Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $66,992 and $63,083, respectively; allowance for credit losses of $3 and $0, respectively)	$ 78,139	$ 69,977
Equity securities, at estimated fair value	114	147
Mortgage loans (net of allowance for credit losses of $90 and $64, respectively)	15,659	15,664
Policy loans	879	875
Limited partnerships and limited liability companies	2,561	2,379
Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value	3,341	1,482
Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value (net of allowance for credit losses of $13 and $0, respectively)	5,044	3,224
Total investments	105,737	93,748
Cash and cash equivalents	5,663	2,493
Accrued investment income	759	663
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	15,542	14,287
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	4,122	4,809
Current income tax recoverable	0	21
Other assets	382	464
Separate account assets	95,955	99,668
Total assets	228,160	216,153
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	44,322	39,081
Policyholder account balances	52,294	45,121
Other policy related balances	2,808	2,801
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	6,970	4,374
Long-term and short-term debt	843	844
Accrued Income Taxes	50	0
Deferred income tax liability	1,666	1,301
Other liabilities	4,019	4,484
Separate account liabilities	95,955	99,668
Total liabilities	208,927	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)	(4,738)	(3,899)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	5,108	3,215
Total Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s stockholder’s equity	19,218	18,464
Noncontrolling interests	15	15
Total equity	19,233	18,479
Total liabilities and equity	$ 228,160	$ 216,153