INVESTMENTS (Details 11) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	$ 16,358	$ 20,947	$ 15,264
Investment expenses	548	604	509
Net investment income	15,810	20,343	14,755
AIA Group Limited (AIA)
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income		2,069	1,289
Maiden Lane II
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income		246	42
Maiden Lane III
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income		2,888	(646)
MetLife Inc. (MetLife)
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income			(157)
Fixed maturity securities, including short-term investments
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	12,044	12,592	11,814
Equity securities
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	178	162	92
Interest on mortgage and other loans
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	1,144	1,083	1,065
Alternative investments
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	2,803	1,769	1,622
Real estate
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	128	127	107
Other investments
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	$ 61	$ 11	$ 36