Goodwill (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 9,220	$ 9,477	$ 9,872	$ 10,542
Impairment (5)	(260)	0	0
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	(2,128)	(1,868)	(1,868)	(1,868)
Goodwill Disposition	42		70
MetLife Assurance Limited
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Disposition		60
Japan
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	4,400	4,300	4,400
Corporate & Other
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	0	42	42	42
Impairment (5)	0
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	0	0	0
Goodwill Disposition	42		0
MetLife Holdings
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	887	887	887	887
Impairment (5)	0
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	(680)	(680)	(680)	(680)
Goodwill Disposition	0		0
Brighthouse Financial
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	0	260	260	320
Impairment (5)	(260)
Goodwill, impairment loss, net of tax	223
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	(1,448)	(1,188)	(1,188)	$ (1,188)
Goodwill Disposition	0		60
Parent Company
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment (5)	(147)	$ 0	$ 0
Parent Company | Brighthouse Financial
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Reduction Of Accumulated Impairment	$ 147