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Derivatives (Changes in Estimated Fair Value Related to Embedded Derivatives) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Net derivatives gains (losses) $ (27)us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet $ (109)us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
Net derivative gains (losses)    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Net derivatives gains (losses) (27)us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= met_NetDerivativeGainLossMember
(109)us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= met_NetDerivativeGainLossMember
Policyholder benefits and claims    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Net derivatives gains (losses) $ 24us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= met_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNetMember
$ 15us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= met_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNetMember