Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments to invest in limited partnership interests Commitments to Invest in Limited Partnership Interests This element represents commitments to acquire financial interests or instruments, to allow for additional participation in certain limited partnership investments. Because the equity investments in the limited partnerships are not actively traded, it is not practical to estimate the fair value of these commitments. Private placement commitments Private Placement Commitments This element represents conditional commitments to purchase private placement debt and equity securities at a specified future date. The fair value of these commitments generally cannot be estimated on the date the commitment is made as the terms and conditions of the underlying private placement securities are not finalized at that point of time. Other loan commitments Other Loan Commitments This element represents other loan commitments to fund loans to a borrower provided there is no violation of any condition in the contract. These commitments have predetermined interest rates and fixed or varying expiration dates or other termination clauses. The fair value of these commitments is insignificant. Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest rate contracts Interest Rate Contract [Member] Equity and index contracts Equity and Index Contract [Member] An equity and index contract. Embedded derivative financial instruments Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Foreign currency contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Credit default swaps Credit Default Swap [Member] Total return swaps - fixed income Total Return Swap, Fixed Income [Member] Total Return Swap, Fixed Income [Member] Total return swaps - equity Total Return Swap, Equity [Member] Total Return Swap, Equity [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Net investment income Net Investment Income [Member] This element represents the location of the gain (loss) included in the Statement of Operations as Net investment income. Realized capital gains and losses Realized Capital Gains and Losses [Member] This element represents the location of the gain (loss) included in the Statement of Operations as Realized capital gains and losses. Life and Annuity Contract Benefits [Member] Life and Annuity Contract Benefits [Member] This element represents the location of the gain (loss) included in the Statement of Operations as Life and annuity contract benefits. Contract benefits Contract Benefits [Member] Primary financial statement caption in which reported facts about the cost from contract benefits have been included. Interest credited to contractholder funds Interest Credited to Contractholder Funds [Member] This element represents the location of the gain (loss) included in the Statement of Operations as Interest credited to contract holder funds. Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Cash flow hedges Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Hedge ineffectiveness in realized gains Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives during the period Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivatives, Net, before Tax Gain recognized in OCI on derivatives during the term of the hedging relationship Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivatives During Term of Hedging Relationship Amount of gain or loss recognized in other comprehensive income during the term of the relationship on foreign currency derivatives designated as cash flow hedging relationships. Investment income, net Investment Income, Net Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments, total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Document and Entity Information Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Public Float Investments [Abstract] Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table] Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Fixed income securities Fixed Income Securities [Member] Equity securities Equity Securities [Member] Derivative instruments Derivative [Member] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] EMA limited partnerships Equity Method Investments [Member] Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Tax Equity securities Available for sale Equity Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income The amount of unrealized gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive income on equity securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities, as a result of fair value exceeding (under) its amortized cost, as of the balance sheet date. Amounts recognized for: Amount Recognized in Unrealized Net Capital Gains and Losses [Abstract] Insurance reserves Change in Insurance Reserves Impact on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Represents change in insurance reserve adjustment included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the period. DAC and DSI Change in Deferred Acquisition Policy Costs and Deferred Sales Inducement Cost Impact on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Represents change in Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducement Costs adjustment included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the period. Amounts recognized Increase (Decrease) in Amounts Recognized in Insurance Reserves Deferred Acquisition Policy Costs and Deferred Sales Inducement Cost in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Represents change in accumulated adjustments to Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Deferred Sales Inducement Costs, and insurance reserves related to unrealized capital gains and losses during the period. Deferred income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Tax (Decrease) increase in unrealized net capital gains and losses, after-tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, after Tax SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Abstract] SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of notes due to related parties Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Premiums, reinsurance ceded Ceded Premiums Earned Contract charges, reinsurance ceded Ceded Contract Charges Contract charges related to life insurance and annuity contracts that are assumed and earned by another insurer as a result of reinsurance arrangements. Contract benefits, reinsurance ceded Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Ceded Interest credited to contractholder funds, reinsurance ceded Reinsurance Ceded Interest Credited to Policyholders Account Balances The amount in the period for estimated recoupment of interest credited expense under annuity contracts ceded. Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Net unrealized gains related to changes in valuation of fixed income securities subsequent to impairment measurement date Unrealized Gain (Loss) Fixed Income Securities Changes in Valuation Subsequent to Impairment The net unrealized gain or loss related to changes in valuation of fixed income securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date for fixed income securities with other than temporary impairment losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Municipal US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] Corporate Corporate Debt Securities [Member] ABS Asset-backed Securities [Member] RMBS Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] CMBS Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Other-than-temporary impairment losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income Other than Temporary Impairment Losses Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income for fixed income securities, not included in earnings Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Portion in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Tax Portion Attributable To Parent The pre-tax amount of other than temporary impairment loss on debt securities related to factors other than credit losses when the entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. Such amount is included in accumulated other comprehensive income, attributable to the parent entity. Credit Losses on Fixed Income Securities Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held Additional credit loss for securities previously other-than-temporarily impaired Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions, Additional Credit Losses Additional credit loss for securities not previously other-than-temporarily impaired Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions, No Previous Impairment Reduction in credit loss for securities disposed or collected Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Reductions, Securities Sold Change in credit loss due to accretion of increase in cash flows Other than Temporary Impairment, Change in Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings Due to Accretion in Cash Flows and Time Value of Cash Flows This item represents a change in the cumulative amount of credit losses recognized in earnings for a debt security due to accretion of increase in cash flows and time value of cash flows. Ending balance Fixed income and equity securities Available-for-sale Securities [Member] U.S. government and agencies US Treasury and Government [Member] Redeemable preferred stock Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] Investment grade fixed income securities Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities [Member] Investment grade is defined as a security having a rating from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") of 1 or 2; a rating of Aaa, Aa, A or Baa from Moody's, a rating of AAA, AA, A or BBB from Standard and Poor's, Fitch or Dominion, or aaa, aa, a or bbb from A.M. Best; or a comparable internal rating if an externally provided rating is not available. Below investment grade fixed income securities Below Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities [Member] Below investment grade is defined as a security not meeting the criteria for investment grade securities. Gross Unrealized Loss Gross Unrealized Loss [Line Items] Less than 12 months Less than Twelve Months [Abstract] Fixed Income Securities [Abstract] Fixed Income Securities [Abstract] Fixed Income Securities [Abstract] Number of issues Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Number of Positions Fair value Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months Unrealized losses Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss Equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI, Unrealized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Number of issues Number of Issues of Available for sale Securities Less than Twelve Months Represents the number of issues of available for sale securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. Fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss 12 months or more Twelve Months or More [Abstract] Fixed income securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Abstract] Number of issues Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Number of Positions Fair value Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer Unrealized losses Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss Equity securities Equity Securities, Restricted [Abstract] Number of issues Number of Issues of Available for sale Securities for Twelve Months or Longer Period Represents the number of issues of available for sale securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. Fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss Total unrealized losses Total Unrealized Loss [Abstract] Total unrealized losses Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss Gross unrealized losses on equity securities Available for sale Equity Securities, Unrealized Losses The amount of unrealized loss on equity securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities, as a result of amortized cost exceeding its fair value, as of the balance sheet date. Total fixed income and equity securities Available for sale Securities Unrealized Losses Represents the unrealized losses for the available for sale securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Unrealized losses results when the fair value of the available-for-sale securities is under their carrying value as of the reporting date; and are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, unless the available-for-sale security is designated as a hedge or is determined to have had an other than temporary decline in fair value below its cost. Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Premiums (net of reinsurance ceded of $138, $149 and $158) Premiums Earned, Net Contract charges (net of reinsurance ceded of $188, $191 and $189) Insurance Commissions and Fees Other revenue Other Income Net investment income Net Investment Income Realized capital gains and losses: Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract] Total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments OTTI losses reclassified (from) to other comprehensive income Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Loss, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net Sales and valuation changes on equity investments and derivatives Other Realized Capital Gains and Losses The net realized gains or losses on investments during the period, other than those related to other-than-temporary impairment losses. Total realized capital gains and losses Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Total revenues Revenues Costs and expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses [Abstract] Contract benefits (net of reinsurance ceded of $249, $208 and $224) Life and Annuity Contract Benefits, Net of Reinsurance Recoveries Provision for benefits, claims and claims settlement expenses incurred during the period for life and annuity insurance contracts, as well as accident and health insurance contracts, net of the effects of contracts assumed and ceded. Interest credited to contractholder funds (net of reinsurance ceded of $44, $46 and $46) Interest Credited to Policyholders Account Balances Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Operating costs and expenses Other Cost and Expense, Operating Restructuring and related charges Restructuring Charges Interest expense Interest Expense Total costs and expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses Gain on disposition of operations Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal Income from operations before income tax expense Income (Loss) from Operations before Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Sum of operating profit and non-operating income (expense) and income (loss) from equity method investments before income taxes. Income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive (loss) income, after-tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available for Sale Securities, Including Other than Temporary Impairment Losses Adjustment Net of Tax Net of tax amount of the appreciation (loss) in the value of unsold available-for-sale securities. Includes amounts related to other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses. Change in unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Other comprehensive (loss) income, after-tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Projected option cost Measurement Input, Exercise Price [Member] Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts – Equity-indexed and forward starting options Embedded Derivative Equity Indexed and Forward Starting Options in Life and Annuity Product Contract [Member] Fair value as of the balance sheet date of the embedded derivative Equity Indexed and Forward Starting Options in Life and Annuity Product Contract. Fixed Income Securities Valued Based on Nonbinding Broker Quotes [Member] Fixed Income Securities Valued Based on Nonbinding Broker Quotes [Member] Represents the fixed income securities valued based on non-binding broker quotes. Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum Maximum [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Weighted average Weighted Average [Member] Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts – Equity-indexed and forward starting options Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Range Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input Fair value Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Assets at fair value Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Deferred tax asset, provisional income tax benefit Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Statutory federal income tax rate expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Tax Legislation benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent Change in tax rate income tax benefit Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017 Change In Tax Rate Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017 Change In Tax Rate Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax assets Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Deferred reinsurance gain Deferred Tax Assets, Investments Other assets Deferred Tax Assets, Other Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Life and annuity reserves Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals DAC Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost Investments Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investments Unrealized net capital gains Deferred Tax Liabilities, Unrealized Gains on Trading Securities Other liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Components of income tax expense Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total income tax expense (benefit) Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid, Net Income tax refunds received Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Current income tax receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] Statutory federal income tax rate - expense Tax Legislation benefit Tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent Dividends received deduction Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Dividend, Percent Adjustments to prior year tax liabilities Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Percent State income taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Non-deductible expenses Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Percent Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Effective income tax rate expense (benefit) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs Deferred policy acquisition costs Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of year Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net Acquisition costs deferred Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Addition Amortization charged to income Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Amortization Charged to Income Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Amortization Charged to Income Effect of unrealized gains and losses Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits, Unrealized Gains (Losses) Represents the impact of unrealized capital gains and losses on the carrying amount of (a) capitalized costs that vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts and coverages, and (b) capitalized present value of future profits (also known as value of business acquired). Reinsurance ceded Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Reinsurance Ceded Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Reinsurance Ceded Balance, end of year DSI activity relates to fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts Movement in Deferred Sales Inducements [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of year Deferred Sales Inducement Cost, Net Sales inducements deferred Deferred Sales Inducement Cost, Addition Amortization charged to income Deferred Sales Inducements Amortization Represents the amortization of deferred sales inducements charged to income. Effect of unrealized gains and losses Deferred Sales Inducements, Effect of Unrealized Gains (Losses) Represents the impact of unrealized capital gains and losses on the carrying amount of deferred sales inducement costs. Balance, end of year Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying values and fair value estimates of financial instruments not carried at fair value Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Financial assets Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Mortgage loans Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net Bank loans Bank Loans Categorized under Other Investments Represents the portion of other investments categorized as bank loans, as of the balance sheet date. Agent loans Agent Loans Categorized under Other Investments Represents the portion of other investments categorized as bank loans, as of the balance sheet date, valued at fair value by the entity. Financial liabilities Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Contractholder funds on investment contracts Contractholder Funds on Investment Contracts Represents contract holder funds on investment contracts as of the balance sheet date. Liability for collateral Obligation to Return Collateral Securities Lending and Derivatives The liability to return cash and securities received as collateral in conjunction with securities lending and over-the-counter derivatives. Notes due to related parties Notes Payable, Related Parties General General General [Text Block] The disclosure of both the organization, consolidation and presentation of financial statements and the disclosure of the new accounting pronouncements adopted and not yet adopted. Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] Limited partnership interests Partnership Interest [Member] Corporate - public Corporate Debt Securities, Public [Member] Corporate Debt Securities, Public [Member] Corporate - privately placed Corporate Debt Securities, Private Placement [Member] Corporate Debt Securities, Private Placement [Member] Foreign government Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] ABS - CDO Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] ABS - consumer and other Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts Derivatives Embedded in Annuity Contracts [Member] This element represents derivatives embedded in annuity contracts. Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring and non-recurring basis Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Useful life Investment Assets, Useful Life Investment Assets, Useful Life Distribution and proceed period Investment Assets, Distribution and Proceed Period Investment Assets, Distribution and Proceed Period Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Fixed income securities Equity securities Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Short-term investments Short-term Investments Other investments: Other Investments [Abstract] Other investments: Free-standing derivatives Free Standing Derivative Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Represents the fair values as of the balance sheet date of all assets resulting from free-standing derivative contracts. Counterparty and cash collateral netting Free Standing Derivative Assets, Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Free Standing Derivative Assets, Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Separate account assets Separate Account Assets Total assets at fair value Derivative asset, fair value Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset % of total assets at fair value Assets as Percent of Assets Measured at Fair Value Assets as a percent of total assets measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis. Investments reported at NAV Alternative Investment Total Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability Other liabilities: Free-standing derivatives Free Standing Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Represents the fair values as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities resulting from free-standing derivative contracts. Counterparty and cash collateral netting Free Standing Derivative Liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Free Standing Derivative Liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Total recurring basis liabilities Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Total liabilities at fair value, Counterparty and cash collateral netting Derivative Liability Counterparty Netting and Collateral Right To Reclaim Cash Offset Represents the amount of counterparty netting and the amount of right to receive cash collateral under master netting arrangements offset against derivative liabilities. % of total liabilities at fair value Liabilities as Percent of Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Liabilities as a percent of total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis. Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract] Reinsurance Reinsurance [Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Free-standing derivatives, net Free Standing Derivatives Net [Member] This element represents the net free-standing derivatives. Other assets Other Assets [Member] Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Rollforward of Level 3 assets held at fair value on a recurring basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Total gains (losses) included in: net income Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Total gains (losses) included in: OCI Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Transfers into Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Sales Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Issues Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Issuances Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Balance at end of period Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value Total gains (losses) included in: net income Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Total gains (losses) included in: OCI Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Transfers into Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3 Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases Sales Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Sales Issues Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Issuances Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements Balance at end of period Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis, gain (loss) included in earnings Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings [Abstract] Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in net income, recurring Level 3 assets and liabilities Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Other liabilities: Free-standing derivatives Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Schedule of components of other comprehensive (loss) income on a pre-tax and after-tax basis Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Investment Income [Table] Investment Income [Table] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Mortgage loans Mortgages [Member] Short-term investments Short-term Investments [Member] Policy loans Policy Loans [Member] Other Other than Securities Investment [Member] Net investment income Net Investment Income [Line Items] Investment income, before expense Interest and Dividend Income, Operating Investment expense Investment Income, Investment Expense Net investment income Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs [Table] Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs [Table] Schedule of disclosures related to deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs by segment. Retained income Retained Earnings [Member] Insurance Product Line [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Insurance Product Line [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Interest-sensitive life insurance Interest Sensitive Life Insurance [Member] Represents interest sensitive life insurance coverage. Fixed annuities Fixed Annuities [Member] Represents fixed annuities. Deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs [Line Items] Securities loaned Securities Financing Transactions [Abstract] Length of securities lending transaction period Securities Lending Transactions Term The usual duration of the entity's securities lending transactions. Cash collateral received as percentage of fair value of securities loaned Cash Collateral Received for Securities Loaned Percentage Represents the amount of cash collateral the entity receives for securities loaned, as a percentage of the fair value of the securities. Cash collateral received for securities loaned percentage foreign Cash Collateral Received for Securities Loaned Percentage Foreign Represents the amount of cash collateral the entity receives for foreign securities loaned, as a percentage of the fair value of the securities. Deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract] Period for amortization of DAC and DSI for interest-sensitive life, fixed annuities and other investment contracts Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs Interest Sensitive Life Fixed Annuities and Other Investment Contracts Amortization Period Represents the range of typical amortization periods for deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs associated with interest-sensitive life, fixed annuities and other investment contracts. Present value of future profits Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net Amortization expense of future profits Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense Equity securities Unrealized Gain (loss) Equity Securities, FV-NI, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Investments in and advances to affiliates Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value, Gross Additions Guarantees [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Guaranty funds Guaranty Funds [Member] Represents state insurance guaranty funds. Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Liability for insurance assessments Loss Contingency, Undiscounted Amount of Insurance-related Assessment Liability Insurance assessments, premium tax offsets Loss Contingency Accrual, Insurance-related Assessment, Premium Tax Offset Summary of volume and fair value positions of derivative instruments and reporting location in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of gross and net amounts about the Company's OTC derivatives subject to enforceable master netting arrangements Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of derivative and other financial assets and liabilities that are subject to offsetting, including master netting arrangements. Summary of impacts on operations and AOCI from foreign currency contracts, cash flow hedges Schedule of Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance Cash Flow Hedges [Table Text Block] Schedule of the location and amount of gains and losses reported in the statement of operations (or when applicable, the statement of financial position, for example, gains and losses initially recognized in other comprehensive income) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedging relationships. Schedule of gains and losses from valuation, settlements, and hedge ineffectiveness, fair value hedges and derivatives not designated as hedges Schedule of Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance Valuation Settlements Hedge Ineffectiveness Fair Value Hedges and Not Designated Hedges [Table Text Block] Schedule of gains and losses from valuation, settlements, and hedge ineffectiveness reported on derivatives used in fair value hedging relationships and derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments in the statement of operations. Summary of counterparty credit exposure by counterparty credit rating Schedule of Derivative Counterparty Credit Exposure [Table Text Block] Schedule of counterparty credit exposure by counterparty credit rating. Summary of derivative instruments with credit features in a liability position, including fair value of assets and collateral netted against the liability Schedule of Derivative Instruments Credit Features in Liability Position and Netting [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value of derivative instruments with termination, cross-default or collateral credit-risk-contingent features that are in a liability position and the fair value of assets and collateral that are netted against the liability. Schedule of CDS notional amounts by credit rating and fair value of protection sold Schedule of Derivative CDS Notional Amount by Credit Rating and Fair Value of Protection Sold [Table Text Block] Schedule of CDS notional amounts by credit rating and fair value of protection sold. Contractual amounts of off-balance-sheet financial instruments Schedule of Off Balance Sheet Financial Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of the contractual amounts of off-balance-sheet financial instruments. SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Schedule [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Schedule [Table] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Mortgage loans, not in foreclosure Mortgages Not in Foreclosure [Member] Amounts due the Company for loans secured by the collateral of specified real estate property and which loan the borrower (debtor) is obligated to repay in accordance with a predetermined set of payments, excluding loans in the process of foreclosure. Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Texas TEXAS California CALIFORNIA Illinois ILLINOIS New Jersey NEW JERSEY Florida FLORIDA Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Real Estate [Domain] Real Estate [Domain] Apartment complex Apartment Building [Member] Office buildings Office Building [Member] Warehouse Warehouse [Member] Retail Retail Site [Member] Other Other Property [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Category [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Category [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Category [Domain] SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Category [Domain] 2019 Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Maturing in Year One [Member] This element represents the real estate property mortgages maturing in the first year following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements. 2020 Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Maturing in Year Two [Member] This element represents the real estate property mortgages maturing in the second year following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements. 2021 Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Maturing in Year Three [Member] This element represents the real estate property mortgages maturing in the third year following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements. 2022 Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Maturing in Year Four [Member] This element represents the real estate property mortgages maturing in the fourth year following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements. Thereafter Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Maturing after Year Four [Member] This element represents the real estate property mortgages maturing after the fourth year following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items] Mortgage loans Threshold percentage of mortgage loans to total carrying value Mortgage Loans Threshold Percentage The minimum percentage of mortgage loans to total carrying value that is used as a threshold for disclosure. Percentage of mortgage portfolio carrying value Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Value Percentage This element represents the amount of mortgage loans as a percentage of total carrying value. Number of loans SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Number of Loans Investment Holdings [Table] Investment Holdings [Table] Equity method limited partnerships Cost method limited partnership interests Cost-method Investments [Member] Investment Holdings Investment Holdings [Line Items] Other details of unrealized loss Other Details of Unrealized Loss [Abstract] Unrealized losses related to securities with unrealized loss position less than 20% of amortized cost or cost Available for sale Securities, Unrealized Losses Having Loss of Less than Twenty Percent The amount of unrealized losses that are related to securities with an unrealized loss position less than 20% of cost or amortized cost. Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, accumulated loss Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss Available for sale securities, unrealized losses having loss of less than twenty percent, less than 12 months Available for sale Securities, Unrealized Losses Having Loss of Less than Twenty Percent, Less than 12 Months Available for sale Securities, Unrealized Losses Having Loss of Less than Twenty Percent, Less than 12 Months Unrealized losses related to securities with unrealized loss position greater than or equal to 20% of amortized cost or cost Available for sale Securities, Unrealized Losses Having Loss of Twenty Percent or Higher The amount of unrealized losses that are related to securities with an unrealized loss position greater than 20% of cost or amortized cost. Unrealized losses related to securities with unrealized loss position greater than 20% of cost or amortized cost, unrealized loss position of 12 or more consecutive months Available for sale Securities, Unrealized Losses for Fixed Income Securities Held for Twelve Months or Longer Period This item represents the excess of [amortized] cost over fair value of fixed income securities that have been in a loss position for twelve months or longer, and have unrealized loss position greater than 20% of cost or amortized cost for those securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities as of the balance sheet date. Limited partnerships Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Limited partnership interests Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Fair value Fair Value Securities [Abstract] Equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI Short-term investments Derivative instruments Fair Value of Derivative Instruments with Unrealized Net Capital Gain (Loss) Fair value as of the balance sheet date of the net amount of all assets and liabilities resulting from contracts that meet the criteria of being accounted for as derivative instruments, for which an unrealized net gain or loss is included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Gross unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Gains [Abstract] Fixed income securities Available for sale Fixed Income Securities, Unrealized Gain Included in Other Comprehensive Income Represents the unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive income as of the balance sheet date, for the fixed income securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Equity securities Available for sale Equity Securities, Unrealized Gain Included in Other Comprehensive Income Represents the unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive income as of the balance sheet date, for the equity securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Short-term investments Available for sale Short-term Investments, Unrealized Gain Included in Other Comprehensive Income Available for sale Short-term Investments, Unrealized Gain Included in Other Comprehensive Income Derivative instruments Derivative Instruments, Unrealized Gain Included in Other Comprehensive Income The amount of unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive income on derivative instruments, as of the balance sheet date. Gross unrealized Losses Gross Unrealized Loss [Abstract] Fixed income securities Available for sale Fixed Income Securities, Unrealized Loss Included in Other Comprehensive Income Represents the unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income as of the balance sheet date, for the fixed income securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Equity securities Available for sale Equity Securities, Unrealized Loss Included in Other Comprehensive Income Represents the unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income as of the balance sheet date, for the equity securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Short-term investments Available for sale Short-term Investments, Unrealized Loss Included in Other Comprehensive Income Available for sale Short-term Investments, Unrealized Loss Included in Other Comprehensive Income Derivative instruments Derivative Instruments, Unrealized Loss Included in Other Comprehensive Income The amount of unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income on derivative instruments, as of the balance sheet date. Unrealized net gains (losses) Unrealized Net Gains (Losses) on Investments [Abstract] Fixed income securities Available for sale Fixed Income Securities Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income The amount of unrealized gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive income on fixed income securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities, as a result of fair value exceeding (under) its amortized cost, as of the balance sheet date. Equity securities Short-term investments Available for sale Short-term Investments, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income Available for sale Short-term Investments, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income Derivative instruments Derivative Instruments, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income The amount of unrealized gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive income on derivative instruments, as a result of fair value exceeding (under) its amortized cost, as of the balance sheet date. EMA limited partnerships Equity Method Investments Unrealized Loss Included in Other Comprehensive Income The amount of unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive income on equity method investments, as of the balance sheet date. Unrealized net capital gains and losses, pre-tax Total Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments before Taxes The amount of unrealized gain (loss) before taxes on all investment securities, which are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), as a result of fair value exceeding (under) its cost, as of the balance sheet date. Amounts recognized for: Insurance Reserves Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Insurance reserve adjustment included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) which represents the amount by which the reserve balance would increase if the net unrealized gains in the applicable product portfolios were realized and reinvested at current lower interest rates, resulting in a premium deficiency. DAC and DSI Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducement Costs Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducement Costs adjustment included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) which represents the amount by which the amortization of DAC and DSI would increase or decrease if the unrealized gains or losses in the respective product portfolios were realized. Amounts recognized Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducement Costs and Insurance Reserves Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated adjustment to Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Deferred Sales Inducement Costs, and insurance reserves related to unrealized capital gains and losses, before tax, at the end of an accounting period. Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Taxes Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated adjustment to deferred income taxes related to unrealized capital gains and losses, as of the balance sheet date. Total unrealized net capital gains and losses Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, after Tax Fair value of derivative liabilities with unrealized net capital gain (loss) Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities with Unrealized Net Capital Gain (Loss) Fair value as of the balance sheet date of the liabilities resulting from contracts that meet the criteria of being accounted for as derivative instruments, for which an unrealized net gain or loss is included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Schedule of Credit Derivatives [Table] Schedule of Credit Derivatives [Table] Credit Rating, Standard & Poor's [Axis] Credit Rating, Standard & Poor's [Axis] External Credit Rating, Standard & Poor's [Domain] External Credit Rating, Standard & Poor's [Domain] A plus Standard & Poor's, A+ Rating [Member] A Standard & Poor's, A Rating [Member] Credit Derivatives Credit Derivatives [Line Items] Cash and securities pledged as collateral by counterparties Cash and Securities Pledged as Collateral, from Counterparties This element represents cash and securities pledged as collateral from counterparties. Securities pledged as collateral to counterparties Cash and Securities Pledged as Collateral to Counterparties This element represents cash and securities pledged to counterparties as collateral for credit exposure. Collateral posted under MNAs for contracts containing credit-risk-contingent features Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value Number of counter-parties Number of Counterparties The number of counterparties to which the entity has counterparty credit exposure related to derivative contracts. Notional amount Notional Amount of Counterparty Credit Exposure The notional amount of derivative contracts for which the entity has counterparty credit exposure. Credit exposure Counterparty Credit Exposure The amount of credit exposure by counterparties related to derivative contracts. Exposure, net of collateral Credit Derivative Exposure Net of Collateral The amount of credit exposure by counterparties net of collateral received, related to derivative contracts. Securities pledged in the form of margin deposits Margin Deposit Assets Gross liability fair value of contracts containing credit-risk-contingent features Derivative Gross Liability Fair Value with Credit Risk Contingent Features Fair value of derivative liabilities, presented on a gross basis containing credit risk contingent features. Gross asset fair value of contracts containing credit-risk-contingent features and subject to MNAs Derivative Gross Asset Fair Value with Credit Risk Contingent Features Fair value of derivative asset, presented on a gross basis containing credit risk contingent features and which is subject to master netting arrangements. Collateral posted under MNAs for contracts containing credit-risk-contingent features Maximum amount of additional exposure for contracts with credit-risk-contingent features if all features were triggered concurrently Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Limited Partnership Limited Partnership [Member] Limited Partnership [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Interest paid Interest Paid, Including Capitalized Interest, Operating and Investing Activities Liabilities assumed Liabilities Assumed Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Table] Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Table] Variable annuities Variable Annuities [Member] Represents variable annuities. Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Domain] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Domain] In the event of death Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit [Member] Liability for guarantees related to income benefits Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit [Member] Guaranteed accumulation benefits Guaranteed Minimum Accumulation Benefit [Member] For cumulative periodic withdrawals Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit [Member] Other guarantees Other Guarantees [Member] Represents liability for guarantee not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Liabilities for guarantees: Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items] Liability for guarantees Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Revenues Net income Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Limitations Statutory Accounting Practices [Table] Statutory Accounting Practices [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Subsidiaries Subsidiaries [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Allstate Life Insurance Company Allstate Life Insurance Company [Member] Allstate Life Insurance Company [Member] Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items] Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items] Statutory net income (loss) Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount Statutory capital and surplus Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance Dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Maximum amount of dividends ALIC able to pay without prior IL DOI approval Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments without Regulatory Approval Deficit position used to determine payment of dividends Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments Multiplier of authorized control level RBC to determine action level RBC Statutory Accounting Practices Multiplier of Authorized Control Level Risk Based Capital To Determine Action Level Risk Based Capital Represents the multiplier of authorized control level risk based capital to determine action level risk based capital. Statutory accounting practices, statutory capital and surplus, adjusted balance Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Adjusted Balance Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Adjusted Balance Authorized control level RBC Statutory Accounting Practices Authorized Control Level Risk Based Capital Amount of authorized control level risk based capital (RBC) as of the balance sheet date under prescribed or permitted statutory accounting practices. Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Foreign currency swap agreements Currency Swap [Member] Interest rate cap agreements Interest Rate Swaption [Member] Interest rate cap agreements Interest Rate Cap [Member] Interest Rate Financial Futures Contracts [Member] Interest Rate Financial Futures Contracts [Member] Derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is tied to the right to receive or pay a sum of money at a given interest rate. Options Equity and Index Contracts Options and Warrants [Member] An investment that follows an index, commodity or basket of assets that trades like stock on an exchange. Futures Equity and Index Contracts Financial Futures Contracts [Member] Derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is tied to share prices for financial futures contracts. Foreign currency forwards Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Credit default swaps – buying protection Credit Default Swap, Buying Protection [Member] Credit default swaps – selling protection Credit Default Swap, Selling Protection [Member] Other Other Contract [Member] Options Equity and Index Contracts Options and Financial Futures [Member] An investment that follows an index or commodity that trades like stock on an exchange. Excluding warrants. Guaranteed withdrawal benefits Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit [Member] Equity-indexed and forward starting options in life and annuity product contracts Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Derivatives designated as accounting hedging instruments Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other investments Other Investments [Member] Other liabilities & accrued expenses Other Liabilities [Member] Contractholder funds Contract Holder Funds [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Assumed recoveries under sale of credit protection Potential Recoveries under Credit Risk Derivatives Represents the potential amount of recoveries under sale of credit protection. Total asset derivatives, Notional amount Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Total liability derivatives, Notional amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Total derivatives, Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Total asset derivatives, Number of contracts Derivative Asset, Number of Instruments Held Total liability derivatives, Number of contracts Derivative Liability, Number of Instruments Held Total derivatives, Number of contracts Derivative, Number of Instruments Held Total asset derivatives, Fair value, net Derivative Asset Asset derivatives, Gross asset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Asset derivatives, Gross liability Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative liabilities net amount on balance sheet Derivative Liability Total derivatives, Fair value, net Derivative, Fair Value, Net Liability derivatives, Gross asset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Liability derivatives, Gross liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Axis] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Axis] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Domain] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Domain] Hybrid Instrument Hybrid Instrument [Member] Additional capital paid-in Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Collateralized Loan Obligations Collateralized Loan Obligations [Member] Allstate Finance Company Agency Loans LLC Allstate Finance Company Agency Loans LLC [Member] Allstate Finance Company Agency Loans LLC [Member] Kennett Kennett Capital Inc [Member] Represents information pertaining to Kennett Capital Inc. , an unconsolidated affiliate of the entity. AAC AAC [Member] AAC [Member] Allstate Financial Services, LLC Allstate Financial Services LLC [Member] Represents information pertaining to Allstate Financial Services, LLC, Allstate Financial Services, LLC, an affiliated broker-dealer. Beneficial Owner Beneficial Owner [Member] Subsidiary of Common Parent Subsidiary of Common Parent [Member] Affiliate Affiliated Entity [Member] Investment Securities Class [Axis] Investment Securities Class [Axis] Investment Securities Class [Domain] Investment Securities Class [Domain] Class A Notes Due March 10, 2034 Class A Notes [Member] Class A Notes [Member] Structured settlement annuities Structured Settlement Annuities [Member] Represents structured settlement annuities with life contingencies. Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] AIC Parent Company [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] ALIC Reinsurance Company ALIC Reinsurance Company [Member] ALIC Reinsurance Company [Member] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Liquidity agreement Liquidity Agreement [Member] Represents information pertaining to the liquidity agreement. Intercompany loan agreement Intercompany Loan Agreement [Member] Represents information pertaining to the intercompany loan agreement. Revolving loan credit agreement Revolving Loan Credit Agreement [Member] Revolving Loan Credit Agreement [Member] Capital support agreement Capital Support Agreement [Member] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Allocation of operating expenses Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Agent loans, fair value Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Agent loans Agent Loans Agent Loans Cash Cash Notes payable interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest income, related party Interest Income, Related Party Interest expense Interest Expense, Related Party Proceeds from coinsurance reinsurance agreement Proceeds From Coinsurance Reinsurance Agreement Proceeds From Coinsurance Reinsurance Agreement DAC, additions Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Additions Additions to other assets, amount Additions to Other Assets, Amount Reinsurance, reserve for life-contingent contract benefits Reinsurance, Reserve For Life-contingent Contract Benefits Reinsurance, Reserve For Life-contingent Contract Benefits Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investment In Entities Under Common Control Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investment In Entities Under Common Control Gain (Loss) on the transaction Gain (Loss) on Transaction Between Entities under Common Control Gain or loss on transaction between entities under common control recorded directly to equity. Fee and Commission Expenses Fee and Commission Expenses Represents the amount of fees and commissions earned from providing services such as leasing of space or maintaining: (1) depositor accounts; (2) transfer agent; (3) fiduciary and trust; (4) brokerage and underwriting; (5) mortgage; (6) credit cards; (7) correspondent clearing; and (8) other such services and activities performed for others. Reserves recorded for annuities Liability for Future Policy Benefits Surplus note Payments to Acquire Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Amount available for borrowings under the agreement Amount Available for Borrowings under Agreement Represents the amount available for borrowings under the agreement. Advances Maturity Period Advances Maturity Period Represents the maturity period of advances. Notice period for payables on demand Demand Payables Written Notice Period Represents the written notice period to demand payables. Amount of loan outstanding under agreement Amount of Loan Outstanding Under Agreement Represents the amount of loan outstanding under the Liquidity Agreement as of the balance sheet date. Percentage of risk-based capital ratio Statutory Accounting Practices Risk Based Capital Ratio Represents the percentage of risk based capital for adequacy needs as defined by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Commitment fee as a percentage of the amount of the capital and surplus maximum that remains available at the beginning of the period Commitment Fee as Percentage of Capital and Surplus that Remains Available at Beginning of Period Represents the commitment fee as a percentage of the amount of the capital and surplus maximum that remains available at the beginning of the period. Minimum risk-based capital ratio at which agreement will be terminated (as a percent) Statutory Accounting Practices Risk Based Capital Ratio Termination Term Represents the risk-based capital ratio at which agreement will be terminated. Voting stock to be held as per agreement (as a percent) Debt Instrument Covenant Voting Stock Holding Percentage Represents the percentage of voting stock to be held as per terms of the agreement. Credit derivative, maximum exposure, undiscounted Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Payments of dividends Payments of Dividends Schedule of Product Information [Table] Schedule of Product Information [Table] Traditional life insurance Traditional Life Insurance [Member] Represents traditional life insurance coverage. Accident and health insurance Accident and Health Insurance Product Line [Member] Premiums and contract charges by product Product Information [Line Items] Premiums Contract charges Total premiums and contract charges Life and Annuity Premiums and Contract Charges, Net of Reinsurance Ceded Premiums recognized as revenue in the period on all life insurance and reinsurance contracts, as well as accident and health insurance and reinsurance contracts, after subtracting any amounts ceded to another insurer. Also includes an amount that an insurer adds to a policy's premium, or deducts from a policy's cash value or contract holder's account, as compensation for services rendered (may include fees), after subtracting any amounts ceded to another insurer. Number of states in which entity is authorized to operate Number of States in which Entity Operates Minimum percentage of premiums from one jurisdiction to be considered as significant Minimum Percentage of Premiums to be Considered as Significant This element represents the minimum percentage of premiums from a single jurisdiction to be considered as significant for the disclosure of a concentration of risk. Schedule of Reinsurance Recoverable [Table] Schedule of Reinsurance Recoverable [Table] Details of reinsurance recoverable amounts by segment and reinsurer. Non-affiliate Non Affiliates [Member] Represents the entities that are non-affiliates to the reporting entity. Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Lincoln Benefit Life Company Lincoln Benefit Life Company [Member] Represents information pertaining to Lincoln Benefit Life Company. Single life Single Life Insurance [Member] Single life insurance is either a term or permanent policy insuring person with the proceeds payable on death. Joint life Joint Life Insurance [Member] Joint life insurance is either a term or permanent policy insuring two or more persons with the proceeds payable on either the first or second death. Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Axis] Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Axis] Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Domain] Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Domain] Prudential Prudential [Member] Represents reinsurance through Prudential related to the disposal of substantially all of the variable annuity business. Citigroup Subsidiaries and Scottish Re Citigroup and Scottish Re [Member] Citigroup Subsidiaries and Scottish Re (U.S.) Inc. Reinsurance recoverable Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items] Percent of morbidity risk ceded for term-life insurance policies Morbidity Risk Ceded Term Life Insurance Percent The percentage of morbidity risk ceded to reinsurers on term life insurance policies prior to October 2009. Number of unaffiliated reinsurers Unaffiliated Reinsurers Represents reinsurance agreements entered with non associated reinsurers to limit the risk of mortality and morbidity losses. Reinsurance retention policy, amount retained Reinsurance Retention Policy, Amount Retained Retention level for contracts issued to individuals age 70 and over Reinsurance Retention Level Age 70 The retention level per claim or life above which the risk is generally ceded to a reinsurer for contracts issued to individuals age 70 and over. Retention level for certain large contracts meeting specific criteria Reinsurance Retention Level Specific Criteria The retention level per claim or life above which the risk is generally ceded to a reinsurer for certain large contracts that meet specific criteria. Reinsurance recoverable Reinsurance Recoverables, Including Reinsurance Premium Paid Life and annuity premiums and contract charges, reinsurance ceded Ceded Life and Annuity Premiums and Contract Charges Premiums and contract charges related to life insurance, accident and health insurance and annuity contracts that are assumed and earned by another insurer as a result of reinsurance arrangements. Life and annuity contract benefits, reinsurance ceded Reinsurance Ceded Life and Annuity Contract Benefits The amount in the period for estimated recoupment of contract benefits under life insurance, accident and health insurance, and annuity contracts ceded. Operating costs and expenses, reinsurance ceded Reinsurance Ceded Operating Costs and Expenses The amount in the period for estimated recoupment of operating costs and expenses under life insurance, accident and health insurance, and annuity contracts ceded. Investments held by trust Investments Held by Trust Represents the carrying amount of the investments held by trust. Gross life insurance in force Gross Life Insurance in Force The gross amount of life insurance in force as of the balance sheet date. Life insurance in force ceded to unaffiliated reinsurers SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Life Insurance in Force, Ceded Derivatives Realized capital gains and losses by asset type Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items] Realized capital gains (losses) Summary of retention limits by period of policy issuance Reinsurance Retention Policy [Table Text Block] Effects of reinsurance on premiums and contract charges Schedule of Effects of Reinsurance on Premiums and Contract Charges [Table Text Block] Schedule of the effects of reinsurance on premiums and contract charges, including direct amounts, amounts assumed from other insurers, and amounts ceded to other insurers. Effects of reinsurance on contract benefits Schedule of Effects of Reinsurance on Contract Benefits [Table Text Block] Schedule of the effects of reinsurance on contract benefits, including direct amounts, amounts assumed from other insurers, and amounts ceded to other insurers. Effects of reinsurance on interest credited to contractholder funds Schedule of Effects of Reinsurance on Interest Credited to Contractholder Funds [Table Text Block] Schedule of the effects of reinsurance on interest credited to contractholder funds, including direct amounts, amounts assumed from other insurers, and amounts ceded to other insurers. Summary of reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid benefits Schedule of Reinsurance Recoverables [Table Text Block] Schedule of details regarding reinsurance which is recoverable as of the balance sheet date from reinsurers for claims paid or incurred by the ceding insurer and associated claims settlement expenses, including estimated amounts for claims incurred but not reported and policy benefits, net of any related valuation allowance. Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments Derivative Financial Instruments and Off Balance Sheet Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure of the entity's derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising there from, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items. Also includes disclosures of off-balance-sheet financial instruments. Net Amount at Risk, by Product and Guarantee [Table] Net Amount at Risk, by Product and Guarantee [Table] Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guarantee Type [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Domain] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Domain] Variable annuity contracts with guarantees Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items] Account balances of separate accounts with guarantees, invested in equity, fixed income and balanced mutual funds Separate Accounts Asset, Equity, Fixed Income Balanced Mutual Funds Account balance as of the balance sheet date of the portion of contract holder funds invested in equity, fixed income and balanced mutual funds that are maintained in accounts which are separate from the general account assets of the entity and that meet certain criteria. Account balances of separate accounts with guarantees, invested in money market mutual funds Separate Accounts Asset, Money Market Mutual Funds Account balance as of the balance sheet date of the portion of contract holder funds invested in money market mutual funds that are maintained in accounts which are separate from the general account assets of the entity and that meet certain criteria. Separate account value Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Separate Account Value Net amount at risk Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk Average attained age of contractholders Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Weighted Average Attained Age Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Weighted Average Period Remaining Schedule of quarterly results Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Limitations Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure [Table Text Block] Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs Disclosure [Text Block] A reconciliation of deferred policy acquisition and sales inducements costs from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] 4.14% Surplus Note, due 2036 Surplus Notes Due 2036 at 4.14 Percent [Member] Surplus Notes Due 2036 at 4.14 Percent [Member] ALIC Re Subsidiary Issuer [Member] Non-cash modifications of certain mortgage loans, fixed income securities, limited partnerships and other investments, as well as mergers completed with equity securities Transfer from Investments Redemption, related party debt Proceeds from Related Party Debt Decrease in notes receivable, related parties Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties Liabilities for collateral received reported in other liabilities and accrued expenses Obligation to Return Securities Received as Collateral Obligations to return cash collateral for over-the-counter ("OTC") derivatives reported in other liabilities and accrued expenses or other investments Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Net change in proceeds managed Net Change in Proceeds Managed [Abstract] Net change in fixed income securities Net Change in Fixed Income Term Investments of Proceeds Managed Collateral Net Change in Fixed Income Term Investments of Proceeds Managed Collateral Net change in short-term investments Net Change in Short Term Investments of Proceeds Managed Collateral The net change in short-term investments from the proceeds managed related to collateral received in conjunction with the entity's securities lending and over-the-counter derivatives. Operating cash flow provided Net Cash Provided by Used in Operating Activities Proceeds Managed Collateral The net operating cash flow provided or used related to collateral received in conjunction with the entity's securities lending and over-the-counter derivatives. Net change in cash Net Change In Cash Proceeds Managed Collateral The net change in cash from the proceeds managed related to collateral received in conjunction with the entity's securities lending and over-the-counter derivatives. Net change in proceeds managed Net Change In Proceeds Managed Collateral The net change in the proceeds managed related to collateral received in conjunction with the entity's securities lending and over-the-counter derivatives. Net change in liabilities Net Change in Liabilities for Collateral [Abstract] Liabilities for collateral, beginning of year Liabilities for collateral, end of year Operating cash flow (used) provided Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Liabilities for Collateral The net operating cash flow provided by (used in) the net change in liabilities for collateral. Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Common stock Common Stock [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive income AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Statement Statement [Line Items] Increase (decrease) in equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of year Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Dividends Dividends Reclassification of tax effects due to change in accounting principle Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017 Reclassification From Aoci To Retained Earnings Tax Effect Amount of increase (decrease) in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) for reclassification to retained earnings of tax effect from remeasurement of deferred tax pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Gain on reinsurance with an affiliate Balance, end of year Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Table] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Table] Structured settlement annuities Structured Settlement Life Contingencies Annuities [Member] Represents structured settlement annuities with life contingencies. Other immediate fixed annuities Other Immediate Fixed Annuities [Member] Represents immediate annuities with life contingencies, other than structured settlement annuities. Accident and health insurance Accident and Health Insurance [Member] Represents accident and health insurance coverage. Other Other Life Contingent Products [Member] Represents products with life contingencies not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Reserve for life-contingent benefits: Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items] Total reserve for life-contingent contract benefits Key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits: Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Assumptions [Abstract] Life contingent contract benefits, interest rate assumptions (as a percent) Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Interest Rates Assumption Interest rate in the range of interest rates used to calculate future benefits to be paid to or on behalf of policyholders and related expenses less the present value of future net premiums using assumptions such as estimates of expected investment yields, mortality, morbidity, terminations and expenses, applicable at the time the insurance contracts are made and cost of settling insured claims and cost incurred in the claim settlement process. Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Gain (Loss) [Table] Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Gain (Loss) [Table] Summarization of information required and determined to be disclosed concerning assets and liabilities, including [financial] instruments, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Gains (losses) included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities: Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Gains (losses) for Level 3 assets still held at the balance sheet date, included in earnings Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings This item represents the amount of the total change in unrealized (holding) gains or losses for the period which are included in the statement of income (or changes in net assets). Such unrealized (holding) gains or losses relate to those assets still held at the reporting date for which fair value is measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Gains (losses) for Level 3 liabilities still held at the balance sheet date, included in earnings Gains (losses) for Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at the balance sheet date Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Other-than-temporary impairment losses by asset type OTTI losses reclassified to (from) other comprehensive income Schedule of deferred policy acquisition costs Schedule of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits [Table Text Block] Schedule reconciling the carrying value from the beginning to the end of the period for capitalized costs related directly to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts and the present value of future profits (PVFP, also known as Value of Business Acquired, or VOBA) of estimated net cash flows embedded in existing long-duration contracts acquired in the purchase of a life insurance company. Schedule of DSI activity for Allstate Financial Deferred Sales Inducements [Table Text Block] Investments Total Equity Securities, FV-NI, Realized Gain (Loss) Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Series A Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Fixed income securities, at fair value, amortized cost (in dollars) Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost Equity securities, at fair value, cost (in dollars) Equity Securities, FV-NI, Cost Short-term, at fair value, amortized cost (in dollars) Short Term Investments, Amortized Cost The amortized cost of short-term investments, net of adjustments for other-than-temporary impairments, if any. Redeemable preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Redeemable preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Redeemable preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Summary of quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Schedule of rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] This element represents, for the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (2) purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs). Schedule of change in unrealized gains and losses included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities held Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings [Table Text Block] Schedule of carrying values and fair value estimates of financial instruments not carried at fair value Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Schedule of supplemental cash flow information from collateralized securities received Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information from Collateralized Securities Received [Table Text Block] This element may be used to capture the complete disclosure pertaining to supplemental cash flow information about collateral received. Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension benefits Pension Plan [Member] Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Allocated Cost (Credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Allstate 401(k) Savings Plan Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract] Cost allocated to Allstate 401(k) Savings Plan Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Assets Assets [Abstract] Investments Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $21,057 and $22,004) Short-term, at fair value (amortized cost $810 and $725) Policy loans Loans, Gross, Insurance Policy Other Other Investments Total investments Investments Deferred policy acquisition costs Accrued investment income Accrued Investment Income Receivable Other assets Other Assets Separate Accounts Total assets Assets Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Contractholder funds Policyholder Contract Deposits Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits Unearned premiums Unearned Premiums Payable to affiliates, net Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party Other liabilities and accrued expenses Other Liabilities Deferred income taxes Separate Accounts Separate Accounts, Liability Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 7 and 11) Commitments and Contingencies Shareholder’s Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Redeemable preferred stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $227 par value, 23,800 shares authorized and outstanding Common Stock, Value, Outstanding Additional capital paid-in Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained income Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive income: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Unrealized net capital gains and losses: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Unrealized Net Capital Gains and Losses [Abstract] Unrealized net capital gains and losses on fixed income securities with OTTI Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax Other unrealized net capital gains and losses Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other Unrealized Net Capital Gains and Losses Accumulated appreciation or loss in value of the total of unsold securities, net of tax, at the end of an accounting period, other than those recorded in unrealized net capital losses on fixed income securities with OTTI. Unrealized adjustment to DAC, DSI and insurance reserves Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Unrealized Adjustment to Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Deferred Sales Inducement Costs, and Insurance Reserves Accumulated adjustment to Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Deferred Sales Inducement Costs, and insurance reserves related to unrealized capital gains and losses, net of tax, at the end of an accounting period. Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Total accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total shareholder’s equity Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity Liabilities and Equity Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table] Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table] Disclosure of information about derivative and financial assets and liabilities that are subject to offsetting, including enforceable master netting arrangements. Transaction Type [Axis] Transaction Type [Axis] Transaction [Domain] Transaction [Domain] OTC derivatives Over the Counter [Member] Gross and net information about the liabilities subject to master netting arrangements Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Line Items] Asset derivatives Derivative Asset [Abstract] Asset derivatives gross amount Derivative asset offsets under cash collateral received Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Derivative assets pledged under securities collateral Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities Asset derivatives, net amount Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Liability derivatives Derivative Liability [Abstract] Liability derivatives gross amount Derivative liability offsets under cash collateral pledged Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Derivative liabilities received under securities collateral Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities Liability derivatives, net amount Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Capital Structure Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits Schedule of Liability for Future Policy Benefits, by Product Segment [Table Text Block] Key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits Schedule of Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Assumptions [Table Text Block] Disclosure of assumptions associated with the accrued obligation to policyholders that relates to insured events, and can be viewed as either (a) the present value of future benefits to be paid to or on behalf of policyholders and expenses less the present value of future net premiums payable under the insurance contracts or (b) the accumulated amount of net premiums already collected less the accumulated amount of benefits and expenses already paid to or on behalf of policyholders. Contractholder funds Schedule of Contract Holder Funds by Product [Table Text Block] Reflects the carrying amount of and other relevant, pertinent information about the liability as of the balance sheet date for policyholder contract deposits by major product line segment. Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds Schedule of Liability for Policyholder Contract Deposits, Assumptions [Table Text Block] Disclosure of assumptions associated with the liability for estimated reserve for cumulative deposits plus credited interest and fund performance, less withdrawals, expenses and cost of insurance charges, as applicable. Contractholder funds activity Schedule of Contract Holder Funds Activity [Table Text Block] Disclosure of the activity in the liability for estimated reserve for cumulative deposits plus credited interest and fund performance, less withdrawals, expenses and cost of insurance charges, as applicable. Variable annuity contracts with guarantees Schedule of Net Amount of Risk by Product and Guarantee [Table Text Block] Liabilities for guarantees Schedule of Minimum Guaranteed Benefit Liabilities [Table Text Block] Contractholder funds activity Movement in Policyholder Contract Deposits [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of year Deposits Deposits to Contract Holder Funds Increase in the liability for policyholder contract deposits resulting from amounts received during the period from the insured. Interest credited Interest to Contract Holder Funds Increase in the liability for policyholder contract deposits resulting from interest credited during the period by the insurer to policy owner accounts. Benefits Benefits Paid from Contract Holder Funds Decrease in the liability for policyholder contract deposits resulting from benefits paid out of contract holder funds. Surrenders and partial withdrawals Surrenders and Partial Withdrawals from Contract Holder Funds Decrease in the liability for policyholder contract deposits resulting from surrenders and partial withdrawals out of contract holder funds. Maturities of and interest payments on institutional products Maturities of and Interest Payments on Institutional Products Decrease in the liability for policyholder contract deposits resulting from maturities of and interest payments on institutional products. Contract charges Contract Charges An amount that an insurer deducts from a contract holder's account, as compensation for services rendered. Net transfers from separate accounts Policyholder Contract Deposits, Separate Accounts Transfers, Net Change in the liability for policyholder contract deposits resulting from net amounts transferred from separate accounts during the period. Other adjustments Policyholder Contract Deposits Adjustments, Other Other adjustments during the period to the liability for policyholder contract deposits, not specified elsewhere in the taxonomy. Balance, end of year Basis of presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative and embedded derivative financial instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Securities loaned Securities Borrowed and Loaned Policy [Policy Text Block] Recognition of premium revenues and contract charges, and related benefits and interest credited Insurance Premiums Revenue and Related Benefits Recognition [Policy Text Block] Describes an insurance entity's accounting policy for premium and contract charges revenue recognition, including the basis for measurement and the timing of recognition of revenue from insurance premiums and fees received from contractholders. Also describes an insurance entity's accounting policy for recognition of related benefits expenses and interest credited to contract holder accounts. Other revenue presentation Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs [Policy Text Block] Describes an insurance entity's accounting policy for deferred policy acquisition costs, including the nature, type, and amount of capitalized costs incurred to write or acquire insurance contracts, and the basis for and methodologies applied in capitalizing and amortizing such costs. Also describes the accounting policy for sales inducements, including the yield enhancement features, such as interest credits and bonuses, given to motivate purchases of insurance products, and description of the nature of the costs deferred and the method for amortizing such deferred costs. Reinsurance Reinsurance Accounting Policy [Policy Text Block] Income taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits Contingent Liability Reserve Estimate, Policy [Policy Text Block] Contractholder funds Deposit Contracts [Policy Text Block] Describes the accounting policy for the treatment of funds received from or paid to insureds, insurers and reinsurers on contracts for which the criteria for transferring or assuming insurance risk has not been satisfied by the insurer or reinsurer. Separate accounts Policyholder Accounts [Policy Text Block] Describes the accounting policy for contracts reported in separate accounts, including the extent and terms of minimum guarantees, basis of presentation for separate account assets and liabilities and related separate account activity, the liability valuation method and assumptions used in valuing each type of policyholder and contract holder account maintained by the entity. Off-balance sheet financial instruments Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposure, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation of variable interest entities Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair value measurement Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Quarterly Results (unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds Reserve for Life Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds, Disclosure [Text Block] Describes the various components of the reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds, the significant assumptions, the causes of significant variances from prior periods and reconciliations of beginning to ending reserve balances. Also includes disclosures of minimum guarantee liabilities and separate accounts. Effects of Reinsurance [Table] Effects of Reinsurance [Table] Annuities Investments Product Line [Member] Life insurance Life Insurance Product Line [Member] Other Other Insurance Product Line [Member] A- Standard & Poor's, A- Rating [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Reinsurer Concentration Risk Reinsurer Concentration Risk [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Allstate Financial Allstate Financial [Member] Represents Allstate financial segment. Reinsurance Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items] Effects of reinsurance on revenue Revenue Net of Reinsurance Recoveries Life [Abstract] Direct premiums and contract charges Direct Life and Annuity Premiums and Contract Charges Premiums and contract charges related to life insurance, accident and health insurance and annuity contracts that are written and earned directly by the insurer before adding contracts assumed from other insurers or subtracting any amounts assumed by other insurers. Assumed premiums and contract charges Assumed Life and Annuity Premiums and Contract Charges Premiums and contract charges related to life insurance, accident and health insurance and annuity contracts that are assumed and earned from another insurer as a result of reinsurance arrangements. Ceded premiums and contract charges Direct life and annuity contract benefits Direct Life and Annuity Contract Benefits Contract benefits related to provision for benefits, claims and claims settlement expenses directly incurred during the period for life and annuity insurance contracts, as well as accident and health insurance contracts. Assumed life and annuity contract benefits Assumed Life and Annuity Contract Benefits Contract benefits related to provision for benefits, claims and claims settlement expenses assumed during the period for life and annuity insurance contracts, as well as accident and health insurance contracts. Life and annuity contract benefits, reinsurance ceded Contract benefits, net of reinsurance Effects of reinsurance on cost and expenses Costs Net of Reinsurance Recoveries Life [Abstract] Direct interest credited to contractholder funds Direct Life and Annuity Interest Credited to Contractholder Funds Interest credited to contractholder funds which has been directly incurred and expensed during the period for life and annuity insurance contracts, as well as accident and health insurance contracts. Assumed interest credited to contractholder funds Assumed Life and Annuity Interest Credited to Contractholder Funds Interest credited to contractholder funds which has been assumed and expensed during the period for life and annuity insurance contracts, as well as accident and health insurance contracts. Ceded interest credited to contractholder funds Interest credited to contractholder funds Reinsurance recoverables Reinsurance Assets [Abstract] Concentration risk, percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract] SCHEDULE I - SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Amortization and other non-cash items Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Realized capital gains and losses Gain on disposition of operations Interest credited to contractholder funds Changes in: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Policy benefits and other insurance reserves Increase (Decrease) in Insurance Liabilities Deferred policy acquisition costs Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Reinsurance recoverables, net Increase (Decrease) in Reinsurance Recoverable Income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable, Net of Income Taxes Receivable Other operating assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from sales Proceeds from Sale of Investments [Abstract] Fixed income securities Proceeds from Sale of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Equity securities Proceeds from Sale of Equity Securities, FV-NI Proceeds from Sale of Equity Securities, FV-NI Limited partnership interests Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Other investments Proceeds from Sale of Other Investments Investment collections Proceeds from Collection of Investments [Abstract] Fixed income securities Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Mortgage loans Proceeds from Collection of Mortgage Loans The cash inflow from collections of repayments from borrowers on loans that are secured with real estate mortgages. Other investments Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Other Investments Investment purchases Payments to Acquire Investments [Abstract] Fixed income securities Equity securities Payments to Acquire Equity Securities, FV-NI Payments to Acquire Equity Securities, FV-NI Limited partnership interests Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Mortgage loans Payments to Purchase Mortgage Loans The cash outflow used to purchase loans that are secured with real estate mortgage. Other investments Payments to Acquire Other Investments Change in short-term investments, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-term Investments Change in policy loans and other investments, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Contractholder fund deposits Additions to Contract Holders Funds Contractholder fund withdrawals Withdrawal from Contract Holders Funds Proceeds from issuance of notes to related parties Dividends paid Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net (decrease) increase in cash Cash, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash at beginning of year Cash at end of year Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Summary of premiums and contract charges by product Schedule of Product Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Non-impaired mortgage loans Mortgages Non Impaired [Member] Amounts due the Company for loans secured by the collateral of specified real estate property and which loan the borrower (debtor) is obligated to repay in accordance with a predetermined set of payments, excluding loans determined to be impaired. Mortgage loans Mortgage Receivable [Member] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Below 1.0 Debt Service Coverage Ratio below 1 [Member] This element represents the information pertaining to mortgage loans on real estate having a debt service coverage ratio below 1. 1.0 - 1.25 Debt Service Coverage Ratio below 1 to 1.25 [Member] This element represents the information pertaining to mortgage loans on real estate having a debt service coverage ratio between 1 to 1.25. 1.26 - 1.50 Debt Service Coverage Ratio below 1.26 to 1.5 [Member] This element represents the information pertaining to mortgage loans on real estate having a debt service coverage ratio between 1.26 to 1.5. Above 1.50 Debt Service Coverage Ratio below above 1.5 [Member] This element represents the information pertaining to mortgage loans on real estate having a debt service coverage ratio above 1.5. Mortgage loans Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Carrying value of non-impaired fixed rate and variable rate mortgage loans by debt service coverage ratio distribution Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment by Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract] Fixed rate mortgage loans Loans Receivable with Fixed Rates of Interest Variable rate mortgage loans Loans Receivable with Variable Rates of Interest Total Net carrying value of impaired mortgage loans Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract] Impaired mortgage loans with a valuation allowance Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment Impaired mortgage loans without a valuation allowance Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment Total impaired mortgage loans Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment Valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses Average carrying value and interest income recognized on impaired mortgage loans Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment [Abstract] Average balance impaired mortgage loans Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment Rollforward of the valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Net increase in valuation allowance SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Period Increase (Decrease) Charge offs Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs Ending balance Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value for fixed income securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Amortized cost Gross unrealized gain Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross unrealized loss Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Amortized cost Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Amortized Cost, Rolling Maturity [Abstract] Due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling within One Year, Amortized Cost Due after one year through five years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling after One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost Due after five years through ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling after Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost Due after ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling after 10 Years, Amortized Cost Subtotal Available for sale Securities, Debt Maturities with Single Maturity Date Amortized Cost This item represents the total of all debt securities grouped by maturity dates excluding asset-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities, at cost, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any, which are classified neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. ABS, RMBS and CMBS Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Fair value Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Fair Value, Rolling Maturity [Abstract] Due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling within One Year, Fair Value Due after one year through five years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling after One Through Five Years, Fair Value Due after five years through ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value Due after ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling after 10 Years, Fair Value Subtotal Available for sale Securities, Debt Maturities with Single Maturity Date Fair Value This item represents the total of all debt securities grouped by maturity dates excluding asset-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities, at fair value, which are classified neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. ABS, RMBS and CMBS Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value Total Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Private equity/debt funds, real estate funds and tax credit funds Private Equity or Debt Funds and Real Estate Funds and Tax Credit Funds [Member] Represents information pertaining to private equity and debt funds, real estate funds and tax credit funds. Period over which recognition of income on funds is delayed Investment Income Delayed Recognition Period Represents the period over which recognition of income on funds is delayed. Impairment write-downs Impairment Write Down The amount of other than temporary impairment losses on equity securities and other than temporary impairment related to credit losses on debt securities. Additionally, this item includes other than temporary impairment losses recognized during the period on investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting. Change in intent write-downs Change in Intent Write Downs The amount of change in intent write-downs reflect instances where the Company has made a decision to sell the security or it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings Sales Debt and Equity Securities, Gain (Loss) Valuation of equity investments Debt and Equity Securities, Realized Gain (Loss) Valuation and settlements of derivative instruments Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Schedule of Available for Sale Securities Realized gain Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Gain Realized loss Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Loss Equity-indexed life insurance Equity Indexed Life Insurance [Member] Represents equity indexed life insurance coverage. Other life insurance Other Life Insurance [Member] Represents other life insurance coverage. Immediate fixed annuities Immediate Fixed Annuities [Member] Represents the immediate fixed annuities. Equity indexed fixed annuities Equity Indexed Fixed Annuities [Member] Represents equity indexed fixed annuities. Other fixed annuities Other Fixed Annuities [Member] Represents the other fixed annuities. Other investment contracts Other Investment Contracts [Member] Other investment contracts include guaranteed minimum income, accumulation and withdrawal benefits on variable annuities and secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life insurance and fixed annuities. Contractholder funds Liability for Policyholder Contract Deposits by Product [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Total contractholder funds Key contract provisions relating to contractholder funds: Liability for Policyholder Contract Deposits, Assumptions [Abstract] Contractholder funds, interest rate assumptions (as a percent) Policyholder Contract Deposits, Interest Rate Assumptions Interest rate applied to policyholder contract deposits during the stated period. Period for withdrawal or surrender charges Withdrawal Surrender Charges Period The period over which withdrawal or surrender charges are generally calculated as either a percentage of account or declining dollar amount. Percent of fixed annuities subject to market value adjustment for discretionary withdrawals Fixed Annuities Subject to Market Value Adjustment, Percent The percentage of annuities subject to market value adjustment for discretionary withdrawals. Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits with respect to deficiency Liability for Future Policy Benefits Related to Deficiency Amount of accrued obligation to policyholders that relates to insured events for long-duration contracts related to deficiency. Liability for guarantees related to death benefits and interest-sensitive life products Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Interest Sensitive Life Insurance Guarantees [Member] Represents insurance contracts pertaining to death benefits which provide that in the event of the insured's death, the beneficiary or other party to whom payment is to be made will receive the greater of the policyholder's or contract holder's account balance or another amount defined in the contract. And also represents contracts pertaining to interest-sensitive life products that contractually vary the amount and timing of premium payments without the approval of the insurer. Premium payments are credited to the policyholder balance, against which amounts are assessed for contract services and to which amounts are credited as income. The policyholder balance provides a base upon which interest accrues to the policyholder and, when compared with the death benefit amount, fixes the insurer's net amount at risk. The insurer can often adjust the schedule of amounts assessed for contract services and the rate at which interest is credited to the policyholder balance. Liability for guarantees related to accumulation and withdrawal benefits Guaranteed Accumulation and Withdrawal Benefits [Member] Represents accumulated guaranteed account value floor that is available to a contractor policy holder in cash. And minimum amount (usually stated as a percentage of premiums) that will be available for withdrawal pursuant to terms of the long-duration contract. Regardless of the contract value, the contract or policy holder is guaranteed the right to periodic withdrawals from the contract until the premiums deposited into the contract are withdrawn. Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Incurred Benefits Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Incurred Benefits Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward] Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Less reinsurance recoverables Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Reinsurance Recoverable Net balance at beginning of period Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Net Paid guarantee benefits Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Payment for Benefits Net change Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross, Period Increase (Decrease) Net balance at end of period Plus reinsurance recoverables Balance at end of period Components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Components of income tax expense Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate on income from operations Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Table] Reinsurance SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items] Life insurance in force SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Life Insurance in Force, Net [Abstract] Life insurance in force, Gross amount SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Life Insurance in Force, Gross Life insurance in force, Ceded to other companies Life insurance in force, Assumed from other companies SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Life Insurance in Force, Assumed Life insurance in force, Net amount SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Life Insurance in Force, Net Life insurance in force, Percentage of amount assumed to net SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Life Insurance in Force, Percentage Assumed to Net Premiums and contract charges: Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract] Premiums and contract charges, Goss amount Direct Premiums Earned Premiums and contract charges, Ceded to other companies Ceded Premiums and Contract Charges Earned Amount of earned premiums and contract charges that are assumed and earned by another insurer as a result of reinsurance arrangements. Premiums and contract charges, Assumed from other companies Assumed Premiums Earned Premiums and contract charges, Net amount Premiums and Contract Charges Earned Net Amount, after premiums and contract charges ceded to other entities and premiums and contract charges assumed by the entity, of premiums and contract charges earned. Premiums and contract charges, Percentage of amount assumed to net SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Premium, Percentage Assumed to Net Reinsurance or coinsurance income netted against premiums ceded Amount of Reinsurance and Coinsurance Income, Netted Against Premiums Ceded Represents the amount of reinsurance or coinsurance income netted against premiums ceded. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company [Member] Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company [Member] American Heritage Life Insurance Company American Heritage Life Insurance Company [Member] American Heritage Life Insurance Company [Member] Allstate Assurance Company Allstate Assurance Company [Member] Allstate Assurance Company [Member] First Colonial Insurance Company First Colonial Insurance Company [Member] First Colonial Insurance Company [Member] Class B Deferrable Notes Due March 10, 2034 Class B Deferrable Notes [Member] Class B Deferrable Notes [Member] Class C Deferrable Notes Due March 10, 2034 Class C Deferrable Notes [Member] Class C Deferrable Notes [Member] Subordinated Notes Due March 10, 2034 Subordinated Notes [Member] Subordinated Notes [Member] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Pre- tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Unrealized net holding gains and losses arising during the period, net of related offsets Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Less: reclassification adjustment of realized capital gains and losses Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Other comprehensive (loss) income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract] Unrealized net holding gains and losses arising during the period, net of related offsets Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax Less: reclassification adjustment of realized capital gains and losses Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Other comprehensive (loss) income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax After- tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Unrealized net holding gains and losses arising during the period, net of related offsets Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Less: reclassification adjustment of realized capital gains and losses Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Term of credit default swaps (in years) Credit Derivative, Term AA Standard & Poor's, AA Rating [Member] BBB Standard & Poor's, BBB Rating [Member] BB and lower Standard Poors BB and Lower Rating [Member] BB and lower rating as defined by the external credit rating agency, Standard and Poor's. Single name Single Name [Member] This element represents the single name identified for selling credit protection. Index Index [Member] This element represents the credit derivative index for selling credit protection. External Credit Rating by Grouping [Axis] External Credit Rating by Grouping [Axis] External Credit Rating by Grouping [Domain] External Credit Rating by Grouping [Domain] Corporate debt Investment Grade, Corporate Debt [Member] This element represents the corporate debt with investment grade. Notional amount Fair value Credit Risk Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net The number of reference entities generally included in a CDX index Credit Index Number of Reference Entities The general number of entities included in a credit derivative index group. Municipal Bonds [Table] Municipal Bonds [Table] This element represents the schedule providing information on municipal bonds. Agent loans Agent Loans [Member] Agent Loans [Member] Bank loans Bank Loans [Member] Bank Loans [Member] Real estate Real Estate Properties [Domain] Derivatives and other Oregon OREGON New York NEW YORK Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Total [Member] Concentration of credit risk Credit Concentration Risk [Member] Municipal Bonds Municipal Bonds [Line Items] Threshold percentage of municipal to total carrying value Municipal Bonds Threshold Percentage The minimum percentage of municipal bonds to total carrying value that is used as a threshold for disclosure. Percentage of municipal bonds carrying value Municipal Bonds Portfolio, Carrying Value Percentage This element represents the amount of municipal bonds as a percentage of total carrying value. Percentage of credit concentration risk of single issuer and affiliates of shareholder's equity Threshold for Disclosure Percentage Threshold percentage which the entity uses for disclosure. Securities loaned Securities Loaned [Abstract] Fixed income and equity securities loaned Securities Loaned, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Interest income on collateral, net of fees Securities Loaned Interest Income on Collateral, Net Interest earned on collateral received for loaned securities and invested in short-term investments and fixed income securities, net of fees. Other investment information Below investment grade assets Debt Securities below Investment Grade Below investment grade assets included in fixed income securities. Fixed income securities and short-term investments deposited with regulatory authorities Assets Held by Insurance Regulators Non-income producing fixed income securities and other investments Fixed Income Securities, Non-Income Producing This element represents the fixed income securities that do not produce any income. Schedule for fixed income securities at amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value Investment [Table Text Block] Schedule for fixed income securities based on contractual maturities Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Schedule of net investment income Investment Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of realized capital gains and losses by asset type Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Investments by Security Type [Table Text Block] This item represents the schedule of realized gains and losses reported in the statement of income by type of securities. Schedule of realized capital gains and losses by transaction type Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Investments by Transaction Type [Table Text Block] This item represents the schedule of realized gains and losses reported in the statement of income by type of transactions. Schedule of valuation changes Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of other-than-temporary impairment losses by asset type Schedule of Other than Temporary Impairment Losses by Asset Type [Table Text Block] This item represents the schedule of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in statement of income and other comprehensive income by asset type. Schedule of other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed income securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income Schedule of Other than Temporary Impairment Losses on Fixed Income Securities Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] This item represents the schedule of other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed income securities included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Schedule of rollforwards of the cumulative credit losses recognized in earnings for fixed income securities held Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Table Text Block] Schedule of unrealized net capital gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income Schedule of Unrealized Capital Gains and Losses Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] This item represents the schedule of unrealized net capital gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income by type of securities. Schedule of change in unrealized net capital gains and losses Schedule of Change in Unrealized Net Capital Gains and Losses [Table Text Block] This item represents the schedule of change in unrealized net capital gains and losses by type of securities. Summary of gross unrealized losses and fair value of fixed income and equity securities by length of time Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Principal geographic distribution of commercial real estate represented in the mortgage portfolio Schedule of Mortgage Loans by Location [Table Text Block] Schedule of commercial real estate represented in the mortgage portfolio, by states representing a significant concentration of the total carrying value. Types of property collateralizing the mortgage loans Schedule of Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Table Text Block] Schedule of supplemental data and information pertaining to each mortgage loan receivable that equals or exceeds three percent of the carrying amount of mortgages, and other required disclosures. Contractual maturities of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio Schedule of Contractual Maturities of Commercial Mortgage Loan [Table Text Block] This element represents the details of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio by contractual maturity. Summary of carrying value of non-impaired fixed and variable rate mortgage loans by debt service coverage ratio distribution Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Schedule of net carrying value of impaired mortgage loans Schedule of Net Carrying Value of Impaired Mortgage Loans [Table Text Block] This element represents the schedule of net carrying value and the related valuation allowance of impaired mortgage loans. Schedule of rollforward of the valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Principal geographic distribution of municipal bond Schedule of Principal Geographic Distribution of Municipal Bond [Table Text Block] This element represents the schedule of principal geographic distribution of municipal bond. Schedule of other investments Schedule of Other Investments, By Type [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Investments, By Type [Table Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Allowance for estimated losses on mortgage loans SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Loan and Lease Loss, Real Estate [Member] Valuation allowances and qualifying accounts SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation allowances and qualifying accounts SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance as of beginning of period SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount Additions charged to costs and expenses SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Cost and Expense Additions other additions SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Other Account Deductions SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction Balance as of end of period Investments Investment [Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Table] United States government, government agencies and authorities States, municipalities and political subdivisions Public utilities Public Utility, Bonds [Member] All other corporate bonds Other Corporate Bonds [Member] Asset-backed securities Residential mortgage-backed securities Public utilities Public Utility, Equities [Member] Banks, trusts and insurance companies Banks, Trust and Insurance, Equities [Member] Industrial, miscellaneous and all other Industrial, Miscellaneous, and All Others [Member] Nonredeemable preferred stocks Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] Mortgage loans on real estate Real Estate Acquired in Satisfaction of Debt Real Estate Acquired in Satisfaction of Debt [Member] Real estate investment Real Estate Investment [Member] Other long-term investments Other Long-term Investments [Member] Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items] Cost/ amortized cost SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost Fair value SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount SCHEDULE V - VALUATION ALLOWANCES AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]