Debt-to-Value [Axis] Debt-to-Value [Axis] Allowance on securities where credit losses were not previously recorded Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss, Not Previously Recorded Deferred Revenue Arrangement, by Type [Table] Deferred Revenue Arrangement, by Type [Table] Long-term debt repaid Repayments of Long-Term Debt Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount Share Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized, Amount Cover [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Benefit payments Separate Account, Liability, Benefit Payment Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Derivative assets Derivative Asset, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset Non-NEOs Non-NEOs [Member] Change in allowance on securities with an allowance recorded in a previous period Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss, Not to Sell before Recovery, Credit Loss, Previously Recorded, Expense (Reversal) Measurement Input, Withdrawal Rate Measurement Input, Withdrawal Rate [Member] Purchases of mortgage loans Payments to Acquire Mortgage Notes Receivable Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, Original Discount Rate, before Cash Flow and Reinsurance Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, Original Discount Rate, before Cash Flow and Reinsurance Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Purchases of equity securities Payments to Acquire Equity Securities, FV-NI Policyholder account balances: Withdrawals Repayments of Annuities and Investment Certificates Foreign currency swaps Currency Swap [Member] Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fixed maturity securities, total write-offs Debt Securities Available For Sale Writeoff Amount of impairment writeoff recognized directly in earnings and charged against allowance for credit loss on investment in debt security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (available-for-sale) Award Timing Disclosures [Line Items] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Axis] Financial Asset, Aging [Axis] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, before Reinsurance, after Discount Rate Change Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, before Reinsurance, after Discount Rate Change Policyholder Benefits and Claims Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Rollforward of the Allowance for Credit Losses for Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits [Abstract] Policyholder Account Balance, above Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate [Axis] Policyholder Account Balance, above Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate [Axis] Offsetting [Abstract] Offsetting [Abstract] Volume related costs, excluding compensation, net of DAC capitalization Cost, Overhead 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. Financing receivable, before allowance for credit losses by debt service coverage ratio as a percentage of financing receivable, before allowance for credit losses Notes Receivable Gross By Debt Service Coverage Ratio As Percentage Of Notes Receivable Gross Ratio with notes receivable gross by debt service coverage ratio in numerator and total notes receivable gross in the denominator. See NotesReceivableGross for definition of notes receivable gross. Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual [Table] Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual [Table] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities AOCI, Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, before Tax AOCI, Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, before Tax Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual [Line Items] Award Timing Method Award Timing Method [Text Block] Cash surrender value Cash surrender value Cash surrender value Trading Arrangements, by Individual Trading Arrangements, by Individual [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items] State and political subdivision US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Adjustment to Compensation, Amount Adjustment to Compensation Amount Compensation Amount Outstanding Recovery Compensation Amount Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Company Selected Measure Amount Company Selected Measure Amount Tabular List, Table Tabular List [Table Text Block] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Life Life [Member] Life. Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Separate Account, Liability [Line Items] Separate Account, Liability [Line Items] Antidilutive stock options excluded from the computation of earnings per common share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Structured Securities Structured Securities [Member] Structured Securities. Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Accounts and Financing Receivables [Table] 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] Market Risk Benefit, Reinsurance Recoverable, after Allowance Market Risk Benefit, Reinsurance Recoverable, after Allowance Residential Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] Employee Stock Option Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Table] Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Foreign currency forwards Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract] Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract] Mortgage loans valuation allowances Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Award Type Award Type [Axis] Corporate (1) Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, Issuance Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, Issuance Loan-to-Value Ratio, 65% to 75% Ltv 65 To 75 Percent [Member] Debt-to-value (DTV) ratio from 65 to 75%. Element name and standard label in DTV [numeric lower end] to [numeric higher end] Percent [Member] format. Policyholder Account Balance, Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate Policyholder Account Balance, Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate [Table Text Block] Market Risk Benefit, Activity Market Risk Benefit, Activity [Table Text Block] Total liabilities Liabilities Noncontrolling interests Equity, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items] Financing receivable, after allowance for credit losses as a percentage of financing receivable, net of allowance for credit losses Notes Receivable Net As Percentage Of Notes Receivable Net Ratio with notes receivable net in numerator and notes receivable net in the denominator. See NotesReceivableNet for definition of notes receivable net. Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Expiration Date Trading Arrangement Expiration Date Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Variable Annuities Variable Annuity [Member] Total Shareholder Return Amount Total Shareholder Return Amount Write-offs charged against allowance (1) Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff Estimated fair value, due after ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 10 Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium [Roll Forward] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium [Roll Forward] Preferred stock, aggregate liquidation preference Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block] Transfers out of Level 3 (6) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Domain] Financial Asset, Aging [Domain] Fixed maturity securities, gross investment gains Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Realized Gain Changes in Nonperformance Risk on Market Risk Benefits AOCI, Market Risk Benefit, Instrument-Specific Credit Risk, Parent [Member] Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Interest Income (Expense) Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Interest Income (Expense) Named Executive Officers, Footnote Named Executive Officers, Footnote [Text Block] Other assets Other Assets Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, Issuance Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, Issuance Policyholder Account Balance, Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate Range [Axis] Policyholder Account Balance, Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate Range [Axis] Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Debt Service Coverage Ratio, 1.00x to 1.20x Dsc 100 To 120 Percent [Member] Debt service coverage (DSC) ratio from 100% to 120% or 1.00x to 1.20x. Element name and standard label in DSV [numeric lower end] to [numeric higher end] Percent [Member] format. Financing receivable, net of allowance for credit losses Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, Net Premium Collected Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, Net Premium Collected Schedule of Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks [Table] Fair Value, off-Balance-Sheet Risk [Table] Derivatives Subject To Credit-Contingent Provisions Derivatives Subject To Credit-Contingent Provisions [Member] Derivatives Subject To Credit Contingent Provisions Member. MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value [Flag] Total Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity Equity, Attributable to Parent Treasury stock, at cost; 62,190,283 and 59,315,213 shares, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Transition services agreements Transition Services Agreements Costs incurred for services provided by the former parent during transition period after spin-off. Estimated fair value, due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Year One Separate Account, Liability Separate Account, Liability [Table Text Block] Life Life Insurance Product Line [Member] Amortized cost, Structured Securities Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Interest rate caps Interest Rate Cap [Member] Market Risk Benefit, Aging of the Block and Other Market Risk Benefit, Increase (Decrease) from Other Assumption Policyholder Account Balance [Table] Policyholder Account Balance [Table] AOCI, Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, before Tax AOCI, Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, before Tax Market Risk Benefits Market Risk Benefits [Text Block] The entire disclosure for Market Risk Benefits Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus All Executive Categories All Executive Categories [Member] Dilutive effect of share-based awards Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-Based Payment Arrangements Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Statement of Financial Position Location, Balance [Domain] Agricultural Agricultural Portfolio Segment [Member] Portfolio segment of the company's total financing receivables related to agricultural receivables. Equity securities Equity Securities Equity Securities [Member] Securities Financing Transaction [Table] Security Financing Transaction [Table] Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1) Net unrealized investment gains (losses): AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Parent [Member] Invested assets pledged as collateral Invested Assets Pledged As Collateral Invested assets pledged as collateral. Changed Peer Group, Footnote Changed Peer Group, Footnote [Text Block] Change in noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease) Assets Assets [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Document Type Document Type Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Surrenders and withdrawals Policyholder Account Balance, Surrender and Withdrawal Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, Original Discount Rate, before Reinsurance, after Cash Flow Change Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, Original Discount Rate, before Reinsurance, after Cash Flow Change Mortgage loans (net of allowance for credit losses of $155 and $137, respectively) Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost Baa Baa [Member] Baa credit rating based on (i) the availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch or (ii) an internally developed rating if no rating is available from a rating agency. 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). 60 to 89 Days Past Due Financial Asset, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member] Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Attributable To Company This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to the Company. Maximum Maximum [Member] Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote [Text Block] Premiums, reinsurance and other, allowance for credit losses Reinsurance Recoverable, Allowance for Credit Loss Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Participating Insurance, Percentage of Premium Income Participating Insurance, Percentage of Premium Income Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to: 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. Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] Accrued investment income Accrued Investment Income Receivable Non-Income Producing Non Income Producing [Member] A stock that has not paid a dividend in the past year or a bond that has ceased accrual because the collection of principal and interest is in doubt. Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Interest credited to policyholder account balances Market value adjustments Policyholder Account Balance, Interest Expense Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Income (loss) before provision for income tax Pre-tax adjusted earnings (loss) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Name Outstanding Recovery, Individual Name Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Insurance Commissions and Fees Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect Award Timing Predetermined Award Timing Predetermined [Flag] Policyholder account balances Policyholder Contract Deposit Other Other General and Administrative Expense Diluted Earnings per common share - diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Premium Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease) Premium Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease) Restatement does not require Recovery Restatement Does Not Require Recovery [Text Block] Financing receivable, originated three years before latest FY Financing Receivable, Year Four, Originated, Three Years before Current Fiscal Year Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Asset-backed securities ABS Asset-Backed Securities [Member] Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (3) (4) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral Schedule of Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Table Text Block] Insurance Liabilities Insurance Disclosure [Text Block] Separate Account, Liability [Table] Separate Account, Liability [Table] Net income (loss) Post-tax adjusted earnings (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net derivative gains (losses), excluding investment hedge adjustments Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Provision for income tax expense (benefit) Income tax (expense) benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Issuances (5) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Issues Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Policyholder Account Balance, at Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate Policyholder Account Balance, at Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate [Member] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] 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. Separate account liabilities Separate Account, Liability, Beginning Balance Separate Account, Liability, Ending Balance Separate Account, Liability Universal Life Insurance Universal Life [Member] Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Interest expense Interest Expense, Operating and Nonoperating Purchases of limited partnerships and limited liability companies Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests Separate account assets Separate Account Asset All Adjustments to Compensation All Adjustments to Compensation [Member] Structured Settlement and Pension Risk Transfer Annuities Structured Settlement and Pension Risk Transfer Annuities [Member] Structured Settlement and Pension Risk Transfer Annuities Aaa/Aa/A Aaa Aa [Member] Aaa, Aa and A credit rating based on (i) the availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch or (ii) an internally developed rating if no rating is available from a rating agency. Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Cumulative maximum indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items] Fair Value, off-Balance-Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Credit Credit Credit Risk Contract [Member] Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Gross Premium, Undiscounted, before Reinsurance Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Gross Premium, Undiscounted, before Reinsurance Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Erroneous Compensation Analysis Erroneous Compensation Analysis [Text Block] Income Annuities Immediate Variable Annuity [Member] Capitalization Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Capitalization Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] 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. Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] 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. Cash and cash equivalents Separate Account, Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Market risk benefit liabilities Market Risk Benefit, Liability, Amount Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, Cumulative Increase (Decrease) of Actual Variance from Expected Experience Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, Cumulative Increase (Decrease) of Actual Variance from Expected Experience Restatement Determination Date Restatement Determination Date Estimated Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset of Collateral Policy charges Policyholder Account Balance, Policy Charge Net investment income Investment Hedge Adjustment Net investment income Net Investment Income Net Investment Income Pay vs Performance Disclosure Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] Interest rate Interest rate Interest Rate Contract [Member] Fixed Maturity Securities by Sector Schedule of Available-for-Sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Securities Lending Schedule of Securities Financing Transactions [Table Text Block] Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Loan-to-Value Ratio, Greater than 80% Ltv Greater Than 80 Percent [Member] Debt-to-value (DTV) ratio greater than 80%. Element name and standard label in DTV Greater Than [low end numeric value] Percent [Member] or DTV Less Than [high end numeric value] Percent [Member] format. Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net [Abstract] 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). Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Peer Group Issuers, Footnote Peer Group Issuers, Footnote [Text Block] Other revenues Other Income Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] PEO PEO [Member] Name Trading Arrangement, Individual Name Financing element on certain derivative instruments and other derivative related transactions, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables (net of allowance for credit losses of $3 and $3, respectively) Premiums and Other Receivables, Net Financing receivable, allowance for credit losses as a percentage of financing receivable, net of allowance for credit losses Financing Receivable Allowance For Credit Losses As Percentage Of Notes Receivable Net Ratio with financing receivable allowance for credit losses in numerator and notes receivable net in the denominator. See FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses for definition of financing receivable allowance for credit losses. See NotesReceivableNet for definition of notes receivable net. Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Deferred Sale Inducement Cost [Line Items] Deferred Sale Inducement Cost [Line Items] Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items] Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items] Fixed Rate Annuities Fixed Annuity [Member] Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] 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. Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Table Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table Text Block] Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year [Member] Performing Performing Financial Instruments [Member] Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Market risk benefit assets Market Risk Benefit, Asset, Amount Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined [Text Block] Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities, Offset Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities, Offset Amount of right to receive securities collateral under master netting arrangements offset against derivative liabilities. Other expenses Total other expenses Operating Expenses Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Estimated fair value of derivatives in a net liability position (1) Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Current Weighted-Average Discount Rate Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Current Weighted-Average Discount Rate Fixed maturity securities, allowance for credit losses Balance, beginning of period Balance, end of period Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss PEO Total Compensation Amount PEO Total Compensation Amount Derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Income Statement Location [Axis] Statement of Income Location, Balance [Axis] 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. Policyholder account balances: Deposits Proceeds from Annuities and Investment Certificates Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Credit default swaps — written Credit Default Swap, Selling Protection [Member] Premiums and deposits Policyholder Account Balance, Premium Received Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, before Reinsurance, after Discount Rate Change Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, before Reinsurance, after Discount Rate Change Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Ba Ba [Member] Ba credit rating based on (i) the availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch or (ii) an internally developed rating if no rating is available from a rating agency. Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Market Risk Benefit, Increase (Decrease) from Actual Policyholder Behavior Different from Expected Market Risk Benefit, Increase (Decrease) from Actual Policyholder Behavior Different from Expected Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] Equity Equity [Text Block] Award Timing, How MNPI Considered Award Timing, How MNPI Considered [Text Block] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions Obligation to Return Securities Received as Collateral Market Risk Benefit, Increase (Decrease) from Equity Market Change Market Risk Benefit, Increase (Decrease) from Equity Market Change Contracted services and other labor costs Professional Fees Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Title Trading Arrangement, Individual Title Balance, beginning of period, VOBA Balance, end of period, VOBA Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest City Area Code City Area Code Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted [Text Block] Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired Balance, end of period, Total DAC and VOBA Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net Other Expense Other Expense [Member] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Domain] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Domain] Equity market Equity market Equity Contract [Member] Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Components of Net Investment Income Investment Income [Table Text Block] Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items] Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items] Derivative Liability, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Derivative Liability, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Deduction of Financial Instrument Not Offset Amounts allocated from: 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. Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Earnings per common share Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Equity Equity [Abstract] Expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses [Abstract] Retained earnings (deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Financial Instrument Income Producing Status [Axis] Financial Instrument Income Producing Status [Axis] Information by category of income producing or non-income producing status of financial instruments. Foreign government Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] Aggregate Available Trading Arrangement, Securities Aggregate Available Amount Equity Awards Adjustments Equity Awards Adjustments [Member] Underlying Securities Award Underlying Securities Amount Investments Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items] Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items] Present Value of Future Insurance Profits Present Value of Future Insurance Profits [Table Text Block] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain] Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, number of securities Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Number of Positions Policyholder Account Balance, Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate, Range from 0400 and Greater Policyholder Account Balance, Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate, Range from 0400 and Greater [Member] Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] Sales, maturities and repayments of equity securities Proceeds from Sale of Equity Securities, FV-NI Other Revenues and Other Expenses Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amortized cost, due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Year One Other policy-related balances Other Policyholder Funds Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation Disclosure [Line Items] Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Interest rate swaps Interest Rate Swap [Member] Financing receivable, originated two years before latest FY Financing Receivable, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year Balance, beginning of period Balance, end of period Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs Leveraged leases, allowance for credit losses Leveraged Leases, Allowance For Credit Losses Amount of allowance for credit loss on leveraged leases. Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Cumulative Increase (Decrease) of Actual Variance from Expected Experience Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Cumulative Increase (Decrease) of Actual Variance from Expected Experience Measurement Input, Utilization Rate Measurement Input, Utilization Rate [Member] Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (3) Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] VIE, Not Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] 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] Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote [Text Block] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Equity index options Equity Option [Member] Unearned Revenue Unearned Revenue [Table Text Block] Unearned Revenue Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure [Text Block] Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities by Sector Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Stock, Class of Stock [Table] Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year [Member] Total assets Total assets Carrying amount Assets Policyholder Account Balance, Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate, Range From 0200 to 0399 Policyholder Account Balance, Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate, Range From 0200 to 0399 [Member] Policyholder Account Balance, Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate, Range From 0200 to 0399 Entity Listings [Line Items] Entity Listings [Line Items] Policyholder Account Balance Policyholder Account Balance [Table Text Block] Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 13) Commitments and Contingencies Future policy benefits Liability for Future Policy Benefit, after Reinsurance Separate Accounts Separate Account [Text Block] Caa and Lower Caa and Lower [Member] Caa and lower credit rating based on (i) the availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch or (ii) an internally developed rating if no rating is available from a rating agency. Termination Date Trading Arrangement Termination Date Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Financing receivables in nonaccrual status with no allowance for credit losses Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual, No Allowance Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, Benefit Payment Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, Benefit Payment Financing receivable, before allowance for credit losses as a percentage of financing receivable, net of allowance for credit losses Notes Receivable Gross As Percentage Of Notes Receivable Net Ratio with notes receivable gross in numerator and notes receivable net in the denominator. See NotesReceivableGross for definition of notes receivable gross. See NotesReceivableNet for definition of notes receivable net. Other liabilities Other Liabilities Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, after Offset and Deduction Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Estimated fair value, due after one year through five years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year One Through Five Market Risk Benefit [Line Items] Market Risk Benefit [Line Items] Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Trading Arrangement: Trading Arrangement [Axis] Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Market Risk Benefit, before Reinsurance and Cumulative Increase (Decrease) from Instrument-Specific Credit Risk Change Market Risk Benefit, before Reinsurance and Cumulative Increase (Decrease) from Instrument-Specific Credit Risk Change Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Company-Owned Life Insurance Company Owned Life Insurance [Member] Company Owned Life Insurance Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, Interest Expense Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, Interest Expense Pay vs Performance Disclosure, Table Pay vs Performance [Table Text Block] Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral Offsetting Assets [Table Text Block] Financing receivable in nonaccrual status Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in Compensation Table Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in the Compensation Table [Member] Amortized cost, due after ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 10 Total expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses Market Risk Benefit, after Reinsurance and Cumulative Increase (Decrease) from Instrument-Specific Credit Risk Change Market Risk Benefit, after Reinsurance and Cumulative Increase (Decrease) from Instrument-Specific Credit Risk Change Entity File Number Entity File Number Financing receivables purchased from third parties Financing Receivable, Purchase Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Transfers into Level 3 (6) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers into Level 3 Measurement Input, Mortality Rate Measurement Input, Mortality Rate [Member] Other Long-Duration Insurance, Other [Member] Name Forgone Recovery, Individual Name Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Award Timing MNPI Considered Award Timing MNPI Considered [Flag] Estimated fair value, Structured Securities Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, before Reinsurance, after Discount Rate Change Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, before Reinsurance, after Discount Rate Change Policyholder Account Balance, above Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate, Range from 0051 to 0150 Policyholder Account Balance, above Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate, Range from 0051 to 0150 [Member] Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Preferred Stock Authorized, Issued and Outstanding Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount 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. Adjustment to Compensation: Adjustment to Compensation [Axis] Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Maximum exposure to loss Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Liabilities Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of 4.625% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D 4.625% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D Series D Preferred Stock [Member] Amortized cost, due after one year through five years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year One Through Five Policy loans Policy Loans [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Balance, beginning of period Balance, end of period Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Purchases (5) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost and Present Value of Future Profit [Line Items] Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost and Present Value of Future Profit [Line Items] Pension Adjustments Service Cost Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method [Text Block] Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or greater, gross unrealized losses Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss Policyholder Account Balance, Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate [Line Items] Policyholder Account Balance, Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate [Line Items] Total equity Beginning Balance Ending Balance Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Fixed maturity securities, net investment gains (losses) Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Realized Gain (Loss) Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, Cumulative Increase (Decrease) from Model Refinements Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, Cumulative Increase (Decrease) from Model Refinements Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, Cumulative Increase (Decrease) from Model Refinements Nature of Expense [Axis] Nature of Expense [Axis] Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2) Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity Name Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Individual Name ULSG liabilities, including liability for profits followed by losses ULSG Liability for Profits Followed by Losses Including the Effects of Unrealized Gains and Losses [Member] ULSG Liability for Profits Followed by Losses Including the Effects of Unrealized Gains and Losses Loss contingency, range of possible loss, portion not accrued Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Market Risk Benefit, Weighted-Average Attained Age of Contract holder Market Risk Benefit, Weighted-Average Attained Age of Contract holder Market Risk Benefit, Weighted-Average Attained Age of Contract Holder Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Weighted-Average Duration Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Weighted-Average Duration Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss Market Risk Benefit, Decrements Market Risk Benefit, Decrements, Increase (Decrease) Market Risk Benefit, Decrements, Increase (Decrease) Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Estimated fair value of collateral provided (2): Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value Premium and other taxes, licenses and fees Cost, Direct Tax and License Corporate & Other Corporate Segment and Other Operating Segment [Member] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Fixed maturity securities, gross unrealized losses Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Market Risk Benefit, Increase (Decrease) from Interest Rate Change Market Risk Benefit, Increase (Decrease) from Interest Rate Change Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Funding agreements classified as investment contracts Institutional spread margin [Member] Institutional spread margin Run-off Run-off [Member] Segment which consists of products no longer actively sold and which are separately managed. Fixed maturity securities Fixed maturity securities  Debt Securities [Member] Past Due Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table Text Block] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] All Trading Arrangements All Trading Arrangements [Member] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income [Text Block] Earnings Per Common Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Net change in policy loans Payments for (Proceeds from) Policy Loans Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Net cash paid (received) for income tax Income Taxes Paid, Net Interest rate forwards Interest rate forward [Member] Interest-rate forward contracts involve the future sale (or purchase) of a debt instrument with a specification of the actual debt instrument that will be delivered at a future date, amount of the debt instrument to be delivered, price (interest rate) on the debt instrument when it is delivered, and date on which delivery will take place. Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Line Items] Financing receivable, originated in current FY Financing Receivable, Year One, Originated, Current Fiscal Year Financing receivables in nonaccrual status, investment income Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual, Interest Income Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount Premiums and deposits Separate Account, Liability, Premium and Deposit Residential mortgage-backed securities RMBS Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables Receivables, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset of Collateral Other Performance Measure, Amount Other Performance Measure, Amount Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Authorization Under 10b5-1 Plan Authorization Under 10b5-1 Plan [Member] Authorization Under 10b5-1 Plan [Member] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, before Reinsurance Liability for Future Policy Benefit, before Reinsurance Accrued interest receivable Interest Receivable Cash flow hedges: Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Fixed maturity securities, gross investment losses Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Realized Loss Policyholder Account Balance [Line Items] Policyholder Account Balance [Line Items] Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Net amount at risk Net amount at risk Net amount at risk Stock repurchase program, shares repurchased Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Derivative Liability, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Offset Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Weighted-Average Interest Accretion Rate Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Weighted-Average Interest Accretion Rate Deferred Sale Inducement Cost [Table] Deferred Sale Inducement Cost [Table] Balance, beginning of period, DAC Balance, end of period, DAC Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost Treasury Stock, Common Treasury Stock, Common [Member] Schedule of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Reductions for securities sold Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss, Securities Sold Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Current income tax recoverable Income Taxes Receivable 90 to 179 Days Past Due Financing Receivables 90 To 179 Days Past Due [Member] Financial asset more than 89 days past due but fewer than 180 days past due. Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Reinsurance Recoverable, after Allowance Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Reinsurance Recoverable, after Allowance Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $88,176 and $87,131, respectively; allowance for credit losses of $45 and $21, respectively) Fixed maturity securities, estimated fair value Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale Sales, maturities and repayments of limited partnerships and limited liability companies Proceeds from Limited Partnership Investments Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract] Balance, beginning of period Balance, end of period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Derivative Asset, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Against Derivative Asset Policyholder Account Balance, above Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate, Range from 0001 to 0050 Policyholder Account Balance, above Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate, Range from 0001 to 0050 [Member] AOCI, Market Risk Benefit, Instrument-Specific Credit Risk, before Tax AOCI, Market Risk Benefit, Instrument-Specific Credit Risk, before Tax Net Investment Income Investment Income [Member] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, Cumulative Increase (Decrease) of Actual Variance from Expected Experience Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, Cumulative Increase (Decrease) of Actual Variance from Expected Experience Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI 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. Market Risk Benefit [Table] Market Risk Benefit [Table] 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) Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] 180 Days and Greater Past Due Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 180 Days Past Due [Member] Financial asset equal to or greater than 180 days past due. Guarantees related to Annuity, Universal and Variable Life Contracts Schedule of Net Amount of Risk by Product and Guarantee [Table Text Block] Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Net transfers from (to) separate account Net transfers from (to) general account Transfer to (from) Policyholder Account Balance (to) from Separate Account Derivative AOCI associated with Cash Flow Hedges Pre Tax Derivative AOCI associated with Cash Flow Hedges Pre Tax Derivative AOCI associated with Cash Flow Hedges Pre Tax Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items] Liabilities reported in the preceding rollforward tables Net Liability for Future Policy Benefits for Nonparticipating Traditional, Limited-Payment Contracts and Universal Life-Type Contracts with Secondary Guarantees Reported in Preceding Tables [Member] Liabilities Reported in the Preceding Rollforward Tables: Term and Whole Life Insurance, Income Annuities, Structured Settlement and Pension Risk Transfer Annuities, Whole and Universal Life Insurance with Secondary Guarantees Amortization Deferred Sales Inducement Cost, Amortization Expense Cash and cash equivalents Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Institutional group annuities Institutional group annuities [Member] Institutional group annuities Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Reinsurance Recoverable, after Allowance Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Reinsurance Recoverable, after Allowance Treasury Stock, Common, Shares Treasury Stock, Common, Shares Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Original Discount Rate, before Reinsurance, after Cash Flow Change Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Original Discount Rate, before Reinsurance, after Cash Flow Change Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, Original Discount Rate, before Cash Flow and Reinsurance Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, Original Discount Rate, before Cash Flow and Reinsurance Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period Fair Value, Asset, Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Capitalization Deferred Revenue, Capitalization Deferred Revenue, Capitalization Rollforward of the Allowance for Credit Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities by Sector Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block] Financing receivable, before allowance for credit losses by performance status as a percentage of financing receivables, before allowance for credit losses Notes Receivable Gross By Performance Status As Percentage Of Notes Receivable Gross Ratio with notes receivable gross by performance status in numerator and total notes receivable gross in the denominator. See NotesReceivableGross for definition of notes receivable gross. Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Fixed maturity securities Fixed Maturities [Member] Percentage of reinvestment portfolio invested in liquid assets Percentage of Reinvestment Portfolio Invested In Liquid Assets Percentage of reinvestment portfolio invested in liquid assets including, but not limited to, agency RMBS, cash and cash equivalents and U.S. government and agency securities. Balance, beginning of period Balance, end of period Deferred Sale Inducement Cost Policyholder Account Balance, above Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate, Range from 0151 and Greater Policyholder Account Balance, above Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate, Range from 0151 and Greater [Member] Compensation Labor and Related Expense Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability [Text Block] Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Net investment gains (losses) Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Sales (5) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Market Risk Benefit, Measurement Input Market Risk Benefit, Measurement Input Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Interest Rate Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Interest Rate Charge-offs, net of recoveries Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff, after Recovery Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, Undiscounted, before Reinsurance Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, Undiscounted, before Reinsurance Financing receivable, before allowance for credit losses Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss Measurement Input, Lapse Rate Measurement Input, Lapse Rate [Member] Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted [Flag] Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments Commitments to Extend Credit [Member] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Table] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Table] Fair Value, Separate Account Investment Fair Value, Separate Account Investment [Table Text Block] Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Schedule of Liability for Future Policy Benefits, by Product Segment Schedule of Liability for Future Policy Benefits, by Product Segment [Table Text Block] Insurance [Abstract] Insurance [Abstract] Transfers into Level 3 (6) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3 Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Benefit Payment Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Benefit Payment Other investment contract liabilities Investment Product [Member] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Benefit, Original Discount Rate, before Reinsurance, after Cash Flow Change Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Benefit, Original Discount Rate, before Reinsurance, after Cash Flow Change Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive loss OCI, Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Gain (Loss), before Adjustment and Tax [Abstract] Amortization of net actuarial gains (losses) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Statement of Financial Position Location, Balance [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not designated Not Designated Preferred Stock [Member] The maximum number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Recurring Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Entity Listings [Table] Entity Listings [Table] Nonperforming Nonperforming Financial Instruments [Member] Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or greater, estimated fair value Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer Long-term debt Long-Term Debt Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost [Member] 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] Sales, maturities and repayments of mortgage loans Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Mortgage Notes Receivable Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Market Risk Benefit, after Increase (Decrease) from Instrument-Specific Credit Risk Market Risk Benefit, after Increase (Decrease) from Instrument-Specific Credit Risk Investment Income [Table] Net Investment Gains (Losses) [Table] Investment Income [Table] Net derivative gains (losses) Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block] Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group [Text Block] Less: Investment expenses Investment Income, Investment Expense Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements: Open Maturity Overnight [Member] Limited partnerships and LLCs Real Estate Investment [Member] Fixed maturity securities with allowance for credit losses, number of securities Debt Securities Available For Sale With Allowance For Credit Loss Number Of Positions Number of investments in debt securities measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (available-for-sale) with allowance for credit loss. Includes beneficial interest in securitized financial asset. Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s Stockholders’ Equity Parent [Member] Mortgage Loan Commitments Loan Origination Commitments [Member] Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Amortization of defined benefit plans, net of income tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Less: Preferred stock dividends Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Total account balances Total account balances Total account balances Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value Short-term investments Short-Term Investments PEO Name PEO Name FHLB common stock Federal Home Loan Bank Stock All Award Types Award Type [Domain] Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) Deposit Assets Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (3) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure [Text Block] Deferred income tax asset Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Non-PEO NEO Non-PEO NEO [Member] Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Net Premium Collected Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Net Premium Collected Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Participating whole life insurance (2) Participating Life Insurance Contract [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of 6.600% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A 6.600% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Interim Period, Costs Not Allocable [Domain] Interim Period, Costs Not Allocable [Domain] Loan-to-Value Ratio, 76% to 80% Ltv 76 To 80 Percent [Member] Debt-to-value (DTV) ratio from 76 to 80%. Element name and standard label in DTV [numeric lower end] to [numeric higher end] Percent [Member] format. Name Measure Name Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity securities Proceeds from Sale of Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale Policyholder benefits and claims (including liability remeasurement gains (losses) of $0, $0, $0 and $0, respectively) Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Net Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Activity [Table] Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Activity [Table] Recurring Fair Value Measurements Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Limited partnerships and limited liability companies Real Estate Investments, Net Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Weighted-Average Duration Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Weighted-Average Duration Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Axis] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Axis] Schedule of Credit Derivatives [Table] Credit Derivative [Table] Policy loans Loans, Gross, Insurance Policy Defined benefit plans adjustment: Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (3) (4) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Original Discount Rate, before Cash Flow and Reinsurance Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Original Discount Rate, before Cash Flow and Reinsurance Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties Securities Loaned, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Equity securities, at estimated fair value Equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of 5.375% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C 5.375% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Preferred stock, annual dividend rate Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Foreign corporate Debt Security, Corporate, Non-US [Member] Adjusted earnings (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Credit Quality of Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Cash collateral received from counterparties Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Associated Liabilities, Carrying Amount Policyholder Account Balance, Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate [Table] Policyholder Account Balance, Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate [Table] Number of Reportable Segments Number of segments Number of Reportable Segments Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Non-litigation loss Non-litigation loss [Member] Non-litigation loss Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Credit Risk Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Greater than 1.20x Dsc Greater Than 120 Percent [Member] Debt service coverage (DSC) ratio greater than 120% or 1.20x. Element name and standard label in DSC Greater Than [low end numeric value] Percent [Member] or DSC Less Than [high end numeric value] Percent [Member] formats. Derivatives Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Participating Insurance, Percentage of Gross Insurance in Force Participating Insurance, Percentage of Gross Insurance in Force 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. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Underlying Security Market Price Change Underlying Security Market Price Change, Percent Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Individual: Individual [Axis] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Changes in Discount Rates on the Liability for Future Policy Benefits AOCI, Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Parent [Member] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Current period provision Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease) Separate Account Asset Category [Domain] Separate Account Asset Category [Domain] Weighted-average crediting rate (2) Policyholder Account Balance, Weighted Average Crediting Rate Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election Pension risk transfer annuities Pension risk transfer annuities Pension risk transfer annuities Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return [Text Block] Fixed maturity securities Separate Account, Debt Security [Member] Policy charges Separate Account, Liability, Policy Charge Term and Whole Life Insurance Term & Whole Life Insurance [Member] Contract providing (i) death benefit payment in event of death within period specified in contract (term life) and (ii) payment over life of insured and upon death of insured (whole life). Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Debt Service Coverage [Domain] Debt Service Coverage [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Service Coverage Ratio By Range Axis. 6.250% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2058 Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] Amortization Deferred Revenue, Amortization Expense Deferred Revenue, Amortization Expense Minimum Minimum [Member] Financing receivable, allowance for credit losses Financing receivable, allowance for credit losses, beginning of period Financing receivable, allowance for credit losses, end of period Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss Equity securities Separate Account, Equity Security [Member] Adoption Date Trading Arrangement Adoption Date Amortization Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Amortization Expense Estimated fair value, due after five years through ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 5 Through 10 Interest rate options Interest Rate Swaption [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Separate Account Asset Category [Axis] Separate Account Asset Category [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year [Member] Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements) Asset, Held-in-Trust Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in OCI Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability), Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss), OCI Exercise Price Award Exercise Price Arrangement Duration Trading Arrangement Duration Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Policyholder Account Balances gross of policy loans and excludes excessing interest reserves Policyholder Account Balances gross of policy loans and excludes excessing interest reserves Policyholder Account Balances gross of policy loans and excludes excessing interest reserves Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entity [Table] Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity: Equity, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, estimated fair value Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months Total investments Investments Financing receivable, originated five or more years before latest FY Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year Interest rate floors Interest Rate Floor [Member] Policyholder Account Balance, above Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate [Domain] Policyholder Account Balance, above Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate [Domain] Material Terms of Trading Arrangement Material Terms of Trading Arrangement [Text Block] Derivative Asset, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Derivative Asset, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Deduction of Financial Instrument Not Offset All Individuals All Individuals [Member] U.S. corporate Debt Security, Corporate, US [Member] Net change in short-term investments Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-Term Investments 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. Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value (net of allowance for credit losses of $12 and $13, respectively) Other Investments Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements: 1 to 6 Months 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. Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Amortization Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense Separate account fees Custody Fees Changes related to embedded derivatives Policyholder Account Balance, Increase (Decrease) from Other Change Preferred stock, dividends declared per share Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared Preferred stock, aggregate dividends declared Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Fixed maturity securities, gross unrealized gains Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Financing receivable, originated in FY before latest FY Financing Receivable, Year Two, Originated, Fiscal Year before Current Fiscal Year Assets [Abstract] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Net Amount at Risk, by Product and Guarantee [Table] Net Amount at Risk, by Product and Guarantee [Table] 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. Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents 1 [Axis] Information by type of restricted cash and cash equivalent balance. Market Risk Benefit, Issuance Market Risk Benefit, Issuance Deferred Sales Inducement Cost Deferred Sale Inducement Cost [Table Text Block] Interest rate futures Interest rate futures [Member] Interest rate futures are exchange traded financial derivatives that allow hedging of various underlying interest rate instruments. Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Gross Premium Income Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, Gross Premium Income Liabilities for indemnities, guarantees and commitments Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Mortgage loans Mortgages [Member] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, Interest Income Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, Interest Income Purchases (5) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Purchases Total 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. Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, after Offset and Deduction Surrenders and withdrawals Separate Account, Liability, Surrender and Withdrawal Securities on loan Securities Loaned Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Sales, maturities and repayments of fixed maturity securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale Fair value disclosure, off-balance sheet risks, face amount, liability Fair Value Disclosure, off-Balance-Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability Measure: Measure [Axis] Balance, beginning of period Balance, end of period Unearned Premiums Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements: 1 Month or Less Maturity Less than 30 Days [Member] Investments: Investments [Abstract] Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities [Member] Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities [Member] Credit default swaps Credit Default Swap [Member] Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or greater, number of securities Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Number of Positions Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Gross Premium Income Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Gross Premium Income Total liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Settlements (5) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in OCI Fair Value, Asset (Liability), Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss), OCI Other assets Other Investments [Member] Annuities Annuities [Member] Annuities. Non-GAAP Measure Description Non-GAAP Measure Description [Text Block] Amounts reclassified from AOCI Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Hybrid options us-gaap_HybridOptionMember [Member] us-gaap_HybridOptionMember Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Less than 1.00x Dsc Less Than 100 Percent [Member] Debt service coverage (DSC) ratio less than 100% or 1.00x. Element name and standard label in DSC Greater Than [low end numeric value] Percent [Member] or DSC Less Than [high end numeric value] Percent [Member] formats. Loan-to-Value Ratio, Less than 65% Ltv Less Than 65 Percent [Member] Debt-to-value (DTV) ratio less than 65%. Element name and standard label in DTV Greater Than [low end numeric value] Percent [Member] or DTV Less Than [high end numeric value] Percent [Member] formats. Debt-to-Value [Domain] Debt-to-Value [Domain] Additional 402(v) Disclosure Additional 402(v) Disclosure [Text Block] Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Preferred Stock Dividends Declared Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] 30 to 59 Days Past Due Financial Asset, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member] Long-term care insurance (1) Long-Term Care Insurance [Member] Liabilities related to fully reinsured individual long-term care insurance Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Deferred profit liabilities Deferred Profit Liabilities Related to Income, Structured Settlement and Pension Transfer Risk Annuities [Member] Deferred Profit Liabilities Related to Income, Structured Settlement and Pension Transfer Risk Annuities Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Percentage of other invested assets comprised of freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values Percentage Of Other Invested Assets Comprised Of Freestanding Derivatives With Positive Estimated Fair Values Percentage of other invested assets that is comprised of freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values. Settlements (5) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items] Net cash paid (received) for interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Interest revenue Interest Income (Expense), Operating and Nonoperating Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Other limited partnership interests Limited Partner [Member] Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Dividends in Excess of Retained Earnings Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Dividends in Excess of Retained Earnings Assets Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit [Roll Forward] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit [Roll Forward] Benefit payments Policyholder Account Balance, Benefit Payment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Amortized cost, due after five years through ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 5 Through 10 Net Investment Income [Line Items] Net Investment Gains (Losses) [Line Items] Net Investment Income [Line Items] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] 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) Other Separate Account, Liability, Increase (Decrease) from Other Change Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Table Text Block] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Distribution service Distribution Service [Member] Long-term debt Long-Term Debt, Fair Value Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Commercial mortgage-backed securities CMBS Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract] Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract] Debt Service Coverage [Axis] Debt Service Coverage [Axis] Debt Service Coverage Ratio By Range Axis. Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote [Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Intangibles Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value as of Grant Date Award Grant Date Fair Value Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Equity Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Universal Life Insurance Variable Universal Life [Member] Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restatement Determination Date: Restatement Determination Date [Axis] Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 123,434,240 and 122,818,568 shares issued, respectively; 61,243,957 and 63,503,355 shares outstanding, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Investment performance Separate Account, Liability, Increase (Decrease) from Invested Performance Policyholder Account Balance, Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate Range [Domain] Policyholder Account Balance, Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate Range [Domain] OCI before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Index-linked Annuities Indexed Annuity [Member] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Information by type of restricted cash and cash equivalent balance. ULSG Universal Life Insurance with Secondary Guarantees [Member] Universal Life Insurance with Secondary Guarantees Financial Instrument Income Producing Status [Domain] Financial Instrument Income Producing Status [Domain] [Domain] for Information by category of income producing or non-income producing status of financial instruments. Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to: 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. Securities Financing Transaction [Domain] Securities Financing Transaction [Domain] Net Derivatives (2) 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. Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity Securities 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. Other Expenses Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block] Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; $1,753 aggregate liquidation preference Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Variable income annuities Variable income annuities Variable income annuities Financing receivable, originated four years before latest FY Financing Receivable, Year Five, Originated, Four Years before Current Fiscal Year Basic Earnings per common share - basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Award Timing MNPI Disclosure Award Timing MNPI Disclosure [Text Block] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Remeasurement Gain (Loss) Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Remeasurement Gain (Loss) Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Embedded Embedded Derivatives on Index-Linked Annuities Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Change in market risk benefits Change in market risk benefits Market Risk Benefit, Change in Fair Value, Gain (Loss) Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, Discounted, before Reinsurance Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, Discounted, before Reinsurance Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Policy Benefit, Discounted, before Reinsurance Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Gross Premium, Discounted, before Reinsurance Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Future Gross Premium, Discounted, before Reinsurance U.S. government and agency US Treasury and Government [Member] Interest expense on debt Interest and Debt Expense Other invested assets Other Investments Fair Value Disclosure Fair value portion of other investments not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. 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. Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] Credit Derivatives [Line Items] Credit Derivatives [Line Items] Securities Financing Transaction [Axis] Securities Financing Transaction [Axis] Total revenues Total revenues Revenues Policyholder Account Balance, Beginning Balance Policyholder Account Balance, Ending Balance Policyholder Account Balance Policyholder Account Balance 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. Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Weighted-Average Interest Accretion Rate Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Weighted-Average Interest Accretion Rate Dividends on preferred stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities, Offset Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities, Offset Amount of obligation to return securities collateral under master netting arrangements offset against derivative assets. Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Transfers out of Level 3 (6) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers out of Level 3 AOCI, Liability for Future Policy Benefit, before Tax AOCI, Liability for Future Policy Benefit, before Tax Share-based compensation Share-Based Compensation Transactions Increase (Decrease) Share-Based Compensation Transactions Increase (Decrease) 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), Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, Cumulative Increase (Decrease) from Model Refinements Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, Cumulative Increase (Decrease) from Model Refinements Liability for Future Policy Benefit, Expected Net Premium, Cumulative Increase (Decrease) from Model Refinements Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Sales (5) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Sales Market Risk Benefit, Effect of changes in risk margin Market Risk Benefit, Effect of changes in risk margin Market Risk Benefit, Effect of Changes in Risk Margin Rollforwards Total Rollforwards Total [Member] Rollforwards Total Mortgage Loans Real Estate Loan [Member] Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year [Member] Current Financial Asset, Not Past Due [Member] Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table] Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of 6.750% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B 6.750% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Commercial Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases Stock repurchase program, aggregate amount repurchased Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Mortgage Loans in Nonaccrual Status by Portfolio Segment Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual [Table Text Block] Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Embedded derivatives on index-linked annuities (2) Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability 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. Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, after Reinsurance Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance, after Reinsurance Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Insider Trading Arrangements [Line Items] Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] Net Derivative Gain Loss. Segment Reconciling Items Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item, Excluding Corporate Nonsegment [Member] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis] Estimated fair value Securities Financing Transaction, Fair Value [Member] Foreign currency exchange rate Foreign currency exchange rate Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Other (2) Other Components of AOCI [Member] A combination of accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss related to defined benefit plans attributable to the parent and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) resulting from foreign currency translation adjustments, foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity and intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature, attributable to the parent. Issuances (5) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Issuances Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of period Unrealized investment gains (losses), end of period 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. Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses) Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table Text Block] Retained Earnings (Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] Embedded derivatives on index-linked annuities Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset Gross investment income Gross Investment Income, Operating Policyholder Account Balance, Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate, Range Less Than 0200 Policyholder Account Balance, Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate, Range Less Than 0200 [Member] Policyholder Account Balance, Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate, Range Less Than 0200 Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance [Line Items] Additional Liability, Long-Duration Insurance [Line Items] Premiums Premiums Earned, Net Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and cash equivalents restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Executive Category: Executive Category [Axis] Amortized cost Securities Financing Transaction, Cost [Member] Income Statement Location [Domain] Statement of Income Location, Balance [Domain] Purchases of fixed maturity securities Payments to Acquire Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale Company Selected Measure Name Company Selected Measure Name