Equity (Statutory Equity & Income and Dividend Restrictions - Narrative) (Details) - Parent Company - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Total adjusted capital of MetLife USA	in excess of 400%	in excess of 400% Company Action RBC
Paid	$ 261	$ 500
Scenario, Forecast
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Permitted w/o approval			$ 473