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Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Sep. 30, 2019	Nov. 06, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity File Number	033-03094
Entity Central Index Key	0000733076
Entity Registrant Name	Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	06-0566090
Entity Address, Address Line One	11225 North Community House Road,
Entity Address, City or Town	Charlotte,
Entity Address, State or Province	NC
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	28277
City Area Code	980
Local Phone Number	365-7100
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		3,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $62,138 and $59,672, respectively)	$ 69,676	$ 61,348
Equity securities, at estimated fair value	148	140
Mortgage loans (net of valuation allowances of $64 and $56, respectively)	15,269	13,596
Policy loans	915	1,001
Real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies	458	451
Other limited partnership interests	1,894	1,839
Short-term Investments	1,483	0
Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value	4,738	3,037
Total investments	94,581	81,412
Cash and cash equivalents	3,720	3,494
Accrued investment income	709	704
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	13,847	13,113
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	4,711	5,086
Current income tax recoverable	21	1
Other assets	476	509
Separate account assets	96,782	91,511
Total assets	214,847	195,830
Liabilities
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, after Reinsurance	39,232	35,588
Policyholder account balances	44,325	39,330
Other policy-related balances	2,778	2,728
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	5,271	5,047
Long-term debt	845	434
Current income tax payable	0	2
Deferred income tax liability	1,680	944
Other liabilities	4,112	3,455
Separate account liabilities	96,782	91,511
Total liabilities	195,025	179,039
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 10)
Equity
Common stock, par value $25,000 per share; 4,000 shares authorized; 3,000 shares issued and outstanding	75	75
Additional paid-in capital	19,073	19,073
Retained earnings (deficit)	(2,873)	(3,090)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	3,532	718
Total Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s stockholder’s equity	19,807	16,776
Noncontrolling interests	15	15
Total equity	19,822	16,791
Total liabilities and equity	$ 214,847	$ 195,830

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 62,138	$ 59,672
Mortgage loans valuation allowances	$ 64	$ 56
Equity
Common stock, par value	$ 25,000	$ 25,000
Common stock, shares authorized	4,000	4,000
Common stock, shares issued	3,000	3,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	3,000	3,000

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenues
Premiums	$ 206	$ 218	$ 649	$ 653
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees	725	826	2,190	2,447
Net investment income	904	828	2,610	2,400
Other revenues	68	73	199	222
Net investment gains (losses)	14	(42)	60	(120)
Net derivative gains (losses)	984	(665)	(218)	(1,230)
Total revenues	2,901	1,238	5,490	4,372
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims	1,282	805	2,836	2,312
Interest credited to policyholder account balances	263	265	771	785
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	184	66	358	582
Other expenses	464	509	1,353	1,353
Total expenses	2,193	1,645	5,318	5,032
Income (loss) before provision for income tax	708	(407)	172	(660)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	99	(108)	(46)	(195)
Net income (loss)	609	(299)	218	(465)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	1	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company	609	(299)	217	(465)
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,467	(554)	3,032	(1,663)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	1	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company	$ 1,467	$ (554)	$ 3,031	$ (1,663)

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Stockholder’s Equity	Noncontrolling Interests	Restatement Adjustment	Restatement Adjustment Common Stock	Restatement Adjustment Additional Paid-in Capital	Restatement Adjustment Retained Earnings (Deficit)	Restatement Adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Restatement Adjustment Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Stockholder’s Equity	Restatement Adjustment Noncontrolling Interests
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle and other, net of income tax (Note 1)	$ (4)			$ 75	$ (79)	$ (4)
Total equity	16,868						$ 15	$ 16,864						$ 15
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017		$ 75	$ 19,073	(4,132)	1,837	16,853			$ 75	$ 19,073	$ (4,057)	$ 1,758	$ 16,849
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company				(166)		(166)
Net income (loss)	(166)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	(943)				(943)	(943)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2018		75	19,073	(4,223)	815	15,740
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017		75	19,073	(4,132)	1,837	16,853			$ 75	$ 19,073	$ (4,057)	$ 1,758	$ 16,849
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company	(465)
Net income (loss)	(465)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018		75	19,073	(4,522)	560	15,186
Total equity	15,755						15
Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2018		75	19,073	(4,223)	815	15,740
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company	(299)			(299)		(299)
Net income (loss)	(299)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	(255)				(255)	(255)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018		75	19,073	(4,522)	560	15,186
Total equity	15,201						15
Total equity	16,791						15
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	16,776	75	19,073	(3,090)	718	16,776
Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)	(1)					0	(1)
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company				(392)		(392)	1
Net income (loss)	(391)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	1,956				1,956	1,956
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2019		75	19,073	(3,482)	2,674	18,340
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	16,776	75	19,073	(3,090)	718	16,776
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company	217
Net income (loss)	218
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	19,807	75	19,073	(2,873)	3,532	19,807
Total equity	18,355						15
Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2019		75	19,073	(3,482)	2,674	18,340
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company	609			609		609
Net income (loss)	609
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	858				858	858
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	19,807	$ 75	$ 19,073	$ (2,873)	$ 3,532	$ 19,807
Total equity	$ 19,822						$ 15

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

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+ Details

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ 1,643	$ 1,960
Cash flows from investing activities
Sales, maturities and repayments of fixed maturity securities	11,160	11,533
Sales, maturities and repayments of equity securities	29	15
Sales, maturities and repayments of mortgage loans	924	443
Sales, maturities and repayments of real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies	2	87
Sales, maturities and repayments of other limited partnership interests	203	137
Purchases of fixed maturity securities	(12,982)	(11,802)
Purchases of equity securities	(3)	(1)
Purchases of mortgage loans	(2,625)	(2,771)
Purchases of real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies	(13)	(31)
Purchases of other limited partnership interests	(308)	(194)
Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives	1,178	1,140
Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives	(1,704)	(2,284)
Issuance of loan to affiliate	0	(2)
Net change in policy loans	86	80
Net change in short-term investments	(1,477)	154
Net change in other invested assets	21	35
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(5,509)	(3,461)
Cash flows from financing activities
Policyholder account balances: Deposits	5,279	4,259
Policyholder account balances: Withdrawals	(1,963)	(2,129)
Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	224	(125)
Long-term debt issued	412	200
Long-term debt repaid	(1)	(9)
Financing element on certain derivative instruments and other derivative related transactions, net	179	(386)
Other, net	(38)	(39)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	4,092	1,771
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	226	270
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	3,494	1,363
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	3,720	1,633
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Net cash paid (received) for interest	30	2
Net cash paid (received) for income tax	$ 0	$ 3

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business

“BLIC” and the “Company” refer to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, a Delaware corporation originally incorporated in Connecticut in 1863, and its subsidiaries. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brighthouse Holdings, LLC (“Brighthouse Holdings”), which is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (“BHF” together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “Brighthouse Financial”).

BLIC offers a range of individual annuities and individual life insurance products. The Company is organized into three segments: Annuities; Life; and Run-off. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other.

In 2016, MetLife, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “MetLife”) announced its plan to pursue the separation of a substantial portion of its former U.S. retail business (the “Separation”). In connection with the Separation, 80.8% of MetLife, Inc.’s interest in BHF was distributed to holders of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock. On June 14, 2018, MetLife, Inc. divested its remaining shares of BHF common stock (the “MetLife Divestiture”). As a result, MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates are no longer considered related parties subsequent to the MetLife Divestiture.

Basis of Presentation

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported on the interim condensed consolidated financial statements. In applying these policies and estimates, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to the Company’s business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Consolidation

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, as well as partnerships and limited liability companies (“LLCs”) in which the Company has control. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in limited partnerships and LLCs when it has more than a minor ownership interest or more than a minor influence over the investee’s operations. The Company generally recognizes its share of the investee’s earnings on a three-month lag in instances where the investee’s financial information is not sufficiently timely or when the investee’s reporting period differs from the Company’s reporting period. When the Company has virtually no influence over the investee’s operations, the investment is carried at fair value.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior year periods’ interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related footnotes thereto have been reclassified to conform with the 2019 presentation as may be discussed throughout the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Since the Company is a member of a controlled group of affiliated companies, its results may not be indicative of those of a stand-alone entity.

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented in conformity with GAAP. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance. The December 31, 2018 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “2018 Annual Report”), which include all disclosures required by GAAP. Therefore, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the 2018 Annual Report.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

Changes to GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of accounting standards updates (“ASUs”) to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. There were no ASUs adopted during 2019 that had a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

ASUs issued but not yet adopted as of September 30, 2019 are summarized in the table below.



Standard	Description	Effective Date	Impact on Financial Statements
ASU 2018-12, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts	The amendments to Topic 944 will result in significant changes to the accounting for long-duration insurance contracts. These changes (1) require all guarantees that qualify as market risk benefits to be measured at fair value, (2) require more frequent updating of assumptions and modify existing discount rate requirements for certain insurance liabilities, (3) modify the methods of amortization for deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”), and (4) require new qualitative and quantitative disclosures around insurance contract asset and liability balances and the judgments, assumptions and methods used to measure those balances. The market risk benefit guidance is required to be applied on a retrospective basis, while the changes to guidance for insurance liabilities and DAC may be applied to existing carrying amounts on the effective date or on a retrospective basis.	The amendments were originally effective on January 1, 2021. On October 16, 2019, the FASB voted to change the effective date of the ASU to January 1, 2022.	The Company is in the early stages of evaluating the new guidance and therefore is unable to estimate the impact to its financial statements. The most significant impact will be the measurement of liabilities for variable annuity guarantees.
ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments	The amendments to Topic 326 replace the incurred loss impairment methodology for certain financial instruments with one that reflects expected credit losses based on historical loss information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The new guidance also requires that an other-than- temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on a debt security will be recognized as an allowance going forward, such that improvements in expected future cash flows after an impairment will no longer be reflected as a prospective yield adjustment through net investment income, but rather a reversal of the previous impairment and recognized through realized investment gains and losses.	January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method (with early adoption permitted beginning January 1, 2019)	The Company expects to reduce retained earnings upon adoption due to an increase in its allowance for credit losses; the amount is not expected to be material.

Segment Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

2. Segment Information

The Company is organized into three segments: Annuities; Life; and Run-off. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other.

Annuities

The Annuities segment consists of a variety of variable, fixed, index-linked and income annuities designed to address contract holders’ needs for protected wealth accumulation on a tax-deferred basis, wealth transfer and income security.

Life

The Life segment consists of insurance products and services, including term, universal, whole and variable life products designed to address policyholders’ needs for financial security and protected wealth transfer, which may be provided on a tax-advantaged basis.

Run-off

The Run-off segment consists of products no longer actively sold and which are separately managed, including structured settlements, pension risk transfer contracts, certain company-owned life insurance policies, funding agreements and universal life with secondary guarantees.

Corporate & Other

Corporate & Other contains the excess capital not allocated to the segments and interest expense related to the majority of the Company’s outstanding debt, as well as expenses associated with certain legal proceedings and income tax audit issues. Corporate & Other also includes the elimination of intersegment amounts, long-term care and workers’ compensation business reinsured through 100% quota share reinsurance agreements, and term life insurance sold direct to consumers, which is no longer being offered for new sales.

Financial Measures and Segment Accounting Policies

Adjusted earnings is a financial measure used by management to evaluate performance, allocate resources and facilitate comparisons to industry results. Consistent with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, adjusted earnings is also used to measure segment performance. The Company believes the presentation of adjusted earnings, as the Company measures it for management purposes, enhances the understanding of its performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of the business. Adjusted earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and excludes net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests.

Adjusted earnings, which may be positive or negative, focuses on the Company’s primary businesses principally by excluding the impact of market volatility, which could distort trends.

The following are significant items excluded from total revenues, net of income tax, in calculating adjusted earnings:


•	Net investment gains (losses);


•	Net derivative gains (losses) except earned income on derivatives and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments or that are used to replicate certain investments, but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment; and


•	Certain variable annuity guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIBs”) fees (“GMIB Fees”) and amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses).

The following are significant items excluded from total expenses, net of income tax, in calculating adjusted earnings:


•	Amounts associated with benefits related to GMIBs (“GMIB Costs”);


•	Amounts associated with periodic crediting rate adjustments based on the total return of a contractually referenced pool of assets and market value adjustments associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts (“Market Value Adjustments”); and


•	Amortization of DAC and value of business acquired (“VOBA”) related to: (i) net investment gains (losses), (ii) net derivative gains (losses), (iii) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs and (iv) Market Value Adjustments.

The tax impact of the adjustments mentioned above is calculated net of the statutory tax rate, which could differ from the Company’s effective tax rate.

The segment accounting policies are the same as those used to prepare the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements, except for the adjustments to calculate adjusted earnings described above. In addition, segment accounting policies include the methods of capital allocation described below.

Segment investment and capitalization targets are based on statutory oriented risk principles and metrics. Segment invested assets backing liabilities are based on net statutory liabilities plus excess capital. For the variable annuity business, the excess capital held is based on the target statutory total asset requirement consistent with the Company’s variable annuity risk management strategy. For insurance businesses other than variable annuities, excess capital held is based on a percentage of required statutory risk-based capital. Assets in excess of those allocated to the segments, if any, are held in Corporate & Other. Segment net investment income reflects the performance of each segment’s respective invested assets.

Set forth in the tables below are the operating results with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.



	Operating Results
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019	Annuities		Life		Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$	247	$	88	$	(543	)	$	(70	)	$	(278	)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	50		18		(117		)	(60		)	(109		)
Post-tax adjusted earnings	197		70		(426		)	(10		)	(169		)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—
Adjusted earnings	$	197	$	70	$	(426	)	$	(10	)	(169		)
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)											14
Net derivative gains (losses)											984
Other adjustments to net income											(12		)
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit											(208		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company											$	609

Interest revenue	$	458	$	101	$	327		$	18
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	17



	Operating Results
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018	Annuities		Life		Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$	469	$	52	$	(135	)	$	(120	)	$	266
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	81		10		(29		)	(30		)	32
Post-tax adjusted earnings	388		42		(106		)	(90		)	234
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—
Adjusted earnings	$	388	$	42	$	(106	)	$	(90	)	234
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)											(42		)
Net derivative gains (losses)											(665		)
Other adjustments to net income											34
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit											140
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company											$	(299	)

Interest revenue	$	395	$	96	$	322		$	12
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—



	Operating Results
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019	Annuities		Life		Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$	915	$	185	$	(587	)	$	(210	)	$	303
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	172		38		(127		)	(102		)	(19		)
Post-tax adjusted earnings	743		147		(460		)	(108		)	322
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			1			1
Adjusted earnings	$	743	$	147	$	(460	)	$	(109	)	321
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)											60
Net derivative gains (losses)											(218		)
Other adjustments to net income											27
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit											27
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company											$	217

Interest revenue	$	1,344	$	284	$	942		$	40
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	43



	Operating Results
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018	Annuities		Life		Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$	979	$	142	$	(79	)	$	(175	)	$	867
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	168		28		(18		)	(53		)	125
Post-tax adjusted earnings	811		114		(61		)	(122		)	742
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—
Adjusted earnings	$	811	$	114	$	(61	)	$	(122	)	742
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)											(120		)
Net derivative gains (losses)											(1,230		)
Other adjustments to net income											(177		)
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit											320
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company											$	(465	)

Interest revenue	$	1,128	$	276	$	979		$	29
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	2

The following table presents total revenues with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other:



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018			2019		2018
	(In millions)
Annuities	$	1,037	$	995		$	3,052	$	2,957
Life	278		307			807		885
Run-off	484		536			1,487		1,594
Corporate & Other	40		41			110		108
Adjustments	1,062		(641		)	34		(1,172		)
Total	$	2,901	$	1,238		$	5,490	$	4,372

The following table presents total assets with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, at:



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Annuities	$	150,615	$	137,079
Life	15,553		14,928
Run-off	36,096		32,390
Corporate & Other	12,583		11,433
Total	$	214,847	$	195,830

Insurance

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Insurance [Abstract]

Insurance

3. Insurance

Guarantees

As discussed in Notes 1 and 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2018 Annual Report, the Company issues variable annuity contracts with guaranteed minimum benefits. Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMABs”), the non-life contingent portion of guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWBs”) and certain portions of GMIBs that do not require the policyholder to annuitize are accounted for as embedded derivatives in policyholder account balances and are further discussed in Note 5.

The Company also has universal and variable life insurance contracts with secondary guarantees.

Information regarding the Company’s guarantee exposure was as follows at:



	September 30, 2019						December 31, 2018
	In the Event of Death			At Annuitization			In the Event of Death			At Annuitization
	(Dollars in millions)
Annuity Contracts (1), (2)
Variable Annuity Guarantees
Total account value (3)	$	97,460		$	55,859		$	92,794		$	53,330
Separate account value	$	92,798		$	54,801		$	88,065		$	52,225
Net amount at risk	$	7,335	(4)	$	4,729	(5)	$	10,945	(4)	$	3,903	(5)
Average attained age of contract holders	69 years			69 years			69 years			68 years



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	Secondary Guarantees
	(Dollars in millions)
Universal Life Contracts
Total account value (3)	$	6,000	$	6,099
Net amount at risk (6)	$	71,641	$	73,131
Average attained age of policyholders	66 years		65 years

Variable Life Contracts
Total account value (3)	$	1,072	$	954
Net amount at risk (6)	$	12,345	$	13,040
Average attained age of policyholders	45 years		45 years

__________________


(1)	The Company’s annuity contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract. Therefore, the amounts listed above may not be mutually exclusive.

(2)

Includes direct business, but excludes offsets from hedging or reinsurance, if any. Therefore, the net amount at risk presented reflects the economic exposures of living and death benefit guarantees associated with variable annuities, but not necessarily their impact on the Company. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2018 Annual Report for a discussion of guaranteed minimum benefits which have been reinsured.


(3)	Includes the contract holder’s investments in the general account and separate account, if applicable.


(4)	Defined as the death benefit less the total account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date and includes any additional contractual claims associated with riders purchased to assist with covering income taxes payable upon death.

(5)

Defined as the amount (if any) that would be required to be added to the total account value to purchase a lifetime income stream, based on current annuity rates, equal to the minimum amount provided under the guaranteed benefit. This amount represents the Company’s potential economic exposure to such guarantees in the event all contract holders were to annuitize on the balance sheet date, even though the contracts contain terms that allow annuitization of the guaranteed amount only after the 10th anniversary of the contract, which not all contract holders have achieved.

(6)

Defined as the guarantee amount less the account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date.

Investments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investments

4. Investments

See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2018 Annual Report for a description of the Company’s accounting policies for investments and Note 6 for information about the fair value hierarchy for investments and the related valuation methodologies.

Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-sale (“AFS”)

Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector

The following table presents the fixed maturity securities AFS by sector at:



	September 30, 2019											December 31, 2018
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized							Estimated Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized							Estimated Fair Value
	Amortized Cost		Gains		Temporary Losses		OTTI Losses (1)			Estimated Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Gains		Temporary Losses		OTTI Losses (1)			Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	27,409	$	2,972	$	74	$	—		$	30,307	$	23,902	$	816	$	659	$	—		$	24,059
U.S. government and agency	5,387		2,203		—		—			7,590		7,503		1,251		110		—			8,644
RMBS	8,634		513		12		(5		)	9,140		8,309		246		122		(2		)	8,435
Foreign corporate	8,922		675		109		—			9,488		8,044		157		306		—			7,895
CMBS	5,208		340		3		—			5,545		5,177		42		87		(1		)	5,133
State and political subdivision	3,205		765		—		—			3,970		3,202		399		15		—			3,586
ABS	1,894		27		10		—			1,911		2,120		13		22		—			2,111
Foreign government	1,479		251		5		—			1,725		1,415		101		31		—			1,485
Total fixed maturity securities	$	62,138	$	7,746	$	213	$	(5	)	$	69,676	$	59,672	$	3,025	$	1,352	$	(3	)	$	61,348

__________________


(1)	Noncredit OTTI losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) in an unrealized gain position are due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of noncredit losses on such securities.

The Company held no non-income producing fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2019. The Company held non-income producing fixed maturity securities with an estimated fair value of less than $1 million at December 31, 2018.

Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date, were as follows at September 30, 2019:



	Due in One Year or Less		Due After One Year Through Five Years		Due After Five Years Through Ten Years		Due After Ten Years		Structured Securities (1)		Total Fixed Maturity Securities
	(In millions)
Amortized cost	$	1,873	$	6,610	$	12,382	$	25,537	$	15,736	$	62,138
Estimated fair value	$	1,877	$	6,803	$	13,211	$	31,189	$	16,596	$	69,676

__________________


(1)	Structured securities include residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) (collectively, “Structured Securities”).

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of call or prepayment options. Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been presented in the year of final contractual maturity. Structured Securities are shown separately, as they are not due at a single maturity.

Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector

The following table presents the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by sector and by length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at:



	September 30, 2019								December 31, 2018
	Less than 12 Months				Equal to or Greater than 12 Months				Less than 12 Months				Equal to or Greater than 12 Months
	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in millions)
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	1,541	$	42	$	404	$	32	$	10,450	$	465	$	2,290	$	194
U.S. government and agency	75		—		—		—		359		7		1,355		103
RMBS	524		3		411		4		1,550		21		2,567		99
Foreign corporate	831		28		581		81		3,916		199		746		107
CMBS	102		—		190		3		2,264		52		800		34
State and political subdivision	15		—		8		—		346		7		158		8
ABS	445		3		504		7		1,407		21		70		1
Foreign government	52		5		—		—		520		25		132		6
Total fixed maturity securities	$	3,585	$	81	$	2,098	$	127	$	20,812	$	797	$	8,118	$	552
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position	669				309				2,988				1,022

Evaluation of AFS Securities for OTTI and Evaluating Temporarily Impaired AFS Securities

Evaluation and Measurement Methodologies

Management considers a wide range of factors about the security issuer and uses its best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in the estimated fair value of the security and in assessing the prospects for near-term recovery. Inherent in management’s evaluation of the security are assumptions and estimates about the operations of the issuer and its future earnings potential. Considerations used in the impairment evaluation process include, but are not limited to: (i) the length of time and the extent to which the estimated fair value has been below amortized cost; (ii) the potential for impairments when the issuer is experiencing significant financial difficulties; (iii) the potential for impairments in an entire industry sector or sub-sector; (iv) the potential for impairments in certain economically depressed geographic locations; (v) the potential for impairments where the issuer, series of issuers or industry has suffered a catastrophic loss or has exhausted natural resources; (vi) whether the Company has the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell a particular security before the decline in estimated fair value below amortized cost recovers; (vii) with respect to Structured Securities, changes in forecasted cash flows after considering the quality of underlying collateral, expected prepayment speeds, current and forecasted loss severity, consideration of the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security, and the payment priority within the tranche structure of the security; (viii) the potential for impairments due to weakening of foreign currencies on non-functional currency denominated fixed maturity securities that are near maturity; and (ix) other subjective factors, including concentrations and information obtained from regulators and rating agencies.

For securities in an unrealized loss position, an OTTI is recognized in earnings when it is anticipated that the amortized cost will not be recovered. When either: (i) the Company has the intent to sell the security; or (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery, the OTTI recognized in earnings is the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost and estimated fair value. If neither of these conditions exists, the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the present value of projected future cash flows expected to be collected is recognized as an OTTI in earnings (“credit loss”). If the estimated fair value is less than the present value of projected future cash flows expected to be collected, this portion of OTTI related to other-than-credit factors (“noncredit loss”) is recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”).

Current Period Evaluation

Based on the Company’s current evaluation of its AFS securities in an unrealized loss position in accordance with its impairment policy, and the Company’s current intentions and assessments (as applicable to the type of security) about holding, selling and any requirements to sell these securities, the Company concluded that these securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2019.

Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities decreased $1.1 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 to $208 million. The decrease in gross unrealized losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was primarily attributable to decreasing longer-term interest rates and narrowing credit spreads.

At September 30, 2019, $10 million of the total $208 million of gross unrealized losses were from eleven fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss position of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater.

Mortgage Loans

Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment

Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at:



	September 30, 2019					December 31, 2018
	Carrying Value			% of Total		Carrying Value			% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Mortgage loans:
Commercial	$	9,446		61.9	%	$	8,502		62.6	%
Agricultural	3,228			21.1		2,874			21.1
Residential	2,659			17.4		2,276			16.7
Subtotal (1)	15,333			100.4		13,652			100.4
Valuation allowances (2)	(64		)	(0.4	)	(56		)	(0.4	)
Total mortgage loans, net	$	15,269		100.0	%	$	13,596		100.0	%

__________________


(1)	Purchases of mortgage loans from third parties were $159 million and $722 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and $816 million and $1.4 billion for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and were primarily comprised of residential mortgage loans.


(2)	The valuation allowances were primarily from collective evaluation (non-specific loan related).

Information on commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loans is presented in the tables below.

Valuation Allowance Methodology

Mortgage loans are considered to be impaired when it is probable that, based upon current information and events, the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the loan agreement. Specific valuation allowances are established using the same methodology for all three portfolio segments as the excess carrying value of a loan over either (i) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, (ii) the estimated fair value of the loan’s underlying collateral if the loan is in the process of foreclosure or otherwise collateral dependent, or (iii) the loan’s observable market price. A common evaluation framework is used for establishing non-specific valuation allowances for all loan portfolio segments; however, a separate non-specific valuation allowance is calculated and maintained for each loan portfolio segment that is based on inputs unique to each loan portfolio segment. Non-specific valuation allowances are established for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics where a property-specific or market-specific risk has not been identified, but for which the Company expects to incur a credit loss. These evaluations are based upon several loan portfolio segment-specific factors, including the Company’s experience for loan losses, defaults and loss severity, and loss expectations for loans with similar risk characteristics. These evaluations are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available.

Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans

The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans was as follows at:



	Recorded Investment
	Debt Service Coverage Ratios								% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
	> 1.20x		1.00x - 1.20x		< 1.00x		Total		% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
September 30, 2019
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	8,328	$	128	$	141	$	8,597	91.0	%	$	9,083	91.2	%
65% to 75%	684		18		—		702		7.4		729		7.3
76% to 80%	138		—		9		147		1.6		146		1.5
Total	$	9,150	$	146	$	150	$	9,446	100.0	%	$	9,958	100.0	%

December 31, 2018
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	7,444	$	89	$	34	$	7,567	89.0	%	$	7,642	89.0	%
65% to 75%	762		—		24		786		9.2		797		9.3
76% to 80%	141		—		8		149		1.8		145		1.7
Total	$	8,347	$	89	$	66	$	8,502	100.0	%	$	8,584	100.0	%

Credit Quality of Agricultural Mortgage Loans

The credit quality of agricultural mortgage loans was as follows at:



	September 30, 2019				December 31, 2018
	Recorded Investment		% of Total		Recorded Investment		% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	2,983	92.4	%	$	2,551	88.8	%
65% to 75%	244		7.6		322		11.2
76% to 80%	1		—		1		—
Total	$	3,228	100.0	%	$	2,874	100.0	%

The estimated fair value of agricultural mortgage loans was $3.3 billion and $2.9 billion at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

Credit Quality of Residential Mortgage Loans

The credit quality of residential mortgage loans was as follows at:



	September 30, 2019				December 31, 2018
	Recorded Investment		% of Total		Recorded Investment		% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Performance indicators:
Performing	$	2,621	98.6	%	$	2,240	98.4	%
Nonperforming	38		1.4		36		1.6
Total	$	2,659	100.0	%	$	2,276	100.0	%

The estimated fair value of residential mortgage loans was $2.7 billion and $2.3 billion at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

Past Due, Nonaccrual and Modified Mortgage Loans

The Company has a high quality, well performing mortgage loan portfolio, with over 99% of all mortgage loans classified as performing at both September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The Company defines delinquency consistent with industry practice, when mortgage loans are past due as follows: commercial and residential mortgage loans — 60 days and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days. The Company had no commercial mortgage loans past due or in nonaccrual status at either September 30, 2019 or December 31, 2018. Agricultural mortgage loans past due totaled $7 million and less than $1 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The Company had no agricultural mortgage loans in nonaccrual status at either September 30, 2019 or December 31, 2018. Residential mortgage loans past due and in nonaccrual status totaled $38 million and $36 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company did not have a significant number of mortgage loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring.

Other Invested Assets

Freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values comprise over 90% of other invested assets. See Note 5 for information about freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values. Other invested assets also includes tax credit and renewable energy partnerships, leveraged leases and Federal Home Loan Bank stock.

Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)

Unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities and the effect on DAC, VOBA, deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) and future policy benefits, that would result from the realization of the unrealized gains (losses), are included in net unrealized investment gains (losses) in AOCI.

The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in AOCI, were as follows:



	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	7,538		$	1,679
Derivatives	399			253
Other	(15		)	(15		)
Subtotal	7,922			1,917
Amounts allocated from:
Future policy benefits	(3,049		)	(885		)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(373		)	(90		)
Subtotal	(3,422		)	(975		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(945		)	(198		)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	3,555		$	744

The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows:



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2018	$	744
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period	6,005
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
Future policy benefits	(2,164		)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(283		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(747		)
Balance, September 30, 2019	$	3,555
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	2,811

Concentrations of Credit Risk

There were no investments in any counterparty that were greater than 10% of the Company’s equity, other than the U.S. government and its agencies, at both September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

Securities Lending

Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at:



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Securities on loan: (1)
Amortized cost	$	2,055	$	3,056
Estimated fair value	$	3,214	$	3,628
Cash collateral received from counterparties (2)	$	3,244	$	3,646
Security collateral received from counterparties (3)	$	35	$	55
Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value	$	3,354	$	3,658

__________________


(1)	Included within fixed maturity securities.


(2)	Included within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions.


(3)	Security collateral received from counterparties may not be sold or re-pledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected on the consolidated financial statements.

The cash collateral liability by loaned security type and remaining tenor of the agreements were as follows at:



	September 30, 2019								December 31, 2018
	Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements								Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements
	Open (1)		1 Month or Less		1 to 6 Months		Total		Open (1)		1 Month or Less		1 to 6 Months		Total
	(In millions)
U.S. government and agency	$	1,561	$	1,283	$	400	$	3,244	$	1,474	$	1,823	$	349	$	3,646

__________________


(1)	The related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day which would require the Company to immediately return the cash collateral.

If the Company is required to return significant amounts of cash collateral on short notice and is forced to sell securities to meet the return obligation, it may have difficulty selling such collateral that is invested in securities in a timely manner, be forced to sell securities in a volatile or illiquid market for less than what otherwise would have been realized under normal market conditions, or both. The estimated fair value of the securities on loan related to the cash collateral on open at September 30, 2019 was $1.5 billion, all of which were U.S. government and agency securities which, if put back to the Company, could be immediately sold to satisfy the cash requirement.

The reinvestment portfolio acquired with the cash collateral consisted principally of fixed maturity securities (including agency RMBS, U.S. and foreign corporate securities, ABS, non-agency RMBS and U.S. government and agency securities) with 55% invested in agency RMBS, cash and cash equivalents and U.S. government and agency securities at September 30, 2019. If the securities on loan or the reinvestment portfolio become less liquid, the Company has the liquidity resources of most of its general account available to meet any potential cash demands when securities on loan are put back to the Company.

Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral

Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral are presented below at estimated fair value at:



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) (1)	$	9,439	$	8,172
Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements) (2)	4,429		3,455
Invested assets pledged as collateral (3)	3,469		3,340
Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral	$	17,337	$	14,967

__________________


(1)	The Company has assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, on deposit with governmental authorities relating to certain policyholder liabilities, of which $75 million and $55 million of the assets on deposit balance represents restricted cash at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.


(2)	The Company has assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, held in trust relating to certain reinsurance transactions. $132 million and $87 million of the assets held in trust balance represents restricted cash at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.


(3)	The Company has pledged invested assets in connection with various agreements and transactions, including funding agreements (see Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2018 Annual Report) and derivative transactions (see Note 5).

See “— Securities Lending” for information regarding securities on loan.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company has invested in legal entities that are variable interest entities (“VIEs”). VIEs are consolidated when the investor is the primary beneficiary. A primary beneficiary is the variable interest holder in a VIE with both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses, or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

There were no material VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary at September 30, 2019 or December 31, 2018.

The Company’s investments in unconsolidated VIEs are described below.

Fixed Maturity Securities

The Company invests in U.S. corporate bonds, foreign corporate bonds, and Structured Securities issued by VIEs. The Company is not obligated to provide any financial or other support to these VIEs, other than the original investment. The Company’s involvement with these entities is limited to that of a passive investor. The Company has no unilateral right to appoint or remove the servicer, special servicer, or investment manager, which are generally viewed as having the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE, nor does the Company function in any of these roles. The Company does not have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity; as a result, the Company has determined it is not the primary beneficiary, or consolidator, of the VIE. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss on these fixed maturity securities is limited to the amortized cost of these investments. See “— Fixed Maturity Securities AFS” for information on these securities.

Limited Partnerships and LLCs

The Company holds investments in certain limited partnerships and LLCs which are VIEs. These ventures include real estate limited partnerships/LLCs, private equity funds, hedge funds, and to a lesser extent tax credit and renewable energy partnerships. The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary, or consolidator, when its involvement takes the form of a limited partner interest and is restricted to a role of a passive investor, as a limited partner’s interest does not provide the Company with any substantive kick-out or participating rights, nor does it provide the Company with the power to direct the activities of the fund. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss on these investments is limited to: (i) the amount invested in debt or equity of the VIE and (ii) commitments to the VIE, as described in Note 10.

The carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss related to the VIEs in which the Company concluded that it holds a variable interest, but is not the primary beneficiary, were as follows at:



	September 30, 2019				December 31, 2018
	Carrying Amount		Maximum Exposure to Loss		Carrying Amount		Maximum Exposure to Loss
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	13,246	$	12,475	$	12,848	$	12,848
Limited partnerships and LLCs	1,833		3,052		1,743		3,130
Total	$	15,079	$	15,527	$	14,591	$	15,978

Net Investment Income

The components of net investment income were as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
	(In millions)
Investment income:
Fixed maturity securities	$	654	$	624	$	1,962	$	1,857
Equity securities	1		1		6		5
Mortgage loans	172		137		505		381
Policy loans	12		12		34		50
Real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies	12		12		32		36
Other limited partnership interests	68		70		143		159
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	25		5		52		15
Other	10		20		28		40
Subtotal	954		881		2,762		2,543
Less: Investment expenses	50		53		152		143
Net investment income	$	904	$	828	$	2,610	$	2,400

See “— Related Party Investment Transactions” for discussion of related party investment expenses.

Net Investment Gains (Losses)

Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses)

The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	16		$	(34	)	$	63		$	(137	)
Equity securities	3			(2		)	14			(5		)
Mortgage loans	(1		)	(5		)	(8		)	(12		)
Real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies	—			—			—			42
Other limited partnership interests	(3		)	—			(8		)	—
Other	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)	(8		)
Total net investment gains (losses)	$	14		$	(42	)	$	60		$	(120	)

Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity Securities

Investment gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity securities and the components of fixed maturity securities net investment gains (losses) were as shown in the table below.



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(In millions)
Proceeds	$	1,371		$	3,070		$	8,007		$	8,358
Gross investment gains	$	31		$	57		$	194		$	69
Gross investment losses	(15		)	(91		)	(131		)	(206		)
Net investment gains (losses)	$	16		$	(34	)	$	63		$	(137	)

Related Party Investment Transactions

The Company receives investment administrative services from MetLife Investment Management, LLC (formerly known as MetLife Investment Advisors, LLC), which was considered a related party investment manager until the completion of the MetLife Divestiture. The related investment administrative service charges were $0 and $49 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. All of the charges reported as related party activity in 2018 occurred prior to the MetLife Divestiture. See Note 1 regarding the MetLife Divestiture.

Derivatives

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

5. Derivatives

Accounting for Derivatives

Freestanding Derivatives

Freestanding derivatives are carried on the Company’s balance sheet either as assets within other invested assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value. The Company does not offset the estimated fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement.

If a derivative is not designated or did not qualify as an accounting hedge, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are reported in net derivative gains (losses) except for economic hedges of limited partnerships and LLCs which are presented in net investment income.

The Company generally reports cash received or paid for a derivative in the investing activity section of the statement of cash flows except for cash flows of certain derivative options with deferred premiums, which are reported in the financing activity section of the statement of cash flows.

Hedge Accounting

The Company primarily designates derivatives as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or a variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). When a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge and is determined to be highly effective, changes in fair value are recorded in OCI and subsequently reclassified into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item.

To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge. In its hedge documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and at least quarterly throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship.

The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative or hedged item expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument.

When hedge accounting is discontinued the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net derivative gains (losses). The changes in estimated fair value of derivatives previously recorded in OCI related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. When the hedged item matures or is sold, or the forecasted transaction is not probable of occurring, the Company immediately reclassifies any remaining balances in OCI to net derivative gains (losses).

Embedded Derivatives

The Company has certain insurance and reinsurance contracts that contain embedded derivatives which are required to be separated from their host contracts and reported as derivatives. These host contracts include: variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits, including GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs; index-linked annuities that are directly written or assumed through reinsurance; and ceded reinsurance of variable annuity GMIBs. Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the estimated fair value of the embedded derivative are reported in net derivative gains (losses).

Derivative Strategies

The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize its exposure to various market risks, including interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, credit and equity market.

Derivatives are financial instruments with values derived from interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and/or other financial indices. Derivatives may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. Certain of the Company’s OTC derivatives are cleared and settled through central clearing counterparties (“OTC-cleared”), while others are bilateral contracts between two counterparties (“OTC-bilateral”).

Interest Rate Derivatives

Interest rate swaps: The Company primarily uses interest rate swaps to hedge interest rate exposure in variable annuity products and minimum guarantees embedded in universal life products. Interest rate swaps are used in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Interest rate caps: The Company uses interest rate caps to protect its floating rate liabilities against rises in interest rates above a specified level, and against interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities. Interest rate caps are used in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Interest rate futures: The Company uses exchange-traded interest rate futures contracts to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. Exchange-traded interest rate futures are used in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Swaptions: The Company uses swaptions to hedge interest rate risk associated with the Company’s variable annuity and universal life products. Swaptions are used in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Swaptions are included in interest rate options.

Interest rate forwards: The Company uses interest rate forwards to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in universal life products. Interest rate forwards are used in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Derivatives

Foreign currency swaps: The Company uses foreign currency swaps to convert foreign currency denominated cash flows to U.S. dollars to reduce cash flow fluctuations due to changes in currency exchange rates. Foreign currency swaps are used in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Foreign currency forwards: The Company uses foreign currency forwards to hedge currency exposure on its invested assets. Foreign currency forwards are used in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Credit Derivatives

Credit default swaps: The Company uses credit default swaps to create synthetic credit investments to replicate credit exposure that is more economically attractive than what is available in the market or otherwise unavailable (written credit protection), or to reduce credit loss exposure on certain assets that the Company owns (purchased credit protection). Credit default swaps are used in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Equity Derivatives

Equity futures: The Company uses exchange-traded equity futures to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products against adverse changes in equity markets. Exchange-traded equity futures are used in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Equity index options: The Company uses equity index options primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products against adverse changes in equity markets. Additionally, the Company uses equity index options to hedge index-linked annuity products against adverse changes in equity markets. Equity index options are used in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Equity total return swaps: The Company uses equity total return swaps to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products against adverse changes equity markets. Equity total return swaps are used in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Equity variance swaps: The Company uses equity variance swaps to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. Equity variance swaps are used in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Primary Risks Managed by Derivatives

The following table presents the primary underlying risk exposure, gross notional amount, and estimated fair value of the Company’s derivatives, held at:



		September 30, 2019						December 31, 2018
	Primary Underlying Risk Exposure	Gross Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value				Gross Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value
	Primary Underlying Risk Exposure	Gross Notional Amount		Assets		Liabilities		Gross Notional Amount		Assets		Liabilities
		(In millions)
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate forwards	Interest rate	$	460	$	51	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Foreign currency swaps	Foreign currency exchange rate	2,674		304		16		2,461		200		30
Total qualifying hedges		3,134		355		16		2,461		200		30
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate swaps	Interest rate	8,730		1,049		32		10,747		528		558
Interest rate caps	Interest rate	3,350		2		—		3,350		21		—
Interest rate futures	Interest rate	—		—		—		53		—		—
Interest rate options	Interest rate	27,250		1,771		375		17,168		168		61
Interest rate forwards	Interest rate	4,143		241		15		—		—		—
Foreign currency swaps	Foreign currency exchange rate	1,066		143		13		1,398		99		18
Foreign currency forwards	Foreign currency exchange rate	118		2		—		125		—		—
Credit default swaps — purchased	Credit	12		—		—		98		3		—
Credit default swaps — written	Credit	1,712		30		—		1,798		14		3
Equity futures	Equity market	—		—		—		169		—		—
Equity index options	Equity market	46,098		766		1,503		45,815		1,372		1,207
Equity variance swaps	Equity market	5,574		95		249		5,574		80		232
Equity total return swaps	Equity market	5,037		41		33		3,920		280		3
Total non-designated or nonqualifying derivatives		103,090		4,140		2,220		90,215		2,565		2,082
Embedded derivatives:
Ceded guaranteed minimum income benefits	Other	N/A		303		—		N/A		228		—
Direct guaranteed minimum benefits	Other	N/A		—		2,250		N/A		—		1,546
Direct index-linked annuities	Other	N/A		—		1,566		N/A		—		488
Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits	Other	N/A		—		541		N/A		—		386
Assumed index-linked annuities	Other	N/A		—		316		N/A		—		96
Total embedded derivatives		N/A		303		4,673		N/A		228		2,516
Total		$	106,224	$	4,798	$	6,909	$	92,676	$	2,993	$	4,628

Based on gross notional amounts, a substantial portion of the Company’s derivatives was not designated or did not qualify as part of a hedging relationship at both September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The Company’s use of derivatives includes (i) derivatives that serve as macro hedges of the Company’s exposure to various risks and generally do not qualify for hedge accounting because they do not meet the criteria required under portfolio hedging rules; (ii) derivatives that economically hedge insurance liabilities and generally do not qualify for hedge accounting because they do not meet the criteria of being “highly effective” as outlined in ASC 815; (iii) derivatives that economically hedge embedded derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting because the changes in estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives are already recorded in net income; and (iv) written credit default swaps that are used to create synthetic credit investments and that do not qualify for hedge accounting because they do not involve a hedging relationship.

The following tables present the amount and location of gains (losses), including earned income, recognized for derivatives and gains (losses) pertaining to hedged items presented in net derivative gains (losses):



	Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives			Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items			Net Investment Income		Policyholder Benefits and Claims			Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	—		$	—		$	1	$	—		$	51
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	—			—			9		—			106
Total cash flow hedges	—			—			10		—			157
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	1,656			—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	49			(2		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	2			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(18		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	(703		)	—			—		—			—
Total non-qualifying hedges	986			(2		)	—		—			—
Total	$	986		$	(2	)	$	10	$	—		$	157
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	(2	)	$	2		$	—	$	—		$	—
Total fair value hedges	(2		)	2			—		—			—
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	45			—			1		—			(3		)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives				—			6		—			(4		)
Total cash flow hedges	45			—			7		—			(7		)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	(266		)	—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	6			(2		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	11			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(446		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	(13		)	—			—		(2		)	—
Total non-qualifying hedges	(708		)	(2		)	—		(2		)	—
Total	$	(665	)	$	—		$	7	$	(2	)	$	(7	)



	Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives			Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items			Net Investment Income		Policyholder Benefits and Claims			Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI
	(In millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	28		$	—		$	2	$	—		$	51
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	20			(23		)	25		—			145
Total cash flow hedges	48			(23		)	27		—			196
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	2,905			—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	71			(6		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	31			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(1,808		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	(1,436		)	—			—		—			—
Total non-qualifying hedges	(237		)	(6		)	—		—			—
Total	$	(189	)	$	(29	)	$	27	$	—		$	196
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	(12	)	$	12		$	1	$	—		$	—
Total fair value hedges	(12		)	12			1		—			—
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	62			—			4		—			(5		)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	(1		)	—			17		—			33
Total cash flow hedges	61			—			21		—			28
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	(1,190		)	—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	29			(4		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	7			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(904		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	771			—			—		(4		)	—
Total non-qualifying hedges	(1,287		)	(4		)	—		(4		)	—
Total	$	(1,238	)	$	8		$	22	$	(4	)	$	28

At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the balance in AOCI associated with cash flow hedges was $399 million and $253 million, respectively.

Credit Derivatives

In connection with synthetically created credit investment transactions, the Company writes credit default swaps for which it receives a premium to insure credit risk. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the Company paying the counterparty the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the delivery of par quantities of the referenced credit obligation.

The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps at:



	September 30, 2019					December 31, 2018
Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations (1)	Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps		Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps		Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)	Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps		Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps		Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)
	(Dollars in millions)
Aaa/Aa/A	$	9	$	615	2.4	$	8	$	689	2.0
Baa	21		1,097		5.3	3		1,109		5.0
Total	$	30	$	1,712	4.3	$	11	$	1,798	3.9

__________________


(1)	The Company has written credit protection on both single name and index references. The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used.

(2)

The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average gross notional amounts.

Counterparty Credit Risk

The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of counterparty nonperformance on derivative instruments. Generally, the credit exposure is the fair value at the reporting date less any collateral received from the counterparty.

The Company manages its credit risk by: (i) entering into derivative transactions with creditworthy counterparties governed by master netting agreements; (ii) trading through regulated exchanges and central clearing counterparties; (iii) obtaining collateral, such as cash and securities, when appropriate; and (iv) setting limits on single party credit exposures which are subject to periodic management review.

See Note 6 for a description of the impact of credit risk on the valuation of derivatives.

The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at:



			Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	Gross Amount Recognized		Financial Instruments (1)			Collateral Received/Pledged (2)			Net Amount		Off-balance Sheet Securities Collateral (3)			Net Amount After Securities Collateral
	(In millions)
September 30, 2019
Derivative assets	$	4,555	$	(1,599	)	$	(1,831	)	$	1,125	$	(1,088	)	$	37
Derivative liabilities	$	2,232	$	(1,599	)	$	—		$	633	$	(633	)	$	—
December 31, 2018
Derivative assets	$	2,820	$	(1,671	)	$	(1,053	)	$	96	$	(83	)	$	13
Derivative liabilities	$	2,104	$	(1,671	)	$	—		$	433	$	(433	)	$	—

__________________


(1)	Represents amounts subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement.


(2)	The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreement.


(3)	Securities collateral received by the Company is not recorded on the balance sheet. Amounts do not include excess of collateral pledged or received.

The Company’s collateral arrangements generally require the counterparty in a net liability position, after considering the effect of netting agreements, to pledge collateral when the amount owed by that counterparty reaches a minimum transfer amount. Certain of these arrangements also include credit contingent provisions which permit the party with positive fair value to terminate the derivative at the current fair value or demand immediate full collateralization from the party in a net liability position, in the event that the financial strength or credit rating of the party in a net liability position falls below a certain level.

The following table presents the aggregate estimated fair value of derivatives in a net liability position containing such credit contingent provisions and the aggregate estimated fair value of assets posted as collateral for such instruments.



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Estimated fair value of derivatives in a net liability position (1)	$	633	$	433
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided (2):
Fixed maturity securities	$	1,250	$	797

__________________


(1)	After taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements.

(2)

Substantially all of the Company’s collateral arrangements provide for daily posting of collateral for the full value of the derivative contract. As a result, if the credit contingent provisions of derivative contracts in a net liability position were triggered, minimal additional assets would be required to be posted as collateral or needed to settle the instruments immediately.

Fair Value

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value

6. Fair Value

Considerable judgment is often required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value, and the use of different assumptions or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, are presented below. Investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value and are measured at net asset value (or equivalent) as a practical expedient to estimated fair value are excluded from the fair value hierarchy.



	September 30, 2019
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	—	$	29,875	$	432	$	30,307
U.S. government and agency	1,570		6,020		—		7,590
RMBS	—		9,063		77		9,140
Foreign corporate	—		9,112		376		9,488
CMBS	—		5,511		34		5,545
State and political subdivision	—		3,897		73		3,970
ABS	—		1,847		64		1,911
Foreign government	—		1,725		—		1,725
Total fixed maturity securities	1,570		67,050		1,056		69,676
Equity securities	11		133		4		148
Short-term investments	1,018		465		—		1,483
Derivative assets: (1)
Interest rate	—		3,114		—		3,114
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		436		13		449
Credit	—		21		9		30
Equity market	—		803		99		902
Total derivative assets	—		4,374		121		4,495
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)	—		—		303		303
Separate account assets	224		96,558		—		96,782
Total assets	$	2,823	$	168,580	$	1,484	$	172,887
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities: (1)
Interest rate	$	—	$	422	$	—	$	422
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		28		1		29
Equity market	—		1,534		251		1,785
Total derivative liabilities	—		1,984		252		2,236
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)	—		—		4,673		4,673
Total liabilities	$	—	$	1,984	$	4,925	$	6,909



	December 31, 2018
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	—	$	23,740	$	319	$	24,059
U.S. government and agency	2,334		6,310		—		8,644
RMBS	—		8,429		6		8,435
Foreign corporate	—		7,503		392		7,895
CMBS	—		5,004		129		5,133
State and political subdivision	—		3,512		74		3,586
ABS	—		2,072		39		2,111
Foreign government	—		1,485		—		1,485
Total fixed maturity securities	2,334		58,055		959		61,348
Equity securities	13		124		3		140
Derivative assets: (1)
Interest rate	—		717		—		717
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		288		11		299
Credit	—		10		7		17
Equity market	—		1,634		98		1,732
Total derivative assets	—		2,649		116		2,765
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)	—		—		228		228
Separate account assets	217		91,293		1		91,511
Total assets	$	2,564	$	152,121	$	1,307	$	155,992
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities: (1)
Interest rate	$	—	$	619	$	—	$	619
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		48		—		48
Credit	—		2		1		3
Equity market	—		1,205		237		1,442
Total derivative liabilities	—		1,874		238		2,112
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)	—		—		2,516		2,516
Total liabilities	$	—	$	1,874	$	2,754	$	4,628

__________________

(1)

Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets and derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation on the consolidated balance sheets, but are presented net for purposes of the rollforward in the Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) tables.

(2)

Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets.

Valuation Controls and Procedures

The Company monitors and provides oversight of valuation controls and policies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives, which are primarily executed by its valuation service providers. The valuation methodologies used to determine fair values prioritize the use of observable market prices and market-based parameters and determines that judgmental valuation adjustments, when applied, are based upon established policies and are applied consistently over time. The valuation methodologies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives are reviewed on an ongoing basis and revised when necessary. In addition, the Chief Accounting Officer periodically reports to the Audit Committee of Brighthouse Financial’s Board of Directors regarding compliance with fair value accounting standards.

The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities is based on quoted market prices, where available. The Company assesses whether prices received represent a reasonable estimate of fair value through controls designed to ensure valuations represent an exit price. Valuation service providers perform several controls, including certain monthly controls, which include, but are not limited to, analysis of portfolio returns to corresponding benchmark returns, comparing a sample of executed prices of securities sold to the fair value estimates, reviewing the bid/ask spreads to assess activity, comparing prices from multiple independent pricing services and ongoing due diligence to confirm that independent pricing services use market-based parameters. The process includes a determination of the observability of inputs used in estimated fair values received from independent pricing services or brokers by assessing whether these inputs can be corroborated by observable market data. Independent non-binding broker quotes, also referred to herein as “consensus pricing,” are used for non-significant portion of the portfolio. Prices received from independent brokers are assessed to determine if they represent a reasonable estimate of fair value by considering such pricing relative to the current market dynamics and current pricing for similar financial instruments.

Valuation service providers also apply a formal process to challenge any prices received from independent pricing services that are not considered representative of estimated fair value. If prices received from independent pricing services are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value, independent non-binding broker quotations are obtained. If obtaining an independent non-binding broker quotation is unsuccessful, valuation service providers will use the last available price.

The Company reviews outputs of the valuation service providers’ controls and performs additional controls, including certain monthly controls, which include but are not limited to, performing balance sheet analytics to assess reasonableness of period to period pricing changes, including any price adjustments. Price adjustments are applied if prices or quotes received from independent pricing services or brokers are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value. The Company did not have significant price adjustments during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Determination of Fair Value

Fixed Maturity Securities

The fair values for actively traded marketable bonds, primarily U.S. government and agency securities, are determined using the quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. For fixed maturity securities classified as Level 2 assets, fair values are determined using either a market or income approach and are valued based on a variety of observable inputs as described below.

U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary inputs being quoted prices in markets that are not active, benchmark yields, spreads off benchmark yields, new issuances, issuer rating, trades of identical or comparable securities, or duration. Privately-placed securities are valued using the additional key inputs: market yield curve, call provisions, observable prices and spreads for similar public or private securities that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer, and delta spread adjustments to reflect specific credit-related issues.

U.S. government and agency, state and political subdivision and foreign government securities: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary inputs being quoted prices in markets that are not active, benchmark U.S. Treasury yield or other yields, spread off the U.S. Treasury yield curve for the identical security, issuer ratings and issuer spreads, broker dealer quotes, and comparable securities that are actively traded.

Structured Securities: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary inputs being quoted prices in markets that are not active, spreads for actively traded securities, spreads off benchmark yields, expected prepayment speeds and volumes, current and forecasted loss severity, ratings, geographic region, weighted average coupon and weighted average maturity, average delinquency rates and debt service coverage ratios. Other issuance-specific information is also used, including, but not limited to; collateral type, structure of the security, vintage of the loans, payment terms of the underlying asset, payment priority within tranche, and deal performance.

Equity Securities and Short-term Investments

The fair value for actively traded equity securities and short-term investments are determined using quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. For financial instruments classified as Level 2 assets or liabilities, fair values are determined using a market approach and are valued based on a variety of observable inputs as described below.

Equity securities and short-term investments: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary input being quoted prices in markets that are not active.

Derivatives

The fair values for exchange-traded derivatives are determined using the quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. For OTC-bilateral derivatives and OTC-cleared derivatives classified as Level 2 assets or liabilities, fair values are determined using the income approach. Valuations of non-option-based derivatives utilize present value techniques, whereas valuations of option-based derivatives utilize option pricing models which are based on market standard valuation methodologies and a variety of observable inputs.

The significant inputs to the pricing models for most OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Certain OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives may rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. These unobservable inputs may involve significant management judgment or estimation. Even though unobservable, these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments.

Most inputs for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are mid-market inputs but, in certain cases, liquidity adjustments are made when they are deemed more representative of exit value. Market liquidity, as well as the use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs, may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s derivatives and could materially affect net income.

The credit risk of both the counterparty and the Company are considered in determining the estimated fair value for all OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives, and any potential credit adjustment is based on the net exposure by counterparty after taking into account the effects of netting agreements and collateral arrangements. The Company values its OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives using standard swap curves which may include a spread to the risk-free rate, depending upon specific collateral arrangements. This credit spread is appropriate for those parties that execute trades at pricing levels consistent with similar collateral arrangements. As the Company and its significant derivative counterparties generally execute trades at such pricing levels and hold sufficient collateral, additional credit risk adjustments are not currently required in the valuation process. The Company’s ability to consistently execute at such pricing levels is in part due to the netting agreements and collateral arrangements that are in place with all of its significant derivative counterparties. An evaluation of the requirement to make additional credit risk adjustments is performed by the Company each reporting period.

Embedded Derivatives

Embedded derivatives principally include certain direct and ceded variable annuity guarantees and equity crediting rates within index-linked annuity contracts. Embedded derivatives are recorded at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value reported in net income.

The Company issues certain variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs contain embedded derivatives, which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host variable annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company determines the fair value of these embedded derivatives by estimating the present value of projected future benefits minus the present value of projected future fees using actuarial and capital market assumptions including expectations of policyholder behavior. The calculation is based on in-force business and is performed using standard actuarial valuation software which projects future cash flows from the embedded derivative over multiple risk neutral stochastic scenarios using observable risk-free rates. The percentage of fees included in the initial fair value measurement is not updated in subsequent periods.

Capital market assumptions, such as risk-free rates and implied volatilities, are based on market prices for publicly traded instruments to the extent that prices for such instruments are observable. Implied volatilities beyond the observable period are extrapolated based on observable implied volatilities and historical volatilities. Actuarial assumptions, including mortality, lapse, withdrawal and utilization, are unobservable and are reviewed at least annually based on actuarial studies of historical experience.

The valuation of these guarantee liabilities includes nonperformance risk adjustments and adjustments for a risk margin related to non-capital market inputs. The nonperformance adjustment is determined by taking into consideration publicly available information relating to spreads in the secondary market for BHF’s debt. These observable spreads are then adjusted to reflect the priority of these liabilities and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance subsidiaries as compared to BHF’s overall financial strength.

Risk margins are established to capture the non-capital market risks of the instrument which represent the additional compensation a market participant would require to assume the risks related to the uncertainties of such actuarial assumptions as annuitization, premium persistency, partial withdrawal and surrenders. The establishment of risk margins requires the use of significant management judgment, including assumptions of the amount and cost of capital needed to cover the guarantees.

The Company issues and assumes through reinsurance index-linked annuities which allow the policyholder to participate in returns from equity indices. The crediting rates associated with these features are embedded derivatives which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host fixed annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets.

The estimated fair value of crediting rates associated with index-linked annuities is determined using a combination of an option pricing model and an option-budget approach. The valuation of these embedded derivatives also includes the establishment of a risk margin, as well as changes in nonperformance risk.

Transfers Into or Out of Level 3:

Assets and liabilities are transferred into Level 3 when a significant input cannot be corroborated with market observable data. This occurs when market activity decreases significantly and underlying inputs cannot be observed, current prices are not available, and/or when there are significant variances in quoted prices, thereby affecting transparency. Assets and liabilities are transferred out of Level 3 when circumstances change such that a significant input can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

The following table presents certain quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, and the sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in those inputs, for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at:



					September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018			Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Fair Value
	Valuation Techniques		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Range			Range			Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Fair Value
Embedded derivatives
Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits	•	Option pricing techniques	•	Mortality rates	0.02%	-	11.31%	0.02%	-	11.31%	Decrease (1)
			•	Lapse rates	0.25%	-	16.00%	0.25%	-	16.00%	Decrease (2)
			•	Utilization rates	0.00%	-	25.00%	0.00%	-	25.00%	Increase (3)
			•	Withdrawal rates	0.25%	-	10.00%	0.25%	-	10.00%	(4)
			•	Long-term equity volatilities	16.50%	-	22.00%	16.50%	-	22.00%	Increase (5)
			•	Nonperformance risk spread	0.61%	-	2.37%	1.91%	-	2.66%	Decrease (6)

___________________


(1)	Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. Range shown reflects the mortality rate for policyholders between 35 and 90 years old, which represents the majority of the business with living benefits. Mortality rate assumptions are set based on company experience and include an assumption for mortality improvement.

(2)

Range reflects base lapse rates for major product categories for duration 1-20, which represents majority of business with living benefit riders. Base lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on a comparison of the actuarially calculated guaranteed values and the current policyholder account value, as well as other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. A dynamic lapse function reduces the base lapse rate when the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value as in-the-money contracts are less likely to lapse. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower in periods when a surrender charge applies.

(3)

The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contract holders with a GMIB or lifetime withdrawal benefit who will elect to utilize the benefit upon becoming eligible in a given year. The range shown represents the floor and cap of the GMIB dynamic election rates across varying levels of in-the-money. For lifetime withdrawal guarantee riders, the assumption is that everyone will begin withdrawals once account value reaches zero which is equivalent to a 100% utilization rate. Utilization rates may vary by the type of guarantee, the amount by which the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value, the contract’s withdrawal history and by the age of the policyholder.

(4)

The withdrawal rate represents the percentage of account balance that any given policyholder will elect to withdraw from the contract each year. The withdrawal rate assumption varies by age and duration of the contract, and also by other factors such as benefit type. For any given contract, withdrawal rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. For GMWBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in an increase (decrease) in the estimated fair value of the guarantees. For GMABs and GMIBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in a decrease (increase) in the estimated fair value.


(5)	Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.


(6)	Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration. For any given contract, multiple nonperformance risk spreads will apply, depending on the duration of the cash flow being discounted for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

The Company does not develop unobservable inputs used in measuring fair value for all other assets and liabilities classified within Level 3; therefore, these are not included in the table above. The other Level 3 assets and liabilities primarily included fixed maturity securities and derivatives. For fixed maturity securities valued based on non-binding broker quotes, an increase (decrease) in credit spreads would result in a higher (lower) fair value. For derivatives valued based on third-party pricing models, an increase (decrease) in credit spreads would generally result in a higher (lower) fair value.

The following tables summarize the change of all assets and (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):



	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fixed Maturity Securities
	Corporate (1)			Structured Securities			State and Political Subdivision			Foreign Government		Equity Securities			Short-term Investments		Net Derivatives (2)			Net Embedded Derivatives (3)			Separate Account Assets (4)
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Balance, beginning of period	$	748		$	108		$	74		$	—	$	4		$	—	$	(134	)	$	(3,450	)	$	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	—			—			—			—		—			—		(2		)	(703		)	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	—			1			—			—		—			—		3			—			—
Purchases (7)	117			61			—			—		—			—		—			—			—
Sales (7)	(22		)	(6		)	(1		)	—		—			—		—			—			—
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—		—			—		—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			—		—			—		—			(217		)	—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	49			29			—			—		—			—		—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(84		)	(18		)	—			—		—			—		2			—			—
Balance, end of period	$	808		$	175		$	73		$	—	$	4		$	—	$	(131	)	$	(4,370	)	$	—
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,815		$	1,261		$	8		$	—	$	120		$	—	$	(284	)	$	(1,498	)	$	4
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	—			10			2			—		(2		)	—		(4		)	(15		)	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	(44		)	(8		)	(2		)	—		—			—		—			—			—
Purchases (7)	56			287			—			—		—			—		—			—			1
Sales (7)	(50		)	(114		)	(6		)	—		—			—		—			—			—
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—		—			—		—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			—		—			—		—			(152		)	—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	20			3			—			—		9			—		—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(208		)	(170		)	(2		)	—		(5		)	—		—			—			(1		)
Balance, end of period	$	1,589		$	1,269		$	—		$	—	$	122		$	—	$	(288	)	$	(1,665	)	$	4
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	(2	)	$	(778	)	$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2018 (9)	$	—		$	4		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	(4	)	$	(13	)	$	—



	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fixed Maturity Securities
	Corporate (1)			Structured Securities			State and Political Subdivision			Foreign Government			Equity Securities			Short-term Investments			Net Derivatives (2)			Net Embedded Derivatives (3)			Separate Account Assets (4)
	(In millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Balance, beginning of period	$	711		$	174		$	74		$	—		$	3		$	—		$	(122	)	$	(2,288	)	$	1
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	—			1			—			—			—			—			(10		)	(1,436		)	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	11			3			—			—			—			—			5						—
Purchases (7)	178			74			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Sales (7)	(78		)	(24		)	(1		)	—			—			—			—			—			(1		)
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			(646		)	—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	147			92			—			—			1			—			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(161		)	(145		)	—			—			—			—			(4		)	—			—
Balance, end of period	$	808		$	175		$	73		$	—		$	4		$	—		$	(131	)	$	(4,370	)	$	—
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,937		$	1,222		$	—		$	5		$	124		$	14		$	(279	)	$	(2,007	)	$	5
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	2			21			—			—			(4		)	—			(12		)	767			—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	(118		)	(10		)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Purchases (7)	164			339			—			—			—			—			3			—			1
Sales (7)	(183		)	(227		)	—			—			(3		)	(14		)	—			—			(1		)
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			(425		)	(1		)
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	20			—			—			—			10			—			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(233		)	(76		)	—			(5		)	(5		)	—			—			—			—
Balance, end of period	$	1,589		$	1,269		$	—		$	—		$	122		$	—		$	(288	)	$	(1,665	)	$	4
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	$	—		$	1		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(11	)	$	(1,647	)	$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2018 (9)	$	(1	)	$	14		$	—		$	—		$	(4	)	$	—		$	(12	)	$	739		$	—

__________________


(1)	Comprised of U.S. and foreign corporate securities.


(2)	Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.


(3)	Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.


(4)	Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contract holders within separate account liabilities. Therefore, such changes in estimated fair value are not recorded in net income (loss). For the purpose of this disclosure, these changes are presented within net investment gains (losses).

(5)

Amortization of premium/accretion of discount is included within net investment income. Impairments charged to net income (loss) on securities are included in net investment gains (losses). Lapses associated with net embedded derivatives are included in net derivative gains (losses). Substantially all realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and net embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses).


(6)	Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward.


(7)	Items purchased/issued and then sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. Fees attributed to embedded derivatives are included in settlements.


(8)	Gains and losses, in net income (loss) and OCI, are calculated assuming transfers into and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and then out of Level 3 in the same period are excluded from the rollforward.

(9)

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) relate to assets and liabilities still held at the end of the respective periods. Substantially all changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and net embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses).

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value

The following tables provide fair value information for financial instruments that are carried on the balance sheet at amounts other than fair value. These tables exclude the following financial instruments: cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income, payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions and those short-term investments that are not securities and therefore are not included in the three level hierarchy table disclosed in the “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements” section. The estimated fair value of the excluded financial instruments, which are primarily classified in Level 2, approximates carrying value as they are short-term in nature such that the Company believes there is minimal risk of material changes in interest rates or credit quality. All remaining balance sheet amounts excluded from the tables below are not considered financial instruments subject to this disclosure.

The carrying values and estimated fair values for such financial instruments, and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows at:



	September 30, 2019
			Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	15,269	$	—	$	—	$	15,980	$	15,980
Policy loans	$	915	$	—	$	518	$	522	$	1,040
Other invested assets	$	63	$	—	$	50	$	13	$	63
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	1,612	$	—	$	46	$	1,982	$	2,028
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	15,469	$	—	$	—	$	15,682	$	15,682
Long-term debt	$	845	$	—	$	40	$	887	$	927
Other liabilities	$	898	$	—	$	553	$	349	$	902
Separate account liabilities	$	1,122	$	—	$	1,122	$	—	$	1,122



	December 31, 2018
			Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	13,596	$	—	$	—	$	13,761	$	13,761
Policy loans	$	1,001	$	—	$	619	$	452	$	1,071
Other invested assets	$	77	$	—	$	64	$	13	$	77
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	1,426	$	—	$	31	$	1,501	$	1,532
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	15,183	$	—	$	—	$	13,732	$	13,732
Long-term debt	$	434	$	—	$	38	$	380	$	418
Other liabilities	$	395	$	—	$	54	$	323	$	377
Separate account liabilities	$	1,025	$	—	$	1,025	$	—	$	1,025

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Long-term Debt	9 Months Ended
Long-term Debt	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	7. Long-term Debt Surplus Note On March 25, 2019, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company issued a $412 million surplus note due March 2059 to Brighthouse Holdings, LLC, which bears interest at a fixed rate of 8.07%, payable annually. Payments of interest and principal on this surplus note may be made only with the prior approval of the Delaware Department of Insurance.

Equity

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Equity

8. Equity

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Information regarding changes in the balances of each component of AOCI was as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, June 30, 2019	$	2,521		$	172		$	(19	)	$	2,674
OCI before reclassifications	952			157			(4		)	1,105
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(200		)	(33		)	—			(233		)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	3,273			296			(23		)	3,546
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(17		)	(1		)	—			(18		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	3			1			—			4
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(14		)	—			—			(14		)
Balance, September 30, 2019	$	3,259		$	296		$	(23	)	$	3,532



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, June 30, 2018	$	671		$	162		$	(18	)	$	815
OCI before reclassifications	(298		)	(7		)	(8		)	(313		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	61			2			1			64
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	434			157			(25		)	566
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	37			(46		)	—			(9		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(8		)	11			—			3
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	29			(35		)	—			(6		)
Balance, September 30, 2018	$	463		$	122		$	(25	)	$	560



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2018	$	564		$	180		$	(26	)	$	718
OCI before reclassifications	3,452			196			3			3,651
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(725		)	(41		)	—			(766		)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	3,291			335			(23		)	3,603
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(40		)	(50		)	—			(90		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	8			11			—			19
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(32		)	(39		)	—			(71		)
Balance, September 30, 2019	$	3,259		$	296		$	(23	)	$	3,532



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2017	$	1,709		$	151		$	(23	)	$	1,837
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax	(79		)	—			—			(79		)
Balance, January 1, 2018	1,630			151			(23		)	1,758
OCI before reclassifications	(1,633		)	28			(2		)	(1,607		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	361			(6		)	—			355
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	358			173			(25		)	506
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	136			(65		)	—			71
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(31		)	14			—			(17		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	105			(51		)	—			54
Balance, September 30, 2018	$	463		$	122		$	(25	)	$	560

__________________


(1)	See Note 4 for information on offsets to investments related to future policy benefits, DAC, VOBA and DSI.

Information regarding amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI was as follows:



AOCI Components	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI												Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Locations
	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(In millions)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	17		$	(36	)	$	67		$	(136	)	Net investment gains (losses)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	—			—			—			1			Net investment income
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	—			(1		)	(27		)	(1		)	Net derivative gains (losses)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), before income tax	17			(37		)	40			(136		)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(3		)	8			(8		)	31
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax	14			(29		)	32			(105		)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	—			15			28			31			Net derivative gains (losses)
Interest rate swaps	1			—			2			2			Net investment income
Interest rate forwards	—			30			—			31			Net derivative gains (losses)
Interest rate forwards	—			1			—			2			Net investment income
Foreign currency swaps	—			—			20			(1		)	Net derivative gains (losses)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, before income tax	1			46			50			65
Income tax (expense) benefit	(1		)	(11		)	(11		)	(14		)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of income tax	—			35			39			51
Total reclassifications, net of income tax	$	14		$	6		$	71		$	(54	)

Other Revenues and Other Expenses

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Other Revenues and Other Expenses

9. Other Revenues and Other Expenses

Other Revenues

The Company has entered into contracts with mutual funds, fund managers, and their affiliates (collectively, the “Funds”) whereby the Company is paid monthly or quarterly fees (“12b-1 fees”) for providing certain services to customers and distributors of the Funds. The 12b-1 fees are generally equal to a fixed percentage of the average daily balance of the customer’s investment in a fund. The percentage is specified in the contract between the Company and the Funds. Payments are generally collected when due and are neither refundable nor able to offset future fees.

To earn these fees, the Company performs services such as responding to phone inquiries, maintaining records, providing information to distributors and shareholders about fund performance and providing training to account managers and sales agents. The passage of time reflects the satisfaction of the Company’s performance obligations to the Funds and is used to recognize revenue associated with 12b-1 fees.

Other revenues consisted primarily of 12b-1 fees of $60 million and $179 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and $65 million and $195 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, of which substantially all were reported in the Annuities segment.

Other Expenses

Information on other expenses was as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
	(In millions)
Compensation	$	71	$	63	$	217	$	213
Contracted services and other labor costs	66		53		162		152
Transition services agreements	62		67		189		206
Establishment costs	20		100		93		100
Premium and other taxes, licenses and fees	14		11		30		51
Separate account fees	—		—		2		1
Volume related costs, excluding compensation, net of DAC capitalization	144		154		436		462
Interest expense on debt	17		—		43		2
Other	70		61		181		166
Total other expenses	$	464	$	509	$	1,353	$	1,353

Related Party Expenses

See Note 11 for a discussion of related party expenses included in the table above.

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees	9 Months Ended
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees	Sep. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees	10. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees Contingencies Litigation The Company is a defendant in a number of litigation matters. In some of the matters, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the assertion of monetary damages or other relief. Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the trial court. In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding reasonably possible verdicts in the jurisdiction for similar matters. This variability in pleadings, together with the actual experience of the Company in litigating or resolving through settlement numerous claims over an extended period of time, demonstrates to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value. Due to the vagaries of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time may normally be difficult to ascertain. Uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law in the context of the pleadings or evidence presented, whether by motion practice, or at trial or on appeal. Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law. The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. It is possible that some matters could require the Company to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be estimated at September 30, 2019. Matters as to Which an Estimate Can Be Made For some loss contingency matters, the Company is able to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss. For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no accrual has been made. As of September 30, 2019, the Company estimates the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued for these matters was not material. Matters as to Which an Estimate Cannot Be Made For other matters, the Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss. The Company is often unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of the range of possible loss, such as quantification of a damage demand from plaintiffs, discovery from other parties and investigation of factual allegations, rulings by the court on motions or appeals, analysis by experts, and the progress of settlement negotiations. On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company reviews relevant information with respect to litigation contingencies and updates its accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews. Sales Practices Claims Over the past several years, the Company has faced claims and regulatory inquiries and investigations, alleging improper marketing or sales of individual life insurance policies, annuities or other products. The Company continues to defend vigorously against the claims in these matters. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for sales practices matters. Summary Various litigation, claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, investor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations. It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to previously, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although, in light of these considerations, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods. Commitments Mortgage Loan Commitments The Company commits to lend funds under mortgage loan commitments. The amounts of these mortgage loan commitments were $235 million and $492 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments The Company commits to fund partnership investments and to lend funds under private corporate bond investments. The amounts of these unfunded commitments were $1.9 billion at both September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. Guarantees In the normal course of its business, the Company has provided certain indemnities, guarantees and commitments to third parties such that it may be required to make payments now or in the future. In the context of acquisition, disposition, investment and other transactions, the Company has provided indemnities and guarantees, including those related to tax, environmental and other specific liabilities and other indemnities and guarantees that are triggered by, among other things, breaches of representations, warranties or covenants provided by the Company. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Company provides indemnifications to counterparties in contracts with triggers similar to the foregoing, as well as for certain other liabilities, such as third-party lawsuits. These obligations are often subject to time limitations that vary in duration, including contractual limitations and those that arise by operation of law, such as applicable statutes of limitation. In some cases, the maximum potential obligation under the indemnities and guarantees is subject to a contractual limitation ranging from $6 million to $122 million, with a cumulative maximum of $128 million, while in other cases such limitations are not specified or applicable. Since certain of these obligations are not subject to limitations, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount that could become due under these guarantees in the future. Management believes that it is unlikely the Company will have to make any material payments under these indemnities, guarantees, or commitments. In addition, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers as provided in its charters and by-laws. Also, the Company indemnifies its agents for liabilities incurred as a result of their representation of the Company’s interests. Since these indemnities are generally not subject to limitation with respect to duration or amount, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount that could become due under these indemnities in the future. The Company’s recorded liabilities were $1 million and $2 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, for indemnities, guarantees and commitments.

Related Party Transactions

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Related Party Transactions

11. Related Party Transactions

The Company has various existing arrangements with its Brighthouse affiliates and had previous arrangements with MetLife for services necessary to conduct its activities. Certain of the MetLife services have continued, however, MetLife was no longer considered a related party upon the completion of the MetLife Divestiture on June 14, 2018 (see Note 1). The Company has related party investment and debt transactions (see Notes 4 and 7). Other material arrangements between the Company and its related parties not disclosed elsewhere are as follows:

Reinsurance Agreements

The Company enters into reinsurance agreements primarily as a purchaser of reinsurance for its various insurance products and also as a provider of reinsurance for some insurance products issued by related parties. The Company participates in reinsurance activities in order to limit losses, minimize exposure to significant risks and provide additional capacity for future growth.

Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance with New England Life Insurance Company (“NELICO”) and former MetLife affiliates included on the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) was as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018		2019		2018
	(In millions)
Premiums
Reinsurance assumed	$	(1	)	$	1	$	—	$	8
Reinsurance ceded	—			—		—		(201		)
Net premiums	$	(1	)	$	1	$	—	$	(193	)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
Reinsurance assumed	$	2		$	2	$	5	$	49
Reinsurance ceded	—			—		—		1
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	$	2		$	2	$	5	$	50
Other revenues
Reinsurance assumed	$	1		$	—	$	2	$	1
Reinsurance ceded	—			—		—		18
Net other revenues	$	1		$	—	$	2	$	19
Policyholder benefits and claims
Reinsurance assumed	$	8		$	8	$	25	$	38
Reinsurance ceded	—			—		—		(177		)
Net policyholder benefits and claims	$	8		$	8	$	25	$	(139	)

Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance with NELICO and former MetLife affiliates included on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows at:



	September 30, 2019					December 31, 2018
	Assumed			Ceded		Assumed			Ceded
	(In millions)
Assets
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	21		$	—	$	21		$	—
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	542		$	—	$	386		$	—
Other policy-related balances	$	10		$	—	$	14		$	—
Other liabilities	$	(26	)	$	—	$	(38	)	$	—

The Company assumes risks from NELICO related to guaranteed minimum benefits written directly by the cedent. The assumed reinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives and changes in the estimated fair value are included within net derivative gains (losses). The embedded derivatives associated with these agreements are included within policyholder account balances and were $542 million and $386 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivatives were ($106) million and ($154) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and $33 million and $150 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively.

Shared Services and Overhead Allocations

Brighthouse affiliates currently provide and previously MetLife provided the Company certain services, which include, but are not limited to, treasury, financial planning and analysis, legal, human resources, tax planning, internal audit, financial reporting and information technology. Costs incurred under these arrangements with Brighthouse affiliates, as well as with MetLife prior to the MetLife Divestiture, were $274 million and $846 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and $386 million and $887 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and were recorded in other expenses. Revenues received from affiliates related to these agreements, recorded in universal life and investment-type product policy fees, were $56 million and $165 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and $59 million and $179 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively.

The Company had net receivables (payables) from/to affiliates, related to the items discussed above, of ($93) million and ($50) million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

Brighthouse affiliates incur costs related to the establishment of services and infrastructure to replace those previously provided by MetLife. The Company is charged a fee to reflect the value of the available infrastructure and services provided by these costs. While management believes the method used to allocate expenses under this arrangement is reasonable, the allocated expenses may not be indicative of those of a stand-alone entity. If expenses were allocated to the Company under this arrangement as incurred by Brighthouse affiliates, the Company would not have incurred additional expenses for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019. The Company would have incurred additional expenses of $27 million and $56 million under this arrangement for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively.

Broker-Dealer Transactions

The related party expense for the Company was commissions paid on the sale of variable products and passed through to the broker-dealer affiliate. The related party revenue for the Company was fee income passed through the broker-dealer affiliate from trusts and mutual funds whose shares serve as investment options of policyholders of the Company. Fee income received related to these transactions and recorded in other revenues was $52 million and $153 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, $55 million and $166 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. Commission expenses incurred related to these transactions and recorded in other expenses was $397 million and $603 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and $214 million and $540 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. The Company also had related party fee income receivables of $17 million at both September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Basis of Presentation

Consolidation of Subsidiaries Policy [Policy Text Block]

Consolidation

Reclassifications

Since the Company is a member of a controlled group of affiliated companies, its results may not be indicative of those of a stand-alone entity.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

ASUs issued but not yet adopted as of September 30, 2019 are summarized in the table below.



Standard	Description	Effective Date	Impact on Financial Statements
ASU 2018-12, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts	The amendments to Topic 944 will result in significant changes to the accounting for long-duration insurance contracts. These changes (1) require all guarantees that qualify as market risk benefits to be measured at fair value, (2) require more frequent updating of assumptions and modify existing discount rate requirements for certain insurance liabilities, (3) modify the methods of amortization for deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”), and (4) require new qualitative and quantitative disclosures around insurance contract asset and liability balances and the judgments, assumptions and methods used to measure those balances. The market risk benefit guidance is required to be applied on a retrospective basis, while the changes to guidance for insurance liabilities and DAC may be applied to existing carrying amounts on the effective date or on a retrospective basis.	The amendments were originally effective on January 1, 2021. On October 16, 2019, the FASB voted to change the effective date of the ASU to January 1, 2022.	The Company is in the early stages of evaluating the new guidance and therefore is unable to estimate the impact to its financial statements. The most significant impact will be the measurement of liabilities for variable annuity guarantees.
ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments	The amendments to Topic 326 replace the incurred loss impairment methodology for certain financial instruments with one that reflects expected credit losses based on historical loss information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The new guidance also requires that an other-than- temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on a debt security will be recognized as an allowance going forward, such that improvements in expected future cash flows after an impairment will no longer be reflected as a prospective yield adjustment through net investment income, but rather a reversal of the previous impairment and recognized through realized investment gains and losses.	January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method (with early adoption permitted beginning January 1, 2019)	The Company expects to reduce retained earnings upon adoption due to an increase in its allowance for credit losses; the amount is not expected to be material.

Investments Policy [Policy Text Block]

Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities

Evaluation of AFS Securities for OTTI and Evaluating Temporarily Impaired AFS Securities

Evaluation and Measurement Methodologies

Past Due, Nonaccrual and Modified Mortgage Loans

The Company defines delinquency consistent with industry practice, when mortgage loans are past due as follows: commercial and residential mortgage loans — 60 days and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days.

Valuation Allowance Methodology

Variable Interest Entities

Derivatives Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accounting for Derivatives

Freestanding Derivatives

Hedge Accounting

Embedded Derivatives

Derivative Strategies

Counterparty Credit Risk

Segment Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting Information, by Segment

Set forth in the tables below are the operating results with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.



	Operating Results
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019	Annuities		Life		Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$	247	$	88	$	(543	)	$	(70	)	$	(278	)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	50		18		(117		)	(60		)	(109		)
Post-tax adjusted earnings	197		70		(426		)	(10		)	(169		)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—
Adjusted earnings	$	197	$	70	$	(426	)	$	(10	)	(169		)
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)											14
Net derivative gains (losses)											984
Other adjustments to net income											(12		)
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit											(208		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company											$	609

Interest revenue	$	458	$	101	$	327		$	18
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	17



	Operating Results
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018	Annuities		Life		Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$	469	$	52	$	(135	)	$	(120	)	$	266
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	81		10		(29		)	(30		)	32
Post-tax adjusted earnings	388		42		(106		)	(90		)	234
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—
Adjusted earnings	$	388	$	42	$	(106	)	$	(90	)	234
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)											(42		)
Net derivative gains (losses)											(665		)
Other adjustments to net income											34
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit											140
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company											$	(299	)

Interest revenue	$	395	$	96	$	322		$	12
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—



	Operating Results
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019	Annuities		Life		Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$	915	$	185	$	(587	)	$	(210	)	$	303
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	172		38		(127		)	(102		)	(19		)
Post-tax adjusted earnings	743		147		(460		)	(108		)	322
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			1			1
Adjusted earnings	$	743	$	147	$	(460	)	$	(109	)	321
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)											60
Net derivative gains (losses)											(218		)
Other adjustments to net income											27
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit											27
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company											$	217

Interest revenue	$	1,344	$	284	$	942		$	40
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	43



	Operating Results
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018	Annuities		Life		Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$	979	$	142	$	(79	)	$	(175	)	$	867
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	168		28		(18		)	(53		)	125
Post-tax adjusted earnings	811		114		(61		)	(122		)	742
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—
Adjusted earnings	$	811	$	114	$	(61	)	$	(122	)	742
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)											(120		)
Net derivative gains (losses)											(1,230		)
Other adjustments to net income											(177		)
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit											320
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company											$	(465	)

Interest revenue	$	1,128	$	276	$	979		$	29
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	2

The following table presents total assets with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, at:



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Annuities	$	150,615	$	137,079
Life	15,553		14,928
Run-off	36,096		32,390
Corporate & Other	12,583		11,433
Total	$	214,847	$	195,830

Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated

The following table presents total revenues with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other:



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018			2019		2018
	(In millions)
Annuities	$	1,037	$	995		$	3,052	$	2,957
Life	278		307			807		885
Run-off	484		536			1,487		1,594
Corporate & Other	40		41			110		108
Adjustments	1,062		(641		)	34		(1,172		)
Total	$	2,901	$	1,238		$	5,490	$	4,372

Insurance (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Insurance [Abstract]

Information regarding the Company’s guarantee exposure was as follows at:



	September 30, 2019						December 31, 2018
	In the Event of Death			At Annuitization			In the Event of Death			At Annuitization
	(Dollars in millions)
Annuity Contracts (1), (2)
Variable Annuity Guarantees
Total account value (3)	$	97,460		$	55,859		$	92,794		$	53,330
Separate account value	$	92,798		$	54,801		$	88,065		$	52,225
Net amount at risk	$	7,335	(4)	$	4,729	(5)	$	10,945	(4)	$	3,903	(5)
Average attained age of contract holders	69 years			69 years			69 years			68 years



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	Secondary Guarantees
	(Dollars in millions)
Universal Life Contracts
Total account value (3)	$	6,000	$	6,099
Net amount at risk (6)	$	71,641	$	73,131
Average attained age of policyholders	66 years		65 years

Variable Life Contracts
Total account value (3)	$	1,072	$	954
Net amount at risk (6)	$	12,345	$	13,040
Average attained age of policyholders	45 years		45 years

__________________


(1)	The Company’s annuity contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract. Therefore, the amounts listed above may not be mutually exclusive.

(2)


(3)	Includes the contract holder’s investments in the general account and separate account, if applicable.


(4)	Defined as the death benefit less the total account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date and includes any additional contractual claims associated with riders purchased to assist with covering income taxes payable upon death.

(5)

(6)

Investments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector

The following table presents the fixed maturity securities AFS by sector at:



	September 30, 2019											December 31, 2018
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized							Estimated Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized							Estimated Fair Value
	Amortized Cost		Gains		Temporary Losses		OTTI Losses (1)			Estimated Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Gains		Temporary Losses		OTTI Losses (1)			Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	27,409	$	2,972	$	74	$	—		$	30,307	$	23,902	$	816	$	659	$	—		$	24,059
U.S. government and agency	5,387		2,203		—		—			7,590		7,503		1,251		110		—			8,644
RMBS	8,634		513		12		(5		)	9,140		8,309		246		122		(2		)	8,435
Foreign corporate	8,922		675		109		—			9,488		8,044		157		306		—			7,895
CMBS	5,208		340		3		—			5,545		5,177		42		87		(1		)	5,133
State and political subdivision	3,205		765		—		—			3,970		3,202		399		15		—			3,586
ABS	1,894		27		10		—			1,911		2,120		13		22		—			2,111
Foreign government	1,479		251		5		—			1,725		1,415		101		31		—			1,485
Total fixed maturity securities	$	62,138	$	7,746	$	213	$	(5	)	$	69,676	$	59,672	$	3,025	$	1,352	$	(3	)	$	61,348

__________________


(1)	Noncredit OTTI losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) in an unrealized gain position are due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of noncredit losses on such securities.

Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date, were as follows at September 30, 2019:



	Due in One Year or Less		Due After One Year Through Five Years		Due After Five Years Through Ten Years		Due After Ten Years		Structured Securities (1)		Total Fixed Maturity Securities
	(In millions)
Amortized cost	$	1,873	$	6,610	$	12,382	$	25,537	$	15,736	$	62,138
Estimated fair value	$	1,877	$	6,803	$	13,211	$	31,189	$	16,596	$	69,676

__________________

(1)

Structured securities include residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) (collectively, “Structured Securities”).

Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector



	September 30, 2019								December 31, 2018
	Less than 12 Months				Equal to or Greater than 12 Months				Less than 12 Months				Equal to or Greater than 12 Months
	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in millions)
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	1,541	$	42	$	404	$	32	$	10,450	$	465	$	2,290	$	194
U.S. government and agency	75		—		—		—		359		7		1,355		103
RMBS	524		3		411		4		1,550		21		2,567		99
Foreign corporate	831		28		581		81		3,916		199		746		107
CMBS	102		—		190		3		2,264		52		800		34
State and political subdivision	15		—		8		—		346		7		158		8
ABS	445		3		504		7		1,407		21		70		1
Foreign government	52		5		—		—		520		25		132		6
Total fixed maturity securities	$	3,585	$	81	$	2,098	$	127	$	20,812	$	797	$	8,118	$	552
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position	669				309				2,988				1,022

Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment

Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at:



	September 30, 2019					December 31, 2018
	Carrying Value			% of Total		Carrying Value			% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Mortgage loans:
Commercial	$	9,446		61.9	%	$	8,502		62.6	%
Agricultural	3,228			21.1		2,874			21.1
Residential	2,659			17.4		2,276			16.7
Subtotal (1)	15,333			100.4		13,652			100.4
Valuation allowances (2)	(64		)	(0.4	)	(56		)	(0.4	)
Total mortgage loans, net	$	15,269		100.0	%	$	13,596		100.0	%

__________________


(1)	Purchases of mortgage loans from third parties were $159 million and $722 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and $816 million and $1.4 billion for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and were primarily comprised of residential mortgage loans.

(2)

The valuation allowances were primarily from collective evaluation (non-specific loan related).

Credit Quality of Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment

The credit quality of agricultural mortgage loans was as follows at:



	September 30, 2019				December 31, 2018
	Recorded Investment		% of Total		Recorded Investment		% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	2,983	92.4	%	$	2,551	88.8	%
65% to 75%	244		7.6		322		11.2
76% to 80%	1		—		1		—
Total	$	3,228	100.0	%	$	2,874	100.0	%

The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans was as follows at:



	Recorded Investment
	Debt Service Coverage Ratios								% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
	> 1.20x		1.00x - 1.20x		< 1.00x		Total		% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
September 30, 2019
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	8,328	$	128	$	141	$	8,597	91.0	%	$	9,083	91.2	%
65% to 75%	684		18		—		702		7.4		729		7.3
76% to 80%	138		—		9		147		1.6		146		1.5
Total	$	9,150	$	146	$	150	$	9,446	100.0	%	$	9,958	100.0	%

December 31, 2018
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	7,444	$	89	$	34	$	7,567	89.0	%	$	7,642	89.0	%
65% to 75%	762		—		24		786		9.2		797		9.3
76% to 80%	141		—		8		149		1.8		145		1.7
Total	$	8,347	$	89	$	66	$	8,502	100.0	%	$	8,584	100.0	%

The credit quality of residential mortgage loans was as follows at:



	September 30, 2019				December 31, 2018
	Recorded Investment		% of Total		Recorded Investment		% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Performance indicators:
Performing	$	2,621	98.6	%	$	2,240	98.4	%
Nonperforming	38		1.4		36		1.6
Total	$	2,659	100.0	%	$	2,276	100.0	%

Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)

The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in AOCI, were as follows:



	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	7,538		$	1,679
Derivatives	399			253
Other	(15		)	(15		)
Subtotal	7,922			1,917
Amounts allocated from:
Future policy benefits	(3,049		)	(885		)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(373		)	(90		)
Subtotal	(3,422		)	(975		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(945		)	(198		)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	3,555		$	744

The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows:



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2018	$	744
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period	6,005
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
Future policy benefits	(2,164		)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(283		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(747		)
Balance, September 30, 2019	$	3,555
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	2,811

Securities Lending

Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at:



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Securities on loan: (1)
Amortized cost	$	2,055	$	3,056
Estimated fair value	$	3,214	$	3,628
Cash collateral received from counterparties (2)	$	3,244	$	3,646
Security collateral received from counterparties (3)	$	35	$	55
Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value	$	3,354	$	3,658

__________________


(1)	Included within fixed maturity securities.


(2)	Included within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions.


(3)	Security collateral received from counterparties may not be sold or re-pledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected on the consolidated financial statements.

The cash collateral liability by loaned security type and remaining tenor of the agreements were as follows at:



	September 30, 2019								December 31, 2018
	Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements								Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements
	Open (1)		1 Month or Less		1 to 6 Months		Total		Open (1)		1 Month or Less		1 to 6 Months		Total
	(In millions)
U.S. government and agency	$	1,561	$	1,283	$	400	$	3,244	$	1,474	$	1,823	$	349	$	3,646

__________________

(1)

The related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day which would require the Company to immediately return the cash collateral.

Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral

Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral are presented below at estimated fair value at:



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) (1)	$	9,439	$	8,172
Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements) (2)	4,429		3,455
Invested assets pledged as collateral (3)	3,469		3,340
Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral	$	17,337	$	14,967

__________________


(1)	The Company has assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, on deposit with governmental authorities relating to certain policyholder liabilities, of which $75 million and $55 million of the assets on deposit balance represents restricted cash at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.


(2)	The Company has assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, held in trust relating to certain reinsurance transactions. $132 million and $87 million of the assets held in trust balance represents restricted cash at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

(3)

The Company has pledged invested assets in connection with various agreements and transactions, including funding agreements (see Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2018 Annual Report) and derivative transactions (see Note 5).

Variable Interest Entities

The carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss related to the VIEs in which the Company concluded that it holds a variable interest, but is not the primary beneficiary, were as follows at:



	September 30, 2019				December 31, 2018
	Carrying Amount		Maximum Exposure to Loss		Carrying Amount		Maximum Exposure to Loss
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	13,246	$	12,475	$	12,848	$	12,848
Limited partnerships and LLCs	1,833		3,052		1,743		3,130
Total	$	15,079	$	15,527	$	14,591	$	15,978

Components of Net Investment Income

The components of net investment income were as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
	(In millions)
Investment income:
Fixed maturity securities	$	654	$	624	$	1,962	$	1,857
Equity securities	1		1		6		5
Mortgage loans	172		137		505		381
Policy loans	12		12		34		50
Real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies	12		12		32		36
Other limited partnership interests	68		70		143		159
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	25		5		52		15
Other	10		20		28		40
Subtotal	954		881		2,762		2,543
Less: Investment expenses	50		53		152		143
Net investment income	$	904	$	828	$	2,610	$	2,400

Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses)

The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	16		$	(34	)	$	63		$	(137	)
Equity securities	3			(2		)	14			(5		)
Mortgage loans	(1		)	(5		)	(8		)	(12		)
Real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies	—			—			—			42
Other limited partnership interests	(3		)	—			(8		)	—
Other	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)	(8		)
Total net investment gains (losses)	$	14		$	(42	)	$	60		$	(120	)

Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity Securities

Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity securities and the components of fixed maturity securities net investment gains (losses) were as shown in the table below.



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(In millions)
Proceeds	$	1,371		$	3,070		$	8,007		$	8,358
Gross investment gains	$	31		$	57		$	194		$	69
Gross investment losses	(15		)	(91		)	(131		)	(206		)
Net investment gains (losses)	$	16		$	(34	)	$	63		$	(137	)

Derivatives (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location

The following table presents the primary underlying risk exposure, gross notional amount, and estimated fair value of the Company’s derivatives, held at:



		September 30, 2019						December 31, 2018
	Primary Underlying Risk Exposure	Gross Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value				Gross Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value
	Primary Underlying Risk Exposure	Gross Notional Amount		Assets		Liabilities		Gross Notional Amount		Assets		Liabilities
		(In millions)
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate forwards	Interest rate	$	460	$	51	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Foreign currency swaps	Foreign currency exchange rate	2,674		304		16		2,461		200		30
Total qualifying hedges		3,134		355		16		2,461		200		30
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate swaps	Interest rate	8,730		1,049		32		10,747		528		558
Interest rate caps	Interest rate	3,350		2		—		3,350		21		—
Interest rate futures	Interest rate	—		—		—		53		—		—
Interest rate options	Interest rate	27,250		1,771		375		17,168		168		61
Interest rate forwards	Interest rate	4,143		241		15		—		—		—
Foreign currency swaps	Foreign currency exchange rate	1,066		143		13		1,398		99		18
Foreign currency forwards	Foreign currency exchange rate	118		2		—		125		—		—
Credit default swaps — purchased	Credit	12		—		—		98		3		—
Credit default swaps — written	Credit	1,712		30		—		1,798		14		3
Equity futures	Equity market	—		—		—		169		—		—
Equity index options	Equity market	46,098		766		1,503		45,815		1,372		1,207
Equity variance swaps	Equity market	5,574		95		249		5,574		80		232
Equity total return swaps	Equity market	5,037		41		33		3,920		280		3
Total non-designated or nonqualifying derivatives		103,090		4,140		2,220		90,215		2,565		2,082
Embedded derivatives:
Ceded guaranteed minimum income benefits	Other	N/A		303		—		N/A		228		—
Direct guaranteed minimum benefits	Other	N/A		—		2,250		N/A		—		1,546
Direct index-linked annuities	Other	N/A		—		1,566		N/A		—		488
Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits	Other	N/A		—		541		N/A		—		386
Assumed index-linked annuities	Other	N/A		—		316		N/A		—		96
Total embedded derivatives		N/A		303		4,673		N/A		228		2,516
Total		$	106,224	$	4,798	$	6,909	$	92,676	$	2,993	$	4,628

Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)



	Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives			Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items			Net Investment Income		Policyholder Benefits and Claims			Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	—		$	—		$	1	$	—		$	51
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	—			—			9		—			106
Total cash flow hedges	—			—			10		—			157
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	1,656			—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	49			(2		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	2			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(18		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	(703		)	—			—		—			—
Total non-qualifying hedges	986			(2		)	—		—			—
Total	$	986		$	(2	)	$	10	$	—		$	157
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	(2	)	$	2		$	—	$	—		$	—
Total fair value hedges	(2		)	2			—		—			—
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	45			—			1		—			(3		)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives				—			6		—			(4		)
Total cash flow hedges	45			—			7		—			(7		)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	(266		)	—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	6			(2		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	11			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(446		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	(13		)	—			—		(2		)	—
Total non-qualifying hedges	(708		)	(2		)	—		(2		)	—
Total	$	(665	)	$	—		$	7	$	(2	)	$	(7	)



	Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives			Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items			Net Investment Income		Policyholder Benefits and Claims			Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI
	(In millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	28		$	—		$	2	$	—		$	51
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	20			(23		)	25		—			145
Total cash flow hedges	48			(23		)	27		—			196
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	2,905			—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	71			(6		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	31			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(1,808		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	(1,436		)	—			—		—			—
Total non-qualifying hedges	(237		)	(6		)	—		—			—
Total	$	(189	)	$	(29	)	$	27	$	—		$	196
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	(12	)	$	12		$	1	$	—		$	—
Total fair value hedges	(12		)	12			1		—			—
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	62			—			4		—			(5		)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	(1		)	—			17		—			33
Total cash flow hedges	61			—			21		—			28
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	(1,190		)	—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	29			(4		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	7			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(904		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	771			—			—		(4		)	—
Total non-qualifying hedges	(1,287		)	(4		)	—		(4		)	—
Total	$	(1,238	)	$	8		$	22	$	(4	)	$	28

Components of Net Derivatives Gains (Losses)



	Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives			Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items			Net Investment Income		Policyholder Benefits and Claims			Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	—		$	—		$	1	$	—		$	51
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	—			—			9		—			106
Total cash flow hedges	—			—			10		—			157
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	1,656			—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	49			(2		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	2			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(18		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	(703		)	—			—		—			—
Total non-qualifying hedges	986			(2		)	—		—			—
Total	$	986		$	(2	)	$	10	$	—		$	157
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	(2	)	$	2		$	—	$	—		$	—
Total fair value hedges	(2		)	2			—		—			—
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	45			—			1		—			(3		)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives				—			6		—			(4		)
Total cash flow hedges	45			—			7		—			(7		)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	(266		)	—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	6			(2		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	11			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(446		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	(13		)	—			—		(2		)	—
Total non-qualifying hedges	(708		)	(2		)	—		(2		)	—
Total	$	(665	)	$	—		$	7	$	(2	)	$	(7	)



	Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives			Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items			Net Investment Income		Policyholder Benefits and Claims			Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI
	(In millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	28		$	—		$	2	$	—		$	51
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	20			(23		)	25		—			145
Total cash flow hedges	48			(23		)	27		—			196
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	2,905			—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	71			(6		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	31			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(1,808		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	(1,436		)	—			—		—			—
Total non-qualifying hedges	(237		)	(6		)	—		—			—
Total	$	(189	)	$	(29	)	$	27	$	—		$	196
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	(12	)	$	12		$	1	$	—		$	—
Total fair value hedges	(12		)	12			1		—			—
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	62			—			4		—			(5		)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	(1		)	—			17		—			33
Total cash flow hedges	61			—			21		—			28
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	(1,190		)	—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	29			(4		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	7			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(904		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	771			—			—		(4		)	—
Total non-qualifying hedges	(1,287		)	(4		)	—		(4		)	—
Total	$	(1,238	)	$	8		$	22	$	(4	)	$	28

Schedule of estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps

The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps at:



	September 30, 2019					December 31, 2018
Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations (1)	Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps		Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps		Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)	Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps		Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps		Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)
	(Dollars in millions)
Aaa/Aa/A	$	9	$	615	2.4	$	8	$	689	2.0
Baa	21		1,097		5.3	3		1,109		5.0
Total	$	30	$	1,712	4.3	$	11	$	1,798	3.9

__________________


(1)	The Company has written credit protection on both single name and index references. The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used.

(2)

The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average gross notional amounts.

Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral

The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at:



			Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	Gross Amount Recognized		Financial Instruments (1)			Collateral Received/Pledged (2)			Net Amount		Off-balance Sheet Securities Collateral (3)			Net Amount After Securities Collateral
	(In millions)
September 30, 2019
Derivative assets	$	4,555	$	(1,599	)	$	(1,831	)	$	1,125	$	(1,088	)	$	37
Derivative liabilities	$	2,232	$	(1,599	)	$	—		$	633	$	(633	)	$	—
December 31, 2018
Derivative assets	$	2,820	$	(1,671	)	$	(1,053	)	$	96	$	(83	)	$	13
Derivative liabilities	$	2,104	$	(1,671	)	$	—		$	433	$	(433	)	$	—

__________________


(1)	Represents amounts subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement.


(2)	The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreement.


(3)	Securities collateral received by the Company is not recorded on the balance sheet. Amounts do not include excess of collateral pledged or received.

Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral

he estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at:



			Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	Gross Amount Recognized		Financial Instruments (1)			Collateral Received/Pledged (2)			Net Amount		Off-balance Sheet Securities Collateral (3)			Net Amount After Securities Collateral
	(In millions)
September 30, 2019
Derivative assets	$	4,555	$	(1,599	)	$	(1,831	)	$	1,125	$	(1,088	)	$	37
Derivative liabilities	$	2,232	$	(1,599	)	$	—		$	633	$	(633	)	$	—
December 31, 2018
Derivative assets	$	2,820	$	(1,671	)	$	(1,053	)	$	96	$	(83	)	$	13
Derivative liabilities	$	2,104	$	(1,671	)	$	—		$	433	$	(433	)	$	—

__________________


(1)	Represents amounts subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement.


(2)	The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreement.


(3)	Securities collateral received by the Company is not recorded on the balance sheet. Amounts do not include excess of collateral pledged or received.

Schedule of Derivative Instruments



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Estimated fair value of derivatives in a net liability position (1)	$	633	$	433
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided (2):
Fixed maturity securities	$	1,250	$	797

__________________


(1)	After taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements.

(2)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of credit derivatives which includes information by sellers of credit derivatives, about each credit derivative, or each group of similar credit derivatives, including (a) the nature of the credit derivative - its term, how it arose, the events or circumstances that would require the seller to perform under the credit derivative, and the current status of the payment/performance risk of the credit derivative; (b) the maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) the seller could be required to make under the credit derivative; (c) the current fair value of the credit derivative; and (d) the nature of any recourse provisions under the credit derivative, and any assets held either as collateral or by third parties. A credit derivative is a derivative instrument (1) in which one or more of its underlyings are related to the credit risk of a specified entity (or a group of entities) or an index based on the credit risk of a group of entities and (2) that exposes the seller to potential loss from credit-risk-related events specified in the contract. Examples of credit derivatives within the scope of this paragraph include, but are not limited to, credit default swaps, credit spread options, and credit index products; also includes a hybrid instrument that has an embedded credit derivative (for example, but not limited to, a credit-linked note).

+ References + Details

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of pertinent information about a derivative or group of derivatives on a disaggregated basis, such as for individual instruments, or small groups of similar instruments. May include a combination of the type of instrument, risks being hedged, notional amount, hedge designation, related hedged item, inception date, maturity date, or other relevant item.

+ References

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+ Details

Fair Value (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Recurring Fair Value Measurements



	September 30, 2019
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	—	$	29,875	$	432	$	30,307
U.S. government and agency	1,570		6,020		—		7,590
RMBS	—		9,063		77		9,140
Foreign corporate	—		9,112		376		9,488
CMBS	—		5,511		34		5,545
State and political subdivision	—		3,897		73		3,970
ABS	—		1,847		64		1,911
Foreign government	—		1,725		—		1,725
Total fixed maturity securities	1,570		67,050		1,056		69,676
Equity securities	11		133		4		148
Short-term investments	1,018		465		—		1,483
Derivative assets: (1)
Interest rate	—		3,114		—		3,114
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		436		13		449
Credit	—		21		9		30
Equity market	—		803		99		902
Total derivative assets	—		4,374		121		4,495
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)	—		—		303		303
Separate account assets	224		96,558		—		96,782
Total assets	$	2,823	$	168,580	$	1,484	$	172,887
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities: (1)
Interest rate	$	—	$	422	$	—	$	422
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		28		1		29
Equity market	—		1,534		251		1,785
Total derivative liabilities	—		1,984		252		2,236
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)	—		—		4,673		4,673
Total liabilities	$	—	$	1,984	$	4,925	$	6,909



	December 31, 2018
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	—	$	23,740	$	319	$	24,059
U.S. government and agency	2,334		6,310		—		8,644
RMBS	—		8,429		6		8,435
Foreign corporate	—		7,503		392		7,895
CMBS	—		5,004		129		5,133
State and political subdivision	—		3,512		74		3,586
ABS	—		2,072		39		2,111
Foreign government	—		1,485		—		1,485
Total fixed maturity securities	2,334		58,055		959		61,348
Equity securities	13		124		3		140
Derivative assets: (1)
Interest rate	—		717		—		717
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		288		11		299
Credit	—		10		7		17
Equity market	—		1,634		98		1,732
Total derivative assets	—		2,649		116		2,765
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)	—		—		228		228
Separate account assets	217		91,293		1		91,511
Total assets	$	2,564	$	152,121	$	1,307	$	155,992
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities: (1)
Interest rate	$	—	$	619	$	—	$	619
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		48		—		48
Credit	—		2		1		3
Equity market	—		1,205		237		1,442
Total derivative liabilities	—		1,874		238		2,112
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)	—		—		2,516		2,516
Total liabilities	$	—	$	1,874	$	2,754	$	4,628

__________________

(1)

(2)

Fair Value Inputs, Quantitative Information



					September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018			Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Fair Value
	Valuation Techniques		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Range			Range			Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Fair Value
Embedded derivatives
Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits	•	Option pricing techniques	•	Mortality rates	0.02%	-	11.31%	0.02%	-	11.31%	Decrease (1)
			•	Lapse rates	0.25%	-	16.00%	0.25%	-	16.00%	Decrease (2)
			•	Utilization rates	0.00%	-	25.00%	0.00%	-	25.00%	Increase (3)
			•	Withdrawal rates	0.25%	-	10.00%	0.25%	-	10.00%	(4)
			•	Long-term equity volatilities	16.50%	-	22.00%	16.50%	-	22.00%	Increase (5)
			•	Nonperformance risk spread	0.61%	-	2.37%	1.91%	-	2.66%	Decrease (6)

___________________


(1)	Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. Range shown reflects the mortality rate for policyholders between 35 and 90 years old, which represents the majority of the business with living benefits. Mortality rate assumptions are set based on company experience and include an assumption for mortality improvement.

(2)

(3)

(4)


(5)	Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(6)

Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration. For any given contract, multiple nonperformance risk spreads will apply, depending on the duration of the cash flow being discounted for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation

The following tables summarize the change of all assets and (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):



	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fixed Maturity Securities
	Corporate (1)			Structured Securities			State and Political Subdivision			Foreign Government		Equity Securities			Short-term Investments		Net Derivatives (2)			Net Embedded Derivatives (3)			Separate Account Assets (4)
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Balance, beginning of period	$	748		$	108		$	74		$	—	$	4		$	—	$	(134	)	$	(3,450	)	$	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	—			—			—			—		—			—		(2		)	(703		)	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	—			1			—			—		—			—		3			—			—
Purchases (7)	117			61			—			—		—			—		—			—			—
Sales (7)	(22		)	(6		)	(1		)	—		—			—		—			—			—
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—		—			—		—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			—		—			—		—			(217		)	—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	49			29			—			—		—			—		—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(84		)	(18		)	—			—		—			—		2			—			—
Balance, end of period	$	808		$	175		$	73		$	—	$	4		$	—	$	(131	)	$	(4,370	)	$	—
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,815		$	1,261		$	8		$	—	$	120		$	—	$	(284	)	$	(1,498	)	$	4
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	—			10			2			—		(2		)	—		(4		)	(15		)	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	(44		)	(8		)	(2		)	—		—			—		—			—			—
Purchases (7)	56			287			—			—		—			—		—			—			1
Sales (7)	(50		)	(114		)	(6		)	—		—			—		—			—			—
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—		—			—		—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			—		—			—		—			(152		)	—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	20			3			—			—		9			—		—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(208		)	(170		)	(2		)	—		(5		)	—		—			—			(1		)
Balance, end of period	$	1,589		$	1,269		$	—		$	—	$	122		$	—	$	(288	)	$	(1,665	)	$	4
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	(2	)	$	(778	)	$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2018 (9)	$	—		$	4		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	(4	)	$	(13	)	$	—



	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fixed Maturity Securities
	Corporate (1)			Structured Securities			State and Political Subdivision			Foreign Government			Equity Securities			Short-term Investments			Net Derivatives (2)			Net Embedded Derivatives (3)			Separate Account Assets (4)
	(In millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Balance, beginning of period	$	711		$	174		$	74		$	—		$	3		$	—		$	(122	)	$	(2,288	)	$	1
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	—			1			—			—			—			—			(10		)	(1,436		)	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	11			3			—			—			—			—			5						—
Purchases (7)	178			74			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Sales (7)	(78		)	(24		)	(1		)	—			—			—			—			—			(1		)
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			(646		)	—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	147			92			—			—			1			—			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(161		)	(145		)	—			—			—			—			(4		)	—			—
Balance, end of period	$	808		$	175		$	73		$	—		$	4		$	—		$	(131	)	$	(4,370	)	$	—
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,937		$	1,222		$	—		$	5		$	124		$	14		$	(279	)	$	(2,007	)	$	5
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	2			21			—			—			(4		)	—			(12		)	767			—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	(118		)	(10		)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Purchases (7)	164			339			—			—			—			—			3			—			1
Sales (7)	(183		)	(227		)	—			—			(3		)	(14		)	—			—			(1		)
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			(425		)	(1		)
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	20			—			—			—			10			—			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(233		)	(76		)	—			(5		)	(5		)	—			—			—			—
Balance, end of period	$	1,589		$	1,269		$	—		$	—		$	122		$	—		$	(288	)	$	(1,665	)	$	4
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	$	—		$	1		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(11	)	$	(1,647	)	$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2018 (9)	$	(1	)	$	14		$	—		$	—		$	(4	)	$	—		$	(12	)	$	739		$	—

__________________


(1)	Comprised of U.S. and foreign corporate securities.


(2)	Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.


(3)	Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.


(4)	Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contract holders within separate account liabilities. Therefore, such changes in estimated fair value are not recorded in net income (loss). For the purpose of this disclosure, these changes are presented within net investment gains (losses).

(5)


(6)	Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward.


(7)	Items purchased/issued and then sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. Fees attributed to embedded derivatives are included in settlements.


(8)	Gains and losses, in net income (loss) and OCI, are calculated assuming transfers into and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and then out of Level 3 in the same period are excluded from the rollforward.

(9)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value

The carrying values and estimated fair values for such financial instruments, and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows at:



	September 30, 2019
			Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	15,269	$	—	$	—	$	15,980	$	15,980
Policy loans	$	915	$	—	$	518	$	522	$	1,040
Other invested assets	$	63	$	—	$	50	$	13	$	63
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	1,612	$	—	$	46	$	1,982	$	2,028
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	15,469	$	—	$	—	$	15,682	$	15,682
Long-term debt	$	845	$	—	$	40	$	887	$	927
Other liabilities	$	898	$	—	$	553	$	349	$	902
Separate account liabilities	$	1,122	$	—	$	1,122	$	—	$	1,122



	December 31, 2018
			Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	13,596	$	—	$	—	$	13,761	$	13,761
Policy loans	$	1,001	$	—	$	619	$	452	$	1,071
Other invested assets	$	77	$	—	$	64	$	13	$	77
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	1,426	$	—	$	31	$	1,501	$	1,532
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	15,183	$	—	$	—	$	13,732	$	13,732
Long-term debt	$	434	$	—	$	38	$	380	$	418
Other liabilities	$	395	$	—	$	54	$	323	$	377
Separate account liabilities	$	1,025	$	—	$	1,025	$	—	$	1,025

Equity (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Information regarding changes in the balances of each component of AOCI was as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, June 30, 2019	$	2,521		$	172		$	(19	)	$	2,674
OCI before reclassifications	952			157			(4		)	1,105
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(200		)	(33		)	—			(233		)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	3,273			296			(23		)	3,546
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(17		)	(1		)	—			(18		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	3			1			—			4
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(14		)	—			—			(14		)
Balance, September 30, 2019	$	3,259		$	296		$	(23	)	$	3,532



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, June 30, 2018	$	671		$	162		$	(18	)	$	815
OCI before reclassifications	(298		)	(7		)	(8		)	(313		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	61			2			1			64
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	434			157			(25		)	566
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	37			(46		)	—			(9		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(8		)	11			—			3
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	29			(35		)	—			(6		)
Balance, September 30, 2018	$	463		$	122		$	(25	)	$	560



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2018	$	564		$	180		$	(26	)	$	718
OCI before reclassifications	3,452			196			3			3,651
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(725		)	(41		)	—			(766		)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	3,291			335			(23		)	3,603
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(40		)	(50		)	—			(90		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	8			11			—			19
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(32		)	(39		)	—			(71		)
Balance, September 30, 2019	$	3,259		$	296		$	(23	)	$	3,532



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2017	$	1,709		$	151		$	(23	)	$	1,837
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax	(79		)	—			—			(79		)
Balance, January 1, 2018	1,630			151			(23		)	1,758
OCI before reclassifications	(1,633		)	28			(2		)	(1,607		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	361			(6		)	—			355
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	358			173			(25		)	506
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	136			(65		)	—			71
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(31		)	14			—			(17		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	105			(51		)	—			54
Balance, September 30, 2018	$	463		$	122		$	(25	)	$	560

__________________


(1)	See Note 4 for information on offsets to investments related to future policy benefits, DAC, VOBA and DSI.

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Information regarding amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI was as follows:



AOCI Components	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI												Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Locations
	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(In millions)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	17		$	(36	)	$	67		$	(136	)	Net investment gains (losses)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	—			—			—			1			Net investment income
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	—			(1		)	(27		)	(1		)	Net derivative gains (losses)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), before income tax	17			(37		)	40			(136		)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(3		)	8			(8		)	31
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax	14			(29		)	32			(105		)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	—			15			28			31			Net derivative gains (losses)
Interest rate swaps	1			—			2			2			Net investment income
Interest rate forwards	—			30			—			31			Net derivative gains (losses)
Interest rate forwards	—			1			—			2			Net investment income
Foreign currency swaps	—			—			20			(1		)	Net derivative gains (losses)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, before income tax	1			46			50			65
Income tax (expense) benefit	(1		)	(11		)	(11		)	(14		)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of income tax	—			35			39			51
Total reclassifications, net of income tax	$	14		$	6		$	71		$	(54	)

Other Revenues and Other Expenses (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block]

Information on other expenses was as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
	(In millions)
Compensation	$	71	$	63	$	217	$	213
Contracted services and other labor costs	66		53		162		152
Transition services agreements	62		67		189		206
Establishment costs	20		100		93		100
Premium and other taxes, licenses and fees	14		11		30		51
Separate account fees	—		—		2		1
Volume related costs, excluding compensation, net of DAC capitalization	144		154		436		462
Interest expense on debt	17		—		43		2
Other	70		61		181		166
Total other expenses	$	464	$	509	$	1,353	$	1,353

Related Party Transactions (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Effects of reinsurance



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018		2019		2018
	(In millions)
Premiums
Reinsurance assumed	$	(1	)	$	1	$	—	$	8
Reinsurance ceded	—			—		—		(201		)
Net premiums	$	(1	)	$	1	$	—	$	(193	)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
Reinsurance assumed	$	2		$	2	$	5	$	49
Reinsurance ceded	—			—		—		1
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	$	2		$	2	$	5	$	50
Other revenues
Reinsurance assumed	$	1		$	—	$	2	$	1
Reinsurance ceded	—			—		—		18
Net other revenues	$	1		$	—	$	2	$	19
Policyholder benefits and claims
Reinsurance assumed	$	8		$	8	$	25	$	38
Reinsurance ceded	—			—		—		(177		)
Net policyholder benefits and claims	$	8		$	8	$	25	$	(139	)

Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance with NELICO and former MetLife affiliates included on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows at:



	September 30, 2019					December 31, 2018
	Assumed			Ceded		Assumed			Ceded
	(In millions)
Assets
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	21		$	—	$	21		$	—
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	542		$	—	$	386		$	—
Other policy-related balances	$	10		$	—	$	14		$	—
Other liabilities	$	(26	)	$	—	$	(38	)	$	—

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - segment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Aug. 04, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	3
Spinoff
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Common Stock Distribution by Parent		80.80%

Segment Information (Operating Results) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$ 708	$ (407)			$ 172	$ (660)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	99	(108)			(46)	(195)
Post-tax adjusted earnings	609	(299)	$ (391)	$ (166)	218	(465)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0			1	0
Net investment gains (losses)	14	(42)			60	(120)
Net derivative gains (losses)	984	(665)			(218)	(1,230)
Other adjustments to net income	68	73			199	222
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company	609	(299)			217	(465)
Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	458	395			1,344	1,128
Interest expense	0	0			0	0
Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	101	96			284	276
Interest expense	0	0			0	0
Run-off
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	327	322			942	979
Interest expense	0	0			0	0
Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	18	12			40	29
Interest expense	17	0			43	2
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	(278)	266			303	867
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(109)	32			(19)	125
Post-tax adjusted earnings	(169)	234			322	742
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0			1	0
Adjusted earnings	(169)	234			321	742
Operating Segments \| Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	247	469			915	979
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	50	81			172	168
Post-tax adjusted earnings	197	388			743	811
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0			0	0
Adjusted earnings	197	388			743	811
Operating Segments \| Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	88	52			185	142
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	18	10			38	28
Post-tax adjusted earnings	70	42			147	114
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0			0	0
Adjusted earnings	70	42			147	114
Operating Segments \| Run-off
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	(543)	(135)			(587)	(79)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(117)	(29)			(127)	(18)
Post-tax adjusted earnings	(426)	(106)			(460)	(61)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0			0	0
Adjusted earnings	(426)	(106)			(460)	(61)
Operating Segments \| Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	(70)	(120)			(210)	(175)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(60)	(30)			(102)	(53)
Post-tax adjusted earnings	(10)	(90)			(108)	(122)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0			1	0
Adjusted earnings	(10)	(90)			(109)	(122)
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(208)	140			27	320
Net investment gains (losses)	14	(42)			60	(120)
Net derivative gains (losses)	984	(665)			(218)	(1,230)
Other adjustments to net income	$ (12)	$ 34			$ 27	$ (177)

Segment Information (Reconciliation of Operating Revenues to Total Revenues) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 2,901	$ 1,238	$ 5,490	$ 4,372
Annuities
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	1,037	995	3,052	2,957
Life
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	278	307	807	885
Run-off
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	484	536	1,487	1,594
Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	40	41	110	108
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,062	$ (641)	$ 34	$ (1,172)

Segment Information (Total Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 214,847	$ 195,830
Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	150,615	137,079
Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	15,553	14,928
Run-off
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	36,096	32,390
Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 12,583	$ 11,433

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2019 segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of segments	3

Insurance (Guarantees Related to Annuity Contracts) (Details) - Variable Annuity Guarantees - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Guaranteed Death Benefits
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value (3)	$ 97,460	$ 92,794
Separate account value	92,798	88,065
Net amount at risk	$ 7,335	$ 10,945
Average attained age of contract holders	69 years	69 years
Guaranteed Annuitization Benefits
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value (3)	$ 55,859	$ 53,330
Separate account value	54,801	52,225
Net amount at risk	$ 4,729	$ 3,903
Average attained age of contract holders	69 years	68 years

Insurance (Guarantees Related to Universal and Variable Life Contracts) (Details) - Secondary Guarantees - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Universal Life
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value (3)	$ 6,000	$ 6,099
Net amount at risk (6)	$ 71,641	$ 73,131
Average attained age of policyholders	66 years	65 years
Variable Life
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value (3)	$ 1,072	$ 954
Net amount at risk (6)	$ 12,345	$ 13,040
Average attained age of policyholders	45 years	45 years

Investments (Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 62,138	$ 59,672
Gross Unrealized Gains	7,746	3,025
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses	213	1,352
Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses	(5)	(3)
Fixed maturity securities	69,676	61,348
U.S. corporate
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	27,409	23,902
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,972	816
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses	74	659
Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses	0	0
Fixed maturity securities	30,307	24,059
U.S. government and agency
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	5,387	7,503
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,203	1,251
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses	0	110
Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses	0	0
Fixed maturity securities	7,590	8,644
RMBS
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	8,634	8,309
Gross Unrealized Gains	513	246
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses	12	122
Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses	(5)	(2)
Fixed maturity securities	9,140	8,435
Foreign corporate
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	8,922	8,044
Gross Unrealized Gains	675	157
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses	109	306
Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses	0	0
Fixed maturity securities	9,488	7,895
CMBS
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	5,208	5,177
Gross Unrealized Gains	340	42
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses	3	87
Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses	0	(1)
Fixed maturity securities	5,545	5,133
State and political subdivision
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	3,205	3,202
Gross Unrealized Gains	765	399
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses	0	15
Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses	0	0
Fixed maturity securities	3,970	3,586
ABS
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,894	2,120
Gross Unrealized Gains	27	13
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses	10	22
Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses	0	0
Fixed maturity securities	1,911	2,111
Foreign government
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,479	1,415
Gross Unrealized Gains	251	101
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses	5	31
Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses	0	0
Fixed maturity securities	$ 1,725	$ 1,485

Investments (Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost, Due in one year or less	$ 1,873
Amortized Cost, Due after one year through five years	6,610
Amortized Cost, Due after five years through ten years	12,382
Amortized Cost, Due after ten years	25,537
Amortized Cost, Structured Securities	15,736
Amortized Cost	62,138	$ 59,672
Estimated Fair Value, Due in one year or less	1,877
Estimated Fair Value, Due after one year through five years	6,803
Estimated Fair Value, Due after five years through ten years	13,211
Estimated Fair Value, Due after ten years	31,189
Estimated Fair Value, Structured Securities	16,596
Fixed maturity securities	$ 69,676	$ 61,348

Investments (Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
U.S. corporate
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	$ 1,541	$ 10,450
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	42	465
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	404	2,290
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	32	194
U.S. government and agency
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	75	359
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	0	7
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	0	1,355
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	0	103
RMBS
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	524	1,550
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	3	21
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	411	2,567
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	4	99
Foreign corporate
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	831	3,916
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	28	199
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	581	746
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	81	107
CMBS
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	102	2,264
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	0	52
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	190	800
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	3	34
State and political subdivision
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	15	346
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	0	7
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	8	158
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	0	8
ABS
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	445	1,407
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	3	21
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	504	70
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	7	1
Foreign government
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	52	520
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	5	25
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	0	132
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	0	6
Fixed maturity securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	3,585	20,812
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	$ 81	$ 797
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	669	2,988
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	$ 2,098	$ 8,118
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	$ 127	$ 552
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	309	1,022

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 15,333	$ 13,652
Mortgage loans, gross as a percentage of total mortgage loans, net	100.40%	100.40%
Mortgage loans valuation allowances	$ (64)	$ (56)
Mortgage loans valuation allowances as a percentage of total mortgage loans, net	(0.40%)	(0.40%)
Total mortgage loans, net	$ 15,269	$ 13,596
Total mortgage loans, net as a percentage of total mortgage loans, net	100.00%	100.00%
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 9,446	$ 8,502
Mortgage loans, gross as a percentage of total mortgage loans, net	61.90%	62.60%
Mortgage Loans \| Agricultural
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 3,228	$ 2,874
Mortgage loans, gross as a percentage of total mortgage loans, net	21.10%	21.10%
Mortgage Loans \| Residential
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 2,659	$ 2,276
Mortgage loans, gross as a percentage of total mortgage loans, net	17.40%	16.70%

Investments (Credit Quality of Mortgage Loans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 15,333	$ 13,652
Mortgage Loans \| Performing
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	99.00%	99.00%
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 9,446	$ 8,502
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment	$ 9,958	$ 8,584
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment as a % of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Greater than 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 9,150	$ 8,347
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, 1.00x to 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	146	89
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Less than 1.00x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	150	66
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, Less than 65%
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 8,597	$ 7,567
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	91.00%	89.00%
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment	$ 9,083	$ 7,642
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment as a % of Total	91.20%	89.00%
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, Less than 65% \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Greater than 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 8,328	$ 7,444
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, Less than 65% \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, 1.00x to 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	128	89
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, Less than 65% \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Less than 1.00x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	141	34
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 65% to 75%
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 702	$ 786
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	7.40%	9.20%
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment	$ 729	$ 797
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment as a % of Total	7.30%	9.30%
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 65% to 75% \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Greater than 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 684	$ 762
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 65% to 75% \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, 1.00x to 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	18	0
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 65% to 75% \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Less than 1.00x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	0	24
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 76% to 80%
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 147	$ 149
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	1.60%	1.80%
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment	$ 146	$ 145
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment as a % of Total	1.50%	1.70%
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 76% to 80% \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Greater than 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 138	$ 141
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 76% to 80% \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, 1.00x to 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	0	0
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 76% to 80% \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Less than 1.00x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	9	8
Mortgage Loans \| Agricultural
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 3,228	$ 2,874
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment	$ 3,300	$ 2,900
Mortgage Loans \| Agricultural \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, Less than 65%
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 2,983	$ 2,551
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	92.40%	88.80%
Mortgage Loans \| Agricultural \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 65% to 75%
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 244	$ 322
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	7.60%	11.20%
Mortgage Loans \| Agricultural \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 76% to 80%
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 1	$ 1
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	0.00%	0.00%
Mortgage Loans \| Residential
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 2,659	$ 2,276
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment	$ 2,700	$ 2,300
Mortgage Loans \| Residential \| Performing
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 2,621	$ 2,240
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	98.60%	98.40%
Mortgage Loans \| Residential \| Nonperforming
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 38	$ 36
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	1.40%	1.60%

Investments (Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Fixed maturity securities	$ 7,538	$ 1,679
Derivatives	399	253
Other	(15)	(15)
Subtotal	7,922	1,917
Future policy benefits	(3,049)	(885)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(373)	(90)
Subtotal	(3,422)	(975)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(945)	(198)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$ 3,555	$ 744

Investments (Changes in Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Balance, December 31, 2018	$ 744
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period	6,005
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
Future policy benefits	(2,164)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(283)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(747)
Balance, September 30, 2019	3,555
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$ 2,811

Investments (Securities Lending) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral received from counterparties	$ 3,244	$ 3,646
Security collateral received from counterparties	35	55
Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value	3,354	3,658
Amortized cost
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities on loan	2,055	3,056
Estimated fair value
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities on loan	$ 3,214	$ 3,628

Investments (Securities Lending Remaining Tenor) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral received from counterparties	$ 3,244	$ 3,646
U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral received from counterparties	3,244	3,646
U.S. government and agency \| Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements: Open
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral received from counterparties	1,561	1,474
U.S. government and agency \| Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements: 1 Month or Less
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral received from counterparties	1,283	1,823
U.S. government and agency \| Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements: 1 to 6 Months
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral received from counterparties	$ 400	$ 349

Investments (Invested Assets on Deposit, Held In Trust and Pledged as Collateral) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits)	$ 9,439	$ 8,172
Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements)	4,429	3,455
Invested assets pledged as collateral	3,469	3,340
Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral	$ 17,337	$ 14,967

Investments (Variable Interest Entities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	$ 15,079	$ 14,591
Maximum Exposure to Loss	15,527	15,978
Fixed maturity securities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	13,246	12,848
Maximum Exposure to Loss	12,475	12,848
Limited partnerships and LLCs
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	1,833	1,743
Maximum Exposure to Loss	$ 3,052	$ 3,130

Investments (Net Investment Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income	$ 954	$ 881	$ 2,762	$ 2,543
Less: Investment expenses	50	53	152	143
Net investment income	904	828	2,610	2,400
Fixed maturity securities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income	654	624	1,962	1,857
Equity securities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income	1	1	6	5
Mortgage loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income	172	137	505	381
Policy loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income	12	12	34	50
Real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income	12	12	32	36
Other limited partnership interests
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income	68	70	143	159
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income	25	5	52	15
Other
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income	$ 10	$ 20	$ 28	$ 40

Investments (Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Net investment gains (losses), fixed maturity securities	$ 16	$ (34)	$ 63	$ (137)
Net investment gains (losses), equity securities	3	(2)	14	(5)
Net investment gains (losses), mortgage loans	(1)	(5)	(8)	(12)
Net investment gains (losses), real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies	0	0	0	42
Net investment gains (losses), other limited partnership interests	(3)	0	(8)	0
Net investment gains (losses), other	(1)	(1)	(1)	(8)
Total net investment gains (losses)	$ 14	$ (42)	$ 60	$ (120)

- Definition

The net gain (loss) resulting from sales and other disposals of real estate owned for investment purposes.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(b)(9)(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116634182&loc=SL114868664-224227

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 360
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117337411&loc=d3e23528-158515

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(b)(7)(c))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116634182&loc=SL114868664-224227

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 220
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(14)(d))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116637391&loc=SL114874048-224260

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 360
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117337397&loc=d3e23439-158514

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 220
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(3)(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116637232&loc=SL114874131-224263

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 360
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117337397&loc=d3e23415-158514

+ Details

Investments (Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity Securities) (Details) - Fixed maturity securities - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Proceeds	$ 1,371	$ 3,070	$ 8,007	$ 8,358
Gross investment gains	31	57	194	69
Gross investment losses	(15)	(91)	(131)	(206)
Net investment gains (losses)	$ 16	$ (34)	$ 63	$ (137)

Investments (Fixed Maturity Securities AFS - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities	$ 69,676	$ 61,348
Non-Income Producing Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities	$ 0
Non-Income Producing Debt Securities \| Maximum
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities		$ 1

Investments (Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector - Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) Contracts
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale with gross unrealized loss of equal to or greater than stated percentage	20.00%
Fixed maturity securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Change in gross unrealized losses of securities in an unrealized loss position	$ (1,100)
Gross unrealized losses of securities in an unrealized loss position	208
20% or more \| Six months or greater \| Fixed maturity securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses of securities in an unrealized loss position	$ 10
Number of Securities \| Contracts	11

Investments (Mortgage Loans - Narrative) (Details) - Mortgage Loans - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Significant Purchases	$ 159	$ 816	$ 722	$ 1,400
Performing
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	99.00%		99.00%		99.00%
Commercial
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment	$ 9,958		$ 9,958		$ 8,584
Recorded Investment of Loans Past Due	0		0		0
Recorded Investment of Loans in Nonaccrual Status	0		0		0
Agricultural
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment	3,300		3,300		2,900
Recorded Investment of Loans Past Due	7		7
Recorded Investment of Loans in Nonaccrual Status	0		0		0
Agricultural \| Maximum
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Recorded Investment of Loans Past Due					1
Residential
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment	$ 2,700		$ 2,700		$ 2,300
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
Recorded Investment of Loans Past Due	$ 38		$ 38		$ 36
Recorded Investment of Loans in Nonaccrual Status	$ 38		$ 38		$ 36
Residential \| Performing
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	98.60%		98.60%		98.40%

Investments (Other Invested Assets - Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2019
Other invested assets
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Percentage Estimated Fair Value	90.00%

Investments (Securities Lending - Narrative) (Details) $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Securities Investment
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of Reinvestment Portfolio in Fixed Maturity Securities	55.00%
Estimated fair value
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties	$ 1.5
Estimated fair value \| U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of Securities at Estimated Fair Value of Securities on Loan Relating to Cash Collateral on Open	100.00%

Investments (Invested Assets On Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits)	$ 9,439	$ 8,172
Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements)	4,429	3,455
Fixed maturity securities \| Policyholder account balances
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits)	75	55
Fixed maturity securities \| Reinsurance
Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements)	$ 132	$ 87

Investments (Variable Interest Entities - Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Material VIEs	0	0

Investments (Related Party Investment Transactions - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party investment administrative service charges	$ 274	$ 386	$ 846	$ 887
Metlife Investment Management, LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party investment administrative service charges		$ 0		$ 49

Derivatives (Primary Risks) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 106,224	$ 92,676
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	4,798	2,993
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	6,909	4,628
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset	303	228
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	4,673	2,516
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	3,134	2,461
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	355	200
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	16	30
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: \| Cash flow hedges: \| Interest rate forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	460	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	51	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: \| Cash flow hedges: \| Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	2,674	2,461
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	304	200
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	16	30
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	103,090	90,215
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	4,140	2,565
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	2,220	2,082
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	8,730	10,747
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	1,049	528
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	32	558
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Interest rate caps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	3,350	3,350
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	2	21
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Interest rate futures
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	0	53
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Interest rate options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	27,250	17,168
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	1,771	168
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	375	61
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Interest rate forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	4,143	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	241	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	15	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	1,066	1,398
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	143	99
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	13	18
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Foreign currency forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	118	125
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	2	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Credit default swaps — purchased
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	12	98
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	3
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Credit default swaps — written
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	1,712	1,798
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	30	14
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	3
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Equity futures
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	0	169
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Equity index options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	46,098	45,815
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	766	1,372
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,503	1,207
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Equity variance swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	5,574	5,574
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	95	80
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	249	232
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Equity total return swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	5,037	3,920
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	41	280
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	33	3
Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset	303	228
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	0	0
Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset	0	0
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	2,250	1,546
Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset	0	0
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	541	386
Direct index-linked annuities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset	0	0
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	1,566	488
Direct index-linked annuities \| Assumed
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset	0	0
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	$ 316	$ 96

Derivatives (Credit Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 30	$ 11
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 1,712	$ 1,798
Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)	4 years 3 months 18 days	3 years 10 months 24 days
Credit default swaps \| Aaa/Aa/A
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 9	$ 8
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 615	$ 689
Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)	2 years 4 months 24 days	2 years
Credit default swaps \| Baa
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 21	$ 3
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 1,097	$ 1,109
Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)	5 years 3 months 18 days	5 years

Derivatives (Derivative Asset and Liability after Master Netting Arrangement or a Similiar Arrangement) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	$ 4,555	$ 2,820
Derivative Asset, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction	(1,599)	(1,671)
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	(1,831)	(1,053)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	1,125	96
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities, Offset	(1,088)	(83)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election	37	13
Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	2,232	2,104
Derivative Liability, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction	(1,599)	(1,671)
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	633	433
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities, Offset	(633)	(433)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election	$ 0	$ 0

Derivatives (Estimated Fair Value of OTC-Bilateral Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Derivatives in Net Liability Position	$ 633	$ 433
Fixed Maturity Securities
Derivative [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided	$ 1,250	$ 797

Derivatives (Derivatives Pertaining to Hedged Items - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative changes in Net	$ 399	$ 253

Fair Value (Recurring Fair Value Measurements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	$ 69,676	$ 61,348
Equity securities	148	140
Short-term Investments	1,483	0
Derivative assets: (1)	4,798	2,993
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	303	228
Separate account assets	96,782	91,511
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	6,909	4,628
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	4,673	2,516
Recurring
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	69,676	61,348
Equity securities	148	140
Short-term Investments	1,483
Derivative assets: (1)	4,495	2,765
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	303	228
Separate account assets	96,782	91,511
Total assets	172,887	155,992
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	2,236	2,112
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	4,673	2,516
Total liabilities	6,909	4,628
Recurring \| Interest rate derivatives
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	3,114	717
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	422	619
Recurring \| Foreign currency exchange rate
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	449	299
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	29	48
Recurring \| Credit
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	30	17
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)		3
Recurring \| Equity market
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	902	1,732
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	1,785	1,442
Recurring \| U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	30,307	24,059
Recurring \| U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	7,590	8,644
Recurring \| RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	9,140	8,435
Recurring \| Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	9,488	7,895
Recurring \| CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	5,545	5,133
Recurring \| State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	3,970	3,586
Recurring \| ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	1,911	2,111
Recurring \| Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	1,725	1,485
Recurring \| Level 1
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	1,570	2,334
Equity securities	11	13
Short-term Investments	1,018
Derivative assets: (1)	0	0
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	0	0
Separate account assets	224	217
Total assets	2,823	2,564
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	0	0
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Interest rate derivatives
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Foreign currency exchange rate
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Credit
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)		0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Equity market
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	1,570	2,334
Recurring \| Level 1 \| RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 2
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	67,050	58,055
Equity securities	133	124
Short-term Investments	465
Derivative assets: (1)	4,374	2,649
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	0	0
Separate account assets	96,558	91,293
Total assets	168,580	152,121
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	1,984	1,874
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	0	0
Total liabilities	1,984	1,874
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Interest rate derivatives
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	3,114	717
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	422	619
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Foreign currency exchange rate
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	436	288
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	28	48
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Credit
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	21	10
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)		2
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Equity market
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	803	1,634
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	1,534	1,205
Recurring \| Level 2 \| U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	29,875	23,740
Recurring \| Level 2 \| U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	6,020	6,310
Recurring \| Level 2 \| RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	9,063	8,429
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	9,112	7,503
Recurring \| Level 2 \| CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	5,511	5,004
Recurring \| Level 2 \| State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	3,897	3,512
Recurring \| Level 2 \| ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	1,847	2,072
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	1,725	1,485
Recurring \| Level 3
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	1,056	959
Equity securities	4	3
Short-term Investments	0
Derivative assets: (1)	121	116
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	303	228
Separate account assets	0	1
Total assets	1,484	1,307
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	252	238
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	4,673	2,516
Total liabilities	4,925	2,754
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Interest rate derivatives
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	0	0
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Foreign currency exchange rate
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	13	11
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	1	0
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Credit
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	9	7
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)		1
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Equity market
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	99	98
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	251	237
Recurring \| Level 3 \| U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	432	319
Recurring \| Level 3 \| U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 3 \| RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	77	6
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	376	392
Recurring \| Level 3 \| CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	34	129
Recurring \| Level 3 \| State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	73	74
Recurring \| Level 3 \| ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	64	39
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value ( Assets and Liabilities Measured - Quantitative Information) (Details) - Level 3	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Measurement Input, Mortality Rate \| Minimum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0002	0.0002
Measurement Input, Mortality Rate \| Maximum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.1131	0.1131
Measurement Input, Lapse Rate \| Minimum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0025	0.0025
Measurement Input, Lapse Rate \| Maximum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.1600	0.1600
Measurement Input, Utilization Rate \| Minimum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0000	0.0000
Measurement Input, Utilization Rate \| Maximum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.2500	0.2500
Measurement Input, Withdrawal Rate \| Minimum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0025	0.0025
Measurement Input, Withdrawal Rate \| Maximum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.1000	0.1000
Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities \| Minimum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.1650	0.1650
Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities \| Maximum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.2200	0.2200
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk \| Minimum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0061	0.0191
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk \| Maximum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0237	0.0266

Fair Value (Unobservable Input Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Net Derivatives (2)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ (134)	$ (284)	$ (122)	$ (279)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	(2)	(4)	(10)	(12)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	3	0	5	0
Purchases (7)	0	0	0	3
Sales (7)	0	0	0	0
Issuances (7)	0	0	0	0
Settlements (7)	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	2	0	(4)	0
Balance, end of period	(131)	(288)	(131)	(288)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	(2)	(4)	(11)	(12)
Net Embedded Derivatives (3)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	(3,450)	(1,498)	(2,288)	(2,007)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	(703)	(15)	(1,436)	767
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0		0
Purchases (7)	0	0	0	0
Sales (7)	0	0	0	0
Issuances (7)	0	0	0	0
Settlements (7)	(217)	(152)	(646)	(425)
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	0	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	(4,370)	(1,665)	(4,370)	(1,665)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	(778)	(13)	(1,647)	739
Corporate
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	748	1,815	711	1,937
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	0	0	0	2
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	(44)	11	(118)
Purchases (7)	117	56	178	164
Sales (7)	(22)	(50)	(78)	(183)
Issuances (7)	0	0	0	0
Settlements (7)	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	49	20	147	20
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(84)	(208)	(161)	(233)
Balance, end of period	808	1,589	808	1,589
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	0	0	0	(1)
Structured Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	108	1,261	174	1,222
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	0	10	1	21
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	1	(8)	3	(10)
Purchases (7)	61	287	74	339
Sales (7)	(6)	(114)	(24)	(227)
Issuances (7)	0	0	0	0
Settlements (7)	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	29	3	92	0
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(18)	(170)	(145)	(76)
Balance, end of period	175	1,269	175	1,269
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	0	4	1	14
State and political subdivision
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	74	8	74	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	0	2	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	(2)	0	0
Purchases (7)	0	0	0	0
Sales (7)	(1)	(6)	(1)	0
Issuances (7)	0	0	0	0
Settlements (7)	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	0	(2)	0	0
Balance, end of period	73	0	73	0
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	0	0	0	0
Foreign government
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	0	0	0	5
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	0	0	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases (7)	0	0	0	0
Sales (7)	0	0	0	0
Issuances (7)	0	0	0	0
Settlements (7)	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	0	0	0	(5)
Balance, end of period	0	0	0	0
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	0	0	0	0
Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	4	120	3	124
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	0	(2)	0	(4)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases (7)	0	0	0	0
Sales (7)	0	0	0	(3)
Issuances (7)	0	0	0	0
Settlements (7)	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	0	9	1	10
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	0	(5)	0	(5)
Balance, end of period	4	122	4	122
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	0	0	0	(4)
Short-term Investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	0	0	0	14
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	0	0	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases (7)	0	0	0	0
Sales (7)	0	0	0	(14)
Issuances (7)	0	0	0	0
Settlements (7)	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	0	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	0	0	0	0
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	0	0	0	0
Separate Account Assets (4)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	0	4	1	5
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	0	0	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases (7)	0	1	0	1
Sales (7)	0	0	(1)	(1)
Issuances (7)	0	0	0	0
Settlements (7)	0	0	0	(1)
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	0	(1)	0	0
Balance, end of period	0	4	0	4
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value (Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets
Policy loans	$ 915	$ 1,001
Liabilities
Separate account liabilities	96,782	91,511
Carrying Value
Assets
Mortgage loans	15,269	13,596
Policy loans	915	1,001
Other invested assets	63	77
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	1,612	1,426
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	15,469	15,183
Long-term debt	845	434
Other liabilities	898	395
Separate account liabilities	1,122	1,025
Estimated Fair Value
Assets
Mortgage loans	15,980	13,761
Policy loans	1,040	1,071
Other invested assets	63	77
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	2,028	1,532
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	15,682	13,732
Long-term debt	927	418
Other liabilities	902	377
Separate account liabilities	1,122	1,025
Estimated Fair Value \| Level 1
Assets
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Other invested assets	0	0
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	0	0
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Separate account liabilities	0	0
Estimated Fair Value \| Level 2
Assets
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	518	619
Other invested assets	50	64
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	46	31
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Long-term debt	40	38
Other liabilities	553	54
Separate account liabilities	1,122	1,025
Estimated Fair Value \| Level 3
Assets
Mortgage loans	15,980	13,761
Policy loans	522	452
Other invested assets	13	13
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	1,982	1,501
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	15,682	13,732
Long-term debt	887	380
Other liabilities	349	323
Separate account liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Long-term Debt (Details) - BLIC Surplus Note Due Mar 2059 $ in Millions	Mar. 25, 2019 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 412
Debt instrument, interest rate	8.07%

Equity (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 2,674	$ 815	$ 718	$ 1,837
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax					$ (4)
Restated balance, beginning of period	2,674	815	718	1,837	1,837
OCI before reclassifications	1,105	(313)	3,651	(1,607)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(233)	64	(766)	355
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	3,546	566	3,603	506
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(18)	(9)	(90)	71
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	4	3	19	(17)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(14)	(6)	(71)	54
Balance, end of period	3,532	560	3,532	560
Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	2,521	671	564	1,709
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax					(79)
Restated balance, beginning of period	2,521	671	564	1,709	1,709
OCI before reclassifications	952	(298)	3,452	(1,633)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(200)	61	(725)	361
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	3,273	434	3,291	358
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(17)	37	(40)	136
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	3	(8)	8	(31)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(14)	29	(32)	105
Balance, end of period	3,259	463	3,259	463
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	172	162	180	151
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax					0
Restated balance, beginning of period	172	162	296	122	151
OCI before reclassifications	157	(7)	196	28
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(33)	2	(41)	(6)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	296	157	335	173
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(1)	(46)	(50)	(65)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	1	11	11	14
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	0	(35)	(39)	(51)
Balance, end of period	296	122	296	122
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	(19)	(18)	(26)	(23)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax					0
Restated balance, beginning of period	(19)	(18)	(23)	(23)	(23)
OCI before reclassifications	(4)	(8)	3	(2)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	0	1	0	0
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	(23)	(25)	(23)	(25)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0	0	0
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	0	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	$ (23)	$ (25)	$ (23)	(25)
AOCI Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax					(79)
Restatement Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period				1,758
Restated balance, beginning of period				1,758	1,758
Restatement Adjustment \| Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period				1,630
Restated balance, beginning of period				1,630	1,630
Restatement Adjustment \| Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period				151
Restated balance, beginning of period				151	151
Restatement Adjustment \| Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period				(23)
Restated balance, beginning of period				$ (23)	$ (23)

Equity (Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment gains (losses)	$ 14	$ (42)			$ 60	$ (120)
Net investment income	904	828			2,610	2,400
Net derivative gains (losses)	984	(665)			(218)	(1,230)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	708	(407)			172	(660)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(99)	108			46	195
Net income (loss)	609	(299)	$ (391)	$ (166)	218	(465)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	14	6			71	(54)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment gains (losses)	17	(36)			67	(136)
Net investment income	0	0			0	1
Net derivative gains (losses)	0	(1)			(27)	(1)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	17	(37)			40	(136)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(3)	8			(8)	31
Net income (loss)	14	(29)			32	(105)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges:
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	1	46			50	65
Income tax (expense) benefit	(1)	(11)			(11)	(14)
Net income (loss)	0	35			39	51
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges: \| Interest rate swaps
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment income	1	0			2	2
Net derivative gains (losses)	0	15			28	31
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges: \| Interest rate forwards
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment income	0	1			0	2
Net derivative gains (losses)	0	30			0	31
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges: \| Foreign currency swaps
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net derivative gains (losses)	$ 0	$ 0			$ 20	$ (1)

Other Expenses (Other Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Compensation	$ 71	$ 63	$ 217	$ 213
Contracted services and other labor costs	66	53	162	152
Transition services agreements	62	67	189	206
Establishment costs	20	100	93	100
Premium and other taxes, licenses and fees	14	11	30	51
Separate account fees	0	0	2	1
Volume related costs, excluding compensation, net of DAC capitalization	144	154	436	462
Interest expense on debt	17	0	43	2
Other	70	61	181	166
Total other expenses	$ 464	$ 509	$ 1,353	$ 1,353

Other Revenues and Other Expenses Other Revenues (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Distribution
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	$ 60	$ 65	$ 179	$ 195

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Commitments and Guarantees - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Cumulative maximum indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation	$ 128
Liabilities for indemnities, guarantees and commitments	1	$ 2
Minimum
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation range	6
Maximum
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation range	122
Mortgage Loan Commitments
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	235	492
Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	$ 1,900	$ 1,900

Related Party Transactions (Effects of Affiliated Reinsurance on Statements of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Premiums:
Net premiums	$ 206	$ 218	$ 649	$ 653
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	725	826	2,190	2,447
Other revenues:
Other revenues	68	73	199	222
Affiliated Entity
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	56	59	165	179
Affiliated Entity \| Assumed
Premiums:
Reinsurance assumed	(1)	1	0	8
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Reinsurance assumed	2	2	5	49
Other revenues:
Reinsurance assumed	1	0	2	1
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Reinsurance assumed	8	8	25	38
Affiliated Entity \| Ceded
Premiums:
Reinsurance ceded	0	0	0	(201)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Reinsurance ceded	0	0	0	1
Other revenues:
Reinsurance ceded	0	0	0	18
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Reinsurance ceded	0	0	0	(177)
Affiliated Entity \| Reinsurance
Premiums:
Net premiums	(1)	1	0	(193)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	2	2	5	50
Other revenues:
Other revenues	1	0	2	19
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Net policyholder benefits and claims	$ 8	$ 8	$ 25	$ (139)

Related Party Transactions (Effects of Affiliated Reinsurance on Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets:
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$ 13,847	$ 13,113
Liabilities:
Policyholder account balances	44,325	39,330
Assumed
Assets:
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	21	21
Liabilities:
Policyholder account balances	542	386
Other policy-related balances	10	14
Other liabilities	(26)	(38)
Ceded
Assets:
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	0	0
Liabilities:
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Other policy-related balances	0	0
Other liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Related Party Transactions (Related Party Reinsurance Transactions - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	$ 4,673		$ 4,673		$ 2,516
Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	542		542		$ 386
Embedded Derivatives Gains (Losses)	$ (106)	$ 33	$ (154)	$ 150

Related Party Transactions Related Party Transaction (Shared Service and Overhead Allocations - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	$ 274	$ 386	$ 846	$ 887
Insurance Commissions and Fees	725	826	2,190	2,447
Costs and Expenses, Related Party		27		56
Affiliated Entity
Insurance Commissions and Fees	56	$ 59	165	$ 179
All Services and Transactions Except Broker Dealer Activities [Member]
Due from (to) Related Parties	$ (93)		$ (93)		$ (50)

Related Party Transactions Related Party Transaction (Broker Dealer - Narrative) (Details) - Broker Dealer Activities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Related Parties	$ 52	$ 55	$ 153	$ 166
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	397	$ 214	603	$ 540
Due from Related Parties	$ 17		$ 17		$ 17

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Sep. 30, 2019	Nov. 06, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity File Number	033-03094
Entity Central Index Key	0000733076
Entity Registrant Name	Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	06-0566090
Entity Address, Address Line One	11225 North Community House Road,
Entity Address, City or Town	Charlotte,
Entity Address, State or Province	NC
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	28277
City Area Code	980
Local Phone Number	365-7100
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		3,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $62,138 and $59,672, respectively)	$ 69,676	$ 61,348
Equity securities, at estimated fair value	148	140
Mortgage loans (net of valuation allowances of $64 and $56, respectively)	15,269	13,596
Policy loans	915	1,001
Real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies	458	451
Other limited partnership interests	1,894	1,839
Short-term Investments	1,483	0
Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value	4,738	3,037
Total investments	94,581	81,412
Cash and cash equivalents	3,720	3,494
Accrued investment income	709	704
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	13,847	13,113
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	4,711	5,086
Current income tax recoverable	21	1
Other assets	476	509
Separate account assets	96,782	91,511
Total assets	214,847	195,830
Liabilities
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, after Reinsurance	39,232	35,588
Policyholder account balances	44,325	39,330
Other policy-related balances	2,778	2,728
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	5,271	5,047
Long-term debt	845	434
Current income tax payable	0	2
Deferred income tax liability	1,680	944
Other liabilities	4,112	3,455
Separate account liabilities	96,782	91,511
Total liabilities	195,025	179,039
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 10)
Equity
Common stock, par value $25,000 per share; 4,000 shares authorized; 3,000 shares issued and outstanding	75	75
Additional paid-in capital	19,073	19,073
Retained earnings (deficit)	(2,873)	(3,090)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	3,532	718
Total Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s stockholder’s equity	19,807	16,776
Noncontrolling interests	15	15
Total equity	19,822	16,791
Total liabilities and equity	$ 214,847	$ 195,830

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 62,138	$ 59,672
Mortgage loans valuation allowances	$ 64	$ 56
Equity
Common stock, par value	$ 25,000	$ 25,000
Common stock, shares authorized	4,000	4,000
Common stock, shares issued	3,000	3,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	3,000	3,000

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenues
Premiums	$ 206	$ 218	$ 649	$ 653
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees	725	826	2,190	2,447
Net investment income	904	828	2,610	2,400
Other revenues	68	73	199	222
Net investment gains (losses)	14	(42)	60	(120)
Net derivative gains (losses)	984	(665)	(218)	(1,230)
Total revenues	2,901	1,238	5,490	4,372
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims	1,282	805	2,836	2,312
Interest credited to policyholder account balances	263	265	771	785
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	184	66	358	582
Other expenses	464	509	1,353	1,353
Total expenses	2,193	1,645	5,318	5,032
Income (loss) before provision for income tax	708	(407)	172	(660)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	99	(108)	(46)	(195)
Net income (loss)	609	(299)	218	(465)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	1	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company	609	(299)	217	(465)
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,467	(554)	3,032	(1,663)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	1	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company	$ 1,467	$ (554)	$ 3,031	$ (1,663)

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Stockholder’s Equity	Noncontrolling Interests	Restatement Adjustment	Restatement Adjustment Common Stock	Restatement Adjustment Additional Paid-in Capital	Restatement Adjustment Retained Earnings (Deficit)	Restatement Adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Restatement Adjustment Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Stockholder’s Equity	Restatement Adjustment Noncontrolling Interests
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle and other, net of income tax (Note 1)	$ (4)			$ 75	$ (79)	$ (4)
Total equity	16,868						$ 15	$ 16,864						$ 15
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017		$ 75	$ 19,073	(4,132)	1,837	16,853			$ 75	$ 19,073	$ (4,057)	$ 1,758	$ 16,849
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company				(166)		(166)
Net income (loss)	(166)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	(943)				(943)	(943)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2018		75	19,073	(4,223)	815	15,740
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017		75	19,073	(4,132)	1,837	16,853			$ 75	$ 19,073	$ (4,057)	$ 1,758	$ 16,849
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company	(465)
Net income (loss)	(465)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018		75	19,073	(4,522)	560	15,186
Total equity	15,755						15
Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2018		75	19,073	(4,223)	815	15,740
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company	(299)			(299)		(299)
Net income (loss)	(299)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	(255)				(255)	(255)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018		75	19,073	(4,522)	560	15,186
Total equity	15,201						15
Total equity	16,791						15
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	16,776	75	19,073	(3,090)	718	16,776
Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)	(1)					0	(1)
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company				(392)		(392)	1
Net income (loss)	(391)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	1,956				1,956	1,956
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2019		75	19,073	(3,482)	2,674	18,340
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	16,776	75	19,073	(3,090)	718	16,776
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company	217
Net income (loss)	218
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	19,807	75	19,073	(2,873)	3,532	19,807
Total equity	18,355						15
Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2019		75	19,073	(3,482)	2,674	18,340
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company	609			609		609
Net income (loss)	609
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	858				858	858
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	19,807	$ 75	$ 19,073	$ (2,873)	$ 3,532	$ 19,807
Total equity	$ 19,822						$ 15

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

+ Details

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ 1,643	$ 1,960
Cash flows from investing activities
Sales, maturities and repayments of fixed maturity securities	11,160	11,533
Sales, maturities and repayments of equity securities	29	15
Sales, maturities and repayments of mortgage loans	924	443
Sales, maturities and repayments of real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies	2	87
Sales, maturities and repayments of other limited partnership interests	203	137
Purchases of fixed maturity securities	(12,982)	(11,802)
Purchases of equity securities	(3)	(1)
Purchases of mortgage loans	(2,625)	(2,771)
Purchases of real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies	(13)	(31)
Purchases of other limited partnership interests	(308)	(194)
Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives	1,178	1,140
Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives	(1,704)	(2,284)
Issuance of loan to affiliate	0	(2)
Net change in policy loans	86	80
Net change in short-term investments	(1,477)	154
Net change in other invested assets	21	35
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(5,509)	(3,461)
Cash flows from financing activities
Policyholder account balances: Deposits	5,279	4,259
Policyholder account balances: Withdrawals	(1,963)	(2,129)
Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	224	(125)
Long-term debt issued	412	200
Long-term debt repaid	(1)	(9)
Financing element on certain derivative instruments and other derivative related transactions, net	179	(386)
Other, net	(38)	(39)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	4,092	1,771
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	226	270
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	3,494	1,363
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	3,720	1,633
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Net cash paid (received) for interest	30	2
Net cash paid (received) for income tax	$ 0	$ 3

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business

Basis of Presentation

Consolidation

Reclassifications

Since the Company is a member of a controlled group of affiliated companies, its results may not be indicative of those of a stand-alone entity.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

ASUs issued but not yet adopted as of September 30, 2019 are summarized in the table below.



Standard	Description	Effective Date	Impact on Financial Statements
ASU 2018-12, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts	The amendments to Topic 944 will result in significant changes to the accounting for long-duration insurance contracts. These changes (1) require all guarantees that qualify as market risk benefits to be measured at fair value, (2) require more frequent updating of assumptions and modify existing discount rate requirements for certain insurance liabilities, (3) modify the methods of amortization for deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”), and (4) require new qualitative and quantitative disclosures around insurance contract asset and liability balances and the judgments, assumptions and methods used to measure those balances. The market risk benefit guidance is required to be applied on a retrospective basis, while the changes to guidance for insurance liabilities and DAC may be applied to existing carrying amounts on the effective date or on a retrospective basis.	The amendments were originally effective on January 1, 2021. On October 16, 2019, the FASB voted to change the effective date of the ASU to January 1, 2022.	The Company is in the early stages of evaluating the new guidance and therefore is unable to estimate the impact to its financial statements. The most significant impact will be the measurement of liabilities for variable annuity guarantees.
ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments	The amendments to Topic 326 replace the incurred loss impairment methodology for certain financial instruments with one that reflects expected credit losses based on historical loss information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The new guidance also requires that an other-than- temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on a debt security will be recognized as an allowance going forward, such that improvements in expected future cash flows after an impairment will no longer be reflected as a prospective yield adjustment through net investment income, but rather a reversal of the previous impairment and recognized through realized investment gains and losses.	January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method (with early adoption permitted beginning January 1, 2019)	The Company expects to reduce retained earnings upon adoption due to an increase in its allowance for credit losses; the amount is not expected to be material.

Segment Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

2. Segment Information

The Company is organized into three segments: Annuities; Life; and Run-off. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other.

Annuities

Life

Run-off

Corporate & Other

Financial Measures and Segment Accounting Policies

Adjusted earnings, which may be positive or negative, focuses on the Company’s primary businesses principally by excluding the impact of market volatility, which could distort trends.

The following are significant items excluded from total revenues, net of income tax, in calculating adjusted earnings:


•	Net investment gains (losses);


•	Net derivative gains (losses) except earned income on derivatives and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments or that are used to replicate certain investments, but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment; and


•	Certain variable annuity guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIBs”) fees (“GMIB Fees”) and amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses).

The following are significant items excluded from total expenses, net of income tax, in calculating adjusted earnings:


•	Amounts associated with benefits related to GMIBs (“GMIB Costs”);


•	Amounts associated with periodic crediting rate adjustments based on the total return of a contractually referenced pool of assets and market value adjustments associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts (“Market Value Adjustments”); and


•	Amortization of DAC and value of business acquired (“VOBA”) related to: (i) net investment gains (losses), (ii) net derivative gains (losses), (iii) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs and (iv) Market Value Adjustments.

The tax impact of the adjustments mentioned above is calculated net of the statutory tax rate, which could differ from the Company’s effective tax rate.

Set forth in the tables below are the operating results with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.



	Operating Results
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019	Annuities		Life		Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$	247	$	88	$	(543	)	$	(70	)	$	(278	)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	50		18		(117		)	(60		)	(109		)
Post-tax adjusted earnings	197		70		(426		)	(10		)	(169		)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—
Adjusted earnings	$	197	$	70	$	(426	)	$	(10	)	(169		)
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)											14
Net derivative gains (losses)											984
Other adjustments to net income											(12		)
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit											(208		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company											$	609

Interest revenue	$	458	$	101	$	327		$	18
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	17



	Operating Results
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018	Annuities		Life		Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$	469	$	52	$	(135	)	$	(120	)	$	266
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	81		10		(29		)	(30		)	32
Post-tax adjusted earnings	388		42		(106		)	(90		)	234
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—
Adjusted earnings	$	388	$	42	$	(106	)	$	(90	)	234
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)											(42		)
Net derivative gains (losses)											(665		)
Other adjustments to net income											34
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit											140
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company											$	(299	)

Interest revenue	$	395	$	96	$	322		$	12
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—



	Operating Results
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019	Annuities		Life		Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$	915	$	185	$	(587	)	$	(210	)	$	303
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	172		38		(127		)	(102		)	(19		)
Post-tax adjusted earnings	743		147		(460		)	(108		)	322
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			1			1
Adjusted earnings	$	743	$	147	$	(460	)	$	(109	)	321
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)											60
Net derivative gains (losses)											(218		)
Other adjustments to net income											27
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit											27
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company											$	217

Interest revenue	$	1,344	$	284	$	942		$	40
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	43



	Operating Results
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018	Annuities		Life		Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$	979	$	142	$	(79	)	$	(175	)	$	867
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	168		28		(18		)	(53		)	125
Post-tax adjusted earnings	811		114		(61		)	(122		)	742
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—
Adjusted earnings	$	811	$	114	$	(61	)	$	(122	)	742
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)											(120		)
Net derivative gains (losses)											(1,230		)
Other adjustments to net income											(177		)
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit											320
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company											$	(465	)

Interest revenue	$	1,128	$	276	$	979		$	29
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	2

The following table presents total revenues with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other:



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018			2019		2018
	(In millions)
Annuities	$	1,037	$	995		$	3,052	$	2,957
Life	278		307			807		885
Run-off	484		536			1,487		1,594
Corporate & Other	40		41			110		108
Adjustments	1,062		(641		)	34		(1,172		)
Total	$	2,901	$	1,238		$	5,490	$	4,372

The following table presents total assets with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, at:



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Annuities	$	150,615	$	137,079
Life	15,553		14,928
Run-off	36,096		32,390
Corporate & Other	12,583		11,433
Total	$	214,847	$	195,830

Insurance

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Insurance [Abstract]

Insurance

3. Insurance

Guarantees

The Company also has universal and variable life insurance contracts with secondary guarantees.

Information regarding the Company’s guarantee exposure was as follows at:



	September 30, 2019						December 31, 2018
	In the Event of Death			At Annuitization			In the Event of Death			At Annuitization
	(Dollars in millions)
Annuity Contracts (1), (2)
Variable Annuity Guarantees
Total account value (3)	$	97,460		$	55,859		$	92,794		$	53,330
Separate account value	$	92,798		$	54,801		$	88,065		$	52,225
Net amount at risk	$	7,335	(4)	$	4,729	(5)	$	10,945	(4)	$	3,903	(5)
Average attained age of contract holders	69 years			69 years			69 years			68 years



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	Secondary Guarantees
	(Dollars in millions)
Universal Life Contracts
Total account value (3)	$	6,000	$	6,099
Net amount at risk (6)	$	71,641	$	73,131
Average attained age of policyholders	66 years		65 years

Variable Life Contracts
Total account value (3)	$	1,072	$	954
Net amount at risk (6)	$	12,345	$	13,040
Average attained age of policyholders	45 years		45 years

__________________


(1)	The Company’s annuity contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract. Therefore, the amounts listed above may not be mutually exclusive.

(2)


(3)	Includes the contract holder’s investments in the general account and separate account, if applicable.


(4)	Defined as the death benefit less the total account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date and includes any additional contractual claims associated with riders purchased to assist with covering income taxes payable upon death.

(5)

(6)

Investments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investments

4. Investments

Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-sale (“AFS”)

Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector

The following table presents the fixed maturity securities AFS by sector at:



	September 30, 2019											December 31, 2018
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized							Estimated Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized							Estimated Fair Value
	Amortized Cost		Gains		Temporary Losses		OTTI Losses (1)			Estimated Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Gains		Temporary Losses		OTTI Losses (1)			Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	27,409	$	2,972	$	74	$	—		$	30,307	$	23,902	$	816	$	659	$	—		$	24,059
U.S. government and agency	5,387		2,203		—		—			7,590		7,503		1,251		110		—			8,644
RMBS	8,634		513		12		(5		)	9,140		8,309		246		122		(2		)	8,435
Foreign corporate	8,922		675		109		—			9,488		8,044		157		306		—			7,895
CMBS	5,208		340		3		—			5,545		5,177		42		87		(1		)	5,133
State and political subdivision	3,205		765		—		—			3,970		3,202		399		15		—			3,586
ABS	1,894		27		10		—			1,911		2,120		13		22		—			2,111
Foreign government	1,479		251		5		—			1,725		1,415		101		31		—			1,485
Total fixed maturity securities	$	62,138	$	7,746	$	213	$	(5	)	$	69,676	$	59,672	$	3,025	$	1,352	$	(3	)	$	61,348

__________________


(1)	Noncredit OTTI losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) in an unrealized gain position are due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of noncredit losses on such securities.

Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date, were as follows at September 30, 2019:



	Due in One Year or Less		Due After One Year Through Five Years		Due After Five Years Through Ten Years		Due After Ten Years		Structured Securities (1)		Total Fixed Maturity Securities
	(In millions)
Amortized cost	$	1,873	$	6,610	$	12,382	$	25,537	$	15,736	$	62,138
Estimated fair value	$	1,877	$	6,803	$	13,211	$	31,189	$	16,596	$	69,676

__________________


(1)	Structured securities include residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) (collectively, “Structured Securities”).

Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector



	September 30, 2019								December 31, 2018
	Less than 12 Months				Equal to or Greater than 12 Months				Less than 12 Months				Equal to or Greater than 12 Months
	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in millions)
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	1,541	$	42	$	404	$	32	$	10,450	$	465	$	2,290	$	194
U.S. government and agency	75		—		—		—		359		7		1,355		103
RMBS	524		3		411		4		1,550		21		2,567		99
Foreign corporate	831		28		581		81		3,916		199		746		107
CMBS	102		—		190		3		2,264		52		800		34
State and political subdivision	15		—		8		—		346		7		158		8
ABS	445		3		504		7		1,407		21		70		1
Foreign government	52		5		—		—		520		25		132		6
Total fixed maturity securities	$	3,585	$	81	$	2,098	$	127	$	20,812	$	797	$	8,118	$	552
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position	669				309				2,988				1,022

Evaluation of AFS Securities for OTTI and Evaluating Temporarily Impaired AFS Securities

Evaluation and Measurement Methodologies

Current Period Evaluation

Mortgage Loans

Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment

Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at:



	September 30, 2019					December 31, 2018
	Carrying Value			% of Total		Carrying Value			% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Mortgage loans:
Commercial	$	9,446		61.9	%	$	8,502		62.6	%
Agricultural	3,228			21.1		2,874			21.1
Residential	2,659			17.4		2,276			16.7
Subtotal (1)	15,333			100.4		13,652			100.4
Valuation allowances (2)	(64		)	(0.4	)	(56		)	(0.4	)
Total mortgage loans, net	$	15,269		100.0	%	$	13,596		100.0	%

__________________


(1)	Purchases of mortgage loans from third parties were $159 million and $722 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and $816 million and $1.4 billion for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and were primarily comprised of residential mortgage loans.


(2)	The valuation allowances were primarily from collective evaluation (non-specific loan related).

Information on commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loans is presented in the tables below.

Valuation Allowance Methodology

Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans

The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans was as follows at:



	Recorded Investment
	Debt Service Coverage Ratios								% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
	> 1.20x		1.00x - 1.20x		< 1.00x		Total		% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
September 30, 2019
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	8,328	$	128	$	141	$	8,597	91.0	%	$	9,083	91.2	%
65% to 75%	684		18		—		702		7.4		729		7.3
76% to 80%	138		—		9		147		1.6		146		1.5
Total	$	9,150	$	146	$	150	$	9,446	100.0	%	$	9,958	100.0	%

December 31, 2018
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	7,444	$	89	$	34	$	7,567	89.0	%	$	7,642	89.0	%
65% to 75%	762		—		24		786		9.2		797		9.3
76% to 80%	141		—		8		149		1.8		145		1.7
Total	$	8,347	$	89	$	66	$	8,502	100.0	%	$	8,584	100.0	%

Credit Quality of Agricultural Mortgage Loans

The credit quality of agricultural mortgage loans was as follows at:



	September 30, 2019				December 31, 2018
	Recorded Investment		% of Total		Recorded Investment		% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	2,983	92.4	%	$	2,551	88.8	%
65% to 75%	244		7.6		322		11.2
76% to 80%	1		—		1		—
Total	$	3,228	100.0	%	$	2,874	100.0	%

The estimated fair value of agricultural mortgage loans was $3.3 billion and $2.9 billion at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

Credit Quality of Residential Mortgage Loans

The credit quality of residential mortgage loans was as follows at:



	September 30, 2019				December 31, 2018
	Recorded Investment		% of Total		Recorded Investment		% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Performance indicators:
Performing	$	2,621	98.6	%	$	2,240	98.4	%
Nonperforming	38		1.4		36		1.6
Total	$	2,659	100.0	%	$	2,276	100.0	%

The estimated fair value of residential mortgage loans was $2.7 billion and $2.3 billion at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

Past Due, Nonaccrual and Modified Mortgage Loans

Other Invested Assets

Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)

The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in AOCI, were as follows:



	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	7,538		$	1,679
Derivatives	399			253
Other	(15		)	(15		)
Subtotal	7,922			1,917
Amounts allocated from:
Future policy benefits	(3,049		)	(885		)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(373		)	(90		)
Subtotal	(3,422		)	(975		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(945		)	(198		)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	3,555		$	744

The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows:



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2018	$	744
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period	6,005
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
Future policy benefits	(2,164		)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(283		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(747		)
Balance, September 30, 2019	$	3,555
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	2,811

Concentrations of Credit Risk

There were no investments in any counterparty that were greater than 10% of the Company’s equity, other than the U.S. government and its agencies, at both September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

Securities Lending

Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at:



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Securities on loan: (1)
Amortized cost	$	2,055	$	3,056
Estimated fair value	$	3,214	$	3,628
Cash collateral received from counterparties (2)	$	3,244	$	3,646
Security collateral received from counterparties (3)	$	35	$	55
Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value	$	3,354	$	3,658

__________________


(1)	Included within fixed maturity securities.


(2)	Included within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions.


(3)	Security collateral received from counterparties may not be sold or re-pledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected on the consolidated financial statements.

The cash collateral liability by loaned security type and remaining tenor of the agreements were as follows at:



	September 30, 2019								December 31, 2018
	Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements								Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements
	Open (1)		1 Month or Less		1 to 6 Months		Total		Open (1)		1 Month or Less		1 to 6 Months		Total
	(In millions)
U.S. government and agency	$	1,561	$	1,283	$	400	$	3,244	$	1,474	$	1,823	$	349	$	3,646

__________________


(1)	The related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day which would require the Company to immediately return the cash collateral.

Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral

Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral are presented below at estimated fair value at:



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) (1)	$	9,439	$	8,172
Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements) (2)	4,429		3,455
Invested assets pledged as collateral (3)	3,469		3,340
Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral	$	17,337	$	14,967

__________________


(1)	The Company has assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, on deposit with governmental authorities relating to certain policyholder liabilities, of which $75 million and $55 million of the assets on deposit balance represents restricted cash at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.


(2)	The Company has assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, held in trust relating to certain reinsurance transactions. $132 million and $87 million of the assets held in trust balance represents restricted cash at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.


(3)	The Company has pledged invested assets in connection with various agreements and transactions, including funding agreements (see Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2018 Annual Report) and derivative transactions (see Note 5).

See “— Securities Lending” for information regarding securities on loan.

Variable Interest Entities

There were no material VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary at September 30, 2019 or December 31, 2018.

The Company’s investments in unconsolidated VIEs are described below.

Fixed Maturity Securities

Limited Partnerships and LLCs

The carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss related to the VIEs in which the Company concluded that it holds a variable interest, but is not the primary beneficiary, were as follows at:



	September 30, 2019				December 31, 2018
	Carrying Amount		Maximum Exposure to Loss		Carrying Amount		Maximum Exposure to Loss
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	13,246	$	12,475	$	12,848	$	12,848
Limited partnerships and LLCs	1,833		3,052		1,743		3,130
Total	$	15,079	$	15,527	$	14,591	$	15,978

Net Investment Income

The components of net investment income were as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
	(In millions)
Investment income:
Fixed maturity securities	$	654	$	624	$	1,962	$	1,857
Equity securities	1		1		6		5
Mortgage loans	172		137		505		381
Policy loans	12		12		34		50
Real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies	12		12		32		36
Other limited partnership interests	68		70		143		159
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	25		5		52		15
Other	10		20		28		40
Subtotal	954		881		2,762		2,543
Less: Investment expenses	50		53		152		143
Net investment income	$	904	$	828	$	2,610	$	2,400

See “— Related Party Investment Transactions” for discussion of related party investment expenses.

Net Investment Gains (Losses)

Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses)

The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	16		$	(34	)	$	63		$	(137	)
Equity securities	3			(2		)	14			(5		)
Mortgage loans	(1		)	(5		)	(8		)	(12		)
Real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies	—			—			—			42
Other limited partnership interests	(3		)	—			(8		)	—
Other	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)	(8		)
Total net investment gains (losses)	$	14		$	(42	)	$	60		$	(120	)

Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity Securities



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(In millions)
Proceeds	$	1,371		$	3,070		$	8,007		$	8,358
Gross investment gains	$	31		$	57		$	194		$	69
Gross investment losses	(15		)	(91		)	(131		)	(206		)
Net investment gains (losses)	$	16		$	(34	)	$	63		$	(137	)

Related Party Investment Transactions

Derivatives

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

5. Derivatives

Accounting for Derivatives

Freestanding Derivatives

Hedge Accounting

Embedded Derivatives

Derivative Strategies

Interest Rate Derivatives

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Derivatives

Foreign currency forwards: The Company uses foreign currency forwards to hedge currency exposure on its invested assets. Foreign currency forwards are used in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Credit Derivatives

Equity Derivatives

Primary Risks Managed by Derivatives

The following table presents the primary underlying risk exposure, gross notional amount, and estimated fair value of the Company’s derivatives, held at:



		September 30, 2019						December 31, 2018
	Primary Underlying Risk Exposure	Gross Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value				Gross Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value
	Primary Underlying Risk Exposure	Gross Notional Amount		Assets		Liabilities		Gross Notional Amount		Assets		Liabilities
		(In millions)
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate forwards	Interest rate	$	460	$	51	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Foreign currency swaps	Foreign currency exchange rate	2,674		304		16		2,461		200		30
Total qualifying hedges		3,134		355		16		2,461		200		30
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate swaps	Interest rate	8,730		1,049		32		10,747		528		558
Interest rate caps	Interest rate	3,350		2		—		3,350		21		—
Interest rate futures	Interest rate	—		—		—		53		—		—
Interest rate options	Interest rate	27,250		1,771		375		17,168		168		61
Interest rate forwards	Interest rate	4,143		241		15		—		—		—
Foreign currency swaps	Foreign currency exchange rate	1,066		143		13		1,398		99		18
Foreign currency forwards	Foreign currency exchange rate	118		2		—		125		—		—
Credit default swaps — purchased	Credit	12		—		—		98		3		—
Credit default swaps — written	Credit	1,712		30		—		1,798		14		3
Equity futures	Equity market	—		—		—		169		—		—
Equity index options	Equity market	46,098		766		1,503		45,815		1,372		1,207
Equity variance swaps	Equity market	5,574		95		249		5,574		80		232
Equity total return swaps	Equity market	5,037		41		33		3,920		280		3
Total non-designated or nonqualifying derivatives		103,090		4,140		2,220		90,215		2,565		2,082
Embedded derivatives:
Ceded guaranteed minimum income benefits	Other	N/A		303		—		N/A		228		—
Direct guaranteed minimum benefits	Other	N/A		—		2,250		N/A		—		1,546
Direct index-linked annuities	Other	N/A		—		1,566		N/A		—		488
Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits	Other	N/A		—		541		N/A		—		386
Assumed index-linked annuities	Other	N/A		—		316		N/A		—		96
Total embedded derivatives		N/A		303		4,673		N/A		228		2,516
Total		$	106,224	$	4,798	$	6,909	$	92,676	$	2,993	$	4,628



	Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives			Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items			Net Investment Income		Policyholder Benefits and Claims			Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	—		$	—		$	1	$	—		$	51
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	—			—			9		—			106
Total cash flow hedges	—			—			10		—			157
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	1,656			—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	49			(2		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	2			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(18		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	(703		)	—			—		—			—
Total non-qualifying hedges	986			(2		)	—		—			—
Total	$	986		$	(2	)	$	10	$	—		$	157
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	(2	)	$	2		$	—	$	—		$	—
Total fair value hedges	(2		)	2			—		—			—
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	45			—			1		—			(3		)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives				—			6		—			(4		)
Total cash flow hedges	45			—			7		—			(7		)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	(266		)	—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	6			(2		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	11			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(446		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	(13		)	—			—		(2		)	—
Total non-qualifying hedges	(708		)	(2		)	—		(2		)	—
Total	$	(665	)	$	—		$	7	$	(2	)	$	(7	)



	Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives			Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items			Net Investment Income		Policyholder Benefits and Claims			Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI
	(In millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	28		$	—		$	2	$	—		$	51
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	20			(23		)	25		—			145
Total cash flow hedges	48			(23		)	27		—			196
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	2,905			—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	71			(6		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	31			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(1,808		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	(1,436		)	—			—		—			—
Total non-qualifying hedges	(237		)	(6		)	—		—			—
Total	$	(189	)	$	(29	)	$	27	$	—		$	196
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	(12	)	$	12		$	1	$	—		$	—
Total fair value hedges	(12		)	12			1		—			—
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	62			—			4		—			(5		)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	(1		)	—			17		—			33
Total cash flow hedges	61			—			21		—			28
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	(1,190		)	—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	29			(4		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	7			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(904		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	771			—			—		(4		)	—
Total non-qualifying hedges	(1,287		)	(4		)	—		(4		)	—
Total	$	(1,238	)	$	8		$	22	$	(4	)	$	28

At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the balance in AOCI associated with cash flow hedges was $399 million and $253 million, respectively.

Credit Derivatives

The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps at:



	September 30, 2019					December 31, 2018
Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations (1)	Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps		Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps		Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)	Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps		Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps		Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)
	(Dollars in millions)
Aaa/Aa/A	$	9	$	615	2.4	$	8	$	689	2.0
Baa	21		1,097		5.3	3		1,109		5.0
Total	$	30	$	1,712	4.3	$	11	$	1,798	3.9

__________________


(1)	The Company has written credit protection on both single name and index references. The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used.

(2)

The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average gross notional amounts.

Counterparty Credit Risk

See Note 6 for a description of the impact of credit risk on the valuation of derivatives.

The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at:



			Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	Gross Amount Recognized		Financial Instruments (1)			Collateral Received/Pledged (2)			Net Amount		Off-balance Sheet Securities Collateral (3)			Net Amount After Securities Collateral
	(In millions)
September 30, 2019
Derivative assets	$	4,555	$	(1,599	)	$	(1,831	)	$	1,125	$	(1,088	)	$	37
Derivative liabilities	$	2,232	$	(1,599	)	$	—		$	633	$	(633	)	$	—
December 31, 2018
Derivative assets	$	2,820	$	(1,671	)	$	(1,053	)	$	96	$	(83	)	$	13
Derivative liabilities	$	2,104	$	(1,671	)	$	—		$	433	$	(433	)	$	—

__________________


(1)	Represents amounts subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement.


(2)	The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreement.


(3)	Securities collateral received by the Company is not recorded on the balance sheet. Amounts do not include excess of collateral pledged or received.



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Estimated fair value of derivatives in a net liability position (1)	$	633	$	433
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided (2):
Fixed maturity securities	$	1,250	$	797

__________________


(1)	After taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements.

(2)

Fair Value

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value

6. Fair Value

Recurring Fair Value Measurements



	September 30, 2019
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	—	$	29,875	$	432	$	30,307
U.S. government and agency	1,570		6,020		—		7,590
RMBS	—		9,063		77		9,140
Foreign corporate	—		9,112		376		9,488
CMBS	—		5,511		34		5,545
State and political subdivision	—		3,897		73		3,970
ABS	—		1,847		64		1,911
Foreign government	—		1,725		—		1,725
Total fixed maturity securities	1,570		67,050		1,056		69,676
Equity securities	11		133		4		148
Short-term investments	1,018		465		—		1,483
Derivative assets: (1)
Interest rate	—		3,114		—		3,114
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		436		13		449
Credit	—		21		9		30
Equity market	—		803		99		902
Total derivative assets	—		4,374		121		4,495
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)	—		—		303		303
Separate account assets	224		96,558		—		96,782
Total assets	$	2,823	$	168,580	$	1,484	$	172,887
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities: (1)
Interest rate	$	—	$	422	$	—	$	422
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		28		1		29
Equity market	—		1,534		251		1,785
Total derivative liabilities	—		1,984		252		2,236
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)	—		—		4,673		4,673
Total liabilities	$	—	$	1,984	$	4,925	$	6,909



	December 31, 2018
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	—	$	23,740	$	319	$	24,059
U.S. government and agency	2,334		6,310		—		8,644
RMBS	—		8,429		6		8,435
Foreign corporate	—		7,503		392		7,895
CMBS	—		5,004		129		5,133
State and political subdivision	—		3,512		74		3,586
ABS	—		2,072		39		2,111
Foreign government	—		1,485		—		1,485
Total fixed maturity securities	2,334		58,055		959		61,348
Equity securities	13		124		3		140
Derivative assets: (1)
Interest rate	—		717		—		717
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		288		11		299
Credit	—		10		7		17
Equity market	—		1,634		98		1,732
Total derivative assets	—		2,649		116		2,765
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)	—		—		228		228
Separate account assets	217		91,293		1		91,511
Total assets	$	2,564	$	152,121	$	1,307	$	155,992
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities: (1)
Interest rate	$	—	$	619	$	—	$	619
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		48		—		48
Credit	—		2		1		3
Equity market	—		1,205		237		1,442
Total derivative liabilities	—		1,874		238		2,112
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)	—		—		2,516		2,516
Total liabilities	$	—	$	1,874	$	2,754	$	4,628

__________________

(1)

(2)

Valuation Controls and Procedures

Determination of Fair Value

Fixed Maturity Securities

Equity Securities and Short-term Investments

Equity securities and short-term investments: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary input being quoted prices in markets that are not active.

Derivatives

Embedded Derivatives

Transfers Into or Out of Level 3:

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)



					September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018			Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Fair Value
	Valuation Techniques		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Range			Range			Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Fair Value
Embedded derivatives
Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits	•	Option pricing techniques	•	Mortality rates	0.02%	-	11.31%	0.02%	-	11.31%	Decrease (1)
			•	Lapse rates	0.25%	-	16.00%	0.25%	-	16.00%	Decrease (2)
			•	Utilization rates	0.00%	-	25.00%	0.00%	-	25.00%	Increase (3)
			•	Withdrawal rates	0.25%	-	10.00%	0.25%	-	10.00%	(4)
			•	Long-term equity volatilities	16.50%	-	22.00%	16.50%	-	22.00%	Increase (5)
			•	Nonperformance risk spread	0.61%	-	2.37%	1.91%	-	2.66%	Decrease (6)

___________________


(1)	Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. Range shown reflects the mortality rate for policyholders between 35 and 90 years old, which represents the majority of the business with living benefits. Mortality rate assumptions are set based on company experience and include an assumption for mortality improvement.

(2)

(3)

(4)


(5)	Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.


(6)	Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration. For any given contract, multiple nonperformance risk spreads will apply, depending on the duration of the cash flow being discounted for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

The following tables summarize the change of all assets and (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):



	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fixed Maturity Securities
	Corporate (1)			Structured Securities			State and Political Subdivision			Foreign Government		Equity Securities			Short-term Investments		Net Derivatives (2)			Net Embedded Derivatives (3)			Separate Account Assets (4)
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Balance, beginning of period	$	748		$	108		$	74		$	—	$	4		$	—	$	(134	)	$	(3,450	)	$	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	—			—			—			—		—			—		(2		)	(703		)	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	—			1			—			—		—			—		3			—			—
Purchases (7)	117			61			—			—		—			—		—			—			—
Sales (7)	(22		)	(6		)	(1		)	—		—			—		—			—			—
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—		—			—		—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			—		—			—		—			(217		)	—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	49			29			—			—		—			—		—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(84		)	(18		)	—			—		—			—		2			—			—
Balance, end of period	$	808		$	175		$	73		$	—	$	4		$	—	$	(131	)	$	(4,370	)	$	—
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,815		$	1,261		$	8		$	—	$	120		$	—	$	(284	)	$	(1,498	)	$	4
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	—			10			2			—		(2		)	—		(4		)	(15		)	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	(44		)	(8		)	(2		)	—		—			—		—			—			—
Purchases (7)	56			287			—			—		—			—		—			—			1
Sales (7)	(50		)	(114		)	(6		)	—		—			—		—			—			—
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—		—			—		—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			—		—			—		—			(152		)	—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	20			3			—			—		9			—		—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(208		)	(170		)	(2		)	—		(5		)	—		—			—			(1		)
Balance, end of period	$	1,589		$	1,269		$	—		$	—	$	122		$	—	$	(288	)	$	(1,665	)	$	4
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	(2	)	$	(778	)	$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2018 (9)	$	—		$	4		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	(4	)	$	(13	)	$	—



	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fixed Maturity Securities
	Corporate (1)			Structured Securities			State and Political Subdivision			Foreign Government			Equity Securities			Short-term Investments			Net Derivatives (2)			Net Embedded Derivatives (3)			Separate Account Assets (4)
	(In millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Balance, beginning of period	$	711		$	174		$	74		$	—		$	3		$	—		$	(122	)	$	(2,288	)	$	1
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	—			1			—			—			—			—			(10		)	(1,436		)	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	11			3			—			—			—			—			5						—
Purchases (7)	178			74			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Sales (7)	(78		)	(24		)	(1		)	—			—			—			—			—			(1		)
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			(646		)	—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	147			92			—			—			1			—			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(161		)	(145		)	—			—			—			—			(4		)	—			—
Balance, end of period	$	808		$	175		$	73		$	—		$	4		$	—		$	(131	)	$	(4,370	)	$	—
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,937		$	1,222		$	—		$	5		$	124		$	14		$	(279	)	$	(2,007	)	$	5
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	2			21			—			—			(4		)	—			(12		)	767			—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	(118		)	(10		)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Purchases (7)	164			339			—			—			—			—			3			—			1
Sales (7)	(183		)	(227		)	—			—			(3		)	(14		)	—			—			(1		)
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			(425		)	(1		)
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	20			—			—			—			10			—			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(233		)	(76		)	—			(5		)	(5		)	—			—			—			—
Balance, end of period	$	1,589		$	1,269		$	—		$	—		$	122		$	—		$	(288	)	$	(1,665	)	$	4
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	$	—		$	1		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(11	)	$	(1,647	)	$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2018 (9)	$	(1	)	$	14		$	—		$	—		$	(4	)	$	—		$	(12	)	$	739		$	—

__________________


(1)	Comprised of U.S. and foreign corporate securities.


(2)	Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.


(3)	Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.


(4)	Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contract holders within separate account liabilities. Therefore, such changes in estimated fair value are not recorded in net income (loss). For the purpose of this disclosure, these changes are presented within net investment gains (losses).

(5)


(6)	Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward.


(7)	Items purchased/issued and then sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. Fees attributed to embedded derivatives are included in settlements.


(8)	Gains and losses, in net income (loss) and OCI, are calculated assuming transfers into and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and then out of Level 3 in the same period are excluded from the rollforward.

(9)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value

The carrying values and estimated fair values for such financial instruments, and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows at:



	September 30, 2019
			Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	15,269	$	—	$	—	$	15,980	$	15,980
Policy loans	$	915	$	—	$	518	$	522	$	1,040
Other invested assets	$	63	$	—	$	50	$	13	$	63
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	1,612	$	—	$	46	$	1,982	$	2,028
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	15,469	$	—	$	—	$	15,682	$	15,682
Long-term debt	$	845	$	—	$	40	$	887	$	927
Other liabilities	$	898	$	—	$	553	$	349	$	902
Separate account liabilities	$	1,122	$	—	$	1,122	$	—	$	1,122



	December 31, 2018
			Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	13,596	$	—	$	—	$	13,761	$	13,761
Policy loans	$	1,001	$	—	$	619	$	452	$	1,071
Other invested assets	$	77	$	—	$	64	$	13	$	77
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	1,426	$	—	$	31	$	1,501	$	1,532
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	15,183	$	—	$	—	$	13,732	$	13,732
Long-term debt	$	434	$	—	$	38	$	380	$	418
Other liabilities	$	395	$	—	$	54	$	323	$	377
Separate account liabilities	$	1,025	$	—	$	1,025	$	—	$	1,025

- Definition

+ References + Details

Long-term Debt	9 Months Ended
Long-term Debt	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	7. Long-term Debt Surplus Note On March 25, 2019, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company issued a $412 million surplus note due March 2059 to Brighthouse Holdings, LLC, which bears interest at a fixed rate of 8.07%, payable annually. Payments of interest and principal on this surplus note may be made only with the prior approval of the Delaware Department of Insurance.

Equity

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Equity

8. Equity

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Information regarding changes in the balances of each component of AOCI was as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, June 30, 2019	$	2,521		$	172		$	(19	)	$	2,674
OCI before reclassifications	952			157			(4		)	1,105
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(200		)	(33		)	—			(233		)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	3,273			296			(23		)	3,546
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(17		)	(1		)	—			(18		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	3			1			—			4
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(14		)	—			—			(14		)
Balance, September 30, 2019	$	3,259		$	296		$	(23	)	$	3,532



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, June 30, 2018	$	671		$	162		$	(18	)	$	815
OCI before reclassifications	(298		)	(7		)	(8		)	(313		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	61			2			1			64
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	434			157			(25		)	566
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	37			(46		)	—			(9		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(8		)	11			—			3
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	29			(35		)	—			(6		)
Balance, September 30, 2018	$	463		$	122		$	(25	)	$	560



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2018	$	564		$	180		$	(26	)	$	718
OCI before reclassifications	3,452			196			3			3,651
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(725		)	(41		)	—			(766		)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	3,291			335			(23		)	3,603
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(40		)	(50		)	—			(90		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	8			11			—			19
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(32		)	(39		)	—			(71		)
Balance, September 30, 2019	$	3,259		$	296		$	(23	)	$	3,532



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2017	$	1,709		$	151		$	(23	)	$	1,837
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax	(79		)	—			—			(79		)
Balance, January 1, 2018	1,630			151			(23		)	1,758
OCI before reclassifications	(1,633		)	28			(2		)	(1,607		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	361			(6		)	—			355
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	358			173			(25		)	506
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	136			(65		)	—			71
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(31		)	14			—			(17		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	105			(51		)	—			54
Balance, September 30, 2018	$	463		$	122		$	(25	)	$	560

__________________


(1)	See Note 4 for information on offsets to investments related to future policy benefits, DAC, VOBA and DSI.

Information regarding amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI was as follows:



AOCI Components	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI												Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Locations
	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(In millions)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	17		$	(36	)	$	67		$	(136	)	Net investment gains (losses)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	—			—			—			1			Net investment income
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	—			(1		)	(27		)	(1		)	Net derivative gains (losses)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), before income tax	17			(37		)	40			(136		)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(3		)	8			(8		)	31
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax	14			(29		)	32			(105		)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	—			15			28			31			Net derivative gains (losses)
Interest rate swaps	1			—			2			2			Net investment income
Interest rate forwards	—			30			—			31			Net derivative gains (losses)
Interest rate forwards	—			1			—			2			Net investment income
Foreign currency swaps	—			—			20			(1		)	Net derivative gains (losses)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, before income tax	1			46			50			65
Income tax (expense) benefit	(1		)	(11		)	(11		)	(14		)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of income tax	—			35			39			51
Total reclassifications, net of income tax	$	14		$	6		$	71		$	(54	)

Other Revenues and Other Expenses

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Other Revenues and Other Expenses

9. Other Revenues and Other Expenses

Other Revenues

Other Expenses

Information on other expenses was as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
	(In millions)
Compensation	$	71	$	63	$	217	$	213
Contracted services and other labor costs	66		53		162		152
Transition services agreements	62		67		189		206
Establishment costs	20		100		93		100
Premium and other taxes, licenses and fees	14		11		30		51
Separate account fees	—		—		2		1
Volume related costs, excluding compensation, net of DAC capitalization	144		154		436		462
Interest expense on debt	17		—		43		2
Other	70		61		181		166
Total other expenses	$	464	$	509	$	1,353	$	1,353

Related Party Expenses

See Note 11 for a discussion of related party expenses included in the table above.

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees	9 Months Ended
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees	Sep. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees	10. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees Contingencies Litigation The Company is a defendant in a number of litigation matters. In some of the matters, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the assertion of monetary damages or other relief. Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the trial court. In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding reasonably possible verdicts in the jurisdiction for similar matters. This variability in pleadings, together with the actual experience of the Company in litigating or resolving through settlement numerous claims over an extended period of time, demonstrates to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value. Due to the vagaries of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time may normally be difficult to ascertain. Uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law in the context of the pleadings or evidence presented, whether by motion practice, or at trial or on appeal. Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law. The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. It is possible that some matters could require the Company to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be estimated at September 30, 2019. Matters as to Which an Estimate Can Be Made For some loss contingency matters, the Company is able to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss. For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no accrual has been made. As of September 30, 2019, the Company estimates the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued for these matters was not material. Matters as to Which an Estimate Cannot Be Made For other matters, the Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss. The Company is often unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of the range of possible loss, such as quantification of a damage demand from plaintiffs, discovery from other parties and investigation of factual allegations, rulings by the court on motions or appeals, analysis by experts, and the progress of settlement negotiations. On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company reviews relevant information with respect to litigation contingencies and updates its accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews. Sales Practices Claims Over the past several years, the Company has faced claims and regulatory inquiries and investigations, alleging improper marketing or sales of individual life insurance policies, annuities or other products. The Company continues to defend vigorously against the claims in these matters. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for sales practices matters. Summary Various litigation, claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, investor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations. It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to previously, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although, in light of these considerations, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods. Commitments Mortgage Loan Commitments The Company commits to lend funds under mortgage loan commitments. The amounts of these mortgage loan commitments were $235 million and $492 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments The Company commits to fund partnership investments and to lend funds under private corporate bond investments. The amounts of these unfunded commitments were $1.9 billion at both September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. Guarantees In the normal course of its business, the Company has provided certain indemnities, guarantees and commitments to third parties such that it may be required to make payments now or in the future. In the context of acquisition, disposition, investment and other transactions, the Company has provided indemnities and guarantees, including those related to tax, environmental and other specific liabilities and other indemnities and guarantees that are triggered by, among other things, breaches of representations, warranties or covenants provided by the Company. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Company provides indemnifications to counterparties in contracts with triggers similar to the foregoing, as well as for certain other liabilities, such as third-party lawsuits. These obligations are often subject to time limitations that vary in duration, including contractual limitations and those that arise by operation of law, such as applicable statutes of limitation. In some cases, the maximum potential obligation under the indemnities and guarantees is subject to a contractual limitation ranging from $6 million to $122 million, with a cumulative maximum of $128 million, while in other cases such limitations are not specified or applicable. Since certain of these obligations are not subject to limitations, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount that could become due under these guarantees in the future. Management believes that it is unlikely the Company will have to make any material payments under these indemnities, guarantees, or commitments. In addition, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers as provided in its charters and by-laws. Also, the Company indemnifies its agents for liabilities incurred as a result of their representation of the Company’s interests. Since these indemnities are generally not subject to limitation with respect to duration or amount, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount that could become due under these indemnities in the future. The Company’s recorded liabilities were $1 million and $2 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, for indemnities, guarantees and commitments.

Related Party Transactions

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Related Party Transactions

11. Related Party Transactions

Reinsurance Agreements



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018		2019		2018
	(In millions)
Premiums
Reinsurance assumed	$	(1	)	$	1	$	—	$	8
Reinsurance ceded	—			—		—		(201		)
Net premiums	$	(1	)	$	1	$	—	$	(193	)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
Reinsurance assumed	$	2		$	2	$	5	$	49
Reinsurance ceded	—			—		—		1
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	$	2		$	2	$	5	$	50
Other revenues
Reinsurance assumed	$	1		$	—	$	2	$	1
Reinsurance ceded	—			—		—		18
Net other revenues	$	1		$	—	$	2	$	19
Policyholder benefits and claims
Reinsurance assumed	$	8		$	8	$	25	$	38
Reinsurance ceded	—			—		—		(177		)
Net policyholder benefits and claims	$	8		$	8	$	25	$	(139	)

Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance with NELICO and former MetLife affiliates included on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows at:



	September 30, 2019					December 31, 2018
	Assumed			Ceded		Assumed			Ceded
	(In millions)
Assets
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	21		$	—	$	21		$	—
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	542		$	—	$	386		$	—
Other policy-related balances	$	10		$	—	$	14		$	—
Other liabilities	$	(26	)	$	—	$	(38	)	$	—

Shared Services and Overhead Allocations

The Company had net receivables (payables) from/to affiliates, related to the items discussed above, of ($93) million and ($50) million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

Broker-Dealer Transactions

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Basis of Presentation

Consolidation of Subsidiaries Policy [Policy Text Block]

Consolidation

Reclassifications

Since the Company is a member of a controlled group of affiliated companies, its results may not be indicative of those of a stand-alone entity.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

ASUs issued but not yet adopted as of September 30, 2019 are summarized in the table below.



Standard	Description	Effective Date	Impact on Financial Statements
ASU 2018-12, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts	The amendments to Topic 944 will result in significant changes to the accounting for long-duration insurance contracts. These changes (1) require all guarantees that qualify as market risk benefits to be measured at fair value, (2) require more frequent updating of assumptions and modify existing discount rate requirements for certain insurance liabilities, (3) modify the methods of amortization for deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”), and (4) require new qualitative and quantitative disclosures around insurance contract asset and liability balances and the judgments, assumptions and methods used to measure those balances. The market risk benefit guidance is required to be applied on a retrospective basis, while the changes to guidance for insurance liabilities and DAC may be applied to existing carrying amounts on the effective date or on a retrospective basis.	The amendments were originally effective on January 1, 2021. On October 16, 2019, the FASB voted to change the effective date of the ASU to January 1, 2022.	The Company is in the early stages of evaluating the new guidance and therefore is unable to estimate the impact to its financial statements. The most significant impact will be the measurement of liabilities for variable annuity guarantees.
ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments	The amendments to Topic 326 replace the incurred loss impairment methodology for certain financial instruments with one that reflects expected credit losses based on historical loss information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The new guidance also requires that an other-than- temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on a debt security will be recognized as an allowance going forward, such that improvements in expected future cash flows after an impairment will no longer be reflected as a prospective yield adjustment through net investment income, but rather a reversal of the previous impairment and recognized through realized investment gains and losses.	January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method (with early adoption permitted beginning January 1, 2019)	The Company expects to reduce retained earnings upon adoption due to an increase in its allowance for credit losses; the amount is not expected to be material.

Investments Policy [Policy Text Block]

Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities

Evaluation of AFS Securities for OTTI and Evaluating Temporarily Impaired AFS Securities

Evaluation and Measurement Methodologies

Past Due, Nonaccrual and Modified Mortgage Loans

Valuation Allowance Methodology

Variable Interest Entities

Derivatives Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accounting for Derivatives

Freestanding Derivatives

Hedge Accounting

Embedded Derivatives

Derivative Strategies

Counterparty Credit Risk

Segment Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting Information, by Segment

Set forth in the tables below are the operating results with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.



	Operating Results
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019	Annuities		Life		Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$	247	$	88	$	(543	)	$	(70	)	$	(278	)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	50		18		(117		)	(60		)	(109		)
Post-tax adjusted earnings	197		70		(426		)	(10		)	(169		)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—
Adjusted earnings	$	197	$	70	$	(426	)	$	(10	)	(169		)
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)											14
Net derivative gains (losses)											984
Other adjustments to net income											(12		)
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit											(208		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company											$	609

Interest revenue	$	458	$	101	$	327		$	18
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	17



	Operating Results
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018	Annuities		Life		Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$	469	$	52	$	(135	)	$	(120	)	$	266
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	81		10		(29		)	(30		)	32
Post-tax adjusted earnings	388		42		(106		)	(90		)	234
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—
Adjusted earnings	$	388	$	42	$	(106	)	$	(90	)	234
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)											(42		)
Net derivative gains (losses)											(665		)
Other adjustments to net income											34
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit											140
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company											$	(299	)

Interest revenue	$	395	$	96	$	322		$	12
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—



	Operating Results
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019	Annuities		Life		Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$	915	$	185	$	(587	)	$	(210	)	$	303
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	172		38		(127		)	(102		)	(19		)
Post-tax adjusted earnings	743		147		(460		)	(108		)	322
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			1			1
Adjusted earnings	$	743	$	147	$	(460	)	$	(109	)	321
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)											60
Net derivative gains (losses)											(218		)
Other adjustments to net income											27
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit											27
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company											$	217

Interest revenue	$	1,344	$	284	$	942		$	40
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	43



	Operating Results
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018	Annuities		Life		Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$	979	$	142	$	(79	)	$	(175	)	$	867
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	168		28		(18		)	(53		)	125
Post-tax adjusted earnings	811		114		(61		)	(122		)	742
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—
Adjusted earnings	$	811	$	114	$	(61	)	$	(122	)	742
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)											(120		)
Net derivative gains (losses)											(1,230		)
Other adjustments to net income											(177		)
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit											320
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company											$	(465	)

Interest revenue	$	1,128	$	276	$	979		$	29
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	2

The following table presents total assets with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, at:



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Annuities	$	150,615	$	137,079
Life	15,553		14,928
Run-off	36,096		32,390
Corporate & Other	12,583		11,433
Total	$	214,847	$	195,830

Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated

The following table presents total revenues with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other:



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018			2019		2018
	(In millions)
Annuities	$	1,037	$	995		$	3,052	$	2,957
Life	278		307			807		885
Run-off	484		536			1,487		1,594
Corporate & Other	40		41			110		108
Adjustments	1,062		(641		)	34		(1,172		)
Total	$	2,901	$	1,238		$	5,490	$	4,372

Insurance (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Insurance [Abstract]

Information regarding the Company’s guarantee exposure was as follows at:



	September 30, 2019						December 31, 2018
	In the Event of Death			At Annuitization			In the Event of Death			At Annuitization
	(Dollars in millions)
Annuity Contracts (1), (2)
Variable Annuity Guarantees
Total account value (3)	$	97,460		$	55,859		$	92,794		$	53,330
Separate account value	$	92,798		$	54,801		$	88,065		$	52,225
Net amount at risk	$	7,335	(4)	$	4,729	(5)	$	10,945	(4)	$	3,903	(5)
Average attained age of contract holders	69 years			69 years			69 years			68 years



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	Secondary Guarantees
	(Dollars in millions)
Universal Life Contracts
Total account value (3)	$	6,000	$	6,099
Net amount at risk (6)	$	71,641	$	73,131
Average attained age of policyholders	66 years		65 years

Variable Life Contracts
Total account value (3)	$	1,072	$	954
Net amount at risk (6)	$	12,345	$	13,040
Average attained age of policyholders	45 years		45 years

__________________


(1)	The Company’s annuity contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract. Therefore, the amounts listed above may not be mutually exclusive.

(2)


(3)	Includes the contract holder’s investments in the general account and separate account, if applicable.


(4)	Defined as the death benefit less the total account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date and includes any additional contractual claims associated with riders purchased to assist with covering income taxes payable upon death.

(5)

(6)

Investments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector

The following table presents the fixed maturity securities AFS by sector at:



	September 30, 2019											December 31, 2018
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized							Estimated Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized							Estimated Fair Value
	Amortized Cost		Gains		Temporary Losses		OTTI Losses (1)			Estimated Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Gains		Temporary Losses		OTTI Losses (1)			Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	27,409	$	2,972	$	74	$	—		$	30,307	$	23,902	$	816	$	659	$	—		$	24,059
U.S. government and agency	5,387		2,203		—		—			7,590		7,503		1,251		110		—			8,644
RMBS	8,634		513		12		(5		)	9,140		8,309		246		122		(2		)	8,435
Foreign corporate	8,922		675		109		—			9,488		8,044		157		306		—			7,895
CMBS	5,208		340		3		—			5,545		5,177		42		87		(1		)	5,133
State and political subdivision	3,205		765		—		—			3,970		3,202		399		15		—			3,586
ABS	1,894		27		10		—			1,911		2,120		13		22		—			2,111
Foreign government	1,479		251		5		—			1,725		1,415		101		31		—			1,485
Total fixed maturity securities	$	62,138	$	7,746	$	213	$	(5	)	$	69,676	$	59,672	$	3,025	$	1,352	$	(3	)	$	61,348

__________________


(1)	Noncredit OTTI losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) in an unrealized gain position are due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of noncredit losses on such securities.

Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date, were as follows at September 30, 2019:



	Due in One Year or Less		Due After One Year Through Five Years		Due After Five Years Through Ten Years		Due After Ten Years		Structured Securities (1)		Total Fixed Maturity Securities
	(In millions)
Amortized cost	$	1,873	$	6,610	$	12,382	$	25,537	$	15,736	$	62,138
Estimated fair value	$	1,877	$	6,803	$	13,211	$	31,189	$	16,596	$	69,676

__________________

(1)

Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector



	September 30, 2019								December 31, 2018
	Less than 12 Months				Equal to or Greater than 12 Months				Less than 12 Months				Equal to or Greater than 12 Months
	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in millions)
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	1,541	$	42	$	404	$	32	$	10,450	$	465	$	2,290	$	194
U.S. government and agency	75		—		—		—		359		7		1,355		103
RMBS	524		3		411		4		1,550		21		2,567		99
Foreign corporate	831		28		581		81		3,916		199		746		107
CMBS	102		—		190		3		2,264		52		800		34
State and political subdivision	15		—		8		—		346		7		158		8
ABS	445		3		504		7		1,407		21		70		1
Foreign government	52		5		—		—		520		25		132		6
Total fixed maturity securities	$	3,585	$	81	$	2,098	$	127	$	20,812	$	797	$	8,118	$	552
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position	669				309				2,988				1,022

Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment

Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at:



	September 30, 2019					December 31, 2018
	Carrying Value			% of Total		Carrying Value			% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Mortgage loans:
Commercial	$	9,446		61.9	%	$	8,502		62.6	%
Agricultural	3,228			21.1		2,874			21.1
Residential	2,659			17.4		2,276			16.7
Subtotal (1)	15,333			100.4		13,652			100.4
Valuation allowances (2)	(64		)	(0.4	)	(56		)	(0.4	)
Total mortgage loans, net	$	15,269		100.0	%	$	13,596		100.0	%

__________________


(1)	Purchases of mortgage loans from third parties were $159 million and $722 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and $816 million and $1.4 billion for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and were primarily comprised of residential mortgage loans.

(2)

The valuation allowances were primarily from collective evaluation (non-specific loan related).

Credit Quality of Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment

The credit quality of agricultural mortgage loans was as follows at:



	September 30, 2019				December 31, 2018
	Recorded Investment		% of Total		Recorded Investment		% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	2,983	92.4	%	$	2,551	88.8	%
65% to 75%	244		7.6		322		11.2
76% to 80%	1		—		1		—
Total	$	3,228	100.0	%	$	2,874	100.0	%

The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans was as follows at:



	Recorded Investment
	Debt Service Coverage Ratios								% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
	> 1.20x		1.00x - 1.20x		< 1.00x		Total		% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
September 30, 2019
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	8,328	$	128	$	141	$	8,597	91.0	%	$	9,083	91.2	%
65% to 75%	684		18		—		702		7.4		729		7.3
76% to 80%	138		—		9		147		1.6		146		1.5
Total	$	9,150	$	146	$	150	$	9,446	100.0	%	$	9,958	100.0	%

December 31, 2018
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	7,444	$	89	$	34	$	7,567	89.0	%	$	7,642	89.0	%
65% to 75%	762		—		24		786		9.2		797		9.3
76% to 80%	141		—		8		149		1.8		145		1.7
Total	$	8,347	$	89	$	66	$	8,502	100.0	%	$	8,584	100.0	%

The credit quality of residential mortgage loans was as follows at:



	September 30, 2019				December 31, 2018
	Recorded Investment		% of Total		Recorded Investment		% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Performance indicators:
Performing	$	2,621	98.6	%	$	2,240	98.4	%
Nonperforming	38		1.4		36		1.6
Total	$	2,659	100.0	%	$	2,276	100.0	%

Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)

The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in AOCI, were as follows:



	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	7,538		$	1,679
Derivatives	399			253
Other	(15		)	(15		)
Subtotal	7,922			1,917
Amounts allocated from:
Future policy benefits	(3,049		)	(885		)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(373		)	(90		)
Subtotal	(3,422		)	(975		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(945		)	(198		)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	3,555		$	744

The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows:



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2018	$	744
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period	6,005
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
Future policy benefits	(2,164		)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(283		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(747		)
Balance, September 30, 2019	$	3,555
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	2,811

Securities Lending

Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at:



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Securities on loan: (1)
Amortized cost	$	2,055	$	3,056
Estimated fair value	$	3,214	$	3,628
Cash collateral received from counterparties (2)	$	3,244	$	3,646
Security collateral received from counterparties (3)	$	35	$	55
Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value	$	3,354	$	3,658

__________________


(1)	Included within fixed maturity securities.


(2)	Included within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions.


(3)	Security collateral received from counterparties may not be sold or re-pledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected on the consolidated financial statements.

The cash collateral liability by loaned security type and remaining tenor of the agreements were as follows at:



	September 30, 2019								December 31, 2018
	Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements								Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements
	Open (1)		1 Month or Less		1 to 6 Months		Total		Open (1)		1 Month or Less		1 to 6 Months		Total
	(In millions)
U.S. government and agency	$	1,561	$	1,283	$	400	$	3,244	$	1,474	$	1,823	$	349	$	3,646

__________________

(1)

The related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day which would require the Company to immediately return the cash collateral.

Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral

Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral are presented below at estimated fair value at:



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) (1)	$	9,439	$	8,172
Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements) (2)	4,429		3,455
Invested assets pledged as collateral (3)	3,469		3,340
Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral	$	17,337	$	14,967

__________________


(1)	The Company has assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, on deposit with governmental authorities relating to certain policyholder liabilities, of which $75 million and $55 million of the assets on deposit balance represents restricted cash at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.


(2)	The Company has assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, held in trust relating to certain reinsurance transactions. $132 million and $87 million of the assets held in trust balance represents restricted cash at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

(3)

Variable Interest Entities

The carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss related to the VIEs in which the Company concluded that it holds a variable interest, but is not the primary beneficiary, were as follows at:



	September 30, 2019				December 31, 2018
	Carrying Amount		Maximum Exposure to Loss		Carrying Amount		Maximum Exposure to Loss
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	13,246	$	12,475	$	12,848	$	12,848
Limited partnerships and LLCs	1,833		3,052		1,743		3,130
Total	$	15,079	$	15,527	$	14,591	$	15,978

Components of Net Investment Income

The components of net investment income were as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
	(In millions)
Investment income:
Fixed maturity securities	$	654	$	624	$	1,962	$	1,857
Equity securities	1		1		6		5
Mortgage loans	172		137		505		381
Policy loans	12		12		34		50
Real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies	12		12		32		36
Other limited partnership interests	68		70		143		159
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	25		5		52		15
Other	10		20		28		40
Subtotal	954		881		2,762		2,543
Less: Investment expenses	50		53		152		143
Net investment income	$	904	$	828	$	2,610	$	2,400

Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses)

The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	16		$	(34	)	$	63		$	(137	)
Equity securities	3			(2		)	14			(5		)
Mortgage loans	(1		)	(5		)	(8		)	(12		)
Real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies	—			—			—			42
Other limited partnership interests	(3		)	—			(8		)	—
Other	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)	(8		)
Total net investment gains (losses)	$	14		$	(42	)	$	60		$	(120	)

Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity Securities

Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity securities and the components of fixed maturity securities net investment gains (losses) were as shown in the table below.



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(In millions)
Proceeds	$	1,371		$	3,070		$	8,007		$	8,358
Gross investment gains	$	31		$	57		$	194		$	69
Gross investment losses	(15		)	(91		)	(131		)	(206		)
Net investment gains (losses)	$	16		$	(34	)	$	63		$	(137	)

Derivatives (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location

The following table presents the primary underlying risk exposure, gross notional amount, and estimated fair value of the Company’s derivatives, held at:



		September 30, 2019						December 31, 2018
	Primary Underlying Risk Exposure	Gross Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value				Gross Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value
	Primary Underlying Risk Exposure	Gross Notional Amount		Assets		Liabilities		Gross Notional Amount		Assets		Liabilities
		(In millions)
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate forwards	Interest rate	$	460	$	51	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Foreign currency swaps	Foreign currency exchange rate	2,674		304		16		2,461		200		30
Total qualifying hedges		3,134		355		16		2,461		200		30
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate swaps	Interest rate	8,730		1,049		32		10,747		528		558
Interest rate caps	Interest rate	3,350		2		—		3,350		21		—
Interest rate futures	Interest rate	—		—		—		53		—		—
Interest rate options	Interest rate	27,250		1,771		375		17,168		168		61
Interest rate forwards	Interest rate	4,143		241		15		—		—		—
Foreign currency swaps	Foreign currency exchange rate	1,066		143		13		1,398		99		18
Foreign currency forwards	Foreign currency exchange rate	118		2		—		125		—		—
Credit default swaps — purchased	Credit	12		—		—		98		3		—
Credit default swaps — written	Credit	1,712		30		—		1,798		14		3
Equity futures	Equity market	—		—		—		169		—		—
Equity index options	Equity market	46,098		766		1,503		45,815		1,372		1,207
Equity variance swaps	Equity market	5,574		95		249		5,574		80		232
Equity total return swaps	Equity market	5,037		41		33		3,920		280		3
Total non-designated or nonqualifying derivatives		103,090		4,140		2,220		90,215		2,565		2,082
Embedded derivatives:
Ceded guaranteed minimum income benefits	Other	N/A		303		—		N/A		228		—
Direct guaranteed minimum benefits	Other	N/A		—		2,250		N/A		—		1,546
Direct index-linked annuities	Other	N/A		—		1,566		N/A		—		488
Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits	Other	N/A		—		541		N/A		—		386
Assumed index-linked annuities	Other	N/A		—		316		N/A		—		96
Total embedded derivatives		N/A		303		4,673		N/A		228		2,516
Total		$	106,224	$	4,798	$	6,909	$	92,676	$	2,993	$	4,628

Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)



	Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives			Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items			Net Investment Income		Policyholder Benefits and Claims			Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	—		$	—		$	1	$	—		$	51
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	—			—			9		—			106
Total cash flow hedges	—			—			10		—			157
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	1,656			—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	49			(2		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	2			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(18		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	(703		)	—			—		—			—
Total non-qualifying hedges	986			(2		)	—		—			—
Total	$	986		$	(2	)	$	10	$	—		$	157
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	(2	)	$	2		$	—	$	—		$	—
Total fair value hedges	(2		)	2			—		—			—
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	45			—			1		—			(3		)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives				—			6		—			(4		)
Total cash flow hedges	45			—			7		—			(7		)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	(266		)	—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	6			(2		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	11			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(446		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	(13		)	—			—		(2		)	—
Total non-qualifying hedges	(708		)	(2		)	—		(2		)	—
Total	$	(665	)	$	—		$	7	$	(2	)	$	(7	)



	Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives			Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items			Net Investment Income		Policyholder Benefits and Claims			Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI
	(In millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	28		$	—		$	2	$	—		$	51
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	20			(23		)	25		—			145
Total cash flow hedges	48			(23		)	27		—			196
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	2,905			—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	71			(6		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	31			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(1,808		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	(1,436		)	—			—		—			—
Total non-qualifying hedges	(237		)	(6		)	—		—			—
Total	$	(189	)	$	(29	)	$	27	$	—		$	196
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	(12	)	$	12		$	1	$	—		$	—
Total fair value hedges	(12		)	12			1		—			—
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	62			—			4		—			(5		)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	(1		)	—			17		—			33
Total cash flow hedges	61			—			21		—			28
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	(1,190		)	—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	29			(4		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	7			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(904		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	771			—			—		(4		)	—
Total non-qualifying hedges	(1,287		)	(4		)	—		(4		)	—
Total	$	(1,238	)	$	8		$	22	$	(4	)	$	28

Components of Net Derivatives Gains (Losses)



	Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives			Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items			Net Investment Income		Policyholder Benefits and Claims			Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	—		$	—		$	1	$	—		$	51
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	—			—			9		—			106
Total cash flow hedges	—			—			10		—			157
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	1,656			—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	49			(2		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	2			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(18		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	(703		)	—			—		—			—
Total non-qualifying hedges	986			(2		)	—		—			—
Total	$	986		$	(2	)	$	10	$	—		$	157
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	(2	)	$	2		$	—	$	—		$	—
Total fair value hedges	(2		)	2			—		—			—
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	45			—			1		—			(3		)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives				—			6		—			(4		)
Total cash flow hedges	45			—			7		—			(7		)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	(266		)	—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	6			(2		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	11			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(446		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	(13		)	—			—		(2		)	—
Total non-qualifying hedges	(708		)	(2		)	—		(2		)	—
Total	$	(665	)	$	—		$	7	$	(2	)	$	(7	)



	Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives			Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items			Net Investment Income		Policyholder Benefits and Claims			Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI
	(In millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	28		$	—		$	2	$	—		$	51
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	20			(23		)	25		—			145
Total cash flow hedges	48			(23		)	27		—			196
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	2,905			—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	71			(6		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	31			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(1,808		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	(1,436		)	—			—		—			—
Total non-qualifying hedges	(237		)	(6		)	—		—			—
Total	$	(189	)	$	(29	)	$	27	$	—		$	196
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	$	(12	)	$	12		$	1	$	—		$	—
Total fair value hedges	(12		)	12			1		—			—
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives	62			—			4		—			(5		)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	(1		)	—			17		—			33
Total cash flow hedges	61			—			21		—			28
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate derivatives	(1,190		)	—			—		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	29			(4		)	—		—			—
Credit derivatives	7			—			—		—			—
Equity derivatives	(904		)	—			—		—			—
Embedded derivatives	771			—			—		(4		)	—
Total non-qualifying hedges	(1,287		)	(4		)	—		(4		)	—
Total	$	(1,238	)	$	8		$	22	$	(4	)	$	28

Schedule of estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps

The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps at:



	September 30, 2019					December 31, 2018
Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations (1)	Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps		Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps		Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)	Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps		Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps		Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)
	(Dollars in millions)
Aaa/Aa/A	$	9	$	615	2.4	$	8	$	689	2.0
Baa	21		1,097		5.3	3		1,109		5.0
Total	$	30	$	1,712	4.3	$	11	$	1,798	3.9

__________________


(1)	The Company has written credit protection on both single name and index references. The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used.

(2)

The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average gross notional amounts.

Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral

The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at:



			Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	Gross Amount Recognized		Financial Instruments (1)			Collateral Received/Pledged (2)			Net Amount		Off-balance Sheet Securities Collateral (3)			Net Amount After Securities Collateral
	(In millions)
September 30, 2019
Derivative assets	$	4,555	$	(1,599	)	$	(1,831	)	$	1,125	$	(1,088	)	$	37
Derivative liabilities	$	2,232	$	(1,599	)	$	—		$	633	$	(633	)	$	—
December 31, 2018
Derivative assets	$	2,820	$	(1,671	)	$	(1,053	)	$	96	$	(83	)	$	13
Derivative liabilities	$	2,104	$	(1,671	)	$	—		$	433	$	(433	)	$	—

__________________


(1)	Represents amounts subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement.


(2)	The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreement.


(3)	Securities collateral received by the Company is not recorded on the balance sheet. Amounts do not include excess of collateral pledged or received.

Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral

he estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at:



			Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	Gross Amount Recognized		Financial Instruments (1)			Collateral Received/Pledged (2)			Net Amount		Off-balance Sheet Securities Collateral (3)			Net Amount After Securities Collateral
	(In millions)
September 30, 2019
Derivative assets	$	4,555	$	(1,599	)	$	(1,831	)	$	1,125	$	(1,088	)	$	37
Derivative liabilities	$	2,232	$	(1,599	)	$	—		$	633	$	(633	)	$	—
December 31, 2018
Derivative assets	$	2,820	$	(1,671	)	$	(1,053	)	$	96	$	(83	)	$	13
Derivative liabilities	$	2,104	$	(1,671	)	$	—		$	433	$	(433	)	$	—

__________________


(1)	Represents amounts subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement.


(2)	The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreement.


(3)	Securities collateral received by the Company is not recorded on the balance sheet. Amounts do not include excess of collateral pledged or received.

Schedule of Derivative Instruments



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Estimated fair value of derivatives in a net liability position (1)	$	633	$	433
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided (2):
Fixed maturity securities	$	1,250	$	797

__________________


(1)	After taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements.

(2)

- Definition

+ References + Details

- Definition

+ References

+ Details

Fair Value (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Recurring Fair Value Measurements



	September 30, 2019
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	—	$	29,875	$	432	$	30,307
U.S. government and agency	1,570		6,020		—		7,590
RMBS	—		9,063		77		9,140
Foreign corporate	—		9,112		376		9,488
CMBS	—		5,511		34		5,545
State and political subdivision	—		3,897		73		3,970
ABS	—		1,847		64		1,911
Foreign government	—		1,725		—		1,725
Total fixed maturity securities	1,570		67,050		1,056		69,676
Equity securities	11		133		4		148
Short-term investments	1,018		465		—		1,483
Derivative assets: (1)
Interest rate	—		3,114		—		3,114
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		436		13		449
Credit	—		21		9		30
Equity market	—		803		99		902
Total derivative assets	—		4,374		121		4,495
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)	—		—		303		303
Separate account assets	224		96,558		—		96,782
Total assets	$	2,823	$	168,580	$	1,484	$	172,887
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities: (1)
Interest rate	$	—	$	422	$	—	$	422
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		28		1		29
Equity market	—		1,534		251		1,785
Total derivative liabilities	—		1,984		252		2,236
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)	—		—		4,673		4,673
Total liabilities	$	—	$	1,984	$	4,925	$	6,909



	December 31, 2018
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	—	$	23,740	$	319	$	24,059
U.S. government and agency	2,334		6,310		—		8,644
RMBS	—		8,429		6		8,435
Foreign corporate	—		7,503		392		7,895
CMBS	—		5,004		129		5,133
State and political subdivision	—		3,512		74		3,586
ABS	—		2,072		39		2,111
Foreign government	—		1,485		—		1,485
Total fixed maturity securities	2,334		58,055		959		61,348
Equity securities	13		124		3		140
Derivative assets: (1)
Interest rate	—		717		—		717
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		288		11		299
Credit	—		10		7		17
Equity market	—		1,634		98		1,732
Total derivative assets	—		2,649		116		2,765
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)	—		—		228		228
Separate account assets	217		91,293		1		91,511
Total assets	$	2,564	$	152,121	$	1,307	$	155,992
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities: (1)
Interest rate	$	—	$	619	$	—	$	619
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		48		—		48
Credit	—		2		1		3
Equity market	—		1,205		237		1,442
Total derivative liabilities	—		1,874		238		2,112
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)	—		—		2,516		2,516
Total liabilities	$	—	$	1,874	$	2,754	$	4,628

__________________

(1)

(2)

Fair Value Inputs, Quantitative Information



					September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018			Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Fair Value
	Valuation Techniques		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Range			Range			Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Fair Value
Embedded derivatives
Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits	•	Option pricing techniques	•	Mortality rates	0.02%	-	11.31%	0.02%	-	11.31%	Decrease (1)
			•	Lapse rates	0.25%	-	16.00%	0.25%	-	16.00%	Decrease (2)
			•	Utilization rates	0.00%	-	25.00%	0.00%	-	25.00%	Increase (3)
			•	Withdrawal rates	0.25%	-	10.00%	0.25%	-	10.00%	(4)
			•	Long-term equity volatilities	16.50%	-	22.00%	16.50%	-	22.00%	Increase (5)
			•	Nonperformance risk spread	0.61%	-	2.37%	1.91%	-	2.66%	Decrease (6)

___________________


(1)	Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. Range shown reflects the mortality rate for policyholders between 35 and 90 years old, which represents the majority of the business with living benefits. Mortality rate assumptions are set based on company experience and include an assumption for mortality improvement.

(2)

(3)

(4)


(5)	Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(6)

Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation

The following tables summarize the change of all assets and (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):



	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fixed Maturity Securities
	Corporate (1)			Structured Securities			State and Political Subdivision			Foreign Government		Equity Securities			Short-term Investments		Net Derivatives (2)			Net Embedded Derivatives (3)			Separate Account Assets (4)
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Balance, beginning of period	$	748		$	108		$	74		$	—	$	4		$	—	$	(134	)	$	(3,450	)	$	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	—			—			—			—		—			—		(2		)	(703		)	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	—			1			—			—		—			—		3			—			—
Purchases (7)	117			61			—			—		—			—		—			—			—
Sales (7)	(22		)	(6		)	(1		)	—		—			—		—			—			—
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—		—			—		—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			—		—			—		—			(217		)	—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	49			29			—			—		—			—		—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(84		)	(18		)	—			—		—			—		2			—			—
Balance, end of period	$	808		$	175		$	73		$	—	$	4		$	—	$	(131	)	$	(4,370	)	$	—
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,815		$	1,261		$	8		$	—	$	120		$	—	$	(284	)	$	(1,498	)	$	4
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	—			10			2			—		(2		)	—		(4		)	(15		)	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	(44		)	(8		)	(2		)	—		—			—		—			—			—
Purchases (7)	56			287			—			—		—			—		—			—			1
Sales (7)	(50		)	(114		)	(6		)	—		—			—		—			—			—
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—		—			—		—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			—		—			—		—			(152		)	—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	20			3			—			—		9			—		—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(208		)	(170		)	(2		)	—		(5		)	—		—			—			(1		)
Balance, end of period	$	1,589		$	1,269		$	—		$	—	$	122		$	—	$	(288	)	$	(1,665	)	$	4
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	(2	)	$	(778	)	$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2018 (9)	$	—		$	4		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	(4	)	$	(13	)	$	—



	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fixed Maturity Securities
	Corporate (1)			Structured Securities			State and Political Subdivision			Foreign Government			Equity Securities			Short-term Investments			Net Derivatives (2)			Net Embedded Derivatives (3)			Separate Account Assets (4)
	(In millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Balance, beginning of period	$	711		$	174		$	74		$	—		$	3		$	—		$	(122	)	$	(2,288	)	$	1
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	—			1			—			—			—			—			(10		)	(1,436		)	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	11			3			—			—			—			—			5						—
Purchases (7)	178			74			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Sales (7)	(78		)	(24		)	(1		)	—			—			—			—			—			(1		)
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			(646		)	—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	147			92			—			—			1			—			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(161		)	(145		)	—			—			—			—			(4		)	—			—
Balance, end of period	$	808		$	175		$	73		$	—		$	4		$	—		$	(131	)	$	(4,370	)	$	—
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,937		$	1,222		$	—		$	5		$	124		$	14		$	(279	)	$	(2,007	)	$	5
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	2			21			—			—			(4		)	—			(12		)	767			—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	(118		)	(10		)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Purchases (7)	164			339			—			—			—			—			3			—			1
Sales (7)	(183		)	(227		)	—			—			(3		)	(14		)	—			—			(1		)
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			(425		)	(1		)
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	20			—			—			—			10			—			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(233		)	(76		)	—			(5		)	(5		)	—			—			—			—
Balance, end of period	$	1,589		$	1,269		$	—		$	—		$	122		$	—		$	(288	)	$	(1,665	)	$	4
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	$	—		$	1		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(11	)	$	(1,647	)	$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2018 (9)	$	(1	)	$	14		$	—		$	—		$	(4	)	$	—		$	(12	)	$	739		$	—

__________________


(1)	Comprised of U.S. and foreign corporate securities.


(2)	Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.


(3)	Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.


(4)	Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contract holders within separate account liabilities. Therefore, such changes in estimated fair value are not recorded in net income (loss). For the purpose of this disclosure, these changes are presented within net investment gains (losses).

(5)


(6)	Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward.


(7)	Items purchased/issued and then sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. Fees attributed to embedded derivatives are included in settlements.


(8)	Gains and losses, in net income (loss) and OCI, are calculated assuming transfers into and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and then out of Level 3 in the same period are excluded from the rollforward.

(9)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value

The carrying values and estimated fair values for such financial instruments, and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows at:



	September 30, 2019
			Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	15,269	$	—	$	—	$	15,980	$	15,980
Policy loans	$	915	$	—	$	518	$	522	$	1,040
Other invested assets	$	63	$	—	$	50	$	13	$	63
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	1,612	$	—	$	46	$	1,982	$	2,028
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	15,469	$	—	$	—	$	15,682	$	15,682
Long-term debt	$	845	$	—	$	40	$	887	$	927
Other liabilities	$	898	$	—	$	553	$	349	$	902
Separate account liabilities	$	1,122	$	—	$	1,122	$	—	$	1,122



	December 31, 2018
			Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	13,596	$	—	$	—	$	13,761	$	13,761
Policy loans	$	1,001	$	—	$	619	$	452	$	1,071
Other invested assets	$	77	$	—	$	64	$	13	$	77
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	1,426	$	—	$	31	$	1,501	$	1,532
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	15,183	$	—	$	—	$	13,732	$	13,732
Long-term debt	$	434	$	—	$	38	$	380	$	418
Other liabilities	$	395	$	—	$	54	$	323	$	377
Separate account liabilities	$	1,025	$	—	$	1,025	$	—	$	1,025

Equity (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Information regarding changes in the balances of each component of AOCI was as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, June 30, 2019	$	2,521		$	172		$	(19	)	$	2,674
OCI before reclassifications	952			157			(4		)	1,105
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(200		)	(33		)	—			(233		)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	3,273			296			(23		)	3,546
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(17		)	(1		)	—			(18		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	3			1			—			4
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(14		)	—			—			(14		)
Balance, September 30, 2019	$	3,259		$	296		$	(23	)	$	3,532



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, June 30, 2018	$	671		$	162		$	(18	)	$	815
OCI before reclassifications	(298		)	(7		)	(8		)	(313		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	61			2			1			64
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	434			157			(25		)	566
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	37			(46		)	—			(9		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(8		)	11			—			3
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	29			(35		)	—			(6		)
Balance, September 30, 2018	$	463		$	122		$	(25	)	$	560



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2018	$	564		$	180		$	(26	)	$	718
OCI before reclassifications	3,452			196			3			3,651
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(725		)	(41		)	—			(766		)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	3,291			335			(23		)	3,603
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(40		)	(50		)	—			(90		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	8			11			—			19
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(32		)	(39		)	—			(71		)
Balance, September 30, 2019	$	3,259		$	296		$	(23	)	$	3,532



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2017	$	1,709		$	151		$	(23	)	$	1,837
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax	(79		)	—			—			(79		)
Balance, January 1, 2018	1,630			151			(23		)	1,758
OCI before reclassifications	(1,633		)	28			(2		)	(1,607		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	361			(6		)	—			355
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	358			173			(25		)	506
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	136			(65		)	—			71
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(31		)	14			—			(17		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	105			(51		)	—			54
Balance, September 30, 2018	$	463		$	122		$	(25	)	$	560

__________________


(1)	See Note 4 for information on offsets to investments related to future policy benefits, DAC, VOBA and DSI.

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Information regarding amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI was as follows:



AOCI Components	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI												Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Locations
	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(In millions)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	17		$	(36	)	$	67		$	(136	)	Net investment gains (losses)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	—			—			—			1			Net investment income
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	—			(1		)	(27		)	(1		)	Net derivative gains (losses)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), before income tax	17			(37		)	40			(136		)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(3		)	8			(8		)	31
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax	14			(29		)	32			(105		)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	—			15			28			31			Net derivative gains (losses)
Interest rate swaps	1			—			2			2			Net investment income
Interest rate forwards	—			30			—			31			Net derivative gains (losses)
Interest rate forwards	—			1			—			2			Net investment income
Foreign currency swaps	—			—			20			(1		)	Net derivative gains (losses)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, before income tax	1			46			50			65
Income tax (expense) benefit	(1		)	(11		)	(11		)	(14		)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of income tax	—			35			39			51
Total reclassifications, net of income tax	$	14		$	6		$	71		$	(54	)

Other Revenues and Other Expenses (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block]

Information on other expenses was as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
	(In millions)
Compensation	$	71	$	63	$	217	$	213
Contracted services and other labor costs	66		53		162		152
Transition services agreements	62		67		189		206
Establishment costs	20		100		93		100
Premium and other taxes, licenses and fees	14		11		30		51
Separate account fees	—		—		2		1
Volume related costs, excluding compensation, net of DAC capitalization	144		154		436		462
Interest expense on debt	17		—		43		2
Other	70		61		181		166
Total other expenses	$	464	$	509	$	1,353	$	1,353

Related Party Transactions (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Effects of reinsurance



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018		2019		2018
	(In millions)
Premiums
Reinsurance assumed	$	(1	)	$	1	$	—	$	8
Reinsurance ceded	—			—		—		(201		)
Net premiums	$	(1	)	$	1	$	—	$	(193	)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
Reinsurance assumed	$	2		$	2	$	5	$	49
Reinsurance ceded	—			—		—		1
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	$	2		$	2	$	5	$	50
Other revenues
Reinsurance assumed	$	1		$	—	$	2	$	1
Reinsurance ceded	—			—		—		18
Net other revenues	$	1		$	—	$	2	$	19
Policyholder benefits and claims
Reinsurance assumed	$	8		$	8	$	25	$	38
Reinsurance ceded	—			—		—		(177		)
Net policyholder benefits and claims	$	8		$	8	$	25	$	(139	)

Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance with NELICO and former MetLife affiliates included on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows at:



	September 30, 2019					December 31, 2018
	Assumed			Ceded		Assumed			Ceded
	(In millions)
Assets
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	21		$	—	$	21		$	—
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	542		$	—	$	386		$	—
Other policy-related balances	$	10		$	—	$	14		$	—
Other liabilities	$	(26	)	$	—	$	(38	)	$	—

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - segment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Aug. 04, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	3
Spinoff
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Common Stock Distribution by Parent		80.80%

Segment Information (Operating Results) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$ 708	$ (407)			$ 172	$ (660)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	99	(108)			(46)	(195)
Post-tax adjusted earnings	609	(299)	$ (391)	$ (166)	218	(465)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0			1	0
Net investment gains (losses)	14	(42)			60	(120)
Net derivative gains (losses)	984	(665)			(218)	(1,230)
Other adjustments to net income	68	73			199	222
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company	609	(299)			217	(465)
Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	458	395			1,344	1,128
Interest expense	0	0			0	0
Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	101	96			284	276
Interest expense	0	0			0	0
Run-off
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	327	322			942	979
Interest expense	0	0			0	0
Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	18	12			40	29
Interest expense	17	0			43	2
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	(278)	266			303	867
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(109)	32			(19)	125
Post-tax adjusted earnings	(169)	234			322	742
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0			1	0
Adjusted earnings	(169)	234			321	742
Operating Segments \| Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	247	469			915	979
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	50	81			172	168
Post-tax adjusted earnings	197	388			743	811
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0			0	0
Adjusted earnings	197	388			743	811
Operating Segments \| Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	88	52			185	142
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	18	10			38	28
Post-tax adjusted earnings	70	42			147	114
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0			0	0
Adjusted earnings	70	42			147	114
Operating Segments \| Run-off
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	(543)	(135)			(587)	(79)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(117)	(29)			(127)	(18)
Post-tax adjusted earnings	(426)	(106)			(460)	(61)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0			0	0
Adjusted earnings	(426)	(106)			(460)	(61)
Operating Segments \| Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	(70)	(120)			(210)	(175)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(60)	(30)			(102)	(53)
Post-tax adjusted earnings	(10)	(90)			(108)	(122)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0			1	0
Adjusted earnings	(10)	(90)			(109)	(122)
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(208)	140			27	320
Net investment gains (losses)	14	(42)			60	(120)
Net derivative gains (losses)	984	(665)			(218)	(1,230)
Other adjustments to net income	$ (12)	$ 34			$ 27	$ (177)

Segment Information (Reconciliation of Operating Revenues to Total Revenues) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 2,901	$ 1,238	$ 5,490	$ 4,372
Annuities
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	1,037	995	3,052	2,957
Life
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	278	307	807	885
Run-off
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	484	536	1,487	1,594
Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	40	41	110	108
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,062	$ (641)	$ 34	$ (1,172)

Segment Information (Total Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 214,847	$ 195,830
Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	150,615	137,079
Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	15,553	14,928
Run-off
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	36,096	32,390
Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 12,583	$ 11,433

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2019 segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of segments	3

Insurance (Guarantees Related to Annuity Contracts) (Details) - Variable Annuity Guarantees - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Guaranteed Death Benefits
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value (3)	$ 97,460	$ 92,794
Separate account value	92,798	88,065
Net amount at risk	$ 7,335	$ 10,945
Average attained age of contract holders	69 years	69 years
Guaranteed Annuitization Benefits
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value (3)	$ 55,859	$ 53,330
Separate account value	54,801	52,225
Net amount at risk	$ 4,729	$ 3,903
Average attained age of contract holders	69 years	68 years

Insurance (Guarantees Related to Universal and Variable Life Contracts) (Details) - Secondary Guarantees - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Universal Life
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value (3)	$ 6,000	$ 6,099
Net amount at risk (6)	$ 71,641	$ 73,131
Average attained age of policyholders	66 years	65 years
Variable Life
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value (3)	$ 1,072	$ 954
Net amount at risk (6)	$ 12,345	$ 13,040
Average attained age of policyholders	45 years	45 years

Investments (Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 62,138	$ 59,672
Gross Unrealized Gains	7,746	3,025
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses	213	1,352
Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses	(5)	(3)
Fixed maturity securities	69,676	61,348
U.S. corporate
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	27,409	23,902
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,972	816
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses	74	659
Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses	0	0
Fixed maturity securities	30,307	24,059
U.S. government and agency
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	5,387	7,503
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,203	1,251
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses	0	110
Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses	0	0
Fixed maturity securities	7,590	8,644
RMBS
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	8,634	8,309
Gross Unrealized Gains	513	246
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses	12	122
Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses	(5)	(2)
Fixed maturity securities	9,140	8,435
Foreign corporate
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	8,922	8,044
Gross Unrealized Gains	675	157
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses	109	306
Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses	0	0
Fixed maturity securities	9,488	7,895
CMBS
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	5,208	5,177
Gross Unrealized Gains	340	42
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses	3	87
Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses	0	(1)
Fixed maturity securities	5,545	5,133
State and political subdivision
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	3,205	3,202
Gross Unrealized Gains	765	399
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses	0	15
Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses	0	0
Fixed maturity securities	3,970	3,586
ABS
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,894	2,120
Gross Unrealized Gains	27	13
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses	10	22
Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses	0	0
Fixed maturity securities	1,911	2,111
Foreign government
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,479	1,415
Gross Unrealized Gains	251	101
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses	5	31
Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses	0	0
Fixed maturity securities	$ 1,725	$ 1,485

Investments (Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost, Due in one year or less	$ 1,873
Amortized Cost, Due after one year through five years	6,610
Amortized Cost, Due after five years through ten years	12,382
Amortized Cost, Due after ten years	25,537
Amortized Cost, Structured Securities	15,736
Amortized Cost	62,138	$ 59,672
Estimated Fair Value, Due in one year or less	1,877
Estimated Fair Value, Due after one year through five years	6,803
Estimated Fair Value, Due after five years through ten years	13,211
Estimated Fair Value, Due after ten years	31,189
Estimated Fair Value, Structured Securities	16,596
Fixed maturity securities	$ 69,676	$ 61,348

Investments (Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
U.S. corporate
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	$ 1,541	$ 10,450
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	42	465
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	404	2,290
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	32	194
U.S. government and agency
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	75	359
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	0	7
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	0	1,355
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	0	103
RMBS
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	524	1,550
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	3	21
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	411	2,567
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	4	99
Foreign corporate
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	831	3,916
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	28	199
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	581	746
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	81	107
CMBS
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	102	2,264
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	0	52
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	190	800
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	3	34
State and political subdivision
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	15	346
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	0	7
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	8	158
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	0	8
ABS
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	445	1,407
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	3	21
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	504	70
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	7	1
Foreign government
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	52	520
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	5	25
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	0	132
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	0	6
Fixed maturity securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	3,585	20,812
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	$ 81	$ 797
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	669	2,988
Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	$ 2,098	$ 8,118
Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	$ 127	$ 552
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater	309	1,022

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 15,333	$ 13,652
Mortgage loans, gross as a percentage of total mortgage loans, net	100.40%	100.40%
Mortgage loans valuation allowances	$ (64)	$ (56)
Mortgage loans valuation allowances as a percentage of total mortgage loans, net	(0.40%)	(0.40%)
Total mortgage loans, net	$ 15,269	$ 13,596
Total mortgage loans, net as a percentage of total mortgage loans, net	100.00%	100.00%
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 9,446	$ 8,502
Mortgage loans, gross as a percentage of total mortgage loans, net	61.90%	62.60%
Mortgage Loans \| Agricultural
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 3,228	$ 2,874
Mortgage loans, gross as a percentage of total mortgage loans, net	21.10%	21.10%
Mortgage Loans \| Residential
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 2,659	$ 2,276
Mortgage loans, gross as a percentage of total mortgage loans, net	17.40%	16.70%

Investments (Credit Quality of Mortgage Loans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 15,333	$ 13,652
Mortgage Loans \| Performing
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	99.00%	99.00%
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 9,446	$ 8,502
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment	$ 9,958	$ 8,584
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment as a % of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Greater than 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 9,150	$ 8,347
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, 1.00x to 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	146	89
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Less than 1.00x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	150	66
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, Less than 65%
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 8,597	$ 7,567
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	91.00%	89.00%
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment	$ 9,083	$ 7,642
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment as a % of Total	91.20%	89.00%
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, Less than 65% \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Greater than 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 8,328	$ 7,444
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, Less than 65% \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, 1.00x to 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	128	89
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, Less than 65% \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Less than 1.00x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	141	34
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 65% to 75%
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 702	$ 786
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	7.40%	9.20%
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment	$ 729	$ 797
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment as a % of Total	7.30%	9.30%
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 65% to 75% \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Greater than 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 684	$ 762
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 65% to 75% \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, 1.00x to 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	18	0
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 65% to 75% \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Less than 1.00x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	0	24
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 76% to 80%
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 147	$ 149
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	1.60%	1.80%
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment	$ 146	$ 145
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment as a % of Total	1.50%	1.70%
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 76% to 80% \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Greater than 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 138	$ 141
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 76% to 80% \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, 1.00x to 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	0	0
Mortgage Loans \| Commercial \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 76% to 80% \| Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Less than 1.00x
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	9	8
Mortgage Loans \| Agricultural
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 3,228	$ 2,874
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment	$ 3,300	$ 2,900
Mortgage Loans \| Agricultural \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, Less than 65%
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 2,983	$ 2,551
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	92.40%	88.80%
Mortgage Loans \| Agricultural \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 65% to 75%
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 244	$ 322
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	7.60%	11.20%
Mortgage Loans \| Agricultural \| Loan-to-Value Ratio, 76% to 80%
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 1	$ 1
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	0.00%	0.00%
Mortgage Loans \| Residential
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 2,659	$ 2,276
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment	$ 2,700	$ 2,300
Mortgage Loans \| Residential \| Performing
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 2,621	$ 2,240
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	98.60%	98.40%
Mortgage Loans \| Residential \| Nonperforming
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 38	$ 36
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	1.40%	1.60%

Investments (Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Fixed maturity securities	$ 7,538	$ 1,679
Derivatives	399	253
Other	(15)	(15)
Subtotal	7,922	1,917
Future policy benefits	(3,049)	(885)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(373)	(90)
Subtotal	(3,422)	(975)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(945)	(198)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$ 3,555	$ 744

Investments (Changes in Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Balance, December 31, 2018	$ 744
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period	6,005
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
Future policy benefits	(2,164)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(283)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(747)
Balance, September 30, 2019	3,555
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$ 2,811

Investments (Securities Lending) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral received from counterparties	$ 3,244	$ 3,646
Security collateral received from counterparties	35	55
Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value	3,354	3,658
Amortized cost
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities on loan	2,055	3,056
Estimated fair value
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities on loan	$ 3,214	$ 3,628

Investments (Securities Lending Remaining Tenor) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral received from counterparties	$ 3,244	$ 3,646
U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral received from counterparties	3,244	3,646
U.S. government and agency \| Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements: Open
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral received from counterparties	1,561	1,474
U.S. government and agency \| Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements: 1 Month or Less
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral received from counterparties	1,283	1,823
U.S. government and agency \| Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements: 1 to 6 Months
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral received from counterparties	$ 400	$ 349

Investments (Invested Assets on Deposit, Held In Trust and Pledged as Collateral) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits)	$ 9,439	$ 8,172
Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements)	4,429	3,455
Invested assets pledged as collateral	3,469	3,340
Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral	$ 17,337	$ 14,967

Investments (Variable Interest Entities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	$ 15,079	$ 14,591
Maximum Exposure to Loss	15,527	15,978
Fixed maturity securities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	13,246	12,848
Maximum Exposure to Loss	12,475	12,848
Limited partnerships and LLCs
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	1,833	1,743
Maximum Exposure to Loss	$ 3,052	$ 3,130

Investments (Net Investment Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income	$ 954	$ 881	$ 2,762	$ 2,543
Less: Investment expenses	50	53	152	143
Net investment income	904	828	2,610	2,400
Fixed maturity securities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income	654	624	1,962	1,857
Equity securities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income	1	1	6	5
Mortgage loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income	172	137	505	381
Policy loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income	12	12	34	50
Real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income	12	12	32	36
Other limited partnership interests
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income	68	70	143	159
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income	25	5	52	15
Other
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income	$ 10	$ 20	$ 28	$ 40

Investments (Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Net investment gains (losses), fixed maturity securities	$ 16	$ (34)	$ 63	$ (137)
Net investment gains (losses), equity securities	3	(2)	14	(5)
Net investment gains (losses), mortgage loans	(1)	(5)	(8)	(12)
Net investment gains (losses), real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies	0	0	0	42
Net investment gains (losses), other limited partnership interests	(3)	0	(8)	0
Net investment gains (losses), other	(1)	(1)	(1)	(8)
Total net investment gains (losses)	$ 14	$ (42)	$ 60	$ (120)

- Definition

The net gain (loss) resulting from sales and other disposals of real estate owned for investment purposes.

+ References

+ Details

Investments (Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity Securities) (Details) - Fixed maturity securities - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Proceeds	$ 1,371	$ 3,070	$ 8,007	$ 8,358
Gross investment gains	31	57	194	69
Gross investment losses	(15)	(91)	(131)	(206)
Net investment gains (losses)	$ 16	$ (34)	$ 63	$ (137)

Investments (Fixed Maturity Securities AFS - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities	$ 69,676	$ 61,348
Non-Income Producing Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities	$ 0
Non-Income Producing Debt Securities \| Maximum
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities		$ 1

Investments (Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector - Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) Contracts
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale with gross unrealized loss of equal to or greater than stated percentage	20.00%
Fixed maturity securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Change in gross unrealized losses of securities in an unrealized loss position	$ (1,100)
Gross unrealized losses of securities in an unrealized loss position	208
20% or more \| Six months or greater \| Fixed maturity securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses of securities in an unrealized loss position	$ 10
Number of Securities \| Contracts	11

Investments (Mortgage Loans - Narrative) (Details) - Mortgage Loans - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Significant Purchases	$ 159	$ 816	$ 722	$ 1,400
Performing
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	99.00%		99.00%		99.00%
Commercial
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment	$ 9,958		$ 9,958		$ 8,584
Recorded Investment of Loans Past Due	0		0		0
Recorded Investment of Loans in Nonaccrual Status	0		0		0
Agricultural
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment	3,300		3,300		2,900
Recorded Investment of Loans Past Due	7		7
Recorded Investment of Loans in Nonaccrual Status	0		0		0
Agricultural \| Maximum
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Recorded Investment of Loans Past Due					1
Residential
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment	$ 2,700		$ 2,700		$ 2,300
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
Recorded Investment of Loans Past Due	$ 38		$ 38		$ 36
Recorded Investment of Loans in Nonaccrual Status	$ 38		$ 38		$ 36
Residential \| Performing
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Recorded Investment as a % of Total	98.60%		98.60%		98.40%

Investments (Other Invested Assets - Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2019
Other invested assets
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Percentage Estimated Fair Value	90.00%

Investments (Securities Lending - Narrative) (Details) $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Securities Investment
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of Reinvestment Portfolio in Fixed Maturity Securities	55.00%
Estimated fair value
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties	$ 1.5
Estimated fair value \| U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of Securities at Estimated Fair Value of Securities on Loan Relating to Cash Collateral on Open	100.00%

Investments (Invested Assets On Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits)	$ 9,439	$ 8,172
Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements)	4,429	3,455
Fixed maturity securities \| Policyholder account balances
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits)	75	55
Fixed maturity securities \| Reinsurance
Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements)	$ 132	$ 87

Investments (Variable Interest Entities - Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Material VIEs	0	0

Investments (Related Party Investment Transactions - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party investment administrative service charges	$ 274	$ 386	$ 846	$ 887
Metlife Investment Management, LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party investment administrative service charges		$ 0		$ 49

Derivatives (Primary Risks) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 106,224	$ 92,676
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	4,798	2,993
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	6,909	4,628
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset	303	228
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	4,673	2,516
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	3,134	2,461
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	355	200
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	16	30
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: \| Cash flow hedges: \| Interest rate forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	460	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	51	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: \| Cash flow hedges: \| Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	2,674	2,461
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	304	200
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	16	30
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	103,090	90,215
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	4,140	2,565
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	2,220	2,082
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	8,730	10,747
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	1,049	528
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	32	558
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Interest rate caps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	3,350	3,350
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	2	21
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Interest rate futures
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	0	53
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Interest rate options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	27,250	17,168
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	1,771	168
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	375	61
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Interest rate forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	4,143	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	241	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	15	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	1,066	1,398
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	143	99
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	13	18
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Foreign currency forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	118	125
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	2	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Credit default swaps — purchased
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	12	98
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	3
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Credit default swaps — written
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	1,712	1,798
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	30	14
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	3
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Equity futures
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	0	169
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Equity index options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	46,098	45,815
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	766	1,372
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,503	1,207
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Equity variance swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	5,574	5,574
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	95	80
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	249	232
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: \| Equity total return swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	5,037	3,920
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	41	280
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	33	3
Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset	303	228
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	0	0
Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset	0	0
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	2,250	1,546
Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset	0	0
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	541	386
Direct index-linked annuities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset	0	0
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	1,566	488
Direct index-linked annuities \| Assumed
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset	0	0
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	$ 316	$ 96

Derivatives (Credit Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 30	$ 11
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 1,712	$ 1,798
Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)	4 years 3 months 18 days	3 years 10 months 24 days
Credit default swaps \| Aaa/Aa/A
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 9	$ 8
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 615	$ 689
Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)	2 years 4 months 24 days	2 years
Credit default swaps \| Baa
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 21	$ 3
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 1,097	$ 1,109
Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)	5 years 3 months 18 days	5 years

Derivatives (Derivative Asset and Liability after Master Netting Arrangement or a Similiar Arrangement) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	$ 4,555	$ 2,820
Derivative Asset, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction	(1,599)	(1,671)
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	(1,831)	(1,053)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	1,125	96
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities, Offset	(1,088)	(83)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election	37	13
Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	2,232	2,104
Derivative Liability, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction	(1,599)	(1,671)
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	633	433
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities, Offset	(633)	(433)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election	$ 0	$ 0

Derivatives (Estimated Fair Value of OTC-Bilateral Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Derivatives in Net Liability Position	$ 633	$ 433
Fixed Maturity Securities
Derivative [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided	$ 1,250	$ 797

Derivatives (Derivatives Pertaining to Hedged Items - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative changes in Net	$ 399	$ 253

Fair Value (Recurring Fair Value Measurements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	$ 69,676	$ 61,348
Equity securities	148	140
Short-term Investments	1,483	0
Derivative assets: (1)	4,798	2,993
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	303	228
Separate account assets	96,782	91,511
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	6,909	4,628
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	4,673	2,516
Recurring
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	69,676	61,348
Equity securities	148	140
Short-term Investments	1,483
Derivative assets: (1)	4,495	2,765
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	303	228
Separate account assets	96,782	91,511
Total assets	172,887	155,992
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	2,236	2,112
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	4,673	2,516
Total liabilities	6,909	4,628
Recurring \| Interest rate derivatives
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	3,114	717
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	422	619
Recurring \| Foreign currency exchange rate
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	449	299
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	29	48
Recurring \| Credit
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	30	17
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)		3
Recurring \| Equity market
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	902	1,732
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	1,785	1,442
Recurring \| U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	30,307	24,059
Recurring \| U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	7,590	8,644
Recurring \| RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	9,140	8,435
Recurring \| Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	9,488	7,895
Recurring \| CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	5,545	5,133
Recurring \| State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	3,970	3,586
Recurring \| ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	1,911	2,111
Recurring \| Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	1,725	1,485
Recurring \| Level 1
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	1,570	2,334
Equity securities	11	13
Short-term Investments	1,018
Derivative assets: (1)	0	0
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	0	0
Separate account assets	224	217
Total assets	2,823	2,564
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	0	0
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Interest rate derivatives
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Foreign currency exchange rate
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Credit
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)		0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Equity market
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	1,570	2,334
Recurring \| Level 1 \| RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 1 \| Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 2
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	67,050	58,055
Equity securities	133	124
Short-term Investments	465
Derivative assets: (1)	4,374	2,649
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	0	0
Separate account assets	96,558	91,293
Total assets	168,580	152,121
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	1,984	1,874
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	0	0
Total liabilities	1,984	1,874
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Interest rate derivatives
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	3,114	717
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	422	619
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Foreign currency exchange rate
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	436	288
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	28	48
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Credit
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	21	10
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)		2
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Equity market
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	803	1,634
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	1,534	1,205
Recurring \| Level 2 \| U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	29,875	23,740
Recurring \| Level 2 \| U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	6,020	6,310
Recurring \| Level 2 \| RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	9,063	8,429
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	9,112	7,503
Recurring \| Level 2 \| CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	5,511	5,004
Recurring \| Level 2 \| State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	3,897	3,512
Recurring \| Level 2 \| ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	1,847	2,072
Recurring \| Level 2 \| Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	1,725	1,485
Recurring \| Level 3
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	1,056	959
Equity securities	4	3
Short-term Investments	0
Derivative assets: (1)	121	116
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	303	228
Separate account assets	0	1
Total assets	1,484	1,307
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	252	238
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	4,673	2,516
Total liabilities	4,925	2,754
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Interest rate derivatives
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	0	0
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Foreign currency exchange rate
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	13	11
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	1	0
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Credit
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	9	7
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)		1
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Equity market
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets: (1)	99	98
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities: (1)	251	237
Recurring \| Level 3 \| U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	432	319
Recurring \| Level 3 \| U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	0	0
Recurring \| Level 3 \| RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	77	6
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	376	392
Recurring \| Level 3 \| CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	34	129
Recurring \| Level 3 \| State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	73	74
Recurring \| Level 3 \| ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	64	39
Recurring \| Level 3 \| Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value ( Assets and Liabilities Measured - Quantitative Information) (Details) - Level 3	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Measurement Input, Mortality Rate \| Minimum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0002	0.0002
Measurement Input, Mortality Rate \| Maximum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.1131	0.1131
Measurement Input, Lapse Rate \| Minimum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0025	0.0025
Measurement Input, Lapse Rate \| Maximum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.1600	0.1600
Measurement Input, Utilization Rate \| Minimum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0000	0.0000
Measurement Input, Utilization Rate \| Maximum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.2500	0.2500
Measurement Input, Withdrawal Rate \| Minimum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0025	0.0025
Measurement Input, Withdrawal Rate \| Maximum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.1000	0.1000
Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities \| Minimum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.1650	0.1650
Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities \| Maximum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.2200	0.2200
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk \| Minimum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0061	0.0191
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk \| Maximum
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0237	0.0266

Fair Value (Unobservable Input Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Net Derivatives (2)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ (134)	$ (284)	$ (122)	$ (279)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	(2)	(4)	(10)	(12)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	3	0	5	0
Purchases (7)	0	0	0	3
Sales (7)	0	0	0	0
Issuances (7)	0	0	0	0
Settlements (7)	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	2	0	(4)	0
Balance, end of period	(131)	(288)	(131)	(288)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	(2)	(4)	(11)	(12)
Net Embedded Derivatives (3)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	(3,450)	(1,498)	(2,288)	(2,007)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	(703)	(15)	(1,436)	767
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0		0
Purchases (7)	0	0	0	0
Sales (7)	0	0	0	0
Issuances (7)	0	0	0	0
Settlements (7)	(217)	(152)	(646)	(425)
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	0	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	(4,370)	(1,665)	(4,370)	(1,665)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	(778)	(13)	(1,647)	739
Corporate
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	748	1,815	711	1,937
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	0	0	0	2
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	(44)	11	(118)
Purchases (7)	117	56	178	164
Sales (7)	(22)	(50)	(78)	(183)
Issuances (7)	0	0	0	0
Settlements (7)	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	49	20	147	20
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(84)	(208)	(161)	(233)
Balance, end of period	808	1,589	808	1,589
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	0	0	0	(1)
Structured Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	108	1,261	174	1,222
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	0	10	1	21
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	1	(8)	3	(10)
Purchases (7)	61	287	74	339
Sales (7)	(6)	(114)	(24)	(227)
Issuances (7)	0	0	0	0
Settlements (7)	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	29	3	92	0
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(18)	(170)	(145)	(76)
Balance, end of period	175	1,269	175	1,269
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	0	4	1	14
State and political subdivision
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	74	8	74	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	0	2	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	(2)	0	0
Purchases (7)	0	0	0	0
Sales (7)	(1)	(6)	(1)	0
Issuances (7)	0	0	0	0
Settlements (7)	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	0	(2)	0	0
Balance, end of period	73	0	73	0
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	0	0	0	0
Foreign government
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	0	0	0	5
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	0	0	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases (7)	0	0	0	0
Sales (7)	0	0	0	0
Issuances (7)	0	0	0	0
Settlements (7)	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	0	0	0	(5)
Balance, end of period	0	0	0	0
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	0	0	0	0
Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	4	120	3	124
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	0	(2)	0	(4)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases (7)	0	0	0	0
Sales (7)	0	0	0	(3)
Issuances (7)	0	0	0	0
Settlements (7)	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	0	9	1	10
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	0	(5)	0	(5)
Balance, end of period	4	122	4	122
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	0	0	0	(4)
Short-term Investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	0	0	0	14
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	0	0	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases (7)	0	0	0	0
Sales (7)	0	0	0	(14)
Issuances (7)	0	0	0	0
Settlements (7)	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	0	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	0	0	0	0
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	0	0	0	0
Separate Account Assets (4)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	0	4	1	5
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	0	0	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases (7)	0	1	0	1
Sales (7)	0	0	(1)	(1)
Issuances (7)	0	0	0	0
Settlements (7)	0	0	0	(1)
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	0	(1)	0	0
Balance, end of period	0	4	0	4
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2019 (9)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value (Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets
Policy loans	$ 915	$ 1,001
Liabilities
Separate account liabilities	96,782	91,511
Carrying Value
Assets
Mortgage loans	15,269	13,596
Policy loans	915	1,001
Other invested assets	63	77
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	1,612	1,426
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	15,469	15,183
Long-term debt	845	434
Other liabilities	898	395
Separate account liabilities	1,122	1,025
Estimated Fair Value
Assets
Mortgage loans	15,980	13,761
Policy loans	1,040	1,071
Other invested assets	63	77
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	2,028	1,532
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	15,682	13,732
Long-term debt	927	418
Other liabilities	902	377
Separate account liabilities	1,122	1,025
Estimated Fair Value \| Level 1
Assets
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Other invested assets	0	0
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	0	0
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Separate account liabilities	0	0
Estimated Fair Value \| Level 2
Assets
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	518	619
Other invested assets	50	64
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	46	31
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Long-term debt	40	38
Other liabilities	553	54
Separate account liabilities	1,122	1,025
Estimated Fair Value \| Level 3
Assets
Mortgage loans	15,980	13,761
Policy loans	522	452
Other invested assets	13	13
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	1,982	1,501
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	15,682	13,732
Long-term debt	887	380
Other liabilities	349	323
Separate account liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Long-term Debt (Details) - BLIC Surplus Note Due Mar 2059 $ in Millions	Mar. 25, 2019 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 412
Debt instrument, interest rate	8.07%

Equity (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 2,674	$ 815	$ 718	$ 1,837
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax					$ (4)
Restated balance, beginning of period	3,532	815	3,532	560	1,837
OCI before reclassifications	1,105	(313)	3,651	(1,607)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(233)	64	(766)	355
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	3,546	566	3,603	506
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(18)	(9)	(90)	71
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	4	3	19	(17)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(14)	(6)	(71)	54
Balance, end of period	3,532	560	3,532	560
Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	2,521	671	564	1,709
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax					(79)
Restated balance, beginning of period	2,521	671	3,259	463	1,709
OCI before reclassifications	952	(298)	3,452	(1,633)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(200)	61	(725)	361
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	3,273	434	3,291	358
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(17)	37	(40)	136
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	3	(8)	8	(31)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(14)	29	(32)	105
Balance, end of period	3,259	463	3,259	463
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	172	162	180	151
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax					0
Restated balance, beginning of period	172	162	296	122	151
OCI before reclassifications	157	(7)	196	28
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(33)	2	(41)	(6)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	296	157	335	173
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(1)	(46)	(50)	(65)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	1	11	11	14
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	0	(35)	(39)	(51)
Balance, end of period	296	122	296	122
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	(19)	(18)	(26)	(23)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax					0
Restated balance, beginning of period	(19)	(18)	(23)	(25)	(23)
OCI before reclassifications	(4)	(8)	3	(2)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	0	1	0	0
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	(23)	(25)	(23)	(25)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0	0	0
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	0	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	$ (23)	$ (25)	$ (23)	(25)
AOCI Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax					(79)
Restatement Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period				1,758
Restated balance, beginning of period				1,758	1,758
Restatement Adjustment \| Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period				1,630
Restated balance, beginning of period				1,630	1,630
Restatement Adjustment \| Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period				151
Restated balance, beginning of period				151	151
Restatement Adjustment \| Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period				(23)
Restated balance, beginning of period				$ (23)	$ (23)

Equity (Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment gains (losses)	$ 14	$ (42)			$ 60	$ (120)
Net investment income	904	828			2,610	2,400
Net derivative gains (losses)	984	(665)			(218)	(1,230)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	708	(407)			172	(660)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(99)	108			46	195
Net income (loss)	609	(299)	$ (391)	$ (166)	218	(465)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	14	6			71	(54)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment gains (losses)	17	(36)			67	(136)
Net investment income	0	0			0	1
Net derivative gains (losses)	0	(1)			(27)	(1)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	17	(37)			40	(136)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(3)	8			(8)	31
Net income (loss)	14	(29)			32	(105)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges:
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	1	46			50	65
Income tax (expense) benefit	(1)	(11)			(11)	(14)
Net income (loss)	0	35			39	51
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges: \| Interest rate swaps
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment income	1	0			2	2
Net derivative gains (losses)	0	15			28	31
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges: \| Interest rate forwards
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment income	0	1			0	2
Net derivative gains (losses)	0	30			0	31
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges: \| Foreign currency swaps
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net derivative gains (losses)	$ 0	$ 0			$ 20	$ (1)

Other Expenses (Other Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Compensation	$ 71	$ 63	$ 217	$ 213
Contracted services and other labor costs	66	53	162	152
Transition services agreements	62	67	189	206
Establishment costs	20	100	93	100
Premium and other taxes, licenses and fees	14	11	30	51
Separate account fees	0	0	2	1
Volume related costs, excluding compensation, net of DAC capitalization	144	154	436	462
Interest expense on debt	17	0	43	2
Other	70	61	181	166
Total other expenses	$ 464	$ 509	$ 1,353	$ 1,353

Other Revenues and Other Expenses Other Revenues (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Distribution
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	$ 60	$ 65	$ 179	$ 195

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Commitments and Guarantees - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Cumulative maximum indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation	$ 128
Liabilities for indemnities, guarantees and commitments	1	$ 2
Minimum
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation range	6
Maximum
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation range	122
Mortgage Loan Commitments
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	235	492
Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	$ 1,900	$ 1,900

Related Party Transactions (Effects of Affiliated Reinsurance on Statements of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Premiums:
Net premiums	$ 206	$ 218	$ 649	$ 653
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	725	826	2,190	2,447
Other revenues:
Other revenues	68	73	199	222
Affiliated Entity
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	56	59	165	179
Affiliated Entity \| Assumed
Premiums:
Reinsurance assumed	(1)	1	0	8
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Reinsurance assumed	2	2	5	49
Other revenues:
Reinsurance assumed	1	0	2	1
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Reinsurance assumed	8	8	25	38
Affiliated Entity \| Ceded
Premiums:
Reinsurance ceded	0	0	0	(201)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Reinsurance ceded	0	0	0	1
Other revenues:
Reinsurance ceded	0	0	0	18
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Reinsurance ceded	0	0	0	(177)
Affiliated Entity \| Reinsurance
Premiums:
Net premiums	(1)	1	0	(193)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	2	2	5	50
Other revenues:
Other revenues	1	0	2	19
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Net policyholder benefits and claims	$ 8	$ 8	$ 25	$ (139)

Related Party Transactions (Effects of Affiliated Reinsurance on Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets:
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$ 13,847	$ 13,113
Liabilities:
Policyholder account balances	44,325	39,330
Assumed
Assets:
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	21	21
Liabilities:
Policyholder account balances	542	386
Other policy-related balances	10	14
Other liabilities	(26)	(38)
Ceded
Assets:
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	0	0
Liabilities:
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Other policy-related balances	0	0
Other liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Related Party Transactions (Related Party Reinsurance Transactions - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	$ 4,673		$ 4,673		$ 2,516
Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	542		542		$ 386
Embedded Derivatives Gains (Losses)	$ (106)	$ 33	$ (154)	$ 150

Related Party Transactions Related Party Transaction (Shared Service and Overhead Allocations - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	$ 274	$ 386	$ 846	$ 887
Insurance Commissions and Fees	725	826	2,190	2,447
Costs and Expenses, Related Party		27		56
Affiliated Entity
Insurance Commissions and Fees	56	$ 59	165	$ 179
All Services and Transactions Except Broker Dealer Activities [Member]
Due from (to) Related Parties	$ (93)		$ (93)		$ (50)

Related Party Transactions Related Party Transaction (Broker Dealer - Narrative) (Details) - Broker Dealer Activities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Related Parties	$ 52	$ 55	$ 153	$ 166
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	397	$ 214	603	$ 540
Due from Related Parties	$ 17		$ 17		$ 17

Derivatives Derivatives (Derivatives Pertaining to Hedged Items) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	$ (2)	$ 0	$ (29)	$ 8
Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI	157	(7)	196	28
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	(2)	(2)	(6)	(4)
Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Cash flow hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	0	0	(23)	0
Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI	157	(7)	196	28
Fair value hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items		2		12
Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI		0		0
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	986	(665)	(189)	(1,238)
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	986	(708)	(237)	(1,287)
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives \| Cash flow hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	45	48	61
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives \| Fair value hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net		(2)		(12)
Net Investment Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	10	7	27	22
Net Investment Income \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Net Investment Income \| Cash flow hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	10	7	27	21
Net Investment Income \| Fair value hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net		0		1
Policyholder benefits and claims
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	(2)	0	(4)
Policyholder benefits and claims \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	(2)	0	(4)
Policyholder benefits and claims \| Cash flow hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Policyholder benefits and claims \| Fair value hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net		0		0
Interest rate derivatives \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	0	0	0	0
Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Interest rate derivatives \| Cash flow hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	0	0	0	0
Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI	51	(3)	51	(5)
Interest rate derivatives \| Fair value hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items		2		12
Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI		0		0
Interest rate derivatives \| Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	1,656	(266)	2,905	(1,190)
Interest rate derivatives \| Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives \| Cash flow hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	45	28	62
Interest rate derivatives \| Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives \| Fair value hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net		(2)		(12)
Interest rate derivatives \| Net Investment Income \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Interest rate derivatives \| Net Investment Income \| Cash flow hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	1	1	2	4
Interest rate derivatives \| Net Investment Income \| Fair value hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net		0		1
Interest rate derivatives \| Policyholder benefits and claims \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Interest rate derivatives \| Policyholder benefits and claims \| Cash flow hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Interest rate derivatives \| Policyholder benefits and claims \| Fair value hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net		0		0
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	(2)	(2)	(6)	(4)
Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives \| Cash flow hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	0	0	(23)	0
Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI	106	(4)	145	33
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives \| Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	49	6	71	29
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives \| Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives \| Cash flow hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0		20	(1)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives \| Net Investment Income \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives \| Net Investment Income \| Cash flow hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	9	6	25	17
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives \| Policyholder benefits and claims \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives \| Policyholder benefits and claims \| Cash flow hedges:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Credit derivatives \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	0	0	0	0
Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Credit derivatives \| Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	2	11	31	7
Credit derivatives \| Net Investment Income \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Credit derivatives \| Policyholder benefits and claims \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Equity derivatives \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	0	0	0	0
Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Equity derivatives \| Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(18)	(446)	(1,808)	(904)
Equity derivatives \| Net Investment Income \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Equity derivatives \| Policyholder benefits and claims \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Embedded derivatives \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	0	0	0	0
Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Embedded derivatives \| Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(703)	(13)	(1,436)	771
Embedded derivatives \| Net Investment Income \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Embedded derivatives \| Policyholder benefits and claims \| Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$ 0	$ (2)	$ 0	$ (4)