Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Nov. 01, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity File Number	001-37905
Entity Central Index Key	0001685040
Entity Registrant Name	Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	81-3846992
Entity Address, Address Line One	11225 North Community House Road,
Entity Address, City or Town	Charlotte,
Entity Address, State or Province	NC
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	28277
City Area Code	980
Local Phone Number	365-7100
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		107,943,076
6.250% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2058
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	6.250% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2058
Trading Symbol	BHFAL
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	BHF
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of 6.600% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share
Trading Symbol	BHFAP
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ