Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive loss OCI, Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Gain (Loss), before Adjustment and Tax [Abstract] Estimated fair value, due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Year One Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Net income (loss) Post-tax adjusted earnings Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Policyholder benefits and claims Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Net Deferred income tax asset Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Run-off Run-off [Member] Segment which consists of products no longer actively sold and which are separately managed. Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual [Line Items] Total account value (3) Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, General Account Value Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Policyholder account balances: Withdrawals Repayments of Annuities and Investment Certificates 6.250% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2058 Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] Preferred stock, annual dividend rate Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Credit facilities, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit Credit Credit Risk Contract [Member] Foreign currency exchange rate Foreign currency exchange rate Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses [Abstract] Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements: 1 Month or Less Maturity Less than 30 Days [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. Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Derivative Asset, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Against Derivative Asset Estimated fair value, due after five years through ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 5 Through 10 Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Domain] Financial Asset, Aging [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of 4.625% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D 4.625% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D Series D Preferred Stock [Member] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract] Revolving Credit Facility Maturing 2024 Revolving Credit Facility Maturing 2024 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Maturing 2024 Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] 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) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Authorization Under 10b5-1 Plan Authorization Under 10b5-1 Plan [Member] Authorization Under 10b5-1 Plan [Member] Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases Stock repurchase program, aggregate amount repurchased Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Fixed maturity securities Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Debt Securities That Were Temporarily Impaired This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to fixed maturity securities that were temporarily impaired. Financing receivable in nonaccrual status Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual Antidilutive stock options excluded from the computation of earnings per common share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Estimated fair value, due after one year through five years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year One Through Five Fixed maturity securities Fixed maturity securities  Debt Securities [Member] 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. Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Net investment income Net investment income Net Investment Income Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure State and political subdivision State and Political Subdivision US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items] Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items] 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] Future policy benefits Liability for Future Policy Benefit, after Reinsurance Policyholder account balances Policyholder Contract Deposit Separate account liabilities Separate Account, Liability Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $85,307 and $79,246, respectively; allowance for credit losses of $5 and $11, respectively) Fixed maturity securities, estimated fair value Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] 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. Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Mortgage Loans in Nonaccrual Status by Portfolio Segment Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual [Table Text Block] Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Derivative Liability, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Offset Balance, beginning of period Balance, end of period Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Credit facilities, outstanding balance Long-Term Line of Credit Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Transfers out of Level 3 (8) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Foreign Exchange Foreign Exchange [Member] Sales (7) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Transfers into Level 3 (8) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers into Level 3 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. Securities Financing Transaction [Table] Securities Financing Transaction [Table] 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. New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Volume related costs, excluding compensation, net of DAC capitalization Cost, Overhead Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Life Life [Member] Life. Entity Listings [Line Items] Entity Listings [Line Items] Derivative AOCI associated with Cash Flow Hedges Pre Tax Derivative AOCI associated with Cash Flow Hedges Pre Tax Derivative AOCI associated with Cash Flow Hedges Pre Tax Other liabilities Other Liabilities Interest rate floors Interest Rate Floor [Member] Financing receivable, originated four years before latest FY Financing Receivable, Year Five, Originated, Four Years before Current Fiscal Year Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Purchases of mortgage loans Payments to Acquire Mortgage Notes Receivable Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments Commitments to Extend Credit [Member] Structured Securities Structured Securities [Member] Structured Securities. VIE, Not Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Total liabilities Liabilities Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Securities on loan Securities Loaned Dividends on preferred stock Preferred stock, aggregate dividends declared Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Maximum exposure to loss Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1) Net unrealized investment gains (losses): AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Parent [Member] Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Interest revenue Interest Revenue (Expense), Net Document Type Document Type Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Axis] Financial Asset, Aging [Axis] Fixed maturity securities, net investment gains (losses) Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Realized Gain (Loss) Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table] Assets [Abstract] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Long-term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company 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 Investments: Investments [Abstract] Financing element on certain derivative instruments and other derivative related transactions, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Components of Net Investment Income Investment Income [Table Text Block] Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items] Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items] 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. Net Investment Income [Line Items] Net Investment Gains (Losses) [Line Items] Net Investment Income [Line Items] 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. Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] 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. Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value (net of allowance for credit losses of $13 and $13, respectively) Other Investments Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Mortgage Loan Commitments Loan Origination Commitments [Member] 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. Other Other Investments [Member] Indemnities And Guarantees Contractual Limitation Range Indemnities And Guarantees Contractual Limitation Range The range of the contractual limitation for guarantees and indemnities. Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Table] Separate account assets Separate Account Asset Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Total assets Total assets Carrying amount Assets Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements: Open Maturity Overnight [Member] Financing receivables in nonaccrual status, investment income Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual, Interest Income Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Limited partnerships and LLCs Real Estate Investment [Member] Earnings per common share Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net change in policy loans Payments for (Proceeds from) Policy Loans Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Financing receivable, before allowance for credit losses as a percentage of financing receivable, net of allowance for credit losses Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, to Total, Percent Interest rate swaps Interest rate swaps Interest Rate Swap [Member] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis] Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Long-term debt Long-Term Debt, Fair Value Credit default swaps Credit Default Swap [Member] ABS Asset-Backed Securities [Member] Financing receivable, before allowance for credit losses Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss Rollforward of the Allowance for Credit Losses for Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block] Income (loss) before provision for income tax Pre-tax adjusted earnings Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2) Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Dividends on preferred stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Credit default swaptions Credit Default Swaption [Member] Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Amortized cost, due after one year through five years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year One Through Five 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. Preferred stock, dividends declared per share Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared Interest rate caps Interest Rate Cap [Member] Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Short-term Investments Short-Term Investments [Member] Estimated fair value of derivatives in a net liability position (1) Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Derivatives Subject To Credit-Contingent Provisions Derivatives Subject To Credit-Contingent Provisions [Member] Derivatives Subject To Credit Contingent Provisions Member. RMBS Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] Financing receivable, originated two years before latest FY Financing Receivable, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of 5.375% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C 5.375% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Transition services agreements Transition Services Agreements Costs incurred for services provided by the former parent during transition period after spin-off. Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Axis] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Foreign corporate Debt Security, Corporate, Non-US [Member] Mortgage loans Mortgages [Member] Insurance [Abstract] Insurance [Abstract] Not designated Not Designated Preferred Stock [Member] The maximum number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Mortgage loans (net of allowance for credit losses of $99 and $123, respectively) Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables (net of allowance for credit losses of $10 and $10, respectively) Premiums and Other Receivables, Net Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] Estimated fair value, Structured Securities Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value Total equity Beginning Balance Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Agricultural Agricultural Portfolio Segment [Member] Portfolio segment of the company's total financing receivables related to agricultural receivables. Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Invested assets pledged as collateral Invested Assets Pledged As Collateral Invested assets pledged as collateral. Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Amortized cost, due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Year One Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Financing receivable, originated in current FY Financing Receivable, Year One, Originated, Current Fiscal Year Ceded guaranteed minimum income benefits Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (2) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Securities Financing Transaction [Axis] Securities Financing Transaction [Axis] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Accounting Standards Update [Axis] Accounting Standards Update [Axis] Fair Value Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Measurement Input, Mortality Rate Measurement Input, Mortality Rate [Member] Entity File Number Entity File Number Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (2) Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Baa Baa [Member] Baa credit rating based on (i) the availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch or (ii) an internally developed rating if no rating is available from a rating agency. 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. 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). 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. Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Investment Income [Table] Net Investment Gains (Losses) [Table] Investment Income [Table] Entity Listings [Table] Entity Listings [Table] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability Fair Value Disclosure, off-Balance-Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability 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. Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity index options Equity Option [Member] Assumed index-linked annuities Assumed Reinsurance [Member] All or part of a ceding company's insurance or reinsurance on a risk or exposure that is accepted. 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. Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Universal Life Contracts Universal Life [Member] Total revenues Total revenues Revenues Other Expenses Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block] 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 Investments Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] 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 Net cash paid (received) for interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Basic Earnings per common share - basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Average attained age of contract holders Average attained age of policyholders Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Weighted Average Attained Age Sales, maturities and repayments of limited partnerships and limited liability companies Proceeds from Limited Partnership Investments Amounts reclassified from AOCI Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Insurance Insurance Disclosure [Text Block] 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. Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Treasury Stock at Cost Treasury Stock [Member] Total Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Amortized cost, due after five years through ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 5 Through 10 Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items] Fixed maturity securities, allowance for credit losses Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss Financing receivable, net of allowance for credit losses Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Mortgage Loans Real Estate Loan [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current CMBS Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] Direct guaranteed minimum benefits Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Domain] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Domain] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) Deposit Assets Embedded Net Embedded Derivatives (3) Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity securities Proceeds from Sale of Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual [Table] Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual [Table] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input Retained Earnings (Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect Nonperforming Nonperforming Financial Instruments [Member] Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Number of Reportable Segments Number of segments Number of Reportable Segments Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Net derivative gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax 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. Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Stock repurchase program, shares acquired Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired 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] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Retained earnings (deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Transfers into Level 3 (8) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3 Amortized cost, due after ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 10 Interest credited to policyholder account balances Policyholder Account Balance, Interest Expense U.S. government and agency US Treasury and Government [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] 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) Non-litigation loss Non-litigation loss [Member] Non-litigation loss Recurring Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Aaa/Aa/A Aaa Aa [Member] Aaa, Aa and A credit rating based on (i) the availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch or (ii) an internally developed rating if no rating is available from a rating agency. 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. 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 Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus 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. Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] 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. Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables Receivables, Fair Value Disclosure Equity variance swaps Variance Swap [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Sales, maturities and repayments of mortgage loans Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Mortgage Notes Receivable Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Insurance Commissions and Fees Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Fixed maturity securities, gross unrealized losses Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Policyholder account balances: Deposits Proceeds from Annuities and Investment Certificates Credit Quality of Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of 6.600% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A 6.600% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Financing receivable, originated three years before latest FY Financing Receivable, Year Four, Originated, Three Years before Current Fiscal Year Variable Life Contracts Variable Life [Member] Adjusted earnings Operating Income (Loss) Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other policy-related balances Other Policyholder Funds Mortgage loans valuation allowances Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate 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. 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. Accounting Standards Update 2018-12 Accounting Standards Update 2018-12 [Member] Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in OCI for the instruments still held at end of period Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability), Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss), OCI Net amount at risk Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Total liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Debt Service Coverage [Domain] Debt Service Coverage [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Service Coverage Ratio By Range Axis. Securities collateral received from counterparties Securities Received as Collateral Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain] 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. Income Taxes Receivable Income Taxes Receivable Provision for income tax expense (benefit) Income tax (expense) benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Guaranteed Annuitization Benefits Annuitization Benefit [Member] Deferred income tax liability Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in OCI for the instruments still held at end of period Fair Value, Asset (Liability), Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss), OCI Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of 6.750% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B 6.750% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Purchases of limited partnerships and limited liability companies Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current period provision Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease) Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Derivative liabilities Derivative liabilities: (1) Derivative Liability, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loan-to-Value Ratio, Greater than 80% Ltv Greater Than 80 Percent [Member] Debt-to-value (DTV) ratio greater than 80%. Element name and standard label in DTV Greater Than [low end numeric value] Percent [Member] or DTV Less Than [high end numeric value] Percent [Member] format. Other Other General and Administrative Expense Equity securities, at estimated fair value Equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items] Fixed Maturity Securities by Sector Schedule of Available-for-Sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Total investments Investments Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 122,129,392 and 121,513,442 shares issued, respectively; 70,060,560 and 77,870,072 shares outstanding, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Purchases (7) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Purchases 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). Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Domain] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Domain] Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net Net investment gains (losses) Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Distribution service Distribution Service [Member] COVID-19 Pandemic financing receivables in nonaccrual status Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Nonaccrual Status Pandemic Amount of financing receivable on nonaccrual status as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Financing receivable, allowance for credit losses Financing receivable, allowance for credit losses, beginning of period Financing receivable, allowance for credit losses, end of period Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss 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] Recurring Fair Value Measurements Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Other limited partnership interests Limited Partner [Member] Other revenues Other adjustments to net income (loss) Other Income Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Securities Financing Transaction [Domain] Securities Financing Transaction [Domain] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents Issuances (7) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Issues 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. 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. Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Axis] Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Foreign currency forwards Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Guarantees related to Annuity, Universal and Variable Life Contracts Schedule of Net Amount of Risk by Product and Guarantee [Table Text Block] 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. Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Issuances (7) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Issuances Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Separate account value Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Separate Account Value Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s Stockholders’ Equity Parent [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Cash flow hedges: Cash flow hedges: Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Financing receivable, originated five or more years before latest FY Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year 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] Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract] Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Separate account fees Custody Fees Contracted services and other labor costs Professional Fees 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 Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] 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. Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Corporate & Other Corporate and Other [Member] Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Liabilities for indemnities, guarantees and commitments Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Transfers out of Level 3 (8) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers out of Level 3 COVID-19 Pandemic Financial Asset Past Due Financial Asset Past Due Pandemic [Member] Financial asset past due as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives Cash Paid In Connection With Freestanding Derivatives The cash outflow provided by derivative instruments during the period, which are classified as investing activities, including both hedging and non-hedging instruments. Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents 1 [Axis] Information by type of restricted cash and cash equivalent balance. Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Fixed maturity securities, gross unrealized gains Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Less: Preferred stock dividends Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact 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. 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. 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. Estimated fair value Securities Financing Transaction, Fair Value [Member] 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. Policy loans Loans, Gross, Insurance Policy Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset of Collateral 30 to 59 Days Past Due Financial Asset, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Sales (7) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Sales Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Amortized cost Securities Financing Transaction, Cost [Member] Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, number of securities Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Number of Positions Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, after Offset and Deduction 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. Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Compensation Labor and Related Expense Long-term debt repaid Repayments of Long-Term Debt 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) Preferred Stock Dividends Declared Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Treasury stock, at cost; 52,068,832 and 43,643,370 shares, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Other Revenues and Other Expenses Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities [Member] Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities [Member] Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset of Collateral Long-term debt Long-Term Debt Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Annuities Annuities [Member] Annuities. Commercial Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] Other expenses Total other expenses Operating Expenses Maximum Maximum [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Balance, beginning of period Balance, end of period Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Guaranteed Death Benefits Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit [Member] Ba Ba [Member] Ba credit rating based on (i) the availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch or (ii) an internally developed rating if no rating is available from a rating agency. Interest expense on debt Interest and Debt Expense Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions Obligation to Return Securities Received as Collateral Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Performing Performing Financial Instruments [Member] Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Domain] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Domain] Hybrid options us-gaap_HybridOptionMember [Member] us-gaap_HybridOptionMember Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Less than 1.00x Dsc Less Than 100 Percent [Member] Debt service coverage (DSC) ratio less than 100% or 1.00x. Element name and standard label in DSC Greater Than [low end numeric value] Percent [Member] or DSC Less Than [high end numeric value] Percent [Member] formats. Net cash paid (received) for income tax Income Taxes Paid, Net Limited partnerships and limited liability companies Real Estate Investments, Net 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. Change in noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease) Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Purchases of fixed maturity securities Payments to Acquire Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale Measurement Input, Withdrawal Rate Measurement Input, Withdrawal Rate [Member] Premiums Premiums Earned, Net Net Investment Income Investment Income [Member] U.S. corporate Debt Security, Corporate, US [Member] Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements) Assets Held-in-trust Amortized cost, Structured Securities Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Equity market Equity market Equity Contract [Member] Debt-to-Value [Axis] Debt-to-Value [Axis] 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. Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Financing receivable, originated in FY before latest FY Financing Receivable, Year Two, Originated, Fiscal Year before Current Fiscal Year Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value Short-term investments Short-Term Investments Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Schedule of Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks [Table] Schedule of Fair Value, off-Balance-Sheet Risks [Table] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] 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 Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] 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. Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table] Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net 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 Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Estimated Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Policy loans Policy Loans [Member] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost Securities Lending Schedule of Securities Financing Transactions [Table Text Block] Past Due Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table Text Block] 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. Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Secondary Guarantees Secondary Guarantees [Member] Secondary Guarantees. Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table] Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table] Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Credit default swaps — written Credit Default Swap, Selling Protection [Member] Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items] Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items] Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 11) Commitments and Contingencies Financing receivables in nonaccrual status with no allowance for credit losses Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual, No Allowance Debt Service Coverage [Axis] Debt Service Coverage [Axis] Debt Service Coverage Ratio By Range Axis. Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name 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 Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; $1,753 aggregate liquidation preference Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Credit facilities, letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Cash collateral received from counterparties Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Associated Liabilities, Carrying Amount Segment Reconciling Items Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Liabilities Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Derivative Asset, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Derivative Asset, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Deduction of Financial Instrument Not Offset 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) 60 to 89 Days Past Due Financial Asset, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member] Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Cover [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] 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. Fixed maturity securities Fixed Maturities [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Maturing 2027 Revolving Credit Facility Maturing 2027 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Maturing 2027 Other assets Other Assets Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Leveraged leases, allowance for credit losses Leveraged Leases, Allowance For Credit Losses Amount of allowance for credit loss on leveraged leases. Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Information by type of restricted cash and cash equivalent balance. Amortization of net actuarial gains (losses) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Measurement Input, Lapse Rate Measurement Input, Lapse Rate [Member] Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity 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. Offsetting [Abstract] Offsetting [Abstract] 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. Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Accrued interest receivable Interest Receivable 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. Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount 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. Dilutive effect of share-based awards Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-Based Payment Arrangements Settlements (7) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date FHLB common stock Federal Home Loan Bank Stock Purchases (7) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Fixed maturity securities, gross investment gains Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Realized Gain Diluted Earnings per common share - diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted 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] Derivative Liability, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Derivative Liability, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Deduction of Financial Instrument Not Offset Net Amount at Risk, by Product and Guarantee [Table] Net Amount at Risk, by Product and Guarantee [Table] Preferred Stock Authorized, Issued and Outstanding Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Financing receivables purchased from third parties Financing Receivable, Purchase Residential Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] Estimated fair value, due after ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 10 Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Interest rate options Interest Rate Swaption [Member] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff, after Recovery Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff, after Recovery Equity securities Equity Securities Equity Securities [Member] Other invested assets Other Investments Fair Value Disclosure Fair value portion of other investments not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] 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. Corporate (1) Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Caa and Lower Caa and Lower [Member] Caa and lower credit rating based on (i) the availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch or (ii) an internally developed rating if no rating is available from a rating agency. Less: Investment expenses Investment Income, Investment Expense Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member] Schedule of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] OCI before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract] Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract] Derivative assets Derivative assets: (1) Derivative Asset, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset Foreign government Foreign Government Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] Net change in short-term investments Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-Term Investments Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Total expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided (2): Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, after Offset and Deduction 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. Variable Annuity Guarantees Variable Annuity [Member] Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Assets Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] 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. Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Share-based compensation Share-Based Compensation Transactions Increase (Decrease) Equity impact of share based compensation related transactions including (i) the value, after forfeiture, of shares issued under share-based payment arrangement (excludes employee stock ownership plan (ESOP); (ii) the amount of increase to additional paid-in capital (APIC) for recognition of cost for award under share-based payment arrangement; and (iii) the cost of common stock that was repurchased during the period and used to satisfy grantee’s tax withholding obligation for award under share-based payment arrangement (recorded using the cost method; excludes cash used to satisfy grantee’s tax withholding obligation). Interest expense Interest Expense Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Separate Account Assets (4) Separate account assets [Member] Separate Account Assets Member. Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Credit Risk Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net Debt-to-Value [Domain] Debt-to-Value [Domain] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Sales, maturities and repayments of fixed maturity securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale Gross investment income Gross Investment Income, Operating Equity Equity [Abstract] Premium and other taxes, licenses and fees Cost, Direct Tax and License Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Amortization of defined benefit plans, net of income tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Sales, maturities and repayments of equity securities Proceeds from Sale of Equity Securities, FV-NI Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] Settlements (7) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements Schedule of Credit Derivatives [Table] Schedule of Credit Derivatives [Table] Purchases of equity securities Payments to Acquire Equity Securities, FV-NI Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Cumulative maximum indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items] Fair Value, off-Balance-Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items] Current Financial Asset, Not Past Due [Member] Foreign currency swaps Foreign currency swaps Currency Swap [Member] Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties Securities Loaned, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Measurement Input, Utilization Rate Measurement Input, Utilization Rate [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. Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral Schedule of Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Table Text Block] Accrued investment income Accrued Investment Income Receivable Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Axis] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Axis] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] Net Derivative Gain Loss. Financing receivables purchased with credit deterioration, allowance at acquisition date Financing Receivable, Purchased with Credit Deterioration, Allowance for Credit Loss at Acquisition Date Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] 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. Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Accounting Standards Update [Domain] Accounting Standards Update [Domain] Premiums, reinsurance and other, allowance for credit losses Reinsurance Recoverable, Allowance for Credit Loss City Area Code City Area Code Assets Assets [Abstract] 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) Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities by Sector Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Balance, beginning of period Balance, end of period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of period Unrealized investment gains (losses), end of period Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Attributable To Company This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to the Company. Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses) Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table Text Block] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Direct index-linked annuities Direct index-linked annuities [Member] Direct index-linked annuities Preferred stock, aggregate liquidation preference Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value Credit Derivatives [Line Items] Credit Derivatives [Line Items] Interest rate Interest rate Interest Rate Contract [Member] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and cash equivalents restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Earnings Per Common Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Current income tax payable Accrued Income Taxes Fixed maturity securities, gross investment losses Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Realized Loss Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items] Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral Offsetting Assets [Table Text Block]