Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Mar. 02, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Annual Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2021
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity File Number	033-03094
Entity Central Index Key	0000733076
Entity Registrant Name	Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	06-0566090
Entity Address, Address Line One	11225 North Community House Road
Entity Address, City or Town	Charlotte
Entity Address, State or Province	NC
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	28277
City Area Code	980
Local Phone Number	365-7100
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 0
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		3,000