SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract] SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Disclosure [Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Disclosure [Text Block] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net [Abstract] Schedule of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired Present Value of Future Insurance Profits [Table Text Block] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Table Text Block] Information Regarding Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired by Segment Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs And Value Of Business Acquired By Segment [Table Text Block] Carrying (unamortized) amount as of the balance sheet date of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired (also called present value of future profits) by segment. Deferred Sales Inducements Deferred Sale Inducement Cost [Table Text Block] Value of Distribution Agreements Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Estimated Future Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Beginning Balance of DAC Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost Capitalizations of DAC Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Capitalization Net investment gains (losses) of DAC and net derivative gains (losses) Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Net Investment Gains (Losses) Other expenses of DAC Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Other Total amortization of DAC Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Amortization Expense Unrealized investment gains (losses) of DAC Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) Ending Balance of DAC Beginning Balance of VOBA Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net Net investment gains (losses) of VOBA and net derivative gains (losses) Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, Realized Gain (Loss) Other expenses of VOBA Present Value Of Future Insurance Profits Amortization Expense Other Expenses Amount of amortization of present value of future insurance profits related to other expenses. Total amortization of VOBA Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense Unrealized investment gains (losses) of VOBA Effects of Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Present Value of Future Insurance Profits Ending Balance of VOBA Ending Balance of DAC and VOBA Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract] Reinsurance Reinsurance [Text Block] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Fixed maturity securities Debt Securities [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Policyholder account balances Policyholder Account Balances [Member] Policyholder Account Balances. Reinsurance Reinsurance [Member] Affiliated reinsurance. Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) Deposit Assets Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements) Assets Held-in-trust Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Other Expenses Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block] Net investment gains (losses), fixed maturity securities Gain (Loss) on Sale of Debt Investments Net investment gains (losses), equity securities Gain (Loss) on Sale of Equity Investments Net investment gains (losses), mortgage loans Gain (Loss) on Sales of Loans, Net Net investment gains (losses), limited partnerships and LLCs Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate Net investment gains (losses), other Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments Net investment gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Investments Reinsurance (Reinsurance - Narrative) [Abstract] Reinsurance (Reinsurance - Narrative) [Abstract] Effects of Reinsurance [Table] Effects of Reinsurance [Table] Ceded Credit Risk, Collateralization [Axis] Ceded Credit Risk, Collateralization [Axis] Ceded Credit Risk, Collateralization [Domain] Ceded Credit Risk, Collateralization [Domain] Ceded Credit Risk, Secured [Member] Ceded Credit Risk, Secured [Member] Reinsurance Policy, Type [Axis] Reinsurance Policy, Type [Axis] Reinsurance Policy [Domain] Reinsurance Policy [Domain] Mortality Risk [Member] Mortality Risk [Member] Mortality risk associated with life insurance. Mortality Risk on Case by Case Basis [Member] Mortality Risk on Case by Case Basis [Member] Mortality risk associated with life insurance, on a case by case basis. Participating Life Insurance Contract [Member] Participating Life Insurance Contract [Member] Quota Share Reinsurance for Certain Disability Business [Member] Quota Share Reinsurance for Certain Disability Business [Member] Quota-share reinsurance agreements for certain disability business. Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Accident and Health Insurance Product Line [Member] Accident and Health Insurance Product Line [Member] Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items] Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items] Reinsurance Retention Policy, Excess Retention, Percentage Reinsurance Retention Policy, Excess Retention, Percentage Reinsurance Retention Policy, Amount Retained Reinsurance Retention Policy, Amount Retained Reinsurance Retention Policy, Reinsured Risk, Percentage Reinsurance Retention Policy, Reinsured Risk, Percentage Reinsurance Recoverables, Ceded Reinsurance Recoverables, Ceded Amount of reinsurance recoverable balances in both asset and liability accounts that have been ceded. Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Premiums Premiums Earned, Net Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Insurance Commissions and Fees Net investment income Net Investment Income Other revenues Other Income Net investment gains (losses) Net derivative gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Total revenues Revenues Expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses [Abstract] Policyholder benefits and claims Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Net Interest credited to policyholder account balances Policyholder Account Balance, Interest Expense Amortization of DAC and VOBA Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Other expenses Operating Expenses Total expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses Income (loss) before provision for income tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Less: Preferred stock dividends Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Earnings per common share Net income available to common shareholders per common share Net income available to common shareholders per common share. Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Affiliated Entity Affiliated Entity [Member] MetLife Investment Management, LLC Metlife Investment Management, LLC [Member] Metlife Investment Management, LLC (formerly known as MetLife Investment Advisors, LLC) Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Invested assets transferred, estimated fair value Assets Transferred To Affiliates, Estimated Fair Value Estimated fair value of assets transfered to affiliates. Invested assets transferred, amortized cost Transfers of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sale, Amortized Cost of Assets Obtained as Proceeds Represents the amortized cost of assets received on transfer of financial assets in a securitization, asset-backed financing arrangement, or a similar transfer which transaction is recognized as a sale of the transferred financial assets. Net investment gains (losses) recognized on invested assets transferred Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale, Gain (Loss) on Sale Carrying value of equity method investments sold Equity Method Investments Proceeds from sale of equity method investments Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Gain on sale of equity method investment recognized as capital contribution Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Capital Contribution Change in additional paid in capital as a result of a capital contribution, including transfers of ownership. Related party investment administrative service charges Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Securities by Percent [Axis] Schedule of Securities by Percent [Axis] Schedule Of Securities By Percent Axis. Securities By Percent [Domain] Securities By Percent [Domain] Securities By Percent. 20% or more Twenty Percent Or More [Member] 20% or more Member. Schedule of Securities by Duration [Axis] Schedule of Securities by Duration [Axis] Schedule Of Securities By Duration Axis. Securities by Duration [Domain] Securities by Duration [Domain] Securities By Duration. Six months or greater Six Months Or Greater [Member] Six months or greater. Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Change in gross unrealized losses of securities in an unrealized loss position Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Tax Gross unrealized losses of securities in an unrealized loss position Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss Number of Securities Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale with gross unrealized loss of equal to or greater than stated percentage Fixed Maturities Available For Sale With Gross Unrealized Loss Of Equal To Or Greater Than Stated Percentage Investment disclosure of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale with gross unrealized loss of equal to or greater than stated percentage. Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Assets Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Mortgage loans Fair Value Mortgage Loans Net Not On Recurring Basis Total amount of mortgage loans not valued on a recurring basis as of the balance sheet date. Policy loans Loans, Gross, Insurance Policy Other Investments Fair Value Disclosure Other Investments Fair Value Disclosure Fair value portion of other investments not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables Receivables, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Policyholder account balances Policyholder Contract Deposits, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value portion of the liability of policyholders for deposits held under the terms of insurance contracts. Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Separate account liabilities Separate Account, Liability Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost Mortgage loans valuation allowances Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, par value per share Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury stock, shares outstanding Treasury Stock, Shares Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Company Parent Company [Member] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Statements of Cash Flows Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income (loss) Equity in (earnings) losses of subsidiaries Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax Distribution from subsidiary SEC Schedule, 12-04, Cash Dividends Paid to Registrant, Consolidated Subsidiaries Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Sales, maturities and repayments of fixed maturity securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Purchases of fixed maturity securities Payments to Acquire Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Capital contributions to subsidiary Capital Contributions To Subsidiaries The cash outflow associated with the amount paid to the subsidiaries during the period. Net change in short-term investments Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-term Investments Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Long-term and short-term debt issued Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Long-term and short-term debt repaid Repayments of Debt Debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Preferred stock issued, net of issuance costs Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Dividends on preferred stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Distribution to MetLife, Inc. Payments of Distributions to Affiliates Credit facility fees Payments of credit facility fees The cash outflow for the cost associated with the fee for available but unused credit capacity under the credit facility. Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of year Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Net cash paid (received) for interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Cash received from MetLife, Inc. for income tax Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Income tax paid (received) by Brighthouse Financial, Inc. Income Taxes Paid Net cash paid (received) for income tax Income Taxes Paid, Net U.S. corporate Debt Security, Corporate, US [Member] Foreign corporate Debt Security, Corporate, Non-US [Member] RMBS Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] U.S. government and agency US Treasury and Government [Member] CMBS Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] State and political subdivision US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] ABS Asset-backed Securities [Member] Foreign government Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Less than One Year Estimated Fair Value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater. Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income tax expense benefit continuing operations income tax reconciliation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] Tax provision at statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Capital Contribution Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Amount Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Amount Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Amount Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, Tax Expense (Benefit) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Disposition of Business, Amount Dividend received deduction (3) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Dividends, Amount Other tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount Provision for income tax expense (benefit) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholder's Compensation [Abstract] Stockholder's Compensation [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Other Share Based Other Share Based [Member] Other Share Based [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Stock Options Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Employee Stock [Member] Employee Stock [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Offering Date Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Offering Date Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Description of Regulatory Capital Requirements under Insurance Regulations Description of Regulatory Capital Requirements under Insurance Regulations Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Performance Factor Performance Factor The percentage of the performance factor for the three year period used for perfomance shares and units. Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Per Share Weighted Average Price of Shares Purchased Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Per Share Weighted Average Price of Shares Purchased Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member] Restatement [Axis] Restatement [Axis] Restatement [Domain] Restatement [Domain] Restatement Adjustment Restatement Adjustment [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Shareholder’s Net Investment Shareholder's net investment [Member] Shareholder's net investment [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings (Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury Stock at Cost Treasury Stock [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s Stockholders’ Equity Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Stockholder's Equity Stockholders' Equity, Other Balance at January 1, 2018 Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Other Separation related transactions Change in shareholders Net Investment Change in shareholders Net Investment Separation from MetLife, Inc. Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Effect of change in accounting principle New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification Change in noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle and other, net of income tax New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Share-based compensation Shares Issued, Value, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Preferred stock issuance Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Dividends on preferred stock Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Ending Balance Equity [Abstract] Statutory Accounting Practices [Table] Statutory Accounting Practices [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Brighthouse Life Insurance Company Brighthouse Life Insurance Company [Member] Brighthouse Life Insurance Company [Member] New England Life Insurance Company [Member] New England Life Insurance Company [Member] New England Life Insurance Company [Member] Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items] Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items] Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount Offsetting [Abstract] Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract] Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Derivative Asset, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral 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. 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 Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract] Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract] Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Derivative Liability, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral 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. 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 Other invested assets Other invested assets [Member] Other invested assets. Percentage Estimated Fair Value Percentage Estimated Fair Value This percentage represents the net estimated fair value of freestanding derivatives. Securities Financing Transaction [Table] Securities Financing Transaction [Table] Securities Financing Transaction [Axis] Securities Financing Transaction [Axis] Securities Financing Transaction [Domain] Securities Financing Transaction [Domain] Estimated fair value Securities Financing Transaction, Fair Value [Member] Securities Investment Securities Investment [Member] Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items] Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items] Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties Securities Loaned, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Percentage of Securities at Estimated Fair Value of Securities on Loan Relating to Cash Collateral on Open Percentage Of US Treasury And Agency Securities At Estimated Fair Value Of Securities On Loan Relating To Cash Collateral On Open The percentage of US Treasury and agency securities at estimated fair value of securities on loan relating to cash collateral on open. Percentage of Reinvestment Portfolio in Fixed Maturity Securities Percentage of Reinvestment Portfolio in Fixed Maturity Securities The percentage of the reinvestment portfolio acquired with the cash collateral consists mainly of Fixed maturities. Net income (loss) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts associated with investments, net Accretion (Amortization) of Discounts and Premiums, Investments (Gains) losses on investments, net (Gains) losses on derivatives, net (Gains) Losses On Derivatives Net The net realized (gain) loss on derivatives settled during the period, net. (Income) loss from equity method investments, net of dividends and distributions Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Interest credited to policyholder account balances Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Change in accrued investment income Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Investment Income Receivable Change in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Change in deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired, net Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Change in income tax Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Change in other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Change in future policy benefits and other policy-related balances Increase (Decrease) in Insurance Liabilities Change in other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Sales, maturities and repayments of equity securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Sales, maturities and repayments of mortgage loans Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Mortgage Notes Receivable Sales, maturities and repayments of limited partnerships and limited liability companies Proceeds from Limited Partnership Investments Purchases of fixed maturity securities Purchases of equity securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Purchases of mortgage loans Payments to Acquire Mortgage Notes Receivable Purchases of limited partnerships and limited liability companies Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives The cash inflow provided by derivative instruments during the period, which are classified as investing activities, including both hedging and non-hedging instruments. Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives Cash Paid In Connection With Freestanding Derivatives The cash outflow provided by derivative instruments during the period, which are classified as investing activities, including both hedging and non-hedging instruments. Net change in policy loans Payments for (Proceeds from) Policy Loans Net change in short-term investments Net change in other invested assets Net Change In Other Invested Assets The net cash outflow (inflow) from other investing activities including derivative instruments, leveraged leases and other invested assets. Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Policyholder account balances: Deposits Proceeds from Annuities and Investment Certificates Policyholder account balances: Withdrawals Repayments of Annuities and Investment Certificates Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions. Long-term debt issued Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Long-term debt repaid Repayments of Long-term Debt Collateral financing arrangement repaid Repayments of Secured Debt Cash received from MetLife, Inc. in connection with shareholder’s net investment Proceeds from Contributions from Parent Cash paid to MetLife, Inc. in connection with shareholder’s net investment Payments of Capital Distribution Financing element on certain derivative instruments and other derivative related transactions, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year Net cash paid (received) for interest Non-cash transactions: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Transfer of fixed maturity securities to former affiliate Transfer from Investments Reduction of policyholder account balances in connection with reinsurance transactions Reduction of policyholder account balances in connection with a reinsurance transactions Reduction of policyholder account balances in connection with a reinsurance transactions Insurance [Abstract] Insurance Insurance Disclosure [Text Block] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Mortgage Loans Real Estate Loan [Member] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Commercial Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] Agricultural Agricultural Portfolio Segment [Member] Portfolio segment of the company's total financing receivables related to agricultural receivables. Residential Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] Debt-to-Value [Axis] Debt-to-Value [Axis] Debt-to-Value [Domain] Debt-to-Value [Domain] 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. 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. 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. Debt Service Coverage [Axis] Debt Service Coverage [Axis] Debt Service Coverage Ratio By Range Axis. Debt Service Coverage [Domain] Debt Service Coverage [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Service Coverage Ratio By Range 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. 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. 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. Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain] Performing Performing Financial Instruments [Member] Nonperforming Nonperforming Financial Instruments [Member] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] Recorded Investment Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss Recorded Investment as a % of Total Notes Receivable Gross By Loan To Value As Percentage Of Notes Receivable Gross Ratio with notes receivable gross by loan to value ratio in numerator and total notes receivable gross in the denominator. See NotesReceivableGross for definition of notes receivable gross. Recorded Investment as a % of Total 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. Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment Notes Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure Estimated Fair Value of Recorded Investment as a % of Total Notes Receivable Fair Value By Loan To Value As Percentage Of Notes Receivable Fair Value Ratio with notes receivable at estimated fair value by loan to value ratio in numerator and total notes receivable at estimated fair value in the denominator. See NotesReceivableFairValueDisclosure for definition of notes receivable at estimated fair value. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Parent [Member] Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Balance beginning of period Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax OCI before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Deferred income tax benefit (expense) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from AOCI Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Deferred income tax benefit (expense) Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Balance end of period Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Long-term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Qualified Plan [Member] Qualified Plan [Member] Nonqualified Plan [Member] Nonqualified Plan [Member] MetLife, Inc. Metlife Inc [Member] MetLife, Inc. Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Accounts Payable Accounts Payable Other Deferred Compensation Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent Other Deferred Compensation Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan Other Expenses Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Insurance Liabilities By Segment [Table] Insurance Liabilities By Segment [Table] A table reflecting insurance liabilities by segment. Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Annuities Annuities [Member] Annuities. Life Life [Member] Life. Run-off Run-off [Member] Segment which consists of products no longer actively sold and which are separately managed. Corporate & Other Corporate and Other [Member] Insurance Liabilities [Line Items] Insurance Liabilities [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Insurance liabilities comprised of future policy benefits, policyholder account balances and other policy-related balances Insurance Liabilities Comprised Of Future Policy Benefits, Policyholder Account Balances And Other Policy-Related Balances The liability as of the balance sheet date to policyholders pertaining to insured events for long-duration contracts, deposits held under the terms of insurance contracts and for funds held that are returnable under the terms of insurance contracts that were not separately reported. Also includes unearned premiums and negative value of business acquired. Effect of reinsurance Effects of Reinsurance [Table Text Block] Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Compensation Expense [Abstract] Compensation Expense [Abstract] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), Founders' Grant Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), Founders' Grant [Member] Share instrument which is convertible to stock or an equivalent amount of cash, after a specified period of time or when specified performance conditions are met. Block granted as Founders' Grant. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Performance Shares units Performance Shares [Member] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Reinsurance (Reinsurance Related Party - Narrative) [Abstract] Reinsurance (Reinsurance Related Party - Narrative) [Abstract] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Metropolitan Life Insurance Company [Member] Metropolitan Life Insurance Company [Member] Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Domain] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Domain] Life and Other [Member] Life and Other [Member] Life and Other Insurance Product Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Affiliate Recapture Variable Annuities [Member] Affiliate Recapture Variable Annuities [Member] Recapture of agreements from BLICNY and NELICO Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit BHL Recapture GMIB [Member] BHL Recapture GMIB [Member] Recapture of variable annuities BLIC Premiums and Other Receivables, Net Premiums and Other Receivables, Net Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Other Liabilities Other Liabilities Liability for Future Policy Benefit, after Reinsurance Liability for Future Policy Benefit, after Reinsurance Policyholder Contract Deposit Policyholder Contract Deposit Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] All Services and Transactions Except Broker Dealer Activities [Member] All Services and Transactions Except Broker Dealer Activities [Member] All services and transactions except Broker Dealer activities. Due from Related Parties Due from Related Parties Income Revenue from Related Parties Expense Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Invested assets pledged as collateral Invested Assets Pledged As Collateral Invested assets pledged as collateral. 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. Fair Value, Separate Account Investment [Table] Fair Value, Separate Account Investment [Table] Variable Annuity and Variable Life Variable Annuity And Variable Life [Member] Variable Annuity and Variable Life. Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Axis] Balanced Balanced Funds [Member] Equity Equity Funds [Member] Bond Bond Funds [Member] Bond funds. Money Market Money Market Funds [Member] Fair Value, Separate Account Investment [Line Items] Fair Value, Separate Account Investment [Line Items] Fund Groupings Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment, Fair Value Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Table] Run-off SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items] DAC and VOBA Future Policy Benefits and Other Policy-Related Balances Supplementary Insurance Information Future Policy Benefits Other Policy Related Balances And Policyholder Dividend Obligation The sum of the following as of the balance sheet date: 1) The known and estimated amounts payable as of the balance sheet date to policyholders pertaining to insured events for long-duration contracts, which can be viewed as either (a) the present value of future benefits to be paid to or on behalf of policyholders and expenses less the present value of future net premiums payable under the insurance contracts or (b) the accumulated amount of net premiums already collected less the accumulated amount of benefits and expenses already paid to or on behalf of policyholders, 2) The liability to the policyholders for funds held that are returnable under the terms of insurance contracts that were not separately reported and 3) The excess of the cumulative actual closed block earnings over the cumulative expected (actuarially determined) closed block earnings (each) for the period from the actuarial calculation date to the date of measurement. The excess will result in future dividends to closed block policyholders, unless offset by less favorable than expected future performance of the closed block. The policyholder dividend obligation, which may not have a negative balance, recognizes that a portion of earnings in certain cases will not inure to the stockholders of the insurance entity. Policyholder account balances Unearned Premiums SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Premium Unearned Revenue Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Revenue Amount of revenue not yet earned and included within the future policy benefits, other policy-related balances and policyholder dividend obligations. Purchased credit impaired investments, by invested asset class, held: Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Available-for-sale Debt Securities [Abstract] Outstanding principal and interest balance Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Outstanding Balance Carrying value Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Carrying Amount, Net Accretion recognized in earnings Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield, Accretion Compensation Labor and Related Expense Professional services Professional Fees Transition Services Agreements Transition Services Agreements Costs incurred for services provided by the former parent during transition period after spin-off. Establishment Costs Establishment Costs Costs incurred related to the establishment of services and infrastructure to replace those previously provided by the former parent prior to spin-off. Premium and other taxes, licenses and fees Cost, Direct Tax and License Custody Fees Custody Fees Cost, Overhead Cost, Overhead Interest expense on debt Interest and Debt Expense Other General and Administrative Expense Other General and Administrative Expense Total other expenses Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Common Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Investment Income [Table] Investment Income [Table] Equity securities Equity Securities [Member] Mortgage loans Mortgages [Member] Policy loans Policy Loans [Member] Limited partnerships and LLCs Real Estate Investment [Member] Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Other Other Investments [Member] Net Investment Income [Line Items] Net Investment Income [Line Items] Gross investment income Gross Investment Income, Operating Less: Investment expenses Investment Income, Investment Expense Material VIEs Variable Interest Entity, Material Existence Number of material Variable Interest Entities (VIE) about which the entity is required to make GAAP disclosures. Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Premiums, Universal Life and Investment-Type Product Policy Fees and Other Revenues by Product Groups Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Premiums: Premiums Earned [Abstract] Premiums Earned [Abstract] Direct premiums Direct Premiums Earned Reinsurance assumed Assumed Premiums Earned Reinsurance ceded Ceded Premiums Earned Net premiums Direct universal life and investment-type product policy fees Direct Insurance Commissions And Fees Universal life and investment-type product policy fees for all insurance before adding amounts assumed from other insurers or subtracting amounts ceded to other insurers. Reinsurance assumed Assumed Insurance Commissions And Fees Universal life and investment-type product policy fees assumed from other insurers as a result of reinsurance arrangements. Reinsurance ceded Ceded Insurance Commissions And Fees Universal life and investment-type product policy fees ceded to other insurers as a result of reinsurance agreements. Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees Other revenues Component of Operating Income [Abstract] Other Income Direct Other Income Direct Fees, commissions and other revenues earned from all insurance before adding amounts assumed from other insurers or subtracting amounts ceded to other insurers. Commissions Fees And Other Income Assumed Commissions Fees And Other Income Assumed Fees, commissions and other revenues assumed from other insurers as a result of reinsurance arrangements. Other Income Ceded Other Income Ceded Fees, commissions and other revenues ceded to other insurers as a result of reinsurance agreements. Policyholder benefits and claims: Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred [Abstract] Direct policyholder benefits and claims Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Direct Reinsurance assumed Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Assumed Reinsurance ceded Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Ceded Net policyholder benefits and claims Amortized Cost, Due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, within One Year, Amortized Cost Amortized Cost, Due after one year through five years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost Amortized Cost, Due after five years through ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost Amortized Cost, Due after ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Maturity, after 10 Years, Amortized Cost Amortized Cost, Structured Securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value, Due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, within One Year, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value, Due after one year through five years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value, Due after five years through ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value, Due after ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after 10 Years, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value, Structured Securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Annuities Life Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total assets Assets Separate account assets Separate Account Asset Gross Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Gross Unrealized OTTI Losses Other Than Temporary Impairments On Debt Securities Transferred To Other Comprehensive Income Loss Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income loss. Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Table] Variable Annuity Guarantees Variable Annuity [Member] Universal and Variable Life Contracts Universal And Variable Life Contracts [Member] Contracts resulting in claim amounts that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date. Net Ceded and Assumed Liabilities For Guarantees Net Ceded and Assumed Liabilities For Guarantees [Member] Net Ceded and Assumed Liabilities for Guarantees. Net Liabilities For Guarantees Net Liabilities For Guarantees [Member] Net liabilities for guarantees. Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit [Member] Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit [Member] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Domain] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Domain] Secondary Guarantees Secondary Guarantees [Member] Secondary Guarantees. Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items] Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross Rollforward Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1, Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross Incurred guaranteed benefits Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Incurred Benefits Paid guaranteed benefits Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Payment for Benefits Balance at December 31, Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Net Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Net Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration contracts reinsurance recoverable incurred benefits net liabilities for guarantees on long duration contracts reinsurance recoverable incurred benefits net liabilities for guarantees on long duration contracts reinsurance recoverable incurred benefits net Deferred Income Tax [Axis] Deferred Income Tax [Axis] Component for deferred income taxes. Deferred Income Tax [Domain] Deferred Income Tax [Domain] [Domain] for Component for deferred income taxes. Alternative Minimum Tax adjustment [Member] Alternative Minimum Tax adjustment [Member] Alternative Minimum Tax adjustment resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Spinoff Spinoff [Member] Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Income Tax Examination, Penalties Expense Income Tax Examination, Penalties Expense Percent of cash savings included in tax receivable agreement Percent of cash savings included in tax receivable agreement The percentage of cash savings, if any, in federal income tax that the company is deemed to realize as a result of certain tax situations included in a tax receivable agreement. Due to Affiliate Due to Affiliate Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Accrued Income Taxes Accrued Income Taxes Income tax paid by Brighthouse Financial, Inc. Assumed Reinsurance Assumed Reinsurance [Member] All or part of a ceding company's insurance or reinsurance on a risk or exposure that is accepted. Ceded Reinsurance [Member] Ceded Reinsurance [Member] Amounts passed on to another insurer (the reinsurer) that are all or part of the financial interests of insurance policies written by an insurer (the ceding insurer) or assumed by an insurer/reinsurer with the object of reducing the cedent's possible liability by sharing with the reinsurer the insurance liability, premiums, and losses from the reinsured business. Direct Reinsurance [Member] Direct Reinsurance [Member] Amounts for all insurance before adding amounts assumed from other insurers or subtracting amounts ceded to other insurers. Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Other policy-related balances Other Policyholder Funds Other liabilities Net Amount at Risk, by Product and Guarantee [Table] Net Amount at Risk, by Product and Guarantee [Table] Universal Life [Member] Universal Life [Member] Variable Life [Member] Variable Life [Member] Secondary Guarantees [Member] Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items] Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items] Net Amount At Risk By Product And Guarantee General And Separate Account Value Net Amount At Risk By Product And Guarantee General And Separate Account Value Value of the separate and general accounts corresponding to the specified product, guarantee type and subset of the guarantee. Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Weighted Average Attained Age Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Weighted Average Attained Age Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest rate swaps Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest rate forwards Forward Contracts [Member] Foreign currency swaps Currency Swap [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Amortization of net actuarial gains (losses) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Provision for income tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax Net income (loss) Recurring Fair Value Measurements Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value Inputs, Quantitative Information Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred income tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Tax credit carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Net operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Employee benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits Intangibles Deferred Tax Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Investments, including derivatives (1) Deferred Tax Assets, Investments Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Total net deferred income tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred income tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Policyholder liabilities and receivables (1) Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Net unrealized investment gains Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Comprehensive Income DAC Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Total deferred income tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred tax assets and liabilities [Abstract] Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Net deferred income tax asset (liability) Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Abstract] Consolidated Reinsurance SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Investments: Investments [Abstract] Short-term investments Short-term Investments Investment in subsidiary Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value Total investments Investments Cash and Cash Equivalents Accrued Investment Income Receivable Current income tax recoverable Income Taxes Receivable Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Other Assets Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Long-term and short-term debt Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount Total liabilities Liabilities Stockholders’ Equity Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 120,647,871 and 120,448,018 shares issued, respectively; 106,027,301 and 117,532,336 shares outstanding, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings (deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Treasury Stock, Value Treasury Stock, Value Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Total Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Debt [Member] Debt [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash [Member] Cash [Member] Payments of Ordinary Dividends Payments of Ordinary Dividends Payments of Capital Distribution Cover page. Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share Series A Preferred Stock [Member] 6.250% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2058 Subordinated Debt [Member] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Annual Report Document Annual Report Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items] Premiums and Universal Life and Investment-Type Product Policy Fees Supplementary Insurance Information Premium Revenue And Policy Charges Sum of premiums earned on the income statement for all insurance and reinsurance contracts after subtracting any amounts ceded to another insurer and adding premiums assumed from other insurers, and income from agency and brokerage operations (includes sales of annuities and supplemental contracts); service charges, commissions, and fees from the sale of insurance and related services; and management fees from separate accounts, deferred annuities, and universal life products. May also include an entity's proportionate share of the income or loss before extraordinary items and other adjustments from its investments in: unconsolidated subsidiaries, associated companies, and corporate joint ventures, unincorporated joint ventures, general partnerships, and limited partnerships over which the entity exercises significant influence that are principally engaged in insurance underwriting, reinsurance, or insurance sales activities. Net Investment Income (1) SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income Policyholder Benefits and Claims and Interest Credited to Policyholder Account Balances SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefit, Claim, Loss and Settlement Expenses Other Expenses SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense Deposit Contracts, Assets Deposit Contracts, Assets Deposit Contracts, Liabilities Deposit Contracts, Liabilities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Preferred stock, dividends declared per share Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared Preferred stock, aggregate dividends declared Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Common stock, shares outstanding at beginning of period Common stock, shares issued Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Common stock, shares repurchased Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Common stock, shares outstanding at end of period Non-Income Producing Debt Securities Non-Income Producing Debt Securities [Member] Non-income producing debt securities. Schedule of Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks [Table] Schedule of Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks [Table] Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments, Bank Credit Facilities and Private Corporate Bond Investments Commitments to Extend Credit [Member] Mortgage Loan Commitments Loan Origination Commitments [Member] Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items] Off-balance sheet commitments Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior Notes Due 2027 BHF Senior Notes due 2027 [Member] BHF Senior Notes due 2027. Senior Notes Due 2047 BHF Senior Notes due 2047 [Member] BHF Senior Notes due 2047. Senior Notes Due 2027 and 2047 Senior Notes [Member] Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2058 Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2058 [Member] Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2058 [Member] Surplus Notes Due 2038 MLUSA Surplus Notes due 2038 [Member] MLUSA Surplus Notes due 2038. Surplus Notes Due 2032 and 2033 MRD Surplus Notes Due 2032 And 2033 [Member] MRD Surplus Notes due 2032 and 2033. Surplus Note Due 2032 MRD Surplus Notes due 2032 [Member] MRD Surplus Notes due 2032. Surplus Note Due 2033 MRD Surplus Notes due 2033 [Member] MRD Surplus Notes due 2033. Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] BHF Revolving Credit Facility Due 2021 Revolving Credit Facility Maturing 2021 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Maturing 2021. BHF Term Loan Due 2019 Term Loan Due 2019 [Member] Term Loan due 2019. BHF Revolving Credit Facility Due 2024 Revolving Credit Facility Maturing 2024 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Maturing 2024 BHF Credit Facilities BHF Credit Facilities [Member] BHF Credit Facilities. BHF Term Loan Due 2024 Term Loan Due 2024 [Member] Term Loan Due 2024. MRSC Collateral Financing Arrangement Mrsc Collateral Financing Arrangement [Member] Mrsc Collateral Financing Arrangement [Member] BRCD Reinsurance Financing Arrangement BRCD Committed Credit Facility [Member] BRCD Committed Credit Facility. BLIC Repurchase Facility BLIC Repurchase Facility [Member] BLIC repurchase facility. Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt instrument, unamortized debt issuance costs and debt discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Long-term debt maturities, year one Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months Long-term debt maturities, year two Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two Long-term debt maturities, year three Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three Long-term debt maturities, year four Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four Long-term debt maturities, year five Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Long-term debt maturities, after year five Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Interest expense on long-term debt Interest Expense, Debt Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument, stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt issuance costs capitalized Debt Issuance Costs, Gross Debt discount capitalized Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Decrease in long-term debt due to debt forgiveness Debt Instrument, Decrease, Forgiveness Decrease in long-term debt due to exchange of debt for notes receivable due from a related party Debt Instrument, Increase (Decrease), Other, Net Decrease in notes receivable due from a related party due to exchange of debt for notes receivable due from a related party Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit facilities, debt issuance costs capitalized Debt Issuance Costs, Line of Credit Arrangements, Gross Credit facilities, proceeds from drawdown Proceeds from Lines of Credit Credit facilities, unamortized debt issuance costs written off Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Credit facilities, outstanding balance Long-term Line of Credit Credit facilities, remaining borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Credit facilities, commitment fee amount Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount Long-term debt repaid Repayment of collateral financing arrangement Assets held in trust pledged as collateral Pledged Assets Separately Reported, Other Assets Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value Remaining assets held in trust returned to MetLife, Inc. Remaining assets held in trust pledged as collateral Remaining assets held in trust pledged as collateral that were returned to former parent. Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Noncash Capital Contribution Non-cash Contribution [Member] Non-cash Contribution. Cash Capital Contribution Cash Capital Contribution [Member] Cash Capital Contribution. Reclassification of shareholder's net investment upon separation from MetLife, Inc. Capital contributions from MetLife, Inc. Distribution to MetLife, Inc. Cash distributions to certain MetLife, Inc. affiliates related to a profit sharing agreement Incentive Distribution, Distribution Carrying value of investments accounted for under the equity method Unfunded commitments for investments accounted for under the equity method Unfunded Commitments For Investments Accounted For Under Equity Method Represents the balance of unfunded commitments related to investments accounted for using the equity method. Percentage net investment income from investments in limited partnerships and LLCs exceeds consolidated pre-tax income (loss) Aggregate Net Income Exceeded Stated Percentage Of Pre Tax Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations This caption represents the aggregate net income exceeded 10% of the pre tax income (loss) from continuing operations. Total assets for investments accounted for under the equity method Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets Total liabilities for investments accounted for under the equity method Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities Net income (loss) for investments accounted for under the equity method Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Insurance Liabilities Insurance Liabilities [Table Text Block] Provides the balance of insurance liabilities for each period end. Liabilities for Guarantees Schedule of Minimum Guaranteed Benefit Liabilities [Table Text Block] Fund Groupings Fair Value, Separate Account Investment [Table Text Block] Guarantees related to Annuity, Universal and Variable Life Contracts Schedule of Net Amount of Risk by Product and Guarantee [Table Text Block] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Expiration Date By Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Expiration Date By Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Expiration date by type of deferred tax assets. Expiration Date By Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Expiration Date By Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Expiration date by type of deferred tax assets. Expiration Period Fourth Four Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Expiration Period Fourth Four Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Expiration period for the fourth four years by deferred tax asset type. Expiration Period For Indefinite Number Of Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Expiration Period For Indefinite Number Of Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Expiration period for indefinite number of years by deferred tax asset type. Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements: Open Maturity Overnight [Member] Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements: 1 Month or Less Maturity Less than 30 Days [Member] 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. Cash collateral received from counterparties Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Associated Liabilities, Carrying Amount Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Treasury Stock, Shares Income Tax Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware [Member] Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware [Member] Dividends Dividends Payments of Dividends Payments of Dividends Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] U.S. corporate and foreign corporate Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Structured securities Structured Securities [Member] Structured Securities. Short-term investments Short-term Investments [Member] Separate account assets Separate account assets [Member] Separate Account Assets Member. Derivative Contract [Domain] Net Derivatives NetDerivatives [Member] The derivative assets and liabilities measured with unobservable inputs, including interest rate contracts, foreign currency exchange rate contracts, credit contracts, and equity market contracts. Net Embedded Derivatives Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1, Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Sales Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Issuances Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Issuances Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Transfers into Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Balance at December 31, 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) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1, Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Purchases Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Purchases Sales Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Sales Issuances Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Issues Settlements Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements Transfers into Level 3 Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers out of Level 3 Balance at December 31, 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) Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Segment Reconciling Items Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total revenues Number of segments Number of Reportable Segments New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Distribution Rights [Member] Distribution Rights [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Common stock, shares distributed, percentage Common Stock Distributed By Parent Percentage Percentage of common stock distributed by parent. Common stock, shares retained by parent, percentage Common Stock Retained by Parent Percentage Percentage of common stock retained by parent. Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments and Tax [Abstract] Fixed maturity securities Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Debt Securities That Were Temporarily Impaired This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to fixed maturity securities that were temporarily impaired. Equity securities Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Equity Securities This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to equity securities. Derivatives Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Derivatives This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to derivatives. Other Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Other Investments This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to other investments. Subtotal Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Subtotal Of Investment Gains (Losses) Components This item presents the subtotal of net unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives and other investments. 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. Amounts allocated from: DAC, VOBA and DSI Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Allocated From Dac And Voba This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) allocated from DAC and VOBA. Subtotal Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Subtotal Of Allocated Amounts This item presents the subtotal of unrealized investment gains (losses) related to allocated amounts. Deferred income tax benefit (expense) Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Deferred Income Tax Benefit Expense This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to deferred income tax benefit (expense). Net unrealized investment gains (losses) Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses). Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Credit Quality of Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Securities Lending Schedule of Securities Financing Transactions [Table Text Block] Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral Schedule of Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Table Text Block] Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Components of Net Investment Income Investment Income [Table Text Block] Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses) Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table Text Block] 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. Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Table] Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Table] Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items] Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items] Carrying value Mortgage loans, gross as a percentage of total mortgage loans, net Percentage Of Loans Receivable To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of loans receivable to total mortgage loans on real estate, net of valuation allowances. Mortgage loans valuation allowances Mortgage loans valuation allowances as a percentage of total mortgage loans, net Percentage Of Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses Real Estate To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses on Real Estate to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Mortgage loans, net Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net Mortgage loans, net as a percentage of total mortgage loans, net Percentage Of Mortgage Loans On Real Estate To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Mortgage Loans On Real Estate to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Annuity products Investment Product [Member] Life insurance products Life Insurance Product Line [Member] Other products Total premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues Insurance Services Revenue Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Estimated future amortization expense allocated to other expenses for VOBA [Abstract] Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, Next Five Years [Abstract] VOBA 2020 Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, Year One VOBA 2021 Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, Year Two VOBA 2022 Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, Year Three VOBA 2023 Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, Year Four VOBA 2024 Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, Year Five Value of Distribution Agreements and Customer Relationships Acquired [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] VODA 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months VODA 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two VODA 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three VODA 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four VODA 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input, Mortality Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Mortality Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Lapse Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Lapse Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Utilization Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Utilization Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Withdrawal Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Withdrawal Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities [Member] Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities [Member] Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities [Member] Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Minimum Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items] Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items] Indemnities And Guarantees Contractual Limitation Range Indemnities And Guarantees Contractual Limitation Range The range of the contractual limitation for guarantees and indemnities. Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Distribution Service [Member] Distribution Service [Member] Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Noncontrolling interest, amounts represented by preferred stock Noncontrolling Interest, Amount Represented by Preferred Stock Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Domain] Scenario, Forecast Forecast [Member] Permitted w/o Approval Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments without Regulatory Approval Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Carrying Amount Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Maximum Exposure to Loss Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.'s common shareholders Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive effect of share-based awards Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Earnings per common share - basic Earnings per common share - diluted Antidilutive stock options excluded from the computation of earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance Statutory Accounting Practices, Prescribed Practice, Amount Statutory Accounting Practices, Prescribed Practice, Amount Ceded Earned Premiums Assumed Insurance Commissions And Fees Ceded Insurance Commissions and Fees Insurance Commissions and Fees Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Assumed Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Ceded Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Assumed and Ceded Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Assumed and Ceded Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Performance Share Units [Abstract] Performance Share Units [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Intrinsic Value, Amount Per Share Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Intrinsic Value, Amount Per Share SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract] SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Text Block] Guaranteed Death Benefits Guaranteed Annuitization Benefits Annuitization Benefit [Member] Total account value Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, General Account Value Separate account value Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Separate Account Value Net amount at risk Average attained age of contractholders Provision for income tax from continuing operations Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Income tax for continuing operations effective rate reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Summary of Tax Credit Carryforwards Summary of Tax Credit Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Proceeds Proceeds from Sale of Insurance Investments Gross investment gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Gross investment losses Available-for-sale Securities, Realized Losses, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Net investment gains (losses) Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Nonparticipating Life Insurance Contract [Member] Nonparticipating Life Insurance Contract [Member] Fixed Annuity [Member] Fixed Annuity [Member] Insurance, Other [Member] Insurance, Other [Member] Disability Insurance Policy [Member] Disability Insurance Policy [Member] Life Premiums as Percentage of Gross Premiums Life Premiums as Percentage of Gross Premiums Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Interest Rate Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Interest Rate Participating Insurance, Percentage of Gross Insurance in Force Participating Insurance, Percentage of Gross Insurance in Force Liability for Policyholder Contract Deposits, Interest Rate Liability for Policyholder Contract Deposits, Interest Rate Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries Credit facility fees Interest Expense Total expenses Dividends, Preferred Stock Dividends, Preferred Stock Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of related offsets Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Defined benefit plans adjustment Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax not including change in accounting principle Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax not Including Change in Accounting Principle Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of income tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] General business tax credit carryforward General Business Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Foreign Tax Authority Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Expiration Date By Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] 2020-2024 Expiration Period First Four Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Expiration period for the first four years by deferred tax asset type. 2025-2029 Expiration Period Second Four Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Expiration period for the second four years by deferred tax asset type. 2030-2034 Expiration Period Third Four Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Expiration period for the third four years by deferred tax asset type. 2035-2039 Indefinite Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] Tax credit carryforwards Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Authorization Under 10b5-1 Plans Authorization Under 10b5-1 Plan [Member] Authorization Under 10b5-1 Plan [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Preferred Stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, annual dividend rate Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Preferred stock, stated amount per share Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Preferred stock, proceeds from issuance, net of issuance costs Preferred stock, issuance costs Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Stock repurchase program, authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock repurchase program, shares repurchased Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Stock repurchase program, aggregate amount repurchased Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Table] Public utilities Public Utility, Bonds [Member] All other corporate bonds Other Corporate Bonds [Member] Total bonds Bonds [Member] Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities Mortgage Backed And Asset Backed Securities [Member] Mortgage backed and asset backed securities. Redeemable preferred stock Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] Total fixed maturity securities Fixed Maturities [Member] Non-redeemable preferred stock Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] Industrial, miscellaneous and all other Industrial, Miscellaneous, and All Others [Member] Public utilities Public Utility, Equities [Member] Total equity securities Equity Securities, Investment Summary [Member] Policy loans Short-term investments SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items] Amortized Cost SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost Estimated Fair Value SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value Amount at Which Shown on Balance Sheet SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring Fair Value, Recurring [Member] U.S. government and agency Interest rate Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign currency exchange rate Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Credit Credit Risk Contract [Member] Equity market Equity Contract [Member] 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] Assets [Abstract] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Derivative assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability Total liabilities Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Number of segments Schedule of Credit Derivatives [Table] Schedule of Credit Derivatives [Table] Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Derivatives Subject To Credit-Contingent Provisions Derivatives Subject To Credit-Contingent Provisions [Member] Derivatives Subject To Credit Contingent Provisions Member. Fixed maturity securities Credit Derivatives [Line Items] Estimated fair value of derivatives in a net liability position (1) Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided (2): Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value Other Limited Partnership Interests Limited Partner [Member] Net investment income Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $64,079 and $60,920, respectively) Equity securities, at estimated fair value Mortgage loans (net of valuation allowances of $64 and $57, respectively) Policy loans Limited partnerships and limited liability companies Real Estate Investments, Net Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value Other Investments Total investments Cash and cash equivalents Accrued investment income Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired Other assets Separate account assets Total assets Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions Obligation to Return Securities Received as Collateral Long-term debt Long-term Debt Current income tax payable Deferred income tax liability Separate account liabilities Total liabilities Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 15) Commitments and Contingencies Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 120,647,871 and 120,448,018 shares issued, respectively; 106,027,301 and 117,532,336 shares outstanding, respectively Retained earnings (deficit) Treasury stock, at cost; 14,620,570 and 2,915,682 shares, respectively Total Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Total liabilities and equity SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Table] Insurance Product Line [Axis] Life insurance (1) SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items] Gross Amount SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Life Insurance in Force, Gross Ceded SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Life Insurance in Force, Ceded Assumed SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Life Insurance in Force, Assumed Net Amount SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Life Insurance in Force, Net % Amount Assumed to Net SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Life Insurance in Force, Percentage Assumed to Net Consolidated Reinsurance Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract] Gross Amount Ceded Assumed Net premiums % Amount Assumed to Net SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Premium, Percentage Assumed to Net Schedule of Preferred Stock Dividends Declared Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Schedule of Common Stock Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Outstanding Award, Activity, Excluding Option [Table Text Block] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Outstanding Award, Activity, Excluding Option [Table Text Block] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Cost by Plan [Table Text Block] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Cost by Plan [Table Text Block] Schedules of statutory net income, capital and surplus and reserve strengthening by subsidiary including dividend restrictions Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Term Loan Due 2024 Term Loan Due 2019 Short-term Intercompany Loans Short Term Intercompany Loans [Member] Short Term Intercompany Loans Intercompany Liquidity Facilities Intercompany Liquidity Facilities [Member] Intercompany Liquidity Facilities Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate debt Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Long-term debt outstanding Short-term debt outstanding Short-term Debt Long-term and short-term debt outstanding Short-term intercompany debt issued Proceeds from Short-term Debt Short-term intercompany debt repaid Repayments of Short-term Debt Weighted average interest rate Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time Maximum borrowing and lending limit applied to the respective insurance subsidiary's statutory admitted assets Intercompany Liquidity Facilities Maximum Borrowing Lending Limit Maximum limit on total borrowing and lending under intercompany liquidity facilities calculated as a percentage of the respective insurance subsidiary's statutory admitted assets as of the previous year end. Related Party Transaction (Narrative) [Abstract] Related Party Transaction (Narrative) [Abstract] Broker Dealer Activities [Member] Broker Dealer Activities [Member] Broker Dealer Activities Revenue from Related Parties Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Total expenses Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Direct index-linked annuities Direct index-linked annuities [Member] Direct index-linked annuities Ceded guaranteed minimum income benefits Assumed index-linked annuities Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Interest rate caps Interest Rate Cap [Member] Interest rate futures Futures [Member] Futures. Interest rate options Interest Rate Swaption [Member] 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. Foreign currency forwards Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Credit default swaps — purchased Credit Default Swap, Buying Protection [Member] Credit default swaps — written Credit Default Swap, Selling Protection [Member] Equity futures Equity Futures [Member] Equity Futures Member. Equity index options Equity Option [Member] Equity variance swaps Variance Swap [Member] Equity total return swaps Equity Total Return Swaps [Member] Contracts where a set of future cash flows are agreed to be exchanged at set dates in the future and are broken down as floating and equity legs. The floating leg is tied to LIBOR and the equity leg is based on performance of a stock or stock market index. Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset Stock Options [Abstract] Stock Options [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Schedule of Derivatives Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps [Table Text Block] Disclosure of Credit Derivatives [Table Text Block] Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral [Table Text block] Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of derivative and other financial assets and liabilities that are subject to offsetting, including master netting arrangements. Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Ceded Credit Risk [Table] Ceded Credit Risk [Table] Ceded Credit Risk, Unsecured [Member] Ceded Credit Risk, Unsecured [Member] Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Axis] Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Axis] Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Domain] Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Domain] Five Largest Ceded Reinsurers [Member] Five Largest Ceded Reinsurers [Member] Five largest ceded reinsurers. Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items] Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items] Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurance Recoverables, Net Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurance Recoverables, Net Amount of reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance to cover probable credit loss, which constitute a concentration of credit risk. Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage Percentage of total reinsurance recoverables which constitute a concentration of credit risk. Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Farmer Mac Funding Agreements [Member] Farmer Mac Funding Agreements [Member] Farmer Mac Funding Agreements [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Long-term Line of Credit Funding Agreements Issued To Certain Special Purpose Entities Funding Agreements Issued To Certain Special Purpose Entities Amount of funding agreements issued during current year to certain special purpose entities that have issued debt securities for which payment of interest and principal is secured by such funding agreements. Funding agreements repaid to certain SPEs Funding Agreements Repaid To Certain Special Purpose Entities Amount of funding agreements repaid during current year to certain SPEs that have issued debt securities for which payment of interest and principal is secured by such funding agreements. Outstanding funding agreements to certain SPEs Outstanding Funding Agreements To Certain Special Purpose Entities Amount of funding agreements outstanding to certain SPEs that have issued debt securities for which payment of interest and principal is secured by such funding agreements. Federal Home Loan Bank Stock Federal Home Loan Bank Stock Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank, Amount of Advances Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank, Amount of Advances Schedule of Long-term Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Axis] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Axis] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Domain] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Domain] Credit Default Swap Credit Default Swap [Member] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Aaa/Aa/A Aaa Aa [Member] Aaa Aa A Member. Baa Baa [Member] Baa. Credit Risk Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net Credit Risk Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2) Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters [Abstract] Aggregate reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued for loss contingency matters as to which an estimate can be made Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract] Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1, Unrecognized Tax Benefits Additions for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Additions for tax positions of current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Reductions for tax positions of current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Settlements with tax authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Balance at December 31, Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized would impact the effective rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Payment of paid-in-kind dividends Dividends, Common Stock, Paid-in-kind Cash dividends declared Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Preferred stock, aggregate dividends declared Non-recourse Debt Due 2030 Non Recourse Debt Due 2030 [Member] Debt for which creditor does not have general recourse to the debtor but rather has recourse only to the property used for collateral in the transaction or other specific property. Current: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State and local Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Subtotal Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred: Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State and local Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Subtotal Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Current and Deferred: Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Investments Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Change Due To Cumulative Effect, Net of Income Tax Unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of year 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. Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the year Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Unrealized Investment Gains Losses During Period This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period. Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to: 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. Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to: DAC, VOBA and DSI Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Dac And Voba This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to DAC and VOBA. 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. Unrealized investment gains (losses), end of year 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. Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items] Significant Purchases Financing Receivable, Purchase Recorded Investment of Loans Past Due Financing Receivable, Past Due Recorded Investment of Loans in Nonaccrual Status Loans and Leases Receivable, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of Interest Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Pre-tax adjusted earnings Post-tax adjusted earnings Adjusted earnings Operating Income (Loss) Net investment gains (losses) Other adjustments to net income (loss) Interest revenue Interest Revenue (Expense), Net Interest expense Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Interest rate derivatives Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives Credit derivatives Equity derivatives Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Net derivative gains (losses) Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] Net Derivative Gain Loss. Net investment income Investment Income [Member] Policyholder benefits and claims Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing policyholder benefits and claims. Hedging Relationship [Axis] Fair Value Hedges Fair Value Hedging [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge 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. Amortized cost Securities Financing Transaction, Cost [Member] Securities on loan Securities Loaned Security collateral received from counterparties Securities Received as Collateral Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value Securities Lending Reinvestment Portfolio Estimated Fair Value This element represents the estimated fair value of the securities lending reinvestment portfolio. Beginning Balance of DSI Deferred Sale Inducement Cost Capitalization of DSI Deferred Sale Inducement Cost, Capitalization Amortization of DSI Deferred Sales Inducement Cost, Amortization Expense Unrealized investment gains (losses) of DSI Deferred Sales Inducement Cost, Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment Ending Balance of DSI Beginning Balance of VODA Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Amortization of VODA Amortization of Intangible Assets Ending Balance of VODA Accumulated amortization of VODA Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Capital contributions to BH Holdings Distributions from BH Holdings Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Future Policy Benefit Liability [Policy Text Block] Liability for Future Policy Benefit [Policy Text Block] Minimum Guarantees, Policy [Policy Text Block] Minimum Guarantees, Policy [Policy Text Block] Insurance Premiums Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Insurance Premiums Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination, Policy [Policy Text Block] Sales Inducements to Contract Holders, Policy [Policy Text Block] Sales Inducements to Contract Holders, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reinsurance Accounting Policy [Policy Text Block] Reinsurance Accounting Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Policyholder Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block] Policyholder Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block] Share-based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]