Equity (Dividend Restrictions - Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure Of Dividends [Line Items]
In-kind dividend	$ 35	$ 0	$ 0
Parent Company [Member]
Disclosure Of Dividends [Line Items]
In-kind dividend	113
New England Life Insurance Company [Member]
Disclosure Of Dividends [Line Items]
Total amount of dividend pre-approved by regulatory agency	114
In-kind dividend	113
Non-insurance subsidiaries of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company [Member]
Disclosure Of Dividends [Line Items]
Cash dividends paid to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company by its non-insurance subsidiaries	$ 95	$ 45