Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Revenues
Premiums	$ 9,129	$ 8,554
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees	2,078	1,889
Net investment income	6,200	5,313
Other revenues	597	566
Net investment gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	(135)	(132)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)	2	9
Other net investment gains (losses)	23	24
Total net investment gains (losses)	(110)	(99)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(1,978)	(315)
Total revenues	15,916	15,908
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims	9,104	8,237
Interest credited to policyholder account balances	2,557	1,924
Policyholder dividends	343	372
Other expenses	4,321	4,090
Total expenses	16,325	14,623
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	(409)	1,285
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(275)	361
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax	(134)	924
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	14	(40)
Net income (loss)	(120)	884
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	24	7
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	(144)	877
Less: Preferred stock dividends	30	30
Preferred stock redemption premium	0	146
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.'s common shareholders	(174)	701
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,054	974
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of income tax	15	(2)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	$ 1,039	$ 976
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.'s common shareholders per common share:
Basic	$ (0.17)	$ 0.70
Diluted	$ (0.17)	$ 0.70
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.'s common shareholders per common share:
Basic	$ (0.16)	$ 0.66
Diluted	$ (0.16)	$ 0.66