Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues
Premiums	$ 21,384	$ 20,475	$ 19,880
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees	2,466	2,363	2,239
Net investment income	11,893	11,785	11,852
Other revenues	1,808	1,699	1,730
Net investment gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	(16)	(81)	(214)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)	(10)	(47)	22
Other net investment gains (losses)	169	176	(138)
Total net investment gains (losses)	143	48	(330)
Net derivative gains (losses)	1,037	(1,070)	675
Total revenues	38,731	35,300	36,046
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims	23,855	23,032	22,269
Interest credited to policyholder account balances	2,174	2,253	2,390
Policyholder dividends	1,240	1,205	1,295
Other expenses	6,071	5,988	6,394
Total expenses	33,340	32,478	32,348
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	5,391	2,822	3,698
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	1,532	681	1,055
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax	3,859	2,141	2,643
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	(3)	1	40
Net income (loss)	3,856	2,142	2,683
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5)	(7)	2
Net income (loss) attributable to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company	$ 3,861	$ 2,149	$ 2,681