Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Credit Derivatives [Table] Schedule of Credit Derivatives [Table] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Axis] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Axis] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Domain] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Domain] Credit default swaps Credit Default Swap [Member] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Aaa/Aa/A Aaa Aa [Member] Aaa Aa A Member. Baa Baa [Member] Baa. Credit Derivatives [Line Items] Credit Derivatives [Line Items] Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Credit Risk Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2) Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Mortgage Loans Real Estate Loan [Member] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Commercial Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] Agricultural Agricultural Portfolio Segment [Member] Portfolio segment of the company's total financing receivables related to agricultural receivables. Residential Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Axis] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Axis] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Domain] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Domain] 30 to 59 Days Past Due Financial Asset, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member] 60 to 89 Days Past Due Financial Asset, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member] 90 to 179 Days Past Due Financing Receivables 90 To 179 Days Past Due [Member] Financial asset more than 89 days past due but fewer than 180 days past due. 180 Days and Greater Past Due Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 180 Days Past Due [Member] Financial asset equal to or greater than 180 days past due. Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items] Financing receivable before allowance for credit losses, current Financing Receivable, Not Past Due Financing receivable before allowance for credit losses, past due Financing Receivable, Past Due Financing receivable, before allowance for credit losses Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table] Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption [Axis] Information by cumulative-effect adjustment to financial statements in period of adoption of amendment to accounting standards. Cumulative Effect Period Of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect Period Of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative-effect adjustment to financial statements in period of adoption of amendment to accounting standards. Cumulative Effect, Adjustment Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member] Increase (decrease) to financial statements for cumulative-effect adjustment in period of adoption of amendment to accounting standards. Cumulative Effect, Adjusted Balance Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance [Member] Represents amount after cumulative-effect adjustment to financial statements in period of adoption of amendment to accounting standards. Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Financing receivable, allowance for credit losses, beginning of period Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss Current period provision Financing Receivable, Credit Loss, Expense (Reversal) Financing receivable, allowance for credit losses, end of period Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] U.S. Corporate Debt Security, Corporate, US [Member] Foreign Corporate Debt Security, Corporate, Non-US [Member] Foreign Government Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Fixed maturity securities, allowance for credit losses, beginning of period Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Allowance for Credit Loss Allowance on securities where credit losses were not previously recorded Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Allowance for Credit Loss, Not Previously Recorded Allowance on securities that had an allowance recorded in a previous period Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Allowance for Credit Loss, Not to Sell before Recovery, Credit Loss, Previously Recorded, Expense (Reversal) Write-offs charged against allowance Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff Fixed maturity securities, allowance for credit losses, end of period Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Percentage of other invested assets comprised of freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values Percentage Of Other Invested Assets Comprised Of Freestanding Derivatives With Positive Estimated Fair Values Percentage of other invested assets that is comprised of freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values. Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Corporate (1) Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Structured Securities Structured Securities [Member] Structured Securities. State and Political Subdivision US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] Foreign Government Equity Securities Equity Securities [Member] Short-term Investments Short-term Investments [Member] Separate Account Assets (4) Separate account assets [Member] Separate Account Assets Member. Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Net Derivatives (2) NetDerivatives [Member] The derivative assets and liabilities measured with unobservable inputs, including interest rate contracts, foreign currency exchange rate contracts, credit contracts, and equity market contracts. Embedded derivatives Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (6) (7) 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 (7) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Sales (7) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Issuances (7) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Issuances Settlements (7) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Transfers into Level 3 (8) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 (8) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Balance, end of period Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period Fair Value, Asset, Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in OCI Fair Value, Asset (Liability), Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss), OCI Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of period Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6) 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 (7) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Purchases Sales (7) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Sales Issuances (7) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Issues Settlements (7) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements Transfers into Level 3 (8) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 (8) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers out of Level 3 Balance, end of period Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability), Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in OCI Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability), Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss), OCI Equity [Abstract] Preferred stock dividend declared per share Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared Preferred stock dividend declared Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Preferred stock, annual dividend rate Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Authorization Under 10b5-1 Plan Authorization Under 10b5-1 Plan [Member] Authorization Under 10b5-1 Plan [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] 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 Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Leveraged leases, net of allowance for credit losses Leveraged Leases, Balance Sheet, Investment in Leveraged Leases Leveraged leases, allowance for credit losses Leveraged Leases, Allowance For Credit Losses Amount of allowance for credit loss on leveraged leases. Leveraged leases by performance status as a percentage of leveraged leases Leveraged Leases By Performance Status As Percentage Of Leveraged Leases Ratio of leveraged leases by performance status divided by total investment in leveraged leases. Earnings Per Common Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Cover [Abstract] Entity Listings [Table] Entity Listings [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share Common Stock [Member] Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of 6.600% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A Series A Preferred Stock [Member] 6.250% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2058 Subordinated Debt [Member] Entity Listings [Line Items] Entity Listings [Line Items] Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain] Performing Performing Financial Instruments [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Financing receivables purchased from third parties Financing Receivable, Purchase Accrued interest receivable Interest Receivable Financing receivables purchased with credit deterioration, purchase price Financing Receivable, Purchased with Credit Deterioration, Amount at Purchase Price Financing receivable, before allowance for credit losses by performance status as a percentage of financing receivables, before allowance for credit losses Notes Receivable Gross By Performance Status As Percentage Of Notes Receivable Gross Ratio with notes receivable gross by performance status in numerator and total notes receivable gross in the denominator. See NotesReceivableGross for definition of notes receivable gross. Financing receivables in nonaccrual status with no allowance for credit losses Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual, No Allowance Financing receivables, 90 days or more past due, still accruing Financing Receivable, 90 Days or More Past Due, Still Accruing Financing receivables in nonaccrual status, investment income Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual, Interest Income Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) Deposit Assets Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements) Assets Held-in-trust Invested assets pledged as collateral Invested Assets Pledged As Collateral Invested assets pledged as collateral. Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral Invested Assets On Deposit Held In Trust And Pledged As Collateral The element presents the invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral. Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings (Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury Stock at Cost Treasury Stock [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s Stockholders’ Equity Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement [Line Items] Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Preferred stock issuance Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases Share-based compensation Shares Issued, Value, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Dividends on preferred stock Change in noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease) Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Ending Balance Securities Financing Transaction [Table] Securities Financing Transaction [Table] U.S. Government and Agency US Treasury and Government [Member] Securities Financing Transaction [Axis] Securities Financing Transaction [Axis] Securities Financing Transaction [Domain] Securities Financing Transaction [Domain] Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements: Open Maturity Overnight [Member] Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements: 1 Month or Less Maturity Less than 30 Days [Member] Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements: 1 to 6 Months Maturity 30 to 180 Days [Member] Maturity period that is more than 29 days but fewer than 180 days from the reporting date for repurchase agreements and similar transactions, for example, but not limited to, securities lending arrangements. Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items] Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items] Cash collateral received from counterparties Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Associated Liabilities, Carrying Amount Insurance [Abstract] Net Amount at Risk, by Product and Guarantee [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Universal Life Contracts Universal Life [Member] Variable Life Contracts Variable Life [Member] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Domain] Secondary Guarantees Secondary Guarantees [Member] Secondary Guarantees. 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 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 Segment Reporting [Abstract] Number of segments Number of Reportable Segments Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Sales, maturities and repayments of fixed maturity securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Sales, maturities and repayments of equity securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Sales, maturities and repayments of mortgage loans Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Mortgage Notes Receivable Sales, maturities and repayments of limited partnerships and limited liability companies Proceeds from Limited Partnership Investments Purchases of fixed maturity securities Payments to Acquire Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Purchases of mortgage loans Payments to Acquire Mortgage Notes Receivable Purchases of limited partnerships and limited liability companies Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives The cash inflow provided by derivative instruments during the period, which are classified as investing activities, including both hedging and non-hedging instruments. Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives Cash Paid In Connection With Freestanding Derivatives The cash outflow provided by derivative instruments during the period, which are classified as investing activities, including both hedging and non-hedging instruments. Net change in policy loans Payments for (Proceeds from) Policy Loans Net change in short-term investments 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. Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Policyholder account balances: Deposits Proceeds from Annuities and Investment Certificates Policyholder account balances: Withdrawals Repayments of Annuities and Investment Certificates Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions. Long-term debt issued Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Long-term debt repaid Repayments of Long-term Debt Preferred stock issued, net of issuance costs Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Dividends on preferred stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Financing element on certain derivative instruments and other derivative related transactions, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Net cash paid (received) for interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Net cash paid (received) for income tax Income Taxes Paid, Net 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. Derivatives Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Derivatives This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to derivatives. Other Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Other Investments This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to other investments. Subtotal Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Subtotal Of Investment Gains (Losses) Components This item presents the subtotal of net unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives and other investments. Amounts allocated from: Future policy benefits Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Allocated From Insurance Liability Loss Recognition This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) allocated from insurance liability loss recognition. Amounts allocated from: DAC, VOBA and DSI Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Allocated From Dac And Voba This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) allocated from DAC and VOBA. Subtotal Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Subtotal Of Allocated Amounts This item presents the subtotal of unrealized investment gains (losses) related to allocated amounts. Deferred income tax benefit (expense) Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Deferred Income Tax Benefit Expense This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to deferred income tax benefit (expense). Net unrealized investment gains (losses) Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses). Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Retained earnings (deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Number of Reportable Segments Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity securities Proceeds from Sale of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Fixed maturity securities, gross investment gains Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Gain Fixed maturity securities, gross investment losses Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Loss Fixed maturity securities, net investment gains (losses) Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Gain (Loss) Unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of period Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Attributable To Company This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to the Company. Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Unrealized Investment Gains Losses During Period This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period. Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to: Future policy benefits Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Insurance Liability Gain Loss Recognition This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to insurance liability gain (loss) recognition. Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to: DAC, VOBA and DSI Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Dac And Voba This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to DAC and VOBA. Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to: Deferred income tax benefit (expense) Income Tax Expense On Change In Unrealized Gain Or (Loss) This item represents the tax effects occurring during the period which are related to the net unrealized gain (loss) resulting from changes in the fair [carrying] value during the period of available-for-sale securities and from changes in certain insurance related assets and liabilities. Such tax affects would have been charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income or to related components of shareholders' equity. Unrealized investment gains (losses), end of period 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. Guarantees related to Annuity, Universal and Variable Life Contracts Schedule of Net Amount of Risk by Product and Guarantee [Table Text Block] Investments Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Financing receivable, before allowance for credit losses as a percentage of financing receivable, net of allowance for credit losses Notes Receivable Gross As Percentage Of Notes Receivable Net Ratio with notes receivable gross in numerator and notes receivable net in the denominator. See NotesReceivableGross for definition of notes receivable gross. See NotesReceivableNet for definition of notes receivable net. Financing receivable, allowance for credit losses Financing receivable, allowance for credit losses as a percentage of financing receivable, net of allowance for credit losses Financing Receivable Allowance For Credit Losses As Percentage Of Notes Receivable Net Ratio with financing receivable allowance for credit losses in numerator and notes receivable net in the denominator. See FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses for definition of financing receivable allowance for credit losses. See NotesReceivableNet for definition of notes receivable net. Financing receivable, net of allowance for credit losses Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Financing receivable, after allowance for credit losses as a percentage of financing receivable, net of allowance for credit losses Notes Receivable Net As Percentage Of Notes Receivable Net Ratio with notes receivable net in numerator and notes receivable net in the denominator. See NotesReceivableNet for definition of notes receivable net. Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Segment Reconciling Items Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Annuities Annuities [Member] Annuities. Life Life [Member] Life. Run-off Run-off [Member] Segment which consists of products no longer actively sold and which are separately managed. Corporate & Other Corporate and Other [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total revenues Revenues Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Estimated Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Assets Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Mortgage loans Fair Value Mortgage Loans Net Not On Recurring Basis Total amount of mortgage loans not valued on a recurring basis as of the balance sheet date. Policy loans Loans, Gross, Insurance Policy Other invested assets Other Investments Fair Value Disclosure Fair value portion of other investments not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables Receivables, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Policyholder account balances Policyholder Contract Deposits, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value portion of the liability of policyholders for deposits held under the terms of insurance contracts. Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Separate account liabilities Separate Account, Liability Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Investment Income [Table] Investment Income [Table] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Fixed maturity securities Debt Securities [Member] Equity securities Mortgage loans Mortgages [Member] Policy loans Policy Loans [Member] Limited partnerships and LLCs Real Estate Investment [Member] Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Other Other Investments [Member] Net Investment Income [Line Items] Net Investment Income [Line Items] Gross investment income Gross Investment Income, Operating Less: Investment expenses Investment Income, Investment Expense Net investment income Net Investment Income Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive effect of share-based awards Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Earnings per common share - basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings per common share - diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Antidilutive stock options excluded from the computation of earnings per common share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Financial Instrument Income Producing Status [Axis] Financial Instrument Income Producing Status [Axis] Information by category of income producing or non-income producing status of financial instruments. Financial Instrument Income Producing Status [Domain] Financial Instrument Income Producing Status [Domain] [Domain] for Information by category of income producing or non-income producing status of financial instruments. Non-Income Producing Non Income Producing [Member] A stock that has not paid a dividend in the past year or a bond that has ceased accrual because the collection of principal and interest is in doubt. Fixed maturity securities, estimated fair value Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Fixed maturity securities, allowance for credit losses Fixed maturity securities with allowance for credit losses, number of securities Debt Securities Available For Sale With Allowance For Credit Loss Number Of Positions Number of investments in debt securities measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (available-for-sale) with allowance for credit loss. Includes beneficial interest in securitized financial asset. Fixed maturity securities, total write-offs Debt Securities Available For Sale Writeoff Amount of impairment writeoff recognized directly in earnings and charged against allowance for credit loss on investment in debt security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (available-for-sale) Fixed maturity securities purchased with credit deterioration, purchase price Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Purchased with Credit Deterioration, Amount at Purchase Price Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Investments By Consolidated And Nonconsolidated Entities [Axis] Investments By Consolidated And Nonconsolidated Entities [Axis] Information by investments by consolidated and nonconsolidated entities. Includes, but is not limited to, variable interest entity (VIE) for which reporting entity is or is not primary beneficiary. Investments By Consolidated And Nonconsolidated Entities [Domain] Investments By Consolidated And Nonconsolidated Entities [Domain] Investments by consolidated and nonconsolidated entities. Includes, but is not limited to, variable interest entity (VIE) for which reporting entity is or is not primary beneficiary. VIE, Not Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Carrying amount Assets Maximum exposure to loss Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost Mortgage loans valuation allowances Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, aggregate liquidation preference Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Other Revenue and Other Expenses Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents 1 [Axis] Information by type of restricted cash and cash equivalent balance. Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Information by type of restricted cash and cash equivalent balance. Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and cash equivalents restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] Schedule of Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks [Table] Mortgage Loan Commitments Loan Origination Commitments [Member] Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments Commitments to Extend Credit [Member] Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items] Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued 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 Insurance Insurance Disclosure [Text Block] Interest rate derivatives Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Credit derivatives Credit Risk Contract [Member] Equity derivatives Equity Contract [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] Net Derivative Gain Loss. Net Investment Income Investment Income [Member] Policyholder benefits and claims Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing policyholder benefits and claims. Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash flow hedges: Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion The current period gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income related to the effective portion of derivatives designated in cash flow hedges. Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring Fair Value, Recurring [Member] RMBS Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] CMBS Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] State and Political Subdivision ABS Asset-backed Securities [Member] Interest rate Foreign currency exchange rate Credit Equity market Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Assets [Abstract] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Equity securities Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Short-term Investments Short-term Investments Derivative assets: (1) Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset Separate account assets Separate Account Asset Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative liabilities: (1) Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability Total liabilities Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Variable Annuity Guarantees Variable Annuity [Member] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Domain] Guaranteed Death Benefits Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit [Member] Guaranteed Annuitization Benefits Annuitization Benefit [Member] Total account value (3) 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 Average attained age of contract holders Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Pre-tax adjusted earnings Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Post-tax adjusted earnings Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Preferred stock dividends Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Adjusted earnings Operating Income (Loss) Net investment gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Investments Net derivative gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Other adjustments to net income (loss) Other Income Interest revenue Interest Revenue (Expense), Net Interest expense Interest Expense Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1) AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Parent [Member] Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] 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 Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Distribution service Distribution Service [Member] Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax 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] 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 Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost Estimated fair value, due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, within One Year, Fair Value Estimated fair value, due after one year through five years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value Estimated fair value, due after five years through ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value Estimated fair value, due after ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after 10 Years, Fair Value Estimated fair value, Structured Securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value Fixed maturity securities, gross unrealized gains Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Fixed maturity securities, gross unrealized losses Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Offsetting [Abstract] Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Derivative Asset, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities, Offset Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities, Offset Amount of obligation to return securities collateral under master netting arrangements offset against derivative assets. Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract] Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Derivative Liability, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities, Offset Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities, Offset Amount of right to receive securities collateral under master netting arrangements offset against derivative liabilities. Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election Fixed Maturity Securities by Sector Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities by Sector Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Rollforward of the Allowance for Credit Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities by Sector Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block] Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Rollforward of the Allowance for Credit Losses for Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block] Credit Quality of Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Past Due Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table Text Block] Mortgage Loans in Nonaccrual Status by Portfolio Segment Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual [Table Text Block] Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Securities Lending Schedule of Securities Financing Transactions [Table Text Block] Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral Schedule of Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Table Text Block] Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Components of Net Investment Income Investment Income [Table Text Block] Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses) Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table Text Block] Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity Securities Proceeds From Sales Or Disposals Of Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities And Components Of Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities Net Investment Gains And Losses [Table Text Block] This table presents the proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains and losses. Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Components of Net Derivatives Gains (Losses) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps Disclosure of Credit Derivatives [Table Text Block] Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral Offsetting Assets [Table Text Block] Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual [Table] Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual [Table] Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual [Line Items] Financing receivable in nonaccrual status Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual Amortized cost Securities Financing Transaction, Cost [Member] Estimated fair value Securities Financing Transaction, Fair Value [Member] Securities on loan Securities Loaned 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. Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties Securities Loaned, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Percentage of securities at estimated fair value of securities on loan relating to cash collateral on open Percentage Of US Treasury And Agency Securities At Estimated Fair Value Of Securities On Loan Relating To Cash Collateral On Open The percentage of US Treasury and agency securities at estimated fair value of securities on loan relating to cash collateral on open. Percentage of reinvestment portfolio invested in liquid assets Percentage of Reinvestment Portfolio Invested In Liquid Assets Percentage of reinvestment portfolio invested in liquid assets including, but not limited to, agency RMBS, cash and cash equivalents and U.S. government and agency securities. Investments: Investments [Abstract] Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $65,237 and $64,079, respectively; allowance for credit losses of $10 and $0, respectively) Equity securities, at estimated fair value Mortgage loans (net of allowance for credit losses of $69 and $64, respectively) Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net Limited partnerships and limited liability companies Real Estate Investments, Net Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value (net of allowance for credit losses of $13 and $0, respectively) Other Investments Total investments Investments Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accrued investment income Accrued Investment Income Receivable Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables Premiums and Other Receivables, Net Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net Current income tax recoverable Income Taxes Receivable Other assets Other Assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Future policy benefits Liability for Future Policy Benefit, after Reinsurance Policyholder account balances Policyholder Contract Deposit 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 Deferred income tax liability Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Other liabilities Other Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 10) Commitments and Contingencies Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; $425 aggregate liquidation preference Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 120,867,313 and 120,647,871 shares issued, respectively; 100,502,488 and 106,027,301 shares outstanding, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Treasury stock, at cost; 20,364,825 and 14,620,570 shares, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Total Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Direct index-linked annuities Direct index-linked annuities [Member] Direct index-linked annuities Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Domain] Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Assumed Assumed Reinsurance [Member] All or part of a ceding company's insurance or reinsurance on a risk or exposure that is accepted. Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest rate caps Interest Rate Cap [Member] Interest rate options Interest Rate Swaption [Member] Interest rate forwards Interest rate forward [Member] Interest-rate forward contracts involve the future sale (or purchase) of a debt instrument with a specification of the actual debt instrument that will be delivered at a future date, amount of the debt instrument to be delivered, price (interest rate) on the debt instrument when it is delivered, and date on which delivery will take place. Foreign currency swaps Currency Swap [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 index options Equity Option [Member] Equity variance swaps Variance Swap [Member] Equity total return swaps Equity Total Return Swaps [Member] Contracts where a set of future cash flows are agreed to be exchanged at set dates in the future and are broken down as floating and equity legs. The floating leg is tied to LIBOR and the equity leg is based on performance of a stock or stock market index. Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability Total assets Net investment gains (losses), fixed maturity securities Gain (Loss) on Sale of Debt Investments Net investment gains (losses), equity securities Gain (Loss) on Sale of Equity Investments Net investment gains (losses), mortgage loans Gain (Loss) on Sales of Loans, Net Net investment gains (losses), limited partnerships and LLCs Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate Net investment gains (losses), other Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation of Subsidiaries, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Compensation Labor and Related Expense Contracted services and other labor costs 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 Separate account fees Custody Fees Volume related costs, excluding compensation, net of DAC capitalization Cost, Overhead Interest expense on debt Interest and Debt Expense Other Other General and Administrative Expense Total other expenses Operating Expenses Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] 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 [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Equity Component [Domain] Net unrealized investment gains (losses): Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps Foreign currency swaps Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Income (loss) before provision for income tax Income tax (expense) benefit Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block] 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] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Premiums Premiums Earned, Net Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Insurance Commissions and Fees Other revenues Total revenues Expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses [Abstract] Policyholder benefits and claims Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Net Interest credited to policyholder account balances Policyholder Account Balance, Interest Expense Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Other expenses Total expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses Net income (loss) Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Basic Diluted Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, estimated fair value Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, number of securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Number of Positions Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or greater, estimated fair value Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or greater, gross unrealized losses Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or greater, number of securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Number of Positions Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Debt-to-Value [Axis] Debt-to-Value [Axis] Debt-to-Value [Domain] Debt-to-Value [Domain] Loan-to-Value Ratio, Less than 65% Ltv Less Than 65 Percent [Member] Debt-to-value (DTV) ratio less than 65%. Element name and standard label in DTV Greater Than [low end numeric value] Percent [Member] or DTV Less Than [high end numeric value] Percent [Member] formats. Loan-to-Value Ratio, 65% to 75% Ltv 65 To 75 Percent [Member] Debt-to-value (DTV) ratio from 65 to 75%. Element name and standard label in DTV [numeric lower end] to [numeric higher end] Percent [Member] format. Loan-to-Value Ratio, 76% to 80% Ltv 76 To 80 Percent [Member] Debt-to-value (DTV) ratio from 76 to 80%. Element name and standard label in DTV [numeric lower end] to [numeric higher end] Percent [Member] format. Loan-to-Value Ratio, Greater than 80% Ltv Greater Than 80 Percent [Member] Debt-to-value (DTV) ratio greater than 80%. Element name and standard label in DTV Greater Than [low end numeric value] Percent [Member] or DTV Less Than [high end numeric value] Percent [Member] format. Nonperforming Nonperforming Financial Instruments [Member] Debt Service Coverage [Axis] Debt Service Coverage [Axis] Debt Service Coverage Ratio By Range Axis. Debt Service Coverage [Domain] Debt Service Coverage [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Service Coverage Ratio By Range Axis. Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Greater than 1.20x Dsc Greater Than 120 Percent [Member] Debt service coverage (DSC) ratio greater than 120% or 1.20x. Element name and standard label in DSC Greater Than [low end numeric value] Percent [Member] or DSC Less Than [high end numeric value] Percent [Member] formats. Debt Service Coverage Ratio, 1.00x to 1.20x Dsc 100 To 120 Percent [Member] Debt service coverage (DSC) ratio from 100% to 120% or 1.00x to 1.20x. Element name and standard label in DSV [numeric lower end] to [numeric higher end] Percent [Member] format. Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Less than 1.00x Dsc Less Than 100 Percent [Member] Debt service coverage (DSC) ratio less than 100% or 1.00x. Element name and standard label in DSC Greater Than [low end numeric value] Percent [Member] or DSC Less Than [high end numeric value] Percent [Member] formats. Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] Financing receivable, originated in current FY Financing Receivable, Originated in Current Fiscal Year Financing receivable, originated in FY before latest FY Financing Receivable, Originated in Fiscal Year before Latest Fiscal Year Financing receivable, originated two years before latest FY Financing Receivable, Originated Two Years before Latest Fiscal Year Financing receivable, originated three years before latest FY Financing Receivable, Originated Three Years before Latest Fiscal Year Financing receivable, originated four years before latest FY Financing Receivable, Originated Four Years before Latest Fiscal Year Financing receivable, originated five or more years before latest FY Financing Receivable, Originated Five or More Years before Latest Fiscal Year Financing receivable, before allowance for credit losses by debt service coverage ratio as a percentage of financing receivable, before allowance for credit losses Notes Receivable Gross By Debt Service Coverage Ratio As Percentage Of Notes Receivable Gross Ratio with notes receivable gross by debt service coverage ratio in numerator and total notes receivable gross in the denominator. See NotesReceivableGross for definition of notes receivable gross. Other limited partnership interests Limited Partner [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Fixed Maturity Securities Fixed Maturities [Member] Estimated Fair Value of Derivatives in Net Liability Position Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value 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 Measurement Input, Mortality Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Lapse Rate Measurement Input, Lapse Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Utilization Rate Measurement Input, Utilization Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Withdrawal Rate Measurement Input, Withdrawal Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities [Member] Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities [Member] Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items] Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input