Pending Disposition Pending Disposition (Pending Disposition) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Total investments	$ 493,247	$ 488,779
Total assets	890,903	885,296
Other liabilities	24,178	23,168
Future policy benefits	189,970	187,942
Total liabilities	824,464	822,313
MetLife Assurance Limited [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Total investments	5,028
Total assets	5,347
Other liabilities	741
Future policy benefits	3,645
Total liabilities	4,508
Estimated liabilities	435
Estimated liabilities, after tax	$ 292