Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Revenues
Premiums	$ 9,151	$ 9,129
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees	2,291	2,078
Net investment income	6,077	6,200
Other revenues	480	597
Net investment gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	(29)	(135)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)	(31)	2
Other net investment gains (losses)	374	23
Total net investment gains (losses)	314	(110)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(630)	(1,978)
Total revenues	17,683	15,916
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims	9,395	9,104
Interest credited to policyholder account balances	2,590	2,557
Policyholder dividends	313	343
Other expenses	4,138	4,321
Total expenses	16,436	16,325
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	1,247	(409)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	252	(275)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax	995	(134)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	(3)	14
Net income (loss)	992	(120)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	6	24
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	986	(144)
Less: Preferred stock dividends	30	30
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.'s common shareholders	956	(174)
Comprehensive income (loss)	178	1,054
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of income tax	9	15
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	$ 169	$ 1,039
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.'s common shareholders per common share:
Basic	$ 0.87	$ (0.17)
Diluted	$ 0.87	$ (0.17)
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.'s common shareholders per common share:
Basic	$ 0.87	$ (0.16)
Diluted	$ 0.87	$ (0.16)
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.185	$ 0.00