Equity (Statutory Net Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)	$ 2,737	$ 3,513	$ 3,392
Statutory capital and surplus	10,869	11,804
American Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)	824	48	980
Statutory capital and surplus	5,040	5,584
Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)			336
Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)	232	185	(237)
Statutory capital and surplus	1,896	1,638
Other
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)	91	76	$ 84
Statutory capital and surplus	$ 209	$ 193