Equity (Dividend Restrictions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2023
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Cash Dividends Paid	$ 3,539	$ 3,393
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company | Scenario, Forecast
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Permitted w/o Approval			$ 2,471
American Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Cash Dividends Paid	1,289	1,135
American Life Insurance Company | Scenario, Forecast
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Permitted w/o Approval			499
Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Cash Dividends Paid		35
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			$ 189