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
Capital contribution		19		19
Net income (loss)		513			513
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax		697				635	26	36
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2012		10,642	86	6,692	1,339	2,617	(48)	(44)
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)		634			634
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax		(1,165)				(1,173)	10	(2)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013		$ 9,596	$ 86	$ 6,720	$ 1,555	$ 1,314	$ (28)	$ (51)

[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.