Other Expenses (Other Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Expenses [Line Items]
Compensation	$ 4,785	$ 4,938	$ 4,894
Pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit costs	415	400	473
Commissions	4,311	4,517	5,153
Volume-related costs	934	1,002	859
Capitalization of DAC	(3,589)	(3,837)	(4,183)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA	2,641	3,936	4,132
Amortization of negative VOBA	(269)	(361)	(442)
Interest expense on debt	1,201	1,208	1,216
Premium taxes, licenses and fees	750	766	801
Professional services	1,550	1,511	1,457
Rent and related expenses, net of sublease income	364	328	361
Other	1,976	2,361	2,370
Total other expenses (2)	15,069	16,769	17,091
Brighthouse Financial
Other Expenses [Line Items]
Amortization of DAC and VOBA	(192)	$ 737	$ 1,150
Total other expenses (2)	$ 212