Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) Segment	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of segments \| Segment	5
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 898,764	$ 877,933
Percent of total assets from Japan operations	10.00%	10.00%
Assets of disposed subsidiary	$ 216,983	$ 216,437
Japan
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 98,000	$ 90,000
Assets, Total \| Geographic Concentration Risk \| Japan
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percent of total assets from Japan operations	11.00%	10.00%
Brighthouse Financial, INC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets of disposed subsidiary	$ 216,983	$ 216,437

Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.

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