Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Recurring Fair Value Measurements Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value Inputs, Quantitative Information Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block] Fair Value Inputs, Quantitative Information Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [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 Option Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Securities by Percent [Axis] Schedule of Securities by Percent [Axis] Schedule Of Securities By Percent Axis. Securities By Percent [Domain] Securities By Percent [Domain] Securities By Percent. 20% or more Twenty Percent Or More [Member] 20% or more Member. Schedule of Securities by Duration [Axis] Schedule of Securities by Duration [Axis] Schedule Of Securities By Duration Axis. Securities by Duration [Domain] Securities by Duration [Domain] Securities By Duration. Six months or greater Six Months Or Greater [Member] Six months or greater. Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Fixed maturity securities Debt Securities [Member] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Change in Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) before Taxes Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss Number of Securities Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions Fixed securities availablefor sale with gross unrealized loss of equal to or greater than stated percentage Fixed Maturities Available For Sale With Gross Unrealized Loss Of Equal To Or Greater Than Stated Percentage Investment disclosure of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale with gross unrealized loss of equal to or greater than stated percentage. Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Affiliated Entity Affiliated Entity [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Interest Expense, Debt Interest Expense, Debt Other expenses Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Equity [Abstract] Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Annuities Annuities [Member] Annuities. 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 assets Assets Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Hedges Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedges Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest rate swaps Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest rate caps Interest Rate Cap [Member] Interest rate futures Futures [Member] Futures. Interest rate options Interest Rate Swaption [Member] Interest rate forwards Forward Contracts [Member] Foreign currency swaps Currency Swap [Member] Foreign currency forwards Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Credit default swaps [Member] Credit Default Swap [Member] Credit default swaps — purchased Credit Default Swap, Buying Protection [Member] Credit default swaps — written Credit Default Swap, Selling Protection [Member] Equity futures Equity Futures [Member] Equity Futures Member. Equity index options Equity Option [Member] Equity variance swaps Variance Swap [Member] Equity total return swaps Equity Total Return Swaps [Member] Contracts where a set of future cash flows are agreed to be exchanged at set dates in the future and are broken down as floating and equity legs. The floating leg is tied to LIBOR and the equity leg is based on performance of a stock or stock market index. Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Gross Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] U.S. and foreign corporate Corporate Debt Securities [Member] RMBS Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] ABS Asset-backed Securities [Member] Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Credit contracts Credit Risk Contract [Member] Equity market contracts Equity Contract [Member] Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Weighted Average Weighted Average [Member] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Domain] Market Approach Valuation Technique Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member] Income Approach Valuation Technique Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member] Mortality Rates Range [Axis] Mortality Rates Range Mortality Rates Range [Domain] Mortality Rates Range Ages 0 - 40 Mortality Rates Range One [Member] Mortality Rates Range One Ages 41 - 60 Mortality Rates Range Two [Member] Mortality Rates Range Two Ages 61 - 115 Mortality Rates Range Three [Member] Mortality Rates Range Three Lapse Rates Duration Range [Axis] Lapse Rates Duration Range Lapse Rates Duration Range [Domain] Lapse Rates Duration Range Durations 1 - 10 Lapse Rates Duration Range One [Member] Lapse Rates Duration Range One Durations 11 - 20 Lapse Rates Duration Range Two [Member] Lapse Rates Duration Range Two Durations 21 - 116 Lapse Rates Duration Range Three [Member] Lapse Rates Duration Range Three Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes Matrix Pricing Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes Matrix Pricing Matrix Pricing - Price at which a dealer is willing to buy an instrument, used as an input to measure fair value. Offered quotes Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes Quoted prices Fair Value Inputs, Quoted prices Quoted prices Credit spreads Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk Volatility Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Correlation Fair Value Inputs Correlation Correlation. Mortality Rate Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate Lapse Rate Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate Utilization rates Fair Value Inputs Utilization Rates Fair value inputs utilization rates. Withdrawal rates Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal Rates Fair value inputs withdrawal rates. Long-term equity volatilities Fair Value Inputs Long Term Equity Volatilities Fair value inputs long-term equity volatilities. Nonperformance risk spread Fair Value Inputs, Counterparty Credit Risk Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity date Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Disclosure of Mortgage Loans Net of Valuation Allowance Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Securities Lending Schedule of Securities Financing Transactions [Table Text Block] Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral Schedule of Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Table Text Block] Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] The Components of Net Investment Income Investment Income [Table Text Block] The components of net investment gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains and losses Proceeds From Sales Or Disposals Of Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities And Components Of Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities Net Investment Gains And Losses [Table Text Block] This table presents the proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains and losses. Rollforward of the Cumulative Credit Loss Component of OTTI income (loss) Roll Forward Of Cumulative Credit Loss Component Of Otti Income Loss [Table Text Block] Rollforward of cumulative credit loss component of OTTI loss recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities still held, for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Securitizations or Asset-backed Financing Arrangements of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sale [Table Text Block] Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Securitizations or Asset-backed Financing Arrangements of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sale [Table Text Block] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Schedule [Table] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Schedule [Table] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Type [Axis] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Type [Axis] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Type [Domain] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Type [Domain] Commercial Commercial Loan [Member] Agricultural Agricultural Portfolio Segment [Member] Portfolio segment of the company's total financing receivables related to agricultural receivables. Residential Residential Portfolio Segment [Member] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items] Disclosure of the mortgage loans portfolio segment by the recorded investment, prior to valuation allowances, by credit quality indicator categories Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entities by Classification of Entity [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Securities Financing Transaction [Table] Securities Financing Transaction [Table] Securities Financing Transaction [Axis] Securities Financing Transaction [Axis] Securities Financing Transaction [Domain] Securities Financing Transaction [Domain] Maturity Overnight Maturity Overnight [Member] Maturity Less than 30 Days Maturity Less than 30 Days [Member] Maturity 30 to 180 Days Maturity 30 to 180 Days [Member] Maturity period that is more than 29 days but fewer than 180 days from the reporting date for repurchase agreements and similar transactions, for example, but not limited to, securities lending arrangements. Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] U.S. government and agency US Treasury and Government [Member] Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items] Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items] Total Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Associated Liabilities, Carrying Amount Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Non-Income Producing Debt Securities [Member] Non-Income Producing Debt Securities [Member] Non-income producing debt securities. Summary of Certain Fixed Maturity Securities Marketable Securities, Fixed Maturities [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Gain loss Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Investments: Investments [Abstract] Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $60,029 and $60,173, respectively) Equity securities, at estimated fair value (cost: $142 and $142, respectively) Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Mortgage loans (net of valuation allowances of $49 and $47, respectively; includes $105 and $115, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities) Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Policy loans Loans, Gross, Insurance Policy Real estate joint ventures Real Estate Investments, Net Other limited partnership interests Other Limited Partnership Interests The book value of investments in other limited partnership interests. Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value Short-term Investments Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value Other Investments Total investments Investments Cash and cash equivalents, principally at estimated fair value Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accrued investment income (includes $1 and $1, respectively, relating to variable interest entities) 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 Separate account assets Separate Account Assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Future policy benefits Liability for Future Policy Benefits Policyholder account balances Policyholder Contract Deposits Other policy-related balances Other Policyholder Funds Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions Payables For Collateral Under Securities Loaned And Other Transactions The amount of cash received as security in return for loaning securities to another party and the amount of the obligation to return cash collateral under master netting arrangements that have not been offset against net derivative instrument positions. Long-term debt (includes $8 and $11, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities) Long-term Debt Deferred income tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Other liabilities Other Liabilities Separate account liabilities Separate Accounts, Liability Total liabilities Liabilities Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 10) Commitments and Contingencies Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock par value $0.01 per share; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 119,773,106 shares issued and outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Credit Derivatives [Table] Schedule of Credit Derivatives [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] LCH update impact [Member] LCH update impact [Member] LCH update impact [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Fixed Maturity Securities Fixed Maturities [Member] Credit Derivatives [Line Items] Credit Derivatives [Line Items] Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability 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 Premiums and Other Receivables, Net Income Statement [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Pro Forma Pro Forma [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Premiums Premiums Earned, Net Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Insurance Commissions and Fees Net investment income Net Investment Income Other revenues Other Income Net investment gains (losses): Gain (Loss) on Investments [Abstract] Other net investment gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Sale of Other Investments Total net investment gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Investments Net derivative gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Total revenues Revenues Expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses [Abstract] Policyholder benefits and claims Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Net Interest credited to policyholder account balances Interest Credited to Policyholders Account Balances Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Other expenses Operating Expenses Total expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Net investment income Investment Income [Member] Net derivative gains (losses) Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] Net Derivative Gain Loss. Policyholder benefits and claims Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing policyholder benefits and claims. Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Total earned income Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) (1) Deposit Assets Invested assets held-in-trust (reinsurance agreements) (2) Assets Held-in-trust Invested assets pledged as collateral (3) Invested Assets Pledged As Collateral Invested assets pledged as collateral. 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. Debt Service Coverage Ratio by Range [Axis] Debt Service Coverage Ratio by Range [Axis] Debt Service Coverage Ratio By Range Axis. Debt Service Coverage Ratio by Range [Domain] Debt Service Coverage Ratio by Range [Domain] Debt Service Coverage Ratio By Range Domain. Greater than 1.20x Debt Service Coverage Ratio Range One [Member] Mortgage loans with a debt service coverage ratio of more than 1.20x. 1.00x - 1.20x Debt Service Coverage Ratio Range Two [Member] Mortgage loans with a debt service coverage ratio of 1.00x - 1.20x. Less than 1.00x Debt Service Coverage Ratio Range Three [Member] Mortgage loans with a debt service coverage ratio of less than 1.00x. Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Less than 65% Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator Range One [Member] Mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of less than 65%. 65% to 75% Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator Range Two [Member] Mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of 65% to 75%. 76% to 80% Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator Range Three [Member] Mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of 76% to 80%. Greater than 80% Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator Range Four [Member] Mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of greater than 80%. Commercial mortgage loans Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage % of Total Loans Receivable Commercial Mortgage Percentage Reflects the percentage of the gross carrying amount of unpaid loans issued to businesses to provide financing on existing land or a building, which, pursuant to terms of the underlying debt instrument, are secured at a minimum but possibly exclusively by that real property to the total for all commercial mortgage loans. Mortgages represent permanent financing, and are issued to replace previously existing mortgages or pay off acquisition, development and construction loans, or to provide cash to the borrower. Estimated Fair Value Estimated Fair Value Commercial Mortgage This represents the total estimated fair value for commercial mortgage loans by credit quality indicator by class of receivable. % of Total Estimated Fair Value Commercial Mortgage Percentage This represents the total estimated fair value amount for mortgage loans by credit quality indicator to the total for all mortgage loans. Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Restatement Adjustment [Member] Restatement Adjustment [Member] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Shareholder's net investment [Member] Shareholder's net investment [Member] Shareholder's net investment [Member] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Parent [Member] Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets Change in shareholders Net Investment Change in shareholders Net Investment Change in shareholders Net Investment Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease) Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Ending Balance Insurance [Abstract] Insurance Insurance Disclosure [Text Block] Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract] Effects of Reinsurance [Table] Effects of Reinsurance [Table] Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Assumed Assumed Reinsurance [Member] All or part of a ceding company's insurance or reinsurance on a risk or exposure that is accepted. Ceded Ceded Reinsurance [Member] Amounts passed on to another insurer (the reinsurer) that are all or part of the financial interests of insurance policies written by an insurer (the ceding insurer) or assumed by an insurer/reinsurer with the object of reducing the cedent's possible liability by sharing with the reinsurer the insurance liability, premiums, and losses from the reinsured business. Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items] Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items] Assets: Liabilities: Other policy-related balances Other Policy-Related Balances Liability as of the balance sheet date to the policyholders for funds held that are returnable under the terms of insurance contracts that were not separately reported. Also includes unearned premiums. Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities Net Amount at Risk, by Product and Guarantee [Table] Universal and Variable Life Contracts Universal Life [Member] Variable Life [Member] 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 Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Other Expenses Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule Of Effect Of Reinsurance On Income Statement [Table] Schedule Of Effect Of Reinsurance On Income Statement [Table] Schedule Of Effect Of Reinsurance On Income Statement. Reinsurance Reinsurance [Member] Affiliated reinsurance. Reinsurance Disclosure [Line Items] Reinsurance Disclosure [Line Items] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Premiums: Premiums Earned [Abstract] Premiums Earned [Abstract] Reinsurance assumed Assumed Premiums Earned Reinsurance ceded Ceded Premiums Earned Net premiums Universal life and investment-type product policy fees: Fees and Commissions [Abstract] Reinsurance assumed Assumed Insurance Commissions And Fees Universal life and investment-type product policy fees assumed from other insurers as a result of reinsurance arrangements. Reinsurance ceded Ceded Insurance Commissions And Fees Universal life and investment-type product policy fees ceded to other insurers as a result of reinsurance agreements. Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees Other revenues: Component of Operating Income [Abstract] Reinsurance assumed Commissions Fees And Other Income Assumed Fees, commissions and other revenues assumed from other insurers as a result of reinsurance arrangements. Reinsurance ceded Other Income Ceded Fees, commissions and other revenues ceded to other insurers as a result of reinsurance agreements. Policyholder benefits and claims: Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred [Abstract] Reinsurance assumed Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Assumed Reinsurance ceded Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Ceded Net policyholder benefits and claims Interest credited to policyholder account balances: Interest Credited To Policyholder Account Balances [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Net interest credited to policyholder account balances Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, [Abstract] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, [Abstract] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Other expenses: Other Expenses [Abstract] Net other expenses Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Segment Reconciling Items Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Pre-tax adjusted earnings Post-tax adjusted earnings Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Not Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Amount after tax of income (loss) from continuing operations not including portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Adjusted earnings Operating Income (Loss) Net investment gains (losses) Net derivative gains (losses) Other adjustments to net income Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders Interest revenue Interest Revenue (Expense), Net Interest expense Interest Expense Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Consolidated securitization entities Consolidated Entities [Member] Total Assets Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Total Liabilities Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities 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. Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI Other Than Temporary Impairments On Debt Securities Transferred To Other Comprehensive Income Loss Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income loss. Total fixed maturity securities Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Debt Securities This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to fixed maturity securities. Equity securities Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Equity Securities This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to equity securities. Derivatives Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Derivatives This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to derivatives. Other Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Other Investments This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to other investments. Subtotal Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Subtotal Of Investment Gains (Losses) Components This item presents the subtotal of net unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives and other investments. Future policy benefits Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Allocated From Insurance Liability Loss Recognition This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) allocated from insurance liability loss recognition. DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Allocated From Dac And Voba On Which Non credit Otti Losses Have Been Recognized This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) allocated from DAC and VOBA on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized. 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) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Related To Deferred Income Tax Benefit Expense On Which Non Credit Otti Losses Have Been Recognized This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to deferred income tax benefit (expense) on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized. 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). Schedule of Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangements, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Table] Schedule of Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangements, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Table] Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Axis] Invested Assets Transferred To and From Affiliates Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items] Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred to affiliates Assets Transferred To Affiliates, Estimated Fair Value Estimated fair value of assets transfered to affiliates. Amortized cost of invested assets transferred to affiliates Transfers of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sale, Amortized Cost of Assets Obtained as Proceeds Represents the amortized cost of assets received on transfer of financial assets in a securitization, asset-backed financing arrangement, or a similar transfer which transaction is recognized as a sale of the transferred financial assets. Net investment gains (losses) recognized on transfers Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale, Gain (Loss) on Sale Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] BLIC Repurchase Facility BLIC Repurchase Facility [Member] BLIC repurchase facility. Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Credit facilities, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Debt instrument, term Debt Instrument, Term Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Net investment gains (losses) Provision for income tax expense (benefit) Cash equivalents Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Performing Performing Financial Instruments [Member] Nonperforming Nonperforming Financial Instruments [Member] Agricultural Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator: Agricultural Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract] Agricultural mortgage loans, by credit quality indicator. Recorded Investment Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Agricultural % of Total Loans Receivable Commercial Agricultural Mortgage Percentage Reflects the percentage of the gross carrying amount of unpaid loans issued to agricultural businesses to provide financing on existing land or a building, which, pursuant to terms of the underlying debt instrument, are secured at a minimum but possibly exclusively by that real property to the total for all commercial agricultural mortgage loans. Mortgages represent permanent financing, and are issued to replace previously existing mortgages or pay off acquisition, development and construction loans, or to provide cash to the borrower. Residential Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract] Residential Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract] Residential mortgage loans, by credit quality indicator. Recorded Investment Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross, Consumer, Mortgage % of Total Loans And Leases Receivable Consumer Mortgage Percentage Reflects the percentage of the gross carrying amount of unpaid loans and leases issued to consumers to the total for all consumer loans and leases. Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] U.S. corporate Domestic Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Foreign corporate Foreign Corporate Debt Securities [Member] State and political subdivision US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] CMBS ABS Foreign government Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Gross Unrealized Gain Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss 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 [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [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. Real estate joint ventures Real Estate Investments, Joint Ventures Other limited partnership interests Other Limited Partnership Interests, Fair Value Disclosure The fair value portion of investments in other limited partnership interests. Other 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 Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Net Embedded Derivatives Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net Fair Value Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Consolidated Securitization Entities Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Consolidated Securitization Entities [Member] Certain Variable Interest Entities that are treated as consolidated securitization entities. Company-held mortgage loans held-for-investment, net Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Commercial Mortgage Loans Percentage of loans receivable on commercial mortgage loans Percentage Of Loans Receivable Commercial Mortgage To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Commercial Mortgage Loans Receivable to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Agricultural Mortgage Loans Percentage of loans receivable on agricultural mortgage loans Percentage Of Loans Receivable Commercial Agricultural To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Commercial Agricultural Loans Receivable to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Residential Mortgage Loans Percentage of loans receivable on residential mortgage loans Percentage Of Loans And Leases Receivable Consumer Mortgage To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Consumer Mortgage Loans and Leases Receivable to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Subtotal (1) Mortgage Loans Held For Investment The balance represents the amount of loans that are secured by real estate mortgages. Percentage of loans receivable on subtotal Percentage Of Mortgage Loans Held For Investment To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Mortgage Loans Held For Investment to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Valuation allowances (2) Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate Percentage of loans receivable on valuation allowances Percentage Of Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses Real Estate To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses on Real Estate to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Subtotal mortgage loans, net Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount Percentage of loans receivable on subtotal mortgage loans held-for-investment, net Percentage Of Mortgage Loans Held For Investment Net To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Mortgage Loans Held-for-investment, net to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Total mortgage loans, net Percentage of loans receivable on commercial mortgage loans held by consolidated securitization entities - fair value option Percentage Of Commercial Mortgage Loans Held By Consolidated Securitization Entities Fair Value Option To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Commercial Mortgage Loans Held By Consolidated Securitization Entities Fair Value Option to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Percentage of loans held for sale on total mortgage loans, net Percentage Of Mortgage Loans On Real Estate To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Percentage of Mortgage Loans On Real Estate to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate. Metlife Investment Advisors, LLC [Member] Metlife Investment Advisors, LLC [Member] Metlife Investment Advisors, LLC [Member] Other investments Other Investments [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Related Party Loan One [Member] Related Party Loan One [Member] Related Party Loan One [Member] Related Party Loan Two [Member] Related Party Loan Two [Member] Related Party Loan Two [Member] Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Capital Contribution Change in additional paid in capital as a result of a capital contribution, including transfers of ownership. Related party investment administrative services Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Net Investment Income Risks Inherent in Servicing Assets and Servicing Liabilities by Type of Risk [Axis] Servicing Assets and Servicing Liabilities Risk [Axis] Risks Inherent in Servicing Assets and Servicing Liabilities, Type [Domain] Risks Inherent in Servicing Assets and Servicing Liabilities, Type [Domain] Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net 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 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] Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Derivatives Not Designated or Qualifying as Hedges [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Derivatives Not Designated or Qualifying as Hedges [Policy Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Components of Net Derivatives Gains (Losses) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Significant Purchases Financing Receivable, Significant Purchases Estimated fair value of mortgage loans held-for-investment Financing Receivable, Net Percentage of Mortgage Loans Classified as Performing Percentage of Mortgage Loans Classified as Performing The percentage of all mortgage loans that are classified as performing. Financing Receivable Number of Contract of Recorded Investment Past Due Financing Receivable Number of Contract of Recorded Investment Past Due Reflects the number of financing receivables of recorded investment that are past due at the balance sheet date. Loans and Leases Receivable, Number of Contract, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of Interest Loans and Leases Receivable, Number of Contract, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of Interest Reflects the number of loans deemed to be questionable as to collection on which no interest is continuing to be recognized. Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due Loans and Leases Receivable, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of Interest Loans and Leases Receivable, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of Interest Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number of Contracts Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number of Contracts Fair Value (Transfers Between Levels) [Abstract] Fair Value (Transfers Between Levels) [Abstract] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Transferred Between Levels 1 And Levels 2 Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Transferred Between Levels 1 And Levels 2 Amount of transfers of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis between Levels 1 and Levels 2 of the fair value hierarchy. 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 Indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation range Indemnities And Guarantees Contractual Limitation Range The range of the contractual limitation for guarantees and indemnities. Liabilities for indemnities, guarantees and commitments Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Cumulative maximum indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Policyholder Account Balances [Member] Policyholder Account Balances [Member] Policyholder Account Balances. Deposit Assets Assets Held-in-trust Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Amortized Cost, Due in one year or less Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost, Due after one year through five years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost, Due after five years through ten years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost, Due after ten years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost, Structured Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost, Subtotal Estimated Fair Value, Due in one year or less Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value, Due after one year through five years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value, Due after five years through ten years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value, Due after ten years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value, Structured Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Table] Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items] Unpaid principal balance Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Face Amount of Mortgages Difference between estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance Fair Value, Option, Aggregate Differences, Loans and Long-term Receivables Carrying value at estimated fair value Contractual principal balance Long-term Debt, Gross Difference between estimated fair value and contractual principal balance Fair Value, Option, Aggregate Differences, Long-term Debt Instruments Carrying value at estimated fair value Derivative Financial Instruments Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Metropolitan Life Insurance Company [Member] Metropolitan Life Insurance Company [Member] Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guarantee Type [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Benefit Type [Domain] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Domain] Assumed reinsurance on fixed deferred annuities Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Affiliate Recapture Variable Annuities [Member] Affiliate Recapture Variable Annuities [Member] Recapture of agreements from BLICNY and NELICO BHL Recapture GMIB [Member] BHL Recapture GMIB [Member] Recapture of variable annuities BLIC Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract] Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables Liability for Future Policy Benefits Policyholder Contract Deposits New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Equity Component [Domain] Parent shareholders' percentage Parent shareholders' percentage [Member] Percentage of Parent shareholders' shares. Parent percentage Parent percentage [Member] Percentage of Parent shares. Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Spinoff Spinoff [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Number of segments Number of Reportable Segments Common Stock Distribution by Parent Common Stock Distribution by Parent Percentage of common stock that parent intends to distribute Common Stock Retained by Parent Common Stock Retained by Parent Percentage of common stock retained by parent. Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Effects of reinsurance Effects of Reinsurance [Table Text Block] Options embedded in debt or equity securities (1) Securities (Assets) [Member] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Domain] Direct guaranteed minimum benefits Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Fixed annuities with equity indexed returns Other Embedded Derivatives [Member] Other Embedded Derivatives Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables Receivables [Member] Portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity. Includes disclosure of claims held for amounts due a company. Examples include trade accounts receivables, notes receivables, loans receivables. Investments Investments [Member] Policyholder account balances Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract] Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract] Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Energy [Axis] Energy [Axis] Energy [Domain] Energy [Domain] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Credit Risk Contract [Member] Equity Contract [Member] Position [Axis] Position [Axis] Position [Domain] Position [Domain] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion The current period gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income related to the effective portion of derivatives designated in cash flow hedges. Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Structured Securities Structured Securities [Member] Structured Securities. U.S. and foreign corporate Other limited partnership interests Partnership Interest [Member] Carrying Amount Asset Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Carrying Amount Liability Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities Foreign corporate State and political subdivision Foreign government Interest rate contracts Foreign currency exchange rate contracts Assets [Abstract] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Short-term investments Real Estate Investments, Joint Ventures Mortgage loans, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities Derivative assets Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative liabilities Total liabilities Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Investments Amortized cost Securities Financing Transaction, Cost [Member] Estimated fair value Securities Financing Transaction, Fair Value [Member] Securities loaned Securities Loaned Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties Security collateral on deposit from counterparties Securities Received as Collateral Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value Securities Lending Reinvestment Portfolio Estimated Fair Value This element represents the estimated fair value of the securities lending reinvestment portfolio. Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable interest entities Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale Cost of equity securities available-for-sale Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Mortgage loans valuation allowances Accrued investment income relating to variable interest entities Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities 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 Variable interest, maximum exposure to loss in consolidated securitization entities Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] 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 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 Available-for-sale Securities Sales, maturities and repayments of equity securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Sales, maturities and repayments of mortgage loans Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Mortgage Notes Receivable Sales, maturities and repayments of real estate and real estate joint ventures Proceeds from Real Estate and Real Estate Joint Ventures Sales, maturities and repayments of other limited partnership interests Proceeds from Limited Partnership Investments Purchases of fixed maturity securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Purchases of equity securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Purchases of mortgage loans Payments to Acquire Mortgage Notes Receivable Purchases of real estate and real estate joint ventures Payments to Acquire Real Estate and Real Estate Joint Ventures Purchases of other limited partnership interests Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives The cash inflow provided by derivative instruments during the period, which are classified as investing activities, including both hedging and non-hedging instruments. Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives Cash Paid In Connection With Freestanding Derivatives The cash outflow provided by derivative instruments during the period, which are classified as investing activities, including both hedging and non-hedging instruments. 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 repaid Repayments of Long-term Debt Cash received from MetLife, Inc. in connection with shareholder's net investment Proceeds from Contributions from Parent Cash paid to MetLife, Inc. in connection with shareholder's net investment Payments of Capital Distribution Financing element on certain derivative instruments and other derivative related transactions, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 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), Including 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 Net cash paid (received) for income tax Income Taxes Paid, Net Non-cash transactions: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Transfer of fixed maturity securities to former affiliates Transfer from Investments Reduction of policyholder account balances in connection with reinsurance transactions Reduction of policyholder account balances in connection with a reinsurance transactions Reduction of policyholder account balances in connection with a reinsurance transactions Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Offsetting Assets [Table] Transaction Type [Axis] Transaction Type [Axis] Transaction [Domain] Transaction [Domain] Over the Counter [Member] OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded Exchange Cleared [Member] Exchange-traded Exchange Traded [Member] Offsetting Assets [Line Items] Offsetting Assets [Line Items] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals Fair value, before effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial asset or other contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes assets elected not to be offset. Excludes assets not subject to a master netting arrangement and accruals. Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals Fair value, before effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial liability or contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes liabilities elected not to be offset. Excludes liabilities not subject to a master netting arrangement and accruals. Amounts offset in the consoilidated balance sheets, Assets Derivative Asset, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Amounts offset in the consoilidated balance sheets, Liabilities Derivative Liability, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Estimated fair value of derivative assets presented in the consolidated balance sheets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Estimated fair value of derivative liabilities presented in the consolidated balance sheets Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Gross estimated fair value of derivative assets Derivative Asset, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Gross estimated fair value of derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Cash collateral on derivative assets Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Cash collateral on derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Securities collateral on derivative assets Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities, Offset Amount of obligation to return securities collateral under master netting arrangements offset against derivative assets. Securities collateral on derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities, Offset Amount of right to receive securities collateral under master netting arrangements offset against derivative liabilities. Net amount of derivative assets after application of master netting agreements and cash collateral Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Net amount of derivative liabilities after application of master netting agreements and cash collateral Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral 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] Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward] Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1, Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held Reductions: Otti Reductions [Abstract] Otti Reductions Abstract. Sales (maturities, pay downs or prepayments) of securities previously impaired as credit loss OTTI Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Reductions, Securities Sold Balance at March 31, Investment Income [Table] Investment Income [Table] Securities Investment Securities Investment [Member] Equity securities Equity Securities [Member] Mortgage loans Mortgages [Member] Policy loans Policy Loans [Member] Real estate joint ventures Real Estate Investment [Member] Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Other FVO CSEs — interest income — commercial mortgage loans Net Investment Income [Line Items] Net Investment Income [Line Items] Subtotal Gross Investment Income, Operating Less: Investment expenses Investment Income, Investment Expense Subtotal , net 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] Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] Revenues Securities Financing Transaction, Type [Domain] Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties Securities Loaned, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Percentage Of US Treasury And Agency Securities At Estimated Fair Value Of Securities On Loan Relating To Cash Collateral On Open Percentage Of US Treasury And Agency Securities At Estimated Fair Value Of Securities On Loan Relating To Cash Collateral On Open The percentage of US Treasury and agency securities at estimated fair value of securities on loan relating to cash collateral on open. Percentage of Reinvestment Portfolio in Fixed Maturity Securities Percentage of Reinvestment Portfolio in Fixed Maturity Securities The percentage of the reinvestment portfolio acquired with the cash collateral consists mainly of Fixed maturities. Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items] Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items] Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals Gain (Loss) on Sale of Debt Investments Equity securities — Mark to market and net gains (losses) on sales and disposals Gain (Loss) on Sale of Equity Investments Net investment gains (losses) Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Other net investment gains (losses): Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract] Mortgage loans Gain (Loss) on Sales of Loans, Net Real estate joint ventures Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate Other limited partnership interests Gains Losses On Sales Of Other Limited Partnerships The net gain (loss) resulting from sales and other disposals of other limited partnership interests. Other Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments Subtotal Investment Portfolio Gains Losses This item represents the subtotal of gains (losses)on the investment portfolio. FVO CSEs - changes in estimated fair value: Consolidated Securitization Entities [Abstract] Consolidated securitization entities. Commercial mortgage loans Gains Losses On Commercial Mortgage Loans Held By Consolidated Securitization Entities Fair Value Option The net gain or loss resulting from the change in fair value of commercial mortgage loans held by consolidated securitization entities not required to be reported separately in the statement of income for which the Company has elected the fair value option. Long-term debt — related to commercial mortgage loans Gains Losses On Long Term Debt Of Consolidated Securitization Entities Related To Mortgage Loans Fair Value Option The net gain or loss resulting from the sale or disposal of long-term debt relating to mortgage loans of consolidated securitization entities not required to be reported separately in the statement of income for which the Company has elected the fair option. Subtotal Gains Losses On Assets And Liabilities Held By Consolidated Securitizations Entities Under Fair Value Option And All Other Gains Losses The net gain or loss incurred on assets and liabilities held by consolidated securitizations entities and all other gains and losses. Total net investment gains (losses) Accrued Liabilities [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Over the Counter [Member] Exchange Traded [Member] Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Cash collateral on derivative assets Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Excess securities collateral received on derivatives Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities Excess securities collateral provided on derivatives Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Axis] Direct And Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Direct And Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Direct & Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Member. Nonperformance Risk [Member] Nonperformance Risk [Member] Non-performance Risk Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Embedded derivatives gains (losses) Derivative Instrument Detail [Abstract] Derivative Instrument Detail [Abstract] Hedging exposure to variability in future cash flows for specific length of time Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Estimated fair value of securities collateral provided for over-the-counter derivatives with credit-contingent provisions in gross liability position Cash collateral on derivative liabilities Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Securities collateral received which the company is permitted to sell or repledge, amount that has been sold or repledged Customer Securities for which Entity has Right to Sell or Repledge, Fair Value of Securities Sold or Repledged Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract] Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position less than 12 months Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Less than One Year Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position equal to or greater than 12 months Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year Components of Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Proceeds Proceeds from Sale of Insurance Investments Gross investment gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Gross investment losses Available-for-sale Securities, Realized Losses, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings: Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments [Abstract] Policyholder benefits and claims Policyholder Benefits And Claims Incurred Net [Member] Policyholder benefits and claims incurred net. Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation of Subsidiaries Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Compensation Labor and Related Expense Commissions Noninterest Expense Commission Expense Volume-related costs Cost of Services, Overhead Related party expenses on ceded and assumed reinsurance Interest Expense, Related Party Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Capitalization Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Capitalization Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs recorded on the statement of operations Interest expense on debt Interest and Debt Expense Premium taxes, licenses and fees Direct Taxes and Licenses Costs Professional services Professional Fees Rent and related expenses Operating Leases, Rent Expense Other Other General and Administrative Expense Total other expenses Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Common Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] 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] Structured securities Real estate joint ventures Real estate joint ventures [Member] Real estate joint ventures. Short-term investments Short-term Investments [Member] Separate account assets Separate account assets [Member] Separate Account Assets Member. Net Derivatives NetDerivatives [Member] The derivative assets and liabilities measured with unobservable inputs, including interest rate contracts, foreign currency exchange rate contracts, credit contracts, and equity market contracts. 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) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Sales Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Issuances Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Issuances Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Transfers into Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Balance, end of period Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Balance, 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) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Purchases Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Purchases Sales Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Sales Issuances Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Issues Settlements Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements Transfers into Level 3 Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers out of Level 3 Balance, 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) Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Other Expenses Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Estimated increase (decrease) in adjusted earnings due to new methodology Estimated increase (decrease) in adjusted earnings due to new methodology Estimated increase (decrease) in pretax adjusted earnings due to new capital allocation methodology Estimated increase (decrease) in total assets due to new methodology Estimated increase (decrease) in total assets due to new methodology Estimated increase (decrease) in total assets due to new capital allocation methodology Financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs Variable Interest Entity, Financial or Other Support, Amount Aaa/Aa/A Aaa Aa [Member] Aaa Aa A Member. Baa Baa [Member] Baa. Ba Ba [Member] Ba Member. Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Axis] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Axis] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Domain] Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Domain] Aaa/Aa/A Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Credit Risk Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Weighted Average Years to Maturity Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity Balance, December 31, 2017 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. New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets Balance, January 1, 2018 Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Debt Securities On Which Noncredit Otti Losses Have Been Recognized This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized. 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: Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Future policy benefits Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Insurance Liability Gain Loss Recognition This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to insurance liability gain (loss) recognition. Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Dac And Voba Related To Non Credit Otti Losses Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income Loss Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Dac And Voba Related To Non Credit Otti Losses Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income Loss Changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to DAC and VOBA related noncredit OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). 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. Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Related To Deferred Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Related To Non Credit Otti Losses Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Deferred income tax benefit (expense) Income Tax Expense On Change In Unrealized Gain Or (Loss) This item represents the tax effects occurring during the period which are related to the net unrealized gain (loss) resulting from changes in the fair [carrying] value during the period of available-for-sale securities and from changes in certain insurance related assets and liabilities. Such tax affects would have been charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income or to related components of shareholders' equity. Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Excluding Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interests This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) excluding portion attributable to noncontrolling interests. Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Earnings per common share - basic Common stock, shares outstanding Variable Annuity Guarantees Variable Annuity [Member] Guaranteed Death Benefits Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit [Member] Guaranteed Annuitization Benefits Annuitization Benefit [Member] Total account value Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, General Account Value Separate account value Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Separate Account Value Average attained age of contract holders Other Revenues [Abstract] Other Revenues [Abstract] Distribution Fees Distribution Fees Guarantees related to Annuity, Universal and Variable Life Contracts Schedule of Net Amount of Risk by Product and Guarantee [Table Text Block] Investments in any counterparty that were greater than 10% of equity Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Investments Securities holdings exposure in single issuer greater than stated percentage of Company's equity Concentration Risk, Percentage Non Broker Dealer Transactions, By Related Party [Abstract] Non Broker Dealer Transactions, By Related Party [Abstract] All Services and Transactions Except Broker Dealer Activities [Member] All Services and Transactions Except Broker Dealer Activities [Member] All services and transactions except Broker Dealer activities. Assets Due from Related Parties Liabilities Due to Related Parties Income Revenue from Related Parties Expense Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party