The gain (loss) resulting from the sale of a disposal group that is not a discontinued operation. It is included in income from continuing operations before income taxes in the income statement.

+ References+ Details

Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.

+ References

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+ Details

Investments (Details Textuals 15) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Investment portfolio gains (losses)	$ (26)		$ 34
Non-investment portfolio gains (losses)	(23)	(43)	(34)	(130)
Goodwill Impairment Loss [Abstract]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	1,868	0	1,868	0
Securities and mortgage loans [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Investment portfolio gains (losses)	0		75
Impairments [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Investment portfolio gains (losses)	(26)		(41)
Mitsui Sumitomo MetLife Insurance Co., LTD. ("MSI MetLife") [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Non-investment portfolio gains (losses)		0		(87)
Non-investment portfolio gain (loss) related to disposal of certain closed blocks of business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Non-investment portfolio gains (losses)	41		41
Goodwill Impairment Loss [Abstract]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		$ 65		$ 65