Investments (Net Investment Gains Losses - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains (losses) from foreign currency transactions	$ (14)	$ 40	$ (77)	$ 398
Gain (Loss) on Sales of Loans, Net	29	(41)	3	(197)
Non-investment portfolio gains (losses) (3)(4)(5)	(1,081)	161	(1,091)	549
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Debt Investments	284	$ 129	325	455
Brighthouse Financial, Inc
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sales of Loans, Net	47		47
Non-investment portfolio gains (losses) (3)(4)(5)	(1,016)		(1,016)
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Debt Investments	276		276
Investments Sold [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	103			$ 103
FVO Common Stock [Member] | Brighthouse Financial, Inc
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Non-investment portfolio gains (losses) (3)(4)(5)	$ (45)		$ (45)