Pending Disposition of MetLife Poland and Greece - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2021
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$ 6,575	$ 5,418	$ 5,909
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	8,126	6,927	6,795
MetLife Poland and Greece
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Agreed upon proceeds from divestiture of business.				$ 738
Dividends Receivable				$ 43
Net income (loss)	(214)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	$ 50	$ 30	$ 50