Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (735)	$ 870	$ (378)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of related offsets	3,209	(1,165)	336
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	(19)	25	(175)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	12	(4)	10
Defined benefit plans adjustment	(10)	7	(19)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax	3,192	(1,137)	152
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	(668)	256	259
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	2,524	(881)	411
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,789	(11)	33
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of income tax	5	5	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.	$ 1,784	$ (16)	$ 33