Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Contingencies - Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014 Claims	Jun. 30, 2013 Claims	Dec. 31, 2013 Claims
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies
The approximate amount of the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued for matters as to which an estimate can be made	$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies
The approximate amount of the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued for matters as to which an estimate can be made	390,000,000
Superfund Site Settlement Agreements [Member]
Loss Contingencies
Number of regulatory matters and other claims	2
Maximum estimate of aggregate costs to resolve matter	1,000,000
Maximum estimate of costs for environmental testing	100,000
Superfund Site Settlement Agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies
Damages Sought	1,000,000
Total Asset Recovery Services, LLC Florida v. MetLife, Inc et Al [Member]
Loss Contingencies
Damages Sought	767,000,000
Assumed average face amount of life insurance policies in lawsuit	120,000
Number of life insurance contracts named in legal action	9,022
C-Mart, Inc. V. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Et Al [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss	23,000,000
Derivative Actions And Demands [Member]
Loss Contingencies
Number of plaintiffs	4
Asbestos Related Claims [Member]
Loss Contingencies
Asbestos-Related Claims	2,569	3,129	5,898
New York Licensing Inquiry [Member] | Department of Financial Services [Member]
Loss Contingencies
Litigation Settlement, Amount	(50,000,000)
New York Licensing Inquiry [Member] | New York County, District Attorney [Member]
Loss Contingencies
Litigation Settlement, Amount	$ (10,000,000)