Subsequent Events [Abstract] 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] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] BHF Term Loan Due 2024 Term Loan Due 2024 [Member] Term Loan Due 2024. BHF Term Loan Due 2019 Term Loan Due 2019 [Member] Term Loan due 2019. Farmer Mac Funding Agreements Farmer Mac Funding Agreements [Member] Farmer Mac Funding Agreements [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Credit facilities, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit facilities, term Debt Instrument, Term Long-term debt issued Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Long-term debt repaid Repayments of Long-term Debt Credit facilities, outstanding balance Long-term Line of Credit Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] 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 Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Company Parent Company [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Spinoff Spinoff [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Metlife Inc [Member] Metlife Inc [Member] MetLife, Inc. Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Income Tax Examination, Penalties Expense Income Tax Examination, Penalties Expense 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 Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards 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. Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Due to Affiliate Due to Affiliate Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Due from Related Parties Due from Related Parties Accrued Income Taxes Accrued Income Taxes Income tax paid by Brighthouse Financial, Inc. Income Taxes Paid Equity [Abstract] Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, par value per share Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding 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, Outstanding 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 Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Parent Shareholders' Percentage Parent shareholders' percentage [Member] Percentage of Parent shareholders' shares. Parent Percentage Parent percentage [Member] Percentage of Parent shares. Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Authorization Under 10b5-1 Plan Authorization Under 10b5-1 Plan [Member] Authorization Under 10b5-1 Plan [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Percentage of BHF common stock distributed by parent Common Stock Distribution by Parent Percentage of common stock that parent intends to distribute Percentage of BHF common stock retained by parent after distribution Common Stock Retained by Parent Percentage of common stock retained by parent. Stock repurchase program, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Treasury stock, shares acquired Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury stock, value acquired Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Insurance [Abstract] Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] 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. Ceded 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 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] 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 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] 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 Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury Stock, Shares Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Investment Income [Table] Investment Income [Table] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Fixed Maturity Securities Debt Securities [Member] Equity securities Equity Securities [Member] Mortgage loans Mortgages [Member] Policy loans Policy Loans [Member] Real estate joint ventures Real Estate Investment [Member] Other limited partnership interests Partnership Interest [Member] Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Other investments Other Investments [Member] Securities Investment Securities Investment [Member] Net Investment Income [Line Items] Net Investment Income [Line Items] Gross Investment Income, Operating Gross Investment Income, Operating Less: Investment expenses Investment Income, Investment Expense Net investment income Net Investment Income Related Party Transaction (Narrative) [Abstract] Related Party Transaction (Narrative) [Abstract] Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Statutory Accounting Practices [Table] Statutory Accounting Practices [Table] Brighthouse Life Insurance Company [Member] 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] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Range [Axis] Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items] Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items] Payments of Dividends Payments of Dividends Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount Description of Regulatory Capital Requirements under Insurance Regulations Description of Regulatory Capital Requirements under Insurance Regulations Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Annuities Annuities [Member] Annuities. Corporate & Other Corporate and Other [Member] Life Life [Member] Life. Run-off Run-off [Member] Segment which consists of products no longer actively sold and which are separately managed. Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] DAC and VOBA Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] 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] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Investment in subsidiary Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value Total investments Investments Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accrued Investment Income Receivable Premiums and Other Receivables, Net Premiums and Other Receivables, Net Current income tax recoverable Income Taxes Receivable Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Other Assets Total assets Assets Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Long-term and short-term debt Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount Payable to former affiliate Due to Related Parties Deferred income tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Other Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities Stockholders’ Equity Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, respectively; 120,448,018 and 119,773,106 shares issued, respectively; 117,532,336 and 119,773,106 shares outstanding, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings (deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Treasury Stock, Value Treasury Stock, Value Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] 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] Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware [Member] Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware [Member] Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Payments of Ordinary Dividends Payments of Ordinary Dividends Permitted w/o Approval Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments without Regulatory Approval Payments of Capital Distribution Payments of Capital Distribution Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Premiums Premiums Earned, Net Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Insurance Commissions and Fees Other revenues Other Income Net investment gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Investments 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 Interest Credited to Policyholders Account Balances 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) available to 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 Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Transaction Type [Axis] Transaction Type [Axis] Transaction [Domain] Transaction [Domain] Over the Counter Over the Counter [Member] Exchange Cleared Exchange Cleared [Member] Exchange Traded Exchange Traded [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Accrued Liabilities Accrued Liabilities [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Cash collateral received on derivatives Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Cash collateral provided on derivatives Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Customer Securities for which Entity has right to Sell or Repledge, Fair Value of Securities Sold or Repledged Customer Securities for which Entity has Right to Sell or Repledge, Fair Value of Securities Sold or Repledged Excess securities collateral received on derivatives Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities Excess securities collateral provided on derivatives Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Nonperformance Risk [Member] Non-performance Risk Direct And Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Direct And Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Direct & Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Member. Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Hedging exposure to variability in future cash flows for specific length of time Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge Cumulative changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash flow hedged, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Net derivatives gains (losses) Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net Derivative Instrument Detail [Abstract] Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness is Immaterial Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness is Immaterial Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Net investment income Investment Income [Member] Net derivative gains (losses) Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] Net Derivative Gain Loss. Policyholder benefits and claims Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing policyholder benefits and claims. Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Total earned income Interest and Other Income Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] 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] Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] 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] Value Of Distribution Agreements And Value Of Customer Relationships Acquired Intangible Asset [Member] Value Of Distribution Agreements And Value Of Customer Relationships Acquired Intangible Asset [Member] Value of distribution agreements and value of customer relationships acquired intangible asset. Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Retained Earnings (Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Retained Earnings [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] The cumulative effect of adoption is a net increase to retained earnings Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Common Stock Distribution by Parent Common Stock Retained by Parent Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Other Expenses Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] 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] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] U.S. corporate Debt Security, Corporate, US [Member] U.S. government and agency US Treasury and Government [Member] RMBS Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Foreign corporate Debt Security, Corporate, Non-US [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] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity Available-for-Sale Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract] Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position less than 12 months Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Less than One Year Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position equal to or greater than 12 months Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract] Consolidated Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Text Block] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Benefits Pension Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined benefit plan estimated future benefit payments [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract] 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four 2023 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five 2024-2028 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Retirement Plan Funding Status [Axis] Retirement Plan Funding Status [Axis] Retirement Plan Funding Status [Domain] Retirement Plan Funding Status [Domain] Unfunded Plan [Member] Unfunded Plan [Member] Retirement Plan Tax Status [Axis] Retirement Plan Tax Status [Axis] Retirement Plan Tax Status [Domain] Retirement Plan Tax Status [Domain] Nonqualified Plan [Member] Nonqualified Plan [Member] Change in benefit obligations: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Benefit obligations at January 1, Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Interest costs Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Plan participants’ contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Contributions by Plan Participant Net actuarial (gains) losses Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Change in benefits Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Plan Amendment Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Benefit obligations at December 31, Change in plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1, Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31, Over (under) funded status at December 31, Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Other assets Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan Other liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Plan Net amount recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss: Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract] Net actuarial (gains) losses Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax Prior service costs (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, before income tax Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Insurance Insurance Disclosure [Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Noncontrolling interest, amounts represented by preferred stock Noncontrolling Interest, Amount Represented by Preferred Stock Earned Income On Derivatives And Income Statement Location Settlement Payments By Hedge Classification And Income Statement Location [Table Text Block] The table presents the settlement payments recorded in income by hedge classification and income statement location. Schedule of estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps Disclosure of Credit Derivatives [Table Text Block] Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of derivative and other financial assets and liabilities that are subject to offsetting, including master netting arrangements. Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Derivatives Not Designated or Qualifying as Hedges [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Derivatives Not Designated or Qualifying as Hedges [Policy Text Block] 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] Schedule of Derivative 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 Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Reinsurance Policy, Type [Axis] Reinsurance Policy, Type [Axis] Reinsurance Policy [Domain] Reinsurance Policy [Domain] Participating Life Insurance Contract [Member] Participating Life Insurance Contract [Member] Ceded Credit Risk, Collateralization [Axis] Ceded Credit Risk, Collateralization [Axis] Ceded Credit Risk, Collateralization [Domain] Ceded Credit Risk, Collateralization [Domain] Ceded Credit Risk, Unsecured [Member] Ceded Credit Risk, Unsecured [Member] Ceded Credit Risk, Secured [Member] Ceded Credit Risk, Secured [Member] PWL [Member] PWL [Member] Par Whole Life recapture from RGA. Accident and Health Insurance Product Line [Member] Accident and Health Insurance Product Line [Member] 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. Recapture MLUS [Member] Recapture MLUS [Member] Recapture of Single Premium Deferred Annuity MLUS Life and Other [Member] Life and Other [Member] Life and Other Insurance Product BHL Recapture GMIB [Member] BHL Recapture GMIB [Member] Recapture of variable annuities BLIC 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 MRVTermRecapture [Member] MRVTermRecapture [Member] Recpature of level premium term business with MRV SPDARecapture [Member] SPDARecapture [Member] Recapture of Single Premium deferred Annuity agreement with MLIC Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Affiliated Entity Affiliated Entity [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Percentage Of Participating Whole Life Insurance Policies Percentage Of Participating Whole Life Insurance Policies Percentage of ceded participating par whole life business ceded. Other invested assets Other Investments Reinsurance Retention Policy, Excess Retention, Percentage Reinsurance Retention Policy, Excess Retention, Percentage Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net Reinsurance Recoverables, Ceded Reinsurance Recoverables, Ceded Amount of reinsurance recoverable balances in both asset and liability accounts that have been ceded. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Deposit Contracts, Assets Deposit Contracts, Assets Embedded derivatives gains (losses) Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset Liability for Future Policy Benefits Liability for Future Policy Benefits Policyholder account balances Policyholder Contract Deposits Effects of Reinsurance [Table] Effects of Reinsurance [Table] Assumed Reinsurance [Member] 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. Affiliated Entity [Member] Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items] Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items] Other Policy-Related Balances Other Policy-Related Balances Liability as of the balance sheet date to the policyholders for funds held that are returnable under the terms of insurance contracts that were not separately reported. Also includes unearned premiums. 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] Provision for income tax expense (benefit) Offsetting Assets [Table] Transaction Type [Axis] Transaction [Domain] Offsetting Assets [Line Items] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals Fair value, before effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial asset or other contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes assets elected not to be offset. Excludes assets not subject to a master netting arrangement and accruals. Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals Fair value, before effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial liability or contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes liabilities elected not to be offset. Excludes liabilities not subject to a master netting arrangement and accruals. Estimated fair value of derivative assets presented in the consolidated balance sheets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Estimated fair value of derivative liabilities presented in the consolidated balance sheets Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Gross estimated fair value of derivative assets Derivative Asset Gross estimated fair value of derivative liabilities Derivative Liability Cash collateral on derivative assets Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Cash collateral on derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Securities collateral on derivative assets Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities, Offset Amount of obligation to return securities collateral under master netting arrangements offset against derivative assets. Securities collateral on derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities, Offset Amount of right to receive securities collateral under master netting arrangements offset against derivative liabilities. Net amount of derivative assets after application of master netting agreements and cash collateral Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Net amount of derivative liabilities after application of master netting agreements and cash collateral Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Net Amount at Risk, by Product and Guarantee [Table] Net Amount at Risk, by Product and Guarantee [Table] Universal and Variable Life Contracts Universal Life [Member] Variable Life [Member] Variable Life [Member] Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items] Total account value (3) Net Amount At Risk By Product And Guarantee General And Separate Account Value Value of the separate and general accounts corresponding to the specified product, guarantee type and subset of the guarantee. Net amount at risk (6) Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk Average attained age of policyholders Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Weighted Average Attained Age Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Restatement [Axis] Restatement [Axis] Restatement [Domain] Restatement [Domain] Restatement Adjustment [Member] Restatement Adjustment [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Forward Contracts [Member] Forward Contracts [Member] Currency Swap [Member] Currency Swap [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to 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] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets Net investment gains (losses) Balance beginning of period 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 Schedule of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired Present Value of Future Insurance Profits [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired 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 of Business Acquired Deferred Sales Inducements [Table Text Block] Value of Distribution Agreements and Customer Relationships Acquired Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Estimated Future Amortization Expense (Credit) Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block] 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 Tax Credit Carryforwards Summary of Tax Credit Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] 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 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Tax 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 Tax not including change in accounting principle 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), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Non-cash 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. Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Capital contributions 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. Accrued capital contributions Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Accrued Capital Contribution Change in additional paid in capital as a result of accrued capital contributions, including accrued premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and shareholder's equity. Distribution to MetLife, Inc. Payments of Distributions to Affiliates Remaining assets held in trust pledged as collateral Remaining assets held in trust pledged as collateral Remaining assets held in trust pledged as collateral that were returned to former parent. Dividends paid to a former affiliate Cash distributions to former affiliates related to a profit sharing agreement Incentive Distribution, Distribution Cash equivalents Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Schedule Of Effect Of Reinsurance On Income Statement [Table] Schedule Of Effect Of Reinsurance On Income Statement [Table] Schedule Of Effect Of Reinsurance On Income Statement. Reinsurance [Member] Reinsurance [Member] Affiliated reinsurance. Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net 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 Interest Credited To Policyholder Account Balances [Abstract] Interest Credited To Policyholder Account Balances [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits [Abstract] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits [Abstract] Other expenses: Other Expenses [Abstract] Total other expenses Effect of reinsurance Effects of Reinsurance [Table Text Block] Participating Mortgage Loans [Table] Participating Mortgage Loans [Table] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Participating Mortgage Loans [Line Items] Participating Mortgage Loans [Line Items] Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Commercial mortgage loans Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage Percentage of loans receivable on commercial mortgage loans Percentage Of Loans Receivable Commercial Mortgage To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Commercial Mortgage Loans Receivable to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Agricultural Mortgage Loans Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Agricultural Percentage of loans receivable on agricultural mortgage loans Percentage Of Loans Receivable Commercial Agricultural To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Commercial Agricultural Loans Receivable to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Residential Mortgage Loans Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross, Consumer, Mortgage Percentage of loans receivable on residential mortgage loans Percentage Of Loans And Leases Receivable Consumer Mortgage To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Consumer Mortgage Loans and Leases Receivable to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Subtotal Mortgage Loans Held For Investment The balance represents the amount of loans that are secured by real estate mortgages. Percentage of loans receivable on subtotal Percentage Of Mortgage Loans Held For Investment To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Mortgage Loans Held For Investment to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Valuation allowances Percentage of loans receivable on valuation allowances Percentage Of Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses Real Estate To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses on Real Estate to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net Percentage of loans held for sale on total mortgage loans, net Percentage Of Mortgage Loans On Real Estate To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Mortgage Loans On Real Estate to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] Agricultural Portfolio Segment [Member] Agricultural Portfolio Segment [Member] Portfolio segment of the company's total financing receivables related to agricultural receivables. Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Significant Purchases Estimated fair value of mortgage loans held-for-investment Financing Receivable, Net Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract] Percentage of Mortgage Loans Classified as Performing Percentage of Mortgage Loans Classified as Performing The percentage of all mortgage loans that are classified as performing. Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due Loans and Leases Receivable, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of Interest Loans and Leases Receivable, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of Interest Financing Receivable Number of Contract of Recorded Investment Past Due Financing Receivable Number of Contract of Recorded Investment Past Due Reflects the number of financing receivables of recorded investment that are past due at the balance sheet date. Loans and Leases Receivable, Number of Contract, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of Interest Loans and Leases Receivable, Number of Contract, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of Interest Reflects the number of loans deemed to be questionable as to collection on which no interest is continuing to be recognized. Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number of Contracts Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number of Contracts Schedule of Net Amount of Risk by Product and Guarantee [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Amount of Risk by Product and Guarantee [Table Text Block] 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 Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Interest rate swaps Interest rate forwards Foreign currency swaps 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) Amortization of prior service (costs) credit Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) 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) 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 Benefits Liability, Policy [Policy Text Block] Future Policy Benefits Liability, Policy [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] Investment, 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 Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Abstract] Consolidated Reinsurance SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract] SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items] 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 Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Beginning Balance of DAC Capitalizations of DAC Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Additions Net investment gains (losses) of DAC and net derivative gains (losses) of DAC 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) Effect of foreign currency translation and other of DAC Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment and Other 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) of VOBA 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 Balance at December 31, Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] 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, Continuing Operations [Abstract] 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 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 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 Issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Distribution to MetLife, Inc. 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, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, 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 Net cash paid (received) for income tax Income Taxes Paid, Net Accumulated benefit obligation [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] Projected benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Estimated fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets Assumptions used in determining net periodic benefit costs [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Weighted average discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Distribution Rights [Member] Distribution Rights [Member] 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 2019 Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, Year One VOBA 2020 Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, Year Two VOBA 2021 Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, Year Three VOBA 2022 Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, Year Four VOBA 2023 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 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months VODA 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two VODA 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three VODA 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four VODA 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five 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] Schedule of Other Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [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] Insurance Liabilities By Segment [Table] Insurance Liabilities By Segment [Table] A table reflecting insurance liabilities by segment. Nonparticipating Life Insurance Contract [Member] Nonparticipating Life Insurance Contract [Member] Fixed Annuity [Member] Fixed Annuity [Member] Disability Insurance Policy [Member] Disability Insurance Policy [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. Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Funded Status of Plan [Table Text Block] Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Funded Status of Plan [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] 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] Depreciation and amortization expenses Other Depreciation and Amortization 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 Goodwill impairment Goodwill, Impairment Loss 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 Sales, maturities and repayments of fixed maturity securities Sales, maturities and repayments of equity securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Sales, maturities and repayments of mortgage loans Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Mortgage Notes Receivable Sales, maturities and repayments of real estate and real estate joint ventures Proceeds from Real Estate and Real Estate Joint Ventures Sales, maturities and repayments of other limited partnership interests Proceeds from Limited Partnership Investments Purchases of fixed maturity securities Purchases of equity securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Purchases of mortgage loans Payments to Acquire Mortgage Notes Receivable Purchases of real estate and real estate joint ventures Payments to Acquire Real Estate and Real Estate Joint Ventures Purchases of other limited partnership interests Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives The cash inflow provided by derivative instruments during the period, which are classified as investing activities, including both hedging and non-hedging instruments. Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives Cash Paid In Connection With Freestanding Derivatives The cash outflow provided by derivative instruments during the period, which are classified as investing activities, including both hedging and non-hedging instruments. Receipts on loans to a former affiliate Proceeds from Collection of Loans Receivable Net change in policy loans Payments for (Proceeds from) Policy Loans Net change in short-term investments Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-term Investments Net change in other invested assets Net Change In Other Invested Assets The net cash outflow (inflow) from other investing activities including derivative instruments, leveraged leases and other invested assets. Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities 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 repaid Collateral financing arrangement repaid Repayments of Secured Debt Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases 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 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 paid (received) for interest Net cash paid (received) for income tax Non-cash transactions: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Transfer of fixed maturity securities from former affiliates Transfer to Investments Transfer of mortgage loans from former affiliates Transfers of Mortgage Loans From Affiliates Value of mortgages transferred from the entity's affiliates in noncash transactions. Transfer of short-term investments from former affiliates Transfer of Short-Term Investments From Affiliates Value of short-term investments transferred from the entity's affiliates in noncash transactions. Transfer of fixed maturity securities to former affiliates Transfer from Investments Reduction of other invested assets in connection with affiliated reinsurance transactions Reduction of other invested assets in connection with reinsurance transactions Reduction of other invested assets in connection with reinsurance transactions. 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 Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Short-term intercompany debt repaid Repayments of Short-term Debt Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss) [Abstract] Carrying Value of investments accounted for under the equity method Equity Method Investments 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. Aggregate Net income Exceeded Stated Percentage Of The Pre Tax Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations 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) Funding agreements issued to certain SPEs 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 Special Purpose Entities 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 Special Purpose Entities 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. Compensation Expense [Abstract] Compensation Expense [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] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 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. Other Share Based Other Share Based [Member] Other Share Based [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Stock Options Employee Stock Option [Member] Performance Shares units Performance Shares [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Common Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Total revenues Total expenses Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.'s common shareholders Earnings per common share - basic Earnings per common share - diluted Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Attributable To Company 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. Deferred income tax benefit (expense) Income Tax Expense On Change In Unrealized Gain Or (Loss) This item represents the tax effects occurring during the period which are related to the net unrealized gain (loss) resulting from changes in the fair [carrying] value during the period of available-for-sale securities and from changes in certain insurance related assets and liabilities. Such tax affects would have been charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income or to related components of shareholders' equity. Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Attributable To Company This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to the Company. Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] 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: Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Future policy benefits Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Insurance Liability Gain Loss Recognition This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to insurance liability gain (loss) recognition. 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. 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 Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $60,920 and $60,173, respectively) Equity securities, at estimated fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Mortgage loans (net of valuation allowances of $57 and $47, respectively) Policy loans Loans, Gross, Insurance Policy Real estate joint ventures Real Estate Investments, Net Other limited partnership interests Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value Short-term Investments Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value 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 Separate Account Assets Total assets Future policy benefits Other policy-related balances Other Policyholder Funds 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 Other liabilities Separate account liabilities Separate Accounts, Liability 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; 120,448,018 and 119,773,106 shares issued, respectively; 117,532,336 and 119,773,106 shares outstanding, respectively Retained earnings (deficit) Treasury Stock at cost Total Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Pension Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Debt Securities [Member] Equity Securities Alternative Securities [Member] Alternative Securities [Member] Alternative securities including, but not limited to, derivative assets, money market securities, short-term investments and other investments. Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Actual Allocation, Percentage Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Actual Allocation, Percentage Contract Termination [Member] Contract Termination [Member] Metlife Investment Advisors, LLC [Member] Metlife Investment Advisors, LLC [Member] Metlife Investment Advisors, LLC [Member] Related Party Loan One Related Party Loan One [Member] Related Party Loan One [Member] Related Party Loan Two Related Party Loan Two [Member] Related Party Loan Two [Member] Assets Transferred To Affiliates, Estimated Fair Value Assets Transferred To Affiliates, Estimated Fair Value Estimated fair value of assets transfered to affiliates. Transfers of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sale, Amortized Cost of Assets Obtained as Proceeds Transfers of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sale, Amortized Cost of Assets Obtained as Proceeds Represents the amortized cost of assets received on transfer of financial assets in a securitization, asset-backed financing arrangement, or a similar transfer which transaction is recognized as a sale of the transferred financial assets. Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale, Gain (Loss) on Sale Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale, Gain (Loss) on Sale Assets Transferred From Affiliates, Estimated Fair Value Assets Transferred From Affiliates, Estimated Fair Value Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred from affiliates. Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties Debt Instrument, interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Equity Method Investments Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Capital Contribution Related party investment administrative services Investments Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] 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. BHF Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] BHF Credit Facilities BHF Credit Facilities [Member] BHF Credit Facilities. MRSC Committed Facility MRSC committed credit facility [Member] MRSC committed credit facility. MRV Cell Committed Facility MRV committed credit facility [Member] MRV committed credit facility. MRSC and MRV Cell Committed Facilities MRSC and MRV Cell Committed Facilities [Member] MRSC and MRV Cell Committed Facilities [Member] 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. Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Loans Borrowings [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] 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, stated interest rate 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 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, remaining borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Credit facilities, commitment fee amount Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount Repayment of collateral financing arrangement Assets held in trust pledged as collateral Pledged Assets Separately Reported, Other Assets Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value Interest expense Interest and Debt Expense Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Debt Service Coverage Ratio by Range [Axis] Debt Service Coverage Ratio by Range [Axis] Debt Service Coverage Ratio By Range Axis. Debt Service Coverage Ratio by Range [Domain] Debt Service Coverage Ratio by Range [Domain] Debt Service Coverage Ratio By Range Domain. Greater than 1.20x Debt Service Coverage Ratio Range One [Member] Mortgage loans with a debt service coverage ratio of more than 1.20x. 1.00x - 1.20x Debt Service Coverage Ratio Range Two [Member] Mortgage loans with a debt service coverage ratio of 1.00x - 1.20x. Less than 1.00x Debt Service Coverage Ratio Range Three [Member] Mortgage loans with a debt service coverage ratio of less than 1.00x. Less than 65% Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator Range One [Member] Mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of less than 65%. 65% to 75% Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator Range Two [Member] Mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of 65% to 75%. 76% to 80% Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator Range Three [Member] Mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of 76% to 80%. Greater than 80% Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator Range Four [Member] Mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of greater than 80%. Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] % of Total Loans Receivable Commercial Mortgage Percentage Reflects the percentage of the gross carrying amount of unpaid loans issued to businesses to provide financing on existing land or a building, which, pursuant to terms of the underlying debt instrument, are secured at a minimum but possibly exclusively by that real property to the total for all commercial mortgage loans. Mortgages represent permanent financing, and are issued to replace previously existing mortgages or pay off acquisition, development and construction loans, or to provide cash to the borrower. Estimated Fair Value Estimated Fair Value Commercial Mortgage This represents the total estimated fair value for commercial mortgage loans by credit quality indicator by class of receivable. % of Total Estimated Fair Value Commercial Mortgage Percentage This represents the total estimated fair value amount for mortgage loans by credit quality indicator to the total for all mortgage loans. SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Table] Insurance Product Line [Axis] Life insurance (1) Life Insurance Product Line [Member] 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 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 Capital contributions to subsidiary Consolidated Supplementary Insurance Information SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Disclosure [Text Block] 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 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] 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. 2019-2023 Expiration Period First Four Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Expiration period for the first four years by deferred tax asset type. 2024-2028 Expiration Period Second Four Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Expiration period for the second four years by deferred tax asset type. 2029-2033 Expiration Period Third Four Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Expiration period for the third four years by deferred tax asset type. 2034-2038 Expiration Period Fourth Four Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Expiration period for the fourth four years by deferred tax asset type. Indefinite Expiration Period For Indefinite Number Of Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Expiration period for indefinite number of years by deferred tax asset type. Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] Tax credit carryforwards Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible Assets and Liabilities, excluding Goodwill [Text Block] Compensation Labor and Related Expense Professional Fees 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 Goodwill impairment (1) Other General and Administrative Expense Other General and Administrative Expense Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Expiration Date By Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Expiration Period For Indefinite Number Of Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Expiration Period Fourth Four Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Domestic Captive Life Reinsurance Subsidiaries [Member] Domestic Captive Life Reinsurance Subsidiaries [Member] Domestic captive life reinsurance subsidiaries of the parent company. Statutory Accounting Practices, Prescribed Practice, Amount Statutory Accounting Practices, Prescribed Practice, Amount Statutory net income (loss) Statutory capital and surplus Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [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] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Interest rate contracts Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign currency exchange rate contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Credit contracts Credit Risk Contract [Member] Equity market contracts 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] Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net Assets [Abstract] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Short-term investments Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts Separate account assets Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts Total liabilities Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Long-term debt outstanding Short-term debt outstanding Short-term Debt Long-term and short-term debt outstanding Debt instrument, unamortized debt issuance costs and debt discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate debt Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Short-term intercompany debt issued Proceeds from 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. Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator Range Three [Member] Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator Range Four [Member] Performing Financial Instruments [Member] Performing Financial Instruments [Member] Nonperforming Financial Instruments [Member] Nonperforming Financial Instruments [Member] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit losses [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items] Agricultural Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract] Agricultural Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract] Agricultural mortgage loans, by credit quality indicator. Recorded investment in mortgage loans % of Total Loans Receivable Commercial Agricultural Mortgage Percentage Reflects the percentage of the gross carrying amount of unpaid loans issued to agricultural businesses to provide financing on existing land or a building, which, pursuant to terms of the underlying debt instrument, are secured at a minimum but possibly exclusively by that real property to the total for all commercial agricultural mortgage loans. Mortgages represent permanent financing, and are issued to replace previously existing mortgages or pay off acquisition, development and construction loans, or to provide cash to the borrower. Residential Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract] Residential Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract] Residential mortgage loans, by credit quality indicator. Recorded investment in mortgage loans % of Total Loans And Leases Receivable Consumer Mortgage Percentage Reflects the percentage of the gross carrying amount of unpaid loans and leases issued to consumers to the total for all consumer loans and leases. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Subsequent Event Subsequent Events [Text Block] 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. Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Non-Income Producing Debt Securities Non-Income Producing Debt Securities [Member] Non-income producing debt securities. Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax Accumulated benefit obligations in excess of fair value of plan assets Net periodic benefit costs and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) Assumptions used in determining benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs Plan Assets Defined benefit plan estimated future benefit payments Benefit Plan Obligations, Assets, Funded Status, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Benefit Obligation Qualified Plan [Member] Qualified Plan [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Accounts Payable Accounts Payable Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Assets Transferred into (out of) Level 3 Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Assets Transferred into (out of) Level 3 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Other Deferred Compensation Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent Other Deferred Compensation Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent 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. Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Allocated from short-term investments Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Allocated from short-term investments Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Allocated from short-term investments Other Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Other Investments This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to other investments. Subtotal Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Subtotal Of Investment Gains (Losses) Components This item presents the subtotal of net unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives and other investments. Future policy benefits Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Allocated From Insurance Liability Loss Recognition This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) allocated from insurance liability loss recognition. DAC, 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). Condensed Balance Sheets (Parent Company) Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Statements of Operations (Parent Company) Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Parent Company) Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt (Parent Company) Schedule of Debt [Table 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, 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 Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholder Account Balances [Abstract] Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholder Contract Deposits, Assumptions [Abstract] Participating business as a percentage of gross life insurance policies in-force Participating Insurance, Percentage of Gross Insurance in Force Participating business as a percentage of the gross life insurance premiums Life Premiums as Percentage of Gross Premiums Broker Dealer Activities [Member] Broker Dealer Activities [Member] Broker Dealer Activities 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 to Related Parties Income Revenue from Related Parties Expense Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party 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 Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, Tax Expense (Benefit) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Disposition of Business, Amount Dividend received deduction 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 Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses, Amount Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Other Expenses Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block] 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 Credit Derivatives [Table] Schedule of Credit Derivatives [Table] Aaa/Aa/A Aaa Aa [Member] Aaa Aa A Member. Baa Baa [Member] Baa. Ba Ba [Member] Ba Member. Credit Derivatives [Line Items] Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Credit Risk Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Weighted Average Years to Maturity Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity Derivative Instruments Notional Amount Assets Liabilities By Hedging Relationship [Axis] Derivative Instruments Notional Amount Assets Liabilities By Hedging Relationship Axis. Fair Value Hedges Fair Value Hedging [Member] Interest rate caps Interest Rate Cap [Member] Interest rate futures Futures [Member] Futures. Interest rate options Interest Rate Swaption [Member] 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. Gross Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Balance at January 1, Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Amortization Amortization of Intangible Assets Balance at December 31, Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization 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] Financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs Variable Interest Entity, Financial or Other Support, Amount Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Segment Reconciling Items Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Securities Financing Transaction [Table] Securities Financing Transaction [Table] Financial Instrument [Axis] Securities Financing Transaction [Axis] Securities Financing Transaction [Axis] Securities Financing Transaction [Domain] Securities Financing Transaction [Domain] Maturity Overnight Maturity Overnight [Member] Maturity less than 30 Days Maturity Less than 30 Days [Member] Maturity 30 to 180 Days Maturity 30 to 180 Days [Member] Maturity period that is more than 29 days but fewer than 180 days from the reporting date for repurchase agreements and similar transactions, for example, but not limited to, securities lending arrangements. Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items] Total Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Associated Liabilities, Carrying Amount Other Insurance Product Line [Member] Other Insurance Product Line [Member] Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Interest Rate Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Interest Rate Liability for Policyholder Contract Deposits, Interest Rate Liability for Policyholder Contract Deposits, Interest Rate 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 Antidilutive stock options excluded from the computation of earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Derivatives Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Estimated Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [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 Real estate joint ventures Real Estate Investments, Joint Ventures Other limited partnership interests Other Limited Partnership Interests, Fair Value Disclosure The fair value portion of investments in other limited partnership interests. Other 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 DSI: Movement in Deferred Sales Inducements [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1, Deferred Sales Inducement Cost, Net Capitalization Deferred Sales Inducement Cost, Addition Amortization Deferred Sales Inducement Cost, Amortization Expense Unrealized investment gains (losses) Deferred Sales Inducement Cost, Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment Balance at December 31, 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, Bridge Loans 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 Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Textuals) [Abstract] Contingencies Commitments And Guarantees Textuals [Abstract] Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees. Indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation range Indemnities And Guarantees Contractual Limitation Range The range of the contractual limitation for guarantees and indemnities. Cumulative maximum indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Liabilities for indemnities, guarantees and commitments Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items] Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items] Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net Net investment gains (losses) Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals Gain (Loss) on Sale of Debt Investments Equity securities — Mark to market and net gains (losses) on sales and disposals Gain (Loss) on Sale of Equity Investments Other net investment gains (losses): Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract] Mortgage loans Gain (Loss) on Sales of Loans, Net Real estate joint ventures Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate Other limited partnership interests Gains Losses On Sales Of Other Limited Partnerships The net gain (loss) resulting from sales and other disposals of other limited partnership interests. Other Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments Investments in any counterparty that were greater than 10% of equity Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Investments Securities holdings exposure in single issuer greater than stated percentage of Company's equity Concentration Risk, Percentage 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] U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities 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. Net Derivatives NetDerivatives [Member] The derivative assets and liabilities measured with unobservable inputs, including interest rate contracts, foreign currency exchange rate contracts, credit contracts, and equity market contracts. Net Embedded Derivatives Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] 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, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Balance 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) Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member] Shareholder's net investment [Member] Shareholder's net investment [Member] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Brighthouse Financial, Inc.'s Stockholders’ Equity Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Total Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity, Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Change in shareholders Net Investment Change in shareholders Net Investment Change in shareholders Net Investment Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Other Separation related transactions Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Ending Balance Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Derivatives Subject To Credit-Contingent Provisions [Member] Derivatives Subject To Credit-Contingent Provisions [Member] Derivatives Subject To Credit Contingent Provisions Member. Fixed maturity securities Fixed Maturities [Member] Estimated Fair Value of Derivatives in a Net Liability Position Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided: Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value Options embedded in debt or equity securities Securities (Assets) [Member] Ceded guaranteed minimum income benefits Direct guaranteed minimum benefits Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Deferred Fixed Annuity Deferred Fixed Annuity [Member] Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables Receivables [Member] Portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity. Includes disclosure of claims held for amounts due a company. Examples include trade accounts receivables, notes receivables, loans receivables. Investments Investments [Member] Policyholder account balances Policyholder Account Balances [Member] Policyholder Account Balances. Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input Type [Domain] 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, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items] Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input Total assets Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Stockholder's Compensation [Abstract] Stockholder's Compensation [Abstract] 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 Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Performance Factor Performance Factor The percentage of the performance factor for the three year period used for perfomance shares and units. Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized 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, Options, Forfeitures in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Long-term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Separate account assets [Member] Fair Value Option General Account Securities [Member] Fair Value Option General Account Securities [Member] This caption presents trading securities fair value of general account securities. Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Joint ventures and limited partnerships Limited Partner [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Carrying Amount Asset Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Carrying Amount Liability Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities 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] Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Employee benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits Intangibles Deferred Tax Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Deferred Tax Assets, Investments Deferred Tax Assets, Investments Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Deferred Tax Assets, Net Deferred Tax Assets, Net Less: Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Total net deferred income tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred income tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Policyholder liabilities and receivables Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investments Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investments Net unrealized investment gains Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Comprehensive Income DAC Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost Deferred Tax Liabilities, 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) Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Amortized Cost, Due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, within One Year, Amortized Cost Amortized Cost, Due after one year through five years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost Amortized Cost, Due after five years through ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost Amortized Cost, Due after ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Maturity, after 10 Years, Amortized Cost Amortized Cost, Structured Securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Amortized Cost, Subtotal Estimated Fair Value, Due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, within One Year, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value, Due after one year through five years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value, Due after five years through ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value, Due after ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after 10 Years, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value, Structured Securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value 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 Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings [Abstract] Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments [Abstract] Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Corporate and Other [Member] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Axis] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Axis] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Domain] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Domain] Estimated increase (decrease) in adjusted earnings due to new methodology Estimated increase (decrease) in adjusted earnings due to new methodology Estimated increase (decrease) in pretax adjusted earnings due to new capital allocation methodology Estimated increase (decrease) in total assets due to new methodology Estimated increase (decrease) in total assets due to new methodology Estimated increase (decrease) in total assets due to new capital allocation methodology Invested assets on deposit Deposit Assets Invested assets held in trust Assets Held-in-trust 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 Run-off 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. 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] Fixed Maturity Securities 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] 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] Equity Securities Equity Securities, Investment Summary [Member] Mortgage loans Mortgage Loans Held For Investment [Member] Residential mortgage loans held for investment, for which the FVO was elected. Policy loans Other invested assets Other invested assets [Member] Other invested assets. 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 Cost or Amortized Cost SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Estimated Fair Value SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value Real Estate Investments, Net Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Amount at Which Shown on Balance Sheet SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value Policyholder benefits and claims Policyholder Benefits And Claims Incurred Net [Member] Policyholder benefits and claims incurred net. Amortized cost Securities Financing Transaction, Cost [Member] Estimated fair value Securities Financing Transaction, Fair Value [Member] Securities loaned Securities Loaned Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties Security collateral on deposit from counterparties Securities Received as Collateral Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value Securities Lending Reinvestment Portfolio Estimated Fair Value This element represents the estimated fair value of the securities lending reinvestment portfolio. Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company) Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Ceded Credit Risk [Table] Ceded Credit Risk [Table] Ceded Credit Risk [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. Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items] Deposit assets in premiums, reinsurance, and other receivables or secondary guarantee risk for reinsurance Deposit liabilities in other liabilities for reinsurance Deposit Contracts, Liabilities Reinsurance recoverables Five largest reinsurers, reinsurance recoverables amount 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. Five largest reinsurers, reinsurance recoverables percentage Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage Percentage of total reinsurance recoverables which constitute a concentration of credit risk. Reinsurance Retention Policy [Table] Living And Death Benefit Guarantees [Member] Living And Death Benefit Guarantees [Member] Living and death benefit guarantees associated with Retail Annuity business Mortality Risk [Member] Mortality risk associated with life insurance. Mortality Risk on Case by Case Basis [Member] Mortality risk associated with life insurance, on a case by case basis. Quota Share Reinsurance for Certain Disability Business [Member] Quota-share reinsurance agreements for certain disability business. Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items] Reinsured risk percentage Reinsurance Retention Policy, Reinsured Risk, Percentage Percentage of reinsured risk in excess of stated amount Retention amount Reinsurance Retention Policy, Amount Retained Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items] Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties Securities Loaned, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Percentage Of US Treasury And Agency Securities At Estimated Fair Value Of Securities On Loan Relating To Cash Collateral On Open Percentage Of US Treasury And Agency Securities At Estimated Fair Value Of Securities On Loan Relating To Cash Collateral On Open The percentage of US Treasury and agency securities at estimated fair value of securities on loan relating to cash collateral on open. Percentage of Reinvestment Portfolio in Fixed Maturity Securities Percentage of Reinvestment Portfolio in Fixed Maturity Securities The percentage of the reinvestment portfolio acquired with the cash collateral consists mainly of Fixed maturities. Annuity products Investments Product Line [Member] Life insurance products Other products Total premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues Insurance Services Revenue Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] 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 Insurance Product Line [Domain] Direct Direct Reinsurance [Member] Amounts for all insurance before adding amounts assumed from other insurers or subtracting amounts ceded to other insurers. Assumed Ceded Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Pre-tax adjusted earnings Post-tax adjusted earnings Adjusted earnings Operating Income (Loss) Other adjustments to net income Interest revenue Interest Revenue (Expense), Net Interest expense Interest Expense Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity date Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Securities Lending Schedule of Securities Financing Transactions [Table Text Block] Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral Schedule of Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Table Text Block] The Components of Net Investment Income Investment Income [Table Text Block] The components of net investment gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table Text Block] Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains and losses Proceeds From Sales Or Disposals Of Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities And Components Of Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities Net Investment Gains And Losses [Table Text Block] This table presents the proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains and losses. Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Reinsurance Reinsurance [Text Block] Percentage Estimated Fair Value Percentage Estimated Fair Value This percentage represents the net estimated fair value of freestanding derivatives. 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 Operating Expenses 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 Interest Rate Contract [Member] Credit Risk Contract [Member] Equity Contract [Member] Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member] Servicing Assets and Servicing Liabilities Risk [Axis] Servicing Assets and Servicing Liabilities Risk [Axis] Risks Inherent in Servicing Assets and Servicing Liabilities, Type [Domain] Risks Inherent in Servicing Assets and Servicing Liabilities, Type [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion The current period gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income related to the effective portion of derivatives designated in cash flow hedges. Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Abstract] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Abstract] Gross Unrealized Gain Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss 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. Invested assets pledged as collateral Invested Assets Pledged As Collateral Invested assets pledged as collateral. Invested Assets On Deposit Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral Assets On Deposit Held In Trust And Pledged As Collateral The sum of the fair values, as of the date of each statement of financial position presented, of securities that are restricted as collateral for the payment of related debt obligations, primarily secured borrowings and repurchase agreements, and that are reclassified and separately reported in the statement of financial position because the transferee has the right by contract or custom to sell or re-pledge them. Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Table] Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of 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] Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment, Category [Domain] Balanced Balanced Funds [Member] Equity Equity Funds [Member] Bond Bond Funds [Member] Bond funds. Money Market Money Market Funds [Member] Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items] Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items] Fund Groupings Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment, Fair Value Income Tax Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] 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. 20% or more Twenty Percent Or More [Member] 20% or more Member. Schedule of Securities by Duration [Axis] Schedule Of Securities By Duration Axis. Securities by Duration [Domain] Securities By Duration. Six months or greater Six Months Or Greater [Member] Six months or greater. Change in Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss Number of Securities Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions Fixed Maturities 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. Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries Total revenues Credit facility fees Total expenses Comprehensive income (loss) Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]