Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	24. Subsequent Events *Dividends* On February 17, 2012, MetLife, Inc. announced dividends of $0.2527777 per share, for a total of $6 million, on its Series A preferred shares, and $0.4062500 per share, for a total of $24 million, on its Series B preferred shares, subject to the final confirmation that it has met the financial tests specified in the Series A and Series B preferred shares, which the Company anticipates will be made on or about March 5, 2012. Both dividends will be payable March 15, 2012 to shareholders of record as of February 29, 2012.

The entire disclosure for significant events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date the financial statements were issued or the date the financial statements were available to be issued. Examples include: the sale of a capital stock issue, purchase of a business, settlement of litigation, catastrophic loss, significant foreign exchange rate changes, loans to insiders or affiliates, and transactions not in the ordinary course of business.

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