Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Common Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Net derivative gains (losses) Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] Net Derivative Gain Loss. Net investment income Investment Income [Member] Policyholder benefits and claims Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing policyholder benefits and claims. Risks Inherent in Servicing Assets and Servicing Liabilities by Type of Risk [Axis] Servicing Assets and Servicing Liabilities Risk [Axis] Risks Inherent in Servicing Assets and Servicing Liabilities, Type [Domain] Risks Inherent in Servicing Assets and Servicing Liabilities, Type [Domain] Credit default swaps — purchased Credit Default Swap, Buying Protection [Member] Credit default swaps — written Credit Default Swap, Selling Protection [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Equity [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Restatement [Axis] Restatement [Axis] Restatement [Domain] Restatement [Domain] Restatement adjustment Restatement Adjustment [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit plans adjustment attributable to parent Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Balance, beginning of period Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets Restatement Balance OCI before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Deferred income tax benefit (expense) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from AOCI Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Deferred income tax benefit (expense) Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Balance, end of period Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Estimated Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Assets Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Mortgage loans Fair Value Mortgage Loans Net Not On Recurring Basis Total amount of mortgage loans not valued on a recurring basis as of the balance sheet date. Policy loans Loans, Gross, Insurance Policy Real estate joint ventures Real Estate Investments, Joint Ventures Other limited partnership interests Other Limited Partnership Interests, Fair Value Disclosure The fair value portion of investments in other limited partnership interests. Other invested assets Other Investments Fair Value Disclosure Fair value portion of other investments not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables Receivables, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Policyholder account balances Policyholder Contract Deposits, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value portion of the liability of policyholders for deposits held under the terms of insurance contracts. Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Separate account liabilities Separate Accounts, Liability Schedule Of Effect Of Reinsurance On Income Statement [Table] Schedule Of Effect Of Reinsurance On Income Statement [Table] Schedule Of Effect Of Reinsurance On Income Statement. Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Affiliated Entity Affiliated Entity [Member] Reinsurance Disclosure [Line Items] Reinsurance Disclosure [Line Items] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Effects of reinsurance Effects of Reinsurance [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable interest entities Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Statement [Line Items] Assets Assets [Abstract] Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost Cost of equity securities available-for-sale Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Mortgage loans valuation allowances Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net Accrued investment income relating to variable interest entities Accrued Investment Income Receivable Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities Long-term Debt Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury Stock, Shares Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Earnings per common share - basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Junior Subordinated Debentures Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Repurchase Facility BLIC Repurchase Facility [Member] BLIC repurchase facility. Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument, interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Credit facilities, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit facilities, term Debt Instrument, Term Credit facilities, outstanding balance Long-term Line of Credit Schedule of Credit Derivatives [Table] Schedule of Credit Derivatives [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Fixed Maturity Securities Fixed Maturities [Member] Credit Derivatives [Line Items] Credit Derivatives [Line Items] Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Estimated Fair Value of Derivatives in Net Liability Position Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value Premiums and Other Receivables, Net Premiums and Other Receivables, Net Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Hedges Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedges Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest rate swaps Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest rate caps Interest Rate Cap [Member] Interest rate futures Futures [Member] Futures. Interest rate options Interest Rate Swaption [Member] Interest rate forwards Forward Contracts [Member] Foreign currency swaps Currency Swap [Member] Foreign currency forwards Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Credit default swaps Credit Default Swap [Member] Equity futures Equity Futures [Member] Equity Futures Member. Equity index options Equity Option [Member] Equity variance swaps Variance Swap [Member] Equity total return swaps Equity Total Return Swaps [Member] Contracts where a set of future cash flows are agreed to be exchanged at set dates in the future and are broken down as floating and equity legs. The floating leg is tied to LIBOR and the equity leg is based on performance of a stock or stock market index. Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Gross Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Income Statement Location [Domain] Other Liabilities Other Liabilities [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Deferred Income Tax [Domain] Deferred Income Tax [Domain] [Domain] for Component for deferred income taxes. Equity Component [Domain] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Parent shareholders' percentage Parent shareholders' percentage [Member] Percentage of Parent shareholders' shares. Parent percentage Parent percentage [Member] Percentage of Parent shares. Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Spinoff Spinoff [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Number of segments Number of Reportable Segments Common Stock Distribution by Parent Common Stock Distribution by Parent Percentage of common stock that parent intends to distribute Common Stock Retained by Parent Common Stock Retained by Parent Percentage of common stock retained by parent. Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule of estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps Disclosure of Credit Derivatives [Table Text Block] Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral Offsetting Assets [Table Text Block] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Derivatives Not Designated or Qualifying as Hedges [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Derivatives Not Designated or Qualifying as Hedges [Policy Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Components of Net Derivatives Gains (Losses) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] U.S. corporate and foreign corporate Corporate Debt Securities [Member] RMBS Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] CMBS Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] ABS Asset-backed Securities [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Credit Credit Risk Contract [Member] Equity market Equity Contract [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Weighted average Weighted Average [Member] Valuation Approach and Technique [Axis] Valuation Approach and Technique [Axis] Valuation Approach and Technique [Domain] Valuation Approach and Technique [Domain] Valuation technique, matrix pricing Valuation Technique, Matrix Pricing [Member] Valuation, market approach Valuation, Market Approach [Member] Valuation technique, consensus pricing model Valuation Technique, Consensus Pricing Model [Member] Valuation, income approach Valuation, Income Approach [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement input, offered price Measurement Input, Offered Price [Member] Measurement input, swap yield [Member] Measurement input, swap yield [Member] Measurement input, swap yield - Measurement input using swap yield Measurement input, quoted price Measurement Input, Quoted Price [Member] Measurement input, credit spread Measurement Input, Credit Spread [Member] Measurement input, option volatility Measurement Input, Option Volatility [Member] Measurement input, comparability adjustment Measurement Input, Comparability Adjustment [Member] Measurement input, age 0 - 40, mortality rate Measurement Input, Age 0 - 40, Mortality Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Age 0 - 40, Mortality Rate [Member] Measurement input, age 41- 60, mortality rate Measurement Input, Age 41- 60, Mortality Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Age 41- 60, Mortality Rate [Member] Measurement input, age 61 - 115, mortality rate Measurement Input, Age 61 - 115, Mortality Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Age 61 - 115, Mortality Rate [Member] Measurement input, duration 1 - 10, lapse rate Measurement Input, Duration 1 - 10, Lapse Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Duration 1 - 10, Lapse Rate [Member] Measurement input, duration 11 - 20, lapse rate Measurement Input, Duration 11 - 20, Lapse Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Duration 11 - 20, Lapse Rate Measurement input, duration 21 - 116, lapse rate Measurement Input, Duration 21 - 116, Lapse Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Duration 21 - 116, Lapse Rate [Member] Measurement input, utilization rate Measurement Input, Utilization Rate [Member] Measurement input, withdrawal rate Measurement Input, Withdrawal Rate [Member] Measurement input, long term equity volatilities Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities [Member] Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities [Member] Measurement input, entity credit risk Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input Derivative Asset (Liability) Net, Measurement Input Derivative Asset (Liability) Net, Measurement Input Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Compensation Labor and Related Expense Commissions Noninterest Expense Commission Expense Cost, Overhead Cost, Overhead Interest Income (Expense), Net Interest Income (Expense), Net Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Capitalization Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Capitalization Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs recorded on the statement of operations Interest expense on debt Interest and Debt Expense Premium taxes, licenses and fees Cost, Direct Tax and License Professional services Professional Fees Rent and related expenses Operating Leases, Rent Expense Other Other General and Administrative Expense Total other expenses Operating Expenses Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party [Abstract] Statement [Table] Related Party [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Metropolitan Life Insurance Company [Member] Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guarantee Type [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Benefit Type [Domain] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Domain] Assumed reinsurance on fixed deferred annuities Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Life and Other Life and Other [Member] Life and Other Insurance Product Affiliate Recapture Variable Annuities Affiliate Recapture Variable Annuities [Member] Recapture of agreements from BLICNY and NELICO BHL Recapture GMIB BHL Recapture GMIB [Member] Recapture of variable annuities BLIC Statement [Line Items] Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract] Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract] Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities Other Liabilities Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables Liability for Future Policy Benefits Liability for Future Policy Benefits Policyholder Contract Deposits Policyholder Contract Deposits Policyholder benefits and claims Policyholder Benefits And Claims Incurred Net [Member] Policyholder benefits and claims incurred net. Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Nonperformance risk Nonperformance Risk [Member] Non-performance Risk Options embedded in debt or equity securities (1) Securities (Assets) [Member] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Domain] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Domain] Direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefit Direct And Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Direct & Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Member. Direct guaranteed minimum benefits Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Fixed annuities with equity indexed returns Other Embedded Derivatives [Member] Other Embedded Derivatives Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables Receivables [Member] Portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity. Includes disclosure of claims held for amounts due a company. Examples include trade accounts receivables, notes receivables, loans receivables. Investments Investments [Member] Policyholder account balances Policyholder Account Balances [Member] Policyholder Account Balances. Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract] Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract] Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Variable interest entity, primary beneficiary Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] U.S. corporate Debt Security, Corporate, US [Member] U.S. government and agency US Treasury and Government [Member] RMBS Foreign corporate Debt Security, Corporate, Non-US [Member] State and political subdivision US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] ABS CMBS Foreign government Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] Interest rate contracts Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign currency exchange rate contracts Credit contracts Equity market contracts Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Assets [Abstract] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Short-term investments Short-term Investments Real Estate Investments, Joint Ventures Derivative assets Separate account assets Separate Account Assets Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative liabilities Total liabilities Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Asset Class [Axis] U.S. and foreign corporate Structured Securities Structured Securities [Member] Structured Securities. Equity securities Equity Securities [Member] Real estate joint ventures Real estate joint ventures [Member] Real estate joint ventures. Other limited partnership interests Partnership Interest [Member] Short-term investments Short-term Investments [Member] Separate account assets Separate account assets [Member] Separate Account Assets Member. Net Derivatives NetDerivatives [Member] The derivative assets and liabilities measured with unobservable inputs, including interest rate contracts, foreign currency exchange rate contracts, credit contracts, and equity market contracts. Net Embedded Derivatives Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Sales Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Issuances Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Issuances Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Transfers into Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Balance, end of period Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of period Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Purchases Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Purchases Sales Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Sales Issuances Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Issues Settlements Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements Transfers into Level 3 Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers out of Level 3 Balance, end of period Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Shareholder's net investment Shareholder's net investment [Member] Shareholder's net investment [Member] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Parent Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Stockholders' Equity, Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Share-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Change in shareholders Net Investment Change in shareholders Net Investment Change in shareholders Net Investment Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease) Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease) Other separation related transactions Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Ending Balance Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Balance, December 31, 2017 Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Attributable To Company This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to the Company. New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets Balance, January 1, 2018 Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Debt Securities On Which Noncredit Otti Losses Have Been Recognized This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized. Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Unrealized Investment Gains Losses During Period This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period. Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to: Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Future policy benefits Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Insurance Liability Gain Loss Recognition This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to insurance liability gain (loss) recognition. Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Dac And Voba Related To Non Credit Otti Losses Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income Loss Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Dac And Voba Related To Non Credit Otti Losses Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income Loss Changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to DAC and VOBA related noncredit OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). DAC, VOBA and DSI Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Dac And Voba This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to DAC and VOBA. Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Related To Deferred Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Related To Non Credit Otti Losses Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Deferred income tax benefit (expense) Income Tax Expense On Change In Unrealized Gain Or (Loss) This item represents the tax effects occurring during the period which are related to the net unrealized gain (loss) resulting from changes in the fair [carrying] value during the period of available-for-sale securities and from changes in certain insurance related assets and liabilities. Such tax affects would have been charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income or to related components of shareholders' equity. Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Excluding Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interests This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) excluding portion attributable to noncontrolling interests. Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Securities by Percent [Axis] Schedule of Securities by Percent [Axis] Schedule Of Securities By Percent Axis. Securities By Percent [Domain] Securities By Percent [Domain] Securities By Percent. 20% or more Twenty Percent Or More [Member] 20% or more Member. Schedule of Securities by Duration [Axis] Schedule of Securities by Duration [Axis] Schedule Of Securities By Duration Axis. Securities by Duration [Domain] Securities by Duration [Domain] Securities By Duration. Six months or greater Six Months Or Greater [Member] Six months or greater. Fixed maturity securities Debt Securities [Member] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Change in Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Tax Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss Number of Securities Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale with gross unrealized loss of equal to or greater than stated percentage Fixed Maturities Available For Sale With Gross Unrealized Loss Of Equal To Or Greater Than Stated Percentage Investment disclosure of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale with gross unrealized loss of equal to or greater than stated percentage. Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Policyholder Account Balances Reinsurance Reinsurance [Member] Affiliated reinsurance. Invested assets on deposit Deposit Assets Assets Held-in-trust Assets Held-in-trust Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Segment Reconciling Items Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Annuities Annuities [Member] Annuities. Life Life [Member] Life. Run-off Run-off [Member] Segment which consists of products no longer actively sold and which are separately managed. Corporate & Other Corporate and Other [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Pre-tax adjusted earnings Provision for income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Post-tax adjusted earnings Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Adjusted earnings Operating Income (Loss) Net investment gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Investments Net derivative gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Other adjustments to net income Other Income Interest revenue Interest Revenue (Expense), Net Interest expense Interest Expense Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Income Statement [Abstract] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Pro Forma Pro Forma [Member] Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings Per Share, Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Premiums Premiums Earned, Net Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Insurance Commissions and Fees Net investment income Net Investment Income Other revenues Net investment gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Investments [Abstract] Total net investment gains (losses) Net derivative gains (losses) Total revenues Revenues Expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses [Abstract] Policyholder benefits and claims Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Net Interest credited to policyholder account balances Interest Credited to Policyholders Account Balances Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Other expenses Total expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other Expenses Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block] Variable interest, maximum exposure to loss in consolidated securitization entities Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Sales, maturities and repayments of fixed maturity securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Sales, maturities and repayments of equity securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Sales, maturities and repayments of mortgage loans Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Mortgage Notes Receivable Sales, maturities and repayments of real estate and real estate joint ventures Proceeds from Real Estate and Real Estate Joint Ventures Sales, maturities and repayments of other limited partnership interests Proceeds from Limited Partnership Investments Purchases of fixed maturity securities Payments to Acquire Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Purchases of equity securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Purchases of mortgage loans Payments to Acquire Mortgage Notes Receivable Purchases of real estate and real estate joint ventures Payments to Acquire Real Estate and Real Estate Joint Ventures Purchases of other limited partnership interests Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives The cash inflow provided by derivative instruments during the period, which are classified as investing activities, including both hedging and non-hedging instruments. Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives Cash Paid In Connection With Freestanding Derivatives The cash outflow provided by derivative instruments during the period, which are classified as investing activities, including both hedging and non-hedging instruments. Net change in policy loans Payments for (Proceeds from) Policy Loans Net change in short-term investments Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-term Investments Net change in other invested assets Net Change In Other Invested Assets The net cash outflow (inflow) from other investing activities including derivative instruments, leveraged leases and other invested assets. Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Policyholder account balances: Deposits Proceeds from Annuities and Investment Certificates Policyholder account balances: Withdrawals Repayments of Annuities and Investment Certificates Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions. Long-term debt issued Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Long-term debt repaid Repayments of Long-term Debt Collateral financing arrangements repaid Repayments of Secured Debt Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Distribution to MetLife, Inc. Distributed Earnings Cash received from MetLife, Inc. in connection with shareholder’s net investment Proceeds from Contributions from Parent Cash paid to MetLife, Inc. in connection with shareholder’s net investment Payments of Capital Distribution Financing element on certain derivative instruments and other derivative related transactions, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Net cash paid (received) for interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Net cash paid (received) for income tax Income Taxes Paid, Net Non-cash transactions: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Transfer of fixed maturity securities to former affiliates Transfer from Investments Reduction of policyholder account balances in connection with reinsurance transactions Reduction of policyholder account balances in connection with a reinsurance transactions Reduction of policyholder account balances in connection with a reinsurance transactions Securities Financing Transaction [Table] Securities Financing Transaction [Table] Securities Financing Transaction [Axis] Securities Financing Transaction [Axis] Securities Financing Transaction, Type [Domain] Securities Financing Transaction [Domain] Estimated fair value Securities Financing Transaction, Fair Value [Member] Securities Investment Securities Investment [Member] Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items] Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items] Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties Securities Loaned, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Percentage Of US Treasury And Agency Securities At Estimated Fair Value Of Securities On Loan Relating To Cash Collateral On Open Percentage Of US Treasury And Agency Securities At Estimated Fair Value Of Securities On Loan Relating To Cash Collateral On Open The percentage of US Treasury and agency securities at estimated fair value of securities on loan relating to cash collateral on open. Percentage of Reinvestment Portfolio in Fixed Maturity Securities Percentage of Reinvestment Portfolio in Fixed Maturity Securities The percentage of the reinvestment portfolio acquired with the cash collateral consists mainly of Fixed maturities. Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Investments Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Other Revenues [Abstract] Other Revenues [Abstract] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Distribution service Distribution Service [Member] Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments and Tax [Abstract] Fixed maturity securities Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Debt Securities That Were Temporarily Impaired This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to fixed maturity securities that were temporarily impaired. Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI Other Than Temporary Impairments On Debt Securities Transferred To Other Comprehensive Income Loss Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income loss. Total fixed maturity securities Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Debt Securities This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to fixed maturity securities. Equity securities Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Equity Securities This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to equity securities. Derivatives Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Derivatives This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to derivatives. Other Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Other Investments This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to other investments. Subtotal Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Subtotal Of Investment Gains (Losses) Components This item presents the subtotal of net unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives and other investments. Future policy benefits Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Allocated From Insurance Liability Loss Recognition This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) allocated from insurance liability loss recognition. DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Allocated From Dac And Voba On Which Non credit Otti Losses Have Been Recognized This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) allocated from DAC and VOBA on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized. DAC, VOBA and DSI Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Allocated From Dac And Voba This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) allocated from DAC and VOBA. Subtotal Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Subtotal Of Allocated Amounts This item presents the subtotal of unrealized investment gains (losses) related to allocated amounts. Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Deferred Income Tax Benefit Expense On Which Non Credit Otti Losses Have Been Recognized This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to deferred income tax benefit (expense) on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized. Deferred income tax benefit (expense) Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Deferred Income Tax Benefit Expense This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to deferred income tax benefit (expense). Net unrealized investment gains (losses) Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses). Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Hedging Relationship [Axis] Cash Flow Hedging Fair Value Hedging Energy [Axis] Energy [Axis] Energy [Domain] Energy [Domain] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Position [Axis] Position [Axis] Position [Domain] Position [Domain] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion The current period gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income related to the effective portion of derivatives designated in cash flow hedges. Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entities by Classification of Entity [Axis] Other limited partnership interests Limited Partner [Member] Other investments Other Investments [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Carrying Amount Asset Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Carrying Amount Liability Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities Other Expenses Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Financial Instrument [Axis] Foreign corporate State and political subdivision Foreign government Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract] Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position less than 12 months Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Less than One Year Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position equal to or greater than 12 months Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year Insurance [Abstract] Net Amount at Risk, by Product and Guarantee [Table] Variable Annuity Guarantees Variable Annuity [Member] Guaranteed Death Benefits Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit [Member] Guaranteed Annuitization Benefits Annuitization Benefit [Member] Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items] Total account value Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, General Account Value Separate account value Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Separate Account Value Net amount at risk Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk Average attained age of contract holders Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Weighted Average Attained Age Aaa/Aa/A Aaa Aa [Member] Aaa Aa A Member. Baa Baa [Member] Baa. Ba Ba [Member] Ba Member. Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Axis] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Axis] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Domain] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Domain] Aaa/Aa/A Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Credit Risk Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Weighted Average Years to Maturity Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity Other expenses Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Interest Expense, Debt Interest Expense, Debt Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Debt Service Coverage Ratio by Range [Axis] Debt Service Coverage Ratio by Range [Axis] Debt Service Coverage Ratio By Range Axis. Debt Service Coverage Ratio by Range [Domain] Debt Service Coverage Ratio by Range [Domain] Debt Service Coverage Ratio By Range Domain. Greater than 1.20x Debt Service Coverage Ratio Range One [Member] Mortgage loans with a debt service coverage ratio of more than 1.20x. 1.00x - 1.20x Debt Service Coverage Ratio Range Two [Member] Mortgage loans with a debt service coverage ratio of 1.00x - 1.20x. Less than 1.00x Debt Service Coverage Ratio Range Three [Member] Mortgage loans with a debt service coverage ratio of less than 1.00x. Less than 65% Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator Range One [Member] Mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of less than 65%. 65% to 75% Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator Range Two [Member] Mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of 65% to 75%. 76% to 80% Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator Range Three [Member] Mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of 76% to 80%. Greater than 80% Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator Range Four [Member] Mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of greater than 80%. Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] % of Total Estimated Fair Value Commercial Mortgage Percentage This represents the total estimated fair value amount for mortgage loans by credit quality indicator to the total for all mortgage loans. Estimated Fair Value Estimated Fair Value Commercial Mortgage This represents the total estimated fair value for commercial mortgage loans by credit quality indicator by class of receivable. % of Total Loans Receivable Commercial Mortgage Percentage Reflects the percentage of the gross carrying amount of unpaid loans issued to businesses to provide financing on existing land or a building, which, pursuant to terms of the underlying debt instrument, are secured at a minimum but possibly exclusively by that real property to the total for all commercial mortgage loans. Mortgages represent permanent financing, and are issued to replace previously existing mortgages or pay off acquisition, development and construction loans, or to provide cash to the borrower. Commercial Mortgage Loans Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage Financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs Variable Interest Entity, Financial or Other Support, Amount Insurance Insurance Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks [Table] Mortgage Loan Commitments Loan Origination Commitments [Member] Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments Commitments to Extend Credit [Member] Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items] Indemnities And Guarantees Contractual Limitation Range Indemnities And Guarantees Contractual Limitation Range The range of the contractual limitation for guarantees and indemnities. Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability Liabilities for indemnities, guarantees and commitments Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Cumulative maximum indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Universal Life Contracts Universal Life [Member] Variable Life Contracts Variable Life [Member] Secondary Guarantees Secondary Guarantees [Member] Secondary Guarantees. Total account value (3) Net Amount At Risk By Product And Guarantee General And Separate Account Value Value of the separate and general accounts corresponding to the specified product, guarantee type and subset of the guarantee. Average attained age of policyholders Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity date Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Disclosure of Mortgage Loans Net of Valuation Allowance Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Securities Lending Schedule of Securities Financing Transactions [Table Text Block] Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral Schedule of Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Table Text Block] The Components of Net Investment Income Investment Income [Table Text Block] The components of net investment gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table Text Block] Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains and losses Proceeds From Sales Or Disposals Of Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities And Components Of Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities Net Investment Gains And Losses [Table Text Block] This table presents the proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains and losses. Rollforward of the Cumulative Credit Loss Component of OTTI income (loss) Roll Forward Of Cumulative Credit Loss Component Of Otti Income Loss [Table Text Block] Rollforward of cumulative credit loss component of OTTI loss recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities still held, for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Disclosure of the mortgage loans portfolio segment by the recorded investment, prior to valuation allowances, by credit quality indicator categories Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Variable interest entity, primary beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Metlife Investment Advisors, LLC Metlife Investment Advisors, LLC [Member] Metlife Investment Advisors, LLC [Member] Related Party Loan One Related Party Loan One [Member] Related Party Loan One [Member] Related Party Loan Two Related Party Loan Two [Member] Related Party Loan Two [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Transfers of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sale, Amortized Cost of Assets Obtained as Proceeds Transfers of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sale, Amortized Cost of Assets Obtained as Proceeds Represents the amortized cost of assets received on transfer of financial assets in a securitization, asset-backed financing arrangement, or a similar transfer which transaction is recognized as a sale of the transferred financial assets. Assets Transferred To Affiliates, Estimated Fair Value Assets Transferred To Affiliates, Estimated Fair Value Estimated fair value of assets transfered to affiliates. Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale, Gain (Loss) on Sale Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale, Gain (Loss) on Sale Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Capital Contribution Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Capital Contribution Change in additional paid in capital as a result of a capital contribution, including transfers of ownership. Related party investment administrative services Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items] Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items] Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals Gain (Loss) on Sale of Debt Investments Equity securities — Mark to market and net gains (losses) on sales and disposals Gain (Loss) on Sale of Equity Investments Net investment gains (losses) Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Other net investment gains (losses) [Abstract] Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract] Mortgage loans Gain (Loss) on Sales of Loans, Net Real estate joint ventures Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate Other limited partnership interests Gains Losses On Sales Of Other Limited Partnerships The net gain (loss) resulting from sales and other disposals of other limited partnership interests. Other Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments Subtotal Investment Portfolio Gains Losses This item represents the subtotal of gains (losses)on the investment portfolio. FVO CSEs - changes in estimated fair value [Abstract] Consolidated Securitization Entities [Abstract] Consolidated securitization entities. Commercial mortgage loans Gains Losses On Commercial Mortgage Loans Held By Consolidated Securitization Entities Fair Value Option The net gain or loss resulting from the change in fair value of commercial mortgage loans held by consolidated securitization entities not required to be reported separately in the statement of income for which the Company has elected the fair value option. Long-term debt — related to commercial mortgage loans Gains Losses On Long Term Debt Of Consolidated Securitization Entities Related To Mortgage Loans Fair Value Option The net gain or loss resulting from the sale or disposal of long-term debt relating to mortgage loans of consolidated securitization entities not required to be reported separately in the statement of income for which the Company has elected the fair option. Non-investment portfolio gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets Subtotal Gains Losses On Assets And Liabilities Held By Consolidated Securitizations Entities Under Fair Value Option And All Other Gains Losses The net gain or loss incurred on assets and liabilities held by consolidated securitizations entities and all other gains and losses. Total net investment gains (losses) Effects of Reinsurance [Table] Effects of Reinsurance [Table] Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Axis] Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Domain] Assumed Assumed Reinsurance [Member] All or part of a ceding company's insurance or reinsurance on a risk or exposure that is accepted. Ceded Ceded Reinsurance [Member] Amounts passed on to another insurer (the reinsurer) that are all or part of the financial interests of insurance policies written by an insurer (the ceding insurer) or assumed by an insurer/reinsurer with the object of reducing the cedent's possible liability by sharing with the reinsurer the insurance liability, premiums, and losses from the reinsured business. Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items] Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items] Assets: Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired Liabilities: Future policy benefits Policyholder account balances Other policy-related balances Other Policy-Related Balances Liability as of the balance sheet date to the policyholders for funds held that are returnable under the terms of insurance contracts that were not separately reported. Also includes unearned premiums. Embedded derivatives gains (losses) Fair Value Option, Disclosures [Table] Consolidated entities Consolidated Entities [Member] Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items] Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage Difference between estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance Fair Value, Option, Aggregate Differences, Loans and Long-term Receivables Contractual principal balance Long-term Debt, Gross Difference between estimated fair value and contractual principal balance Fair Value, Option, Aggregate Differences, Long-term Debt Instruments Stock repurchase program, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Treasury stock, shares acquired Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury stock, value acquired Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities [Member] Transaction Type [Axis] Transaction Type [Axis] Transaction [Domain] Transaction [Domain] Over the counter Over the Counter [Member] Exchange cleared Exchange Cleared [Member] Exchange-traded Exchange Traded [Member] Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Cash collateral on derivative assets Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Cash collateral on derivative assets Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Excess securities collateral received on derivatives Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities Excess securities collateral provided on derivatives Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Derivative Instrument Detail [Abstract] Derivative Instrument Detail [Abstract] Hedging exposure to variability in future cash flows for specific length of time Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Estimated fair value of securities collateral provided for over-the-counter derivatives with credit-contingent provisions in gross liability position Cash collateral on derivative liabilities Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Securities collateral received which the company is permitted to sell or repledge, amount that has been sold or repledged Customer Securities for which Entity has Right to Sell or Repledge, Fair Value of Securities Sold or Repledged Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Participating Mortgage Loans [Table] Participating Mortgage Loans [Table] Participating Mortgage Loans [Line Items] Participating Mortgage Loans [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due Company-held mortgage loans held-for-investment, net Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Percentage of loans receivable on commercial mortgage loans Percentage Of Loans Receivable Commercial Mortgage To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Commercial Mortgage Loans Receivable to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Agricultural Mortgage Loans Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Agricultural Percentage of loans receivable on agricultural mortgage loans Percentage Of Loans Receivable Commercial Agricultural To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Commercial Agricultural Loans Receivable to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Residential Mortgage Loans Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross, Consumer, Mortgage Percentage of loans receivable on residential mortgage loans Percentage Of Loans And Leases Receivable Consumer Mortgage To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Consumer Mortgage Loans and Leases Receivable to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Subtotal Mortgage Loans Held For Investment The balance represents the amount of loans that are secured by real estate mortgages. Percentage of loans receivable on subtotal Percentage Of Mortgage Loans Held For Investment To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Mortgage Loans Held For Investment to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Valuation allowances Percentage of loans receivable on valuation allowances Percentage Of Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses Real Estate To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses on Real Estate to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Subtotal mortgage loans, net Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount Percentage of loans receivable on subtotal mortgage loans held-for-investment, net Percentage Of Mortgage Loans Held For Investment Net To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Mortgage Loans Held-for-investment, net to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Percentage of loans receivable on commercial mortgage loans held by consolidated securitization entities - fair value option Percentage Of Commercial Mortgage Loans Held By Consolidated Securitization Entities Fair Value Option To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Commercial Mortgage Loans Held By Consolidated Securitization Entities Fair Value Option to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Percentage of loans held for sale on total mortgage loans, net Percentage Of Mortgage Loans On Real Estate To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Mortgage Loans On Real Estate to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Abstract] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Abstract] Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gain Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Performance Share Units [Abstract] Performance Share Units [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Paid Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Performance Performance Shares [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Performance and Restricted Share Units Preferred Units Description and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Vested at September 30, 2018 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Restricted and Performance Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Intrinsic Value, Amount Per Share Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Intrinsic Value, Amount Per Share Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercised Paid Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Net investment income Total earned income Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Invested assets held-in-trust Invested assets pledged as collateral Invested Assets Pledged As Collateral Invested assets pledged as collateral. Invested Assets On Deposit Held In Trust And Pledged As Collateral Invested Assets On Deposit Held In Trust And Pledged As Collateral The element presents the invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral. Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Estimated increase (decrease) in adjusted earnings due to new methodology Estimated increase (decrease) in adjusted earnings due to new methodology Estimated increase (decrease) in pretax adjusted earnings due to new capital allocation methodology Estimated increase (decrease) in total assets due to new methodology Estimated increase (decrease) in total assets due to new methodology Estimated increase (decrease) in total assets due to new capital allocation methodology Stockholder's Compensation [Abstract] Stockholder's Compensation [Abstract] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Other share based Other Share Based [Member] Other Share Based [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), Founders' Grant Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), Founders' Grant [Member] Share instrument which is convertible to stock or an equivalent amount of cash, after a specified period of time or when specified performance conditions are met. Block granted as Founders' Grant. Performance Factor Performance Factor The percentage of the performance factor for the three year period used for perfomance shares and units. Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Investments: Investments [Abstract] Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $60,705 and $60,173, respectively) Equity securities, at estimated fair value (cost: $139 and $142, respectively) Mortgage loans (net of valuation allowances of $56 and $47, respectively; includes $93 and $115, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities) Real estate joint ventures Real Estate Investments, Net Other limited partnership interests Other Limited Partnership Interests The book value of investments in other limited partnership interests. Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value Other Investments Total investments Investments Cash and cash equivalents, principally at estimated fair value Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accrued investment income (includes $0 and $1, respectively, relating to variable interest entities) Current income tax recoverable Income Taxes Receivable Other assets Other Assets Total assets Assets Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Other policy-related balances Other Policyholder Funds Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions Payables For Collateral Under Securities Loaned And Other Transactions The amount of cash received as security in return for loaning securities to another party and the amount of the obligation to return cash collateral under master netting arrangements that have not been offset against net derivative instrument positions. Long-term debt (includes $3 and $11, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities) Deferred income tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Other liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 11) Commitments and Contingencies Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 119,782,668 and 119,773,106 shares issued, respectively; 118,800,611 and 119,773,106 shares outstanding, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings (deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Treasury Stock, Value Treasury Stock, Value Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Total Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Offsetting Assets [Table] OTC-cleared and exchange-traded Offsetting Assets [Line Items] Offsetting Assets [Line Items] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals Fair value, before effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial asset or other contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes assets elected not to be offset. Excludes assets not subject to a master netting arrangement and accruals. Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals Fair value, before effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial liability or contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes liabilities elected not to be offset. Excludes liabilities not subject to a master netting arrangement and accruals. Amounts offset in the consoilidated balance sheets, Assets Derivative Asset, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Amounts offset in the consoilidated balance sheets, Liabilities Derivative Liability, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Estimated fair value of derivative assets presented in the consolidated balance sheets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Estimated fair value of derivative liabilities presented in the consolidated balance sheets Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Gross estimated fair value of derivative assets Derivative Asset, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Gross estimated fair value of derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Cash collateral on derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Securities collateral on derivative assets Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities, Offset Amount of obligation to return securities collateral under master netting arrangements offset against derivative assets. Securities collateral on derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities, Offset Amount of right to receive securities collateral under master netting arrangements offset against derivative liabilities. Net amount of derivative assets after application of master netting agreements and cash collateral Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Net amount of derivative liabilities after application of master netting agreements and cash collateral Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Compensation Expense [Abstract] Compensation Expense [Abstract] Restricted stock units, Founders’ Grant Stock options Employee Stock Option [Member] Performance shares Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Recurring Fair Value Measurements Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value Inputs, Quantitative Information Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value Option Fair Value Option, Disclosures [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Total Assets Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Total Liabilities Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Securities Financing Transaction [Domain] Amortized cost Securities Financing Transaction, Cost [Member] Securities loaned Securities Loaned Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Associated Liabilities, Carrying Amount Security collateral on deposit from counterparties Securities Received as Collateral Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value Securities Lending Reinvestment Portfolio Estimated Fair Value This element represents the estimated fair value of the securities lending reinvestment portfolio. Stock Options [Abstract] Stock Options [Abstract] Risk-free rate of return Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum Expected volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected option life, years Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Weighted average fair value of stock options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non Broker Dealer Transactions, By Related Party [Abstract] Non Broker Dealer Transactions, By Related Party [Abstract] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] All services and transactions except broker dealer activities All Services and Transactions Except Broker Dealer Activities [Member] All services and transactions except Broker Dealer activities. Assets Due from Related Parties Liabilities Due to Related Parties Income Revenue from Related Parties Expense Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Investment Income [Table] Investment Income [Table] Mortgage loans Mortgages [Member] Policy loans Policy Loans [Member] Real estate joint ventures Real Estate Investment [Member] Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] FVO CSEs — interest income — commercial mortgage loans Commercial Loan [Member] Consolidated Securitization Entities Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Consolidated Securitization Entities [Member] Certain Variable Interest Entities that are treated as consolidated securitization entities. Net Investment Income [Line Items] Net Investment Income [Line Items] Subtotal Gross Investment Income, Operating Less: Investment expenses Investment Income, Investment Expense Subtotal , net Cash equivalents Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Maturity Overnight Maturity Overnight [Member] Maturity Less than 30 Days Maturity Less than 30 Days [Member] Maturity 30 to 180 Days Maturity 30 to 180 Days [Member] Maturity period that is more than 29 days but fewer than 180 days from the reporting date for repurchase agreements and similar transactions, for example, but not limited to, securities lending arrangements. Total Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Premiums: Premiums Earned [Abstract] Premiums Earned [Abstract] Reinsurance assumed Assumed Premiums Earned Reinsurance ceded Ceded Premiums Earned Net premiums Universal life and investment-type product policy fees: Reinsurance assumed Assumed Insurance Commissions And Fees Universal life and investment-type product policy fees assumed from other insurers as a result of reinsurance arrangements. Reinsurance ceded Ceded Insurance Commissions And Fees Universal life and investment-type product policy fees ceded to other insurers as a result of reinsurance agreements. Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees Other revenues: Component of Operating Income [Abstract] Reinsurance assumed Commissions Fees And Other Income Assumed Fees, commissions and other revenues assumed from other insurers as a result of reinsurance arrangements. Reinsurance ceded Other Income Ceded Fees, commissions and other revenues ceded to other insurers as a result of reinsurance agreements. Policyholder benefits and claims: Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred [Abstract] Reinsurance assumed Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Assumed Reinsurance ceded Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Ceded Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Assumed and Ceded Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Assumed and Ceded Interest credited to policyholder account balances: Interest Credited To Policyholder Account Balances [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Net interest credited to policyholder account balances Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, [Abstract] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, [Abstract] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Other expenses: Other Expenses [Abstract] Net other expenses Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Residential Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] Agricultural Agricultural Portfolio Segment [Member] Portfolio segment of the company's total financing receivables related to agricultural receivables. Commercial Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Significant Purchases Financing Receivable, Significant Purchases Estimated fair value of mortgage loans held-for-investment Financing Receivable, Net Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract] Percentage of Mortgage Loans Classified as Performing Percentage of Mortgage Loans Classified as Performing The percentage of all mortgage loans that are classified as performing. Loans and Leases Receivable, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of interest Loans and Leases Receivable, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of Interest Financing Receivable Number of Contract of Recorded Investment Past Due Financing Receivable Number of Contract of Recorded Investment Past Due Reflects the number of financing receivables of recorded investment that are past due at the balance sheet date. Loans and Leases Receivable, Number of Contract, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of Interest Loans and Leases Receivable, Number of Contract, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of Interest Reflects the number of loans deemed to be questionable as to collection on which no interest is continuing to be recognized. Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number of Contracts Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number of Contracts Investments in any counterparty that were greater than 10% of equity Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Investments Securities holdings exposure in single issuer greater than stated percentage of Company's equity Concentration Risk, Percentage Total assets Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation of Subsidiaries Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Non-Income Producing Debt Securities Non-Income Producing Debt Securities [Member] Non-income producing debt securities. Summary of Certain Fixed Maturity Securities Gross Unrealized Gain loss Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax Derivative Financial Instruments Performing Performing Financial Instruments [Member] Nonperforming Nonperforming Financial Instruments [Member] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items] Agricultural Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator: Agricultural Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract] Agricultural mortgage loans, by credit quality indicator. Recorded Investment % of Total Loans Receivable Commercial Agricultural Mortgage Percentage Reflects the percentage of the gross carrying amount of unpaid loans issued to agricultural businesses to provide financing on existing land or a building, which, pursuant to terms of the underlying debt instrument, are secured at a minimum but possibly exclusively by that real property to the total for all commercial agricultural mortgage loans. Mortgages represent permanent financing, and are issued to replace previously existing mortgages or pay off acquisition, development and construction loans, or to provide cash to the borrower. Residential Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract] Residential Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract] Residential mortgage loans, by credit quality indicator. Recorded Investment % of Total Loans And Leases Receivable Consumer Mortgage Percentage Reflects the percentage of the gross carrying amount of unpaid loans and leases issued to consumers to the total for all consumer loans and leases. Proceeds from Sale of Insurance Investments Proceeds from Sale of Insurance Investments Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Realized Losses, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Available-for-sale Securities, Realized Losses, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings [Abstract] Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments [Abstract] Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net Components of Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Abstract] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Amortized Cost, Due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, within One Year, Amortized Cost Amortized Cost, Due after one year through five years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost Amortized Cost, Due after five years through ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost Amortized Cost, Due after ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Maturity, after 10 Years, Amortized Cost Amortized Cost, Structured Securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Amortized Cost, Subtotal Estimated Fair Value, Due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, within One Year, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value, Due after one year through five years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value, Due after five years through ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value, Due after ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after 10 Years, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value, Structured Securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Net investment gains (losses) Provision for income tax expense (benefit) Long-term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Guarantees related to Annuity, Universal and Variable Life Contracts Schedule of Net Amount of Risk by Product and Guarantee [Table Text Block] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] Revenues Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward] Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of period Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held Reductions: Otti Reductions [Abstract] Otti Reductions Abstract. Sales (maturities, pay downs or prepayments) of securities previously impaired as credit loss OTTI Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Reductions, Securities Sold Balance, end of period