Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $58,599 and $57,289, respectively,)	$ 63,333	$ 59,899
Equity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (cost: $212 and $280, respectively)	232	300
Mortgage loans (net of valuation allowances of $46 and $40, respectively; includes $115 and $136, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)	10,640	9,290
Policy loans	1,106	1,093
Real estate joint ventures	433	215
Other limited partnership interests	1,667	1,639
Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value (includes $0 and $344, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	269	1,272
Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value	2,448	5,029
Total investments	80,128	78,737
Cash and cash equivalents, principally at estimated fair value(includes $0 and $3,078, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	1,363	5,057
Accrued investment income (includes $1 and $1, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	575	668
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	12,918	13,853
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	5,623	6,339
Current income tax recoverable	735	736
Other assets	547	689
Separate account assets	110,156	105,346
Total assets	212,045	211,425
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	35,715	32,752
Policyholder account balances	37,069	36,579
Other policy-related balances	2,720	2,712
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	4,158	7,371
Long-term debt (includes $11 and $23, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)	46	1,904
Deferred income tax liability	894	2,451
Other liabilities (includes $0 and $1, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	4,419	5,445
Separate account liabilities	110,156	105,346
Total liabilities	195,177	194,560
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 14)
Equity
Common stock, par value $25,000 per share; 4,000 shares authorized; 3,000 shares issued and outstanding	75	75
Additional paid-in capital	19,073	18,461
Retained earnings (deficit)	(4,132)	(2,919)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,837	1,248
Total Brighthouse Life Insurance Company's stockholder's equity	16,853	16,865
Noncontrolling interests	15	0
Total equity	16,868	16,865
Total liabilities and equity	$ 212,045	$ 211,425