Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Contingencies - Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015 Claims	Mar. 31, 2014 Claims	Dec. 31, 2014 Claims
MetLife Home Loans LLC
Loss Contingencies
Litigation Settlement, Amount	(123,500,000)
Minimum
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
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	400,000,000
Superfund Site Settlement Agreements
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 | Minimum
Loss Contingencies
Damages Sought	1,000,000
C-Mart, Inc. V. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Et Al | Maximum
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss	23,000,000
Derivative Actions And Demands
Loss Contingencies
Number of plaintiffs	2
Asbestos Related Claims
Loss Contingencies
Asbestos-Related Claims	1,046	1,366	4,636
New York Licensing Inquiry | Department of Financial Services
Loss Contingencies
Litigation Settlement, Amount	(50,000,000)
New York Licensing Inquiry | New York County, District Attorney
Loss Contingencies
Litigation Settlement, Amount	(10,000,000)