Document Type Document Type ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag State and Political Subdivision US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] Amount at Which Shown on Balance Sheet SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Amount Unearned Revenue (1) Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Revenue Amount of revenue not yet earned and included within the future policy benefits, other policy-related balances and policyholder dividend obligations. SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Table] Debt-to-Value [Domain] Debt-to-Value [Domain] Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Issuances (5) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Issues Investments Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] 2030-2034 Expiration Period Third Four Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Expiration period for the third four years by deferred tax asset type. Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Life insurance in-force, assumed amount SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Life Insurance in Force, Assumed Statutory Accounting Practices [Table] Statutory Accounting Practices [Table] Incurred guaranteed benefits Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Incurred Benefits Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Interest rate range credited to policyholder account balances Liability For Policyholder Contract Deposits Credited Interest Rate All Applicable Products Range of credited interest rate applied to all applicable product policyholder deposits during the stated period. Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2) Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability Distribution Service [Member] Distribution Service [Member] Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Fixed maturity securities Total fixed maturity securities Fixed Maturities [Member] Estimated fair value, due after one year through five years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year One Through Five Effects of Reinsurance [Table Text Block] Effects of Reinsurance [Table Text Block] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Table] Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Deferred income tax liability Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Derivatives Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Compensation Labor and Related Expense Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Ceded Credit Risk, Collateralization [Domain] Ceded Credit Risk, Collateralization [Domain] Estimated fair value, Structured Securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value Off-balance sheet commitments Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability Change in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Adjusted earnings Operating Income (Loss) Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract] Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract] Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) Deposit Assets Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Fixed maturity securities, gross investment losses Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Loss Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 13) Commitments and Contingencies Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value Other Investments Assets Assets: Assets [Abstract] Premiums: Premiums Earned [Abstract] Premiums Earned [Abstract] Transfers out of Level 3 (6) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers out of Level 3 Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Tax provision at statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Reinsurance Reinsurance Accounting Policy [Policy Text Block] Other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax 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. Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Axis] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Axis] Financing receivable, before allowance for credit losses by debt service coverage ratio as a percentage of financing receivable, before allowance for credit losses Notes Receivable Gross By Debt Service Coverage Ratio As Percentage Of Notes Receivable Gross Ratio with notes receivable gross by debt service coverage ratio in numerator and total notes receivable gross in the denominator. See NotesReceivableGross for definition of notes receivable gross. Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Retained earnings (deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities Mortgage Backed And Asset Backed Securities [Member] Mortgage backed and asset backed securities. Intangibles Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Premiums and Universal Life and Investment-Type Product Policy Fees Supplementary Insurance Information Premium Revenue And Policy Charges Sum of premiums earned on the income statement for all insurance and reinsurance contracts after subtracting any amounts ceded to another insurer and adding premiums assumed from other insurers, and income from agency and brokerage operations (includes sales of annuities and supplemental contracts); service charges, commissions, and fees from the sale of insurance and related services; and management fees from separate accounts, deferred annuities, and universal life products. May also include an entity's proportionate share of the income or loss before extraordinary items and other adjustments from its investments in: unconsolidated subsidiaries, associated companies, and corporate joint ventures, unincorporated joint ventures, general partnerships, and limited partnerships over which the entity exercises significant influence that are principally engaged in insurance underwriting, reinsurance, or insurance sales activities. Foreign Corporate Debt Security, Corporate, Non-US [Member] Income Taxes Paid Income Taxes Paid Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Domain] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Domain] Recurring Fair Value Measurements Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Change in deferred policy acquisition costs Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Amortized cost, Structured Securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Issuances (5) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Issuances Tax credit carryforwards Foreign Tax Credits Carryforwards Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Fixed Annuities [Member] Fixed Annuities [Member] Fixed annuity contracts Income Tax Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] U.S. Government and Agency US Treasury and Government [Member] Fair Value, Separate Account Investment [Line Items] Fair Value, Separate Account Investment [Line Items] Other expenses Net other expenses Operating Expenses Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided (2): Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income amount including new AOCI guidance, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income amount including new AOCI guidance, Net of Tax Direct other expenses Direct Other Expenses Direct Other Expenses - Generally recurring costs associated with normal operations except for the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales or services. Before adding selling, general and administrative expense assumed from other insurers or subtracting any amounts ceded to other insurers. Fair Value, Asset, Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss), OCI Fair Value, Asset, Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss), OCI Unrealized investment gains (losses) Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Parent shareholders' percentage [Member] Parent shareholders' percentage [Member] Percentage of Parent shareholders' shares. Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Segment Reconciling Items Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Cumulative Effect, Adjusted Balance Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance [Member] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion The current period gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income related to the effective portion of derivatives designated in cash flow hedges. Net Investment Income Investment Income [Member] Investments Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Nonparticipating Life Insurance Contract [Member] Nonparticipating Life Insurance Contract [Member] Other Expenses SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense Purchases (5) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Estimated fair value, due after five years through ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 5 Through 10 Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2) Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset Life Life [Member] Life. Interest credited to policyholder account balances Policyholder Account Balance, Interest Expense Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Change in accrued investment income Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Investment Income Receivable Future policy benefits Liability for Future Policy Benefit, after Reinsurance Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Past Due Financing Receivables Past Due [Member] Financial asset past due. 2020-2024 Expiration Period First Four Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Expiration period for the first four years by deferred tax asset type. Expiration Date By Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Expiration Date By Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Expiration date by type of deferred tax assets. Average attained age of contract holders Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Weighted Average Attained Age Forecast [Member] Forecast [Member] Metlife Inc [Member] Metlife Inc [Member] MetLife, Inc. Annuity products Investment Product [Member] Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables Premiums and Other Receivables, Net Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs Amortization of DAC Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Structured Securities Structured Securities [Member] Structured Securities. Payables for collateral under derivative transactions Obligation to Return Securities Received as Collateral Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Reinsurance Reinsurance [Text Block] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Equity Equity Funds [Member] Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Estimated fair value, due after ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 10 (Gains) losses on derivatives, net (Gains) Losses On Derivatives Net The net realized (gain) loss on derivatives settled during the period, net. Net change in short-term investments Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-term Investments Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability), Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss), OCI Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability), Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss), OCI Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurance Recoverables, Net Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurance Recoverables, Net Amount of reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance to cover probable credit loss, which constitute a concentration of credit risk. Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Credit Quality of Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain] Variable Annuity And Variable Life [Member] Variable Annuity And Variable Life [Member] Variable Annuity and Variable Life. Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Consolidation of Subsidiaries Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commercial Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] Net unrealized investment gains Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Comprehensive Income Mortgage Loans Real Estate Loan [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Domain] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Domain] Balance at January 1, Balance at December 31, Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross Sales, maturities and repayments of fixed maturity securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Axis] Financing receivable, before allowance for credit losses by performance status as a percentage of financing receivables, before allowance for credit losses Notes Receivable Gross By Performance Status As Percentage Of Notes Receivable Gross Ratio with notes receivable gross by performance status in numerator and total notes receivable gross in the denominator. See NotesReceivableGross for definition of notes receivable gross. 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] Loan-to-Value Ratio, 65% to 75% Ltv 65 To 75 Percent [Member] Debt-to-value (DTV) ratio from 65 to 75%. Element name and standard label in DTV [numeric lower end] to [numeric higher end] Percent [Member] format. Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Table] Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Table] Unrealized investment gains (losses) Deferred Sales Inducement Cost, Other Increase (Decrease) Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Axis] Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Axis] Other Other Investments [Member] Variable Annuity Guaranteed Minimum Benefits Minimum Guarantees, Policy [Policy Text Block] Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Financing receivables in nonaccrual status Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual Financing receivable, after allowance for credit losses as a percentage of financing receivable, net of allowance for credit losses Notes Receivable Net As Percentage Of Notes Receivable Net Ratio with notes receivable net in numerator and notes receivable net in the denominator. See NotesReceivableNet for definition of notes receivable net. Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Maximum exposure to loss Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Statutory capital and surplus Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Offsetting Assets Offsetting Assets [Table Text Block] GMIBs Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit [Member] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Short-term debt issued Proceeds from Short-term Debt Due from Related Parties Due from Related Parties Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or greater, estimated fair value Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer Total expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses Derivatives Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] 2025-2029 Expiration Period Second Four Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Expiration period for the second four years by deferred tax asset type. Deferred income tax benefit (expense) Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax 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] Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurance Recoverables, Percentage Percentage of total reinsurance recoverables which constitute a concentration of credit risk. SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract] SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost Fixed maturity securities, gross unrealized gains Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Litigation Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items] Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items] Life insurance in-force, % amount assumed to net amount SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Life Insurance in Force, Percentage Assumed to Net Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (3) (4) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Premiums, Universal Life and Investment-Type Product Policy Fees and Other Revenues by Product Groups Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Financing receivable, originated two years before latest FY Financing Receivable, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Interest Rate Assumption Liability for Policyholder Contract Deposits, Interest Rate Debt Service Coverage Ratio, 1.00x to 1.20x Dsc 100 To 120 Percent [Member] Debt service coverage (DSC) ratio from 100% to 120% or 1.00x to 1.20x. Element name and standard label in DSV [numeric lower end] to [numeric higher end] Percent [Member] format. Components of Net Investment Income Investment Income [Table Text Block] Insurance Insurance Disclosure [Text Block] Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Fixed Maturity Securities by Sector Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Derivatives Subject To Credit-Contingent Provisions Derivatives Subject To Credit-Contingent Provisions [Member] Derivatives Subject To Credit Contingent Provisions Member. Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Policyholder account balances: Deposits Proceeds from Annuities and Investment Certificates Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives Foreign currency exchange rate Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net [Abstract] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net [Abstract] Other Income Direct Other Income Direct Fees, commissions and other revenues earned from all insurance before adding amounts assumed from other insurers or subtracting amounts ceded to other insurers. Transition services agreements Transition Services Agreements Costs incurred for services provided by the former parent during transition period after spin-off. Other liabilities Other Liabilities Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Intercompany Liquidity Facilities Intercompany Liquidity Facilities [Member] Intercompany Liquidity Facilities Net investment gains (losses), other Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments Total assets Total assets Carrying amount Assets Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Net investment gains (losses), mortgage loans Gain (Loss) on Sales of Loans, Net Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Fixed Annuity [Member] Fixed Annuity [Member] Foreign Government Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Policyholder Benefits and Claims and Interest Credited to Policyholder Account Balances SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefit, Claim, Loss and Settlement Expenses Investments, including derivatives Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investments Change in future policy benefits and other policy-related balances Increase (Decrease) in Insurance Liabilities Direct Direct Reinsurance [Member] Amounts for all insurance before adding amounts assumed from other insurers or subtracting amounts ceded to other insurers. Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items] Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items] Agricultural Agricultural Portfolio Segment [Member] Portfolio segment of the company's total financing receivables related to agricultural receivables. Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Fund Groupings: Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment, Fair Value Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Invested assets pledged as collateral Invested Assets Pledged As Collateral Invested assets pledged as collateral. Net Ceded and Assumed Liabilities For Guarantees Net Ceded and Assumed Liabilities For Guarantees [Member] Net Ceded and Assumed Liabilities for Guarantees. Reinsurance ceded Ceded Other Expenses Ceded Other Expenses - Generally recurring costs associated with normal operations except for the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales or services ceded to other insurers as a result of reinsurance arrangements. Short-term investments Short-term Investments [Member] Provision for income tax from continuing operations Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Living And Death Benefit Guarantees [Member] Living And Death Benefit Guarantees [Member] Living and death benefit guarantees associated with Retail Annuity business Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Ceded Guaranteed Minimum Benefit CMBS Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Total liabilities Liabilities Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Insurance [Abstract] Insurance [Abstract] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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). Life insurance in-force, ceded amount SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Life Insurance in Force, Ceded Settlements (5) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Attributable To Company This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to the Company. Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] 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, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to: Future policy benefits Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Insurance Liability Gain Loss Recognition This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to insurance liability gain (loss) recognition. Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, estimated fair value Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months Financing receivable, allowance for credit losses Financing receivable, allowance for credit losses, beginning of year Financing receivable, allowance for credit losses, end of year Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss Derivative Asset, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Derivative Asset, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Fixed maturity securities, gross investment gains Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Gain Utilization rates Measurement Input, Utilization Rate [Member] Non Income Producing Non Income Producing [Member] A stock that has not paid a dividend in the past year or a bond that has ceased accrual because the collection of principal and interest is in doubt. Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Assets Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Other assets Other Assets Statutory Accounting Practices, Prescribed Practice, Amount Statutory Accounting Practices, Prescribed Practice, Amount Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward] Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward] Reinsurance SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Text Block] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, number of securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Number of Positions Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or greater, number of securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Number of Positions Dividends received deduction Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Dividends, Amount Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Fair Value Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Deferred income tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Mortgage loans valuation allowances Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Table Text Block] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items] Income (loss) before provision for income tax Pre-tax adjusted earnings Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Financing element on certain derivative instruments and other derivative related transactions, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Five Largest Ceded Reinsurers [Member] Five Largest Ceded Reinsurers [Member] Five largest ceded reinsurers. VIE, Not Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Loan-to-Value Ratio, 76% to 80% Ltv 76 To 80 Percent [Member] Debt-to-value (DTV) ratio from 76 to 80%. Element name and standard label in DTV [numeric lower end] to [numeric higher end] Percent [Member] format. Deposit Contracts, Assets Deposit Contracts, Assets Recognition of Insurance Revenues and Deposits Insurance Premiums Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Payment for Benefits Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Payment for Benefits Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] Direct Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Supplementary Insurance Information SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Disclosure [Text Block] Estimated Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Accrued interest receivable Interest Receivable Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Financing receivables modified in a troubled debt restructuring Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring Policyholder Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block] Policyholder Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Line Items] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] 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. RMBS Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Net Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Net Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Public utilities Public Utility, Bonds [Member] Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items] Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items] Sales, maturities and repayments of mortgage loans Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Mortgage Notes Receivable Income tax for continuing operations effective rate reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Net amount at risk Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Net Amount at Risk Interest rate caps Interest Rate Cap [Member] Insurance Liabilities Insurance Liabilities [Table Text Block] Provides the balance of insurance liabilities for each period end. Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] City Area Code City Area Code Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Prior year tax Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Amount Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Greater than 1.20x Dsc Greater Than 120 Percent [Member] Debt service coverage (DSC) ratio greater than 120% or 1.20x. Element name and standard label in DSC Greater Than [low end numeric value] Percent [Member] or DSC Less Than [high end numeric value] Percent [Member] formats. Mortality rates Measurement Input, Mortality Rate [Member] Fixed maturity securities, allowance for credit losses Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Allowance for Credit Loss 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. 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. Total amortization Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Amortization Expense Net derivative gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Broker Dealer Activities [Member] Broker Dealer Activities [Member] Broker Dealer Activities Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Sales (5) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect Deferred income tax benefit (expense) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax OCI before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Short-term Debt Short-term Debt [Text Block] Summary of Tax Credit Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Summary of Tax Credit Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Policyholder account balances Policyholder Account Balances Policyholder Contract Deposit Cover [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] Indefinite Expiration Period For Indefinite Number Of Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Expiration period for indefinite number of years by deferred tax asset type. Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Performing Performing Financial Instruments [Member] Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholder Account Balances [Abstract] Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholder Contract Deposits, Assumptions [Abstract] Estimated Fair Value SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value Income Tax Examination, Penalties Expense Income Tax Examination, Penalties Expense AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Net change in payables for collateral under derivative 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. Assumed Premiums Earned Assumed Premiums Earned Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the year Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Unrealized Investment Gains Losses During Period This item presents the increase (decrease) in net unrealized investment gains (losses) related to unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period. Other Expenses [Abstract] Other Expenses [Abstract] liabilities for guarantees on long duration contracts reinsurance recoverable incurred benefits net liabilities for guarantees on long duration contracts reinsurance recoverable incurred benefits net liabilities for guarantees on long duration contracts reinsurance recoverable incurred benefits net Mortality Risk [Member] Mortality Risk [Member] Mortality risk associated with life insurance. Affiliated Entity [Member] Affiliated Entity [Member] Debt Service Coverage [Domain] Debt Service Coverage [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Service Coverage Ratio By Range Axis. Capital contribution Proceeds from Contributions from Parent Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax Transfers into Level 3 (6) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers into Level 3 Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Establishment costs Establishment Costs Costs incurred related to the establishment of services and infrastructure to replace those previously provided by the former parent prior to spin-off. Total investments Investments Restricted cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Fixed maturity securities Debt Securities [Member] Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts associated with investments, net Accretion (Amortization) of Discounts and Premiums, Investments Other Revenues and Other Expenses Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Balance, January 1, Balance, December 31, Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $3,460 and $2,897, respectively; allowance for credit losses of $0 and $0, respectively) Fixed maturity securities, estimated fair value Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Ceded Credit Risk, Collateralization [Axis] Ceded Credit Risk, Collateralization [Axis] Reinsurance Retention Policy [Table] Reinsurance Retention Policy [Table] 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. Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Total Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Withdrawal rates Measurement Input, Withdrawal Rate [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Reinsurance Recoverables, Ceded Reinsurance recoverables Reinsurance Recoverables, Ceded Amount of reinsurance recoverable balances in both asset and liability accounts that have been ceded. Net Liabilities For Guarantees Net Liabilities For Guarantees [Member] Net liabilities for guarantees. Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Loan-to-Value Ratio, Greater than 80% Ltv Greater Than 80 Percent [Member] Debt-to-value (DTV) ratio greater than 80%. Element name and standard label in DTV Greater Than [low end numeric value] Percent [Member] or DTV Less Than [high end numeric value] Percent [Member] format. Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Reinsurance ceded Ceded Premiums Earned Ceded Premiums Earned Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] ABS Asset-backed Securities [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Life insurance products Life insurance premium (1) Life Insurance Product Line [Member] Current income tax payable Current income tax payable Accrued Income Taxes Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Schedule of Derivatives Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Fair Value Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Settlements (5) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements 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). Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Cumulative Effect, Adjustment Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member] Total adjusted capital of Brighthouse New York Description of Regulatory Capital Requirements under Insurance Regulations COVID-19 Pandemic financing receivable in nonaccrual status Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Nonaccrual Status Pandemic Amount of financing receivable on nonaccrual status as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Other policy-related balances Other Policyholder Funds Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Change in other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Reinsurance Policy, Type [Axis] Reinsurance Policy, Type [Axis] 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. Component of Operating Income [Abstract] Other revenues: Component of Operating Income [Abstract] Number of segments Number of segments Number of Reportable Segments Amortized Cost SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost Amortized cost, due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Year One SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract] SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract] Net investment income Net investment income Net Investment Income Financing receivable, allowance for credit losses as a percentage of financing receivable, net of allowance for credit losses Financing Receivable Allowance For Credit Losses As Percentage Of Notes Receivable Net Ratio with financing receivable allowance for credit losses in numerator and notes receivable net in the denominator. See FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses for definition of financing receivable allowance for credit losses. See NotesReceivableNet for definition of notes receivable net. SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Investments: Investments [Abstract] Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Components [Abstract] Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Components [Abstract] Invested Assets on Deposit and Pledged as Collateral Schedule of Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract] 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. Capital contribution Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Deferred policy acquisition costs Balance at January 1, Balance at December 31, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost Insurance Liabilities By Segment [Table] Insurance Liabilities By Segment [Table] A table reflecting insurance liabilities by segment. Policyholder liabilities and receivables Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Fixed maturity securities, gross unrealized losses Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] COVID-19 Pandemic Financial Asset Past Due Financial Asset Past Due Pandemic [Member] Financial asset past due as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives Cash Paid In Connection With Freestanding Derivatives The cash outflow provided by derivative instruments during the period, which are classified as investing activities, including both hedging and non-hedging instruments. Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Axis] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Benefit [Axis] Fixed maturity securities, net investment gains (losses) Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Gain (Loss) Balance, January 1, Balance at December 31, Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract] Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Estimated fair value, due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Year One Purchases of mortgage loans Payments to Acquire Mortgage Notes Receivable Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to: DAC 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. Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items] Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items] Amounts allocated from: DAC 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. Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or greater, gross unrealized losses Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss Deferred: Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities, Offset Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities, Offset Amount of right to receive securities collateral under master netting arrangements offset against derivative liabilities. Net operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Derivative assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Total invested assets on deposit 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. Change in income tax Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Deferred Sales Inducements Deferred Sale Inducement Cost [Table Text Block] Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of related offsets OCI, Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Gain (Loss), after Adjustment, before Tax Less: Investment expenses Investment Income, Investment Expense Universal life and investment-type product policy fees [Abstract] Universal life and investment-type product policy fees [Abstract] Universal life and investment-type product policy fees [Abstract] Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Amortized cost, due after five years through ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 5 Through 10 Separate account assets Separate Account Asset Credit Derivatives [Line Items] Credit Derivatives [Line Items] Financing receivable, originated five or more years before latest FY Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Premiums earned, % amount assumed to net amount SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Premium, Percentage Assumed to Net Current: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party [Abstract] Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party [Abstract] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Related party investment administrative service charges Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Balanced Balanced Funds [Member] Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses) Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table Text Block] Amortization related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Net Investment Gains (Losses) Fund Groupings Fair Value, Separate Account Investment [Table Text Block] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Unearned Premiums (1), (2) SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Premium Short-term debt repaid Repayments of Short-term Debt Volume related costs, excluding compensation, net of DAC capitalization Cost, Overhead Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Long-term equity volatilities Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities [Member] Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities [Member] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis] Entity File Number Entity File Number U.S. Corporate Debt Security, Corporate, US [Member] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract] Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract] Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election Fair Value, Separate Account Investment [Table] Fair Value, Separate Account Investment [Table] Annuities Annuities [Member] Annuities. Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Policyholder benefits and claims Net policyholder benefits and claims Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1) Net unrealized investment gains (losses): AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Parent [Member] Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Common stock, par value $10 per share; 200,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Annual Report Document Annual Report Loan-to-Value Ratio, Less than 65% Ltv Less Than 65 Percent [Member] Debt-to-value (DTV) ratio less than 65%. Element name and standard label in DTV Greater Than [low end numeric value] Percent [Member] or DTV Less Than [high end numeric value] Percent [Member] formats. Premium and other taxes, licenses and fees Cost, Direct Tax and License Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments without Regulatory Approval Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments without Regulatory Approval Short-term Debt [Abstract] Policyholder account balances: Withdrawals Repayments of Annuities and Investment Certificates Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees Insurance Commissions and Fees Insurance Commissions and Fees Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Total bonds Bonds [Member] Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination, Policy [Policy Text Block] Amortization Deferred Sales Inducement Cost, Amortization Expense Contracted services and other labor costs Professional Fees Foreign currency swaps Currency Swap [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Schedule of Credit Derivatives [Table] Schedule of Credit Derivatives [Table] Debt-to-Value [Axis] Debt-to-Value [Axis] Purchases of fixed maturity securities Payments to Acquire Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Purchases (5) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Purchases Other revenues Other adjustments to net income (loss) Net other revenues Other Income Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred [Abstract] Policyholder benefits and claims: Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred [Abstract] Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Offsetting Assets [Line Items] Offsetting [Abstract] Reinsurance Disclosure [Line Items] Reinsurance Disclosure [Line Items] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- At Annuitization Annuitization Benefit [Member] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Total stockholder’s equity Beginning Balance Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Separate account liabilities Separate Account, Liability Information Regarding Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs And Value Of Business Acquired By Segment [Table Text Block] Carrying (unamortized) amount as of the balance sheet date of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired (also called present value of future profits) by segment. DAC Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost Deposit Contracts, Liabilities Deposit Contracts, Liabilities Expiration Date By Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Expiration Date By Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Expiration date by type of deferred tax assets. Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables Receivables, Fair Value Disclosure Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity Liabilities and Equity Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Balance beginning of period Balance end of period Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Income Tax Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability), Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Amounts allocated from: Future policy benefits Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Allocated From Insurance Liability Loss Recognition This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) allocated from insurance liability loss recognition. Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Financing receivable, net of allowance for credit losses Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Direct universal life and investment-type product policy fees Direct Insurance Commissions And Fees Universal life and investment-type product policy fees for all insurance before adding amounts assumed from other insurers or subtracting amounts ceded to other insurers. Deferred income tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Insurance liabilities comprised of future policy benefits, policyholder account balances and other policy-related balances Insurance Liabilities Comprised Of Future Policy Benefits, Policyholder Account Balances And Other Policy-Related Balances The liability as of the balance sheet date to policyholders pertaining to insured events for long-duration contracts, deposits held under the terms of insurance contracts and for funds held that are returnable under the terms of insurance contracts that were not separately reported. Also includes unearned premiums and negative value of business acquired. Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Financial Instrument Income Producing Status [Axis] Financial Instrument Income Producing Status [Axis] Information by category of income producing or non-income producing status of financial instruments. Dividends paid Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Liabilities Liabilities: Liabilities [Abstract] Mortgage loans (net of allowance for credit losses of $2 and $3, respectively) Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net Ceded Credit Risk [Table] Ceded Credit Risk [Table] Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Interest rate derivatives Interest rate Interest Rate Contract [Member] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Nonperformance risk spread Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] Future Policy Benefit Liabilities and Policyholder Account Balances Liability for Future Policy Benefit [Policy Text Block] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Debt Service Coverage [Axis] Debt Service Coverage [Axis] Debt Service Coverage Ratio By Range Axis. SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items] Amortized cost, due after ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 10 Amortized cost, due after one year through five years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year One Through Five Expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses [Abstract] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Other invested assets Other invested assets [Member] Other invested assets. Schedules of statutory net income, capital and surplus and reserve strengthening by subsidiary Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure [Table Text Block] Effects of Reinsurance [Table] Effects of Reinsurance [Table] Corporate & Other Corporate and Other [Member] Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Gross investment income Gross Investment Income, Operating Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Net Investment Income [Line Items] Net Investment Income [Line Items] Equity derivatives Equity Contract [Member] Subtotal Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Subtotal Of Allocated Amounts This item presents the subtotal of unrealized investment gains (losses) related to allocated amounts. Financing receivable, originated four years before latest FY Financing Receivable, Year Five, Originated, Four Years before Current Fiscal Year Stockholder’s Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Life insurance in-force, gross amount SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Life Insurance in Force, Gross Liabilities Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] 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. Statutory net income (loss) Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Sales (5) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Sales Financing receivable, originated in current FY Financing Receivable, Year One, Originated, Current Fiscal Year Financial Instrument Income Producing Status [Domain] Financial Instrument Income Producing Status [Domain] [Domain] for Information by category of income producing or non-income producing status of financial instruments. Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Mortgage loans Mortgages [Member] Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to: Deferred income tax benefit (expense) Income Tax Expense On Change In Unrealized Gain Or (Loss) This item represents the tax effects occurring during the period which are related to the net unrealized gain (loss) resulting from changes in the fair [carrying] value during the period of available-for-sale securities and from changes in certain insurance related assets and liabilities. Such tax affects would have been charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income or to related components of shareholders' equity. Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity Securities Proceeds From Sales Or Disposals Of Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities And Components Of Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities Net Investment Gains And Losses [Table Text Block] This table presents the proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains and losses. Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Product and Service [Domain] Insurance Product Line [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Domain] Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Domain] Other Income Ceded Reinsurance ceded Other Income Ceded Fees, commissions and other revenues ceded to other insurers as a result of reinsurance agreements. Spinoff [Member] Spinoff [Member] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Life insurance in-force, net amount SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance, Life Insurance in Force, Net Net Investment Income (1) SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income Reinsurance Retention Policy, Amount Retained Reinsurance Retention Policy, Amount Retained Deferred Sales Inducements Sales Inducements to Contract Holders, Policy [Policy Text Block] Current and Deferred: Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net investment gains (losses), fixed maturity securities Gain (Loss) on Sale of Debt Investments Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Common Stock Distribution by Parent Common Stock Distribution by Parent Percentage of common stock that parent intends to distribute Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Debt instrument, stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Fixed maturity securities in continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss Variable Annuity Variable Annuity Guarantees Variable Annuity [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Text Block] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Table] Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Table] Financing receivable, before allowance for credit losses Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss Reinsurance Retention Policy, Reinsured Risk, Percentage Reinsurance Retention Policy, Reinsured Risk, Percentage Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (3) (4) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Separate account value Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Separate Account Value Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Guarantees Related to Annuity, Universal and Variable Life Contracts Schedule of Net Amount of Risk by Product and Guarantee [Table Text Block] 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) Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] 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. All other amortization Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Other Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Income tax expense benefit continuing operations income tax reconciliation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Financing receivable, originated in FY before latest FY Financing Receivable, Year Two, Originated, Fiscal Year before Current Fiscal Year Reinsurance Policy [Domain] Reinsurance Policy [Domain] MetLife Investment Management, LLC Metlife Investment Management, LLC [Member] Metlife Investment Management, LLC (formerly known as MetLife Investment Advisors, LLC) Liabilities for Guarantees Schedule of Minimum Guaranteed Benefit Liabilities [Table Text Block] Direct policyholder benefits and claims Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Direct Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] 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. Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items] Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Net Embedded Derivatives Net Embedded Derivatives (2) Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Financing receivable, before allowance for credit losses as a percentage of financing receivable, net of allowance for credit losses Notes Receivable Gross As Percentage Of Notes Receivable Net Ratio with notes receivable gross in numerator and notes receivable net in the denominator. See NotesReceivableGross for definition of notes receivable gross. See NotesReceivableNet for definition of notes receivable net. Direct premiums Direct Premiums Earned Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities, Offset Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities, Offset Amount of obligation to return securities collateral under master netting arrangements offset against derivative assets. Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Net cash paid (received) for interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities 2035-2039 Expiration Period Fourth Four Years By Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Expiration period for the fourth four years by deferred tax asset type. Derivative Liability, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Derivative Liability, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction Equity index options Equity Option [Member] Other Expenses Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block] Future Policy Benefits and Other Policy-Related Balances Supplementary Insurance Information Future Policy Benefits Other Policy Related Balances And Policyholder Dividend Obligation The sum of the following as of the balance sheet date: 1) The known and estimated amounts payable as of the balance sheet date to policyholders pertaining to insured events for long-duration contracts, which can be viewed as either (a) the present value of future benefits to be paid to or on behalf of policyholders and expenses less the present value of future net premiums payable under the insurance contracts or (b) the accumulated amount of net premiums already collected less the accumulated amount of benefits and expenses already paid to or on behalf of policyholders, 2) The liability to the policyholders for funds held that are returnable under the terms of insurance contracts that were not separately reported and 3) The excess of the cumulative actual closed block earnings over the cumulative expected (actuarially determined) closed block earnings (each) for the period from the actuarial calculation date to the date of measurement. The excess will result in future dividends to closed block policyholders, unless offset by less favorable than expected future performance of the closed block. The policyholder dividend obligation, which may not have a negative balance, recognizes that a portion of earnings in certain cases will not inure to the stockholders of the insurance entity. Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Total revenues Total revenues Revenues Transfers out of Level 3 (6) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Schedule of Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks [Table] Schedule of Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks [Table] Schedule of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive loss OCI, Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Gain (Loss), before Adjustment and Tax [Abstract] Provision for income tax expense (benefit) Income tax (expense) benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Investment Income [Table] Investment Income [Table] Net cash paid (received) for income tax Income Taxes Paid, Net Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Lapse rates Measurement Input, Lapse Rate [Member] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Domain] Guaranteed Insurance Contract, Type of Guarantee [Domain] Total liabilities Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity securities Proceeds from Sale of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Amounts reclassified from AOCI Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Deferred tax assets and liabilities [Abstract] Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Guarantees [Abstract] Guarantees [Abstract] Bond Bond Funds [Member] Bond funds. Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Total account value (3) Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, General Account Value Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Mortgage Loan Commitments Loan Origination Commitments [Member] Tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Amount Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Abstract] SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Abstract] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Insurance Liabilities [Line Items] Insurance Liabilities [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Change in other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] 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. Derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Accrued investment income Accrued Investment Income Receivable Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] Net Derivative Gain Loss. Capitalizations Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Capitalization Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest 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) Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Reinsurance ceded Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Ceded Maximum Maximum [Member] Net investment gains (losses) (Gains) losses on investments, net Net investment gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Investments Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items] Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items] Dividends paid to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Retained Earnings (Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] Related Party Transactions, By Related Party [Abstract] Related Party Transactions, By Related Party [Abstract] Related Party Transactions, By Related Party [Abstract] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Balance at January 1, Balance at December 31, Deferred Sale Inducement Cost Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period Fair Value, Asset, Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Total premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues Insurance Services Revenue Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Other Other General and Administrative Expense Interest revenue Interest Revenue (Expense), Net Liabilities for indemnities, guarantees and commitments Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Offsetting Liabilities Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment, Category [Domain] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] All other corporate bonds Other Corporate Bonds [Member] Financing receivable, originated three years before latest FY Financing Receivable, Year Four, Originated, Three Years before Current Fiscal Year Rollforward of the Allowance for Credit Losses for Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block] Redeemable preferred stock Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] Corporate (1) Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of year Unrealized investment gains (losses), end of year Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Attributable To Company This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to the Company. Commitments to Fund Private Corporate Bond Investments Commitments to Extend Credit [Member] Revenue from Related Parties Revenue from Related Parties Estimated fair value of derivatives in a net liability position (1) Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Direct index-linked annuities Direct index-linked annuities [Member] Direct index-linked annuities Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Ceded Credit Risk, Unsecured Ceded Credit Risk, Unsecured [Member] GMDBs In the Event of Death Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit [Member] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosure [Line Items] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Recurring Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Net Amount at Risk, by Product and Guarantee [Table] Net Amount at Risk, by Product and Guarantee [Table] Premiums Net premiums Premiums, net amount Premiums Earned, Net Transfers into Level 3 (6) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3 Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities by Sector Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items] Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items] DAC Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value Short-term Investments