Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) In Millions, unless otherwise specified				3 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Minimum [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Maximum [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Caribbean Business [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Caribbean Business [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Certain Businesses of MetLife Bank [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Certain Businesses of MetLife Bank [Member] USD ($)
Contingent Consideration
Minimum per unit fair value of fund assets backing certain U.K. unit-linked contracts	1	1
Change in value between the guaranteed amount and the fair value of the fund in relation to UK unit linked contracts specified in Stock Purchase Agreement that triggers a payment between American International Group, Incorporated the Company		£ 106
Contingent consideration	121		109
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Total assets to be disposed	819,604		796,226			786	859	19,500	19,300
Total liabilities to be disposed	760,480		738,232			625	707	18,600	18,200
Additional business expenses expected related to the exit of business				77	115
Charges incurred related to pending business disposition, net of income tax								$ 7