Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions		Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [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]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011		$ 9,703	$ 86	$ 6,673	$ 1,173	$ 1,984	$ (74)	$ (139)
Dividend of subsidiary	[1]	(290)			(347)	(2)		59
Net income (loss)		517			517
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax		355				335	3	17
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2012		10,285	86	6,673	1,343	2,317	(71)	(63)
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012		10,749	86	6,718	1,545	2,487	(38)	(49)
Dividend paid to MetLife		(624)			(624)
Capital contribution		2		2
Net income (loss)		526			526
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax		(1,128)				(1,075)	6	(59)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2013		$ 9,525	$ 86	$ 6,720	$ 1,447	$ 1,412	$ (32)	$ (108)

[1] See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2012 Annual Report for a description of the dividend of the MetLife Europe Limited subsidiary.