Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Revenues
Premiums	$ 9,158	$ 9,161	$ 18,309	$ 18,290
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees	2,371	2,097	4,662	4,175
Net investment income	5,282	4,719	11,359	10,919
Other revenues	490	393	970	990
Net investment gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	(35)	(118)	(64)	(253)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)	(4)	27	(35)	29
Other net investment gains (losses)	149	27	523	50
Total net investment gains (losses)	110	(64)	424	(174)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(1,690)	2,092	(2,320)	114
Total revenues	15,721	18,398	33,404	34,314
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims	8,960	8,911	18,355	18,015
Interest credited to policyholder account balances	1,846	1,022	4,436	3,579
Policyholder dividends	329	352	642	695
Other expenses	4,025	4,775	8,163	9,096
Total expenses	15,160	15,060	31,596	31,385
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	561	3,338	1,808	2,929
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	53	1,038	305	763
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax	508	2,300	1,503	2,166
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	2	3	(1)	17
Net income (loss)	510	2,303	1,502	2,183
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	8	8	14	32
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	502	2,295	1,488	2,151
Less: Preferred stock dividends	31	31	61	61
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.'s common shareholders	471	2,264	1,427	2,090
Comprehensive income (loss)	(3,881)	3,765	(3,703)	4,819
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of income tax	(5)	1	4	16
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	$ (3,876)	$ 3,764	$ (3,707)	$ 4,803
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.'s common shareholders per common share:
Basic	$ 0.43	$ 2.13	$ 1.30	$ 1.95
Diluted	$ 0.43	$ 2.12	$ 1.29	$ 1.93
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.'s common shareholders per common share:
Basic	$ 0.43	$ 2.13	$ 1.30	$ 1.97
Diluted	$ 0.43	$ 2.12	$ 1.29	$ 1.95
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.550	$ 0.00	$ 0.735	$ 0.00