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The cash inflow provided by derivative instruments during the period, which are classified as investing activities, including both hedging and non-hedging instruments.

No definition available.

Name:	bhl_Cashreceivedinconnectionwithfreestandingderivatives
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Period Type:	duration

The net realized (gain) loss on derivatives settled during the period, net.

No definition available.

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Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The net cash outflow (inflow) from other investing activities including derivative instruments, leveraged leases and other invested assets.

No definition available.

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions.

No definition available.

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The cash inflow from an entity that is affiliated with the entity by means of direct or indirect ownership that is associated with the sale of joint venture interest.

No definition available.

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Reduction of other invested assets in connection with a sale of operating joint venture interest to an affiliate

No definition available.

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Reduction of other invested assets in connection with reinsurance transactions.

No definition available.

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Reduction of policyholder account balances in connection with a reinsurance transactions

No definition available.

Name:	bhl_Reductionofpolicyholderaccountbalancesinconnectionwithareinsurancetransactions
Namespace Prefix:	bhl_
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Amount of other increase (decrease) in additional paid in capital (APIC) due to a return of capital

No definition available.

Name:	bhl_Returnsofcapital
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Value of short-term investments transferred from the entity's affiliates in noncash transactions.

No definition available.

Name:	bhl_TransferofShortTermInvestmentsFromAffiliates
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Value of mortgages transferred from the entity's affiliates in noncash transactions.

No definition available.

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The sum of the periodic adjustments of the differences between securities' face values and purchase prices that are charged against earnings. This is called accretion if the security was purchased at a discount and amortization if it was purchased at premium. As a noncash item, this element is an adjustment to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method.

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No definition available.

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Amount of cash and cash equivalents, and cash and cash equivalents restricted to withdrawal or usage. Excludes amount for disposal group and discontinued operations. Cash includes, but is not limited to, currency on hand, demand deposits with banks or financial institutions, and other accounts with general characteristics of demand deposits. Cash equivalents include, but are not limited to, short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates.

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Amount of increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents, and cash and cash equivalents restricted to withdrawal or usage; excluding effect from exchange rate change. Cash includes, but is not limited to, currency on hand, demand deposits with banks or financial institutions, and other accounts with general characteristics of demand deposits. Cash equivalents include, but are not limited to, short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates.

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No definition available.

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Amount of realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment.

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Amount of loss from the write-down of an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized.

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Name:	us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
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This element represents the undistributed income (or loss) of equity method investments, net of dividends or other distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures, and certain noncontrolled corporations; such investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. This element excludes distributions that constitute a return of investment, which are classified as investing activities.

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The amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income, net of any cash received during the current period as refunds for the overpayment of taxes.

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The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the amount due from customers for the credit sale of goods and services; includes accounts receivable and other types of receivables.