Equity (Captive Dividend Restrictions - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts Receivable
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Payments of Dividends	$ 400	$ 177
Invested Assets
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Payments of Dividends	197	423
Cash
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Payments of Dividends	3
Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Payments of Dividends			$ 0
Preferred Stock [Member] | Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Payments of Dividends	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1