Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $65,424 and $63,083, respectively; allowance for credit losses of $4 and $0, respectively)	$ 75,605	$ 69,977
Equity securities, at estimated fair value	129	147
Mortgage loans (net of allowance for credit losses of $92 and $64, respectively)	15,703	15,664
Policy loans	791	875
Limited partnerships and limited liability companies	2,352	2,379
Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value	3,592	1,482
Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value (net of allowance for credit losses of $13 and $0, respectively)	6,365	3,224
Total investments	104,537	93,748
Cash and cash equivalents	6,918	2,493
Accrued investment income	643	663
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	14,779	14,287
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	4,277	4,809
Current income tax recoverable	18	21
Other assets	431	464
Separate account assets	92,698	99,668
Total assets	224,301	216,153
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	41,597	39,081
Policyholder account balances	49,837	45,121
Other policy related balances	2,858	2,801
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	7,853	4,374
Long-term and short-term debt	843	844
Deferred income tax liability	2,392	1,301
Other liabilities	4,322	4,484
Separate account liabilities	92,698	99,668
Total liabilities	202,400	197,674
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 10)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common stock, par value $25,000 per share; 4,000 shares authorized; 3,000 shares issued and outstanding	75	75
Additional paid-in capital	18,773	19,073
Retained earnings (deficit)	(1,572)	(3,899)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	4,610	3,215
Total Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s stockholder’s equity	21,886	18,464
Noncontrolling interests	15	15
Total equity	21,901	18,479
Total liabilities and equity	$ 224,301	$ 216,153