Brighthouse Financial (BHF) 10-Q 7 Aug 18 2018 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Aug. 07, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	BRIGHTHOUSE FINANCIAL, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,685,040
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 0
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		119,782,668

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $60,081 and $60,173, respectively)	$ 62,343	$ 64,991
Equity securities, at estimated fair value (cost: $140 and $142, respectively)	153	161
Mortgage loans (net of valuation allowances of $51 and $47, respectively; includes $96 and $115, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)	12,337	10,742
Policy loans	1,458	1,523
Real estate joint ventures	449	433
Other limited partnership interests	1,706	1,669
Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value	177	312
Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value	2,305	2,507
Total investments	80,928	82,338
Cash and cash equivalents, principally at estimated fair value	2,135	1,857
Accrued investment income (includes $0 and $1, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	607	601
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	13,593	13,525
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	5,968	6,286
Current income tax recoverable	814	740
Other assets	580	588
Separate account assets	111,587	118,257
Total assets	216,212	224,192
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	35,816	36,616
Policyholder account balances	38,407	37,783
Other policy-related balances	2,941	2,985
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	4,265	4,169
Long-term debt (includes $5 and $11, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)	3,607	3,612
Deferred income tax liability	684	927
Other liabilities	5,405	5,263
Separate account liabilities	111,587	118,257
Total liabilities	202,712	209,612
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 11)
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity:
Common stock par value $0.01 per share; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 119,773,106 shares issued and outstanding	1	1
Additional paid-in capital	12,444	12,432
Retained earnings	175	406
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	815	1,676
Total Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	13,435	14,515
Noncontrolling interests	65	65
Total equity	13,500	14,580
Total liabilities and equity	$ 216,212	$ 224,192

Consolidated Balance Sheets (U3

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 60,081	$ 60,173
Cost of equity securities available-for-sale	140	142
Mortgage loans valuation allowances	51	47
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	12,337	10,742
Accrued investment income relating to variable interest entities	607	601
Liabilities
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	$ 3,607	$ 3,612
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	119,773,106	119,773,106
Common stock, shares outstanding	119,773,106	119,773,106
Variable interest entities
Assets
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	$ 96	$ 115
Accrued investment income relating to variable interest entities	0	1
Liabilities
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	$ 5	$ 11

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ (2.01)		$ (2.56)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ (2.01)		$ (2.56)
Revenues
Premiums	$ 223	$ 218	$ 452	$ 394
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees	962	957	1,964	1,910
Net investment income	806	766	1,623	1,548
Other revenues	98	162	203	236
Net investment gains (losses)
Total net investment gains (losses)	(75)	0	(79)	(55)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(312)	(78)	(646)	(1,043)
Total revenues	1,702	2,025	3,517	2,990
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims	813	785	1,551	1,649
Interest credited to policyholder account balances	269	284	536	559
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	246	21	551	(127)
Other expenses	691	614	1,309	1,178
Total expenses	2,019	1,704	3,947	3,259
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	(317)	321	(430)	(269)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(79)	75	(127)	(166)
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(238)	246	(303)	(103)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1	0	3	0
Net income (loss)	(239)	246	(306)	(103)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(161)	634	(1,088)	526
Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)	1	0	3	0
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ (160)	$ 634	$ (1,085)	$ 526
Pro Forma
Earnings Per Share, Basic		$ 2.05		$ (0.86)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted		$ 2.05		$ (0.86)

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Shareholder's net investment [Member]	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest	Restatement Adjustment [Member]	Restatement Adjustment [Member]Shareholder's net investment [Member]	Restatement Adjustment [Member]Common Stock	Restatement Adjustment [Member]Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Restatement Adjustment [Member]Retained Earnings [Member]	Restatement Adjustment [Member]Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Restatement Adjustment [Member]Parent [Member]	Restatement Adjustment [Member]Noncontrolling Interest
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 14,862							$ 0
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2016		$ 13,597	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,265	$ 14,862
Change in shareholders Net Investment	1,027	1,027					1,027
Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)	50							50
Net income (loss)	(103)	(103)					(103)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(103)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	629					629	629
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2017		14,521	0	0	0	1,894	16,415
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	16,465							50
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	14,580							65	$ 14,576							$ 65
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets						(79)
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	14,515	0	1	12,432	406	1,676	14,515			$ 0	$ 1	$ 12,432	$ 481	$ 1,597	$ 14,511
Share-based compensation	12			12			12
Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)	(3)						0	(3)
Net income (loss)	(306)				(306)		(306)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	3							3
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(303)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	(782)					(782)	(782)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2018	13,435	$ 0	$ 1	$ 12,444	175	815	13,435
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	13,500							$ 65
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets	$ (4)				$ 75	$ (79)	$ (4)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ 1,017	$ 1,325
Cash flows from investing activities
Sales, maturities and repayments of fixed maturity securities	7,601	6,909
Sales, maturities and repayments of equity securities	12	40
Sales, maturities and repayments of mortgage loans	299	369
Sales, maturities and repayments of real estate and real estate joint ventures	82	12
Sales, maturities and repayments of other limited partnership interests	75	152
Purchases of fixed maturity securities	(7,394)	(7,531)
Purchases of equity securities	(1)	(2)
Purchases of mortgage loans	(1,916)	(1,196)
Purchases of real estate and real estate joint ventures	(27)	(92)
Purchases of other limited partnership interests	(99)	(109)
Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives	722	1,768
Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives	(1,570)	(2,721)
Net change in policy loans	65	4
Net change in short-term investments	135	43
Net change in other invested assets	(7)	(9)
Other, net	0	2
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(2,023)	(2,361)
Cash flows from financing activities
Policyholder account balances: Deposits	3,018	2,210
Policyholder account balances: Withdrawals	(1,567)	(1,591)
Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	96	(196)
Long-term debt issued	0	2,988
Long-term debt repaid	(6)	(7)
Collateral financing arrangements repaid	0	(2,797)
Cash received from MetLife, Inc. in connection with shareholder's net investment	0	293
Cash paid to MetLife, Inc. in connection with shareholder's net investment	0	(668)
Financing element on certain derivative instruments and other derivative related transactions, net	(226)	46
Other, net	(31)	(27)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,284	251
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	278	(785)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	1,857	5,228
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	2,135	4,443
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Net cash paid (received) for interest	80	89
Net cash paid (received) for income tax	3	45
Non-cash transactions:
Transfer of fixed maturity securities to former affiliates	0	293
Reduction of policyholder account balances in connection with reinsurance transactions	$ 0	$ 293

Business, Basis of Presentation

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Business “Brighthouse” and the “Company” refer to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Brighthouse Financial, Inc. is a holding company formed to own the legal entities that historically operated a substantial portion of the former Retail segment of MetLife, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “MetLife”). Brighthouse Financial, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware on August 1, 2016 in preparation for MetLife, Inc.’s separation of a substantial portion of its former Retail segment, as well as certain portions of its Corporate Benefit Funding segment (the “Separation”), which was completed on August 4, 2017. In connection with the Separation, 80.8% of MetLife, Inc.’s interest in Brighthouse Financial, Inc. was distributed to holders of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock and MetLife, Inc. retained the remaining 19.2% . On June 14, 2018, MetLife, Inc. divested its remaining shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock (the “MetLife Divestiture”). As a result, MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates are no longer considered related parties subsequent to the MetLife Divestiture. The Company offers a range of individual annuities and individual life insurance products. The Company reports results through three segments: Annuities, Life and Run-off. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results in Corporate & Other. Basis of Presentation The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported on the interim condensed consolidated and combined financial statements. In applying these policies and estimates, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to the Company’s business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Consolidation The financial statements presented in this quarterly report for periods on or after the Separation are presented on a consolidated basis and include the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as well as partnerships and joint ventures in which the Company has control, and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company uses the equity method of accounting for equity securities when it has significant influence or at least 20% interest and for real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests (“investee”) when it has more than a minor ownership interest or more than a minor influence over the investee’s operations. The Company generally recognizes its share of the investee’s earnings on a three-month lag in instances where the investee’s financial information is not sufficiently timely or when the investee’s reporting period differs from the Company’s reporting period. When the Company has virtually no influence over the investee’s operations, the investment is carried at fair value. Combination The financial statements for the periods prior to the Separation are presented on a combined basis and reflect the historical combined results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The combined statement of operations reflects certain corporate expenses allocated to the Company by MetLife for certain corporate functions and for shared services provided by MetLife. These expenses have been allocated to the Company based on direct usage or benefit where specifically identifiable, with the remainder allocated based upon other reasonable allocation measures. The Company considers the expense methodology and results to be reasonable for all periods presented. See Note 12 for further information on expenses allocated by MetLife. The Company previously recorded affiliated transactions with certain MetLife subsidiaries which were not included in the combined financial statements of the Company. The income tax amounts in these combined financial statements have been calculated based on a modified separate return methodology, with benefits for losses, and presented as if each company was a separate taxpayer in its respective jurisdiction. The historical financial results in the combined financial statements presented may not be indicative of the results that would have been achieved by the Company had it operated as a separate, stand-alone entity during the periods presented. The combined financial statements presented do not reflect any changes that may occur in the Company’s financing and operations in connection with or as a result of the Separation. Management believes that the combined financial statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the business. Reclassifications Certain amounts in the prior year periods’ interim condensed consolidated and combined financial statements and related footnotes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the 2018 presentation as discussed throughout the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. Additionally, effective January 1, 2018 the Company recorded an increase to other liabilities of $46 million , a decrease to deferred tax liabilities of $22 million , a decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) of $64 million , and an increase to retained earnings of $40 million , to reflect an adjustment, net of tax, to prior year accretion of certain investments in redeemable preferred stock. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated and combined financial statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented in conformity with GAAP. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance. The December 31, 2017 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “2017 Annual Report”), which include all disclosures required by GAAP. Therefore, these interim condensed consolidated and combined financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated and combined financial statements of the Company included in the 2017 Annual Report. Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements Changes to GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of accounting standards updates (“ASUs”) to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. The following table provides a description of new ASUs issued by the FASB and the expected impact of the adoption on the Company’s financial statements. ASUs adopted as of June 30, 2018 are summarized in the table below. Standard Description Effective Date Impact on Financial Statements ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities The new guidance changes the current accounting guidance related to (i) the classification and measurement of certain equity investments, (ii) the presentation of changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option (“FVO”) that are due to instrument-specific credit risk, and (iii) certain disclosures associated with the fair value of financial instruments. Additionally, there will no longer be a requirement to assess equity securities for impairment since such securities will be measured at fair value through net income. January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method The Company 1) reclassified net unrealized gains related to equity securities previously classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) from AOCI to retained earnings and 2) increased the carrying value of equity investments previously accounted for under the cost method to estimated fair value. The cumulative effect of the adoption is a net increase to retained earnings of $38 million and a net decrease of $15 million to AOCI, after taxes. ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) For those contracts that are impacted, the guidance will require an entity to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled, in exchange for those goods or services. January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method The adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements other than expanded disclosures in Note 9. ASUs issued but not yet adopted as of June 30, 2018 are summarized in the table below. Standard Description Effective Date Impact on Financial Statements ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities The amendments to Topic 815 (i) refine and expand the criteria for achieving hedge accounting on certain hedging strategies, (ii) require the earnings effect of the hedging instrument be presented in the same line item in which the earnings effect of the hedged item is reported, and (iii) eliminate the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. January 1, 2019 using modified retrospective method (with early adoption permitted) The Company does not expect a material impact on its financial statements from adoption of the new guidance. ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments The amendments to Topic 326 replace the incurred loss impairment methodology for certain financial instruments with one that reflects expected credit losses based on historical loss information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The new guidance also requires that an other-than- temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on a debt security will be recognized as an allowance going forward, such that improvements in expected future cash flows after an impairment will no longer be reflected as a prospective yield adjustment through net investment income, but rather a reversal of the previous impairment and recognized through realized investment gains and losses. January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method (with early adoption permitted beginning January 1, 2019) The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its financial statements, with the most significant impact expected to be earlier recognition of credit losses on mortgage loan investments. ASU 2016-02, Leases - Topic 842 The new guidance will require a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Leases would be classified as finance or operating leases and both types of leases will be recognized on the balance sheet. Lessor accounting will remain largely unchanged from current guidance except for certain targeted changes. The amendments also require new qualitative and quantitative disclosures. January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method (with early adoption permitted) The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its financial statements, with the most significant impact expected to be a gross-up of certain lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.

Segment Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	2. Segment Information The Company is organized into three segments: Annuities; Life; and Run-off. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other. Annuities The Annuities segment consists of a variety of variable, fixed, index-linked and income annuities designed to address contract holders’ needs for protected wealth accumulation on a tax-deferred basis, wealth transfer and income security. Life The Life segment consists of insurance products and services, including term, whole, universal and variable life products designed to address policyholders’ needs for financial security and protected wealth transfer, which may be provided on a tax-advantaged basis. Run-off The Run-off segment consists of products no longer actively sold and which are separately managed, including structured settlements, pension risk transfer contracts, certain company-owned life insurance policies, funding agreements and universal life with secondary guarantees. Corporate & Other Corporate & Other contains the excess capital not allocated to the segments and interest expense related to the majority of the Company’s outstanding debt, as well as expenses associated with certain legal proceedings and income tax audit issues. Corporate & Other also includes the elimination of intersegment amounts, long term care and workers compensation business reinsured through 100% quota share reinsurance agreements, and term life insurance sold direct to consumers, which is no longer being offered for new sales. Financial Measures and Segment Accounting Policies Adjusted earnings is a financial measure used by management to evaluate performance, allocate resources and facilitate comparisons to industry results. Consistent with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, adjusted earnings is also used to measure segment performance. The Company believes the presentation of adjusted earnings, as the Company measures it for management purposes, enhances the understanding of its performance by the investor community. Adjusted earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders, and excludes net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests. Adjusted earnings, which may be positive or negative, focuses on the Company’s primary businesses principally by excluding the impact of market volatility, which could distort trends, as well as businesses that have been or will be sold or exited by the Company, referred to as divested businesses. The following are the significant items excluded from total revenues, net of income tax, in calculating adjusted earnings: • Net investment gains (losses); • Net derivative gains (losses) except earned income on derivatives and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments or that are used to replicate certain investments, but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment; and • Amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and certain variable annuity guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIBs”) fees (“GMIB Fees”). The following are the significant items excluded from total expenses, net of income tax, in calculating adjusted earnings: • Amounts associated with benefits and hedging costs related to GMIBs (“GMIB Costs”); • Amounts associated with periodic crediting rate adjustments based on the total return of a contractually referenced pool of assets and market value adjustments associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts (“Market Value Adjustments”); and • Amortization of deferred policy acquisition cost (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”) related to: (i) net investment gains (losses), (ii) net derivative gains (losses), (iii) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs and (iv) Market Value Adjustments. The tax impact of the adjustments mentioned above are calculated net of the U.S. statutory tax rate, which could differ from the Company’s effective tax rate. Set forth in the tables below is certain financial information with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 and at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . The segment accounting policies are the same as those used to prepare the Company’s condensed consolidated and combined financial statements, except for the adjustments to calculate adjusted earnings described above. In addition, segment accounting policies include the methods of capital allocation described below. Beginning in the first quarter of 2018, the Company changed the methodology for how capital is allocated to segments and, in some cases, products (the “Portfolio Realignment”). Segment investment and capitalization targets are now based on statutory oriented risk principles and metrics. Segment invested assets backing liabilities are based on net statutory liabilities plus excess capital. For the variable annuity business, the excess capital held is based on the target statutory total asset requirement consistent with the Company’s variable annuity risk management strategy discussed in the 2017 Annual Report. For insurance businesses other than variable annuities, excess capital held is based on a percentage of required statutory risk-based capital. Assets in excess of those allocated to the segments, if any, are held in Corporate & Other. Segment net investment income reflects the performance of each segment’s respective invested assets. Previously, invested assets held in the segments were based on net GAAP liabilities. Excess capital was retained in Corporate & Other and allocated to segments based on an internally developed statistics based capital model intended to capture the material risks to which the Company was exposed (referred to as “allocated equity”). Surplus assets in excess of the combined allocations to the segments were held in Corporate & Other with net investment income being credited back to the segments at a predetermined rate. Any excess or shortfall in net investment income from surplus assets was recognized in Corporate & Other. The Portfolio Realignment had no effect on the Company’s consolidated net income (loss) or adjusted earnings, but it did impact segment results for the six months ended June 30, 2018 . It was not practicable to determine the impact of the Portfolio Realignment to adjusted earnings in prior periods; however, the Company estimates that pre-tax adjusted earnings in the Life segment for the six months ended June 30, 2018 increased between $60 million and $70 million as a result of the change, with most of the offsetting impact in the Run-off segment. Impacts to the Annuities segment and Corporate & Other would not have been significantly different under the previous allocation method. In addition, the total assets recognized in the segments changed as a result of the Portfolio Realignment. Total assets (on a book value basis) in the Annuities and Life segments increased approximately $2 billion and approximately $5 billion , respectively, under the new allocation method. The Run-off segment and Corporate & Other experienced decreases in total assets of approximately $3 billion and approximately $4 billion , respectively, as a result of the Portfolio Realignment. Operating Results Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Annuities Life Run-off Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Pre-tax adjusted earnings $ 266 $ 46 $ (8 ) $ (124 ) $ 180 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 45 9 (2 ) (26 ) 26 Post-tax adjusted earnings 221 37 (6 ) (98 ) 154 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 1 1 Adjusted earnings $ 221 $ 37 $ (6 ) $ (99 ) 153 Adjustments for: Net investment gains (losses) (75 ) Net derivative gains (losses) (312 ) Other adjustments to net income (110 ) Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 105 Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.'s common shareholders $ (239 ) Interest revenue $ 376 $ 111 $ 314 $ 11 Interest expense $ — $ — $ — $ 37 Operating Results Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Annuities Life Run-off Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Pre-tax adjusted earnings $ 313 $ 23 $ 79 $ 11 $ 426 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 87 11 27 (23 ) 102 Post-tax adjusted earnings 226 12 52 34 324 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — Adjusted earnings $ 226 $ 12 $ 52 $ 34 324 Adjustments for: Net investment gains (losses) — Net derivative gains (losses) (78 ) Other adjustments to net income (27 ) Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 27 Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.'s common shareholders $ 246 Interest revenue $ 311 $ 69 $ 354 $ 58 Interest expense $ — $ — $ 8 $ 28 Operating Results Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Annuities Life Run-off Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Pre-tax adjusted earnings $ 538 $ 127 $ 55 $ (210 ) $ 510 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 91 24 11 (55 ) 71 Post-tax adjusted earnings 447 103 44 (155 ) 439 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 3 3 Adjusted earnings $ 447 $ 103 $ 44 $ (158 ) 436 Adjustments for: Net investment gains (losses) (79 ) Net derivative gains (losses) (646 ) Other adjustments to net income (215 ) Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 198 Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.'s common shareholders $ (306 ) Interest revenue $ 739 $ 219 $ 657 $ 22 Interest expense $ — $ — $ — $ 74 Operating Results Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Annuities Life Run-off Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Pre-tax adjusted earnings $ 623 $ 8 $ 153 $ 34 $ 818 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 169 3 52 (10 ) 214 Post-tax adjusted earnings 454 5 101 44 604 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — Adjusted earnings $ 454 $ 5 $ 101 $ 44 604 Adjustments for: Net investment gains (losses) (55 ) Net derivative gains (losses) (1,043 ) Other adjustments to net income 11 Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 380 Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.'s common shareholders $ (103 ) Interest revenue $ 638 $ 176 $ 712 $ 124 Interest expense $ — $ — $ 23 $ 58 The following table presents total revenues with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other: Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Annuities $ 1,146 $ 1,126 $ 2,293 $ 2,200 Life 339 305 708 595 Run-off 510 545 1,058 1,084 Corporate & Other 31 82 65 171 Adjustments (324 ) (33 ) (607 ) (1,060 ) Total $ 1,702 $ 2,025 $ 3,517 $ 2,990 The following table presents total assets with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In millions) Annuities $ 151,856 $ 154,667 Life 19,790 18,049 Run-off 32,472 36,824 Corporate & Other 12,094 14,652 Total $ 216,212 $ 224,192

Insurance

Insurance	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Insurance [Abstract]
Insurance	3. Insurance Guarantees As discussed in Notes 1 and 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report, the Company issues variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMABs”), the non-life contingent portion of guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWBs”) and the portion of certain GMIBs that do not require annuitization are accounted for as embedded derivatives in policyholder account balances and are further discussed in Note 5 . The Company also issues universal and variable life contracts where the Company contractually guarantees to the contract holder a secondary guarantee. Information regarding the Company’s guarantee exposure was as follows at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 In the Event of Death At Annuitization In the Event of Death At Annuitization (Dollars in millions) Annuity Contracts (1), (2) Variable Annuity Guarantees Total account value (3) $ 109,725 $ 63,534 $ 115,147 $ 67,110 Separate account value $ 104,555 $ 62,264 $ 109,792 $ 65,782 Net amount at risk $ 6,534 (4) $ 2,604 (5) $ 5,261 (4) $ 2,642 (5) Average attained age of contract holders 68 years 68 years 68 years 68 years June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Secondary Guarantees (Dollars in millions) Universal Life Contracts Total account value (3) $ 6,154 $ 6,244 Net amount at risk (6) $ 74,152 $ 75,304 Average attained age of policyholders 65 years 64 years Variable Life Contracts Total account value (3) $ 3,393 $ 3,379 Net amount at risk (6) $ 23,691 $ 24,546 Average attained age of policyholders 49 years 49 years __________________ (1) The Company’s annuity contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract. Therefore, the amounts listed above may not be mutually exclusive. (2) Includes direct business, but excludes offsets from hedging or reinsurance, if any. Therefore, the net amount at risk presented reflects the economic exposures of living and death benefit guarantees associated with variable annuities, but not necessarily their impact on the Company. See Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report for a discussion of guaranteed minimum benefits which have been reinsured. (3) Includes the contract holder’s investments in the general account and separate account, if applicable. (4) Defined as the death benefit less the total account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date and includes any additional contractual claims associated with riders purchased to assist with covering income taxes payable upon death. (5) Defined as the amount (if any) that would be required to be added to the total account value to purchase a lifetime income stream, based on current annuity rates, equal to the minimum amount provided under the guaranteed benefit. This amount represents the Company’s potential economic exposure to such guarantees in the event all contract holders were to annuitize on the balance sheet date, even though the contracts contain terms that allow annuitization of the guaranteed amount only after the 10th anniversary of the contract, which not all contract holders have achieved. (6) Defined as the guarantee amount less the account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date.

Investments

Investments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	4. Investments See Note 6 for information about the fair value hierarchy for investments and the related valuation methodologies. Fixed Maturity Securities AFS Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector The following table presents the fixed maturity securities AFS by sector at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Amortized Gross Unrealized Estimated Amortized Gross Unrealized Estimated Gains Temporary OTTI Gains Temporary OTTI (In millions) Fixed maturity securities: (2) U.S. corporate $ 22,965 $ 984 $ 445 $ — $ 23,504 $ 21,190 $ 1,859 $ 92 $ — $ 22,957 U.S. government and agency 11,243 1,409 194 — 12,458 14,548 1,862 118 — 16,292 RMBS 7,784 251 180 (4 ) 7,859 7,749 285 60 (3 ) 7,977 Foreign corporate 6,972 175 183 — 6,964 6,703 386 66 — 7,023 State and political subdivision 3,648 453 26 (2 ) 4,077 3,635 553 6 1 4,181 CMBS 4,099 11 88 (1 ) 4,023 3,386 53 17 (1 ) 3,423 ABS 2,074 14 5 — 2,083 1,810 21 2 — 1,829 Foreign government 1,296 105 26 — 1,375 1,152 161 4 — 1,309 Total fixed maturity securities $ 60,081 $ 3,402 $ 1,147 $ (7 ) $ 62,343 $ 60,173 $ 5,180 $ 365 $ (3 ) $ 64,991 __________________ (1) Noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI in an unrealized gain position are due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of noncredit losses on such securities. See also “— Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses).” (2) Redeemable preferred stock is reported within U.S. corporate and foreign corporate fixed maturity securities. Included within fixed maturity securities are structured securities including residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) (collectively, “Structured Securities”). The Company held non-income producing fixed maturity securities with an estimated fair value of $6 million and $4 million with unrealized gains (losses) of $2 million and ($2) million at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date, were as follows at June 30, 2018 : Due in One Year or Less Due After One Year Through Five Years Due After Five Years Through Ten Years Due After Ten Years Structured Securities Total Fixed Maturity Securities (In millions) Amortized cost $ 1,759 $ 8,553 $ 11,677 $ 24,135 $ 13,957 $ 60,081 Estimated fair value $ 1,766 $ 8,641 $ 11,570 $ 26,401 $ 13,965 $ 62,343 Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of call or prepayment options. Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been presented in the year of final contractual maturity. Structured Securities are shown separately, as they are not due at a single maturity. Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector The following table presents the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by sector and by length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Less than 12 Months Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Less than 12 Months Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses (Dollars in millions) Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ 9,676 $ 324 $ 1,264 $ 121 $ 1,783 $ 21 $ 1,451 $ 71 U.S. government and agency 2,822 64 1,318 130 4,962 38 1,573 80 RMBS 3,279 97 1,140 79 2,367 14 1,332 43 Foreign corporate 2,986 107 462 76 637 8 603 58 State and political subdivision 577 16 102 8 170 3 106 4 CMBS 2,955 67 344 20 619 6 335 10 ABS 735 4 33 1 170 — 74 2 Foreign government 502 21 87 5 155 2 69 2 Total fixed maturity securities $ 23,532 $ 700 $ 4,750 $ 440 $ 10,863 $ 92 $ 5,543 $ 270 Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position 2,799 592 911 638 Evaluation of AFS Securities for OTTI and Evaluating Temporarily Impaired AFS Securities Evaluation and Measurement Methodologies Management considers a wide range of factors about the security issuer and uses its best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in the estimated fair value of the security and in assessing the prospects for near-term recovery. Inherent in management’s evaluation of the security are assumptions and estimates about the operations of the issuer and its future earnings potential. Considerations used in the impairment evaluation process include, but are not limited to: (i) the length of time and the extent to which the estimated fair value has been below amortized cost; (ii) the potential for impairments when the issuer is experiencing significant financial difficulties; (iii) the potential for impairments in an entire industry sector or sub-sector; (iv) the potential for impairments in certain economically depressed geographic locations; (v) the potential for impairments where the issuer, series of issuers or industry has suffered a catastrophic loss or has exhausted natural resources; (vi) whether the Company has the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell a particular security before the decline in estimated fair value below amortized cost recovers; (vii) with respect to Structured Securities, changes in forecasted cash flows after considering the quality of underlying collateral, expected prepayment speeds, current and forecasted loss severity, consideration of the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security, and the payment priority within the tranche structure of the security; (viii) the potential for impairments due to weakening of foreign currencies on non-functional currency denominated fixed maturity securities that are near maturity; and (ix) other subjective factors, including concentrations and information obtained from regulators and rating agencies. Current Period Evaluation Based on the Company’s current evaluation of its AFS securities in an unrealized loss position in accordance with its impairment policy, and the Company’s current intentions and assessments (as applicable to the type of security) about holding, selling and any requirements to sell these securities, the Company concluded that these securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired at June 30, 2018 . Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities increased $778 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018 to $1.1 billion . The increase in gross unrealized losses for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was primarily attributable to increasing longer-term interest rates and widening credit spreads. At June 30, 2018 , $2 million of the total $1.1 billion of gross unrealized losses were from seven fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss position of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater. Mortgage Loans Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Carrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of Total (Dollars in millions) Mortgage loans: Commercial $ 8,085 65.5 % $ 7,260 67.5 % Agricultural 2,630 21.3 2,276 21.2 Residential 1,577 12.8 1,138 10.6 Subtotal (1) 12,292 99.6 10,674 99.3 Valuation allowances (2) (51 ) (0.4 ) (47 ) (0.4 ) Subtotal mortgage loans, net 12,241 99.2 10,627 98.9 Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO 96 0.8 115 1.1 Total mortgage loans, net $ 12,337 100.0 % $ 10,742 100.0 % __________________ (1) Purchases of mortgage loans from third parties were $518 million and $604 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018 , respectively, and $147 million and $307 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017 , respectively, and were primarily comprised of residential mortgage loans. (2) The valuation allowances were primarily from collective evaluation (non-specific loan related). See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of consolidated securitization entities (“CSEs”). Information on commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loans is presented in the tables below. Information on commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO is presented in Note 6 . The Company elects the FVO for certain commercial mortgage loans and related long-term debt that are managed on a total return basis. Valuation Allowance Methodology Mortgage loans are considered to be impaired when it is probable that, based upon current information and events, the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the loan agreement. Specific valuation allowances are established using the same methodology for all three portfolio segments as the excess carrying value of a loan over either (i) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, (ii) the estimated fair value of the loan’s underlying collateral if the loan is in the process of foreclosure or otherwise collateral dependent, or (iii) the loan’s observable market price. A common evaluation framework is used for establishing non-specific valuation allowances for all loan portfolio segments; however, a separate non-specific valuation allowance is calculated and maintained for each loan portfolio segment that is based on inputs unique to each loan portfolio segment. Non-specific valuation allowances are established for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics where a property-specific or market-specific risk has not been identified, but for which the Company expects to incur a credit loss. These evaluations are based upon several loan portfolio segment-specific factors, including the Company’s experience for loan losses, defaults and loss severity, and loss expectations for loans with similar risk characteristics. These evaluations are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans was as follows at: Recorded Investment Debt Service Coverage Ratios % of Total Estimated Fair Value % of Total > 1.20x 1.00x - 1.20x < 1.00x Total (Dollars in millions) June 30, 2018 Loan-to-value ratios: Less than 65% $ 7,086 $ 115 $ 32 $ 7,233 89.5 % $ 7,270 89.6 % 65% to 75% 612 107 82 801 9.9 798 9.8 76% to 80% 42 — 9 51 0.6 49 0.6 Total $ 7,740 $ 222 $ 123 $ 8,085 100.0 % $ 8,117 100.0 % December 31, 2017 Loan-to-value ratios: Less than 65% $ 6,194 $ 293 $ 33 $ 6,520 89.8 % $ 6,681 90.0 % 65% to 75% 642 — 14 656 9.0 658 8.9 76% to 80% 42 — 9 51 0.7 50 0.7 Greater than 80% — 9 24 33 0.5 30 0.4 Total $ 6,878 $ 302 $ 80 $ 7,260 100.0 % $ 7,419 100.0 % Credit Quality of Agricultural Mortgage Loans The credit quality of agricultural mortgage loans was as follows at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Recorded Investment % of Total Recorded Investment % of Total (Dollars in millions) Loan-to-value ratios: Less than 65% $ 2,403 91.4 % $ 2,113 92.8 % 65% to 75% 227 8.6 163 7.2 Total $ 2,630 100.0 % $ 2,276 100.0 % The estimated fair value of agricultural mortgage loans was $2.6 billion and $2.3 billion at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Credit Quality of Residential Mortgage Loans The credit quality of residential mortgage loans was as follows at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Recorded Investment % of Total Recorded Investment % of Total (Dollars in millions) Performance indicators: Performing $ 1,548 98.2 % $ 1,106 97.2 % Nonperforming 29 1.8 32 2.8 Total $ 1,577 100.0 % $ 1,138 100.0 % The estimated fair value of residential mortgage loans was $1.6 billion and $1.2 billion at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Past Due, Nonaccrual and Modified Mortgage Loans The Company has a high quality, well performing mortgage loan portfolio, with over 99% of all mortgage loans classified as performing at both June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . The Company defines delinquency consistent with industry practice, when mortgage loans are past due as follows: commercial and residential mortgage loans — 60 days and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days. The Company had no commercial or agricultural mortgage loans past due and no commercial or agricultural mortgage loans in nonaccrual status at either June 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017 . The recorded investment of residential mortgage loans past due and in nonaccrual status was $29 million and $32 million at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 , the Company did no t have a significant amount of mortgage loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring. Cash Equivalents The carrying value of cash equivalents, which includes securities and other investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase, was $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity and equity securities and the effect on DAC, VOBA, deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) and future policy benefits, that would result from the realization of the unrealized gains (losses), are included in net unrealized investment gains (losses) in AOCI. The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in AOCI, were as follows: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In millions) Fixed maturity securities $ 2,247 $ 4,806 Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI 7 2 Total fixed maturity securities 2,254 4,808 Equity securities — 39 Derivatives 256 239 Other (13 ) (8 ) Subtotal 2,497 5,078 Amounts allocated from: Future policy benefits (1,240 ) (2,626 ) DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI (5 ) (2 ) DAC, VOBA and DSI (167 ) (265 ) Subtotal (1,412 ) (2,893 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI 1 — Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (228 ) (459 ) Net unrealized investment gains (losses) $ 858 $ 1,726 The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows: Six Months (In millions) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 1,726 Unrealized investment gains (losses) change due to cumulative effect, net of income tax (1) (79 ) Balance, January 1, 2018 1,647 Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized 5 Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period (2,507 ) Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to: Future policy benefits 1,386 DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI (3 ) DAC, VOBA and DSI 98 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI 1 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 231 Balance, June 30, 2018 $ 858 Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) $ (789 ) __________________ (1) See Note 1 for more information related to the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle and other. Concentrations of Credit Risk There were no investments in any counterparty that were greater than 10% of the Company’s equity, other than the U.S. government and its agencies, at both June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . Securities Lending Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In millions) Securities on loan: (1) Amortized cost $ 3,304 $ 3,085 Estimated fair value $ 3,798 $ 3,748 Cash collateral received from counterparties (2) $ 3,834 $ 3,791 Security collateral received from counterparties (3) $ 56 $ 29 Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value $ 3,843 $ 3,823 __________________ (1) Included within fixed maturity securities. (2) Included within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions. (3) Security collateral received from counterparties may not be sold or re-pledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected on the consolidated and combined financial statements. The cash collateral liability by loaned security type and remaining tenor of the agreements were as follows at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements Open (1) 1 Month or Less 1 to 6 Months Total Open (1) 1 Month or Less 1 to 6 Months Total (In millions) U.S. government and agency $ 1,345 $ 1,596 $ 893 $ 3,834 $ 1,626 $ 964 $ 1,201 $ 3,791 __________________ (1) The related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day which would require the Company to immediately return the cash collateral. If the Company is required to return significant amounts of cash collateral on short notice and is forced to sell securities to meet the return obligation, it may have difficulty selling such collateral that is invested in securities in a timely manner, be forced to sell securities in a volatile or illiquid market for less than what otherwise would have been realized under normal market conditions, or both. The estimated fair value of the securities on loan related to the cash collateral on open at June 30, 2018 was $1.3 billion , all of which were U.S. government and agency securities which, if put back to the Company, could be immediately sold to satisfy the cash requirement. The reinvestment portfolio acquired with the cash collateral consisted principally of fixed maturity securities (including agency RMBS, U.S. government and agency securities, ABS, U.S. and foreign corporate securities, and non-agency RMBS) with 64% invested in agency RMBS, U.S. government and agency securities, short-term investments, cash equivalents or held in cash at June 30, 2018 . If the securities on loan or the reinvestment portfolio become less liquid, the Company has the liquidity resources of most of its general account available to meet any potential cash demands when securities on loan are put back to the Company. Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral are presented below at estimated fair value at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In millions) Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) (1) $ 8,046 $ 8,263 Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements) (2) 2,985 2,634 Invested assets pledged as collateral (3) 3,823 3,199 Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral $ 14,854 $ 14,096 __________________ (1) The Company has assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, on deposit with governmental authorities relating to certain policyholder liabilities, of which $71 million and $34 million of the assets on deposit balance represents restricted cash at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. (2) The Company has assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, held in trust relating to certain reinsurance transactions. $27 million and $42 million of the assets held in trust balance represents restricted cash at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. (3) The Company has pledged invested assets in connection with various agreements and transactions, including funding agreements (see Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report) and derivative transactions (see Note 5 ). See “— Securities Lending” for information regarding securities on loan. Variable Interest Entities The Company has invested in legal entities that are VIEs. In certain instances, the Company holds both the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity, as well as an economic interest in the entity and, as such, is deemed to be the primary beneficiary or consolidator of the entity. The determination of the VIE’s primary beneficiary requires an evaluation of the contractual and implied rights and obligations associated with each party’s relationship with or involvement in the entity, an estimate of the entity’s expected losses and expected residual returns and the allocation of such estimates to each party involved in the entity. Consolidated VIEs Creditors or beneficial interest holders of VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary have no recourse to the general credit of the Company, as the Company’s obligation to the VIEs is limited to the amount of its committed investment. The following table presents the total assets and total liabilities relating to VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary and which are consolidated at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Total Assets Total Liabilities Total Assets Total Liabilities (In millions) CSEs (assets (primarily loans) and liabilities (primarily debt)) (1) $ 96 $ 5 $ 116 $ 11 __________________ (1) The Company consolidates entities that are structured as CMBS. The assets of these entities can only be used to settle their respective liabilities, and under no circumstances is the Company liable for any principal or interest shortfalls should any arise. The Company’s exposure was limited to that of its remaining investment in these entities of $73 million and $86 million at estimated fair value at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Unconsolidated VIEs The carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss relating to VIEs in which the Company holds a significant variable interest but is not the primary beneficiary and which have not been consolidated were as follows at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Carrying Amount Maximum Exposure to Loss (1) Carrying Amount Maximum Exposure to Loss (1) (In millions) Fixed maturity securities AFS: Structured Securities (2) $ 11,413 $ 11,413 $ 11,461 $ 11,461 U.S. and foreign corporate 440 440 504 504 Other limited partnership interests 1,550 2,775 1,511 2,463 Other investments (3) 89 92 82 89 Total $ 13,492 $ 14,720 $ 13,558 $ 14,517 __________________ (1) The maximum exposure to loss relating to fixed maturity securities AFS is equal to their carrying amounts or the carrying amounts of retained interests. The maximum exposure to loss relating to other limited partnership interests and real estate joint ventures is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments. Such a maximum loss would be expected to occur only upon bankruptcy of the issuer or investee. (2) For these variable interests, the Company’s involvement is limited to that of a passive investor in mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities issued by trusts that do not have substantial equity. (3) Other investments is comprised of real estate joint ventures and other invested assets. As described in Note 11 , the Company makes commitments to fund partnership investments in the normal course of business. Excluding these commitments, the Company did not provide financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs during both the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 . Net Investment Income The components of net investment income were as follows: Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Investment income: Fixed maturity securities $ 638 $ 598 $ 1,266 $ 1,208 Equity securities 2 3 4 5 Mortgage loans 128 111 246 220 Policy loans 34 18 50 35 Real estate joint ventures 10 14 24 26 Other limited partnership interests 25 49 90 106 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 7 10 13 18 Other 9 7 18 15 Subtotal 853 810 1,711 1,633 Less: Investment expenses 49 46 92 89 Subtotal, net 804 764 1,619 1,544 FVO CSEs — interest income — commercial mortgage loans 2 2 4 4 Net investment income $ 806 $ 766 $ 1,623 $ 1,548 See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs. See “— Related Party Investment Transactions” for discussion of related party investment expenses. Net Investment Gains (Losses) Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses) The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows: Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities: Total OTTI losses recognized — by sector: State and political subdivision $ — $ (1 ) $ — $ (1 ) OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings — (1 ) — (1 ) Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals (65 ) 2 (104 ) (36 ) Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities (65 ) 1 (104 ) (37 ) Total gains (losses) on equity securities: Equity securities — Mark to market and net gains (losses) on sales and disposals (3 ) 1 (4 ) 1 Total gains (losses) on equity securities (3 ) 1 (4 ) 1 Mortgage loans (3 ) (2 ) (7 ) (5 ) Real estate joint ventures — 1 42 3 Other limited partnership interests — — — (10 ) Other 1 1 2 (5 ) Subtotal (70 ) 2 (71 ) (53 ) FVO CSEs: Commercial mortgage loans (5 ) — (8 ) (1 ) Long-term debt — related to commercial mortgage loans — (1 ) — — Non-investment portfolio gains (losses) — (1 ) — (1 ) Subtotal (5 ) (2 ) (8 ) (2 ) Total net investment gains (losses) $ (75 ) $ — $ (79 ) $ (55 ) See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs. See “— Related Party Investment Transactions” for discussion of related party net investment gains (losses) related to transfers of invested assets. Sales or Disposals and Impairments of Fixed Maturity Securities Investment gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity securities and the components of fixed maturity securities net investment gains (losses) were as shown in the table below. Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Proceeds $ 2,476 $ 2,411 $ 5,337 $ 4,387 Gross investment gains $ 9 $ 12 $ 12 $ 20 Gross investment losses (74 ) (10 ) (116 ) (56 ) OTTI losses — (1 ) — (1 ) Net investment gains (losses) $ (65 ) $ 1 $ (104 ) $ (37 ) Credit Loss Rollforward The table below presents a rollforward of the cumulative credit loss component of OTTI loss recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities still held for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”): Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Balance, beginning of period $ — $ 10 $ — $ 28 Reductions: Sales (maturities, pay downs or prepayments) of securities previously impaired as credit loss OTTI — (1 ) — (19 ) Balance, end of period $ — $ 9 $ — $ 9 Related Party Investment Transactions The Company previously transferred invested assets primarily consisting of fixed maturity securities to former affiliates, which were as follows: Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred to former affiliates $ — $ — $ — $ 292 Amortized cost of invested assets transferred to former affiliates $ — $ — $ — $ 294 Net investment gains (losses) recognized on transfers $ — $ — $ — $ (2 ) At March 31, 2017, the Company had $1.1 billion of loans due from MetLife, Inc., which were included in other invested assets. These loans were carried at fixed interest rates of 4.21% and 5.10% , payable semiannually, and were due on September 30, 2032 and December 31, 2033 , respectively. In April 2017, these loans were satisfied in a non-cash exchange for $1.1 billion of notes due to MetLife, Inc. See Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report. In January 2017, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”), a former affiliate, recaptured risks related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees on certain variable annuities being reinsured by the Company. The Company transferred invested assets and cash and cash equivalents which are included in the table above. See Note 12 for additional information related to these transfers. In March 2017, the Company sold an operating joint venture with a book value of $89 million to MLIC for $286 million . The operating joint venture was accounted for under the equity method and included in other invested assets. This sale resulted in an increase in additional paid-in capital of $202 million in the first quarter of 2017. The Company receives investment administrative services from MetLife Investment Advisors, LLC (“MLIA”), which was considered a related party investment manager until the completion of the MetLife Divestiture. The related investment administrative service charges were $26 million and $50 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018 , respectively, and $24 million and $49 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017 , respectively. See Note 1 regarding the MetLife Divestiture.

Derivatives

Derivatives	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	5. Derivatives Accounting for Derivatives Freestanding Derivatives Freestanding derivatives are carried on the Company’s balance sheet either as assets within other invested assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value. The Company does not offset the estimated fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement. Accruals on derivatives are generally recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle within one year are included with the derivatives carrying value in other invested assets or other liabilities. If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses) except for economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees which are presented in future policy benefits and claims. Hedge Accounting The Company primarily designates derivatives as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or a variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). When a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge and is determined to be highly effective, changes in fair value are recorded in OCI and subsequently reclassified into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. The Company also designates derivatives as a hedge of the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liabilities (fair value hedge). When a derivative is designated as fair value hedge and is determined to be highly effective, changes in fair value are recorded in net derivative gains (losses), consistent with the change in estimated fair value of the hedged item attributable to the designated risk being hedged. To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge. In its hedge documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness and the method that will be used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and at least quarterly throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument. When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in net derivative gains (losses). The carrying value of the hedged recognized asset or liability under a fair value hedge is no longer adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk, and the cumulative adjustment to its carrying value is amortized into income over the remaining life of the hedged item. Provided the hedged forecasted transaction is still probable of occurrence, the changes in estimated fair value of derivatives recorded in OCI related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net derivative gains (losses). Embedded Derivatives The Company sells variable annuities and issues certain insurance products and investment contracts and is a party to certain reinsurance agreements that have embedded derivatives. The Company assesses each identified embedded derivative to determine whether it is required to be bifurcated. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for as a freestanding derivative if: • the combined instrument is not accounted for in its entirety at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value recorded in earnings; • the terms of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract; and • a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would qualify as a derivative instrument. Such embedded derivatives are carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value with the host contract and changes in their estimated fair value are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses), except for those in policyholder benefits and claims related to ceded reinsurance of GMIB. See “— Variable Annuity Guarantees” in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report for additional information on the accounting policy for embedded derivatives bifurcated from variable annuity host contracts. Derivative Strategies The Company is exposed to various risks relating to its ongoing business operations, including interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, credit and equity market. The Company uses a variety of strategies to manage these risks, including the use of derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments with values derived from interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and/or other financial indices. Derivatives may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. Certain of the Company’s OTC derivatives are cleared and settled through central clearing counterparties (“OTC-cleared”), while others are bilateral contracts between two counterparties (“OTC-bilateral”). The types of derivatives the Company uses include swaps, forwards, futures and option contracts. To a lesser extent, the Company uses credit default swaps to synthetically replicate investment risks and returns which are not readily available in the cash markets. Interest Rate Derivatives The Company uses a variety of interest rate derivatives to reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates, including interest rate swaps, interest rate total return swaps, caps, floors, swaptions, futures and forwards. Interest rate swaps are used by the Company primarily to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). In an interest rate swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate and floating rate interest amounts as calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. The Company utilizes interest rate swaps in fair value, cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships. Interest rate total return swaps are swaps whereby the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the economic risk and reward of an asset or a market index and the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate), calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. No cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract. Cash is paid and received over the life of the contract based on the terms of the swap. These transactions are entered into pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by the counterparty at each due date. Interest rate total return swaps are used by the Company to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). The Company utilizes interest rate total return swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships. The Company purchases interest rate caps and floors primarily to protect its floating rate liabilities against rises in interest rates above a specified level, and against interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities, as well as to protect its minimum rate guarantee liabilities against declines in interest rates below a specified level, respectively. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased caps and floors by entering into offsetting written caps and floors. The Company utilizes interest rate caps and floors in nonqualifying hedging relationships. In exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of interest rate securities. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures are used primarily to hedge mismatches between the duration of assets in a portfolio and the duration of liabilities supported by those assets, to hedge against changes in value of securities the Company owns or anticipates acquiring, to hedge against changes in interest rates on anticipated liability issuances by replicating Treasury or swap curve performance, and to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded interest rate futures in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Swaptions are used by the Company to hedge interest rate risk associated with the Company’s long-term liabilities and invested assets. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap with a forward starting effective date. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased swaptions by entering into offsetting written swaptions. The Company pays a premium for purchased swaptions and receives a premium for written swaptions. The Company utilizes swaptions in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Swaptions are included in interest rate options. Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Derivatives The Company uses foreign currency swaps to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. In a foreign currency swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between one currency and another at a fixed exchange rate, generally set at inception, calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional amount. The notional amount of each currency is exchanged at the inception and termination of the currency swap by each party. The Company utilizes foreign currency swaps in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships. To a lesser extent, the Company uses foreign currency forwards in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Credit Derivatives The Company enters into purchased credit default swaps to hedge against credit-related changes in the value of its investments. In a credit default swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to pay, at specified intervals, a premium to hedge credit risk. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the delivery of par quantities of the referenced investment equal to the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the payment of cash amounts by the counterparty equal to the par value of the investment surrendered. Credit events vary by type of issuer but typically include bankruptcy, failure to pay debt obligations, repudiation, moratorium, involuntary restructuring or governmental intervention. In each case, payout on a credit default swap is triggered only after the Credit Derivatives Determinations Committee of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) deems that a credit event has occurred. The Company utilizes credit default swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships. The Company enters into written credit default swaps to create synthetic credit investments that are either more expensive to acquire or otherwise unavailable in the cash markets. These transactions are a combination of a derivative and one or more cash instruments, such as U.S. government and agency securities or other fixed maturity securities. These credit default swaps are not designated as hedging instruments. Equity Derivatives The Company uses a variety of equity derivatives to reduce its exposure to equity market risk, including equity index options, equity variance swaps, exchange-traded equity futures and equity total return swaps. Equity index options are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. To hedge against adverse changes in equity indices, the Company enters into contracts to sell the equity index within a limited time at a contracted price. The contracts will be net settled in cash based on differentials in the indices at the time of exercise and the strike price. Certain of these contracts may also contain settlement provisions linked to interest rates. In certain instances, the Company may enter into a combination of transactions to hedge adverse changes in equity indices within a pre-determined range through the purchase and sale of options. The Company utilizes equity index options in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Equity variance swaps are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. In an equity variance swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange amounts in the future, based on changes in equity volatility over a defined period. The Company utilizes equity variance swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships. In exchange-traded equity futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of equity securities, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts and to pledge initial margin based on futures exchange requirements. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded equity futures are used primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded equity futures in nonqualifying hedging relationships. In an equity total return swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the economic risk and reward of an asset or a market index and the LIBOR, calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. No cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract. Cash is paid and received over the life of the contract based on the terms of the swap. The Company uses equity total return swaps to hedge its equity market guarantees in certain of its insurance products. Equity total return swaps can be used as hedges or to create synthetic investments. The Company utilizes equity total return swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Primary Risks Managed by Derivatives The following table presents the primary underlying risk exposure, gross notional amount, and estimated fair value of the Company’s derivatives, excluding embedded derivatives, held at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Primary Underlying Risk Exposure Gross Notional Estimated Fair Value Gross Notional Estimated Fair Value Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities (In millions) Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps Interest rate $ 145 $ 35 $ — $ 175 $ 44 $ — Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps Interest rate 27 3 — 27 5 — Foreign currency swaps Foreign currency exchange rate 2,169 116 62 1,827 94 75 Subtotal 2,196 119 62 1,854 99 75 Total qualifying hedges 2,341 154 62 2,029 143 75 Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate swaps Interest rate 15,879 576 888 20,213 922 774 Interest rate caps Interest rate 3,428 29 — 2,671 7 — Interest rate futures Interest rate 282 — — 282 1 — Interest rate options Interest rate 14,500 120 97 24,600 133 63 Foreign currency swaps Foreign currency exchange rate 1,143 70 30 1,115 71 42 Foreign currency forwards Foreign currency exchange rate 128 1 1 130 — 1 Credit default swaps — purchased Credit 80 2 1 65 — 1 Credit default swaps — written Credit 1,949 26 1 1,900 40 — Equity futures Equity market 1,619 — 1 2,713 15 — Equity index options Equity market 46,292 905 1,680 47,066 794 1,664 Equity variance swaps Equity market 9,713 127 429 8,998 128 430 Equity total return swaps Equity market 2,433 45 33 1,767 — 79 Total non-designated or nonqualifying derivatives 97,446 1,901 3,161 111,520 2,111 3,054 Total $ 99,787 $ 2,055 $ 3,223 $ 113,549 $ 2,254 $ 3,129 Based on gross notional amounts, a substantial portion of the Company’s derivatives was not designated or did not qualify as part of a hedging relationship at both June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . The Company’s use of derivatives includes (i) derivatives that serve as macro hedges of the Company’s exposure to various risks and that generally do not qualify for hedge accounting due to the criteria required under the portfolio hedging rules; (ii) derivatives that economically hedge insurance liabilities that contain mortality or morbidity risk and that generally do not qualify for hedge accounting because the lack of these risks in the derivatives cannot support an expectation of a highly effective hedging relationship; (iii) derivatives that economically hedge embedded derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting because the changes in estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives are already recorded in net income; and (iv) written credit default swaps that are used to create synthetic credit investments and that do not qualify for hedge accounting because they do not involve a hedging relationship. For these nonqualified derivatives, changes in market factors can lead to the recognition of fair value changes on the statement of operations without an offsetting gain or loss recognized in earnings for the item being hedged. The following table presents earned income on derivatives: Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Qualifying hedges: Net investment income $ 7 $ 6 $ 12 $ 12 Nonqualifying hedges: Net derivative gains (losses) 38 67 91 186 Policyholder benefits and claims — 3 — 7 Total $ 45 $ 76 $ 103 $ 205 The following tables present the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized for derivatives and gains (losses) pertaining to hedged items presented in net derivative gains (losses): Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives (1) Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items (2) Net Investment Income (3) Policyholder Benefits and Claims (4) Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI (In millions) Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ (2 ) $ 3 $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges (2 ) 3 — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 9 — 2 — — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (1 ) — — — 111 Total cash flow hedges 8 — 2 — 111 Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives (165 ) — — — — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 56 (3 ) — — — Credit derivatives (3 ) — — — — Equity derivatives (440 ) — — — — Embedded derivatives 196 — — (1 ) — Total non-qualifying hedges (356 ) (3 ) — (1 ) — Total $ (350 ) $ — $ 2 $ (1 ) $ 111 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ 3 $ (3 ) $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges 3 (3 ) — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 2 — 1 — 2 Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 1 (1 ) — — (35 ) Total cash flow hedges 3 (1 ) 1 — (33 ) Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives 205 — — 3 — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (22 ) — — — — Credit derivatives 5 — — — — Equity derivatives (473 ) — (1 ) (93 ) — Embedded derivatives 138 — — 14 — Total non-qualifying hedges (147 ) — (1 ) (76 ) — Total $ (141 ) $ (4 ) $ — $ (76 ) $ (33 ) Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives (1) Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items (2) Net Investment Income (3) Policyholder Benefits and Claims (4) Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI (In millions) Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ (10 ) $ 10 $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges (10 ) 10 — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 16 — 3 — (2 ) Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (1 ) — — — 37 Total cash flow hedges 15 — 3 — 35 Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives (974 ) — — — — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 15 (1 ) — — — Credit derivatives (10 ) — — — — Equity derivatives (484 ) — — — — Embedded derivatives 702 — — (2 ) — Total non-qualifying hedges (751 ) (1 ) — (2 ) — Total $ (746 ) $ 9 $ 3 $ (2 ) $ 35 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ 1 $ (1 ) $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges 1 (1 ) — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 2 — 3 — 2 Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 11 (10 ) — — (54 ) Total cash flow hedges 13 (10 ) 3 — (52 ) Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives (64 ) — — 2 — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (42 ) (33 ) — — — Credit derivatives 11 — — — — Equity derivatives (1,412 ) — (1 ) (277 ) — Embedded derivatives 308 — — (1 ) — Total non-qualifying hedges (1,199 ) (33 ) (1 ) (276 ) — Total $ (1,185 ) $ (44 ) $ 2 $ (276 ) $ (52 ) ______________ (1) Includes gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI for cash flow hedges. (2) Includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on hedged items in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships. Hedged items in fair value hedging relationship includes fixed rate liabilities reported in policyholder account balances or future policy benefits and fixed maturity securities. Ineffective portion of the gains (losses) recognized in income is not significant. (3) Includes changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures and gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI for cash flow hedges. (4) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits. (5) All components of each derivative's gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. In certain instances, the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transactions were no longer probable of occurring. Because certain of the forecasted transactions also were not probable of occurring within two months of the anticipated date, the Company reclassified amounts from AOCI into net derivative gains (losses). These amounts were $0 for both the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018 , and $0 and $12 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017 , respectively. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the maximum length of time over which the Company was hedging its exposure to variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions did not exceed one year and two years, respectively. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the balance in AOCI associated with cash flow hedges was $256 million and $239 million , respectively. Credit Derivatives In connection with synthetically created credit investment transactions, the Company writes credit default swaps for which it receives a premium to insure credit risk. Such credit derivatives are included within the nonqualifying derivatives and derivatives for purposes other than hedging table. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the Company paying the counterparty the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the delivery of par quantities of the referenced credit obligation. The Company can terminate these contracts at any time through cash settlement with the counterparty at an amount equal to the then current estimated fair value of the credit default swaps. The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations (1) Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2) Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2) (Dollars in millions) Aaa/Aa/A $ 9 $ 677 2.7 $ 12 $ 558 2.8 Baa 16 1,272 5.0 28 1,317 4.7 Ba — — — — 25 4.5 Total $ 25 $ 1,949 4.2 $ 40 $ 1,900 4.1 __________________ (1) Includes both single name credit default swaps that may be referenced to the credit of corporations, foreign governments or state and political subdivisions and credit default swaps referencing indices. The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”) and Fitch Ratings. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used. (2) The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average gross notional amounts. Counterparty Credit Risk The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by its counterparties to derivatives. Generally, the current credit exposure of the Company’s derivatives is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of derivatives at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of master netting or similar agreements and any collateral received pursuant to such agreements. The Company manages its credit risk related to derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties and establishing and monitoring exposure limits. The Company’s OTC-bilateral derivative transactions are generally governed by ISDA Master Agreements which provide for legally enforceable set-off and close-out netting of exposures to specific counterparties in the event of early termination of a transaction, which includes, but is not limited to, events of default and bankruptcy. In the event of an early termination, the Company is permitted to set off receivables from the counterparty against payables to the same counterparty arising out of all included transactions. Substantially all of the Company’s ISDA Master Agreements also include Credit Support Annex provisions which require both the pledging and accepting of collateral in connection with its OTC-bilateral derivatives. The Company’s OTC-cleared derivatives are effected through central clearing counterparties and its exchange-traded derivatives are effected through regulated exchanges. Such positions are marked to market and margined on a daily basis (both initial margin and variation margin), and the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to such derivatives. See Note 6 for a description of the impact of credit risk on the valuation of derivatives. The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Derivatives Subject to a Master Netting Arrangement or a Similar Arrangement Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities (In millions) Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: OTC-bilateral (1) $ 2,083 $ 3,211 $ 2,233 $ 3,081 OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded (1), (6) 17 5 70 40 Total gross estimated fair value of derivatives (1) 2,100 3,216 2,303 3,121 Amounts offset on the consolidated balance sheets — — — — Estimated fair value of derivatives presented on the consolidated balance sheets (1), (6) 2,100 3,216 2,303 3,121 Gross amounts not offset on the consolidated balance sheets: Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: (2) OTC-bilateral (1,834 ) (1,834 ) (1,942 ) (1,942 ) OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) Cash collateral: (3), (4) OTC-bilateral (224 ) — (257 ) — OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded (16 ) — (28 ) (39 ) Securities collateral: (5) OTC-bilateral (22 ) (1,375 ) (31 ) (1,138 ) OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded — (4 ) — — Net amount after application of master netting agreements and collateral $ 3 $ 2 $ 44 $ 1 __________________ (1) At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , derivative assets included income or (expense) accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of $45 million and $49 million , respectively, and derivative liabilities included (income) or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of ($7) million and ($8) million , respectively. (2) Estimated fair value of derivatives is limited to the amount that is subject to set-off and includes income or expense accruals. (3) Cash collateral received by the Company for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives is included in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments or in fixed maturity securities, and the obligation to return it is included in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions on the balance sheet. (4) The receivable for the return of cash collateral provided by the Company is inclusive of initial margin on exchange-traded and OTC-cleared derivatives and is included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the balance sheet. The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company received excess cash collateral of $191 million and $94 million , respectively, and provided excess cash collateral of $0 and $5 million , respectively, which is not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. (5) Securities collateral received by the Company is held in separate custodial accounts and is not recorded on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but at June 30, 2018 , none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. Securities collateral pledged by the Company is reported in fixed maturity securities on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral. The amount of securities collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements and cash collateral. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company received excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $170 million and $337 million , respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company provided excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $328 million and $471 million , respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, and $150 million and $427 m

Fair Value

Fair Value	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value	6. Fair Value Considerable judgment is often required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value, and the use of different assumptions or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. Recurring Fair Value Measurements The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, including those items for which the Company has elected the FVO, are presented below at: June 30, 2018 Fair Value Hierarchy Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Estimated (In millions) Assets Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ — $ 22,666 $ 838 $ 23,504 U.S. government and agency 4,940 7,518 — 12,458 RMBS — 6,925 934 7,859 Foreign corporate — 5,930 1,034 6,964 State and political subdivision — 4,069 8 4,077 CMBS — 3,845 178 4,023 ABS — 1,927 156 2,083 Foreign government — 1,375 — 1,375 Total fixed maturity securities 4,940 54,255 3,148 62,343 Equity securities 15 18 120 153 Short-term investments 115 62 — 177 Real estate joint ventures (1) — — 17 17 Other limited partnership interests (1) — — 24 24 Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO — 96 — 96 Derivative assets: (2) Interest rate — 763 — 763 Foreign currency exchange rate — 187 — 187 Credit — 20 8 28 Equity market — 934 143 1,077 Total derivative assets — 1,904 151 2,055 Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (3) — — 184 184 Separate account assets 182 111,401 4 111,587 Total assets $ 5,252 $ 167,736 $ 3,648 $ 176,636 Liabilities Derivative liabilities: (2) Interest rate $ — $ 985 $ — $ 985 Foreign currency exchange rate — 92 1 93 Credit — 2 — 2 Equity market 1 1,708 434 2,143 Total derivative liabilities 1 2,787 435 3,223 Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (3) — — 1,425 1,425 Long-term debt of CSEs — FVO — 5 — 5 Total liabilities $ 1 $ 2,792 $ 1,860 $ 4,653 December 31, 2017 Fair Value Hierarchy Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Estimated (In millions) Assets Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ — $ 22,048 $ 909 $ 22,957 U.S. government and agency 8,304 7,988 — 16,292 RMBS — 6,989 988 7,977 Foreign corporate — 5,935 1,088 7,023 State and political subdivision — 4,181 — 4,181 CMBS — 3,287 136 3,423 ABS — 1,723 106 1,829 Foreign government — 1,304 5 1,309 Total fixed maturity securities 8,304 53,455 3,232 64,991 Equity securities (4) 18 19 124 161 Short-term investments 142 156 14 312 Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO — 115 — 115 Derivative assets: (2) Interest rate 1 1,111 — 1,112 Foreign currency exchange rate — 165 — 165 Credit — 30 10 40 Equity market 15 773 149 937 Total derivative assets 16 2,079 159 2,254 Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (3) — — 227 227 Separate account assets 410 117,842 5 118,257 Total assets $ 8,890 $ 173,666 $ 3,761 $ 186,317 Liabilities Derivative liabilities: (2) Interest rate $ — $ 837 $ — $ 837 Foreign currency exchange rate — 117 1 118 Credit — 1 — 1 Equity market — 1,736 437 2,173 Total derivative liabilities — 2,691 438 3,129 Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (3) — — 1,887 1,887 Long-term debt of CSEs — FVO — 11 — 11 Total liabilities $ — $ 2,702 $ 2,325 $ 5,027 __________________ (1) In connection with the adoption of new guidance related to the recognition and measurement of financial instruments (see Note 1 ), effective January 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis, the Company carries real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests previously accounted under the cost method of accounting at estimated fair value. (2) Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets and derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation on the consolidated balance sheets, but are presented net for purposes of the rollforward in the Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) tables. (3) Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , debt and equity securities also included embedded derivatives of $0 and ($52) million , respectively. (4) The Company reclassified Federal Home Loan Bank stock in the prior period from equity securities to other invested assets. Valuation Controls and Procedures The Company monitors and provides oversight of valuation controls and policies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives, which are primarily executed by MLIA. The valuation methodologies used to determine fair values prioritize the use of observable market prices and market-based parameters and determines that judgmental valuation adjustments, when applied, are based upon established policies and are applied consistently over time. The valuation methodologies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives are reviewed on an ongoing basis and revised when necessary, based on changing market conditions. In addition, the Chief Accounting Officer periodically reports to the Audit Committee of Brighthouse’s Board of Directors regarding compliance with fair value accounting standards. The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities is based on quoted market prices, where available. The Company assesses whether prices received represent a reasonable estimate of fair value through controls designed to ensure valuations represent an exit price. MLIA performs several controls, including certain monthly controls, which include, but are not limited to, analysis of portfolio returns to corresponding benchmark returns, comparing a sample of executed prices of securities sold to the fair value estimates, reviewing the bid/ask spreads to assess activity, comparing prices from multiple independent pricing services and ongoing due diligence to confirm that independent pricing services use market-based parameters. The process includes a determination of the observability of inputs used in estimated fair values received from independent pricing services or brokers by assessing whether these inputs can be corroborated by observable market data. Independent non-binding broker quotes, also referred to herein as “consensus pricing,” are used for non-significant portion of the portfolio. Prices received from independent brokers are assessed to determine if they represent a reasonable estimate of fair value by considering such pricing relative to the current market dynamics and current pricing for similar financial instruments. Fixed maturity securities priced using independent non-binding broker quotations represent less than 1% of the total estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities and 4% of the total estimated fair value of Level 3 fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2018 . MLIA also applies a formal process to challenge any prices received from independent pricing services that are not considered representative of estimated fair value. If prices received from independent pricing services are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value, independent non-binding broker quotations are obtained. If obtaining an independent non-binding broker quotation is unsuccessful, MLIA will use the last available price. The Company reviews outputs of MLIA’s controls and performs additional controls, including certain monthly controls, which include but are not limited to, performing balance sheet analytics to assess reasonableness of period to period pricing changes, including any price adjustments. Price adjustments are applied if prices or quotes received from independent pricing services or brokers are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value. The Company did not have significant price adjustments during the six months ended June 30, 2018 . Determination of Fair Value Fixed maturity securities The fair values for actively traded marketable bonds, primarily U.S. government and agency securities, are determined using the quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. For fixed maturity securities classified as Level 2 assets, fair values are determined using either a market or income approach and are valued based on a variety of observable inputs as described below. U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary inputs being quoted prices in markets that are not active, benchmark yields, spreads off benchmark yields, new issuances, issuer rating, trades of identical or comparable securities, or duration. Privately-placed securities are valued using the additional key inputs: market yield curve, call provisions, observable prices and spreads for similar public or private securities that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer, and delta spread adjustments to reflect specific credit-related issues. U.S. government and agency, state and political subdivision and foreign government securities: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary inputs being quoted prices in markets that are not active, benchmark U.S. Treasury yield or other yields, spread off the U.S. Treasury yield curve for the identical security, issuer ratings and issuer spreads, broker dealer quotes, and comparable securities that are actively traded. Structured securities: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary inputs being quoted prices in markets that are not active, spreads for actively traded securities, spreads off benchmark yields, expected prepayment speeds and volumes, current and forecasted loss severity, ratings, geographic region, weighted average coupon and weighted average maturity, average delinquency rates and debt-service coverage ratios. Other issuance-specific information is also used, including, but not limited to; collateral type, structure of the security, vintage of the loans, payment terms of the underlying asset, payment priority within tranche, and deal performance. Equity securities, short-term investments, real estate joint ventures, other limited partnership interests, commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO and long-term debt of CSEs — FVO The fair value for actively traded equity securities and short-term investments are determined using quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. For financial instruments classified as Level 2 assets or liabilities, fair values are determined using a market approach and are valued based on a variety of observable inputs as described below. Equity securities and short-term investments: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary input being quoted prices in markets that are not active. Real Estate Joint Ventures and Other Limited Partnership Interests: Fair values is generally based on the Company’s share of the net asset value (“NAV”) as provided on the financial statements of the investees. Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO and long-term debt of CSEs — FVO: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary input being quoted securitization market price determined principally by independent pricing services using observable inputs or quoted prices or reported NAV provided by the fund managers. Derivatives The fair values for exchange-traded derivatives are determined using the quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. For OTC-bilateral derivatives and OTC-cleared derivatives classified as Level 2 assets or liabilities, fair values are determined using the income approach. Valuations of non-option-based derivatives utilize present value techniques, whereas valuations of option-based derivatives utilize option pricing models which are based on market standard valuation methodologies and a variety of observable inputs. The significant inputs to the pricing models for most OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Certain OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives may rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. These unobservable inputs may involve significant management judgment or estimation. Even though unobservable, these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments. Most inputs for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are mid-market inputs but, in certain cases, liquidity adjustments are made when they are deemed more representative of exit value. Market liquidity, as well as the use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs, may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s derivatives and could materially affect net income. The credit risk of both the counterparty and the Company are considered in determining the estimated fair value for all OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives, and any potential credit adjustment is based on the net exposure by counterparty after taking into account the effects of netting agreements and collateral arrangements. The Company values its OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives using standard swap curves which may include a spread to the risk-free rate, depending upon specific collateral arrangements. This credit spread is appropriate for those parties that execute trades at pricing levels consistent with similar collateral arrangements. As the Company and its significant derivative counterparties generally execute trades at such pricing levels and hold sufficient collateral, additional credit risk adjustments are not currently required in the valuation process. The Company’s ability to consistently execute at such pricing levels is in part due to the netting agreements and collateral arrangements that are in place with all of its significant derivative counterparties. An evaluation of the requirement to make additional credit risk adjustments is performed by the Company each reporting period. Embedded Derivatives Embedded derivatives principally include certain direct, assumed and ceded variable annuity guarantees, equity or bond indexed crediting rates within certain annuity contracts, and those related to funds withheld on ceded reinsurance agreements. Embedded derivatives are recorded at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value reported in net income. The Company issues certain variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs contain embedded derivatives, which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host variable annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s actuarial department calculates the fair value of these embedded derivatives, which are estimated as the present value of projected future benefits minus the present value of projected future fees using actuarial and capital market assumptions including expectations concerning policyholder behavior. The calculation is based on in-force business, and is performed using standard actuarial valuation software which projects future cash flows from the embedded derivative over multiple risk neutral stochastic scenarios using observable risk-free rates. Capital market assumptions, such as risk-free rates and implied volatilities, are based on market prices for publicly traded instruments to the extent that prices for such instruments are observable. Implied volatilities beyond the observable period are extrapolated based on observable implied volatilities and historical volatilities. Actuarial assumptions, including mortality, lapse, withdrawal and utilization, are unobservable and are reviewed at least annually based on actuarial studies of historical experience. The valuation of these guarantee liabilities includes nonperformance risk adjustments and adjustments for a risk margin related to non-capital market inputs. The nonperformance adjustment is determined by taking into consideration publicly available information relating to spreads in the secondary market for Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s debt. These observable spreads are then adjusted to reflect the priority of these liabilities and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance subsidiaries as compared to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s overall financial strength. Risk margins are established to capture the non-capital market risks of the instrument which represent the additional compensation a market participant would require to assume the risks related to the uncertainties of such actuarial assumptions as annuitization, premium persistency, partial withdrawal and surrenders. The establishment of risk margins requires the use of significant management judgment, including assumptions of the amount and cost of capital needed to cover the guarantees. These guarantees may be more costly than expected in volatile or declining equity markets. Market conditions including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, equity indices, market volatility and foreign currency exchange rates; changes in nonperformance risk; and variations in actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder behavior, mortality and risk margins related to non-capital market inputs, may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of the guarantees that could materially affect net income. The Company recaptured from a former affiliate the risk associated with certain GMIBs. These embedded derivatives are included in policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). The value of the embedded derivatives on these recaptured risks is determined using a methodology consistent with that described previously for the guarantees directly written by the Company. The Company ceded to a former affiliate the risk associated with certain of the GMIBs, GMABs and GMWBs described above that are also accounted for as embedded derivatives. In addition to ceding risks associated with guarantees that are accounted for as embedded derivatives, the Company also ceded, to a former affiliate, certain directly written GMIBs that are accounted for as insurance (i.e., not as embedded derivatives), but where the reinsurance agreement contains an embedded derivative. These embedded derivatives are included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). The value of the embedded derivatives on the ceded risk is determined using a methodology consistent with that described previously for the guarantees directly written by the Company with the exception of the input for nonperformance risk that reflects the credit of the reinsurer. The estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives within funds withheld related to certain ceded reinsurance is determined based on the change in estimated fair value of the underlying assets held by the Company in a reference portfolio backing the funds withheld liability. The estimated fair value of the underlying assets is determined as previously described in “— Equity securities, short-term investments, real estate joint ventures, other limited partnership interests, commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO and long-term debt of CSEs — FVO.” The estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives is included, along with their funds withheld hosts, in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net derivative gains (losses). Changes in the credit spreads on the underlying assets, interest rates and market volatility may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives that could materially affect net income. The Company issues certain annuity contracts which allow the policyholder to participate in returns from equity indices. These equity indexed features are embedded derivatives which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host fixed annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value of the embedded equity indexed derivatives, based on the present value of future equity returns to the policyholder using actuarial and present value assumptions including expectations concerning policyholder behavior, is calculated by the Company’s actuarial department. The calculation is based on in-force business and uses standard capital market techniques, such as Black-Scholes, to calculate the value of the portion of the embedded derivative for which the terms are set. The portion of the embedded derivative covering the period beyond where terms are set is calculated as the present value of amounts expected to be spent to provide equity indexed returns in those periods. The valuation of these embedded derivatives also includes the establishment of a risk margin, as well as changes in nonperformance risk Transfers between Levels Overall, transfers between levels occur when there are changes in the observability of inputs and market activity. Transfers into or out of any level are assumed to occur at the beginning of the period. Transfers between Levels 1 and 2: For assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value and still held at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , transfers between Levels 1 and 2 were not significant. Transfers into or out of Level 3: Assets and liabilities are transferred into Level 3 when a significant input cannot be corroborated with market observable data. This occurs when market activity decreases significantly and underlying inputs cannot be observed, current prices are not available, and/or when there are significant variances in quoted prices, thereby affecting transparency. Assets and liabilities are transferred out of Level 3 when circumstances change such that a significant input can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable. Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) The following table presents certain quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, and the sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in those inputs, for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Valuation Techniques Significant Unobservable Inputs Weighted Range Weighted Fixed maturity securities (3) U.S. corporate and foreign corporate • Matrix pricing • Offered quotes (4) 87 - 137 106 93 - 142 111 Increase • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) 53 - 353 105 — - 443 77 Increase RMBS • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) 56 - 107 95 3 - 107 95 Increase (5) CMBS • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) 51 - 104 103 8 - 104 88 Increase (5) • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (4) 103 - 103 103 105 - 105 105 Increase (5) ABS • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) 100 - 102 100 100 - 104 101 Increase (5) • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (4) 100 - 100 100 Increase (5) Derivatives Credit • Present value techniques • Credit spreads (7) 97 - 99 — - — Decrease (6) • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (8) Equity market • Present value techniques or option pricing models • Volatility (9) 17% - 30% 11% - 31% Increase (6) • Correlation (10) 10% - 30% 10% - 30% Embedded derivatives Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits • Option pricing techniques • Mortality rates: Ages 0 - 40 0% - 0.09% 0% - 0.09% Decrease (11) Ages 41 - 60 0.04% - 0.65% 0.04% - 0.65% Decrease (11) Ages 61 - 115 0.26% - 100% 0.26% - 100% Decrease (11) • Lapse rates: Durations 1 - 10 0.25% - 100% 0.25% - 100% Decrease (12) Durations 11 - 20 2% - 100% 2% - 100% Decrease (12) Durations 21 - 116 2% - 100% 2% - 100% Decrease (12) • Utilization rates 0% - 25% 0% - 25% Increase (13) • Withdrawal rates 0.25% - 10% 0.25% - 10% (14) • Long-term equity volatilities 17.40% - 25% 17.40% - 25% Increase (15) • Nonperformance risk spread 1.12% - 2.06% 0.64% - 1.43% Decrease (16) ___________________ (1) The weighted average for fixed maturity securities is determined based on the estimated fair value of the securities. (2) The impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact on estimated fair value. For embedded derivatives, changes to direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits are based on liability positions; changes to ceded guaranteed minimum benefits are based on asset positions. (3) Significant increases (decreases) in expected default rates in isolation would result in substantially lower (higher) valuations. (4) Range and weighted average are presented in accordance with the market convention for fixed maturity securities of dollars per hundred dollars of par. (5) Changes in the assumptions used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumptions used for prepayment rates. (6) Changes in estimated fair value are based on long U.S. dollar net asset positions and will be inversely impacted for short U.S. dollar net asset positions. (7) Represents the risk quoted in basis points of a credit default event on the underlying instrument. Credit derivatives with significant unobservable inputs are primarily comprised of written credit default swaps. (8) At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , independent non-binding broker quotations were used in the determination of less than 1% and 1% of the total net derivative estimated fair value, respectively. (9) Ranges represent the underlying equity volatility quoted in percentage points. Since this valuation methodology uses a range of inputs across multiple volatility surfaces to value the derivative, presenting a range is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. (10) Ranges represent the different correlation factors utilized as components within the valuation methodology. Presenting a range of correlation factors is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. Increases (decreases) in correlation in isolation will increase (decrease) the significance of the change in valuations. (11) Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. Mortality rate assumptions are based on company experience. A mortality improvement assumption is also applied. For any given contract, mortality rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (12) Base lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on a comparison of the actuarially calculated guaranteed values and the current policyholder account value, as well as other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. A dynamic lapse function reduces the base lapse rate when the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value as in the money contracts are less likely to lapse. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower in periods when a surrender charge applies. For any given contract, lapse rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (13) The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contract holders with a GMIB or lifetime withdrawal benefit who will elect to utilize the benefit upon becoming eligible. The rates may vary by the type of guarantee, the amount by which the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value, the contract’s withdrawal history and by the age of the policyholder. For any given contract, utilization rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (14) The withdrawal rate represents the percentage of account balance that any given policyholder will elect to withdraw from the contract each year. The withdrawal rate assumption varies by age and duration of the contract, and also by other factors such as benefit type. For any given contract, withdrawal rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. For GMWBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in an increase (decrease) in the estimated fair value of the guarantees. For GMABs and GMIBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in a decrease (increase) in the estimated fair value. (15) Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (16) Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration and by currency. For any given contract, multiple nonperformance risk spreads will apply, depending on the duration of the cash flow being discounted for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. The following is a summary of the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities classified within Level 3 that are not included in the preceding table. Generally, all other classes of securities classified within Level 3, including those within separate account assets and embedded derivatives within funds withheld related to certain assumed reinsurance, use the same valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs as previously described for Level 3 securities. This includes matrix pricing and discounted cash flow methodologies, inputs such as quoted prices for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2, as well as independent non-binding broker quotations. The sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in the significant unobservable inputs for these other assets and liabilities is similar in nature to that described in the preceding table. The following tables summarize the change of all assets and (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fixed Maturity Securities Corporate (1) Structured Securities State and Foreign Equity (In millions) Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Balance, beginning of period $ 1,906 $ 1,206 $ — $ — $ 123 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (6) (7) 6 5 — — — Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI (72 ) — 2 — — Purchases (8) 81 203 2 — — Sales (8) (25 ) (54 ) — — (3 ) Issuances (8) — — — — — Settlements (8) — — — — — Transfers into Level 3 (9) 3 — 4 — — Transfers out of Level 3 (9) (27 ) (92 ) — — — Balance, end of period $ 1,872 $ 1,268 $ 8 $ — $ 120 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Balance, beginning of period $ 2,403 $ 1,640 $ 7 $ — $ 142 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (6) (7) 1 6 — — 1 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI 23 21 — — 1 Purchases (8) 171 24 — — — Sales (8) (248 ) (143 ) — — (10 ) Issuances (8) — — — — — Settlements (8) — — — — — Transfers into Level 3 (9) 30 — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (9) (24 ) (59 ) (7 ) — — Balance, end of period $ 2,356 $ 1,489 $ — $ — $ 134 Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at Jun

Long-term Debt

Long-term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	7. Long-term Debt Repurchase Facility In April 2018, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company entered into a committed repurchase facility (the “Repurchase Facility”) with a financial institution, pursuant to which Brighthouse Life Insurance Company may enter into repurchase transactions in an aggregate amount up to $2.0 billion in respect of certain eligible securities. The Repurchase Facility has a term of three years , beginning on July 31, 2018 and ending on July 31, 2021.

Equity

Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	8. Equity Share-Based Compensation Plans The Company’s share-based compensation plans provide awards to employees and non-employee directors and may be in the form of nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, and other share-based awards. Additionally, employees may purchase shares at a discount under an employee stock purchase plan. The Company also granted restricted stock units to certain employees and non-employee directors on September 8, 2017, shortly following the Separation (the “Founders’ Grant”). The employee stock incentive plan and the non-employee director stock compensation plan were each approved at the Brighthouse Financial, Inc. annual meeting of stockholders held on May 23, 2018. The aggregate number of shares authorized for issuance at June 30, 2018 under the Company’s various share-based compensation plans was 8,000,000 . All share-based compensation is measured at fair value as of the grant date. The Company recognizes compensation expense related to share-based awards based on the number of awards expected to vest, which represents the awards granted less expected forfeitures over the life of the award, as estimated at the date of grant. Unless a material deviation from the assumed forfeiture rate is observed during the term in which the awards are expensed, the Company recognizes any adjustment necessary to reflect differences in actual experience in the period the award becomes payable or exercisable. Compensation expense related to share-based awards, which is included in other expenses, is principally related to the issuance of restricted stock units with other costs incurred relating to stock options and performance units. With the exception of the Founders’ Grant, the Company grants the majority of each year’s awards in the first quarter of the year. Compensation Expense Related to Share-Based Compensation The following table presents total share-based compensation expense: Three Months Six Months (In millions) Restricted stock units, Founders’ Grant $ 10 $ 10 Restricted stock units $ 1 $ 1 Stock options $ 1 $ 1 Performance share units $ — $ — Unrecognized share-based compensation cost for the Founders’ Grant was $22 million at June 30, 2018, which is expected to be fully recognized in the third quarter of 2018. Unrecognized share-based compensation for other grants related to restricted stock units, stock options and performance share units was $19 million at June 30, 2018 with a weighted average recognition period of seven quarters. Equity Awards Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”) RSUs are units that, if vested, are payable in shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock. The Company does not credit RSUs with dividend-equivalents as RSUs do not accrue dividends. Accordingly, the estimated fair value of RSUs is based upon the closing price of shares on the date of grant, less a forfeiture rate. With the exception of the Founders’ Grant, most RSUs use graded vesting and vest in thirds on, or shortly after, the first three anniversaries of their grant date, while other RSUs vest in their entirety on the third or later anniversary of their grant date. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who meet specified age and service criteria, and in certain other limited circumstances. Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) PSUs are units that, if vested, are multiplied by a performance factor to produce a number of final PSUs, which are payable in shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock. PSUs cliff vest at the end of the three-year performance period. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who meet specified age and service criteria, and in certain other limited circumstances. The performance factors will be based on the achievement of corporate expense reductions and the capital return targets over the respective three-year period. For awards granted for performance periods in progress through June 30, 2018, the vested PSUs will be multiplied by a performance factor of 0% to 150% . Assuming the Company has met certain threshold performance goals, the Compensation Committee of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s Board of Directors will determine the performance factor in its discretion. The Company estimates the fair value of performance shares semi-annually until they become payable. The following table presents a summary of PSU and RSU activity: Restricted Performance Units Weighted Average Exercise Price Units Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at January 1, 2018 — $ — — $ — Granted 990,176 $ 48.10 73,849 $ 48.10 Forfeited — $ — — $ — Paid — $ — — $ — Outstanding at June 30, 2018 990,176 $ 48.10 73,849 $ 48.10 Vested at June 30, 2018 — $ — — $ — Stock Options Stock options represent the contingent right of award holders to purchase shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock at a stated price for a limited time. All stock options have an exercise price equal to the closing price of a share on the date of grant and have a maximum term of ten years. Certain stock options granted are exercisable at a rate of one-third of each award on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date, while others are exercisable entirely on the third anniversary of the grant date. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who meet specified age and service criteria and in certain other limited circumstances. The Company granted 242,560 options at a weighted average exercise price of $48.10 for aggregate intrinsic value of $0 . No stock options were exercised, expired or forfeited at June 30, 2018. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. The significant assumptions the Company uses in its model include: expected volatility of the price of shares; risk-free rate of return; graded three-year vesting; and expected option life. The following table presents the weighted average assumptions that the model uses to determine the fair value of unexercised stock options granted at: June 30, 2018 Risk-free rate of return 2.93% Expected volatility 25.00% Expected option life 5.75 years Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted $48.10 Weighted average fair value of stock options granted $12.54 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information regarding changes in the balances of each component of AOCI was as follows: Three Months Unrealized Unrealized Foreign Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Total (In millions) Balance, March 31, 2018 $ 695 $ 87 $ (22 ) $ (23 ) $ 737 OCI before reclassifications (65 ) 111 4 — 50 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 30 (23 ) (1 ) (1 ) 5 AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 660 175 (19 ) (24 ) 792 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 42 (10 ) — — 32 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (12 ) 3 — — (9 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax 30 (7 ) — — 23 Balance, June 30, 2018 $ 690 $ 168 $ (19 ) $ (24 ) $ 815 Three Months Unrealized Unrealized Foreign Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Total (In millions) Balance, March 31, 2017 $ 1,310 $ 248 $ (34 ) $ (18 ) $ 1,506 OCI before reclassifications 649 (33 ) 3 — 619 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (236 ) 11 (2 ) 1 (226 ) AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 1,723 226 (33 ) (17 ) 1,899 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1 ) (4 ) — — (5 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (1 ) 1 — — — Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax (2 ) (3 ) — — (5 ) Balance, June 30, 2017 $ 1,721 $ 223 $ (33 ) $ (17 ) $ 1,894 Six Months Unrealized Unrealized Foreign Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Total (In millions) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 1,572 $ 154 $ (24 ) $ (26 ) $ 1,676 Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle and other, net of income tax (see Note 1) (79 ) — — — (79 ) Balance, January 1, 2018 1,493 154 (24 ) (26 ) 1,597 OCI before reclassifications (1,138 ) 35 6 3 (1,094 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 259 (7 ) (1 ) (1 ) 250 AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 614 182 (19 ) (24 ) 753 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 100 (18 ) — — 82 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (24 ) 4 — — (20 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax 76 (14 ) — — 62 Balance, June 30, 2018 $ 690 $ 168 $ (19 ) $ (24 ) $ 815 Six Months Unrealized Unrealized Foreign Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Total (In millions) Balance, December 31, 2016 $ 1,044 $ 268 $ (31 ) $ (16 ) $ 1,265 OCI before reclassifications 962 (52 ) (4 ) (14 ) 892 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (343 ) 18 2 13 (310 ) AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 1,663 234 (33 ) (17 ) 1,847 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 90 (16 ) — — 74 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (32 ) 5 — — (27 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax 58 (11 ) — — 47 Balance, June 30, 2017 $ 1,721 $ 223 $ (33 ) $ (17 ) $ 1,894 __________________ (1) See Note 4 for information on offsets to investments related to future policy benefits, DAC, VOBA and DSI. Information regarding amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI was as follows: AOCI Components Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Consolidated and Combined Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Locations Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Net unrealized investment gains (losses): Net unrealized investment gains (losses) $ (42 ) $ 1 $ (101 ) $ (47 ) Net investment gains (losses) Net unrealized investment gains (losses) — 1 1 2 Net investment income Net unrealized investment gains (losses) — (1 ) — (45 ) Net derivative gains (losses) Net unrealized investment gains (losses), before income tax (42 ) 1 (100 ) (90 ) Income tax (expense) benefit 12 1 24 32 Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax (30 ) 2 (76 ) (58 ) Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps 10 — 16 — Net derivative gains (losses) Interest rate swaps 2 1 2 2 Net investment income Interest rate forwards (1 ) 2 — 2 Net derivative gains (losses) Interest rate forwards — — 1 1 Net investment income Foreign currency swaps (1 ) 1 (1 ) 11 Net derivative gains (losses) Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, before income tax 10 4 18 16 Income tax (expense) benefit (3 ) (1 ) (4 ) (5 ) Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of income tax 7 3 14 11 Total reclassifications, net of income tax $ (23 ) $ 5 $ (62 ) $ (47 )

Other Revenues and Other Expens

Other Revenues and Other Expenses	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Expenses	9. Other Revenues and Other Expenses Other Revenues The Company has entered into contracts with mutual funds, fund managers, and their affiliates (collectively, the “Funds”) whereby the Company is paid monthly or quarterly fees (“12b-1 fees”) for providing certain services to customers and distributors of the Funds. The 12b-1 fees are generally equal to a fixed percentage of the average daily balance of the customer’s investment in a fund are based on a specified in the contract between the Company and the Funds. Payments are generally collected when due and are neither refundable nor able to offset future fees. To earn these fees, the Company performs services such as responding to phone inquiries, maintaining records, providing information to distributors and shareholders about fund performance and providing training to account managers and sales agents. The passage of time reflects the satisfaction of the Company’s performance obligations to the Funds, and is used to recognize revenue associated with 12b-1 fees. Other revenues consisted primarily of 12b-1 fees of $91 million and $184 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018 , respectively, and $96 million and $169 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017 , respectively, of which substantially all were reported in the Annuities segment. Other Expenses Information on other expenses was as follows: Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Compensation $ 83 $ 65 $ 153 $ 129 Commissions 214 197 429 390 Volume-related costs 105 136 214 263 Related party expenses on ceded and assumed reinsurance 4 3 7 26 Capitalization of DAC (76 ) (47 ) (152 ) (115 ) Interest expense on debt 33 37 70 82 Premium taxes, licenses and fees 26 19 43 33 Professional services 119 53 208 88 Rent and related expenses 3 4 6 8 Other 180 147 331 274 Total other expenses $ 691 $ 614 $ 1,309 $ 1,178 Related Party Expenses Commissions and capitalization of DAC include the impact of related party reinsurance transactions. See Note 12 for a discussion of related party expenses included in the table above.

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share	10. Earnings Per Common Share The following table sets forth the calculation of earnings per share (“EPS”): Three Months Six Months 2018 Pro forma 2017 (1) 2018 Pro forma 2017 (1) (In millions, except share and per share data) Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders $ (239 ) $ 246 $ (306 ) $ (103 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 119,773,106 119,773,106 119,773,106 119,773,106 Earnings per common share: Basic $ (2.01 ) $ 2.05 $ (2.56 ) $ (0.86 ) __________________ (1) On August 4, 2017, following the completion of the Separation, 119,773,106 shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock were outstanding and are utilized to calculate EPS for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017 . Basic loss per common share equaled diluted loss per common share for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018 . The diluted shares were not utilized in the per share calculation, as the inclusion of such shares would have an antidilutive effect.

Contingencies, Commitments and

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees	11. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees Litigation The Company is a defendant in a number of litigation matters. In some of the matters, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the assertion of monetary damages or other relief. Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the trial court. In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding reasonably possible verdicts in the jurisdiction for similar matters. This variability in pleadings, together with the actual experience of the Company in litigating or resolving through settlement numerous claims over an extended period of time, demonstrates to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value. Due to the vagaries of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time may normally be difficult to ascertain. Uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law in the context of the pleadings or evidence presented, whether by motion practice, or at trial or on appeal. Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law. The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. It is possible that some matters could require the Company to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be estimated at June 30, 2018. Matters as to Which an Estimate Can Be Made For some loss contingency matters, the Company is able to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss. For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no accrual has been made. As of June 30, 2018, the Company estimates the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued, if any, for these matters to be $0 to $10 million . Matters as to Which an Estimate Cannot Be Made For other matters, the Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss. The Company is often unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of the range of possible loss, such as quantification of a damage demand from plaintiffs, discovery from other parties and investigation of factual allegations, rulings by the court on motions or appeals, analysis by experts, and the progress of settlement negotiations. On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company reviews relevant information with respect to litigation contingencies and updates its accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews . Diversified Lending Group Litigations Hartshorne v. NELICO, et al. (Los Angeles County Superior Court, filed March 25, 2015). Plaintiffs have named New England Life Insurance Company (“NELICO”), MetLife, Inc. and MetLife Securities, Inc. in twelve related lawsuits in California state court alleging various causes of action including multiple negligence and statutory claims relating to the Diversified Lending Group Ponzi scheme. As of May 2, 2018, all of the claims have been resolved. Sales Practices Claims Over the past several years, the Company has faced claims and regulatory inquiries and investigations, alleging improper marketing or sales of individual life insurance policies, annuities, mutual funds or other products. The Company continues to defend vigorously against the claims in these matters. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated and combined financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for sales practices matters. Unclaimed Property Litigation Total Asset Recovery Services, LLC on its own behalf and on behalf of the State of New York v. Brighthouse Financial, Inc., et al. (Supreme Court, New York County, NY, second amended complaint filed November 17, 2017). Total Asset Recovery Services, LLC (the “Relator”) has brought a qui tam action against Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates under the New York False Claims Act seeking to recover damages on behalf of the State of New York. The action originally was filed under seal on or about December 3, 2010. The State of New York declined to intervene in the action, and the Relator is now prosecuting the action. The Relator alleges that from on or about April 1, 1986 and continuing annually through on or about September 10, 2017, the defendants violated New York State Finance Law Section 189 (1) (g) by failing to timely report and deliver unclaimed insurance property to the State of New York. The Relator is seeking, among other things, treble damages, penalties, expenses and attorneys’ fees and prejudgment interest. No specific dollar amount of damages is specified by the Relator who also is suing numerous insurance companies and John Doe defendants. Brighthouse Financial, Inc. filed a motion to dismiss. The Court has entered an order of voluntary discontinuance without prejudice pursuant to which the Relator dismissed Brighthouse Financial, Inc. without prejudice but reserved its right to file a motion to amend to name other Brighthouse entities as defendants. If other Brighthouse entities are named, the Brighthouse defendants intend to defend this action vigorously. Group Annuity Class Action Edward Roycroft v. Brighthouse Financial, Inc., et al. (U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, filed June 18, 2018). Edward Roycroft filed a purported class action against Brighthouse Financial, Inc., MetLife, Inc., and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. The complaint alleges plaintiff is a beneficiary of a Martindale-Hubbell group annuity contract and did not receive payments plaintiff claims he was entitled to upon his retirement in 1999. Plaintiff seeks to represent a class of all beneficiaries who were due annuity benefits pursuant to group annuity contracts and whose annuity benefits were released from reserves. Plaintiff’s causes of action are for conversion, unjust enrichment, an accounting and for a constructive trust. Plaintiff seeks damages, attorneys’ fees, declaratory and injunctive relief and other equitable remedies. Brighthouse Financial, Inc. intends to defend this action vigorously. Summary Various litigation, claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated and combined financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, investor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations. It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to previously, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although, in light of these considerations, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated and combined net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods. Commitments Mortgage Loan Commitments The Company commits to lend funds under mortgage loan commitments. The amounts of these mortgage loan commitments were $371 million and $388 million at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments The Company commits to fund partnership investments and to lend funds under private corporate bond investments. The amounts of these unfunded commitments were $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Guarantees In the normal course of its business, the Company has provided certain indemnities, guarantees and commitments to third parties such that it may be required to make payments now or in the future. In the context of acquisition, disposition, investment and other transactions, the Company has provided indemnities and guarantees, including those related to tax, environmental and other specific liabilities and other indemnities and guarantees that are triggered by, among other things, breaches of representations, warranties or covenants provided by the Company. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Company provides indemnifications to counterparties in contracts with triggers similar to the foregoing, as well as for certain other liabilities, such as third-party lawsuits. These obligations are often subject to time limitations that vary in duration, including contractual limitations and those that arise by operation of law, such as applicable statutes of limitation. In some cases, the maximum potential obligation under the indemnities and guarantees is subject to a contractual limitation ranging from less than $1 million to $169 million , with a cumulative maximum of $175 million , while in other cases such limitations are not specified or applicable. Since certain of these obligations are not subject to limitations, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount that could become due under these guarantees in the future. Management believes that it is unlikely the Company will have to make any material payments under these indemnities, guarantees, or commitments. In addition, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers as provided in its charters and by-laws. Also, the Company indemnifies its agents for liabilities incurred as a result of their representation of the Company’s interests. Since these indemnities are generally not subject to limitation with respect to duration or amount, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount that could become due under these indemnities in the future. The Company’s recorded liabilities were $2 million at both June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 for indemnities, guarantees and commitments.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	12. Related Party Transactions The Company had not historically operated as a standalone business prior to the Separation, and as a result had various existing arrangements with MetLife for services necessary to conduct its activities. Subsequent to the Separation, certain of such services continued, as provided for under a master service agreement and various transition services agreements entered into in connection with the Separation. MetLife was no longer considered a related party upon the completion of the MetLife Divestiture on June 14, 2018. See Note 1 for information regarding the MetLife Divestiture. The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with MetLife for the periods indicated: Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Income $ (101 ) $ 42 $ (182 ) $ (400 ) Expense $ 55 $ 80 $ 133 $ 180 The following table summarizes assets and liabilities from transactions with MetLife at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In millions) Assets $ — $ 2,907 Liabilities $ — $ 2,178 The material arrangements between the Company and MetLife are as follows: Reinsurance Agreements The Company enters into reinsurance agreements primarily as a purchaser of reinsurance for its various insurance products and also as a provider of reinsurance for some insurance products issued by former affiliates. The Company participates in reinsurance activities in order to limit losses, minimize exposure to significant risks and provide additional capacity for future growth. T he Company has reinsurance agreements with certain MetLife, Inc. subsidiaries, including MLIC, Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company and MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont, all of which were related parties until the completion of the MetLife Divestiture. Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance with former MetLife affiliates included on the interim condensed consolidated and combined statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) was as follows: Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Premiums Reinsurance assumed $ 3 $ 4 $ 6 $ 8 Reinsurance ceded (105 ) (140 ) (201 ) (317 ) Net premiums $ (102 ) $ (136 ) $ (195 ) $ (309 ) Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Reinsurance assumed $ 20 $ 22 $ 45 $ 46 Reinsurance ceded 2 (4 ) 1 (17 ) Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees $ 22 $ 18 $ 46 $ 29 Other revenues Reinsurance assumed $ — $ 27 $ — $ 27 Reinsurance ceded 6 39 18 39 Net other revenues $ 6 $ 66 $ 18 $ 66 Policyholder benefits and claims Reinsurance assumed $ — $ 6 $ 8 $ 12 Reinsurance ceded (93 ) (94 ) (177 ) (229 ) Net policyholder benefits and claims $ (93 ) $ (88 ) $ (169 ) $ (217 ) Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance with former MetLife affiliates included on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded (In millions) Assets Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ — $ — $ 18 $ 3,410 Liabilities Other policy-related balances $ — $ — $ 1,674 $ — Other liabilities $ — $ — $ 30 $ 401 The Company cedes risks to MLIC related to guaranteed minimum benefits written directly by the Company. The ceded reinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives and changes in the estimated fair value are also included within net derivative gains (losses). The embedded derivatives associated with the cessions are included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and were $0 and $2 million at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivatives were less than ($1) million for both three months and six months ended June 30, 2018 , and $0 and ($263) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017 , respectively. In May 2017, the Company recaptured from MLIC risks related to multiple life products ceded under yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements. This recapture resulted in an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $214 million and a decrease in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables of $189 million . The Company recognized a gain of $17 million , net of income tax, as a result of this reinsurance termination. In January 2017, the Company executed a novation and assignment of a reinsurance agreements under which MLIC reinsured certain variable annuities, including guaranteed minimum benefits, issued by Brighthouse Insurance Company of NY (“BHNY”) and NELICO. As a result of the novation and assignment, the reinsurance agreement is now between Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and BHNY and NELICO. The transaction is treated as a termination of the existing reinsurance agreement with recognition of a loss and a new reinsurance agreement with no recognition of a gain or loss. The transaction resulted in an increase in other liabilities of $274 million . The Company recognized a loss of $178 million , net of income tax, as a result of this transaction. In January 2017, MLIC recaptured risks related to guaranteed minimum benefits written by MLIC that were reinsured by the Company. This recapture resulted in a decrease in investments and cash and cash equivalents of $568 million , a decrease in future policy benefits of $106 million , and a decrease in policyholder account balances of $460 million . In June 2017, there was an adjustment to the recapture amounts of this transaction, which resulted in an increase in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables of $140 million at June 30, 2017. The Company recognized a gain of $91 million and $89 million , net of income tax, for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, as a result of this transaction. Financing Arrangements Prior to the Separation, the Company had collateral financing arrangements with MetLife that were used to support reinsurance obligations arising under previously affiliated reinsurance agreements. The Company recognized interest expense for such arrangements of $24 million and $55 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017 , respectively. These arrangements were terminated in April 2017. Investment Transactions In the ordinary course of business, the Company had previously transferred invested assets, primarily consisting of fixed maturity securities, to and from former affiliates. See Note 4 for further discussion of the related party investment transactions. Shared Services and Overhead Allocations MetLife provides the Company certain services, which include, but are not limited to, treasury, financial planning and analysis, legal, human resources, tax planning, internal audit, financial reporting, and information technology. The Company is charged for these services through a transition services agreement and allocated to the legal entities and products within the Company. When specific identification to a particular legal entity and/or product is not practicable, an allocation methodology based on various performance measures or activity-based costing, such as sales, new policies/contracts issued, reserves, and in-force policy counts is used. The bases for such charges are modified and adjusted by management when necessary or appropriate to reflect fairly and equitably the actual incidence of cost incurred by the Company and/or affiliate. Management believes that the methods used to allocate expenses under these arrangements are reasonable. Expenses incurred with MetLife related to these arrangements, recorded in other expenses, were $92 million and $186 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018 , respectively, and $98 million and $195 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017 , respectively.

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	13. Subsequent Event Common Stock Repurchase Program On August 5, 2018, Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $200 million of common stock. Repurchases made under such authorization may be made through open market purchases, pursuant to 10b5-1 plans, or pursuant to accelerated stock repurchase plans from time to time at management's discretion in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. No common stock repurchases have been made as of August 7, 2018.

Business, Basis of Presentati20

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported on the interim condensed consolidated and combined financial statements. In applying these policies and estimates, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to the Company’s business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Consolidation of Subsidiaries	Consolidation The financial statements presented in this quarterly report for periods on or after the Separation are presented on a consolidated basis and include the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as well as partnerships and joint ventures in which the Company has control, and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company uses the equity method of accounting for equity securities when it has significant influence or at least 20% interest and for real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests (“investee”) when it has more than a minor ownership interest or more than a minor influence over the investee’s operations. The Company generally recognizes its share of the investee’s earnings on a three-month lag in instances where the investee’s financial information is not sufficiently timely or when the investee’s reporting period differs from the Company’s reporting period. When the Company has virtually no influence over the investee’s operations, the investment is carried at fair value. Combination The financial statements for the periods prior to the Separation are presented on a combined basis and reflect the historical combined results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The combined statement of operations reflects certain corporate expenses allocated to the Company by MetLife for certain corporate functions and for shared services provided by MetLife. These expenses have been allocated to the Company based on direct usage or benefit where specifically identifiable, with the remainder allocated based upon other reasonable allocation measures. The Company considers the expense methodology and results to be reasonable for all periods presented. See Note 12 for further information on expenses allocated by MetLife. The Company previously recorded affiliated transactions with certain MetLife subsidiaries which were not included in the combined financial statements of the Company. The income tax amounts in these combined financial statements have been calculated based on a modified separate return methodology, with benefits for losses, and presented as if each company was a separate taxpayer in its respective jurisdiction. The historical financial results in the combined financial statements presented may not be indicative of the results that would have been achieved by the Company had it operated as a separate, stand-alone entity during the periods presented. The combined financial statements presented do not reflect any changes that may occur in the Company’s financing and operations in connection with or as a result of the Separation. Management believes that the combined financial statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the business. Reclassifications Certain amounts in the prior year periods’ interim condensed consolidated and combined financial statements and related footnotes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the 2018 presentation as discussed throughout the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. Additionally, effective January 1, 2018 the Company recorded an increase to other liabilities of $46 million , a decrease to deferred tax liabilities of $22 million , a decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) of $64 million , and an increase to retained earnings of $40 million , to reflect an adjustment, net of tax, to prior year accretion of certain investments in redeemable preferred stock. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated and combined financial statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented in conformity with GAAP. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance. The December 31, 2017 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “2017 Annual Report”), which include all disclosures required by GAAP. Therefore, these interim condensed consolidated and combined financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated and combined financial statements of the Company included in the 2017 Annual Report.
Investments	Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of call or prepayment options. Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been presented in the year of final contractual maturity. Structured Securities are shown separately, as they are not due at a single maturity. Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities The Company defines delinquency consistent with industry practice, when mortgage loans are past due as follows: commercial and residential mortgage loans — 60 days and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days. Past Due, Nonaccrual and Modified Mortgage Loans Variable Interest Entities The Company has invested in legal entities that are VIEs. In certain instances, the Company holds both the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity, as well as an economic interest in the entity and, as such, is deemed to be the primary beneficiary or consolidator of the entity.
Derivatives	Accounting for Derivatives Freestanding Derivatives Freestanding derivatives are carried on the Company’s balance sheet either as assets within other invested assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value. The Company does not offset the estimated fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement. Accruals on derivatives are generally recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle within one year are included with the derivatives carrying value in other invested assets or other liabilities. If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses) except for economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees which are presented in future policy benefits and claims. Hedge Accounting The Company primarily designates derivatives as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or a variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). When a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge and is determined to be highly effective, changes in fair value are recorded in OCI and subsequently reclassified into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. The Company also designates derivatives as a hedge of the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liabilities (fair value hedge). When a derivative is designated as fair value hedge and is determined to be highly effective, changes in fair value are recorded in net derivative gains (losses), consistent with the change in estimated fair value of the hedged item attributable to the designated risk being hedged. To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge. In its hedge documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness and the method that will be used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and at least quarterly throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument. When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in net derivative gains (losses). The carrying value of the hedged recognized asset or liability under a fair value hedge is no longer adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk, and the cumulative adjustment to its carrying value is amortized into income over the remaining life of the hedged item. Provided the hedged forecasted transaction is still probable of occurrence, the changes in estimated fair value of derivatives recorded in OCI related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net derivative gains (losses). Embedded Derivatives The Company sells variable annuities and issues certain insurance products and investment contracts and is a party to certain reinsurance agreements that have embedded derivatives. The Company assesses each identified embedded derivative to determine whether it is required to be bifurcated. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for as a freestanding derivative if: • the combined instrument is not accounted for in its entirety at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value recorded in earnings; • the terms of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract; and • a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would qualify as a derivative instrument. Such embedded derivatives are carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value with the host contract and changes in their estimated fair value are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses), except for those in policyholder benefits and claims related to ceded reinsurance of GMIB. See “— Variable Annuity Guarantees” in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report for additional information on the accounting policy for embedded derivatives bifurcated from variable annuity host contracts. Derivatives are financial instruments with values derived from interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and/or other financial indices. Derivatives may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. Certain of the Company’s OTC derivatives are cleared and settled through central clearing counterparties (“OTC-cleared”), while others are bilateral contracts between two counterparties (“OTC-bilateral”). The types of derivatives the Company uses include swaps, forwards, futures and option contracts. To a lesser extent, the Company uses credit default swaps to synthetically replicate investment risks and returns which are not readily available in the cash markets. Derivative Strategies The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by its counterparties to derivatives. Generally, the current credit exposure of the Company’s derivatives is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of derivatives at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of master netting or similar agreements and any collateral received pursuant to such agreements. The Company manages its credit risk related to derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties and establishing and monitoring exposure limits. The Company’s OTC-bilateral derivative transactions are generally governed by ISDA Master Agreements which provide for legally enforceable set-off and close-out netting of exposures to specific counterparties in the event of early termination of a transaction, which includes, but is not limited to, events of default and bankruptcy. In the event of an early termination, the Company is permitted to set off receivables from the counterparty against payables to the same counterparty arising out of all included transactions. Substantially all of the Company’s ISDA Master Agreements also include Credit Support Annex provisions which require both the pledging and accepting of collateral in connection with its OTC-bilateral derivatives. The Company’s OTC-cleared derivatives are effected through central clearing counterparties and its exchange-traded derivatives are effected through regulated exchanges. Such positions are marked to market and margined on a daily basis (both initial margin and variation margin), and the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to such derivatives. See Note 6 for a description of the impact of credit risk on the valuation of derivatives.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements Changes to GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of accounting standards updates (“ASUs”) to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. The following table provides a description of new ASUs issued by the FASB and the expected impact of the adoption on the Company’s financial statements. ASUs adopted as of June 30, 2018 are summarized in the table below. Standard Description Effective Date Impact on Financial Statements ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities The new guidance changes the current accounting guidance related to (i) the classification and measurement of certain equity investments, (ii) the presentation of changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option (“FVO”) that are due to instrument-specific credit risk, and (iii) certain disclosures associated with the fair value of financial instruments. Additionally, there will no longer be a requirement to assess equity securities for impairment since such securities will be measured at fair value through net income. January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method The Company 1) reclassified net unrealized gains related to equity securities previously classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) from AOCI to retained earnings and 2) increased the carrying value of equity investments previously accounted for under the cost method to estimated fair value. The cumulative effect of the adoption is a net increase to retained earnings of $38 million and a net decrease of $15 million to AOCI, after taxes. ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) For those contracts that are impacted, the guidance will require an entity to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled, in exchange for those goods or services. January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method The adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements other than expanded disclosures in Note 9. ASUs issued but not yet adopted as of June 30, 2018 are summarized in the table below. Standard Description Effective Date Impact on Financial Statements ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities The amendments to Topic 815 (i) refine and expand the criteria for achieving hedge accounting on certain hedging strategies, (ii) require the earnings effect of the hedging instrument be presented in the same line item in which the earnings effect of the hedged item is reported, and (iii) eliminate the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. January 1, 2019 using modified retrospective method (with early adoption permitted) The Company does not expect a material impact on its financial statements from adoption of the new guidance. ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments The amendments to Topic 326 replace the incurred loss impairment methodology for certain financial instruments with one that reflects expected credit losses based on historical loss information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The new guidance also requires that an other-than- temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on a debt security will be recognized as an allowance going forward, such that improvements in expected future cash flows after an impairment will no longer be reflected as a prospective yield adjustment through net investment income, but rather a reversal of the previous impairment and recognized through realized investment gains and losses. January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method (with early adoption permitted beginning January 1, 2019) The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its financial statements, with the most significant impact expected to be earlier recognition of credit losses on mortgage loan investments. ASU 2016-02, Leases - Topic 842 The new guidance will require a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Leases would be classified as finance or operating leases and both types of leases will be recognized on the balance sheet. Lessor accounting will remain largely unchanged from current guidance except for certain targeted changes. The amendments also require new qualitative and quantitative disclosures. January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method (with early adoption permitted) The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its financial statements, with the most significant impact expected to be a gross-up of certain lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	PSUs are units that, if vested, are multiplied by a performance factor to produce a number of final PSUs, which are payable in shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock. PSUs cliff vest at the end of the three-year performance period. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who meet specified age and service criteria, and in certain other limited circumstances. Stock options represent the contingent right of award holders to purchase shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock at a stated price for a limited time. All stock options have an exercise price equal to the closing price of a share on the date of grant and have a maximum term of ten years. Certain stock options granted are exercisable at a rate of one-third of each award on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date, while others are exercisable entirely on the third anniversary of the grant date. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who meet specified age and service criteria and in certain other limited circumstances. All share-based compensation is measured at fair value as of the grant date. The Company recognizes compensation expense related to share-based awards based on the number of awards expected to vest, which represents the awards granted less expected forfeitures over the life of the award, as estimated at the date of grant. Unless a material deviation from the assumed forfeiture rate is observed during the term in which the awards are expensed, the Company recognizes any adjustment necessary to reflect differences in actual experience in the period the award becomes payable or exercisable. Compensation expense related to share-based awards, which is included in other expenses, is principally related to the issuance of restricted stock units with other costs incurred relating to stock options and performance units. The Company’s share-based compensation plans provide awards to employees and non-employee directors and may be in the form of nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, and other share-based awards. Additionally, employees may purchase shares at a discount under an employee stock purchase plan. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. The significant assumptions the Company uses in its model include: expected volatility of the price of shares; risk-free rate of return; graded three-year vesting; and expected option life. RSUs are units that, if vested, are payable in shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock. The Company does not credit RSUs with dividend-equivalents as RSUs do not accrue dividends. Accordingly, the estimated fair value of RSUs is based upon the closing price of shares on the date of grant, less a forfeiture rate. With the exception of the Founders’ Grant, most RSUs use graded vesting and vest in thirds on, or shortly after, the first three anniversaries of their grant date, while other RSUs vest in their entirety on the third or later anniversary of their grant date. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who meet specified age and service criteria, and in certain other limited circumstances.

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Operating Results Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Annuities Life Run-off Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Pre-tax adjusted earnings $ 266 $ 46 $ (8 ) $ (124 ) $ 180 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 45 9 (2 ) (26 ) 26 Post-tax adjusted earnings 221 37 (6 ) (98 ) 154 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 1 1 Adjusted earnings $ 221 $ 37 $ (6 ) $ (99 ) 153 Adjustments for: Net investment gains (losses) (75 ) Net derivative gains (losses) (312 ) Other adjustments to net income (110 ) Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 105 Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.'s common shareholders $ (239 ) Interest revenue $ 376 $ 111 $ 314 $ 11 Interest expense $ — $ — $ — $ 37 Operating Results Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Annuities Life Run-off Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Pre-tax adjusted earnings $ 313 $ 23 $ 79 $ 11 $ 426 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 87 11 27 (23 ) 102 Post-tax adjusted earnings 226 12 52 34 324 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — Adjusted earnings $ 226 $ 12 $ 52 $ 34 324 Adjustments for: Net investment gains (losses) — Net derivative gains (losses) (78 ) Other adjustments to net income (27 ) Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 27 Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.'s common shareholders $ 246 Interest revenue $ 311 $ 69 $ 354 $ 58 Interest expense $ — $ — $ 8 $ 28 Operating Results Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Annuities Life Run-off Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Pre-tax adjusted earnings $ 538 $ 127 $ 55 $ (210 ) $ 510 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 91 24 11 (55 ) 71 Post-tax adjusted earnings 447 103 44 (155 ) 439 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 3 3 Adjusted earnings $ 447 $ 103 $ 44 $ (158 ) 436 Adjustments for: Net investment gains (losses) (79 ) Net derivative gains (losses) (646 ) Other adjustments to net income (215 ) Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 198 Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.'s common shareholders $ (306 ) Interest revenue $ 739 $ 219 $ 657 $ 22 Interest expense $ — $ — $ — $ 74 The following table presents total assets with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In millions) Annuities $ 151,856 $ 154,667 Life 19,790 18,049 Run-off 32,472 36,824 Corporate & Other 12,094 14,652 Total $ 216,212 $ 224,192
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated	Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Annuities $ 1,146 $ 1,126 $ 2,293 $ 2,200 Life 339 305 708 595 Run-off 510 545 1,058 1,084 Corporate & Other 31 82 65 171 Adjustments (324 ) (33 ) (607 ) (1,060 ) Total $ 1,702 $ 2,025 $ 3,517 $ 2,990

Insurance (Tables)

Insurance (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Insurance [Abstract]
Guarantees related to Annuity, Universal and Variable Life Contracts	Information regarding the Company’s guarantee exposure was as follows at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 In the Event of Death At Annuitization In the Event of Death At Annuitization (Dollars in millions) Annuity Contracts (1), (2) Variable Annuity Guarantees Total account value (3) $ 109,725 $ 63,534 $ 115,147 $ 67,110 Separate account value $ 104,555 $ 62,264 $ 109,792 $ 65,782 Net amount at risk $ 6,534 (4) $ 2,604 (5) $ 5,261 (4) $ 2,642 (5) Average attained age of contract holders 68 years 68 years 68 years 68 years June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Secondary Guarantees (Dollars in millions) Universal Life Contracts Total account value (3) $ 6,154 $ 6,244 Net amount at risk (6) $ 74,152 $ 75,304 Average attained age of policyholders 65 years 64 years Variable Life Contracts Total account value (3) $ 3,393 $ 3,379 Net amount at risk (6) $ 23,691 $ 24,546 Average attained age of policyholders 49 years 49 years __________________ (1) The Company’s annuity contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract. Therefore, the amounts listed above may not be mutually exclusive. (2) Includes direct business, but excludes offsets from hedging or reinsurance, if any. Therefore, the net amount at risk presented reflects the economic exposures of living and death benefit guarantees associated with variable annuities, but not necessarily their impact on the Company. See Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report for a discussion of guaranteed minimum benefits which have been reinsured. (3) Includes the contract holder’s investments in the general account and separate account, if applicable. (4) Defined as the death benefit less the total account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date and includes any additional contractual claims associated with riders purchased to assist with covering income taxes payable upon death. (5) Defined as the amount (if any) that would be required to be added to the total account value to purchase a lifetime income stream, based on current annuity rates, equal to the minimum amount provided under the guaranteed benefit. This amount represents the Company’s potential economic exposure to such guarantees in the event all contract holders were to annuitize on the balance sheet date, even though the contracts contain terms that allow annuitization of the guaranteed amount only after the 10th anniversary of the contract, which not all contract holders have achieved. (6) Defined as the guarantee amount less the account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date.

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale	The following table presents the fixed maturity securities AFS by sector at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Amortized Gross Unrealized Estimated Amortized Gross Unrealized Estimated Gains Temporary OTTI Gains Temporary OTTI (In millions) Fixed maturity securities: (2) U.S. corporate $ 22,965 $ 984 $ 445 $ — $ 23,504 $ 21,190 $ 1,859 $ 92 $ — $ 22,957 U.S. government and agency 11,243 1,409 194 — 12,458 14,548 1,862 118 — 16,292 RMBS 7,784 251 180 (4 ) 7,859 7,749 285 60 (3 ) 7,977 Foreign corporate 6,972 175 183 — 6,964 6,703 386 66 — 7,023 State and political subdivision 3,648 453 26 (2 ) 4,077 3,635 553 6 1 4,181 CMBS 4,099 11 88 (1 ) 4,023 3,386 53 17 (1 ) 3,423 ABS 2,074 14 5 — 2,083 1,810 21 2 — 1,829 Foreign government 1,296 105 26 — 1,375 1,152 161 4 — 1,309 Total fixed maturity securities $ 60,081 $ 3,402 $ 1,147 $ (7 ) $ 62,343 $ 60,173 $ 5,180 $ 365 $ (3 ) $ 64,991 __________________ (1) Noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI in an unrealized gain position are due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of noncredit losses on such securities. See also “— Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses).” (2) Redeemable preferred stock is reported within U.S. corporate and foreign corporate fixed maturity securities. Included within fixed maturity securities are structured securities including residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) (collectively, “Structured Securities”).
Available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity date	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date, were as follows at June 30, 2018 : Due in One Year or Less Due After One Year Through Five Years Due After Five Years Through Ten Years Due After Ten Years Structured Securities Total Fixed Maturity Securities (In millions) Amortized cost $ 1,759 $ 8,553 $ 11,677 $ 24,135 $ 13,957 $ 60,081 Estimated fair value $ 1,766 $ 8,641 $ 11,570 $ 26,401 $ 13,965 $ 62,343
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale	The following table presents the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by sector and by length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Less than 12 Months Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Less than 12 Months Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses (Dollars in millions) Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ 9,676 $ 324 $ 1,264 $ 121 $ 1,783 $ 21 $ 1,451 $ 71 U.S. government and agency 2,822 64 1,318 130 4,962 38 1,573 80 RMBS 3,279 97 1,140 79 2,367 14 1,332 43 Foreign corporate 2,986 107 462 76 637 8 603 58 State and political subdivision 577 16 102 8 170 3 106 4 CMBS 2,955 67 344 20 619 6 335 10 ABS 735 4 33 1 170 — 74 2 Foreign government 502 21 87 5 155 2 69 2 Total fixed maturity securities $ 23,532 $ 700 $ 4,750 $ 440 $ 10,863 $ 92 $ 5,543 $ 270 Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position 2,799 592 911 638
Disclosure of Mortgage Loans Net of Valuation Allowance	Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Carrying Value % of Total Carrying Value % of Total (Dollars in millions) Mortgage loans: Commercial $ 8,085 65.5 % $ 7,260 67.5 % Agricultural 2,630 21.3 2,276 21.2 Residential 1,577 12.8 1,138 10.6 Subtotal (1) 12,292 99.6 10,674 99.3 Valuation allowances (2) (51 ) (0.4 ) (47 ) (0.4 ) Subtotal mortgage loans, net 12,241 99.2 10,627 98.9 Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO 96 0.8 115 1.1 Total mortgage loans, net $ 12,337 100.0 % $ 10,742 100.0 % __________________ (1) Purchases of mortgage loans from third parties were $518 million and $604 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018 , respectively, and $147 million and $307 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017 , respectively, and were primarily comprised of residential mortgage loans. (2) The valuation allowances were primarily from collective evaluation (non-specific loan related).
Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in AOCI, were as follows: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In millions) Fixed maturity securities $ 2,247 $ 4,806 Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI 7 2 Total fixed maturity securities 2,254 4,808 Equity securities — 39 Derivatives 256 239 Other (13 ) (8 ) Subtotal 2,497 5,078 Amounts allocated from: Future policy benefits (1,240 ) (2,626 ) DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI (5 ) (2 ) DAC, VOBA and DSI (167 ) (265 ) Subtotal (1,412 ) (2,893 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI 1 — Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (228 ) (459 ) Net unrealized investment gains (losses) $ 858 $ 1,726 The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows: Six Months (In millions) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 1,726 Unrealized investment gains (losses) change due to cumulative effect, net of income tax (1) (79 ) Balance, January 1, 2018 1,647 Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized 5 Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period (2,507 ) Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to: Future policy benefits 1,386 DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI (3 ) DAC, VOBA and DSI 98 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI 1 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 231 Balance, June 30, 2018 $ 858 Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) $ (789 ) __________________ (1) See Note 1 for more information related to the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle and other.
Securities Lending	Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In millions) Securities on loan: (1) Amortized cost $ 3,304 $ 3,085 Estimated fair value $ 3,798 $ 3,748 Cash collateral received from counterparties (2) $ 3,834 $ 3,791 Security collateral received from counterparties (3) $ 56 $ 29 Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value $ 3,843 $ 3,823 __________________ (1) Included within fixed maturity securities. (2) Included within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions. (3) Security collateral received from counterparties may not be sold or re-pledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected on the consolidated and combined financial statements. The cash collateral liability by loaned security type and remaining tenor of the agreements were as follows at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements Open (1) 1 Month or Less 1 to 6 Months Total Open (1) 1 Month or Less 1 to 6 Months Total (In millions) U.S. government and agency $ 1,345 $ 1,596 $ 893 $ 3,834 $ 1,626 $ 964 $ 1,201 $ 3,791 __________________ (1) The related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day which would require the Company to immediately return the cash collateral.
Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral	Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral are presented below at estimated fair value at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In millions) Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) (1) $ 8,046 $ 8,263 Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements) (2) 2,985 2,634 Invested assets pledged as collateral (3) 3,823 3,199 Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral $ 14,854 $ 14,096 __________________ (1) The Company has assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, on deposit with governmental authorities relating to certain policyholder liabilities, of which $71 million and $34 million of the assets on deposit balance represents restricted cash at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. (2) The Company has assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, held in trust relating to certain reinsurance transactions. $27 million and $42 million of the assets held in trust balance represents restricted cash at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. (3) The Company has pledged invested assets in connection with various agreements and transactions, including funding agreements (see Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report) and derivative transactions (see Note 5 ).
The Components of Net Investment Income	The components of net investment income were as follows: Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Investment income: Fixed maturity securities $ 638 $ 598 $ 1,266 $ 1,208 Equity securities 2 3 4 5 Mortgage loans 128 111 246 220 Policy loans 34 18 50 35 Real estate joint ventures 10 14 24 26 Other limited partnership interests 25 49 90 106 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 7 10 13 18 Other 9 7 18 15 Subtotal 853 810 1,711 1,633 Less: Investment expenses 49 46 92 89 Subtotal, net 804 764 1,619 1,544 FVO CSEs — interest income — commercial mortgage loans 2 2 4 4 Net investment income $ 806 $ 766 $ 1,623 $ 1,548
The components of net investment gains (losses)	The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows: Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities: Total OTTI losses recognized — by sector: State and political subdivision $ — $ (1 ) $ — $ (1 ) OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings — (1 ) — (1 ) Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals (65 ) 2 (104 ) (36 ) Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities (65 ) 1 (104 ) (37 ) Total gains (losses) on equity securities: Equity securities — Mark to market and net gains (losses) on sales and disposals (3 ) 1 (4 ) 1 Total gains (losses) on equity securities (3 ) 1 (4 ) 1 Mortgage loans (3 ) (2 ) (7 ) (5 ) Real estate joint ventures — 1 42 3 Other limited partnership interests — — — (10 ) Other 1 1 2 (5 ) Subtotal (70 ) 2 (71 ) (53 ) FVO CSEs: Commercial mortgage loans (5 ) — (8 ) (1 ) Long-term debt — related to commercial mortgage loans — (1 ) — — Non-investment portfolio gains (losses) — (1 ) — (1 ) Subtotal (5 ) (2 ) (8 ) (2 ) Total net investment gains (losses) $ (75 ) $ — $ (79 ) $ (55 )
Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains and losses	Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity securities and the components of fixed maturity securities net investment gains (losses) were as shown in the table below. Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Proceeds $ 2,476 $ 2,411 $ 5,337 $ 4,387 Gross investment gains $ 9 $ 12 $ 12 $ 20 Gross investment losses (74 ) (10 ) (116 ) (56 ) OTTI losses — (1 ) — (1 ) Net investment gains (losses) $ (65 ) $ 1 $ (104 ) $ (37 )
Rollforward of the Cumulative Credit Loss Component of OTTI income (loss)	The table below presents a rollforward of the cumulative credit loss component of OTTI loss recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities still held for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”): Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Balance, beginning of period $ — $ 10 $ — $ 28 Reductions: Sales (maturities, pay downs or prepayments) of securities previously impaired as credit loss OTTI — (1 ) — (19 ) Balance, end of period $ — $ 9 $ — $ 9
Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Securitizations or Asset-backed Financing Arrangements of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sale [Table Text Block]	The Company previously transferred invested assets primarily consisting of fixed maturity securities to former affiliates, which were as follows: Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred to former affiliates $ — $ — $ — $ 292 Amortized cost of invested assets transferred to former affiliates $ — $ — $ — $ 294 Net investment gains (losses) recognized on transfers $ — $ — $ — $ (2 )
Disclosure of the mortgage loans portfolio segment by the recorded investment, prior to valuation allowances, by credit quality indicator categories	The credit quality of residential mortgage loans was as follows at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Recorded Investment % of Total Recorded Investment % of Total (Dollars in millions) Performance indicators: Performing $ 1,548 98.2 % $ 1,106 97.2 % Nonperforming 29 1.8 32 2.8 Total $ 1,577 100.0 % $ 1,138 100.0 % The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans was as follows at: Recorded Investment Debt Service Coverage Ratios % of Total Estimated Fair Value % of Total > 1.20x 1.00x - 1.20x < 1.00x Total (Dollars in millions) June 30, 2018 Loan-to-value ratios: Less than 65% $ 7,086 $ 115 $ 32 $ 7,233 89.5 % $ 7,270 89.6 % 65% to 75% 612 107 82 801 9.9 798 9.8 76% to 80% 42 — 9 51 0.6 49 0.6 Total $ 7,740 $ 222 $ 123 $ 8,085 100.0 % $ 8,117 100.0 % December 31, 2017 Loan-to-value ratios: Less than 65% $ 6,194 $ 293 $ 33 $ 6,520 89.8 % $ 6,681 90.0 % 65% to 75% 642 — 14 656 9.0 658 8.9 76% to 80% 42 — 9 51 0.7 50 0.7 Greater than 80% — 9 24 33 0.5 30 0.4 Total $ 6,878 $ 302 $ 80 $ 7,260 100.0 % $ 7,419 100.0 % The credit quality of agricultural mortgage loans was as follows at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Recorded Investment % of Total Recorded Investment % of Total (Dollars in millions) Loan-to-value ratios: Less than 65% $ 2,403 91.4 % $ 2,113 92.8 % 65% to 75% 227 8.6 163 7.2 Total $ 2,630 100.0 % $ 2,276 100.0 %
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entities	The following table presents the total assets and total liabilities relating to VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary and which are consolidated at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Total Assets Total Liabilities Total Assets Total Liabilities (In millions) CSEs (assets (primarily loans) and liabilities (primarily debt)) (1) $ 96 $ 5 $ 116 $ 11 __________________ (1) The Company consolidates entities that are structured as CMBS. The assets of these entities can only be used to settle their respective liabilities, and under no circumstances is the Company liable for any principal or interest shortfalls should any arise. The Company’s exposure was limited to that of its remaining investment in these entities of $73 million and $86 million at estimated fair value at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively.
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entities	The carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss relating to VIEs in which the Company holds a significant variable interest but is not the primary beneficiary and which have not been consolidated were as follows at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Carrying Amount Maximum Exposure to Loss (1) Carrying Amount Maximum Exposure to Loss (1) (In millions) Fixed maturity securities AFS: Structured Securities (2) $ 11,413 $ 11,413 $ 11,461 $ 11,461 U.S. and foreign corporate 440 440 504 504 Other limited partnership interests 1,550 2,775 1,511 2,463 Other investments (3) 89 92 82 89 Total $ 13,492 $ 14,720 $ 13,558 $ 14,517 __________________ (1) The maximum exposure to loss relating to fixed maturity securities AFS is equal to their carrying amounts or the carrying amounts of retained interests. The maximum exposure to loss relating to other limited partnership interests and real estate joint ventures is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments. Such a maximum loss would be expected to occur only upon bankruptcy of the issuer or investee. (2) For these variable interests, the Company’s involvement is limited to that of a passive investor in mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities issued by trusts that do not have substantial equity. (3) Other investments is comprised of real estate joint ventures and other invested assets.

Derivatives (Tables)

Derivatives (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	The following table presents the primary underlying risk exposure, gross notional amount, and estimated fair value of the Company’s derivatives, excluding embedded derivatives, held at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Primary Underlying Risk Exposure Gross Notional Estimated Fair Value Gross Notional Estimated Fair Value Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities (In millions) Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps Interest rate $ 145 $ 35 $ — $ 175 $ 44 $ — Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps Interest rate 27 3 — 27 5 — Foreign currency swaps Foreign currency exchange rate 2,169 116 62 1,827 94 75 Subtotal 2,196 119 62 1,854 99 75 Total qualifying hedges 2,341 154 62 2,029 143 75 Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate swaps Interest rate 15,879 576 888 20,213 922 774 Interest rate caps Interest rate 3,428 29 — 2,671 7 — Interest rate futures Interest rate 282 — — 282 1 — Interest rate options Interest rate 14,500 120 97 24,600 133 63 Foreign currency swaps Foreign currency exchange rate 1,143 70 30 1,115 71 42 Foreign currency forwards Foreign currency exchange rate 128 1 1 130 — 1 Credit default swaps — purchased Credit 80 2 1 65 — 1 Credit default swaps — written Credit 1,949 26 1 1,900 40 — Equity futures Equity market 1,619 — 1 2,713 15 — Equity index options Equity market 46,292 905 1,680 47,066 794 1,664 Equity variance swaps Equity market 9,713 127 429 8,998 128 430 Equity total return swaps Equity market 2,433 45 33 1,767 — 79 Total non-designated or nonqualifying derivatives 97,446 1,901 3,161 111,520 2,111 3,054 Total $ 99,787 $ 2,055 $ 3,223 $ 113,549 $ 2,254 $ 3,129 The following table presents earned income on derivatives: Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Qualifying hedges: Net investment income $ 7 $ 6 $ 12 $ 12 Nonqualifying hedges: Net derivative gains (losses) 38 67 91 186 Policyholder benefits and claims — 3 — 7 Total $ 45 $ 76 $ 103 $ 205
Schedule of estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps	The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations (1) Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2) Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2) (Dollars in millions) Aaa/Aa/A $ 9 $ 677 2.7 $ 12 $ 558 2.8 Baa 16 1,272 5.0 28 1,317 4.7 Ba — — — — 25 4.5 Total $ 25 $ 1,949 4.2 $ 40 $ 1,900 4.1 __________________ (1) Includes both single name credit default swaps that may be referenced to the credit of corporations, foreign governments or state and political subdivisions and credit default swaps referencing indices. The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”) and Fitch Ratings. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used. (2) The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average gross notional amounts.
Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral	The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Derivatives Subject to a Master Netting Arrangement or a Similar Arrangement Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities (In millions) Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: OTC-bilateral (1) $ 2,083 $ 3,211 $ 2,233 $ 3,081 OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded (1), (6) 17 5 70 40 Total gross estimated fair value of derivatives (1) 2,100 3,216 2,303 3,121 Amounts offset on the consolidated balance sheets — — — — Estimated fair value of derivatives presented on the consolidated balance sheets (1), (6) 2,100 3,216 2,303 3,121 Gross amounts not offset on the consolidated balance sheets: Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: (2) OTC-bilateral (1,834 ) (1,834 ) (1,942 ) (1,942 ) OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) Cash collateral: (3), (4) OTC-bilateral (224 ) — (257 ) — OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded (16 ) — (28 ) (39 ) Securities collateral: (5) OTC-bilateral (22 ) (1,375 ) (31 ) (1,138 ) OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded — (4 ) — — Net amount after application of master netting agreements and collateral $ 3 $ 2 $ 44 $ 1 __________________ (1) At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , derivative assets included income or (expense) accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of $45 million and $49 million , respectively, and derivative liabilities included (income) or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of ($7) million and ($8) million , respectively. (2) Estimated fair value of derivatives is limited to the amount that is subject to set-off and includes income or expense accruals. (3) Cash collateral received by the Company for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives is included in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments or in fixed maturity securities, and the obligation to return it is included in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions on the balance sheet. (4) The receivable for the return of cash collateral provided by the Company is inclusive of initial margin on exchange-traded and OTC-cleared derivatives and is included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the balance sheet. The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company received excess cash collateral of $191 million and $94 million , respectively, and provided excess cash collateral of $0 and $5 million , respectively, which is not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. (5) Securities collateral received by the Company is held in separate custodial accounts and is not recorded on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but at June 30, 2018 , none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. Securities collateral pledged by the Company is reported in fixed maturity securities on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral. The amount of securities collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements and cash collateral. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company received excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $170 million and $337 million , respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company provided excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $328 million and $471 million , respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, and $150 million and $427 million , respectively, for its OTC-cleared derivatives, and $82 million and $118 million , respectively, for its exchange-traded derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. (6) Effective January 16, 2018, the London Clearing House (“LCH”) amended its rulebook, resulting in the characterization of variation margin transfers as settlement payments, as opposed to adjustments to collateral. These amendments impacted the accounting treatment of the Company’s centrally cleared derivatives, for which the LCH serves as the central clearing party.
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Derivatives Subject to a Master Netting Arrangement or a Similar Arrangement Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities (In millions) Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: OTC-bilateral (1) $ 2,083 $ 3,211 $ 2,233 $ 3,081 OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded (1), (6) 17 5 70 40 Total gross estimated fair value of derivatives (1) 2,100 3,216 2,303 3,121 Amounts offset on the consolidated balance sheets — — — — Estimated fair value of derivatives presented on the consolidated balance sheets (1), (6) 2,100 3,216 2,303 3,121 Gross amounts not offset on the consolidated balance sheets: Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: (2) OTC-bilateral (1,834 ) (1,834 ) (1,942 ) (1,942 ) OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) Cash collateral: (3), (4) OTC-bilateral (224 ) — (257 ) — OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded (16 ) — (28 ) (39 ) Securities collateral: (5) OTC-bilateral (22 ) (1,375 ) (31 ) (1,138 ) OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded — (4 ) — — Net amount after application of master netting agreements and collateral $ 3 $ 2 $ 44 $ 1 __________________ (1) At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , derivative assets included income or (expense) accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of $45 million and $49 million , respectively, and derivative liabilities included (income) or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of ($7) million and ($8) million , respectively. (2) Estimated fair value of derivatives is limited to the amount that is subject to set-off and includes income or expense accruals. (3) Cash collateral received by the Company for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives is included in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments or in fixed maturity securities, and the obligation to return it is included in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions on the balance sheet. (4) The receivable for the return of cash collateral provided by the Company is inclusive of initial margin on exchange-traded and OTC-cleared derivatives and is included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the balance sheet. The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company received excess cash collateral of $191 million and $94 million , respectively, and provided excess cash collateral of $0 and $5 million , respectively, which is not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. (5) Securities collateral received by the Company is held in separate custodial accounts and is not recorded on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but at June 30, 2018 , none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. Securities collateral pledged by the Company is reported in fixed maturity securities on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral. The amount of securities collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements and cash collateral. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company received excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $170 million and $337 million , respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company provided excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $328 million and $471 million , respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, and $150 million and $427 million , respectively, for its OTC-cleared derivatives, and $82 million and $118 million , respectively, for its exchange-traded derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. (6) Effective January 16, 2018, the London Clearing House (“LCH”) amended its rulebook, resulting in the characterization of variation margin transfers as settlement payments, as opposed to adjustments to collateral. These amendments impacted the accounting treatment of the Company’s centrally cleared derivatives, for which the LCH serves as the central clearing party.
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The following tables present the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized for derivatives and gains (losses) pertaining to hedged items presented in net derivative gains (losses): Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives (1) Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items (2) Net Investment Income (3) Policyholder Benefits and Claims (4) Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI (In millions) Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ (2 ) $ 3 $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges (2 ) 3 — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 9 — 2 — — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (1 ) — — — 111 Total cash flow hedges 8 — 2 — 111 Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives (165 ) — — — — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 56 (3 ) — — — Credit derivatives (3 ) — — — — Equity derivatives (440 ) — — — — Embedded derivatives 196 — — (1 ) — Total non-qualifying hedges (356 ) (3 ) — (1 ) — Total $ (350 ) $ — $ 2 $ (1 ) $ 111 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ 3 $ (3 ) $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges 3 (3 ) — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 2 — 1 — 2 Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 1 (1 ) — — (35 ) Total cash flow hedges 3 (1 ) 1 — (33 ) Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives 205 — — 3 — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (22 ) — — — — Credit derivatives 5 — — — — Equity derivatives (473 ) — (1 ) (93 ) — Embedded derivatives 138 — — 14 — Total non-qualifying hedges (147 ) — (1 ) (76 ) — Total $ (141 ) $ (4 ) $ — $ (76 ) $ (33 ) Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives (1) Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items (2) Net Investment Income (3) Policyholder Benefits and Claims (4) Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI (In millions) Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ (10 ) $ 10 $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges (10 ) 10 — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 16 — 3 — (2 ) Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (1 ) — — — 37 Total cash flow hedges 15 — 3 — 35 Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives (974 ) — — — — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 15 (1 ) — — — Credit derivatives (10 ) — — — — Equity derivatives (484 ) — — — — Embedded derivatives 702 — — (2 ) — Total non-qualifying hedges (751 ) (1 ) — (2 ) — Total $ (746 ) $ 9 $ 3 $ (2 ) $ 35 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ 1 $ (1 ) $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges 1 (1 ) — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 2 — 3 — 2 Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 11 (10 ) — — (54 ) Total cash flow hedges 13 (10 ) 3 — (52 ) Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives (64 ) — — 2 — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (42 ) (33 ) — — — Credit derivatives 11 — — — — Equity derivatives (1,412 ) — (1 ) (277 ) — Embedded derivatives 308 — — (1 ) — Total non-qualifying hedges (1,199 ) (33 ) (1 ) (276 ) — Total $ (1,185 ) $ (44 ) $ 2 $ (276 ) $ (52 ) ______________ (1) Includes gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI for cash flow hedges. (2) Includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on hedged items in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships. Hedged items in fair value hedging relationship includes fixed rate liabilities reported in policyholder account balances or future policy benefits and fixed maturity securities. Ineffective portion of the gains (losses) recognized in income is not significant. (3) Includes changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures and gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI for cash flow hedges. (4) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits. (5) All components of each derivative's gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. In certain instances, the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transactions were no longer probable of occurring. Because certain of the forecasted transactions also were not probable of occurring within two months of the anticipated date, the Company reclassified amounts from AOCI into net derivative gains (losses). These amounts were $0 for both the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018 , and $0 and $12 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017 , respectively. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the maximum length of time over which the Company was hedging its exposure to variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions did not exceed one year and two years, respectively. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the balance in AOCI associated with cash flow hedges was $256 million and $239 million , respectively.
Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Derivatives Not Designated or Qualifying as Hedges [Policy Text Block]	The following tables present the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized for derivatives and gains (losses) pertaining to hedged items presented in net derivative gains (losses): Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives (1) Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items (2) Net Investment Income (3) Policyholder Benefits and Claims (4) Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI (In millions) Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ (2 ) $ 3 $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges (2 ) 3 — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 9 — 2 — — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (1 ) — — — 111 Total cash flow hedges 8 — 2 — 111 Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives (165 ) — — — — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 56 (3 ) — — — Credit derivatives (3 ) — — — — Equity derivatives (440 ) — — — — Embedded derivatives 196 — — (1 ) — Total non-qualifying hedges (356 ) (3 ) — (1 ) — Total $ (350 ) $ — $ 2 $ (1 ) $ 111 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ 3 $ (3 ) $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges 3 (3 ) — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 2 — 1 — 2 Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 1 (1 ) — — (35 ) Total cash flow hedges 3 (1 ) 1 — (33 ) Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives 205 — — 3 — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (22 ) — — — — Credit derivatives 5 — — — — Equity derivatives (473 ) — (1 ) (93 ) — Embedded derivatives 138 — — 14 — Total non-qualifying hedges (147 ) — (1 ) (76 ) — Total $ (141 ) $ (4 ) $ — $ (76 ) $ (33 ) Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives (1) Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items (2) Net Investment Income (3) Policyholder Benefits and Claims (4) Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI (In millions) Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ (10 ) $ 10 $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges (10 ) 10 — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 16 — 3 — (2 ) Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (1 ) — — — 37 Total cash flow hedges 15 — 3 — 35 Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives (974 ) — — — — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 15 (1 ) — — — Credit derivatives (10 ) — — — — Equity derivatives (484 ) — — — — Embedded derivatives 702 — — (2 ) — Total non-qualifying hedges (751 ) (1 ) — (2 ) — Total $ (746 ) $ 9 $ 3 $ (2 ) $ 35 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ 1 $ (1 ) $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges 1 (1 ) — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 2 — 3 — 2 Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 11 (10 ) — — (54 ) Total cash flow hedges 13 (10 ) 3 — (52 ) Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives (64 ) — — 2 — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (42 ) (33 ) — — — Credit derivatives 11 — — — — Equity derivatives (1,412 ) — (1 ) (277 ) — Embedded derivatives 308 — — (1 ) — Total non-qualifying hedges (1,199 ) (33 ) (1 ) (276 ) — Total $ (1,185 ) $ (44 ) $ 2 $ (276 ) $ (52 ) ______________ (1) Includes gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI for cash flow hedges. (2) Includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on hedged items in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships. Hedged items in fair value hedging relationship includes fixed rate liabilities reported in policyholder account balances or future policy benefits and fixed maturity securities. Ineffective portion of the gains (losses) recognized in income is not significant. (3) Includes changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures and gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI for cash flow hedges. (4) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits. (5) All components of each derivative's gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. In certain instances, the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transactions were no longer probable of occurring. Because certain of the forecasted transactions also were not probable of occurring within two months of the anticipated date, the Company reclassified amounts from AOCI into net derivative gains (losses). These amounts were $0 for both the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018 , and $0 and $12 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017 , respectively. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the maximum length of time over which the Company was hedging its exposure to variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions did not exceed one year and two years, respectively. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the balance in AOCI associated with cash flow hedges was $256 million and $239 million , respectively.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	5. Derivatives Accounting for Derivatives Freestanding Derivatives Freestanding derivatives are carried on the Company’s balance sheet either as assets within other invested assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value. The Company does not offset the estimated fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement. Accruals on derivatives are generally recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle within one year are included with the derivatives carrying value in other invested assets or other liabilities. If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses) except for economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees which are presented in future policy benefits and claims. Hedge Accounting The Company primarily designates derivatives as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or a variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). When a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge and is determined to be highly effective, changes in fair value are recorded in OCI and subsequently reclassified into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. The Company also designates derivatives as a hedge of the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liabilities (fair value hedge). When a derivative is designated as fair value hedge and is determined to be highly effective, changes in fair value are recorded in net derivative gains (losses), consistent with the change in estimated fair value of the hedged item attributable to the designated risk being hedged. To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge. In its hedge documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness and the method that will be used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and at least quarterly throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument. When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in net derivative gains (losses). The carrying value of the hedged recognized asset or liability under a fair value hedge is no longer adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk, and the cumulative adjustment to its carrying value is amortized into income over the remaining life of the hedged item. Provided the hedged forecasted transaction is still probable of occurrence, the changes in estimated fair value of derivatives recorded in OCI related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net derivative gains (losses). Embedded Derivatives The Company sells variable annuities and issues certain insurance products and investment contracts and is a party to certain reinsurance agreements that have embedded derivatives. The Company assesses each identified embedded derivative to determine whether it is required to be bifurcated. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for as a freestanding derivative if: • the combined instrument is not accounted for in its entirety at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value recorded in earnings; • the terms of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract; and • a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would qualify as a derivative instrument. Such embedded derivatives are carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value with the host contract and changes in their estimated fair value are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses), except for those in policyholder benefits and claims related to ceded reinsurance of GMIB. See “— Variable Annuity Guarantees” in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report for additional information on the accounting policy for embedded derivatives bifurcated from variable annuity host contracts. Derivative Strategies The Company is exposed to various risks relating to its ongoing business operations, including interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, credit and equity market. The Company uses a variety of strategies to manage these risks, including the use of derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments with values derived from interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and/or other financial indices. Derivatives may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. Certain of the Company’s OTC derivatives are cleared and settled through central clearing counterparties (“OTC-cleared”), while others are bilateral contracts between two counterparties (“OTC-bilateral”). The types of derivatives the Company uses include swaps, forwards, futures and option contracts. To a lesser extent, the Company uses credit default swaps to synthetically replicate investment risks and returns which are not readily available in the cash markets. Interest Rate Derivatives The Company uses a variety of interest rate derivatives to reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates, including interest rate swaps, interest rate total return swaps, caps, floors, swaptions, futures and forwards. Interest rate swaps are used by the Company primarily to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). In an interest rate swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate and floating rate interest amounts as calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. The Company utilizes interest rate swaps in fair value, cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships. Interest rate total return swaps are swaps whereby the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the economic risk and reward of an asset or a market index and the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate), calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. No cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract. Cash is paid and received over the life of the contract based on the terms of the swap. These transactions are entered into pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by the counterparty at each due date. Interest rate total return swaps are used by the Company to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). The Company utilizes interest rate total return swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships. The Company purchases interest rate caps and floors primarily to protect its floating rate liabilities against rises in interest rates above a specified level, and against interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities, as well as to protect its minimum rate guarantee liabilities against declines in interest rates below a specified level, respectively. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased caps and floors by entering into offsetting written caps and floors. The Company utilizes interest rate caps and floors in nonqualifying hedging relationships. In exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of interest rate securities. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures are used primarily to hedge mismatches between the duration of assets in a portfolio and the duration of liabilities supported by those assets, to hedge against changes in value of securities the Company owns or anticipates acquiring, to hedge against changes in interest rates on anticipated liability issuances by replicating Treasury or swap curve performance, and to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded interest rate futures in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Swaptions are used by the Company to hedge interest rate risk associated with the Company’s long-term liabilities and invested assets. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap with a forward starting effective date. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased swaptions by entering into offsetting written swaptions. The Company pays a premium for purchased swaptions and receives a premium for written swaptions. The Company utilizes swaptions in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Swaptions are included in interest rate options. Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Derivatives The Company uses foreign currency swaps to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. In a foreign currency swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between one currency and another at a fixed exchange rate, generally set at inception, calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional amount. The notional amount of each currency is exchanged at the inception and termination of the currency swap by each party. The Company utilizes foreign currency swaps in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships. To a lesser extent, the Company uses foreign currency forwards in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Credit Derivatives The Company enters into purchased credit default swaps to hedge against credit-related changes in the value of its investments. In a credit default swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to pay, at specified intervals, a premium to hedge credit risk. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the delivery of par quantities of the referenced investment equal to the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the payment of cash amounts by the counterparty equal to the par value of the investment surrendered. Credit events vary by type of issuer but typically include bankruptcy, failure to pay debt obligations, repudiation, moratorium, involuntary restructuring or governmental intervention. In each case, payout on a credit default swap is triggered only after the Credit Derivatives Determinations Committee of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) deems that a credit event has occurred. The Company utilizes credit default swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships. The Company enters into written credit default swaps to create synthetic credit investments that are either more expensive to acquire or otherwise unavailable in the cash markets. These transactions are a combination of a derivative and one or more cash instruments, such as U.S. government and agency securities or other fixed maturity securities. These credit default swaps are not designated as hedging instruments. Equity Derivatives The Company uses a variety of equity derivatives to reduce its exposure to equity market risk, including equity index options, equity variance swaps, exchange-traded equity futures and equity total return swaps. Equity index options are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. To hedge against adverse changes in equity indices, the Company enters into contracts to sell the equity index within a limited time at a contracted price. The contracts will be net settled in cash based on differentials in the indices at the time of exercise and the strike price. Certain of these contracts may also contain settlement provisions linked to interest rates. In certain instances, the Company may enter into a combination of transactions to hedge adverse changes in equity indices within a pre-determined range through the purchase and sale of options. The Company utilizes equity index options in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Equity variance swaps are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. In an equity variance swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange amounts in the future, based on changes in equity volatility over a defined period. The Company utilizes equity variance swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships. In exchange-traded equity futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of equity securities, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts and to pledge initial margin based on futures exchange requirements. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded equity futures are used primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded equity futures in nonqualifying hedging relationships. In an equity total return swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the economic risk and reward of an asset or a market index and the LIBOR, calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. No cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract. Cash is paid and received over the life of the contract based on the terms of the swap. The Company uses equity total return swaps to hedge its equity market guarantees in certain of its insurance products. Equity total return swaps can be used as hedges or to create synthetic investments. The Company utilizes equity total return swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Primary Risks Managed by Derivatives The following table presents the primary underlying risk exposure, gross notional amount, and estimated fair value of the Company’s derivatives, excluding embedded derivatives, held at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Primary Underlying Risk Exposure Gross Notional Estimated Fair Value Gross Notional Estimated Fair Value Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities (In millions) Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps Interest rate $ 145 $ 35 $ — $ 175 $ 44 $ — Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps Interest rate 27 3 — 27 5 — Foreign currency swaps Foreign currency exchange rate 2,169 116 62 1,827 94 75 Subtotal 2,196 119 62 1,854 99 75 Total qualifying hedges 2,341 154 62 2,029 143 75 Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate swaps Interest rate 15,879 576 888 20,213 922 774 Interest rate caps Interest rate 3,428 29 — 2,671 7 — Interest rate futures Interest rate 282 — — 282 1 — Interest rate options Interest rate 14,500 120 97 24,600 133 63 Foreign currency swaps Foreign currency exchange rate 1,143 70 30 1,115 71 42 Foreign currency forwards Foreign currency exchange rate 128 1 1 130 — 1 Credit default swaps — purchased Credit 80 2 1 65 — 1 Credit default swaps — written Credit 1,949 26 1 1,900 40 — Equity futures Equity market 1,619 — 1 2,713 15 — Equity index options Equity market 46,292 905 1,680 47,066 794 1,664 Equity variance swaps Equity market 9,713 127 429 8,998 128 430 Equity total return swaps Equity market 2,433 45 33 1,767 — 79 Total non-designated or nonqualifying derivatives 97,446 1,901 3,161 111,520 2,111 3,054 Total $ 99,787 $ 2,055 $ 3,223 $ 113,549 $ 2,254 $ 3,129 Based on gross notional amounts, a substantial portion of the Company’s derivatives was not designated or did not qualify as part of a hedging relationship at both June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . The Company’s use of derivatives includes (i) derivatives that serve as macro hedges of the Company’s exposure to various risks and that generally do not qualify for hedge accounting due to the criteria required under the portfolio hedging rules; (ii) derivatives that economically hedge insurance liabilities that contain mortality or morbidity risk and that generally do not qualify for hedge accounting because the lack of these risks in the derivatives cannot support an expectation of a highly effective hedging relationship; (iii) derivatives that economically hedge embedded derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting because the changes in estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives are already recorded in net income; and (iv) written credit default swaps that are used to create synthetic credit investments and that do not qualify for hedge accounting because they do not involve a hedging relationship. For these nonqualified derivatives, changes in market factors can lead to the recognition of fair value changes on the statement of operations without an offsetting gain or loss recognized in earnings for the item being hedged. The following table presents earned income on derivatives: Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Qualifying hedges: Net investment income $ 7 $ 6 $ 12 $ 12 Nonqualifying hedges: Net derivative gains (losses) 38 67 91 186 Policyholder benefits and claims — 3 — 7 Total $ 45 $ 76 $ 103 $ 205 The following tables present the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized for derivatives and gains (losses) pertaining to hedged items presented in net derivative gains (losses): Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives (1) Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items (2) Net Investment Income (3) Policyholder Benefits and Claims (4) Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI (In millions) Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ (2 ) $ 3 $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges (2 ) 3 — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 9 — 2 — — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (1 ) — — — 111 Total cash flow hedges 8 — 2 — 111 Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives (165 ) — — — — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 56 (3 ) — — — Credit derivatives (3 ) — — — — Equity derivatives (440 ) — — — — Embedded derivatives 196 — — (1 ) — Total non-qualifying hedges (356 ) (3 ) — (1 ) — Total $ (350 ) $ — $ 2 $ (1 ) $ 111 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ 3 $ (3 ) $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges 3 (3 ) — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 2 — 1 — 2 Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 1 (1 ) — — (35 ) Total cash flow hedges 3 (1 ) 1 — (33 ) Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives 205 — — 3 — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (22 ) — — — — Credit derivatives 5 — — — — Equity derivatives (473 ) — (1 ) (93 ) — Embedded derivatives 138 — — 14 — Total non-qualifying hedges (147 ) — (1 ) (76 ) — Total $ (141 ) $ (4 ) $ — $ (76 ) $ (33 ) Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives (1) Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items (2) Net Investment Income (3) Policyholder Benefits and Claims (4) Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI (In millions) Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ (10 ) $ 10 $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges (10 ) 10 — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 16 — 3 — (2 ) Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (1 ) — — — 37 Total cash flow hedges 15 — 3 — 35 Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives (974 ) — — — — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 15 (1 ) — — — Credit derivatives (10 ) — — — — Equity derivatives (484 ) — — — — Embedded derivatives 702 — — (2 ) — Total non-qualifying hedges (751 ) (1 ) — (2 ) — Total $ (746 ) $ 9 $ 3 $ (2 ) $ 35 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ 1 $ (1 ) $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges 1 (1 ) — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 2 — 3 — 2 Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 11 (10 ) — — (54 ) Total cash flow hedges 13 (10 ) 3 — (52 ) Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives (64 ) — — 2 — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (42 ) (33 ) — — — Credit derivatives 11 — — — — Equity derivatives (1,412 ) — (1 ) (277 ) — Embedded derivatives 308 — — (1 ) — Total non-qualifying hedges (1,199 ) (33 ) (1 ) (276 ) — Total $ (1,185 ) $ (44 ) $ 2 $ (276 ) $ (52 ) ______________ (1) Includes gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI for cash flow hedges. (2) Includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on hedged items in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships. Hedged items in fair value hedging relationship includes fixed rate liabilities reported in policyholder account balances or future policy benefits and fixed maturity securities. Ineffective portion of the gains (losses) recognized in income is not significant. (3) Includes changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures and gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI for cash flow hedges. (4) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits. (5) All components of each derivative's gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. In certain instances, the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transactions were no longer probable of occurring. Because certain of the forecasted transactions also were not probable of occurring within two months of the anticipated date, the Company reclassified amounts from AOCI into net derivative gains (losses). These amounts were $0 for both the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018 , and $0 and $12 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017 , respectively. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the maximum length of time over which the Company was hedging its exposure to variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions did not exceed one year and two years, respectively. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the balance in AOCI associated with cash flow hedges was $256 million and $239 million , respectively. Credit Derivatives In connection with synthetically created credit investment transactions, the Company writes credit default swaps for which it receives a premium to insure credit risk. Such credit derivatives are included within the nonqualifying derivatives and derivatives for purposes other than hedging table. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the Company paying the counterparty the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the delivery of par quantities of the referenced credit obligation. The Company can terminate these contracts at any time through cash settlement with the counterparty at an amount equal to the then current estimated fair value of the credit default swaps. The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations (1) Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2) Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2) (Dollars in millions) Aaa/Aa/A $ 9 $ 677 2.7 $ 12 $ 558 2.8 Baa 16 1,272 5.0 28 1,317 4.7 Ba — — — — 25 4.5 Total $ 25 $ 1,949 4.2 $ 40 $ 1,900 4.1 __________________ (1) Includes both single name credit default swaps that may be referenced to the credit of corporations, foreign governments or state and political subdivisions and credit default swaps referencing indices. The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”) and Fitch Ratings. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used. (2) The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average gross notional amounts. Counterparty Credit Risk The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by its counterparties to derivatives. Generally, the current credit exposure of the Company’s derivatives is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of derivatives at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of master netting or similar agreements and any collateral received pursuant to such agreements. The Company manages its credit risk related to derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties and establishing and monitoring exposure limits. The Company’s OTC-bilateral derivative transactions are generally governed by ISDA Master Agreements which provide for legally enforceable set-off and close-out netting of exposures to specific counterparties in the event of early termination of a transaction, which includes, but is not limited to, events of default and bankruptcy. In the event of an early termination, the Company is permitted to set off receivables from the counterparty against payables to the same counterparty arising out of all included transactions. Substantially all of the Company’s ISDA Master Agreements also include Credit Support Annex provisions which require both the pledging and accepting of collateral in connection with its OTC-bilateral derivatives. The Company’s OTC-cleared derivatives are effected through central clearing counterparties and its exchange-traded derivatives are effected through regulated exchanges. Such positions are marked to market and margined on a daily basis (both initial margin and variation margin), and the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to such derivatives. See Note 6 for a description of the impact of credit risk on the valuation of derivatives. The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Derivatives Subject to a Master Netting Arrangement or a Similar Arrangement Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities (In millions) Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: OTC-bilateral (1) $ 2,083 $ 3,211 $ 2,233 $ 3,081 OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded (1), (6) 17 5 70 40 Total gross estimated fair value of derivatives (1) 2,100 3,216 2,303 3,121 Amounts offset on the consolidated balance sheets — — — — Estimated fair value of derivatives presented on the consolidated balance sheets (1), (6) 2,100 3,216 2,303 3,121 Gross amounts not offset on the consolidated balance sheets: Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: (2) OTC-bilateral (1,834 ) (1,834 ) (1,942 ) (1,942 ) OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) Cash collateral: (3), (4) OTC-bilateral (224 ) — (257 ) — OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded (16 ) — (28 ) (39 ) Securities collateral: (5) OTC-bilateral (22 ) (1,375 ) (31 ) (1,138 ) OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded — (4 ) — — Net amount after application of master netting agreements and collateral $ 3 $ 2 $ 44 $ 1 __________________ (1) At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , derivative assets included income or (expense) accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of $45 million and $49 million , respectively, and derivative liabilities included (income) or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of ($7) million and ($8) million , respectively. (2) Estimated fair value of derivatives is limited to the amount that is subject to set-off and includes income or expense accruals. (3) Cash collateral received by the Company for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives is included in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments or in fixed maturity securities, and the obligation to return it is included in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions on the balance sheet. (4) The receivable for the return of cash collateral provided by the Company is inclusive of initial margin on exchange-traded and OTC-cleared derivatives and is included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the balance sheet. The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company received excess cash collateral of $191 million and $94 million , respectively, and provided excess cash collateral of $0 and $5 million , respectively, which is not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. (5) Securities collateral received by the Company is held in separate custodial accounts and is not recorded on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but at June 30, 2018 , none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. Securities collateral pledged by the Company is reported in fixed maturity securities on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral. The amount of securities collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements and cash collateral. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company received excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $170 million and $337 million , respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company provided excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $328 million and $471 million , respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, and $150 million and $427 m
Components of Net Derivatives Gains (Losses)	The following tables present the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized for derivatives and gains (losses) pertaining to hedged items presented in net derivative gains (losses): Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives (1) Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items (2) Net Investment Income (3) Policyholder Benefits and Claims (4) Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI (In millions) Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ (2 ) $ 3 $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges (2 ) 3 — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 9 — 2 — — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (1 ) — — — 111 Total cash flow hedges 8 — 2 — 111 Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives (165 ) — — — — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 56 (3 ) — — — Credit derivatives (3 ) — — — — Equity derivatives (440 ) — — — — Embedded derivatives 196 — — (1 ) — Total non-qualifying hedges (356 ) (3 ) — (1 ) — Total $ (350 ) $ — $ 2 $ (1 ) $ 111 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ 3 $ (3 ) $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges 3 (3 ) — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 2 — 1 — 2 Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 1 (1 ) — — (35 ) Total cash flow hedges 3 (1 ) 1 — (33 ) Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives 205 — — 3 — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (22 ) — — — — Credit derivatives 5 — — — — Equity derivatives (473 ) — (1 ) (93 ) — Embedded derivatives 138 — — 14 — Total non-qualifying hedges (147 ) — (1 ) (76 ) — Total $ (141 ) $ (4 ) $ — $ (76 ) $ (33 ) Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives (1) Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items (2) Net Investment Income (3) Policyholder Benefits and Claims (4) Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI (In millions) Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ (10 ) $ 10 $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges (10 ) 10 — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 16 — 3 — (2 ) Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (1 ) — — — 37 Total cash flow hedges 15 — 3 — 35 Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives (974 ) — — — — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 15 (1 ) — — — Credit derivatives (10 ) — — — — Equity derivatives (484 ) — — — — Embedded derivatives 702 — — (2 ) — Total non-qualifying hedges (751 ) (1 ) — (2 ) — Total $ (746 ) $ 9 $ 3 $ (2 ) $ 35 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives $ 1 $ (1 ) $ — $ — $ — Total fair value hedges 1 (1 ) — — — Cash flow hedges (5): Interest rate derivatives 2 — 3 — 2 Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 11 (10 ) — — (54 ) Total cash flow hedges 13 (10 ) 3 — (52 ) Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate derivatives (64 ) — — 2 — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (42 ) (33 ) — — — Credit derivatives 11 — — — — Equity derivatives (1,412 ) — (1 ) (277 ) — Embedded derivatives 308 — — (1 ) — Total non-qualifying hedges (1,199 ) (33 ) (1 ) (276 ) — Total $ (1,185 ) $ (44 ) $ 2 $ (276 ) $ (52 ) ______________ (1) Includes gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI for cash flow hedges. (2) Includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on hedged items in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships. Hedged items in fair value hedging relationship includes fixed rate liabilities reported in policyholder account balances or future policy benefits and fixed maturity securities. Ineffective portion of the gains (losses) recognized in income is not significant. (3) Includes changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures and gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI for cash flow hedges. (4) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits. (5) All components of each derivative's gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	The following table presents the estimated fair value of the Company’s OTC-bilateral derivatives that are in a net liability position after considering the effect of netting agreements, together with the estimated fair value and balance sheet location of the collateral pledged. The Company’s collateral agreements require both parties to be fully collateralized, as such, the Company would not be required to post additional collateral as a result of a downgrade in its financial strength rating. OTC-bilateral derivatives that are not subject to collateral agreements are excluded from this table. June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In millions) Estimated fair value of derivatives in a net liability position (1) $ 1,377 $ 1,138 Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided: Fixed maturity securities $ 1,690 $ 1,414 __________________ (1) After taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements.
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Components of Net Derivatives Gains (Losses)	The following table presents changes in estimated fair value related to embedded derivatives: Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Net derivative gains (losses) (1), (2) $ 196 $ 138 $ 702 $ 308 Policyholder benefits and claims $ (1 ) $ 14 $ (2 ) $ (1 ) __________________ (1) The valuation of direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits includes a nonperformance risk adjustment. The amounts included in net derivative gains (losses) in connection with this adjustment were $49 million and $34 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018 , respectively, and ($32) million and ($72) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017 , respectively. (2) See Note 12 for discussion of related party net derivative gains (losses).
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	The following table presents the estimated fair value and balance sheet location of the Company’s embedded derivatives that have been separated from their host contracts at: Balance Sheet Location June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In millions) Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts: Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ 184 $ 227 Options embedded in debt or equity securities (1) Investments — (52 ) Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts $ 184 $ 175 Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts: Direct guaranteed minimum benefits Policyholder account balances $ 682 $ 1,212 Assumed reinsurance on fixed deferred annuities Policyholder account balances — 1 Fixed annuities with equity indexed returns Policyholder account balances 743 674 Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts $ 1,425 $ 1,887 __________________ (1) In connection with the adoption of new guidance related to the recognition and measurement of financial instruments (see Note 1 ), effective January 1, 2018, the Company is no longer required to bifurcate and account separately for derivatives embedded in equity securities. Beginning January 1, 2018, the entire change in the estimated fair value of equity securities is recognized as a component of net investment gains and losses.

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Recurring Fair Value Measurements	The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, including those items for which the Company has elected the FVO, are presented below at: June 30, 2018 Fair Value Hierarchy Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Estimated (In millions) Assets Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ — $ 22,666 $ 838 $ 23,504 U.S. government and agency 4,940 7,518 — 12,458 RMBS — 6,925 934 7,859 Foreign corporate — 5,930 1,034 6,964 State and political subdivision — 4,069 8 4,077 CMBS — 3,845 178 4,023 ABS — 1,927 156 2,083 Foreign government — 1,375 — 1,375 Total fixed maturity securities 4,940 54,255 3,148 62,343 Equity securities 15 18 120 153 Short-term investments 115 62 — 177 Real estate joint ventures (1) — — 17 17 Other limited partnership interests (1) — — 24 24 Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO — 96 — 96 Derivative assets: (2) Interest rate — 763 — 763 Foreign currency exchange rate — 187 — 187 Credit — 20 8 28 Equity market — 934 143 1,077 Total derivative assets — 1,904 151 2,055 Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (3) — — 184 184 Separate account assets 182 111,401 4 111,587 Total assets $ 5,252 $ 167,736 $ 3,648 $ 176,636 Liabilities Derivative liabilities: (2) Interest rate $ — $ 985 $ — $ 985 Foreign currency exchange rate — 92 1 93 Credit — 2 — 2 Equity market 1 1,708 434 2,143 Total derivative liabilities 1 2,787 435 3,223 Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (3) — — 1,425 1,425 Long-term debt of CSEs — FVO — 5 — 5 Total liabilities $ 1 $ 2,792 $ 1,860 $ 4,653 December 31, 2017 Fair Value Hierarchy Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Estimated (In millions) Assets Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ — $ 22,048 $ 909 $ 22,957 U.S. government and agency 8,304 7,988 — 16,292 RMBS — 6,989 988 7,977 Foreign corporate — 5,935 1,088 7,023 State and political subdivision — 4,181 — 4,181 CMBS — 3,287 136 3,423 ABS — 1,723 106 1,829 Foreign government — 1,304 5 1,309 Total fixed maturity securities 8,304 53,455 3,232 64,991 Equity securities (4) 18 19 124 161 Short-term investments 142 156 14 312 Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO — 115 — 115 Derivative assets: (2) Interest rate 1 1,111 — 1,112 Foreign currency exchange rate — 165 — 165 Credit — 30 10 40 Equity market 15 773 149 937 Total derivative assets 16 2,079 159 2,254 Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (3) — — 227 227 Separate account assets 410 117,842 5 118,257 Total assets $ 8,890 $ 173,666 $ 3,761 $ 186,317 Liabilities Derivative liabilities: (2) Interest rate $ — $ 837 $ — $ 837 Foreign currency exchange rate — 117 1 118 Credit — 1 — 1 Equity market — 1,736 437 2,173 Total derivative liabilities — 2,691 438 3,129 Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (3) — — 1,887 1,887 Long-term debt of CSEs — FVO — 11 — 11 Total liabilities $ — $ 2,702 $ 2,325 $ 5,027 __________________ (1) In connection with the adoption of new guidance related to the recognition and measurement of financial instruments (see Note 1 ), effective January 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis, the Company carries real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests previously accounted under the cost method of accounting at estimated fair value. (2) Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets and derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation on the consolidated balance sheets, but are presented net for purposes of the rollforward in the Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) tables. (3) Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , debt and equity securities also included embedded derivatives of $0 and ($52) million , respectively. (4) The Company reclassified Federal Home Loan Bank stock in the prior period from equity securities to other invested assets.
Fair Value Inputs, Quantitative Information	The following table presents certain quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, and the sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in those inputs, for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Valuation Techniques Significant Unobservable Inputs Weighted Range Weighted Fixed maturity securities (3) U.S. corporate and foreign corporate • Matrix pricing • Offered quotes (4) 87 - 137 106 93 - 142 111 Increase • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) 53 - 353 105 — - 443 77 Increase RMBS • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) 56 - 107 95 3 - 107 95 Increase (5) CMBS • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) 51 - 104 103 8 - 104 88 Increase (5) • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (4) 103 - 103 103 105 - 105 105 Increase (5) ABS • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) 100 - 102 100 100 - 104 101 Increase (5) • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (4) 100 - 100 100 Increase (5) Derivatives Credit • Present value techniques • Credit spreads (7) 97 - 99 — - — Decrease (6) • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (8) Equity market • Present value techniques or option pricing models • Volatility (9) 17% - 30% 11% - 31% Increase (6) • Correlation (10) 10% - 30% 10% - 30% Embedded derivatives Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits • Option pricing techniques • Mortality rates: Ages 0 - 40 0% - 0.09% 0% - 0.09% Decrease (11) Ages 41 - 60 0.04% - 0.65% 0.04% - 0.65% Decrease (11) Ages 61 - 115 0.26% - 100% 0.26% - 100% Decrease (11) • Lapse rates: Durations 1 - 10 0.25% - 100% 0.25% - 100% Decrease (12) Durations 11 - 20 2% - 100% 2% - 100% Decrease (12) Durations 21 - 116 2% - 100% 2% - 100% Decrease (12) • Utilization rates 0% - 25% 0% - 25% Increase (13) • Withdrawal rates 0.25% - 10% 0.25% - 10% (14) • Long-term equity volatilities 17.40% - 25% 17.40% - 25% Increase (15) • Nonperformance risk spread 1.12% - 2.06% 0.64% - 1.43% Decrease (16) ___________________ (1) The weighted average for fixed maturity securities is determined based on the estimated fair value of the securities. (2) The impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact on estimated fair value. For embedded derivatives, changes to direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits are based on liability positions; changes to ceded guaranteed minimum benefits are based on asset positions. (3) Significant increases (decreases) in expected default rates in isolation would result in substantially lower (higher) valuations. (4) Range and weighted average are presented in accordance with the market convention for fixed maturity securities of dollars per hundred dollars of par. (5) Changes in the assumptions used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumptions used for prepayment rates. (6) Changes in estimated fair value are based on long U.S. dollar net asset positions and will be inversely impacted for short U.S. dollar net asset positions. (7) Represents the risk quoted in basis points of a credit default event on the underlying instrument. Credit derivatives with significant unobservable inputs are primarily comprised of written credit default swaps. (8) At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , independent non-binding broker quotations were used in the determination of less than 1% and 1% of the total net derivative estimated fair value, respectively. (9) Ranges represent the underlying equity volatility quoted in percentage points. Since this valuation methodology uses a range of inputs across multiple volatility surfaces to value the derivative, presenting a range is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. (10) Ranges represent the different correlation factors utilized as components within the valuation methodology. Presenting a range of correlation factors is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. Increases (decreases) in correlation in isolation will increase (decrease) the significance of the change in valuations. (11) Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. Mortality rate assumptions are based on company experience. A mortality improvement assumption is also applied. For any given contract, mortality rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (12) Base lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on a comparison of the actuarially calculated guaranteed values and the current policyholder account value, as well as other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. A dynamic lapse function reduces the base lapse rate when the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value as in the money contracts are less likely to lapse. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower in periods when a surrender charge applies. For any given contract, lapse rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (13) The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contract holders with a GMIB or lifetime withdrawal benefit who will elect to utilize the benefit upon becoming eligible. The rates may vary by the type of guarantee, the amount by which the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value, the contract’s withdrawal history and by the age of the policyholder. For any given contract, utilization rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (14) The withdrawal rate represents the percentage of account balance that any given policyholder will elect to withdraw from the contract each year. The withdrawal rate assumption varies by age and duration of the contract, and also by other factors such as benefit type. For any given contract, withdrawal rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. For GMWBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in an increase (decrease) in the estimated fair value of the guarantees. For GMABs and GMIBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in a decrease (increase) in the estimated fair value. (15) Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (16) Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration and by currency. For any given contract, multiple nonperformance risk spreads will apply, depending on the duration of the cash flow being discounted for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.
Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The following tables summarize the change of all assets and (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fixed Maturity Securities Corporate (1) Structured Securities State and Foreign Equity (In millions) Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Balance, beginning of period $ 1,906 $ 1,206 $ — $ — $ 123 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (6) (7) 6 5 — — — Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI (72 ) — 2 — — Purchases (8) 81 203 2 — — Sales (8) (25 ) (54 ) — — (3 ) Issuances (8) — — — — — Settlements (8) — — — — — Transfers into Level 3 (9) 3 — 4 — — Transfers out of Level 3 (9) (27 ) (92 ) — — — Balance, end of period $ 1,872 $ 1,268 $ 8 $ — $ 120 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Balance, beginning of period $ 2,403 $ 1,640 $ 7 $ — $ 142 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (6) (7) 1 6 — — 1 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI 23 21 — — 1 Purchases (8) 171 24 — — — Sales (8) (248 ) (143 ) — — (10 ) Issuances (8) — — — — — Settlements (8) — — — — — Transfers into Level 3 (9) 30 — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (9) (24 ) (59 ) (7 ) — — Balance, end of period $ 2,356 $ 1,489 $ — $ — $ 134 Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2018 (10) $ 6 $ 5 $ — $ — $ — Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2017 (10) $ — $ 6 $ — $ — $ — Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Real Estate Joint Ventures (2) Other Limited Partnership Interests (2) Short-term Net Net Embedded Separate (In millions) Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Balance, beginning of period $ 22 $ 26 $ — $ (273 ) $ (1,293 ) $ 7 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (6) (7) (2 ) — — (13 ) 195 — Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI — — — — — — Purchases (8) — — — 2 — — Sales (8) (3 ) (2 ) — — — (3 ) Issuances (8) — — — — — — Settlements (8) — — — — (143 ) (1 ) Transfers into Level 3 (9) — — — — — 1 Transfers out of Level 3 (9) — — — — — — Balance, end of period $ 17 $ 24 $ — $ (284 ) $ (1,241 ) $ 4 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Balance, beginning of period $ — $ — $ 1 $ (890 ) $ (2,021 ) $ 15 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (6) (7) — — — 106 162 — Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI — — — — — — Purchases (8) — — 91 4 — 7 Sales (8) — — — — — (8 ) Issuances (8) — — — — — — Settlements (8) — — — — (254 ) (1 ) Transfers into Level 3 (9) — — — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (9) — — (1 ) — — (7 ) Balance, end of period $ — $ — $ 91 $ (780 ) $ (2,113 ) $ 6 Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2018 (10) $ (2 ) $ — $ — $ (13 ) $ 198 $ — Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2017 (10) $ — $ — $ — $ 106 $ 245 $ — Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fixed Maturity Securities Corporate (1) Structured Securities State and Foreign Equity (In millions) Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Balance, beginning of period $ 1,997 $ 1,230 $ — $ 5 $ 124 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (6) (7) 9 11 — — (1 ) Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI (80 ) (9 ) 3 — — Purchases (8) 136 213 2 — — Sales (8) (165 ) (120 ) — (2 ) (3 ) Issuances (8) — — — — — Settlements (8) — — — — — Transfers into Level 3 (9) 34 — 3 — — Transfers out of Level 3 (9) (59 ) (57 ) — (3 ) — Balance, end of period $ 1,872 $ 1,268 $ 8 $ — $ 120 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Balance, beginning of period $ 2,391 $ 1,711 $ 17 $ — $ 137 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (6) (7) (2 ) 9 — — — Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI 130 36 — — 3 Purchases (8) 291 68 — — 4 Sales (8) (299 ) (231 ) — — (10 ) Issuances (8) — — — — — Settlements (8) — — — — — Transfers into Level 3 (9) 3 — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (9) (158 ) (104 ) (17 ) — — Balance, end of period $ 2,356 $ 1,489 $ — $ — $ 134 Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2018 (10) $ 7 $ 11 $ — $ — $ — Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2017 (10) $ — $ 10 $ — $ — $ — Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Real Estate Joint Ventures (2) Other Limited Partnership Interests (2) Short-term Net Net Embedded Separate (In millions) Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Balance, beginning of period $ 22 $ 28 $ 14 $ (279 ) $ (1,660 ) $ 5 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (6) (7) (1 ) (1 ) — (8 ) 700 — Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI — — — — — — Purchases (8) — — — 3 — 1 Sales (8) (4 ) (3 ) (14 ) — — (1 ) Issuances (8) — — — — — — Settlements (8) — — — — (281 ) (1 ) Transfers into Level 3 (9) — — — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (9) — — — — — — Balance, end of period $ 17 $ 24 $ — $ (284 ) $ (1,241 ) $ 4 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Balance, beginning of period $ — $ — $ 2 $ (954 ) $ (2,383 ) $ 10 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (6) (7) — — — 96 325 — Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI — — — — — — Purchases (8) — — 91 4 — 1 Sales (8) — — (1 ) — — (2 ) Issuances (8) — — — — — — Settlements (8) — — — 74 (55 ) — Transfers into Level 3 (9) — — — — — 2 Transfers out of Level 3 (9) — — (1 ) — — (5 ) Balance, end of period $ — $ — $ 91 $ (780 ) $ (2,113 ) $ 6 Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2018 (10) $ (1 ) $ (1 ) $ — $ (8 ) $ 904 $ — Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2017 (10) $ — $ — $ — $ 93 $ 672 $ — _________________ (1) Comprised of U.S. and foreign corporate securities. (2) In connection with the adoption of new guidance related to the recognition and measurement of financial instruments (see Note 1 ), effective January 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis, the Company carries real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests previously accounted under the cost method of accounting at estimated fair value. (3) Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward. (4) Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward. (5) Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contract holders within separate account liabilities. Therefore, such changes in estimated fair value are not recorded in net income (loss). For the purpose of this disclosure, these changes are presented within net investment gains (losses). (6) Amortization of premium/accretion of discount is included within net investment income. Impairments charged to net income (loss) on securities are included in net investment gains (losses). Lapses associated with net embedded derivatives are included in net derivative gains (losses). Substantially all realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and net embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses). (7) Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward. (8) Items purchased/issued and then sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. Fees attributed to embedded derivatives are included in settlements. (9) Gains and losses, in net income (loss) and OCI, are calculated assuming transfers into and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and then out of Level 3 in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. (10) Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) relate to assets and liabilities still held at the end of the respective periods. Substantially all changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and net embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses).
Fair Value Option	The following table presents information for certain assets and liabilities of CSEs, which are accounted for under the FVO. These assets and liabilities were initially measured at fair value. June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In millions) Assets (1) Unpaid principal balance $ 59 $ 70 Difference between estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance 37 45 Carrying value at estimated fair value $ 96 $ 115 Liabilities (1) Contractual principal balance $ 5 $ 10 Difference between estimated fair value and contractual principal balance — 1 Carrying value at estimated fair value $ 5 $ 11 __________________ (1) These assets and liabilities are comprised of commercial mortgage loans and long-term debt. Changes in estimated fair value on these assets and liabilities and gains or losses on sales of these assets are recognized in net investment gains (losses). Interest income on commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO is recognized in net investment income. Interest expense from long-term debt of CSEs — FVO is recognized in other expenses.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value	The carrying values and estimated fair values for such financial instruments, and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows at: June 30, 2018 Fair Value Hierarchy Carrying Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Estimated Fair Value (In millions) Assets Mortgage loans $ 12,241 $ — $ — $ 12,325 $ 12,325 Policy loans $ 1,458 $ — $ 720 $ 917 $ 1,637 Other invested assets $ 85 $ — $ 72 $ 13 $ 85 Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ 1,684 $ — $ 106 $ 1,766 $ 1,872 Liabilities Policyholder account balances $ 15,881 $ — $ — $ 14,829 $ 14,829 Long-term debt $ 3,602 $ — $ 2,611 $ 600 $ 3,211 Other liabilities $ 358 $ — $ 146 $ 212 $ 358 Separate account liabilities $ 1,192 $ — $ 1,192 $ — $ 1,192 December 31, 2017 Fair Value Hierarchy Carrying Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Estimated Fair Value (In millions) Assets Mortgage loans $ 10,627 $ — $ — $ 10,871 $ 10,871 Policy loans $ 1,523 $ — $ 781 $ 959 $ 1,740 Real estate joint ventures (1) $ 5 $ — $ — $ 22 $ 22 Other limited partnership interests (1) $ 36 $ — $ — $ 28 $ 28 Other invested assets (2) $ 71 $ — $ 71 $ — $ 71 Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ 1,758 $ — $ 128 $ 1,985 $ 2,113 Liabilities Policyholder account balances $ 15,791 $ — $ — $ 15,927 $ 15,927 Long-term debt $ 3,601 $ — $ 3,039 $ 600 $ 3,639 Other liabilities $ 314 $ — $ 100 $ 214 $ 314 Separate account liabilities $ 1,210 $ — $ 1,210 $ — $ 1,210 _________________ (1) In connection with the adoption of new guidance related to the recognition and measurement of financial instruments (see Note 1 ), effective January 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis, the Company carries real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests previously accounted under the cost method of accounting at estimated fair value. (2) The Company reclassified Federal Home Loan Bank stock in the prior period from equity securities to other invested assets.

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the weighted average assumptions that the model uses to determine the fair value of unexercised stock options granted at: June 30, 2018 Risk-free rate of return 2.93% Expected volatility 25.00% Expected option life 5.75 years Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted $48.10 Weighted average fair value of stock options granted $12.54
Schedule of Other Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table presents a summary of PSU and RSU activity: Restricted Performance Units Weighted Average Exercise Price Units Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at January 1, 2018 — $ — — $ — Granted 990,176 $ 48.10 73,849 $ 48.10 Forfeited — $ — — $ — Paid — $ — — $ — Outstanding at June 30, 2018 990,176 $ 48.10 73,849 $ 48.10 Vested at June 30, 2018 — $ — — $ —
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block]	The following table presents total share-based compensation expense: Three Months Six Months (In millions) Restricted stock units, Founders’ Grant $ 10 $ 10 Restricted stock units $ 1 $ 1 Stock options $ 1 $ 1 Performance share units $ — $ —
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Information regarding changes in the balances of each component of AOCI was as follows: Three Months Unrealized Unrealized Foreign Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Total (In millions) Balance, March 31, 2018 $ 695 $ 87 $ (22 ) $ (23 ) $ 737 OCI before reclassifications (65 ) 111 4 — 50 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 30 (23 ) (1 ) (1 ) 5 AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 660 175 (19 ) (24 ) 792 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 42 (10 ) — — 32 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (12 ) 3 — — (9 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax 30 (7 ) — — 23 Balance, June 30, 2018 $ 690 $ 168 $ (19 ) $ (24 ) $ 815 Three Months Unrealized Unrealized Foreign Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Total (In millions) Balance, March 31, 2017 $ 1,310 $ 248 $ (34 ) $ (18 ) $ 1,506 OCI before reclassifications 649 (33 ) 3 — 619 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (236 ) 11 (2 ) 1 (226 ) AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 1,723 226 (33 ) (17 ) 1,899 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1 ) (4 ) — — (5 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (1 ) 1 — — — Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax (2 ) (3 ) — — (5 ) Balance, June 30, 2017 $ 1,721 $ 223 $ (33 ) $ (17 ) $ 1,894 Six Months Unrealized Unrealized Foreign Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Total (In millions) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 1,572 $ 154 $ (24 ) $ (26 ) $ 1,676 Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle and other, net of income tax (see Note 1) (79 ) — — — (79 ) Balance, January 1, 2018 1,493 154 (24 ) (26 ) 1,597 OCI before reclassifications (1,138 ) 35 6 3 (1,094 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 259 (7 ) (1 ) (1 ) 250 AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 614 182 (19 ) (24 ) 753 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 100 (18 ) — — 82 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (24 ) 4 — — (20 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax 76 (14 ) — — 62 Balance, June 30, 2018 $ 690 $ 168 $ (19 ) $ (24 ) $ 815 Six Months Unrealized Unrealized Foreign Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Total (In millions) Balance, December 31, 2016 $ 1,044 $ 268 $ (31 ) $ (16 ) $ 1,265 OCI before reclassifications 962 (52 ) (4 ) (14 ) 892 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (343 ) 18 2 13 (310 ) AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 1,663 234 (33 ) (17 ) 1,847 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 90 (16 ) — — 74 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (32 ) 5 — — (27 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax 58 (11 ) — — 47 Balance, June 30, 2017 $ 1,721 $ 223 $ (33 ) $ (17 ) $ 1,894 __________________ (1) See Note 4 for information on offsets to investments related to future policy benefits, DAC, VOBA and DSI.
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Information regarding amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI was as follows: AOCI Components Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Consolidated and Combined Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Locations Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Net unrealized investment gains (losses): Net unrealized investment gains (losses) $ (42 ) $ 1 $ (101 ) $ (47 ) Net investment gains (losses) Net unrealized investment gains (losses) — 1 1 2 Net investment income Net unrealized investment gains (losses) — (1 ) — (45 ) Net derivative gains (losses) Net unrealized investment gains (losses), before income tax (42 ) 1 (100 ) (90 ) Income tax (expense) benefit 12 1 24 32 Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax (30 ) 2 (76 ) (58 ) Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps 10 — 16 — Net derivative gains (losses) Interest rate swaps 2 1 2 2 Net investment income Interest rate forwards (1 ) 2 — 2 Net derivative gains (losses) Interest rate forwards — — 1 1 Net investment income Foreign currency swaps (1 ) 1 (1 ) 11 Net derivative gains (losses) Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, before income tax 10 4 18 16 Income tax (expense) benefit (3 ) (1 ) (4 ) (5 ) Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of income tax 7 3 14 11 Total reclassifications, net of income tax $ (23 ) $ 5 $ (62 ) $ (47 )

Other Revenues and Other Expe27

Other Revenues and Other Expenses (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Expenses	Information on other expenses was as follows: Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Compensation $ 83 $ 65 $ 153 $ 129 Commissions 214 197 429 390 Volume-related costs 105 136 214 263 Related party expenses on ceded and assumed reinsurance 4 3 7 26 Capitalization of DAC (76 ) (47 ) (152 ) (115 ) Interest expense on debt 33 37 70 82 Premium taxes, licenses and fees 26 19 43 33 Professional services 119 53 208 88 Rent and related expenses 3 4 6 8 Other 180 147 331 274 Total other expenses $ 691 $ 614 $ 1,309 $ 1,178

Earnings Per Common Share (Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share	The following table sets forth the calculation of earnings per share (“EPS”): Three Months Six Months 2018 Pro forma 2017 (1) 2018 Pro forma 2017 (1) (In millions, except share and per share data) Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders $ (239 ) $ 246 $ (306 ) $ (103 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 119,773,106 119,773,106 119,773,106 119,773,106 Earnings per common share: Basic $ (2.01 ) $ 2.05 $ (2.56 ) $ (0.86 ) __________________ (1) On August 4, 2017, following the completion of the Separation, 119,773,106 shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock were outstanding and are utilized to calculate EPS for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017 .

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Reinsurance Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes assets and liabilities from transactions with MetLife at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In millions) Assets $ — $ 2,907 Liabilities $ — $ 2,178 The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with MetLife for the periods indicated: Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Income $ (101 ) $ 42 $ (182 ) $ (400 ) Expense $ 55 $ 80 $ 133 $ 180
Effects of reinsurance	Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance with former MetLife affiliates included on the interim condensed consolidated and combined statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) was as follows: Three Months Six Months 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In millions) Premiums Reinsurance assumed $ 3 $ 4 $ 6 $ 8 Reinsurance ceded (105 ) (140 ) (201 ) (317 ) Net premiums $ (102 ) $ (136 ) $ (195 ) $ (309 ) Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Reinsurance assumed $ 20 $ 22 $ 45 $ 46 Reinsurance ceded 2 (4 ) 1 (17 ) Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees $ 22 $ 18 $ 46 $ 29 Other revenues Reinsurance assumed $ — $ 27 $ — $ 27 Reinsurance ceded 6 39 18 39 Net other revenues $ 6 $ 66 $ 18 $ 66 Policyholder benefits and claims Reinsurance assumed $ — $ 6 $ 8 $ 12 Reinsurance ceded (93 ) (94 ) (177 ) (229 ) Net policyholder benefits and claims $ (93 ) $ (88 ) $ (169 ) $ (217 ) Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance with former MetLife affiliates included on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows at: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded (In millions) Assets Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ — $ — $ 18 $ 3,410 Liabilities Other policy-related balances $ — $ — $ 1,674 $ — Other liabilities $ — $ — $ 30 $ 401

Business, Basis of Presentati30

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018Segment	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Aug. 04, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Number of segments | Segment	3
Parent shareholders' percentage | Spinoff
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Common Stock Distribution by Parent			80.80%
Parent percentage | Spinoff
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Common Stock Retained by Parent			19.20%
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption		$ 15
Retained Earnings [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption		38
Other Liabilities [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification		46
Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification		40
Deferred Income Tax [Domain]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification		(22)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification		$ (64)

Segment Information (Operating

Segment Information (Operating Results) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	$ (317)	$ 321	$ (430)	$ (269)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(79)	75	(127)	(166)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1	0	3	0
Net investment gains (losses)	(75)	0	(79)	(55)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(312)	(78)	(646)	(1,043)
Other adjustments to net income	98	162	203	236
Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders	(239)	246	(306)	(103)
Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	376	311	739	638
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	111	69	219	176
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Run-off
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	314	354	657	712
Interest expense	0	8	0	23
Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	11	58	22	124
Interest expense	37	28	74	58
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	180	426	510	818
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	26	102	71	214
Post-tax adjusted earnings	154	324	439	604
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1	0	3	0
Adjusted earnings	153	324	436	604
Operating Segments | Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	266	313	538	623
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	45	87	91	169
Post-tax adjusted earnings	221	226	447	454
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Adjusted earnings	221	226	447	454
Operating Segments | Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	46	23	127	8
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	9	11	24	3
Post-tax adjusted earnings	37	12	103	5
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Adjusted earnings	37	12	103	5
Operating Segments | Run-off
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	(8)	79	55	153
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(2)	27	11	52
Post-tax adjusted earnings	(6)	52	44	101
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Adjusted earnings	(6)	52	44	101
Operating Segments | Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pre-tax adjusted earnings	(124)	11	(210)	34
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(26)	(23)	(55)	(10)
Post-tax adjusted earnings	(98)	34	(155)	44
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1	0	3	0
Adjusted earnings	(99)	34	(158)	44
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	105	27	198	380
Net investment gains (losses)	(75)	0	(79)	(55)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(312)	(78)	(646)	(1,043)
Other adjustments to net income	$ (110)	$ (27)	$ (215)	$ 11

Segment Information (Reconcilia

Segment Information (Reconciliation of Operating Revenues to Total Revenues) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,702	$ 2,025	$ 3,517	$ 2,990
Annuities
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	1,146	1,126	2,293	2,200
Life
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	339	305	708	595
Run-off
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	510	545	1,058	1,084
Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	31	82	65	171
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$ (324)	$ (33)	$ (607)	$ (1,060)

Segment Information (Total Asse

Segment Information (Total Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 216,212	$ 224,192
Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	151,856	154,667
Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	19,790	18,049
Run-off
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	32,472	36,824
Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 12,094	$ 14,652

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of segments | Segment	3
Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Estimated increase (decrease) in total assets due to new methodology	$ 5,000
Run-off
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Estimated increase (decrease) in total assets due to new methodology	(3,000)
Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Estimated increase (decrease) in total assets due to new methodology	2,000
Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Estimated increase (decrease) in total assets due to new methodology	(4,000)
Minimum | Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Estimated increase (decrease) in adjusted earnings due to new methodology	60
Maximum | Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Estimated increase (decrease) in adjusted earnings due to new methodology	$ 70

Insurance (Guarantees Related t

Insurance (Guarantees Related to Annuity Contracts) (Details) - Variable Annuity Guarantees - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Guaranteed Death Benefits
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value	$ 109,725	$ 115,147
Separate account value	104,555	109,792
Net amount at risk	$ 6,534	$ 5,261
Average attained age of contract holders	68 years	68 years
Guaranteed Annuitization Benefits
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value	$ 63,534	$ 67,110
Separate account value	62,264	65,782
Net amount at risk	$ 2,604	$ 2,642
Average attained age of contract holders	68 years	68 years

Insurance (Guarantees Related36

Insurance (Guarantees Related to Universal and Variable Life Contracts) (Details) - Secondary Guarantees - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Universal Life Contracts
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value (3)	$ 6,154	$ 6,244
Net amount at risk	$ 74,152	$ 75,304
Average attained age of policyholders	65 years	64 years
Variable Life Contracts
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value (3)	$ 3,393	$ 3,379
Net amount at risk	$ 23,691	$ 24,546
Average attained age of policyholders	49 years	49 years

Investments (Fixed Maturity and

Investments (Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-For-Sale by Sector) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	$ 60,081	$ 60,173
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	7	2
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	62,343	64,991
Fixed maturity securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	60,081	60,173
Gross Unrealized Gain	3,402	5,180
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	1,147	365
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	(7)	(3)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	62,343	64,991
U.S. corporate
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	22,965	21,190
Gross Unrealized Gain	984	1,859
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	445	92
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	23,504	22,957
U.S. government and agency
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	11,243	14,548
Gross Unrealized Gain	1,409	1,862
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	194	118
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	12,458	16,292
RMBS
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	7,784	7,749
Gross Unrealized Gain	251	285
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	180	60
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	(4)	(3)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	7,859	7,977
Foreign corporate
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	6,972	6,703
Gross Unrealized Gain	175	386
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	183	66
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	6,964	7,023
State and political subdivision
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	3,648	3,635
Gross Unrealized Gain	453	553
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	26	6
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	(2)	1
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	4,077	4,181
CMBS
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	4,099	3,386
Gross Unrealized Gain	11	53
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	88	17
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	(1)	(1)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	4,023	3,423
ABS
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	2,074	1,810
Gross Unrealized Gain	14	21
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	5	2
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	2,083	1,829
Foreign government
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	1,296	1,152
Gross Unrealized Gain	105	161
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	26	4
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 1,375	$ 1,309

Investments (Maturities of Fixe

Investments (Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost, Due in one year or less	$ 1,759
Amortized Cost, Due after one year through five years	8,553
Amortized Cost, Due after five years through ten years	11,677
Amortized Cost, Due after ten years	24,135
Amortized Cost, Structured Securities	13,957
Amortized Cost, Subtotal	60,081	$ 60,173
Estimated Fair Value, Due in one year or less	1,766
Estimated Fair Value, Due after one year through five years	8,641
Estimated Fair Value, Due after five years through ten years	11,570
Estimated Fair Value, Due after ten years	26,401
Estimated Fair Value, Structured Securities	13,965
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 62,343	$ 64,991

Investments (Continuous Gross U

Investments (Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-For-Sale) (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position less than 12 months	2,799	911
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position equal to or greater than 12 months	592	638
Fixed maturity securities
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	$ 23,532	$ 10,863
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	700	92
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	4,750	5,543
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	440	270
U.S. corporate
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	9,676	1,783
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	324	21
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	1,264	1,451
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	121	71
U.S. government and agency
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	2,822	4,962
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	64	38
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	1,318	1,573
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	130	80
RMBS
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	3,279	2,367
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	97	14
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	1,140	1,332
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	79	43
Foreign corporate
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	2,986	637
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	107	8
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	462	603
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	76	58
State and political subdivision
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	577	170
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	16	3
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	102	106
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	8	4
CMBS
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	2,955	619
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	67	6
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	344	335
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	20	10
ABS
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	735	170
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	4	0
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	33	74
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	1	2
Foreign government
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	502	155
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	21	2
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	87	69
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	$ 5	$ 2

Investments (Mortgage Loans by

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Company-held mortgage loans held-for-investment, net
Commercial Mortgage Loans	$ 8,085	$ 7,260
Percentage of loans receivable on commercial mortgage loans	65.50%	67.50%
Agricultural Mortgage Loans	$ 2,630	$ 2,276
Percentage of loans receivable on agricultural mortgage loans	21.30%	21.20%
Residential Mortgage Loans	$ 1,577	$ 1,138
Percentage of loans receivable on residential mortgage loans	12.80%	10.60%
Subtotal	$ 12,292	$ 10,674
Percentage of loans receivable on subtotal	99.60%	99.30%
Valuation allowances	$ (51)	$ (47)
Percentage of loans receivable on valuation allowances	(0.40%)	(0.40%)
Subtotal mortgage loans, net	$ 12,241	$ 10,627
Percentage of loans receivable on subtotal mortgage loans held-for-investment, net	99.20%	98.90%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	$ 12,337	$ 10,742
Percentage of loans receivable on commercial mortgage loans held by consolidated securitization entities - fair value option	0.80%	1.10%
Percentage of loans held for sale on total mortgage loans, net	100.00%	100.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Company-held mortgage loans held-for-investment, net
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	$ 96	$ 115

Investments (Credit Quality of

Investments (Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 8,117	$ 7,419
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Commercial Mortgage Loans	$ 8,085	$ 7,260
Less than 65%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
% of Total	89.60%	90.00%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 7,270	$ 6,681
% of Total	89.50%	89.80%
Commercial Mortgage Loans	$ 7,233	$ 6,520
65% to 75%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
% of Total	9.80%	8.90%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 798	$ 658
% of Total	9.90%	9.00%
Commercial Mortgage Loans	$ 801	$ 656
76% to 80%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
% of Total	0.60%	0.70%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 49	$ 50
% of Total	0.60%	0.70%
Commercial Mortgage Loans	$ 51	$ 51
Greater than 80%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
% of Total		0.40%
Estimated Fair Value		$ 30
% of Total		0.50%
Commercial Mortgage Loans		$ 33
Greater than 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Mortgage Loans	7,740	6,878
Greater than 1.20x | Less than 65%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Mortgage Loans	7,086	6,194
Greater than 1.20x | 65% to 75%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Mortgage Loans	612	642
Greater than 1.20x | 76% to 80%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Mortgage Loans	42	42
Greater than 1.20x | Greater than 80%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Mortgage Loans		0
1.00x - 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Mortgage Loans	222	302
1.00x - 1.20x | Less than 65%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Mortgage Loans	115	293
1.00x - 1.20x | 65% to 75%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Mortgage Loans	107	0
1.00x - 1.20x | 76% to 80%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Mortgage Loans	0	0
1.00x - 1.20x | Greater than 80%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Mortgage Loans		9
Less than 1.00x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Mortgage Loans	123	80
Less than 1.00x | Less than 65%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Mortgage Loans	32	33
Less than 1.00x | 65% to 75%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Mortgage Loans	82	14
Less than 1.00x | 76% to 80%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Mortgage Loans	$ 9	9
Less than 1.00x | Greater than 80%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Mortgage Loans		$ 24

Investments (Credit Quality o42

Investments (Credit Quality of Agricultural and Residential Mortgage Loans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Agricultural Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator:
Recorded Investment	$ 2,630	$ 2,276
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Residential Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract]
Recorded Investment	$ 1,577	$ 1,138
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Less than 65%
Agricultural Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator:
Recorded Investment	$ 2,403	$ 2,113
% of Total	91.40%	92.80%
65% to 75%
Agricultural Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator:
Recorded Investment	$ 227	$ 163
% of Total	8.60%	7.20%
Performing
Residential Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract]
Recorded Investment	$ 1,548	$ 1,106
% of Total	98.20%	97.20%
Nonperforming
Residential Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract]
Recorded Investment	$ 29	$ 32
% of Total	1.80%	2.80%

Investments (Net Unrealized Inv

Investments (Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Fixed maturity securities	$ 2,247	$ 4,806
Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI	7	2
Total fixed maturity securities	2,254	4,808
Equity securities	0	39
Derivatives	256	239
Other	(13)	(8)
Subtotal	2,497	5,078
Future policy benefits	(1,240)	(2,626)
DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI	(5)	(2)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(167)	(265)
Subtotal	(1,412)	(2,893)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI	1	0
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(228)	(459)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$ 858	$ 1,726

Investments (Changes in Net Unr

Investments (Changes in Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Balance, December 31, 2017	$ 858	$ 1,726
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets	4
Balance, January 1, 2018	858	1,726
Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Balance, December 31, 2017	858	1,726
Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized	5
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period	(2,507)
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
Future policy benefits	1,386
Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Related To Dac And Voba Related To Non Credit Otti Losses Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income Loss	(3)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	98
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI	1
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	231
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	(789)
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets	$ 79	79
Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Balance, December 31, 2017		1,647
Balance, January 1, 2018		1,647
Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Balance, December 31, 2017		$ 1,647

Investments (Securities Lending

Investments (Securities Lending) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties	$ 3,834	$ 3,791
Security collateral on deposit from counterparties	56	29
Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value	3,843	3,823
Amortized cost
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities loaned	3,304	3,085
Estimated fair value
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities loaned	$ 3,798	$ 3,748

Investments (Securities Lendi46

Investments (Securities Lending Remaining Tenor) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	$ 3,834	$ 3,791
U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	3,834	3,791
Maturity Overnight | U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	1,345	1,626
Maturity Less than 30 Days | U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	1,596	964
Maturity 30 to 180 Days | U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	$ 893	$ 1,201

Investments (Invested Assets on

Investments (Invested Assets on Deposit, Held In Trust and Pledged as Collateral) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits)	$ 8,046	$ 8,263
Invested assets held-in-trust	2,985	2,634
Invested assets pledged as collateral	3,823	3,199
Invested Assets On Deposit Held In Trust And Pledged As Collateral	$ 14,854	$ 14,096

Investments (Consolidated Varia

Investments (Consolidated Variable Interest Entities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Total Assets	$ 96	$ 116
Total Liabilities	$ 5	$ 11

Investments (Unconsolidated Var

Investments (Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	$ 13,492	$ 13,558
Carrying Amount Liability	14,720	14,517
Other limited partnership interests
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	1,550	1,511
Carrying Amount Liability	2,775	2,463
Other investments
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	89	82
Carrying Amount Liability	92	89
Structured Securities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	11,413	11,461
Carrying Amount Liability	11,413	11,461
U.S. and foreign corporate
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	440	504
Carrying Amount Liability	$ 440	$ 504

Investments (Net Investment Inc

Investments (Net Investment Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	$ 804	$ 764	$ 1,619	$ 1,544
Less: Investment expenses	49	46	92	89
Subtotal , net	806	766	1,623	1,548
Fixed maturity securities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	638	598	1,266	1,208
Equity securities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	2	3	4	5
Mortgage loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	128	111	246	220
Policy loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	34	18	50	35
Real estate joint ventures
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	10	14	24	26
Other limited partnership interests
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	25	49	90	106
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	7	10	13	18
Other investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	9	7	18	15
Securities Investment
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	853	810	1,711	1,633
FVO CSEs — interest income — commercial mortgage loans | Consolidated Securitization Entities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	$ 2	$ 2	$ 4	$ 4

Investments (Components of Net

Investments (Components of Net Investment Gains Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals	$ (65)	$ 2	$ (104)	$ (36)
Equity securities — Mark to market and net gains (losses) on sales and disposals	(3)	1	(4)	1
Other net investment gains (losses) [Abstract]
Mortgage loans	(3)	(2)	(7)	(5)
Real estate joint ventures	0	1	42	3
Other limited partnership interests	0	0	0	(10)
Other	1	1	2	(5)
Subtotal	(70)	2	(71)	(53)
FVO CSEs - changes in estimated fair value [Abstract]
Commercial mortgage loans	(5)	0	(8)	(1)
Long-term debt — related to commercial mortgage loans	0	(1)	0	0
Non-investment portfolio gains (losses)	0	(1)	0	(1)
Subtotal	(5)	(2)	(8)	(2)
Total net investment gains (losses)	(75)	0	(79)	(55)
State and political subdivision
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	0	(1)	0	(1)
Fixed maturity securities
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	0	(1)	0	(1)
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Net investment gains (losses)	(65)	1	(104)	(37)
Equity securities
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Net investment gains (losses)	$ (3)	$ 1	$ (4)	$ 1

Investments (Sales or Disposals

Investments (Sales or Disposals and Impairments of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities) (Details) - Fixed maturity securities - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Insurance Investments	$ 2,476	$ 2,411	$ 5,337	$ 4,387
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	9	12	12	20
Available-for-sale Securities, Realized Losses, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments	(74)	(10)	(116)	(56)
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings [Abstract]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	0	(1)	0	(1)
Components of Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Net investment gains (losses)	$ (65)	$ 1	$ (104)	$ (37)

Investments (Credit Loss Rollfo

Investments (Credit Loss Rollforward) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 0	$ 10	$ 0	$ 28
Reductions:
Sales (maturities, pay downs or prepayments) of securities previously impaired as credit loss OTTI	0	(1)	0	(19)
Balance, end of period	$ 0	$ 9	$ 0	$ 9

Investments (Related Party Inve

Investments (Related Party Investment Transactions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Related Party Transactions, By Related Party [Abstract]
Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred to affiliates	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 292
Amortized cost of invested assets transferred to affiliates	0	0	0	294
Net investment gains (losses) recognized on transfers	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (2)

Investments (Fixed Maturity a55

Investments (Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-For-Sale - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of Certain Fixed Maturity Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 62,343	$ 64,991
Non-Income Producing Debt Securities [Member]
Summary of Certain Fixed Maturity Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	6	4
Gross Unrealized Gain loss	$ 2	$ (2)

Investments (Evaluation of Avai

Investments (Evaluation of Available-For-Sale Securities for OTTI and Evaluating Temporarily Impaired AFS Securities - Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)Contracts
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale with gross unrealized loss of equal to or greater than stated percentage	20.00%
Fixed maturity securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Change in Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	$ 778
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	1,100
20% or more | Six months or greater | Fixed maturity securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ 2
Number of Securities | Contracts	7

Investments (Mortgage Loans - N

Investments (Mortgage Loans - Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)Contracts	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)Contracts	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)Contracts	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Contracts
Financing Receivable, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Significant Purchases | $	$ 518	$ 147	$ 604	$ 307
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Percentage of Mortgage Loans Classified as Performing	99.00%		99.00%		99.00%
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number of Contracts | Contracts			0	0
Residential
Financing Receivable, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Estimated fair value of mortgage loans held-for-investment | $	$ 1,600		$ 1,600		$ 1,200
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due | $	29		29		32
Loans and Leases Receivable, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of interest | $	29		29		32
Agricultural
Financing Receivable, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Estimated fair value of mortgage loans held-for-investment | $	$ 2,600		$ 2,600		$ 2,300
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Financing Receivable Number of Contract of Recorded Investment Past Due | Contracts	0		0		0
Loans and Leases Receivable, Number of Contract, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of Interest | Contracts	0		0		0
Commercial
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Financing Receivable Number of Contract of Recorded Investment Past Due | Contracts	0		0		0
Loans and Leases Receivable, Number of Contract, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of Interest | Contracts	0		0		0

Investments (Cash Equivalents -

Investments (Cash Equivalents - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	$ 1.3	$ 1.4

Investments (Concentrations of

Investments (Concentrations of Credit Risk - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments in any counterparty that were greater than 10% of equity	$ 0	$ 0
Securities holdings exposure in single issuer greater than stated percentage of Company's equity	10.00%

Investments (Securities Lendi60

Investments (Securities Lending Remaining Tenor - Narrative) (Details) - Estimated fair value $ in Billions	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties	$ 1.3
Securities Investment
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of Reinvestment Portfolio in Fixed Maturity Securities	64.00%
U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage Of US Treasury And Agency Securities At Estimated Fair Value Of Securities On Loan Relating To Cash Collateral On Open	100.00%

Investments Investments (Invest

Investments Investments (Invest Assets On Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deposit Assets	$ 8,046	$ 8,263
Assets Held-in-trust	2,985	2,634
Fixed maturity securities | Policyholder Account Balances [Member]
Deposit Assets	71	34
Fixed maturity securities | Reinsurance
Assets Held-in-trust	$ 27	$ 42

Investments (Consolidated Var62

Investments (Consolidated Variable Interest Entities - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Variable interest, maximum exposure to loss in consolidated securitization entities	$ 73	$ 86

Investments (Unconsolidated V63

Investments (Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs	$ 0	$ 0

Investments (Related Party In64

Investments (Related Party Investment Transactions - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 28, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments				$ 89
Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments				286
Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Capital Contribution				202
Related party investment administrative services		$ 92	$ 98		$ 186	$ 195
Other investments
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 1,100
Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties	$ 1,100
Other investments | Related Party Loan One [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.21%			4.21%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date					Sep. 30, 2032
Other investments | Related Party Loan Two [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.10%			5.10%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date					Dec. 31, 2033
Metlife Investment Advisors, LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party investment administrative services		$ 26	$ 24		$ 50	$ 49

Derivatives (Primary Risks) (De

Derivatives (Primary Risks) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	$ 99,787	$ 113,549
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	2,055	2,254
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	3,223	3,129
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	2,341	2,029
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	154	143
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	62	75
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | Fair Value Hedges | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	145	175
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	35	44
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | Cash Flow Hedges
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	2,196	1,854
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	119	99
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	62	75
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | Cash Flow Hedges | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	27	27
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	3	5
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | Cash Flow Hedges | Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount		1,827
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		94
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		75
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	97,446	111,520
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	1,901	2,111
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	3,161	3,054
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	15,879	20,213
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	576	922
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	888	774
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Interest rate caps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	3,428	2,671
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	29	7
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Interest rate futures
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	282	282
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	1
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Interest rate options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	14,500	24,600
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	120	133
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	97	63
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	1,143	1,115
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	70	71
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	30	42
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Foreign currency forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	128	130
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	1	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1	1
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Credit default swaps — purchased
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	80	65
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	2	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1	1
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Credit default swaps — written
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	1,949	1,900
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	26	40
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Equity futures
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	1,619	2,713
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	15
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Equity index options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	46,292	47,066
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	905	794
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,680	1,664
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Equity variance swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	9,713	8,998
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	127	128
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	429	430
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Equity total return swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	2,433	1,767
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	45	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$ 33	$ 79

Derivatives (Earned Income On D

Derivatives (Earned Income On Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	$ 45	$ 76	$ 103	$ 205
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | Net investment income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	7	6	12	12
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Net derivative gains (losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	38	67	91	186
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Policyholder benefits and claims
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	$ 0	$ 3	$ 0	$ 7

Derivatives Derivatives (NQ, CF

Derivatives Derivatives (NQ, CF, FV) (Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 12
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion	111	(33)	35	(52)
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge	0	(4)	9	(44)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion	111	(33)	35	(52)
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge	0	(1)	0	(10)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion	0	2	(2)	2
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge	0	0	0	0
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion	111	(35)	37	(54)
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge	0	(1)	0	(10)
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion	0	0	0	0
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge	3	(3)	10	(1)
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion	0	0	0	0
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge	3	(3)	10	(1)
Net Investment Income
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	2	0	3	2
Net Investment Income | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	2	1	3	3
Net Investment Income | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	2	1	3	3
Net Investment Income | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Net Investment Income | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Net Investment Income | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(350)	(141)	(746)	(1,185)
Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	8	3	15	13
Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	9	2	16	2
Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(1)	1	(1)	11
Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(2)	3	(10)	1
Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(2)	3	(10)	1
Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(1)	(76)	(2)	(276)
Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion	0	0	0	0
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge	(3)	0	(1)	(33)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion	0	0	0	0
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge	0	0	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion	0	0	0	0
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge	(3)	0	(1)	(33)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Credit
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion	0	0	0	0
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge	0	0	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Equity market contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion	0	0	0	0
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge	0	0	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives Effective Portion	0	0	0	0
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge	0	0	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Investment Income
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	(1)	0	(1)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Investment Income | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Investment Income | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Investment Income | Credit
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Investment Income | Equity market contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	(1)	0	(1)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Investment Income | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(356)	(147)	(751)	(1,199)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(165)	205	(974)	(64)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	56	(22)	15	(42)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] | Credit
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(3)	5	(10)	11
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] | Equity market contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(440)	(473)	(484)	(1,412)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	196	138	702	308
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(1)	(76)	(2)	(276)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	3	0	2
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member] | Credit
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member] | Equity market contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	(93)	0	(277)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Policyholder Benefit And Claim [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$ (1)	$ 14	$ (2)	$ (1)

Derivatives (Gains Losses Recog

Derivatives (Gains Losses Recognized in Income Not Designated or Qualifying) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Net derivative gains (losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	$ (350)	$ (141)	$ (746)	$ (1,185)
Net Investment Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	2	0	3	2
Policyholder benefits and claims
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	(1)	(76)	(2)	(276)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Net derivative gains (losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	(356)	(147)	(751)	(1,199)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Net Investment Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	(1)	0	(1)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Policyholder benefits and claims
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	$ (1)	$ (76)	$ (2)	$ (276)

Derivatives (Credit Derivatives

Derivatives (Credit Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge			1 year		2 years
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 12
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	25		25		$ 40
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	1,949		$ 1,949		$ 1,900
Weighted Average Years to Maturity			4 years 2 months		4 years 1 month
Aaa/Aa/A | Aaa/Aa/A
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	9		$ 9		$ 12
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	677		$ 677		$ 558
Weighted Average Years to Maturity			2 years 8 months		2 years 9 months
Baa | Aaa/Aa/A
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	16		$ 16		$ 28
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	1,272		$ 1,272		$ 1,317
Weighted Average Years to Maturity			5 years		4 years 8 months
Ba | Aaa/Aa/A
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	0		$ 0		$ 0
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 0		$ 0		$ 25
Weighted Average Years to Maturity			0 years		4 years 6 months

Derivatives (Estimated Fair Val

Derivatives (Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals	$ 2,100	$ 2,303
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals	3,216	3,121
Amounts offset in the consoilidated balance sheets, Assets	0	0
Amounts offset in the consoilidated balance sheets, Liabilities	0	0
Estimated fair value of derivative assets presented in the consolidated balance sheets	2,100	2,303
Estimated fair value of derivative liabilities presented in the consolidated balance sheets	3,216	3,121
Net amount of derivative assets after application of master netting agreements and cash collateral	3	44
Net amount of derivative liabilities after application of master netting agreements and cash collateral	2	1
Over the Counter [Member]
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals	2,083	2,233
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals	3,211	3,081
Gross estimated fair value of derivative assets	(1,834)	(1,942)
Gross estimated fair value of derivative liabilities	(1,834)	(1,942)
Cash collateral on derivative assets	(224)	(257)
Cash collateral on derivative liabilities	0	0
Securities collateral on derivative assets	(22)	(31)
Securities collateral on derivative liabilities	(1,375)	(1,138)
OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals	17	70
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals	5	40
Gross estimated fair value of derivative assets	(1)	(1)
Gross estimated fair value of derivative liabilities	(1)	(1)
Cash collateral on derivative assets	(16)	(28)
Cash collateral on derivative liabilities	0	(39)
Securities collateral on derivative assets	0	0
Securities collateral on derivative liabilities	$ (4)	$ 0

Derivatives (Credit Risk on Fre

Derivatives (Credit Risk on Freestanding Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$ 3,223	$ 3,129
Accrued Investment Income Receivable	607	601
Estimated Fair Value of Derivatives in Net Liability Position	1,377	1,138
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	13,593	13,525
Fixed Maturity Securities
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided	$ 1,690	$ 1,414

Derivatives (Embedded Derivativ

Derivatives (Embedded Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	$ 184		$ 184		$ 175
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	1,425		1,425		1,887
Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	184		184		227
Direct guaranteed minimum benefits | Policyholder account balances
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	682		682		1,212
Assumed reinsurance on fixed deferred annuities | Policyholder account balances
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	0		0		1
Fixed annuities with equity indexed returns | Policyholder account balances
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	743		743		674
Options embedded in debt or equity securities (1) | Investments
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	0		0		$ (52)
Nonperformance Risk [Member] | Direct And Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net	49	$ (32)	34	$ (72)
Nonperformance Risk [Member] | Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net		1	1	1
Policyholder benefits and claims
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net	$ (1)	$ 14	$ (2)	$ (1)

Derivatives (Changes in Estimat

Derivatives (Changes in Estimated Fair Value Related to Embedded Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Net derivative gains (losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Embedded derivatives gains (losses)	$ 196	$ 138	$ 702	$ 308
Policyholder benefits and claims
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Embedded derivatives gains (losses)	$ (1)	$ 14	$ (2)	$ (1)

Derivatives (Narrative) (Detail

Derivatives (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$ 2,055		$ 2,055		$ 2,254
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	3,223		3,223		3,129
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	1,949		1,949		1,900
Cash collateral on derivative assets	191		191		$ 94
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 12
Derivative Instrument Detail [Abstract]
Hedging exposure to variability in future cash flows for specific length of time			1 year		2 years
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	256		$ 256		$ 239
Cash collateral on derivative liabilities	0		0		5
Securities collateral received which the company is permitted to sell or repledge, amount that has been sold or repledged	0		0
Over the Counter [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash collateral on derivative assets	(224)		(224)		(257)
Excess securities collateral received on derivatives	170		170		337
Excess securities collateral provided on derivatives	328		328		471
Exchange Cleared [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash collateral on derivative assets	(16)		(16)		(28)
Excess securities collateral provided on derivatives	150		150		427
Exchange Traded [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Excess securities collateral provided on derivatives	82		82		118
Direct And Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] | Nonperformance Risk [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Embedded derivatives gains (losses)	49	(32)	34	(72)
Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Nonperformance Risk [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Embedded derivatives gains (losses)		$ 1	1	$ 1
Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	45		45		49
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$ (7)		$ (7)		$ (8)

Fair Value (Recurring Fair Valu

Fair Value (Recurring Fair Value Measurements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 62,343	$ 64,991
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	153	161
Short-term investments	177	312
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	12,337	10,742
Derivative assets	2,055	2,254
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	184	175
Separate account assets	111,587	118,257
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	3,223	3,129
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	1,425	1,887
Long-term debt (includes $5 and $11, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)	3,607	3,612
Recurring
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	62,343	64,991
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	153	161
Short-term investments	177	312
Real Estate Investments, Joint Ventures	17
Other limited partnership interests	24
Derivative assets	2,055	2,254
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	184	227
Separate account assets	111,587	118,257
Total assets	176,636	186,317
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	3,223	3,129
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	1,425	1,887
Total liabilities	4,653	5,027
Recurring | Interest rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	763	1,112
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	985	837
Recurring | Foreign currency exchange rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	187	165
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	93	118
Recurring | Credit contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	28	40
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	2	1
Recurring | Equity market contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	1,077	937
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	2,143	2,173
Recurring | U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	23,504	22,957
Recurring | U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	12,458	16,292
Recurring | RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	7,859	7,977
Recurring | Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	6,964	7,023
Recurring | State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	4,077	4,181
Recurring | ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	2,083	1,829
Recurring | CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	4,023	3,423
Recurring | Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	1,375	1,309
Recurring | Level 1
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	4,940	8,304
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	15	18
Short-term investments	115	142
Real Estate Investments, Joint Ventures	0
Other limited partnership interests	0
Derivative assets	0	16
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	0	0
Separate account assets	182	410
Total assets	5,252	8,890
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	1	0
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	0	0
Total liabilities	1	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Interest rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	1
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign currency exchange rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Credit contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Equity market contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	15
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	1	0
Recurring | Level 1 | U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	4,940	8,304
Recurring | Level 1 | RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring | Level 2
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	54,255	53,455
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	18	19
Short-term investments	62	156
Real Estate Investments, Joint Ventures	0
Other limited partnership interests	0
Derivative assets	1,904	2,079
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	0	0
Separate account assets	111,401	117,842
Total assets	167,736	173,666
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	2,787	2,691
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	0	0
Total liabilities	2,792	2,702
Recurring | Level 2 | Interest rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	763	1,111
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	985	837
Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign currency exchange rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	187	165
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	92	117
Recurring | Level 2 | Credit contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	20	30
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	2	1
Recurring | Level 2 | Equity market contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	934	773
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	1,708	1,736
Recurring | Level 2 | U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	22,666	22,048
Recurring | Level 2 | U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	7,518	7,988
Recurring | Level 2 | RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	6,925	6,989
Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	5,930	5,935
Recurring | Level 2 | State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	4,069	4,181
Recurring | Level 2 | ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	1,927	1,723
Recurring | Level 2 | CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	3,845	3,287
Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	1,375	1,304
Recurring | Level 3
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	3,148	3,232
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	120	124
Short-term investments	0	14
Real Estate Investments, Joint Ventures	17
Other limited partnership interests	24
Derivative assets	151	159
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	184	227
Separate account assets	4	5
Total assets	3,648	3,761
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	435	438
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	1,425	1,887
Total liabilities	1,860	2,325
Recurring | Level 3 | Interest rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring | Level 3 | Foreign currency exchange rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	1	1
Recurring | Level 3 | Credit contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	8	10
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring | Level 3 | Equity market contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	143	149
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	434	437
Recurring | Level 3 | U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	838	909
Recurring | Level 3 | U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring | Level 3 | RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	934	988
Recurring | Level 3 | Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	1,034	1,088
Recurring | Level 3 | State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	8	0
Recurring | Level 3 | ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	156	106
Recurring | Level 3 | CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	178	136
Recurring | Level 3 | Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	5
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	96	115
Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-term debt (includes $5 and $11, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)	5	11
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Recurring
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	96	115
Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-term debt (includes $5 and $11, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)	5	11
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Recurring | Level 1
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-term debt (includes $5 and $11, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)	0	0
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Recurring | Level 2
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	96	115
Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-term debt (includes $5 and $11, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)	5	11
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Recurring | Level 3
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-term debt (includes $5 and $11, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value (Quantitative Inform

Fair Value (Quantitative Information) (Details) - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	Jun. 30, 2018$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017$ / shares
Minimum | Measurement Input, Age 0 - 40, Mortality Rate [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0	0
Minimum | Measurement Input, Age 41- 60, Mortality Rate [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0004	0.0004
Minimum | Measurement Input, Age 61 - 115, Mortality Rate [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0026	0.0026
Minimum | Measurement Input, Duration 1 - 10, Lapse Rate [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0025	0.0025
Minimum | Measurement Input, Duration 11 - 20, Lapse Rate [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.02	0.02
Minimum | Measurement Input, Duration 21 - 116, Lapse Rate [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.02	0.02
Minimum | Measurement Input, Utilization Rate [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0	0
Minimum | Measurement Input, Withdrawal Rate [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0025	0.0025
Minimum | Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.1740	0.1740
Minimum | Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0112	0.0064
Maximum | Measurement Input, Age 0 - 40, Mortality Rate [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0009	0.0009
Maximum | Measurement Input, Age 41- 60, Mortality Rate [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0065	0.0065
Maximum | Measurement Input, Age 61 - 115, Mortality Rate [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	1	1
Maximum | Measurement Input, Duration 1 - 10, Lapse Rate [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	1	1
Maximum | Measurement Input, Duration 11 - 20, Lapse Rate [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	1	1
Maximum | Measurement Input, Duration 21 - 116, Lapse Rate [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	1	1
Maximum | Measurement Input, Utilization Rate [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.2500	0.2500
Maximum | Measurement Input, Withdrawal Rate [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.1000	0.1000
Maximum | Measurement Input, Long Term Equity Volatilities [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.2500	0.2500
Maximum | Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0206	0.0143
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate | Minimum | Valuation Technique, Matrix Pricing [Member] | Measurement Input, Offered Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	87	93
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate | Minimum | Valuation, Market Approach [Member] | Measurement Input, Quoted Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	53	0
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate | Maximum | Valuation Technique, Matrix Pricing [Member] | Measurement Input, Offered Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	137	142
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate | Maximum | Valuation, Market Approach [Member] | Measurement Input, Quoted Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	353	443
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate | Weighted Average [Member] | Valuation Technique, Matrix Pricing [Member] | Measurement Input, Offered Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	106	111
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate | Weighted Average [Member] | Valuation, Market Approach [Member] | Measurement Input, Quoted Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	105	77
RMBS | Minimum | Valuation, Market Approach [Member] | Measurement Input, Quoted Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	56	3
RMBS | Maximum | Valuation, Market Approach [Member] | Measurement Input, Quoted Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	107	107
RMBS | Weighted Average [Member] | Valuation, Market Approach [Member] | Measurement Input, Quoted Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	95	95
CMBS | Minimum | Valuation, Market Approach [Member] | Measurement Input, Quoted Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	51	8
CMBS | Minimum | Valuation Technique, Consensus Pricing Model [Member] | Measurement Input, Offered Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	103	105
CMBS | Maximum | Valuation, Market Approach [Member] | Measurement Input, Quoted Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	104	104
CMBS | Maximum | Valuation Technique, Consensus Pricing Model [Member] | Measurement Input, Offered Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	103	105
CMBS | Weighted Average [Member] | Valuation, Market Approach [Member] | Measurement Input, Quoted Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	103	88
CMBS | Weighted Average [Member] | Valuation Technique, Consensus Pricing Model [Member] | Measurement Input, Offered Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	103	105
ABS | Minimum | Valuation, Market Approach [Member] | Measurement Input, Quoted Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	100	100
ABS | Minimum | Valuation Technique, Consensus Pricing Model [Member] | Measurement Input, Offered Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input		100
ABS | Maximum | Valuation, Market Approach [Member] | Measurement Input, Quoted Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	102	104
ABS | Maximum | Valuation Technique, Consensus Pricing Model [Member] | Measurement Input, Offered Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input		100
ABS | Weighted Average [Member] | Valuation, Market Approach [Member] | Measurement Input, Quoted Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input	100	101
ABS | Weighted Average [Member] | Valuation Technique, Consensus Pricing Model [Member] | Measurement Input, Offered Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Measurement Input		100
Credit | Minimum | Valuation, Income Approach [Member] | Measurement Input, Credit Spread [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative Asset (Liability) Net, Measurement Input	97	0
Credit | Maximum | Valuation, Income Approach [Member] | Measurement Input, Credit Spread [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative Asset (Liability) Net, Measurement Input	99	0
Equity market | Minimum | Valuation, Income Approach [Member] | Measurement Input, Option Volatility [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative Asset (Liability) Net, Measurement Input	0.17	0.11
Equity market | Minimum | Valuation, Income Approach [Member] | Measurement Input, Comparability Adjustment [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative Asset (Liability) Net, Measurement Input	0.10	0.10
Equity market | Maximum | Valuation, Income Approach [Member] | Measurement Input, Option Volatility [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative Asset (Liability) Net, Measurement Input	0.30	0.31
Equity market | Maximum | Valuation, Income Approach [Member] | Measurement Input, Comparability Adjustment [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative Asset (Liability) Net, Measurement Input	0.30	0.30

Fair Value (Unobservable Input

Fair Value (Unobservable Input Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Net Derivatives
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ (273)	$ (890)	$ (279)	$ (954)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	(13)	106	(8)	96
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases	2	4	3	4
Sales	0	0	0	0
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	74
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	(284)	(780)	(284)	(780)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	(13)	106	(8)	93
Net Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	(1,293)	(2,021)	(1,660)	(2,383)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	195	162	700	325
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases	0	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0	0
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	(143)	(254)	(281)	(55)
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	(1,241)	(2,113)	(1,241)	(2,113)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	198	245	904	672
U.S. and foreign corporate
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	1,906	2,403	1,997	2,391
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	6	1	9	(2)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	(72)	23	(80)	130
Purchases	81	171	136	291
Sales	(25)	(248)	(165)	(299)
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	3	30	34	3
Transfers out of Level 3	(27)	(24)	(59)	(158)
Balance, end of period	1,872	2,356	1,872	2,356
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	6	0	7	0
Structured Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	1,206	1,640	1,230	1,711
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	5	6	11	9
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	21	(9)	36
Purchases	203	24	213	68
Sales	(54)	(143)	(120)	(231)
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	(92)	(59)	(57)	(104)
Balance, end of period	1,268	1,489	1,268	1,489
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	5	6	11	10
State and political subdivision
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	0	7	0	17
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	2	0	3	0
Purchases	2	0	2	0
Sales	0	0	0	0
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	4	0	3	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	(7)	0	(17)
Balance, end of period	8	0	8	0
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0	0	0
Foreign government
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	0	0	5	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases	0	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	(2)	0
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	(3)	0
Balance, end of period	0	0	0	0
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0	0	0
Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	123	142	124	137
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	1	(1)	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	1	0	3
Purchases	0	0	0	4
Sales	(3)	(10)	(3)	(10)
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	120	134	120	134
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0	0	0
Real estate joint ventures
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	22	0	22	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	(2)	0	(1)	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases	0	0	0	0
Sales	(3)	0	(4)	0
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	17	0	17	0
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	(2)	0	(1)	0
Other limited partnership interests
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	26	0	28	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	0	(1)	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases	0	0	0	0
Sales	(2)	0	(3)	0
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	24	0	24	0
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0	(1)	0
Short-term investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	0	1	14	2
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases	0	91	0	91
Sales	0	0	(14)	(1)
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	(1)	0	(1)
Balance, end of period	0	91	0	91
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0	0	0
Separate account assets
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	7	15	5	10
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0	0
Purchases	0	7	1	1
Sales	(3)	(8)	(1)	(2)
Issuances	0	0	0	0
Settlements	(1)	(1)	(1)	0
Transfers into Level 3	1	0	0	2
Transfers out of Level 3	0	(7)	0	(5)
Balance, end of period	4	6	4	6
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value (Fair Value Option f

Fair Value (Fair Value Option for Certain Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	$ 8,085	$ 7,260
Difference between estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance	37	45
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	12,337	10,742
Contractual principal balance	5	10
Difference between estimated fair value and contractual principal balance	0	1
Carrying value at estimated fair value	3,607	3,612
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	96	115
Carrying value at estimated fair value	5	11
Consolidated Entities [Member]
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	$ 59	$ 70

Fair Value (Financial Instrumen

Fair Value (Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets
Policy loans	$ 1,458	$ 1,523
Liabilities
Separate account liabilities	111,587	118,257
Carrying Value
Assets
Mortgage loans	12,241	10,627
Policy loans	1,458	1,523
Real estate joint ventures		5
Other limited partnership interests		36
Other invested assets	85	71
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	1,684	1,758
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	15,881	15,791
Long-term debt	3,602	3,601
Other liabilities	358	314
Separate account liabilities	1,192	1,210
Estimated Fair Value
Assets
Mortgage loans	12,325	10,871
Policy loans	1,637	1,740
Real estate joint ventures		22
Other limited partnership interests		28
Other invested assets	85	71
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	1,872	2,113
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	14,829	15,927
Long-term debt	3,211	3,639
Other liabilities	358	314
Separate account liabilities	1,192	1,210
Estimated Fair Value | Level 1
Assets
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Real estate joint ventures		0
Other limited partnership interests		0
Other invested assets	0	0
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	0	0
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Separate account liabilities	0	0
Estimated Fair Value | Level 2
Assets
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	720	781
Real estate joint ventures		0
Other limited partnership interests		0
Other invested assets	72	71
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	106	128
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Long-term debt	2,611	3,039
Other liabilities	146	100
Separate account liabilities	1,192	1,210
Estimated Fair Value | Level 3
Assets
Mortgage loans	12,325	10,871
Policy loans	917	959
Real estate joint ventures		22
Other limited partnership interests		28
Other invested assets	13	0
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	1,766	1,985
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	14,829	15,927
Long-term debt	600	600
Other liabilities	212	214
Separate account liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value (Recurring Fair Va80

Fair Value (Recurring Fair Value Measurements) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net	$ 0	$ (52)

Long-term Debt (Details)

Long-term Debt (Details) - BLIC Repurchase Facility $ in Billions	Apr. 16, 2018USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facilities, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 2
Debt instrument, term	3 years

Equity (Components of Accumulat

Equity (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 737	$ 1,506	$ 1,676	$ 1,265
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets					$ (4)
Restatement Balance	737	1,506	1,676	1,265	815	$ 1,676
OCI before reclassifications	50	619	(1,094)	892
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	5	(226)	250	(310)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	792	1,899	753	1,847
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	32	(5)	82	74
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(9)	0	(20)	(27)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	23	(5)	62	47
Balance, end of period	815	1,894	815	1,894
Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	695	1,310	1,572	1,044
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets						(79)
Restatement Balance	695	1,310	1,572	1,044	690	1,572
OCI before reclassifications	(65)	649	(1,138)	962
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	30	(236)	259	(343)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	660	1,723	614	1,663
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	42	(1)	100	90
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(12)	(1)	(24)	(32)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	30	(2)	76	58
Balance, end of period	690	1,721	690	1,721
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	87	248	154	268
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets						0
Restatement Balance	87	248	154	268	168	154
OCI before reclassifications	111	(33)	35	(52)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(23)	11	(7)	18
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	175	226	182	234
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(10)	(4)	(18)	(16)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	3	1	4	5
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(7)	(3)	(14)	(11)
Balance, end of period	168	223	168	223
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	(22)	(34)	(24)	(31)
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets						0
Restatement Balance	(22)	(34)	(24)	(31)	(19)	(24)
OCI before reclassifications	4	3	6	(4)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(1)	(2)	(1)	2
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	(19)	(33)	(19)	(33)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0	0	0
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	0	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	(19)	(33)	(19)	(33)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	(23)	(18)	(26)	(16)
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets						0
Restatement Balance	(23)	(18)	(26)	(16)	(24)	(26)
OCI before reclassifications	0	0	3	(14)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(1)	1	(1)	13
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	(24)	(17)	(24)	(17)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0	0	0
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	0	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	$ (24)	$ (17)	(24)	$ (17)
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets					$ (79)	(79)
Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period			1,597
Restatement Balance			1,597			1,597
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period			1,493
Restatement Balance			1,493			1,493
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period			154
Restatement Balance			154			154
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period			(24)
Restatement Balance			(24)			(24)
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period			(26)
Restatement Balance			$ (26)			$ (26)

Equity (Reclassifications Out o

Equity (Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment gains (losses)	$ (75)	$ 0	$ (79)	$ (55)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(312)	(78)	(646)	(1,043)
Net investment income	806	766	1,623	1,548
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	(317)	321	(430)	(269)
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(238)	246	(303)	(103)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	79	(75)	127	166
Net income (loss)	(239)	246	(306)	(103)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	(23)	5	(62)	(47)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment gains (losses)	(42)	1	(101)	(47)
Net derivative gains (losses)	0	(1)	0	(45)
Net investment income	0	1	1	2
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	(42)	1	(100)	(90)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	12	1	24	32
Net income (loss)	(30)	2	(76)	(58)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	10	4	18	16
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(3)	(1)	(4)	(5)
Net income (loss)	7	3	14	11
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Interest rate swaps
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net derivative gains (losses)	10	0	16	0
Net investment income	2	1	2	2
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Interest rate forwards
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net derivative gains (losses)	(1)	2	0	2
Net investment income	0	0	1	1
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Foreign currency swaps
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net derivative gains (losses)	$ (1)	$ 1	$ (1)	$ 11

Equity (Stockholder's Compensat

Equity (Stockholder's Compensation) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ 0		$ 0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), Founders' Grant [Member] | Restricted stock units, Founders’ Grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 10,000,000		$ 10,000,000
Other Share Based [Member] | Restricted stock units, Founders’ Grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,000,000		1,000,000
Other Share Based [Member] | Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,000,000		1,000,000
Other Share Based [Member] | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 0		$ 0

Equity (Performance Share Units

Equity (Performance Share Units) (Details) - $ / shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restricted
Performance and Restricted Share Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	990,176	0
Granted	990,176
Forfeited	0
Paid	0
Restricted and Performance Weighted Average Exercise Price
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 48.10	$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Intrinsic Value, Amount Per Share	0
Granted	48.10
Forfeited	$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercised	0
Paid	$ 0
Performance
Performance and Restricted Share Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	73,849	0
Granted	73,849
Forfeited	0
Paid	0
Restricted and Performance Weighted Average Exercise Price
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 48.10	$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Intrinsic Value, Amount Per Share	0
Granted	48.10
Forfeited	$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercised	0
Paid	$ 0

Equity (Stock Options) (Details

Equity (Stock Options) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018$ / shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted	$ 48.10
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free rate of return	2.93%
Expected volatility	25.00%
Expected option life	5 years 9 months
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted	$ 48.10
Weighted average fair value of stock options granted	$ 12.54

Equity (Stockholder's Compens87

Equity (Stockholder's Compensation - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures			242,560
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted			$ 48.10
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 0		$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period			0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period			0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period			0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	8,000,000		8,000,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	$ 2,000,000		$ 2,000,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ 0		$ 0
Other Share Based [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	19,000,000		$ 19,000,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition			21 months
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), Founders' Grant [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 22,000,000		$ 22,000,000
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance Factor	0.00%		0.00%
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance Factor	150.00%		150.00%

Other Expenses (Other Expenses)

Other Expenses (Other Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Compensation	$ 83	$ 65	$ 153	$ 129
Commissions	214	197	429	390
Cost, Overhead	105	136	214	263
Interest Income (Expense), Net	4	3	7	26
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Capitalization	(76)	(47)	(152)	(115)
Interest expense on debt	33	37	70	82
Premium taxes, licenses and fees	26	19	43	33
Professional services	119	53	208	88
Rent and related expenses	3	4	6	8
Other	180	147	331	274
Total other expenses	$ 691	$ 614	$ 1,309	$ 1,178

Other Revenues and Other Expe89

Other Revenues and Other Expenses Other Revenues (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Distribution Service [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	$ 91	$ 96	$ 184	$ 169

Earnings Per Common Share (Deta

Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Aug. 04, 2017
Earnings Per Common Share
Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders	$ (239)	$ 246	$ (306)	$ (103)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	119,773,106		119,773,106
Earnings per common share - basic	$ (2.01)		$ (2.56)
Common stock, shares outstanding	119,773,106		119,773,106		119,773,106	119,773,106
Pro Forma
Earnings Per Common Share
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic		119,773,106		119,773,106
Earnings per common share - basic		$ 2.05		$ (0.86)

Contingencies, Commitments an91

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Commitments and Guarantees - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Liabilities for indemnities, guarantees and commitments	$ 2	$ 2
Cumulative maximum indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation	175
Minimum
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Indemnities And Guarantees Contractual Limitation Range	1
Maximum
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Indemnities And Guarantees Contractual Limitation Range	169
Mortgage Loan Commitments
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	371	388
Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	$ 1,500	$ 1,400

Contingencies, Commitments an92

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees Contingencies and Commitments Disclosure (Details)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued	$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued	$ 10,000,000

Related Party Transactions (Rel

Related Party Transactions (Related Party - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party [Abstract]
Other expenses	$ 92	$ 98	$ 186	$ 195
Interest Expense, Debt		$ 24		$ 55

Related Party Transactions Rela

Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions (Non Broker Dealer Transactions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Assets	$ 0		$ 0		$ 2,907
Liabilities	0		0		$ 2,178
All Services and Transactions Except Broker Dealer Activities [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Income	(101)	$ 42	(182)	$ (400)
Expense	$ 55	$ 80	$ 133	$ 180

Related Party Transactions (Eff

Related Party Transactions (Effects of Affiliated Reinsurance on Statements of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Premiums:
Net premiums	$ 223	$ 218	$ 452	$ 394
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	962	957	1,964	1,910
Other revenues:
Other revenues	98	162	203	236
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Net policyholder benefits and claims	813	785	1,551	1,649
Interest credited to policyholder account balances:
Net interest credited to policyholder account balances	269	284	536	559
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization Expense, [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Amortization	246	21	551	(127)
Other expenses:
Net other expenses	691	614	1,309	1,178
Assumed
Premiums:
Reinsurance assumed	3	4
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Reinsurance assumed	20	22
Other revenues:
Reinsurance assumed	0	27
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Reinsurance assumed	0	6
Ceded
Premiums:
Reinsurance ceded	(105)	(140)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Reinsurance ceded	2	(4)
Other revenues:
Reinsurance ceded	6	39
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Reinsurance ceded	(93)	(94)
Reinsurance
Premiums:
Net premiums	(102)	(136)	(195)	(309)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	22	18	46	29
Other revenues:
Other revenues	6	66	18	66
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Net policyholder benefits and claims	$ (93)	$ (88)	(169)	(217)
Affiliated Entity | Assumed
Premiums:
Reinsurance assumed			6	8
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Reinsurance assumed			45	46
Other revenues:
Reinsurance assumed			0	27
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Reinsurance assumed			8	12
Affiliated Entity | Ceded
Premiums:
Reinsurance ceded			(201)	(317)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Reinsurance ceded			1	(17)
Other revenues:
Reinsurance ceded			18	39
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Reinsurance ceded			$ (177)	$ (229)

Related Party Transactions (E96

Related Party Transactions (Effects of Affiliated Reinsurance on Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets:
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$ 13,593	$ 13,525
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	5,968	6,286
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits	35,816	36,616
Policyholder account balances	38,407	37,783
Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities	5,405	5,263
Assumed
Assets:
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	0	18
Liabilities:
Other policy-related balances	0	1,674
Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities	0	30
Ceded
Assets:
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	0	3,410
Liabilities:
Other policy-related balances	0	0
Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities	$ 0	$ 401

Related Party Transactions (Rei

Related Party Transactions (Reinsurance Transactions - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	May 01, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability			$ 1,425		$ 1,425		$ 1,887
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset			184		184		175
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax			(317)	$ 321	(430)	$ (269)
Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities			5,405		5,405		5,263
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net			5,968		5,968		6,286
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables			(13,593)		(13,593)		(13,525)
Liability for Future Policy Benefits			35,816		35,816		36,616
Policyholder Contract Deposits			38,407		38,407		37,783
Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset			0		0		$ 2
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net				0	$ (1)	(263)
Affiliate Recapture Variable Annuities [Member]
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax		$ (178)
Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities									$ 274
Maximum | Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net			$ (1)
Affiliated Entity | Life and Other [Member]
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	$ 17
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments								$ 214
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables								$ 189
Affiliated Entity | Metropolitan Life Insurance Company [Member] | BHL Recapture GMIB [Member]
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax				$ 91		$ 89
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments									(568)
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables									(140)
Liability for Future Policy Benefits									(106)
Policyholder Contract Deposits									$ (460)

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) - Subsequent Event - USD ($)	Aug. 07, 2018	Aug. 05, 2018
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount		$ 200,000,000
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	$ 0