Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions	Total	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]		Total MetLife, Inc.'s Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock at Cost [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Other-Than-Temporary Impairments [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 57,889	$ 370		$ 57,519	$ 1	$ 11	$ 26,782	$ (172)	$ 24,814	$ 9,115	$ (441)	$ (648)	$ (1,943)
Stock-based compensation	138			138			138
Dividends on preferred stock	(30)			(30)					(30)
Change in equity of noncontrolling interests	(41)	(41)
Net income (loss)	(136)	8	[1]	(144)					(144)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	1,190	7		1,183						814	31	313	25
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	59,010	344		58,666	1	11	26,920	(172)	24,640	9,929	(410)	(335)	(1,918)
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	64,837	384		64,453	1	11	28,011	(172)	25,205	14,642	(223)	(533)	(2,489)
Stock-based compensation	100			100			100
Dividends on preferred stock	(30)			(30)					(30)
Dividends on common stock	(203)			(203)					(203)
Change in equity of noncontrolling interests	(10)	29		(39)			(39)
Net income (loss)	992	6	[1]	986					986
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	(814)	3		(817)						(241)	59	(672)	37
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	$ 64,872	$ 422		$ 64,450	$ 1	$ 11	$ 28,072	$ (172)	$ 25,958	$ 14,401	$ (164)	$ (1,205)	$ (2,452)

[1] Net income (loss) at March 31, 2013 and 2012, attributable to noncontrolling interests excludes gains (losses) of redeemable noncontrolling interests in partially-owned consolidated subsidiaries of less than $1 million and $16 million, respectively.