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Derivatives (Changes in Estimated Fair Value Related to Embedded Derivatives) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]      
Net derivatives gains (losses) $ (321)us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet $ 5,104us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet $ 1,239us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member]      
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]      
Net derivatives gains (losses) (321)us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= met_NetDerivativeGainLossMember
5,104us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= met_NetDerivativeGainLossMember
1,239us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= met_NetDerivativeGainLossMember
Policyholder benefits and claims      
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]      
Net derivatives gains (losses) $ 87us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= met_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNetMember
$ (139)us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= met_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNetMember
$ 75us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= met_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNetMember