Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments - Leases

The Company, as lessee, has entered into various lease and sublease agreements for office space, information technology, aircrafts and other equipment. Future minimum gross rental payments relating to these lease arrangements are as follows:

	Amount
	(In millions)
2015	$	223
2016	190
2017	147
2018	133
2019	110
Thereafter	701
Total	$	1,504

Asbestos Related Claims [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency

The approximate total number of asbestos personal injury claims pending against Metropolitan Life Insurance Company as of the dates indicated, the approximate number of new claims during the years ended on those dates and the approximate total settlement payments made to resolve asbestos personal injury claims at or during those years are set forth in the following table:

	December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(In millions, except number of claims)
Asbestos personal injury claims at year end	68,460		67,983		65,812
Number of new claims during the year	4,636		5,898		5,303
Settlement payments during the year (1)	$	46.0	$	37.0	$	36.4

______________

(1) Settlement payments represent payments made by MLIC during the year in connection with settlements made in that year and in prior years. Amounts do not include MLIC’s attorneys’ fees and expenses and do not reflect amounts received from insurance carriers.

Insurance-related Assessments [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency

Assets and liabilities held for insolvency assessments were as follows:

	December 31,
	2014		2013
	(In millions)
Other Assets:
Premium tax offset for future undiscounted assessments	$	34	$	46
Premium tax offsets currently available for paid assessments	65		54
	$	99	$	100
Other Liabilities:
Insolvency assessments	$	50	$	67