Equity - Statutory Net Income (Loss) and Capital & Surplus (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)	$ 3,407	$ 2,737	$ 3,513
Statutory capital and surplus	11,593	10,869
American Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)	767	824	48
Statutory capital and surplus	8,272	5,040
Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)	411	232	185
Statutory capital and surplus	2,461	1,896
Other
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)	53	91	$ 76
Statutory capital and surplus	$ 358	$ 209