Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Revenues
Premiums	$ 37,975	$ 36,361	$ 27,071
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees	8,556	7,806	6,028
Net investment income	21,984	19,585	17,493
Other revenues	1,906	2,532	2,328
Net investment gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	(346)	(924)	(682)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)	29	(31)	212
Other net investment gains (losses)	(35)	88	62
Total net investment gains (losses)	(352)	(867)	(408)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(1,919)	4,824	(265)
Total revenues	68,150	70,241	52,247
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims	37,987	35,471	29,187
Interest credited to policyholder account balances	7,729	5,603	4,919
Policyholder dividends	1,369	1,446	1,485
Goodwill impairment	1,868	0	0
Other expenses	17,755	18,537	12,927
Total expenses	66,708	61,057	48,518
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	1,442	9,184	3,729
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	128	2,793	1,110
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax	1,314	6,391	2,619
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	48	24	44
Net income (loss)	1,362	6,415	2,663
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	38	(8)	(4)
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	1,324	6,423	2,667
Less: Preferred stock dividends	122	122	122
Preferred stock redemption premium	0	146	0
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.'s common shareholders	$ 1,202	$ 6,155	$ 2,545
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.'s common shareholders per common share:
Basic	$ 1.08	$ 5.79	$ 2.83
Diluted	$ 1.08	$ 5.74	$ 2.81
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.'s common shareholders per common share:
Basic	$ 1.12	$ 5.81	$ 2.88
Diluted	$ 1.12	$ 5.76	$ 2.86
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.74	$ 0.74	$ 0.74