2,069)	(4,245)	(2,069)	(4,245)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	341	503	862	(3,392)
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	2,295	2,694	2,310	2,410
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	1	8	(2)	1
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	34	2	176	179
Purchases	92	111	235	293
Sales	(56)	(193)	(230)	(268)
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	191	51	180	165
Transfers out of Level 3	(19)	(271)	(131)	(378)
Balance, end of period	2,538	2,402	2,538	2,402
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	1	1	1	2
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	1	1	1	2
U.S. Government and Agency
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	0	25	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	3
Purchases	0	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0	0
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0	19
Transfers out of Level 3	0	(3)	0	0
Balance, end of period	0	22	0	22
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0	0	0
Structured Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	1,481	1,859	1,695	1,996
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	13	8	22	21
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	6	14	43	(4)
Purchases	147	112	186	505
Sales	(230)	(142)	(460)	(380)
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	37	0	17
Transfers out of Level 3	(14)	(77)	(83)	(344)
Balance, end of period	1,403	1,811	1,403	1,811
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	10	8	19	21
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	10	8	19	21
State and political subdivision
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	0	8	17	13
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases	0	0	0	0
Sales	(1)	0	(1)	0
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	10	0	3	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	(10)	(5)
Balance, end of period	9	8	9	8
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0	0	0
Foreign government
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	0	9	0	27
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases	0	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0	0
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	(9)	0	(27)
Balance, end of period	0	0	0	0
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0	0	0
Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	134	173	137	97
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	1	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	(1)	3	2	3
Purchases	0	0	4	0
Sales	(3)	(9)	(13)	(9)
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0	129
Transfers out of Level 3	0	(2)	0	(54)
Balance, end of period	130	166	130	166
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0	0	0
Short-term Investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	91	111	2	47
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases	0	442	1	442
Sales	0	0	(1)	(47)
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	(90)	(111)	(1)	0
Balance, end of period	1	442	1	442
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0	0	0
Separate Account Assets
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	6	142	10	146
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases	2	0	2	1
Sales	0	(129)	(3)	(130)
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	(1)
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	1	0
Transfers out of Level 3	(2)	(3)	(4)	(6)
Balance, end of period	6	10	6	10
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value (Fair Value Option f

Fair Value (Fair Value Option for Certain Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Carrying value at estimated fair value	$ 10,328	$ 9,290
Carrying value at estimated fair value	50	1,904
Consolidated Securitization Entities
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Unpaid principal balance	73	88
Difference between estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance	46	48
Carrying value at estimated fair value	119	136
Contractual principal balance	13	22
Difference between estimated fair value and contractual principal balance	1	1
Carrying value at estimated fair value	$ 14	$ 23

Fair Value (Financial Instrumen

Fair Value (Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Policy loans	$ 1,101	$ 1,093
Liabilities
Separate account liabilities	108,843	105,346
Carrying Value
Assets
Mortgage loans	10,209	9,154
Policy loans	1,101	1,093
Real estate joint ventures	5	12
Other limited partnership interests	37	44
Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties	0	1,100
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	1,682	2,363
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	15,574	16,043
Long-term debt	36	1,881
Other liabilities	1,014	256
Separate account liabilities	1,180	1,110
Estimated Fair Value
Assets
Mortgage loans	10,451	9,298
Policy loans	1,189	1,177
Real estate joint ventures	24	44
Other limited partnership interests	32	42
Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties	0	1,090
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	2,011	2,815
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	15,785	17,259
Long-term debt	43	2,117
Other liabilities	1,018	256
Separate account liabilities	1,180	1,110
Estimated Fair Value \| Level 1
Assets
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Real estate joint ventures	0	0
Other limited partnership interests	0	0
Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties	0	0
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	0	0
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Separate account liabilities	0	0
Estimated Fair Value \| Level 2
Assets
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	746	746
Real estate joint ventures	0	0
Other limited partnership interests	0	0
Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties	0	1,090
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	236	834
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Long-term debt	43	2,117
Other liabilities	644	90
Separate account liabilities	1,180	1,110
Estimated Fair Value \| Level 3
Assets
Mortgage loans	10,451	9,298
Policy loans	443	431
Real estate joint ventures	24	44
Other limited partnership interests	32	42
Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties	0	0
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	1,775	1,981
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	15,785	17,259
Long-term debt	0	0
Other liabilities	374	166
Separate account liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value (Recurring Fair Va86

Fair Value (Recurring Fair Value Measurements) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ (56)	$ (49)

Fair Value Transfers between le

Fair Value Transfers between levels (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Fair Value Transfers between levels (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Transfers Between Levels [Abstract]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Transferred Between Levels 1 And Levels 2	$ 0	$ 0

Debt (Details - Narrative)

Debt (Details - Narrative) - Spinoff - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Apr. 28, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Surplus Notes		$ 1,100
Notes Receivable, Related Parties	$ 1,100	$ 1,100
BRCD
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 10,000
MLUSA Surplus Notes due 2038
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	8.595%
MRD Surplus Notes due 2032
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.13%
MRD Surplus Notes due 2033
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.00%
Former Parent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Surplus Notes	$ 750
MRD Surplus Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Surplus Notes	1,100
Credit-linked Note \| BRCD
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 8,100
Debt Instrument, Term	20 years

Equity (Components of Accumulat

Equity (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 1,861	$ 2,811	$ 1,248	$ 1,594
OCI before reclassifications	(893)	(422)	9	1,440
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	318	152	(18)	(504)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	1,286	2,541	1,239	2,530
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(24)	(64)	52	(47)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	3	22	(26)	16
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(21)	(42)	26	(31)
Balance, end of period	1,265	2,499	1,265	2,499
Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	1,675	2,540	1,019	1,379
OCI before reclassifications	(852)	(394)	106	1,369
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	305	145	(52)	(479)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	1,128	2,291	1,073	2,269
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(23)	(60)	65	(26)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	2	21	(31)	9
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(21)	(39)	34	(17)
Balance, end of period	1,107	2,252	1,107	2,252
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	217	288	258	241
OCI before reclassifications	(50)	(15)	(101)	74
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	17	5	35	(26)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	184	278	192	289
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(1)	(4)	(13)	(21)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	1	1	5	7
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	0	(3)	(8)	(14)
Balance, end of period	184	275	184	275
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	(31)	(17)	(29)	(26)
OCI before reclassifications	9	(13)	4	(3)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(4)	2	(1)	1
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	(26)	(28)	(26)	(28)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0	0	0
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	0	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	$ (26)	$ (28)	$ (26)	$ (28)

Equity (Reclassifications Out o

Equity (Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment gains (losses)	$ 21	$ 26	$ (34)	$ (14)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(162)	(502)	(1,064)	(3,229)
Net investment income	732	842	2,231	2,349
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	(122)	(786)	(1,187)	(2,322)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(567)	222	(131)	830
Net income (loss)	(689)	(564)	(1,318)	(1,492)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	21	42	(26)	31
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment gains (losses)	24	52	(22)	18
Net derivative gains (losses)	0	8	(44)	8
Net investment income	(1)	0	1	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	23	60	(65)	26
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(2)	(21)	31	(9)
Net income (loss)	21	39	(34)	17
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	1	4	13	21
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(1)	(1)	(5)	(7)
Net income (loss)	0	3	8	14
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives \| Interest rate swaps
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net derivative gains (losses)	0	0	0	12
Net investment income	0	1	2	2
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives \| Interest rate forwards
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net derivative gains (losses)	0	1	0	2
Net investment income	1	0	2	2
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives \| Foreign currency swaps
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net derivative gains (losses)	$ 0	$ 2	$ 9	$ 3

Equity (Capital Transactions) (

Equity (Capital Transactions) (Detail - Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 08, 2017	Aug. 10, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Apr. 28, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Capital Contribution						$ (202)
Amount of other increase (decrease) in additional paid in capital (APIC) due to a return of capital				$ 2,700			$ 2,737
Cash Capital Contribution
Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Capital Contribution	$ 100	$ 400	$ 600
Non-cash Contribution
Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Capital Contribution			$ 750		$ 1,100

Other Expenses (Other Expenses)

Other Expenses (Other Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Compensation	$ 77	$ 67	$ 195	$ 292
Commissions	189	157	557	474
Volume-related costs	31	79	146	192
Related party expenses on ceded and assumed reinsurance	(3)	15	1	16
Capitalization of DAC	(57)	(69)	(185)	(252)
Interest expense on debt	(1)	34	56	100
Premium taxes, licenses and fees	15	13	45	44
Professional services	53	31	134	57
Rent and related expenses	2	8	9	37
Other	140	88	384	308
Total other expenses	$ 446	$ 423	$ 1,342	$ 1,268

Contingencies, Commitments an93

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Commitments and Guarantees - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Liabilities for indemnities, guarantees and commitments	$ 2		$ 2
Cumulative maximum indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation	208
Minimum
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation range	6
Maximum
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation range	203
Mortgage Loan Commitments
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	284		335
Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	$ 1,200		1,300
Secured Demand Notes \| Affiliated Entity
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability		$ 0	20
Securities Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value		$ 0	$ 25

Related Party Transactions (Rel

Related Party Transactions (Related Party Transactions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	May 01, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability		$ 2,289		$ 2,289				$ 3,170
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax		(122)	$ (786)	(1,187)	$ (2,322)
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net		585	531	1,036	(3,486)
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset		164		164				360
Assets		210,940		210,940				211,425
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net		13,005		13,005				13,853
Liability for Future Policy Benefits		35,379		35,379				32,752
Policyholder Contract Deposits		36,571		36,571				36,579
Other Liabilities		4,916		4,916				5,445
Liabilities		194,963		194,963				194,560
All Services and Transactions Except Broker Dealer Activities [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Assets		2,805		2,805				4,288
Revenue from Related Parties		(11)	(115)	(121)	(161)
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party		259	64	668	282
Liabilities		2,655		2,655				5,125
Broker Dealer Activities [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Assets		18		18				19
Revenue from Related Parties		56	52	167	151
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party		157	157	477	471
Liabilities		0		0				20
Life and Other [Member] \| Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	$ 17
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments						$ 214
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net						$ 189
Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] \| Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability		454		454				$ 741
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net		$ 21	$ 32	159	$ (276)
Affiliate Recapture Variable Annuities [Member] \| Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments							$ 184
Liability for Future Policy Benefits							34
Policyholder Contract Deposits							219
Other Liabilities							68
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company NY [Member] \| Affiliate Recapture Variable Annuities [Member] \| Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax				$ 0
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments							150
Liability for Future Policy Benefits							45
Policyholder Contract Deposits							168
Other Liabilities							$ 359

Related Party Transactions (Eff

Related Party Transactions (Effects of Affiliated Reinsurance on Statements of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Premiums:
Net premiums	$ 228	$ 337	$ 607	$ 990
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	811	801	2,381	2,324
Other revenues:
Other revenues	64	54	263	491
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Net policyholder benefits and claims	1,051	1,039	2,721	2,868
Interest credited to policyholder account balances:
Net interest credited to policyholder account balances	269	281	811	845
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization	50	220	697	(129)
Other expenses:
Net other expenses	446	423	1,342	1,268
Affiliated Entity \| Assumed
Premiums:
Reinsurance assumed	1	(20)	10	34
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Reinsurance assumed	32	36	82	93
Other revenues:
Reinsurance assumed	0	1	28	2
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Reinsurance assumed	32	10	67	68
Interest credited to policyholder account balances:
Reinsurance assumed	18	18	54	56
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, [Abstract]
Assumed Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs And Present Value Of Future Profits Amortization	1	3	23	8
Other expenses:
Reinsurance assumed	8	0	19	16
Affiliated Entity \| Ceded
Premiums:
Reinsurance ceded	(106)	(187)	(423)	(560)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Reinsurance ceded	1	(14)	(17)	(45)
Other revenues:
Reinsurance ceded	0	(7)	39	309
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Reinsurance ceded	(89)	(201)	(317)	(538)
Interest credited to policyholder account balances:
Reinsurance ceded	(3)	(3)	(9)	(8)
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, [Abstract]
Ceded Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs And Present Value Of Future Profits Amortization	5	(12)	19	(132)
Other expenses:
Reinsurance ceded	(1)	6	6	(17)
Affiliated Entity \| Reinsurance
Premiums:
Net premiums	(105)	(207)	(413)	(526)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	33	22	65	48
Other revenues:
Other revenues	0	(6)	67	311
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Net policyholder benefits and claims	(57)	(191)	(250)	(470)
Interest credited to policyholder account balances:
Net interest credited to policyholder account balances	15	15	45	48
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization	6	(9)	42	(124)
Other expenses:
Net other expenses	7	6	25	(1)
Broker Dealer Activities [Member]
Reinsurance Disclosure [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties	56	52	167	151
Other expenses:
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	157	157	477	471
All Services and Transactions Except Broker Dealer Activities [Member]
Reinsurance Disclosure [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties	(11)	(115)	(121)	(161)
Other expenses:
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	$ 259	$ 64	$ 668	$ 282

Related Party Transactions (E96

Related Party Transactions (Effects of Affiliated Reinsurance on Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Assets	$ 210,940	$ 211,425
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	13,005	13,853
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	5,737	6,339
Liabilities:
Liabilities	194,963	194,560
Future policy benefits	35,379	32,752
Policyholder account balances	36,571	36,579
Other policy-related balances	2,688	2,712
Other Liabilities	4,916	5,445
Assumed \| Affiliated Entity
Assets:
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	34	23
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	8	71
Total assets	42	94
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits	159	211
Policyholder account balances	454	741
Other policy-related balances	1,676	1,677
Other Liabilities	(17)	11
Total liabilities	2,272	2,640
Ceded \| Affiliated Entity
Assets:
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	3,170	3,382
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	(403)	(356)
Total assets	2,767	3,026
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits	0	0
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Other policy-related balances	0	0
Other Liabilities	383	578
Total liabilities	383	578
All Services and Transactions Except Broker Dealer Activities [Member]
Assets:
Assets	2,805	4,288
Liabilities:
Liabilities	$ 2,655	$ 5,125

Related Party Transactions (Rei

Related Party Transactions (Reinsurance Transactions - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	May 01, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability		$ 2,289				$ 2,289				$ 3,170
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset		164				164				360
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net		585		$ 531		1,036	$ (3,486)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest		(122)		(786)		(1,187)	(2,322)
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net		5,737				5,737				6,339
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables		13,005				13,005				13,853
Liability for Future Policy Benefits		35,379				35,379				32,752
Policyholder Contract Deposits		36,571				36,571				36,579
Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities		4,916				4,916				5,445
Affiliated Entity \| Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability		454				454				741
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net		21		32		159	(276)
Affiliated Entity \| Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset		2				2				$ 171
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net		$ (1)		$ (6)		(126)	$ 136
Affiliated Entity \| Life and Other [Member]
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	$ 17
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments								$ 214
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables								$ 189
Affiliated Entity \| Affiliate Recapture Variable Annuities [Member]
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments									$ 184
Liability for Future Policy Benefits									34
Policyholder Contract Deposits									219
Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities									68
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company [Member] \| Affiliated Entity \| MLUS Recapture GMIB [Member]
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest			$ 91		$ 89
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments									568
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables			$ 140		$ 140
Liability for Future Policy Benefits									106
Policyholder Contract Deposits									460
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company NY [Member] \| Affiliated Entity \| Affiliate Recapture Variable Annuities [Member]
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest						$ 0
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments									150
Liability for Future Policy Benefits									45
Policyholder Contract Deposits									168
Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities									$ 359

Related Party Transactions (R98

Related Party Transactions (Related Party Transactions - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Liability for Future Policy Benefits	$ 35,379		$ 35,379		$ 32,752
Policyholder Contract Deposits	36,571		36,571		36,579
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	13,005		13,005		$ 13,853
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	(122)	$ (786)	(1,187)	$ (2,322)
Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	22	25	70	72
Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest Expense, Debt	0	32	55	94
Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	$ 290	$ 184	$ 722	$ 668

Subsequent Events (Capital Tran

Subsequent Events (Capital Transactions) (Details - Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 26, 2017	Sep. 08, 2017	Aug. 10, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Capital Contribution					$ (202)
Cash Capital Contribution
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Capital Contribution		$ 100	$ 400	$ 600
Subsequent Event \| Cash Capital Contribution
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Capital Contribution	$ 200