Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues
Premiums	$ 37,674	$ 37,975	$ 36,361
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees	9,451	8,556	7,806
Net investment income	22,232	21,984	19,585
Other revenues	1,920	1,906	2,532
Net investment gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	(106)	(346)	(924)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)	(60)	29	(31)
Other net investment gains (losses)	327	(35)	88
Total net investment gains (losses)	161	(352)	(867)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(3,239)	(1,919)	4,824
Total revenues	68,199	68,150	70,241
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims	38,107	37,987	35,471
Interest credited to policyholder account balances	8,179	7,729	5,603
Policyholder dividends	1,259	1,369	1,446
Goodwill impairment	0	1,868	0
Other expenses	16,602	17,755	18,537
Total expenses	64,147	66,708	61,057
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	4,052	1,442	9,184
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	661	128	2,793
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax	3,391	1,314	6,391
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	2	48	24
Net income (loss)	3,393	1,362	6,415
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	25	38	(8)
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	3,368	1,324	6,423
Less: Preferred stock dividends	122	122	122
Preferred stock redemption premium	0	0	146
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.'s common shareholders	$ 3,246	$ 1,202	$ 6,155
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.'s common shareholders per common share:
Basic	$ 2.94	$ 1.08	$ 5.79
Diluted	$ 2.91	$ 1.08	$ 5.74
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.'s common shareholders per common share:
Basic	$ 2.94	$ 1.12	$ 5.81
Diluted	$ 2.91	$ 1.12	$ 5.76
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 1.01	$ 0.74	$ 0.74