Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	$ 3,368		$ 1,324		$ 6,423
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	25	[1]	29	[1]	5	[1]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	3,393	[1]	1,353	[1]	6,428	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of related offsets	(8,086)		9,394		6,867
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	(899)		(239)		1,573
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(975)		(139)		9
Defined benefit plans adjustment	1,292		(842)		(760)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax	(8,668)		8,174		7,689
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	2,329		(2,851)		(2,789)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	(6,339)		5,323		4,900
Comprehensive income (loss)	(2,946)		6,676		11,328
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of income tax	(21)		38		(33)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	$ (2,925)		$ 6,638		$ 11,361

[1] Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and net income (loss) exclude gains (losses) of redeemable noncontrolling interests of less than $1 million, $9 million and ($13) million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.