Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Contingencies - Narrative) (Details)	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($) Claims Plaintiffs	Jun. 30, 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	$ 410,000,000
Superfund Site Settlement Agreements
Loss Contingencies
Number of regulatory matters and other claims | 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 | Plaintiffs	2
Asbestos Related Claims
Loss Contingencies
Asbestos-Related Claims | Claims	2,022	2,569	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)