Equity (Dividend Restrictions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2022
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Cash Dividends Paid	$ 3,393	$ 2,832
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company | Scenario, Forecast
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Permitted w/o Approval			$ 3,539
American Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Cash Dividends Paid	1,135	1,200
Dividends from subsidiary		341
American Life Insurance Company | Scenario, Forecast
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Permitted w/o Approval			554
Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Cash Dividends Paid	35	250
Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Cash Dividends Paid	$ 0	$ 0
Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company | Scenario, Forecast
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Permitted w/o Approval			$ 163